Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | June 29, 2020

Honoring Those We Love

“Therefore, be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” Ephesians 5:1-2

When I got out of my comfy bed Sunday morning, I took a warm shower. Our house temp was perfect despite the humidity lingering outside. As I began to get ready for church, my husband (Jay) told me a local food bank needed help with meals for Father’s Day. So we changed gears and headed downtown.

A battered station wagon rolled into the parking lot. The grey haired, stooped man slowly emerged. The top of his car and the filled backseat with all his belongings confirmed this was his home. He was actually one of the lucky ones; he had transportation and a roof over his head. Ninety percent of the others who came to pickup their meal traveled by foot.

Homeless, out of work, struggling – too many stories untold yet evidenced on their faces. It was an ordinary occurrence for them to walk up to the door and receive a meal, bag of groceries and water. The shame of where life and circumstances had taken them often characterized their stride. Yet their lives depended on this meal, and their gratitude was evident.

Most of those who came for meals were men, some with little ones standing by their side. Jay and I were so blessed to encourage these men and wish them a Happy Father’s Day, and I really wish you could’ve seen their faces light up. It was a great way to honor them.

As we left to go home, I knew serving these meals was also the perfect way for us to honor our Dads who are now in heaven. My Dad had such a servant’s heart; he never knew a stranger and was always willing to help others even if his pockets were empty. Knowing Jay as such a servant, I’m sure his Dad probably was too. Today was a special moment when God allowed us to honor our Dads by serving men in our community – Dads who needed encouragement.

I can’t think of a better way to honor anyone than to find a way to serve others in their memory. Ultimately all that we do is to honor our Heavenly Father – to be a reflection of His love and grace. Praying we find ways to put a smile on His face this week by the way we imitate Him to our world.

“Father, so grateful and blessed with an opportunity to show your love to those who desperately needed to be reminded of Your forgiveness and grace. Help me to keep my eyes open and not miss opportunities to honor You by loving others.

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Encouragement, Hope, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | June 26, 2020

When Chatter Becomes Careless

“When words are many transgressions is not lacking, but whoever restrains his lip is prudent.” Proverbs 10:19 (ESV)

As a kid, I rarely kept quiet. Words spewed effortlessly from my lips, and my friends often called me, “Motormouth.” I’m sure there were many moments when I probably drove my parents crazy with my nonstop chatter. I always had something to say. I was never speechless, despite the fact silence would have served me well on several occasions.

While my childhood chatter was amusing, an unceasing flow of words can easily open the door to carelessness. We’ve probably all experienced the aftermath of speaking without thinking. And if we’re really getting honest, we’ve said some words we meant in the moment but later regretted. Evidence of why pause before uttering a sound is good advice. Silence serves us well when emotions are raging high.

Keeping it real here – gossip, slander and criticism aren’t quite the gracious words mentioned in Proverbs 16:24. No sweetness for the soul who is the hot topic of those conversations. Without a second of hesitation, we can easily tear down, wound and minimize others. Like a thrusting sword, reckless words shred vulnerable souls.

Bottom line – God never intended for our words to destroy or hurt others. The One who breathed life into our longs and enables us to speak desires words which birth life, love and grace. And if we’re not sure what to say or what not to say, we don’t’ have to wonder. Proverbs and the book of James are full of examples demonstrating the importance of taming our tongue. Great wisdom and knowledge for those who seek to build others up rather than tear them down (Ephesians 4:29).

Perhaps, we all need to evaluate our spoken and written words. Are we reflecting the love of God? Do we find great pleasure in devouring others with our words? Do we say, write, tweet or post without pausing to consider how others may perceive our words? Are we opinionated and argumentative?

Yes, a lot to think about when it comes to unceasing chatter. Lots of words filling the air we breathe in every day. Easy to get caught up in the trap of saying whatever we want, whatever we feel in the moment. Takes great restrain to stop, pause and think before even one syllable utters from our lips.

Love this sweet reminder from Psalm 19:4 “Let the words of my mouth and the mediation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.” Plain and simple – God is aware of our internal and external speech – let’s choose to make Him proud by weighing the value of what we are saying before we speak.

“Father, You have given us specific instructions on how we can lift up and encourage others. Help us to heed Your wisdom and speak life to all we meet.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Attitude, Spiritual Growth, Success, Worship

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | June 25, 2020

A Sweet Aroma

“Do not be misled: “Bad company corrupts good character.” 1 Corinthians 15:33 (NIV)

One day, I was driving down a road when suddenly a foul smell enveloped the air. Even though my car windows were closed, I had to roll them down, because the air inside my car became almost unbreathable. I looked to both sides of the road, wondering what could cause such an awful stench, when I spotted a landfill. A giant pile of spoils, garbage, things that were disposed of by people from the area were sent to that remote area of town to be destroyed.

Many times in life, we find ourselves in rotten situations, pretty much like a landfill. It may be gossip at work, or a broken relationship, something we said and can’t take back, and so on. Sometimes we long for good counsel and all we get is bad advice that makes our situation much worse and in some instances, unsolvable.

This is why we must fill our minds and hearts with the word of God and surround ourselves with good people. People who will pray for us, encourage us, and lift us up when we can’t get up on our own. Good friends are like treasures and having good friends can make our lives so much better, because they become our accountability partners. When garbage around us begins to fill our minds, they let us know and they help us to get rid of it.

Garbage and filth do not belong in our hearts. When we let God in and allow Him to push the garbage out, the smell that will fill the air around us will be a sweet aroma of praise and worship to Him. The windows of our hearts can be swung right open because His Name will keep the garbage out.

“Lord, thank You for transforming the garbage in our life and the baggage that we once carried into a sweet aroma of praise to You.”

For His Glory

Luska Natali
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Attitude, Encouragement, Hope, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | June 24, 2020

Desiring Easy

“Come to me, all of you who are tired from carrying heavy loads, and I will give you rest. For the yoke I will give you is easy, and the load I will put on you is light.” Matthew 11:28 & 30 (GNB)

Lay down your burdens. Leave your cares at the cross. I’ve heard it all. I’ve done it all. In good faith, emotions high, desiring to be set free. And then, life happens. The darkness returns. Hope fades. The walls come up and my desire to run, far away, returns. How did my mountaintop moment descend into inescapable bondage?

“We have too many Lego bricks”, I murmur as I look across my children’s play area. I too have bricks. One pile is called “Not Listened to.” As a child my parents divorced, spent little time with me, drank too much and allowed me to be abused; no one listened. Another pile is called “Rejection.” That’s the deluxe Lego kit for those who want to impress with the number of pieces in the box. Rejection from the earliest I can remember: not being invited, not being good enough, not being the right look, not being part of the in-crowd or the chosen leaders. If something even feels remotely similar to rejection, I pull up my pile of Rejection bricks. And from that mountain of pain, I operate. I judge, analyze, replay details over and over. Of course, I add a few more bricks to the pile. I like to think that these bricks were put in place only in childhood but truthfully I’ve added too many to count as an adult. I have numerous stacks of bricks of varying heights and age; some have toppled over, others stand strong beckoning the addition of a few more.

May we bring our stored bricks of hurt, wounding and pain to our Father’s throne. May we receive grace to recognize the difference between today’s hurts and those of yesterday. We beg for the healing of both. May we be reminded that God’s touch caused the deaf man to hear. As He placed His hands on the blind man’s eyes, he saw. God has ordained all our days and has provided for us wholeness in Him. We simply need to receive it.

“Father, may I use the bricks of life for what you intended – creativity, fun with friends and to make beautiful structures that hold dreams and possibilities for the future. And I do this all for Your Glory for my only hope is in You.”

For His Glory

Kathryn Hayman
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Hope, Spiritual Growth

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | June 23, 2020

Fully Known. Completed Loved.

“Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet My unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor My covenant of peace be removed,” says the Lord, who has compassion on you. Isaiah 54:10

Have you ever been in a crowd of people—even among friends—and still felt all alone? Or, maybe, you’ve experienced walking around your office, participating in various conversations throughout the day…but still, loneliness pervades like a descended fog through which you have to wade. And sometimes, even when you’re spending time with your spouse, children, or bestie, there it is again: that sense of disconnectedness.

As human beings, created by God in His own image, our souls pine for relationship. At a superficial level, we want others to like us. We may think carefully about how we act and what we say, hoping to make a good impression on others. You could say, we’ve opened the curtains to the front room that is always tidy and dusted.

A bit deeper, though, it’s about being known and liked. As a relationship grows, we carefully lift the veil of our souls for another to peek inside. It’s like we’ve allowed them to walk through to the kitchen, getting glimpses into several areas of our home—they take in the décor, the type of furniture, the wall colors. If revelation is met with acceptance, warmth envelopes our heart.

Ah, but let’s be honest. Just like those doors that remain closed in our home, concealing the messes, we have cordoned off parts of ourselves to only a select few. And when our courage is mustered and risk ventured, we bare it all. The ultimate hope? To be fully known and still loved.

Sisters, when we experience this, it is pure soul satisfaction—because this is why we were made. But there is bad news: Human-to-human, this is rare. As fallen people, there’s always going to be selfish ambitions and motivations. There are unique sets of filters through which we see others and the world—filters crafted with every experience and relationship—good, bad, and just plain ugly.

The wonderful news? Our Creator God, the One who formed us in our mother’s womb, the One from Whom we cannot hide…He. Knows. Us. Fully. And, regardless of our past, no matter our failures, whatever hurtful words we’ve spoken…God loves us without condition.

Here is a song that speaks beautifully of His love—give it a listen.

“Lord, thank You that I am fully known and loved by You—no matter how lonely I feel in this world.”

For His Glory

Julianne Winkler Smith
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Encouragement, Hope, Love

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | June 22, 2020

When Sin Spills Over…

“Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.” James 1:15 (ESV)

Ever noticed how it’s the adults who tend to be the spillers? To be honest, my fingers have released too many glasses to the floor. And shattered glass is very difficult to get up. No matter how many times you vacuum or sweep there always seems to be a tiny sliver remaining. Bare feet never like to be the recipients of what is left behind – ouch!

Bet we never like to experience the ripple effect of sin either. We can attempt to convince ourselves that what we choose to do only effects us, but nothing is further from the truth. Like tiny sightless slivers of glass, our sinful actions hurt and harm others. You don’t have to look far into scripture to see the impact of sin. Cain killed his brother leaving Adam and Eve separated from both of their children (Genesis 4:11). Jonah purposefully resisted God’s instructions which threatened the life of sailors transporting him to Tarshish (Jonah 1:4). The books of I & II Kings and I & II Chronicles details those kings who embraced idol worship and lead people into evil practices resulting in defeat.

Interesting how much we want to avoid the ripple of others’ sinful actions, but we easily minimize our on. After all, we aren’t hurting anyone but ourself echoes carelessly from our lips. We easily forget sin’s impact when we are the ones choosing wrong. We even close our eyes to the fallout and relinquish our contribution. But our actions and disobedience affects believers and non-believers. Like a continuous wave of devastation, the fallout of sin doesn’t discriminate. None of us are immune.

Sweet friends, let’s release those excuses when we are tempted to disobey God’s word. Let’s hit pause and remember those moments when we allowed sin to win and the pleasure of the moment evaporated. Pain and heartache quickly followed, and others were impacted by our actions. A tour down memory lane can derail us from moving forward. A gentle tug providing a way of escape can propel us away from regrets.

Love the way our God knows all and yet still extends grace. Sins confessed and repented are covered and forgotten by our loving God. But the aftermath, the ripple and the slivers, still have the propensity to linger.

We each have a choice – resist sin or reap the consequences – let’s determine now to choose well.

“Father, Your word reminds us of the impact of our sinful actions – help us to avoid the pain of hurting ourselves and others.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Hope, Spiritual Growth, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | June 19, 2020

When Silence Wins

“Therefore, consider carefully how you listen. Whoever has will be given more; whoever does not have, even what they think they have will be taken from them.” Luke 8:18 (ESV)

Ever heard loud and still didn’t hear? You know like a distracting noise was so loud you didn’t understand a single word spoken. My husband has this wonderful device; I’m sure you’ve seen it. A tiny little piece perched in his ear picks up his voice and everything else. His Bluetooth enables him to communicate when he’s driving or working – great. No not so great. Despite the many variations he has owned, the background noise often drowns out his sweet voice. The jingle and screeching noise is not music to my ears. Humor works to soothe my otherwise irritated soul. So despite our efforts to stay connected, I remain clueless until I only hear his voice.

Amazing how much distracting noise feeds my day. Until we sit in the silence, we don’t even recognize the loud stealing away thoughts and interrupting peace. And if I dare be honest, my own distracting voice often overrides God’s still small voice whispering to my soul. Clarity, depth and understanding are often exchanged in the chatter of everything else.

Wonder what would happen if we rid ourselves of noise and breathed in deep of God’s presence? Instead of reading His words with the tv buzzing in the background, we would create silence. Ridding ourselves of the endless self-talk rummaging through our minds even in the silence. Disconnecting from everyone and everything so we can re-connect with the One who speaks life, hope and peace. An open invitation to glean insight. A clean slate to welcome authentic, engaging conversation with our Creator – the One who knows us inside and out.

Maybe it simply sounds too good to be true. Could we really let go of all the distractions, lists, and preconceived ideas to come away with God to a deeper place. One that promises to fill our empty souls and refresh our tired minds. One who has always been available 24/7 before the cliché was spoken. One who hears words we haven’t even spoken. An audience with our King who rules the world, holds it all together and gathers His children. Why? Because out of His great love, God longs to speak, whisper and draw us close.

“Father help us to not drop the connection and to choose silence. To simply sit in Your presence and only listen in the quiet for Your still small voice.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Living, Worship

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | June 18, 2020

Nothing’s Changed

“I am the LORD, and I do not change.” Malachi 3:6

You hear it constantly. Things like, “This is the new norm,” and “it’ll never be the same,” and, of course, “everything’s changed.”

Yes, this is most certainly true when we look around at our circumstances. In fact, I don’t even know what would be on a list of aspects of our lives, culture, nation, and world that aren’t different. (I’ve been doing my best to live under a proverbial rock, and I still hear way more than I want to.)

The key word regarding all this change/transformation/metamorphosis/transition is “around.” When we keep our focus on the world (which, by the way, is the dominion of our enemy), it is so easy to be overcome and overwhelmed. Fear, anger, discouragement, and pain will soon follow. Oh, and lots of tears.

Sisters, let me remind you that there is good news—no amazing news!

NOTHING. HAS. CHANGED.

When we stop looking around and start looking up, oh, how our perspective can shift. Our nation and lives are in turmoil, but God is not. The temporal things of earth are failing, but eternity remains intact. Our suffering and fear and pain in this life are for a moment—the blink of an eye…our joy will last forever. Things may seem hopeless now, but we can abound in hope through the power of the Holy Spirit in us and the promise of our eternity with the Lord.

Keep these Biblical reminders close to your heart:

• Our Sovereign God is still on the throne. (Psalm 29:10)
• Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. (Hebrews 13:8)
• The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of heaven and earth. He does not faint or grow weary. (Isaiah 40:28)
• God remains faithful (even when we are not). (2 Timothy 2:13)
• There is NO ONE like our God. (Isaiah 46:9)
• Our Lord is the Rock—unshakable, unbreakable. (Deuteronomy 32:4)
• God is always just and upright. His works are perfect. (Deuteronomy 32:4)
• The Lord God is the Alpha and Omega—the first and the last, the beginning and the end of all things. (Revelation 22:13)
• The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end. (Lamentations 3:22)
• All majesty, power, and authority forever belong to God. And all glory and praise—from before time, now, and beyond all time—belong to Jesus Christ, our Savior. (Jude 25)

Drop the mic—I mean, “Amen.”

“Lord, You make it very clear that, despite what we see changing around us, You are the same. As I struggle with what’s going on around me, help me rest in this Truth.”

For His Glory

Julianne Winkler Smith
TRBC Women’s Ministry

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Posted in Faith, Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Living, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | June 17, 2020

When Regrets Become Powerless

“I tell you, her sins – and they are many – have been forgiven…” Luke 7:47a (NCV)

A person on a mission is evident by their body language and tenacity. No matter what…their mind is set. Nobody or thing is going to derail their assignment…especially if it’s personal. This courageous woman (Luke 7:36-48) didn’t knock on the door; she “came in” Simon’s house and interrupted supper. She probably took a deep breath as she maneuvered her way through the crowd holding her alabaster jar. She heard the whispers knowing some of the gossip was true. Nevertheless, her eyes were fixed on the Lord as she politely said, “Excuse me, but you can’t help me…I’m here to see Jesus.” Finally reaching Him must of felt like an eternity with the snares and dares. She broke open the seal on her offering pouring out all her many sins on the head of Jesus. Falling at His feet as her tears flowed using her hair as a towel…kissing the feet of her Savior.

This woman is unnamed because we all have an alabaster jar filled with life’s oil of past mistakes and regrets. Only Jesus and you know the expense of the oil in your alabaster jar and how much was truly paid for your forgiveness. Jesus has deemed your sins powerless to berate or disqualify you. When judgement raises its ugly head just remember…your alabaster jar was broken at the feet of Jesus. It was smashed into a million little pieces, so it could never be used against you again. Your expensive perfumed oil of “Please forgive me” flowed down the head of Jesus as a declaration of repentance. He has forgiven you! Your past faults have been paid for in full.

“Thank you Father, You willingly except our heartfelt remorse. Your love transforms our broken clay jars into beautiful vessels. Lives filled with testimonies of Your love and power to forgive. It’s humbling to think You use our Good News testimonies to impact our little worlds around us.”

For His Glory

Kim Lacey Schock (www.kimlaceyschock.com)
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Hope

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | June 16, 2020

It’s Getting Real

“And now, O Lord, hear their threats, and give us, your servants, great boldness in preaching your word.” Acts 4:29

I am 53 years old. I have been blessed to live in this great nation my entire life, enjoying American liberties and the privilege of free speech. And I have been a Christ-follower for 23 years. Over the past two decades, as I’ve talked about Jesus to others and given a reason for my hope (1 Peter 3:15), my words have sometimes been accepted and other times, ignored. Sometimes, I’ve lost friends—or potential friends—because of speaking the Truth of the Gospel in love. But those words have always been allowed.

This is changing fast.

Our brothers and sisters in Christ around the country are not just being disagreed with when they speak Truth. They are being shouted down (by the monster of social media or face to face), threatened, kicked out of organizations, fired from their jobs—canceled.

Make no mistake: Christian persecution in the United States of America is getting real.

I’ve often written about being bold for our faith. For standing firm on the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Sure, speaking the Truth is scary! It requires courage that only comes from our rootedness in the Word and by the power of the Holy Spirit. And there’s always been risk…loss of a friendship, strained or damaged family ties, discomfort and mocking at work—I’ve been there.

But as our nation, which was built upon a foundation of religious freedom and diversity of ideas, is being rapidly redirected and transformed by mob-mentality, the “risk” of being a Christian in America is greater than ever. What has been the norm around the world throughout all of history is becoming our reality. Fundamental persecution with devastating consequences has stormed the beaches of America.

It is time to dig deeper into the Word of God as our solid foundation of Truth—because everything else is just shifting sands. And, although the risk is huge, we have to muster more courage than ever to stand our ground, kneeling to no one but Jesus Christ.

As I write these words, I’m thinking, “Lord, am I strong enough to profess my faith in You, regardless of the consequences? Am I prepared to lose my job, reputation—life?” These are questions I never thought I’d have to ask myself in my country and in my lifetime. Yet, here we are.

Sisters, are you ready?

“Lord, prepare my mind and heart to stand firm on the Gospel Truth and not be ashamed. Despite the risk, help me be brave.”

For His Glory

Julianne Winkler Smith
TRBC Women’s Ministry

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Posted in Faith, Spiritual Living

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