Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | May 1, 2020

Rechecking Our Responses

“In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I (Jesus) have overcome the world.” John 16:33b

Five months in already to 2020 and its been quite the year. I’m sure we could all make a list of what we thought Spring would look like (it did come early) and it wouldn’t even come close to our reality. Each day unravels its own set of challenges.

It’s ever so easy to get caught up in the day to day uncertainties. We’ve never navigated this path before and definitely don’t desire a repeat. But nestled in the midst of it, we glimpse the reality of our own talk. Do we really believe what we have quoted to others? Do we act based on God’s wisdom or the ever-changing perceived truth of others?

God’s word is very clear about life in this world. We will face trials and disappointments. We will be stretched. We will experience things that rock our world to the core. Our confidence in self will be shaken, but our Jesus promises He has overcome the world. The empty grave is proof not even death could hold Him down.

Sounds quite pretty when life is smooth and easy. We share those words with others during moments when they are walking through the darkness of difficult days. But do we live them out when we’re the ones desperate for intervention? Our response in the midst of trials speaks volumes to those around us. It’s a loud megaphone resounding hope, peace and comfort even if our world is shaken. An uncompromising confidence in the One we trust completely.

No better time than the present to recheck our words and actions. Are we sowing seeds of doom and gloom? Are we reacting based on fear and doubt? Or are we seizing these moments to shine His love, truth and power to all we meet?

We all need encouragement so let’s make some spiritually healthy deposits in our soul. Recall God’s faithfulness in our past. Remember His deliverance when we saw no way out. Contemplate His favor when all seemed lost. Make sure our words reflect His power working in us and through us. Choose to be the one who acknowledges it’s hard but determines God is the answer for all we so desperately need.

“Father, Your word is filled with evidence of Your divine intervention on behalf of Your people. Real people who witnessed You transforming their difficulties into glorious victories as their faith grew and flourished. Help us to stand firmly on the truth of who You are.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Attitude, Encouragement, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | April 30, 2020

A Contentious Woman

“It is better to dwell in a corner of a housetop, than in a house shared with a contentious woman.”   Proverbs 25:24

For some reason, King Solomon brings this “contentious woman” thing up quite a bit in his writings. (It makes one wonder if it had something to do with his 700 wives and 300 concubines. But I digress.)
“Contentious” isn’t commonly used these days, so let me define it in one word: argumentative. So, a contentious woman is given to quarreling, griping, and complaining. In fact, this wise ol’ king (who sadly lost his godly judgement as the years progressed) also compared this woman to continual dripping on a rainy day. And he said that it’s basically impossible to restrain her (Proverbs 27:15-16).

I think about being part of Solomon’s harem of women (yuck), and I’m confident it would be easy to point my finger at a few gals at whom this complaint was probably directed. Certainly, it wouldn’t have been me! Ah, but we must consider the marriages and relationships in our culture today, which are mostly of the one-to-one ratio. Could it be that, with no one else to blame, the nitpicky, naggy, complaining woman is the one who’s staring back at us in the mirror?

Ouch.

I don’t know about you, but I’m not doing a lot of mirror-gazing these days—I barely put real pants on anymore, because no one sees me from the waist down. If I have several video meetings, I may add some mascara to my face and make sure my hair isn’t sticking out weirdly. Full-on get-ready-to-face-the-day mode, however, is a thing of the past.

But reading these Proverbs has convicted me to do some self-reflection—not of my face or body, but of my spirit. It’s so easy to use this crisis and its fallout as an excuse for crankiness and grouchiness. Times are challenging. And hard. But how am I treating the people in my home? Do I take out my fear, exhaustion, and frustration on them? Do I “drip” with discord such that they want to go hide on the roof?

My 17-year-old confirmed the “Proverbial” message the other day, when he asked, teary-eyed, that my husband and I stop griping about the virus stuff (and all the ramifications). “I know it’s bad,” he said, “but there’s nothing we can do about it. Please stop constantly complaining about it.”

Again, ouch.

Sisters, let’s take some time to consider our attitudes and our words. It’s not necessarily about being all sunshine and rainbows. But let’s definitely watch our contentiousness and make an effort to be kind and pleasant to those around us.

“Lord, thank You for the people in my life who love me. Help me recognize when my attitude and words are causing strife for others—and let me drip no more.”

For His Glory

Julianne Winkler Smith
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Living, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | April 29, 2020

For His Glory

“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28 (ESV)

A global pandemic is not good. But God is big enough to use even this for our good and His glory. While our current circumstances are difficult; we can choose to live at the mercy of our circumstances or at the mercy of God. Living at the mercy of God is accepting that He is in control and that He has a plan to use our circumstances to grow us. His purpose for each of us is our sanctification—bringing Him glory through our response to our circumstances. Or, in the words of Sara Groves, “The glory of God is man fully alive.”

When tough times come, my tendency is to shrink back and pause living life to the full. But the Bible tells us that the thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. Jesus came that we may have life and have it to the full. (John 10:10 NIV). Here are three things that help combat my tendency to shrink back and may encourage us all to live more fully, even during a global pandemic:

Trusting that we are loved unconditionally. “But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8). Neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8:39 NIV). We are loved, friends, and we are called to love God and love others regardless of our circumstances.

Trusting that the God who loves us is writing our story. This frees us from comparisons. Mark Twain said, “Comparison is the death of joy.” We need to fight for joy—a crucial ingredient for living the abundant, fully alive life.

Being obedient to what God has called us to do. Even during the storms of life. “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” Often the good God wants to do is not for us, but in us…and that usually requires our obedience.

Trust and obey… through the hard stuff. Broken relationships and broken dreams. Lost jobs and lost children. Global pandemics. Stuff happens, but God is bigger than stuff. Look for where God is involved. We are not at the mercy of our circumstances. His mercies are new every morning; great is His faithfulness.

“Lord, your love, mercy and faithfulness endure forever. Thank you that can trust in You regardless of our circumstances.”

For His Glory

Ann Skalaski
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Hope, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | April 28, 2020

It’s All In There

“Your Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.” Psalm 119:105

When you purchase a piece of furniture in a box that’s clearly marked “some assembly required,” what do you feel? Dread? Excitement? Anticipated frustration? This line of questioning begs another: Do you carefully follow the directions or throw caution to the wind and try to figure it all out on your own?

Thankfully, many things in life come with instructions. And to proceed for the ideal outcome, we go step-by-step according to the manufacturer or creator. After all, we can trust that the maker knows that product, how it’s to be assembled for lasting strength, and how to care for it for the long haul.

If you’ve been a Christian for a while, you may have heard the Bible be referred to as life’s instruction manual. That is true—and that is where I’m going with this…but I want to dig in and give you some rationale as to why this is one set of directions you don’t want to toss aside and think, “Oh, I’ve got this on my own.”

Psalm 19 is a great why behind the Providential mandate to follow the instructions. From verse 7 through 11, the “instructions” are referred to in different ways (laws, commands, etc.), but each is simply a nuanced way of referring to God’s Word. After all, God is our trustworthy Creator, and following the Bible will, in fact, take care of us for the long haul. Let’s break it down.

The Word is…
• soul-refreshing, trustworthy, wisdom-giving (v7)
• joy-bringing, clear, insight-providing (v8)
• pure, everlasting, true, fair (v9)
• more valuable than gold and sweeter than honey (v10)

And if these don’t provide you with reason enough to follow the Divine Instructions, maybe these last two will seal the deal:

God’s commands—His instructions—serve as warnings for living. Our Maker really doesn’t want to mess things up. He wants us to have lasting strength. And the best? When we obey them, we are promised a great reward (v11).

“Lord, thank You for Your instruction manual for my life—a life You created. Help me use it daily as a light unto my path.”

For His Glory

Julianne Winkler Smith
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Spiritual Growth

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | April 24, 2020

When Passion Slips Away

“The precepts of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes.” Psalm 19:8 (ESV)

It’s a date I look forward to each week. Me, my friend and her granddaughter diving deep into the book of Proverbs. Just listening to this 10 year old reading God’s word is priceless. Helping her to understand tough passages and cementing God’s truth has kept me on my toes. Easy answers don’t always squelch the curiosity of youth; I absolutely love her passion for studying the scriptures.

Wonder if we approach God’s word with the same enthusiasm and desire to learn? Have to admit, it is much easier to read my quota for the day than slow down and really digest truth. Why? When we glimpse ourselves in the reflection of scripture, we see things in us which need changing and change is hard not easy. So no brainer here – we avoid slow and settle for same instead and the passion slips away.

Embracing tough passages and connecting with truth can be intimidating. Change is hard even if we really desire a renewed us. Habits are difficult to break. Our settled tendency to be satisfied with self “as is” never serves us well.

None of us really want to live in a place of complacency and stagnation. We were designed to flourish and grow which is a direct result of slowly digesting and intentionally applying God’s word. Welcoming the kindness of our God who reveals what needs to go rather than resisting. The One who gently unveils anything which soils our witness and prevents us from bringing glory to God.

Perhaps you find yourself with plenty of downtime on your hands these days; let’s not waste it. Maybe you find yourself overwhelmed with additional responsibilities and challenges; let’s squeeze in tidbits of silence. God has each of us exactly where He wants us. Our world has changed and now is a great time to evaluate where change needs to take place within us. Key principle here is to learn, gain understanding and reflect on how we can be more like Him. Desperate dependence births a renewed desire to walk in sync with the source of our strength – God alone.

This season of our lives too shall pass – let’s be intentional in seeking God and welcome His work within us. It’s a joy we don’t want to miss.

“Father, complete Your work within me. Transform those parts of me which rely on self versus depending on You. Help me to work in conjunction with You to accomplish Your purposes.

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Encouragement, Spiritual Growth, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | April 23, 2020

Forgotten Songs

“I will sing the Lord’s praise, for he has been good to me.” Psalm 13:6

I love music. Throughout my youth, I saw countless concerts. From Jimmy Buffet and Bruce Springsteen to the Rolling Stones and U2. I have ticket stubs from all my ‘80s favorites. (I realize I’m dating myself here.) My album collection was countless as well…music speaks to my mind and heart with significant power. Once I became a Christian, the Lord slowly altered my music tastes as my walk with Him deepened. Today, my ears pine for passionate praise and worship.

Until recently, whenever I drove around town, I cranked the radio and sang along (not caring who may be seeing me from across the yellow line). And my headphones filled my mind with praise to help make my workouts go faster. Like all of us, I don’t get in my car much anymore. And gym doors are locked. My days are marked by time in the Word, work (praise God!), eating, a little mindless TV, and (fitful) sleep. And repeat.

But a dear friend of mine texted me a link to a beautiful Christian folksy song I’ve never heard before. And I actually stopped what I was doing to listen to it. The soothing melody, a rich tenor voice, and violin harmonies struck the chords of my soul that had been so silent. So did the message of hope.

Sisters, although so much has changed—and continues to change—let’s hold fast to the things that bring us joy and glorify the God of wonder. I still love digging into the Bible. I pray for family, friends, and leaders daily…I give thanks for my innumerable blessings. But I’m not filling my ears with music anymore at all. And this absence has parched my soul.

What did you used to do (way back a couple of months ago) to put you in tune with the Lord (pun intended)? Consider this question, and then take action.

As for me, I’m going to reconnect with familiar melodies of praise that I’ve let this crisis silence. I will join the chorus of trees in a song of joy.

“Thank You, Lord, that heaven is filled with the songs of angels. And thank You for the reminder that I can sing along.”

For His Glory

Julianne Winkler Smith
TRBC Women’s Ministry

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Posted in Encouragement, Gratitude, Hope, Spiritual Living, Worship

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | April 22, 2020

Disappointment’s Hope

“When He (Jesus) was at the table with them, He took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them. Then their eyes were opened and they recognized Him.” (Luke 24:30&31a NIV)

Another opportunity to respond to a situation with grace, maturity and acceptance, and I …. crumble. Oh, to anyone looking on, I took the news rather well. Said little, maintained stoic facial composure and continued doing what I had always done. But, inside and alone, hours spent trying to understand the mysterious sting felt. I swore I wouldn’t let this get to me again. And yet, here it is. Present day event that uncovers past tense wounding. The hidden places of my soul that are bruised yet again.

In these moments, I must choose. I can allow the puss to spread and infect my attitude towards other areas. Sidetracked with self, a root of bitterness forms without even trying. In time, walls of isolation develop and anger mounts. Forgiveness not even the slightest consideration. Disappointment appears to win.

How disappointed was Cleopas and his companion? In chapter 24 of Luke we follow the story. Jesus of Nazareth, the one who was to redeem Israel, had been crucified. Sure, these men had heard rumors of angels and a missing body, but without seeing Jesus they didn’t believe He was alive. The miracle in the moment was not seen. Nor did these men recall the Scriptures of promise or the character of their God. Disappointment and unfulfilled expectations flooded their reality.

Then Jesus revealed Himself.

In our moments of disappointment do we allow Jesus to reveal Himself? The Word of God displays the mind of Christ. God’s covenant of love is written on our hearts. The Holy Spirit is close at hand to comfort. I must surrender my self-will to God and trust His sovereignty in all situations. Determined to respond in a way pleasing to Christ, I allow God to hallow the cavity of infection and fill it with the healing power of the Holy Spirit. When disappointment reveals my heart, may it expose my love for an Almighty God who wants only the best for me. And so, I repent for the root of bitterness and replace it with a spirit of trust.

“Father, it is so easy to get caught up in self, in position, in esteem and miss the mark on what really matters. In those moments, thank you for lovingly revealing Yourself, Your Truth and Your Ways.”

For His Glory

Kathryn Hayman
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Attitude, Encouragement, Faith, Hope

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | April 21, 2020

God Doesn’t Require Social Distancing

“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” Psalm 34:18

What a strange time this is. I don’t know about you, but this social distancing and self-quarantine thing is messing with me—and the people with whom I virtually interact on a regular basis. Even with the economic fallout of this crisis, my work is crazy-busy (praise the Lord!)…but it seems that everyone is functioning a bit “off” from their normal. Responsiveness is delayed or lacking, there’s a drop in care about quality, and the new work week is now 24/7.

Regardless of whether your job is currently hot, cold, or nonexistent, and whether you’re the only one in your house or you’ve got a family of nine, all this social distancing is creating a unique level of loneliness right now. And it’s a bit soul-crushing.

“Time” is weirdly fluid as well. Some days, we may use our time “wisely,” and other days are filled with more foolishness (um, can anyone say, “Tiger King”?). Social media posts are filled with quarantine productivity projects people are doing (making me somewhat feel guilty). But it’s all too easy to wander aimlessly within our walls, feeling purposeless and emotionally paralyzed.

But the Lord is near! He is above the CDC regulations and invites us to nestle in under His wings. He hears our cries of loneliness and frustration, and He delivers us from our fears (Psalm 34:4). Because challenges and trying times like this are promised in His Word, He encourages us to learn from them—about ourselves and about Him.

Sisters, take refuge in the promises of God’s nearness to us—Psalm 16:18, Psalm 73:28, Jeremiah 23:23, James 4:8 are just a few. No matter how we feel (or don’t feel) or what we do (or don’t do) during this COVID-19 madness, He won’t leave us or forsake us.

We are never alone…even when we’re all by ourselves.

“Lord, I am thankful that You will never distance Yourself from me. Help me rest in this Truth.”

For His Glory

Julianne Winkler Smith
TRBC Women’s Ministry

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Hope

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | April 20, 2020

Reframing Impossible

“Jesus looked at them and said, “With man it is impossible, but not with God. For all things are possible with God.” Mark 10:27 (ESV)

Nothing more limiting than echoing the word “impossible.” A close neighbor to “I can’t,” just the tone of either of these words sets in motion a default of no. This won’t ever work. Can’t possibly make that work. Are you kidding – it’s really unthinkable!

One huge issue defined in those moments – impossible deadens even a slim chance of hope. We’ve probably all heard a lot of unattainables in our life. They always speak louder than any voice of possible and typically drown out workable, attainable and doable.

Love the sweet reminders from scripture of those who thought impossible was etched in their futures and then God made it all possible. Sarah’s chance at motherhood faded as year 90 crept in, but age is no obstacle to our God. The birth of Isaac was the unfolding of God’s promise kept (Genesis 21). Widowed with few options, Ruth’s future looked bleak, but empty is no barrier for our God. The budding romance with her kinsman redeemer, Boaz, unveiled God’s promise kept (Ruth 4). Deeply troubled by the angel’s announcement, Mary couldn’t comprehend a virgin birth, but nothing is impossible with God. The arrival of the Christ child confirmed God’s promise kept from the very beginning of time (Luke 2).

So do we need any more proof? What impossibility is staring us in the face? Are we zeroing in on the impossibility and drowning out the character of our God? He who specializes in removing obstacles, excuses and barriers longs to reframe the beauty of His possibilities. God’s divine power is not regulated to the pages of scripture but overflows and touches the hearts of those who choose to put their faith in Him alone.
Impossible isn’t a part of God’s vocabulary, so maybe it’s time we leave it out of ours. Speak hope. Speak doable, workable and achievable. Let’s resist our old tendencies to settle for less. When challenges and obstacles arise, let’s choose to focus on the One who proves He keeps His promises.

“Father, Your track record speaks hope, life and abundance – help us to listen to Your voice and trust You to guide us.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Hope, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | April 17, 2020

Navigating Life’s Difficult Moments

“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” Psalm 46:1 (ESV)

This past Thanksgiving my husband and I joined some friends for an early morning hike. Now, I’m definitely not a cold weather fan, but I caved and joined in. The first few steps quickly reminded me the chilling breeze was what would steal my breath away, and we fought the gusty winds all the way. It was the longest hike, yet the most spectacular view spanning the horizon for miles – absolutely nothing more beautiful.

Not all climbs are the same – some are harder and longer than others. Nothing more true than the heights we reach, stretch and endure in life. It takes a lot of stamina to climb steep terrain and navigate huge obstructions in our path. Blessed to say I know some sweet friends who’ve persevered the unimaginable – Illness, death, uncertainty, loss, anxiousness – you name it these are hard climbs. Ones we’d rather not endure. Ones we have no desire to entertain. Yet great opportunities to gain spiritual depth and endurance.

So just how do we navigate life’s difficult moments when the climb seems harder than we can imagine? No simple answers here. Intentional steps are required when faith is being wrestled with and stretched outside our comfort. When I’ve faced those moments in my life when one more step was unbearable, I remember crying out to God asking Him to help me. It was all I could utter in those moments, and I kept asking until He showed up. Sometimes it was an encouraging prayer from a friend. Sometimes it was wise discernment from one who had walked the same path. Sometimes it was the lyrics to a song or a verse leaping off the pages of scripture reminding me of the depths of His love. But if I’m totally honest what invigorated me the most to take that next step was the sweetness of His abiding presence.

Sweet friend regardless of what you are facing today or will face tomorrow, God is our ever present help. He sees all, knows all and hears all. The One who formed us in our mother’s womb is well aware of what we need in those pivotal moments. And He will posture us to take leaps over the very things we dreaded the most because He will use it to deepen and strengthen our faith in Him.

“Father, when we keep our eyes fixed on You, we gain a deeper perspective – a grander view than what’s staring us in the face. Totally in awe of how You work in my life.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Encouragement, Hope, Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Living

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