Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | May 14, 2020

When The Easy Way Is The Wrong Way

“Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many.” Matthew 7:13

The easy way. When you’re a kid (or teenager), it’s the way to go. Minimum effort, maximum results…well, maybe not maximum. Not to say the easy way is just for young people. Plenty of adults take the easy way—out and in—regarding jobs, relationships, parenting, etc. Sometimes it pays off, sometimes, not so much.

As for me, I’m not exactly a “do-it-the-hard-way” person…I’m more a do-it-the-right-way kind of gal. (Um, this speaks to my perfectionist personality tendencies, but that’s for another post.) Ironically, I can also be somewhat impatient. This sets the stage for why I’m choosing the easy way for a particularly daunting quarantine task I’m facing: painting my kitchen cabinets.

After much research, and a practice run on a couple cabinets, I have decided to take the easy way on this. I plan on (a) not sanding, but only cleaning well and (b) not removing the doors. A perfect solution for the impatience in me. Hopefully, it won’t turn out like the typical Pinterest-ideal-gone-wrong. I’ll let you know.

My point? Sometimes there are, in fact, easy ways that work out just fine. But, when it comes to your eternal destination, there is one way to go—and it’s narrow. And hard. Jesus said, “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No one comes to the Father except through Me” (John 14:6). One, narrow road. And why is it hard? Well, choosing to accept the forgiveness and grace of Jesus Christ is super easy: If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved (Romans 10:9). It’s the following Him that’s difficult.

The Bible is very clear how we’re to live our lives—and practically every step of the way goes against our sinful, natural inclinations and desires. We do have the assistance of the Holy Spirit to guide us and give us strength, but we inevitably fall (daily). We get back up, move forward, fall, get up, repeat. The process can be pretty bloodying and bruising. So, there’s that. And there’s the fact that living a godly life in our culture is like swimming upstream against the raging current (with all the other fish mocking you and telling you how crazy you are, as they cruise effortlessly in the easy direction).

But the Christian way—the hard way—is worth every step. We have been redeemed by the precious blood of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. And the road He paved for us leads to eternal peace, joy and perfection. That’s the ultimate outcome I want…what about you?

“Lord, thank You for making the way for me. Although it’s hard, help me to keep on the path that leads to an eternal life with You.”

For His Glory

Julianne Winkler Smith
TRBC Women’s Ministry

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Hope

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | May 13, 2020

Fight Fear By Renewing Your Mind

“Do not conform to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is-his good, pleasing and perfect will.” Romans 12:2

As I watched the news, anxious thoughts formed. Seeing all the suffering and hearing countless experts talk about possible future scenarios felt overwhelming. Will this ever end? Will things ever be normal again? How do I control these anxious thoughts?

Controlling anxious thoughts requires renewing your mind. That takes diligence. Diligently spending time in Scripture, where transforming truth can be found. Intentionally reframing unhealthy thoughts using that truth. And deliberately limiting exposure to the things that promote the patterns of this world—things like news channels, social media and even certain movies and television shows.
Starting each day reading God’s Word and talking to Him helps align our hearts and minds with his perspective. As we are reminded of his goodness and his sovereignty, we can rest in our circumstances without succumbing to fear.

When anxiety-producing thoughts do come, how can we take control of them rather than letting them run amok? Try asking these questions: Why is the thought making me anxious? What possible outcome do I fear? What evidence can I find for and against that outcome? In other words, how real is the threat? Finally, what does God say about my security and my future? When Paul encountered a storm at sea on his way to Rome, going down with the ship was certainly a potential outcome. But God had already told Paul that he would testify in Rome, so he remained confidently calm in the face of dire circumstances. Our ultimate destination is no less secure.

If you are like me and watching the news makes you more anxious, limit your exposure. Or you may find that staying informed reduces your anxiety. Either way, it is important for us to remember that not everything we hear or read apart from Scripture is true, so however much time we choose to spend engaging with news, we should balance it with time spent reading God’s Word, praying and enjoying the beauty of His creation.

Daily choices made to renew our minds. Daily practice taking every thought captive to what the Bible says is true. Daily worship leading to a life of trusting God and His perfect will.

“Lord, thank You for Your Word. Help us to put our trust in Your truth rather than what the world says so that we can look more like you and less like the world.”

For His Glory

Ann Skalaski
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Faith, Hope, Spiritual Growth, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | May 12, 2020

Like It … Or Not

“For am I now seeking the favor of men, or of God? Or am I striving to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a bondservant of Christ.” Galatians 1:10

For over a decade, social media has been steadily and pervasively replacing real relationships with virtual ones. New platforms are constantly being developed for people to establish their public persona through selfies, perfected family activity videos, and pristinely completed projects. Ultimately, the goal is to show oneself worthy enough to receive a high count of thumbs-up or hearts.

In this time of social distancing, the role of social media has grown even stronger as virtual connectivity is practically a requirement, not just an option.

As for me, I’m not a fan. For a lot of reasons. In full disclosure, I do have an Instagram account (@drop_the_rock), which I created primarily to see photos from my sons. Although my profile says there are 97 people following me, I “see” the same 15 or so people (either via their posts or their responses to mine).

Even though I don’t care about social media in general, when I do post something, there’s an eager anticipation that bubbles up in me…how many people will click that little heart icon—and who? Will anyone comment? Driven to check the account, my emotions sway dependent upon the results.

I’m shaking my head even as I admit that.

Sisters, it shouldn’t matter how other people respond to us! As followers of Jesus—that is, of the God-Man Himself, not His social media—we are called to care what He thinks about us. The words we say, our actions, and our activities should always be filtered…not by an Instagram colorization effect, but through the position we have in Christ. Are we being kind, gracious, godly? Are we reflecting the Son and pointing people to Him? Or are we giving people a reason to perceive Christians negatively?

As for me, I’ve done a little of both—the latter, unintentionally, for which I made efforts to redeem. But it is interesting to assess my posts. When I share a photo of my kids or dogs, I may get 25-30 likes. When I am intentional about sharing my faith, however, those clicked hearts dwindle to almost none. So, I say, they can like it or not, because I know I am pleasing the Lord.

“Lord, help me to remember daily that You are the only One I need to please. I may offend the world, but as long as I please the King, that’s all that matters.”

For His Glory

Julianne Winkler Smith
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Attitude, Faith, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | May 11, 2020

When Wait Invites HIs Glory

“The Lord is good to those who wait for Him to the soul who seeks Him.” Lamentations 3:25 (ESV)

The expectation of awesome is so worth the wait. If only we could see that in the moment. To fully remember that the present day is not all there is – so much more lies ahead. The wedding date engraved on invitations. The anticipated arrival of a newborn. The dream job years down the road. All moments when life unveils what we so hoped for making the now totally worth it.
None of us enjoys wait. Even the simplest of waits irritates our fast paced lifestyle. Delay isn’t a mode we like to entertain. So how does one live in the now when all we’ve hoped for seems so far away and unattainable? How do we hold onto hope in the wait and not lose heart?

God’s faithfulness frames the lives of those who chose to wait, and the reading of their life stories inspires us to not let go either:

 Moses was instructed by God to come up on the mountain and wait for the Lord to give him the ten commandments (Exodus 24:12).

Ruth was told by her mother-in-law to wait to see if Boaz would be her kinsman redeemer (Ruth 3:18).

God answered Habakkuk’s plea for intervention with the writing of a vision that would seem slow yet he was instructed to wait for it – it will surely come. (Habakkuk 2:3)

Simeon, a righteous and devout man waited and longed for the arrival of the Messiah (Luke 2:25).

And we wait for a new heaven and new earth -our eternal home (2 Peter 3:13).

Yes, sweet friends wait is hard but spiritual growth and dependence on our God revolutionizes our gaze from what we want to what pleases Him. The faithfulness of our God in fulfilling His promises strategically at just the right moment are documented throughout scripture. We don’t have to wonder or doubt if He will transform our wait into something far greater than we could have ever imagined. The reward is worth it.
So if we find ourselves in a season of delay and postponement let’s keep holding on to the hope we have in God. Let’s resist the urge to manipulate circumstances to ease our discomfort. Let’s remember who our God is, how He interacted with His people throughout the pages of scripture and stand confidently on the solid rock of His reputation and love.

“Father, I so want to please You in the wait – to rest, grow and be strengthened knowing You are doing what is best.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Faith, Hope, Spiritual Growth

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | May 7, 2020

What Do You Say?

“Oh, that men would give thanks to the Lord for His goodness, And for His wonderful works to the children of men.” Psalm 107: 8 (& 15 & 21 & 31)

My boys may be beyond the age of that particular incessant request on my part, but you mamas of littles out there know what I’m talking about. A gift given or compliment received, and… wait for it, wait for it…nothing. Then, in your pleasantest mommy sing-songy voice: “What do you say?” A quick upward glance from that little angelic face to yours is followed quickly by, “Thank you!”

Oh, how I sometimes need that reminder for myself when it comes to the gifts given and mercy received from my gracious God. What about you?

Maybe there’s a decision you’re trying to make, and you’ve been knocking and knocking on His door about it, trying to discern clarity. Perhaps there’s a situation about which you’ve been begging for an answer—an illness, a job, a prodigal. Or you’ve been crying out to Him in pillow-soaking desperation over some deep anguish.

Then it happens—slowly or in dramatic fashion. Because one door closed, you walked through the other. Healing came, a job offer was made, a child returned. That desperation turned to exhaustion, which led to a peace that passed understanding.

And, like nine of 10 lepers surveyed, we run off excitedly to tell others of our deliverance. We may even give God the glory as we recount the details of our storm-turned-sailing-weather. But, amid our internal or external celebration, do we remember to turn back to the Gift-giver with thanksgiving?

I realize—like with that small child—the sheer joy of receiving may take our thoughts to what we’ll do with that gift. Totally understandable. But consider this our collective mommy-nudge…a reminder that our Father in heaven is awaiting those two polite words of gratitude from us. Whisper it, sing it, shout it, or do a dance. However we express it, let’s say, “Thank you” to our God.

“Lord, thank You. Thank You. Thank You. Thank You. Thank You.”

For His Glory

Julianne Winkler Smith
TRBC Women’s Ministry

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Posted in Attitude, Encouragement, Gratitude, Hope

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | May 6, 2020

Seek Truth

“Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” John 8:23

It was early morning and all was quiet. Reading through the passages of scripture in my one-year reading plan and meditating on God’s Word, I jotted down passages that seemed to jump off the page.
Leviticus seemed reminiscent of our current times, “if you spurn my statutes, and if your soul abhors my rules, so that you will not do all my commandments, but break my covenant, then I will do this to you: I will visit you with panic, with wasting disease and fever that consume the eyes and make the heart ache.” (Lev. 26:15-16).

Psalm 33:10-11 proclaims God’s sovereign control: “The LORD brings the counsel of the nations to nothing; he frustrates the plans of the peoples. The counsel of the LORD stands forever, the plans of his heart to all generations.”

Ecclesiastes 9:3 reminds us that ultimately death comes to everyone, our earthly bodies are all subject to the same fate: “This is an evil in all that is done under the sun, that the same event happens to all.”
Titus 1:1-2 tells us that as servants of Jesus Christ we have the knowledge of the truth and the hope of eternal life. “ Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ, for the sake of the faith of God’s elect and their knowledge of the truth, which accords with godliness, in hope of eternal life, which God, who never lies, promised before the ages began.

Our world is filled with panic and wasting disease right now, isn’t it? How comforting to be reminded of God’s absolute and sovereign control over nations, peoples and disease. His plans stand firm. Yes, we are all subject to death and decay in this broken world, but because of Jesus that is not our ultimate future. We have the knowledge of the truth and the hope of eternal life which God, who never lies, promises to those who put their faith in His Son.

This is truth. In a world filled with faux news, political spinning, half-truths, and fearmongering we have a God who never lies. We have a book that tells a story of his past faithfulness and provides wisdom for today and promises for tomorrow. Reading His Word, it occurred to me that this might be the only truth I read or hear today. So I linger a bit longer taking in the nourishment I need to fight the battle we are all in right now. Charles Stanley says it this way, “Seek understanding from Him about what’s happening in our life. This is why time with the Lord in His Word and prayer is top priority. That’s where we discover His purposes and come away emotionally settled.”

“Lord, helps us to seek the truth found in your Word so that we can live emotionally settled lives, pointing others to you, in a world that has come undone.”

For His Glory

Ann Skalaski
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Faith, Hope, Spiritual Growth

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | May 5, 2020

Don’t Argue With Fools

“When a wise man has a controversy with a foolish man, the foolish man either rages or laughs, and there is no rest.” Proverbs 29:9

Over the last couple of decades, our nation has been slipping into greater and greater divisiveness. I’m not talking about the political left and right here (although this is the case), but of a Biblical worldview versus humanism. You may have been aware of the divide as it gradually widened, or you may simply have looked up one day to see a gaping chasm. But if you’re on any social media platform today, all you have to do is scroll to see, read, and hear the venom. Especially in our current culture of crisis.

That’s why I’m not on Facebook. It was probably eight or nine years ago when I started seeing posts from some of my closest friends become hateful to Christians and Christ-honoring organizations and causes. And, due to the fact I wanted to keep these people as friends in real life, I had to “unfriend” them, digitally, by removing myself from social media.

Throughout the Bible, unbelievers, mockers, scoffers are called “fools”—and this is the foundation of our lesson.

As Solomon stated very clearly in Proverbs, it doesn’t matter how you approach a foolish person—with sweetness, righteous indignation, or outright anger—you won’t get peace. Because that person’s belief is rooted in the world and not the Truth of God’s Word, he or she will either mock you for your “ignorance” or rage at you for your “malice”. After all, when we speak words based on our knowledge of Christ, to that person, it simply smells like death (2 Corinthians 2:16).

I’m not saying to forgo speaking the Truth in love—even using your social media platforms to do so. We must share the Good News of Jesus Christ! How He came to make payment for our sins with His blood. How He rose again, beating death once and for all and making a way for us to have eternal life with God. We must love others. We must forgive as we’ve been forgiven. Because, sometimes, we will find common ground, and we may even bring someone to the believing faith in Jesus.

But the Word also tells us in Romans 12:18 that we must, as much as it depends on us, keep peace with others. So, sisters, keep on speaking Truth—it’s commanded of us. Just can’t argue with fools.

“Lord, help me to stand firm on Your Truth and to speak that Truth in love, but refrain from arguing with fools.”

For His Glory

Julianne Winkler Smith
TRBC Women’s Ministry

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Posted in Attitude, Spiritual Living, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | May 4, 2020

A Forever Invitation

“How long O Lord will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me?” Psalm 13:1 (ESV)

We don’t have to endure anything uncomfortable for long before the words “How long Lord?” echoes from our lips. We love comfortable and easy, so when hard and waiting rises to the surface we want relief and a quick resolve.

The Psalmist David in Psalm 13 opens up with a huge lament; “How long O Lord will you forget me forever?” Scholars don’t attribute this Psalm to any specific period of David’s life although we know he spent a lot of time running and hiding from King Saul who sought his life. David’s desperate plea for resolution resonated, “I need You Lord to intervene on my behalf.” I’m sure we’ve all found ourselves there eager for God to come to our rescue.

During this period of isolation, I wonder if God is asking us to remember Him rather than zeroing in our relief. Throughout the Bible God allowed devastating circumstances in the lives of His children to draw their hearts back to Him. The challenges we face today are no different. It’s so easy to desire a solution versus press into the Solution Giver. It’s simpler to focus on what we want and need versus zero in on what He may want to accomplish in us. It’s often our default response to forget relationship with God trumps ease, comfort and resolve.

So the deep question I ask myself is how long will we continue to forget God? Am I pursuing Him and waiting to hear and know Him more? Am I hiding His word away in my heart and reciting it back to Him in full confidence that He is in control? Am I missing out on a chance to zero my focus and attention on Him?

Out of His steadfast and enduring love God is calling the world to engage intimately with Him. The choice is up to us – He is patiently waiting eager to welcome us into His presence. Let’s not forget Him!

“Sweet Jesus I confess our world seeks comfort and pleasure and when it evaporates, we still don’t turn our hearts back to You. Help us to not get absorbed in doing or simply wasting precious moments You have ordained for us. Help us each to evaluate how our hearts are remembering and focusing in on You. Give us consistency and intentionality in redeeming the time You have given us.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Living

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

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