Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | April 14, 2020

Thankfulness Lessons From My Rescue Dog

“In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ for you. 1 Thessalonians 5:18

We adopted a new dog in November of last year. Her name is Caroline, and she is probably about five years old. She’d been in shelters and foster homes for about a year, after being picked up in pretty bad shape from a life on the streets. (We don’t know for how long, but she was rescued with two of her puppies that were already teenagers.)

It took a few months for her to get used to us—and for our other five-year-old dog, Bella, to stop trying to eat her. But Caroline is super-snuggly (she’s on my lap, under my laptop as I write this) and the perfect addition to our family. She’s scarred up and a little wonky, but aren’t we all?

But there’s one thing that’s particularly noticeable about this sweet little dog…she is always just so happy to be here. Her tail is always wagging—which actually wags one of her back legs because it hangs about two inches above the ground. Her eyes are bright and shine with a noticeable gratefulness.

What an amazing lesson for us broken, scarred, and slightly wonky people who have been rescued by the grace of Jesus Christ. When we wake up each morning, we may not exactly jump around with glee, immediately ready to hit the outdoors in full-on discovery mode. But do we open our eyes to the wonder of a new day—a fresh gift from God, full of new mercies and potential? As we go about our day, do we bask in the wonder and beauty of creation? Are we overflowing with gratefulness for our eternal hope?

Life is challenging right now for every one of us. But, as followers of Jesus Christ, we have joy unspeakable to which we can cling each day. We have the breath of God in our lungs. We have a Savior that will never leave us or forsake us, no matter how long we are isolated from others.

“Lord, help me to be thankful at all times, in all circumstances, appreciating the multitude of gifts you lay out in front of me each day.”

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 13, 2020

When Normal Slips Away

“And with great power the apostles were giving their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all.” Acts 4:33 (ESV)

Stepping outside my front door, I caught a glimpse of the sun setting behind a grove of trees nothing extraordinary just the usual. The smell of freshly mowed grass and the crisp air for a moment dispelled my thoughts of a new normal. It was a usual Spring evening with birds chirping and peaceful stillness – everything was just as it should be.

Spring has always been my fave time of the year. I love watching flowers bloom and grass thicken. There’s just something about this time of year – it invigorates my soul and renews my energy. Feeling alive is a better way to describe it.

And just for a moment I forgot all that Spring 2020 has ushered in, yet the hum of our tv quickly reminds me nothing is normal anymore. Children should be going to school. Buses should slow our traffic in the early morning commute. Shopping for special Easter treats to fill up baskets are how I’d much rather spend my days.

Life is different and challenging – normal is not what we are experiencing. In some ways that’s a good thing because our normal had a way of being distracted, busy and noisy. Our schedules have been emptied. Excuses evaporated. Yes, it may feel uncomfortable to soak in some quiet solitude but the benefits of clarity and drawing closer to God is priceless.

Flip back through the pages of scripture and you will find a group of men whose normal kept changing. For years, they lived in obscurity – simple fishermen, tax collector, doctor – you name it their lives were usual. But then Jesus came on the scene and called each of them to follow Him. Normal was gone and the journey was just beginning; their lives would never be the same. And just when they felt comfortable walking, talking and witnessing the miracles of Jesus – normal slipped away.

A cross, death and an empty tomb unveiled the beauty of a new normal. Uncomfortable, uncertain and yes fear filled – uncharted territory stood before them. Jesus died, was buried and was now alive. Would they move forward hope-filled and passionate about the gospel or slink back? These Jesus followers embraced the glory unfolding right before their eyes.

Perhaps we all find ourselves at pivotal places when life gets challenging. We’d much rather go back to the way things were, but God desires to move us to a new place – a deeper revelation of who He is and His desire to be all we need. Resurrection isn’t regulated to empty tombs – it’s the rebirth of a soul who despite a lack of normal chooses to move forward trusting God faithfully.

“Father, the empty tomb assures us of the living hope which conquers all our unknowns. We can rest confidently in You.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Hope, Spiritual Growth

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | April 10, 2020

Glorious Awakening

“And the apostles gave powerful witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and God’s great favor was upon them all.” Acts 4:33 (NLT)

What is sweeter to the soul than a promise kept? Trusting someone’s words, believing in their character and relaxing securely in the predicted outcome – it’s a rare occurrence in our society. Words are easily spoken, character is often compromised and security runs out the door. But chiseled into the nail pierced hands of our Savior, we find the refreshing aroma of His promises kept.

Despised, rejected, crushed, broken, and bruised beyond recognition, Jesus deliberately chose to be the Way, the Truth, and the Life opening wide the door to Heaven’s throne. His love was proven, grace was given and when the stone was rolled away our Risen Lord revealed His glory! It’s a hope planted within us; a priceless freedom lavished in our souls.

So what are we doing with the promise kept?

A small band of disciples, who had cowered in fear and abandoned the cross, found themselves captivated once again with His presence. Sins had been forgiven and grace applied. Their lives were forever changed as the power of the resurrection stirred their hearts to proclaim the truth.

So what are we doing with the promise kept?

Are we captivated by His presence? Have we accepted His forgiveness and received His grace? Have our lives been forever changed? Are we proclaiming He is the Way, the Truth and the Life? One day He will return for us – what a glorious day – will He find us living in the power of the promise kept?

“Father, You are our Savior and Redeemer. Bearing the marks of our sins, You find great pleasure in our faithful witness to who You truly are – Our Risen Lord!”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Faith, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | April 9, 2020

Perfectly Redeemed

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” 2 Corinthian 5:17

Have you ever taken an object that you found—something tucked away in an attic corner or discovered at a thrift store—and transformed it? You repair, paint, repurpose. This activity may be a passion for some of us…others of us may be passionate about watching TV shows focused on other people doing the restoration. Regardless of whether we are doing or observing, there is something so inspiring and satisfying about seeing the old, dirty, and broken thing given new life.

Although I’m not necessarily “crafty” in this way, I did complete a “self-quarantine” project the other day. In our kitchen we have a brick wall with a small fireplace. The brick, which matches the exterior brick, is dark, orange-red in color, and stained. And I’ve always thought how nice it would be to paint it.

So, I did. That brick wall is now a bright antique white.

The coat of paint transformed that 60-year-old wall, making it something new. It brought immediately to my mind the verse from Isaiah: “Come now, and let us reason together,” Says the Lord, “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; Though they are red like crimson, they shall be as wool.” (Isaiah 1:18)

Sisters, this is what Easter is all about! Because of our sin nature, we are dirty, broken, stained. But Jesus takes our lives and gives us a soul-makeover, transforming us into something new. By accepting what Jesus did on the Cross—paying the penalty for our sin—and then believing that He was resurrected and now lives, we are made new. Redeemed.

Now, in full disclosure, my painted brick wall is in no way flawless. Due to the nature of the brick, there are imperfections and discolorations that still show through. For the overall look of my kitchen, it looks kind of cool.

Not so much with us. Because of our nature, we will—in this world—have faults and failures. But, praise God, when it comes to our salvation, our soul renovation is without flaw. We are a new creation, completely redeemed. And, because of Easter, the Father looks upon the work of His Son—you and me—and only sees perfection.

Jesus, thank You for Easter! Thank you for transforming me by Your death and resurrection into a new creation, fit for the Kingdom.

For His Glory

Julianne Winkler Smith
TRBC Women’s Ministry

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Posted in Faith, Hope, Worship

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | April 8, 2020

Humanity Check: We Need You, Lord

“The LORD is my light and my salvation– whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life– of whom shall I be afraid?” Psalm 27:1 (NIV)

Most children have a childhood hero that they try to emulate. In our household, it wasn’t any different, so I was not surprised when my boys began running around the house with towels or blankets wrapped around their necks, pretending to be their favorite super heroes. For the duration of their game, they could fly, defend the oppressed and be pretty much invincible.

One particular day in the early 90’s, I was entertained by folding laundry while my boys played in their bedroom. Some while later, I heard a loud commotion and ran to the bedroom to check on my brood. Standing there, a little disoriented, was my oldest son, Thiago, with a huge gash on his head. His younger brothers proceeded to tell me what had happened, as I grabbed towels to stop the bleeding on his head.
That moment in my children’s lives taught us all a good lesson. No matter how invincible we might feel and how easy things like flying without wings seem to be, they may be interrupted abruptly as Thiago’s flight from his top bunk was, as his head hit the glass light fixture.

After that day in his childhood, Thiago was way more cautious when playing with his brothers, and today, as a father, he teaches his own children about the importance of remembering their humanity when they endeavor in different activities.

In the present times of uncertainty we have been living worldwide due to the COVID-19 virus, we, too, are reminded in a very harsh way, that we must put our faith and wisdom into practice in order to keep ourselves and our loved ones out of danger of contamination. We are reminded each day that life is a precious gift and if we forget our humanity, we may place not just ourselves at risk, but many with whom we interact.

This is a good time for us to acknowledge God’s sovereignty over our lives and remember how dependent we are upon Him. In times when all may seem dark and dim, the best thing to do is to place all our anxiety and fear at His feet and trust that, no matter what happens, His presence will be there, walking that same path with us.

“Father God, just like a child cries for her mother during the rainstorm, we cry out to You and ask that You stay here beside us and calm our fears. We need you, Lord.”

For His Glory

Luska Natali
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Encouragement, Freedom, Hope, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | April 7, 2020

Following Jesus

“….First Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother, James the son of Zebedee and John his brother; Phillip and Bartholomew, Thomas and Matthew the tax collector…….” Matthew 10:2a-3a (ESV)

Love the way Matthew reminds us of who he once was. He doesn’t hide behind his new title Disciple of Christ or tag it “close friend of Jesus.” He puts it right out there where we can’t miss it. In the line up of the twelve, we find these words: “Matthew the tax collector.” Two simple words that defined the old Matthew. A title that denoted an untrustworthy reputation – tax collectors who were hated by the Jews because of their greed and dishonesty. Yet Jesus’ invitation changed everything – the title Matthew once bore, the prestige, security and wealth all cast aside. He chose to leave it all behind to follow Jesus; the former tax collector radically transformed now collecting souls for the kingdom.

Wonder if we could be so truthful about the old us before our Jesus rescue? A title we all bear from the moment we took our first breath – sinners desperately in need of a Savior. Lost and wandering in the pursuit of many things yet totally empty – searching for significance. A tainted reputation, void of character and integrity. Failures, mistakes and a long list of wrongs. Would we dare remind ourselves and others that were it not for His grace, we would still be darkened by this world? Are we brave enough to remember who we once were so we can humbly draw others to Jesus?

Sinners saved by grace – just ordinary women redeemed and restored filled with a passion to shed light on our path. Let’s leave everything behind and follow Jesus wholeheartedly. Let’s boldly proclaim where we came from and where He brought us so that others will know Him too. Let’s never forget His amazing grace that saved a wretch like us. Let’s be radically transformed and join Matthew in collecting souls for God’s kingdom.

“Father, I remember who I was before You saved me – I remember the moment You forgave me and the sweetness of Your grace overflowing me. Help me to never grow weary in telling that story.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Freedom, Gratitude, Hope, Worship

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | April 6, 2020

A Time To Choose

“Choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve…” Joshua 24:15

Don’t you love when the Lord is speaking to your heart about something, and then you open His Word to read about that same thing? It might be a balm of encouragement or much-needed conviction. Or, it could be a call to action.

This happened to me when I was reading the last few chapters of Joshua this morning.

Sisters, when we take action in faith, with godly intention to glorify our Father and His Truth, it can—and will—be misconstrued by those outside our camp. And the other side will come against you because of how they perceive (with their non-Biblical worldview) what you’re saying or doing.

Will they, like the Israelite leaders from the West, go to you directly to ask “why” in order to gain understanding? (Joshua 22:10-34) Or will they simply grab hold of their faulty belief, fueled by an already-underlying disdain, and simply attack? We cannot predict.

So, in this time of national crisis and unrest, more than ever, we must be careful in our every word and action. Let’s think carefully—and pray—about what we are saying and doing, especially on social media. If we could possibly be misunderstood, clarify or just don’t say/do it.

But if it is God’s Truth, stand firm on it. Don’t deny the Lord or who you are as a believer. Pray. Speak. Act. But be ready for the battle.

As our national media stirs the pot of animosity against Christians, inciting anger and pushing lies to the masses, we cannot be mute. Our silence about our faith and the hope we have in Jesus Christ unwittingly paves a road to persecution. Paul exhorts us in God’s Word that as much as depends on us, we are to maintain peace with those around us (Romans 12:18). And we must. But, Christian, make no mistake. The time has come for us to embrace Joshua 24:14-15.

“Now therefore, fear the Lord, serve Him in sincerity and in truth, and put away the gods which your fathers served on the other side of the River and in Egypt. Serve the Lord! And if it seems evil to you to serve the Lord, choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”

I write this with tears flowing down my cheeks. Political and economic ramifications aside, the darkness is closing in. We must be on guard and stand firm in our faith. We must be courageous and strong, doing everything in the love of Christ (1 Corinthians 16:13). We must choose.

“Lord, the battle is Yours. Reveal to me the time to be silent and the time to speak Truth. The time to stand still and the time to take action.”

For His Glory

Julianne Winkler Smith
TRBC Women’s Ministry

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Posted in Faith, Hope

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | April 3, 2020

Trusting God’s Plans

“Let all the earth fear the LORD; let all the people of the world revere Him. For He spoke, and it came to be; He commanded, and it stood firm. The LORD foils the plans of the nations; He thwarts the purposes of the peoples. But the plans of the LORD stand firm forever, the purposes of His heart through all generations.” Psalm 33:8-11

If ever there was a time when all the people of the world were united by a common threat, it is now. COVID-19 has spread throughout the globe in record time bringing forth anxiety, fear and a mounting death toll. The virus is not a respecter of position, fame or wealth. It has upended all our illusions of control and self-sovereignty.

This may be right where our sovereign God wants us. Faced with a threat that we cannot contain, will we humbly turn to the Lord in fear and reverence? No longer able to maintain control, will we give Him complete control of our lives? Rendered unable to make plans, will we acknowledge that the plans of the Lord stand firm forever? Can COVID-19 be used to draw a hurting world into the loving arms of a big, sovereign and gracious God?

We do not know God’s purposes in allowing this virus to spread, but we know that He is good and what He does is good (Psalm 119:68). We know that He uses all things for good for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28). We know He wants us to respond to this threat, and any threat, by trusting Him (Psalm 91:2). We know that He has called His church to be salt and light to those who do not know Him (Matt. 5:13-16). He has called us to look different than the world. We should not fear (Isaiah 41:10); we should not hoard (Luke 3:11); we should follow every protocol suggested by our governing authorities (Romans 13); we should love our neighbor (Mark 12:33) and feed His sheep (John 21:17).

Church, how are we doing? How am I doing? As I have been contemplating what it might look like to love our neighbor and feed his sheep in a time of social distancing, these came to mind:

  • Practice social distancing out of concern for others.
  • Use social media to stay connected but avoid posting or reposting things that may produce anxiety.
  • Call friends to check on them or pray over the phone.
  • Resist the urge to overbuy groceries; leave items you don’t need for someone else who may need them.
  • Give blood—blood banks are at an all-time low due to the cancellation of civic and church-sponsored blood drives.

Most importantly, pray and ask God to show us all how He has uniquely gifted and positioned each of us to “feed His sheep’ in a time such as this. Let’s show the world how God’s love can set us free from fear, anxiety and self-interest.

“Lord, we love you and we want to demonstrate your love to those who are hurting and afraid. Help us.”

For His Glory

Ann Skalaski
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Hope, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | April 2, 2020

Choosing Well Even When Faced With Fear

“She (Anna) did not depart from the temple, worshiping with fasting and prayer night and day.” Luke 2:37b (ESV)

Have to admit it is easier to give up than to press through. Yes, we’ve all been there when trials, challenges and uncertainties totally left us caving into fears. Moments when the chapters we would have never written unfold right before our eyes. Tough days often leaving us feeling powerless and vulnerable in the wake of the unknowns. The white flag of surrender (giving up) feeling sweeter than the pursuit of victory.

What does it take for you to give up – cave in and not fight through? We all have our perceived limits of what we can endure, but in the wake of such days do we attempt to let go or hold on tight to our Mighty God?

Anna was a prophetess who enjoyed the wonder of seven years of marriage with her man. What she thought would last forever evaporated way too soon and she (now a widow) found herself faced with a decision. The same decision we often face. In the brink of sorrow, disappointment and uncertainty will we remain faithful to our God or quietly bow out?

Easy out is to allow our challenges to overwhelm us, depress us and empty us until we see no alternative. More convenient to just live in self pity recounting the good ole days rather than clamoring for hope. Perhaps we’ve all been there when life just didn’t deliver what we expected and staying the course was simply to painful.

Anna could have easily regulated herself to a grief filled life. She could have dismissed herself in the days when mourning rushes in like a mighty wave, but she didn’t. This bold, courageous woman chose instead to hold on to her God who was greater than her sorrow. Anna spent her life totally devoted to her God worshipping, fasting and praying in the temple the rest of her life. And the sweetest blessing ever, she got to meet the Christ child – isn’t that just like our God to reward those who faithfully serve Him.

Lots of things happening in our 2020 which could convince us things will never get better. We have a choice – we can either trust our God for the unknowns or we can simply exist caving into the fears. We can keep serving faithfully or we can give up. The choice is up to each of us – let’s choose well. Let’s claim God’s promises and zero in on His character – the Overcomer – nothing is too hard for Him!

“Father, we can get lost in the media and statistics facing us right now. Help us to act wisely, take precautions and live in victory knowing You are still in control.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Faith, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | April 1, 2020

Knocking Down Idols

“Physical training is good, but training for godliness is much better, promising benefits in this life and in the life to come.” 1 Timothy 4:8

The gym has been my “thing” for decades. When I was in college, I started teaching aerobics (that’s the ancient word for “fitness classes” for anyone under 40). Then, as years progressed, I dove with abandon into trend after trend—step class, Tae Bo, P90X, kickboxing, yoga…you get the picture. Always hitting the gym hours before the rest of my family got out of bed for the day. Asked for his opinion, my husband may use the word “obsession.”

After becoming a Christian, many habits of my “old self” ceased—praise God. Walking with the Lord shifted my priorities and studying the Bible became a daily practice. But don’t start rolling your eyes at my piety just yet.

See, my daily morning devotion time came only after I spent an hour and a half at the gym. The 15-30 minutes I spent in the Word was an item on my “to-do-before-everyone-wakes-up” list…and it wasn’t at the top.

But the Lord knew my desire to walk more closely with Him. And He knew my stubbornness about “my” gym time. So, because I ignored His whispers to me about my priorities (dare I say, my idolatry), He was forced to shout. During a fitness season of boxing, I sustained multiple injuries (two of which required surgeries), and my workouts came to a complete halt.

And I am so grateful.

Instead of spending nearly two hours focused on exercising my body, that same time went to training in God’s Word and listening to Him speak to my hungry soul. I was being truly obedient in spiritual disciplines (not just box-checking). My relationship with Him grew deeply over the next years (yes, years) of near-sedentary living.

And although I can do some physical activity now, the Lord knows me—and so does the devil. Over the past few years, my idolatry has slowly crept back in a bit. Sure, I don’t come home dripping with sweat (and maybe a little blood), but early-morning gym-attendance has once again become a daily thing, prioritized as the first thing. Because my work is from home and flexible, I’m able to spend a good chunk of time in the Word…but have I put that old idol back on its feet? Am I, like Achan after the fall of Jericho (Joshua 7:10-26) secretly holding onto something in my tent that the Lord specifically told me not to?

Well, enter COVID-19. My gym has closed. And I am terrified—not of illness or financial ruin, but of not being able to work out. And just like that, the Lord is once again forcing my hand, pulling back the curtain of my self-idolatry. I get to reassess my heart and fully dive back into the Lord’s priorities. (In full disclosure, I’m not quite “grateful” yet, but I know I’ll get there.)

So, what about you? What can you learn from the COVID-19—about yourself, your heart, your God? Let’s all use this time to assess, refocus, and prioritize Jesus.

“Lord, show me how I can grow closer to You during this crisis. Teach me and use this time for my good and Your glory.”

For His Glory

Julianne Winkler Smith
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Faith, Freedom, Spiritual Growth, Success

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