Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | June 11, 2020

How Great Is He

“For He whom God has sent [Jesus] speaks the words of God, for God does not give the Spirit by measure.” (John 3:34 NKJV)

Aren’t there some conversations you just want to share with someone? Recently in our life group, we were discussing a headline. One of us had read that we generally feel closest to one person of the Trinity: Father, Son or Holy Spirit. Upon reflection, several expressed feeling closest to Jesus. In fact, for one, tears flowed effortlessly as precise details were given of each miracle performed, teaching offered and sacrifice made. God felt a bit elusive for some. Difficult to comprehend. And the Holy Spirit, a mystery and not well understood. Misunderstandings and misuses represented reasons to forego exploration. We were all left wondering if we were missing out on something. Of our own doing, not God’s.

God can be difficult to grasp or define. He transcends anything the human mind can conceive. Out of reverence, in Jewish tradition, one does not pronounce aloud any of the names for God except when reading the Torah or in prayers. And, once having written the Name of God, Jewish law prohibits the erasing or defacing of any name for God. God has been given many names throughout the Old Testament that show indeed, there is no one like Him!

And because of Jesus’ sacrifice we can access this very same God. Through Jesus we see the character of God. Jesus is the Good Shepherd who came to earth with the mission to restore our relationship to God. Jesus is the author and perfecter of our faith and as such, is the head of the church. Knowing His time on earth was limited, Jesus assures his disciples that “Unless I go away, the Counselor will not come to you; but if I go, I will send Him to you.” (John 16:7b NIV)

Amongst many gifts Jesus has given us, one is the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is the witness that we are God’s children. The Holy Spirit dwells in us and is our counselor, teacher, guide into all truth and giver of new life.

And so, my encouragement is that each of us who bears the name Christian may reflect on the role of each person of the Trinity. Let us come to more fully know the character and role of each. In so doing, may we claim the richness and inheritance that is ours to powerfully declare His name to a world longing for truth and direction.

“Father, Son and Holy Spirit, I need You. All of You. May Your greatness be revealed through me so that others might see your Glory and turn their hearts to You.”

For His Glory

Kathryn Hayman
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | June 10, 2020

Count It All Joy

“Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” James 1:2-4

I don’t know about you, but joy isn’t typically my ”go-to” emotion when I find myself in trying circumstances. But, over the years trial after trial has confirmed that hardships are fertile ground for growth. I have also seen that this growth—being complete, lacking in nothing—isn’t guaranteed, it is merely one possible outcome. So what differentiates suffering that produce growth from trials that are just trials?

James points out several things that lead to the trials that produce joy. First, he says that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. In order for your faith to be tested, you must have faith. So without faith, trials can’t produce spiritual growth. Second, you must steadfastly cling to that faith. Recently while studying this passage in a group, someone pointed out the word “let” and that changed everything about how I read this passage. We are not passive in the process of maturing through trials. We must choose to let, or allow, our steadfast faith to have its full effect.

What does this process of “letting” steadfastness have its full effect look like? I am predisposed to grumble when I find myself in unfavorable circumstances. So, for me, this often looks like trusting God enough to accept that He is in control of the trials that come into my life and, based on that, holding my tongue and quieting my grumbling thought. Accepting that God is allowing this trial for His glory and my ultimate good. Lingering on that word “let” and recognizing that whatever this “letting” looks like for you, it is hard but fruitful work.

So, let’s trust God when we cannot see what He is doing. Trust God when we feel like He is not even there. Unwavering faith; steadfastness that leads to joy. The contentment we have when we, in Christ, are lacking in nothing. Because He is our everything.

“Lord, thank you for the trials you allow into our lives. Help us to “let” them produces the growth you desire to see in us.”

For His Glory

Ann Skalaski
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Attitude, Encouragement, Hope, Spiritual Growth

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | June 9, 2020

Satan Is Having A Field Day

“Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.” 1 Peter 5:8

I’m not sure if schools today still have field day. When I was young—and when my kids were young—field day was awesome. A whole day outside, unconfined by classroom walls. Running, jumping, shouting. While there was some structure (organized games and rotation order, for instance), the day was about as close as a free-for-all as one could get at school.

With that explanation, it’s no surprise that the expression, “They’re having a field day,” is used to describe someone who has abandoned all order and expectations to do whatever they want, how they want—no holds barred.

I don’t know about you, but that’s exactly how I see that nasty enemy of our souls behaving right now. Oh, don’t get me wrong, Satan’s always a jerk—scheming, lying, prowling around ready to pounce. But all we have to do is look at what’s happening in our nation today to recognize that he is having a free-for-all.

Amid the images of anger, hate, and destruction, you can almost get glimpses of him in the background, his faced contorted by a malevolent and satisfied grin. You can hear his voice, almost like a ventriloquist, behind the vitriolic shouts (literal or digital) between once-upon-a-time friends.

What’s worse, he can also be found within our own four walls right now—in our Jesus-loving homes that should be havens of agape love and spiritual safety. He is using the external anger, uncertainty, and emotional panic (an environment I wholeheartedly believe he has created) to get a foothold in Christian families. And he is creating havoc.

I’ve talked with several friends engaged in full-on home combat. And my own family had quite a week, and we’re all recovering from battle fatigue as I write this. We must put an end to the enemy’s field day. As much as it depends on us, sisters, we must restore order and peace within our homes.

The battle is on—it always has been and always will be until Jesus returns. So, let’s put on the armor of God and make it a priority to protect ourselves and loved ones from the enemy. He hates you. He hates me. Do not let him win.

“Lord, protect our minds and hearts from the schemes of the enemy. Maintain harmony within our families…and bring peace to our world.”

For His Glory

Julianne Winkler Smith
TRBC Women’s Ministry

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Posted in Faith, Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Living, Success

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | June 8, 2020

God Loves All The World

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16 (ESV)

Have to admit I greatly miss having a Christian bookstore in town. I’m one of those nerdy readers who love to touch the pages of a book. Browsing up and down the aisles, I can spend hours checking out my next best read. And the first thing that always caught my eye was a compelling and beautiful cover. It drew me in like frosting on the sweetest cupcake ever. Totally delish to read – a story unraveling page by page.

Wonder how many times I missed a bestseller simply because the cover was different than the norm? Probably passed by many excellent books which where squeezed in with famous authors’ elaborate designs and completely missed out. Last summer, I read one of those Plain Jane covered books and found the most beautiful story packed full of truth and inspiration.

You just simply can’t judge a book by its cover, and the same is ever so true with people. We’ve all met individuals who look different from us. We’ve seen their tattooed covered skin and summarized their lack of character. We’ve distanced ourselves from those who clothes are torn, dirty and leave a distinct odor as they walk by. We’ve turned and walked a different way to avoid different which stirs fear within us. Sounds a lot like judging doesn’t it? Deciding on character, integrity, and intentions without choosing to entertain or invite different.

We all want to be included, accepted, invited and definitely not judged. No one desires to be viewed as unworthy of our conversation or interaction. Yet, we often default to keeping ourselves away from those who aren’t exactly like us.

“All” is one of the most beautiful words because it never excludes anyone. Jesus portrayed it best as He walked on this earth. He loved all. Came for all. Reached out to all. Wasn’t afraid of different. Never distanced Himself from anyone. Why? Because His Father loves us all. He created each and everyone of us uniquely different – all colors, sizes, backgrounds, preferences, etc. – we are beautiful and worthy in the eyes of our Creator. And the best way, we can demonstrate our love for God is to love all without reservation or judgement.

“Father, forgive us for moments when we choose not to love others. Show us who we need to extend love to and help us to decide judgement is better left in Your hands.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Love, Mercy, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | June 5, 2020

Winning The Battle

“Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” I Peter 5:8 (ESV)

War movies are definitely not my fave to watch. I’m more of a Hallmark movie perfectly predictable ending kinda girl. Love and romance are far more appealing than blood, gore and fighting. Keeping the peace is my style, but sometimes we must ignite our souls for the battle, especially when Satan is the one seeking to defeat us.

I love the way Roman soldiers prepared for battle against their enemy. Strategically, they grabbed their shields in formation for the “tortoise” mode. Soldiers on the front battle line held their shields in front of them edge to edge connecting themselves together. Additional soldiers kept the sides protected edge to edge. And troops in the middle balanced their shields on their helmets. The “tortoise” game plan kept them totally protected from an enemy attack – like a turtle protected by its shell. And if that weren’t enough protection, the Romans drenched their leather covered shields with water ensuring the fiery darts of the enemy couldn’t penetrate them. Quite the battle plan and very effective as long as they stayed together and kept their shields in place.

While I have never been in a war, as a child of God I am always a moving target for Satan’s fiery darts. Choosing our default for peace will not work against this enemy. He needs to be eliminated, extinguished and removed from our path. Like a hunter seeking His prey, Satan waits for just the right time of vulnerability to seize his attack. And the “tortoise” mode is one way we can ensure victory. When we choose to hold up our shield drenched in God’s faithfulness and lock arms with others, we create a mighty fortress that even Satan can’t break through. Saturating our shield of faith in His word we are no match for the enemy’s schemes, and God’s mighty power is unleashed when we choose to trust in His unfailing word.

Sweet friends, we must always be prepared, actively watching and alert to the traps of Satan. Armed for battle. Abiding, remaining and clinging to our God. Surrounding ourselves with those who are willing to lock arms and proclaim God’s truth against the attacks of the enemy. We are more than conquerors in Christ Jesus!

“Father, when the enemy seeks to slay us may we draw closer to You and stand firmly on Your truth.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Faith, Hope, Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Living, Success

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | June 4, 2020

Love Harder

“So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other.” John 13:34

We live in a fallen world
among fallen people.
There is evil.
And it comes in every color.
When evil rises to kill and destroy
because it will,
Don’t paint everyone
in that category or system
as evil.
That’s what the enemy of our souls
wants you to think.
It creates division.
That’s his plan.

Hate exists.
And it acts.
But, in response, we must
love harder
(not hate louder).
Keep loving.
Because when we respond to hate
with more hate
we are divided
and evil wins.

How can we love harder?
Be a light.
Be salt.
Words won’t matter—
no one’s listening right now
(they’re too busy shouting).

Love like Jesus loved.
Serve like Jesus served.
Forgive like Jesus forgave.
Jesus is the only Answer
to hate—
the only Healer
of division.

“Lord, help me hold my tongue and take action to love harder in this time of so much hate.”

For His Glory

Julianne Winkler Smith
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Hope, Love, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | June 3, 2020

From Emptiness To Abundance

“The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners.” Isaiah 61:1 (NIV)

We’ve all been there; each in her own way. Discouraged, at rope’s end: no hope; desperate; alone. Our efforts were supposed to result in fruit. Our faith was sure to bring forth a happy ending. But the end appears to be here and it’s not happy. Oh yes, even those of the Bible had days like this.

The widow in 2 Kings was no ordinary woman. In a land overtaken with evil, her husband had set himself apart as one of the company of the prophets, a loyal follower of God. She likely was accustomed to hearing of God’s heart towards His people. Knowing full well God’s compassion on His people and the efforts taken to free His children from Egyptian slavery. But now, her husband deceased, the creditors were coming to take her sons into a slavery of their own.

The answer? Empty jars. Her own and her neighbors; all that could be found. Inviting others to participate in God’s workings. In obedience, the emptiness was gathered.

And shemen flowed. Shemen, the Hebrew word for oil, is used 192 times in the Old Testament. Oil was a sign of the Lord’s blessing. Sanctification practices and consecrations of priests included the anointing of oil. Oil was symbolic of the presence of the Holy Spirit.

Empty. Pour. Set aside. Empty. Pour. Set aside. Bring the emptiness. Watch the pouring of oil. And continue. Each and every jar filled. From emptiness to abundance. The widow had enough funds to pay her debts and future expenses. There would be no slavery for this family.

Rather than effort and expectations, may it be our emptiness that we bring to the Lord. In obedience, may we follow His commands and statutes. Allow ourselves to be filled with the oil of the Holy Spirit: pure, stable and holy. And each good fruit will become ours. Faith to see the inexplicable will become a way of life. And, freedom will prevent our captivity.

“Father, you are a Good and Holy God who wants only the best for me. The answers lie not in my own understanding but in You. Holy Spirit fill me that I would have no lack.”

For His Glory

Kathryn Hayman
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Hope

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | May 29, 2020

When Change Seems Unthinkable

“And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.” 2 Corinthians 3:18 (ESV)

Ever find yourself reciting those things which are absolutely unchangeable for you? Words we’ve echoed firmly, “I can’t …… I won’t.” Feet firmly planted on a resounding no because attempting different or making a change seems unthinkable. Or is it really?

Since early March, the unchangeable has been experienced by us all. Worship has transitioned from sitting inside a church building to facing a laptop for live streaming. Our job, for many of us, has moved from the office to working remotely from home. For other essential workers, the change evolved into increased safety precautions, long hours and new protocol. For our children, the classroom became our living room and homeschooling took on a new respect. Eating out, shopping and any of those normal activities evaporated quickly.

Yes, a lot has changed in the past few months – all things we had no control over. Crazy how we learned to adapt and gained new perspectives. Have to admit, I definitely have a greater appreciation for simple pleasures. Miss my co-workers. Gained patience in sharing my office space with my sweet husband.
Pulled out old board games. Planned meals and enjoyed sweet solitude. And the gym I frequented weekly is now a quick few steps to my living room exercise routine.

Change is definitely doable and opens the door for growth – ultimately a good thing. While none of us would want a re-do of the past few months, we have found ourselves more resilient than we probably thought. So why do we still adamantly resist making a shift from norm to different?

Talking ourselves into moving away from routine and familiar to embrace different is scary uncharted territory. We get so comfortable with us and our defaults – even the thought of change screams hard. We resist, negotiate and often defy those areas of our life which desperately need changing. Stubbornly we echo I can’t….I won’t. Yet with Gods’ help, He knows we can. And the best part, we don’t have to wonder where to start. God gently nudges, highlights and teaches us of those things which don’t align with His will. He is the One who will enable and empower us every step of the way to cultivate godly living – a radical transformation we never thought possible.

“Father, my old ways never seem to serve me well. Cultivate within me a heart which embraces change and transformation so I will reflect You to all I meet.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Encouragement, Hope, Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | May 28, 2020

Leading With Kindness

“You must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your hope as a believer, always be ready to explain it. But do this in a gentle and respectful way.” 1 Peter 3:15-16a

I am convinced that on May 19 there was an amazing celebration in heaven, one which included millions of people that would not otherwise have been present if not for the guest of honor: Ravi Zacharias. (If you are not aware of this incredible apologist-evangelist, please check out his ministry website at rzim.org.) There are also countless YouTube videos of Ravi debating the great atheists of our culture, as well as answering thousands of questions from lost and misled students. One thing you will notice, even after watching just a few clips, is that Ravi Zacharias consistently spoke to audiences and adversaries with kindness.

You can listen to podcasts of those close to him and read articles of many whose lives were impacted by him, and you will see a pattern within the memorial commentary. Ravi’s life was marked by his humility, respect of others, and a sincere desire to connect personally. He was intentional and passionate in his desire to see others come to know the love, forgiveness, and grace of Jesus. And all around the globe, his harvest was great.

You and I may not be renowned apologists—we may even be terrified to witness to our next-door neighbor. But we are all leaders, demonstrating to the world what it means to be a Christian. And we can learn from the example set by this great man of God, as he lived each day surrendered to follow the example of Jesus. Here are a few reminders for us all:

• Be gentle and respectful when sharing the Gospel…or ordering food from a waitress. (1 Peter 3:16)
• Be kind because you never know what battles another person is fighting, and your kindness may save the day—or a life. (Ephesians 4:32)
• Be humble. Throughout God’s Word, we are called to be servants, show humility, and avoid the dangers of pride.
• Love sincerely. Look upon others—all others—as they truly are: holy creations in the image of God. What better motivation is there to put love in action with sincerity? (Romans 12:9)
• Have a heart for the lost. It’s so easy to feel indifferent (or even a bit delighted) when thinking about the eternal fate of evil people. But the Lord does not want anyone to perish (2 Peter 3:9), nor should we. After all, we were once “evil” and without hope—am I right?

Again, if you’re not familiar with Ravi Zacharias, please take some time to listen to, watch, or read his teachings, presentations, and debates. Since he was converted at age 17 after attempting suicide, he relentlessly served the Lord and pursued the lost. You are sure to be inspired.

“Lord, help me to always be gentle, kind, and respectful in my words and actions, faithfully representing You to others around me.”

For His Glory

Julianne Winkler Smith
TRBC Women’s Ministry

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | May 27, 2020

Faith In Action

“But someone will say, “You have faith and I have works.” Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works.” James 2:18 (ESV)

Since saying “I do” thirty-three years ago, my husband and I have moved a lot. We have belonged to nine different churches and it has been fascinating to identify the cultural differences and then watch how they play out in the activity of the church. Each of these churches were Bible-believing, Christ-honoring churches with the same core belief that we are saved through faith, not of own doing or as the result of works, that no one may boast. (Ephesian 2:8-9). Yet, each of these churches was known for the “works” they did within their respective communities. The works may have looked different, but they were always a visible part of the life of each church.

This is how James explains the relationship between faith and works. “But someone will say, “You have faith and I have works.” Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works”. James 2:18 (ESV). Works are not the path to salvation, but rather evidence of saving faith. Because, there is another kind of faith, or belief, in God. James 2:19 says, “You believe that God is one; you do well. Even the demons believe—and shudder!” This is merely an intellectual faith—a nod to the existence of God, without trusting Him for salvation. This is what James calls dead faith, faith without works. (James 2:17)

I love the coffee cup analogy. If someone bumps into me while I am drinking coffee, what gets spilled? Coffee, right? Because that is what is in my cup. In the same way, when life bumps into us, whatever is in us is what spills out. If we have been filled with the Spirit of God through faith, then the fruit of the Spirit should be evident even in our messy works. But what if your cup isn’t quite full so nothing is spilling out? Doesn’t matter if you view your cup as “half full” or “half empty” because your cup is refillable! So keep filling your cup with Scripture, the knowledge of God’s grace towards us, and times of praise and worship, fellowshipping with the one true God. Then show your faith, by your grace-soaked works, to a world that desperately needs to see faith in action.

“Lord, help me diligently refill my cup with your love and grace so that those who bump into me today get splashed with You. And let my works be evidence of my saving faith in You.”

For His Glory

Ann Skalaski
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Faith, Spiritual Living, Wisdom

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