Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | March 31, 2020

When Life’s A Little Crazy

“The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord makes His face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up His countenance upon you and give you peace.” Numbers 6:24-26 (ESV)

A week filled with cancellations – proverbial snow days without wetness. Social distancing which keeps us within the walls of our homes not as punishment but as protection. Drive-thrus are the norm and drop offs ensure less contact. Moment by moment decisions by business leaders, health officials and government trying to do what serves everyone best.

Our world is experiencing an unprecedented halt. Even though our buildings are empty or extremely light on Sundays, the church is still alive and well. Amazing how many people have forgotten – the church is not a building but those who are the body of Christ. While fear reigns high, the church has a megaphone of the hope residing within us. Incredible time to shout His praises and our confidence in our Mighty God rather than criticize those who seek to prevent the devastation happening in China and Italy.

The uncertainties and challenges we are facing are stretching us in ways we’ve never known before. Over saturation of information and constant updates can cause us to panic and feel overwhelmed. These days are not a surprise to the Creator of the Universe – He is not caught off guard. God knew, God allowed, God is still in control – our role is to not cower in fear but trust firmly in Him. Yes, we take wise precautions for the well-being of all, and we worship in our homes or with friends (the church outside the walls of the building). Glorifying God not as those restrained but those being challenged to live out whose they are.

Absolutely love this benediction from Numbers – a beautiful prayer to cover all those we love and know. The Lord is the Keeper of us all. He is gracious, kind and loving. The Lord is the lifter of our heads; the ultimate joy giver. And He is the generous giver of sweet peace – a peace the world can’t understand or explain.

Yes, life is a little crazy right now – but this too shall pass. What are we doing with the time we have right now – how are we encouraging the body of Christ? Who are we reaching out to? Lots of opportunities to share our faith, hope and peace with others.

“Father, settle our uneasiness and open our eyes to how we can reflect Your love to others.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Hope

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | March 30, 2020

A COVID-19 To Do List

“You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in You, all whose thoughts are fixed on You!” Isaiah 26:3

Whether or not you are physically ill from it, COVID-19 has infected everyone. For some of us, this pandemic hasn’t yet made a big difference to our daily lives…for others of us, it has changed, well, everything. For all of us, though, there are health concerns, general anxiety and fear, financial uncertainty. This is really hard.

But, as believers, we have something that much of our nation does not: Faith and hope in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. So, let’s agree to do two things throughout this crisis:

1) Let’s LIVE this truth.
As challenging as it may be, we must embrace supernatural peace amid the chaos, and choose love and grace in response to the growing vitriolic attitudes around us. Solitude and isolation naturally create discouragement and anger…be very careful. You may be alone all day, every day. You may share a home with family members—a home that seems to shrink exponentially with every passing moment. Spend time with the Lord. Talk with Him, meander around your house with Him, cry to Him, rest in Him. When we intentionally focus on Jesus, we are promised that a peace passing understanding will guard our hearts and minds (Phil 4:7, emphasis mine). And because nothing makes sense right now, this promise is exactly the thing we need most.

2) Let’s SHARE with others the reason for our hope.
With little to no contact with others, it is difficult to share the love of Jesus. If we go for a walk outside or make a grocery run, we can’t come within six feet of others…and with the pervasive fear, few people want to make eye contact or talk in these situations. If we are blessed to still be working, we are probably at home, perhaps occasionally connected via phone or video meetings. So, what can we do? First and foremost, we can pray for others, from our President (and other leaders in this crisis) to the neighbors we’ve never met living around us. Take every opportunity to share joy and hope with others that you do come in contact with—smile, be positive, and don’t engage in all the political and cultural ire. Find creative ways to love your neighbors, through group emails or maybe porch drop-offs of cookies or an encouraging note.

If we can focus on attempting these two things daily, we will be a great light in the surrounding darkness. But there’s one more thing…let’s make sure to be kind and gracious to the people with whom we are quarantined. These are probably the ones in our lives we love the most. But they’re also the very people on whom we are most likely to take out our daily frustrations and anxiety. Let’s love them best.

“Lord, help me keep my thoughts on You throughout the day. Let me focus on You above the world’s chaos and share Your love and peace with others.”

For His Glory

Julianne Winkler Smith
TRBC Women’s Ministry

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Posted in Faith, Hope, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | March 27, 2020

When We Live Well

“One who is righteous is a guide to his neighbor.” Proverbs 12:26a (ESV)

Ever wondered if “right living” makes a difference? It’s so much easier to give in to self. To do what we feel like doing and not what we know we should do. It’s much more inviting to listen to our own justifications rather than seek the best of others first. It’s simply more fun to join the crowd than take a stand.

I think Solomon had something here don’t you? Our right living opens wide the door for us to intentionally impact and guide our neighbors.

Who are our neighbors? They’re the person we pass in the maze of cubicles at the office. They’re the one’s whose driveways edge our own. They’re the soccer moms cheering with us as the team hits the field. They’re the home school co-op groups gathered at the library. They’re the patient waiting for chemo as we breeze through the door.

Our neighbors don’t necessarily have to live within feet of our front door, but they are people who cross our paths in this journey called life. And we have an incredible opportunity to influence, impact, guide and invest when we purposefully choose “right living.” We don’t even have to utter a word; our choices and reactions will speak for us.

I think we all get the picture – right living is huge for others, God and for us. When we choose to obey and live according to God’s commands, we miss out on painful consequences. When we forego the wrong decision, we release our will for His own. When we resist temptation, we avoid the guaranteed hard road. When we thirst and hunger after God’s best then we are truly blessed. When we set the right example then God is honored and glorified.

Don’t know about you but it all adds up. Choose to do things God’s way and even those watching will gain wisdom. No self promotion required. No branding or platform needed. God will use our “right living” to speak volumes, and we have no idea who is watching.

Solomon was the wisest man that lived, yet he too fell prey to bypassing right living to living for self, possessions, wealth, desires, etc. And despite his wealth, it didn’t serve him well. Let’s not make the same mistake. Let’s seek God’s wisdom and choose “right living” even when it means letting go of all we desire.

“Father this world we offer us many things – rights tainted as our own – but You alone are worthy of our devotion. Help us to listen and choose well.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Faith, Spiritual Living, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | March 26, 2020

Look Up

“Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.” Colossians 3:2

Right now, there is so much fear and uncertainty for us all. This is especially true for those who keep a constant ear to the news every waking moment. We are being told, in no uncertain terms, to panic. Grocery store shelves are empty, businesses are closed. When we look around us at the world in turmoil, it is impossible to feel at peace.

But, sweet sisters, we have the option to shift our focus. Instead of looking all around, we can look up. As believers, we have been raised with Christ, made new by the boundless grace of Jesus and freed from the shackles of the world. What a joy! When we look up, our spiritual eyes move past the clouds and sun, beyond the farthest star…we can fix our eyes on the Lord, who is seated at the right hand of God (Col 3:1).

It’s so very easy to fall into a pit of discouragement and despair when the news all around us seems to get bleaker each day. But we have hope of the eternal amid these temporal “light and momentary troubles” (2 Cor 4:17). So, let’s choose to look up and live this way.

We have an opportunity to be a light to those who have no hope—to demonstrate our faith in a real way. Let’s fix our mind on Him and bask in the resulting peace (Isaiah 26:3). And in our knowledge of the Prince of Peace, let’s smile. Look people in the eyes. Be calm. Help others.

As others frantically look around, let’s keep looking up. People will notice the difference in us, in our attitude and actions. And they will ask the reason for the hope we have (1 Peter 3:15)—are we prepared to give an answer?

“Lord, although anxiety and fear abound in our nation right now, help me keep my eyes on You. Help me demonstrate my eternal hope and be ready to share that hope with others.”

For His Glory

Julianne Winkler Smith
TRBC Women’s Ministry

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Spiritual Living, Worship

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | March 24, 2020

Best Read Ever

“For the word of the Lord is right and true; He is faithful in all He does.” Psalm 33:4 (NIV)

Need help with a recipe – just ask goggle? Looking for fresh ways to decorate your home simply check out Pinterest. Searching for the best deal on those cute shoes why waste time at the store when you have Amazon at your fingertips. And when it comes to special gifts Etsy’s got exactly what you need. Everything a girl could want just a click or scroll, and she’s got more choices than she ever imagined.

Boredom is definitely not a given when browsing the internet. We can find more articles than we will ever have time to read. Podcasts and YouTube offer us a wide selection of speakers, singers, you name it they’ve got it. And I love all the resources, encouragement and tips for making my life easier. But can we really trust everything we read?

Have to admit a resounding no when it comes to info, facts and tweets seeking to grab our attention. But when it comes to the word of God, we don’t have to wonder or doubt. Every single word is packed full of truth. Every story unraveling on the pages of scripture. Every promise. Every warning. Every prayer answered and every faith step taken. Every failure and every sin covered by the blood of Jesus. Every drama unfolding right before our eyes. Every miracle drawing our hearts closer and closer to His. Totally captivated by His compassionate acts and loving kindness.

God’s word is the best read ever. He is forever faithful, and we can anchor our souls on His truths. Don’t know about you but I desperately need that in this crazy, shifting world. Can’t imagine life without His words sustaining me or His psalms lifting me. Yet if I’m really honest…my love for His word is often in direct competition with everything else going on around me. I can easily get sidetracked and waste a lot of quiet solitude rather than stealing away to spend time with God. Maybe it’s because I know He will always be there. Just being real – maybe it’s the temptation to glamorize the words I long to hear versus the truth I need so desperately.

Praying we all cling to God’s amazing truths, cherish them, hold on to them and embrace the transformation He longs to birth. Never forgetting how much sweet they are to our souls.

“Father, we need your truth to saturate our minds and strengthen our souls. Your word is all we truly need.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Encouragement, Hope, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | March 23, 2020

Confident Hope

“I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in Him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13

Do we trust Him? In the midst of the panic and chaos around COVID-19, do we trust Him? When we look ahead and see only uncertainty—do we really trust Him?

It’s a fearful time in our world. This newly created virus has been unleashed, creating havoc and producing anxiety. We’re worried about the health and safety of our loved ones, and we dread the personal results of the national economic fallout. This is a scenario most of us have not experienced—and many of us could not have imagined.

But God.

Sisters, we must hold fast to the confident hope we have in our heavenly Father. As we wake up each day to a new normal, let’s lean into the Truths of His precious Word.

  • God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore, we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging. Psalm 46:1-3
  • The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run into it and are safe. Proverbs 18:10
  •  Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength. Nehemiah 8:10
  •  So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10
  •  The Lord is my strength and my song; He has given me victory. This is my God, and I will praise Him, my father’s God, and I will exalt him! Exodus 15:2
  •  The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. Psalm 9:9-10

These verses are not trite words to toss around. They’re not just the fodder to a pithy social media post. These are God’s promises to us. His Word is a light unto our path, it gives us wisdom, it endures forever. And when we hide His Word in our hearts, our minds will be renewed by His Truth.

There may be a lot of unknowns today. But, as a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ, we can rest in confident hope—in the certainty—of His power, sovereignty, and love.

“Lord, thank You that You are in control when everything seems out of control. Thank You that, in a world of uncertainty, I can have hope.”

For His Glory

Julianne Winkler Smith
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Attitude, Encouragement, Faith, Hope

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | March 20, 2020

Avoiding Falls

“Whoever loves his brother abides in the light, and in him there is no cause for stumbling.” I John 2:10 (ESV)

Who would have thought a simple puddle of water could create such havoc? My husband has been on crutches the last few weeks and even the smallest splash of water resulted in an almost mishap. Yes, we definitely don’t want to see him fall or hit the floor. So, nurse Janet has been on her knees a lot lately – seems every time I fill up his water bottle, change his ice pack, etc., some residue of water ends up on the floor. Desperately trying to prevent any falls.

Wonder if I take the same precautions to cultivate an environment to prevent spiritual falls? So easy to justify what I want to do and how it’s so okay and not a stumbling block for me, but what about my brothers and sisters in Christ? We can rationalize our life away, excuse choices and claim its not hurting anyone but us. The truth is, as believers, we are the body of Christ – we are one. Whatever we do or fail to do affects the entire body of Christ.

If I take that thought outside the realm of my spiritual family, my choices can also create a huge barrier to those who don’t know Christ. Joining in on things I know don’t serve me well creates a double standard – one I tell others and the one I live. Compromises which don’t seem to phase us can be the last straw for someone else’s struggle with sin (Romans 14:13).

Our world desperately longs for authentic, true living. If we’re aligning ourselves with God, then we need to make sure we represent Him well. We’re His team, His ambassadors – the ones He entrusted with the gospel. Allowing our mishaps to spill over and cause others to tumble never pleases our Father. While we can’t control what others do, we can make sure we are anchored in His truth so our life choices won’t cause others to stumble. And when temptation arises, pause and reconsider is the pleasure of a moment worth the potential downfall of many. Simple answer – no. We were created to be light drawing others to the Father not entertaining darkness.

“Father, the ones who abide, linger and stay close to You keep their feet from stumbling and dragging others with them. Help us to stay far from the edge and resist compromise.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Hope, Spiritual Growth

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | March 19, 2020

Staying In Awe of The Wounding

“But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities. The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed.” -Isaiah 53:10

Do you get this? Really? If you’re a new Christian, the astounding fact of Jesus’ sacrifice may be fresh in your mind and heart. But, maybe, if you’re older in the faith, you’ve let this Truth settle in under layers of (worthwhile) Bible study, years of Christian serving, and a certain “comfort” in your salvation.

Sisters, this was me several years ago. My walk of 16 years had been filled with the fires of refinement, and the Lord was constantly teaching me through trial after trial. But it wasn’t until my son was brutally attacked that Isaiah’s prophetic words became palpable.

One day in math class, my son was talking and laughing with his friend about some shared experience in another class. A girl seated across the room, who felt like she was being mocked, somehow perceived my son’s laughter to be directed at her—which it was not. She stood up, walked to his desk, picked up his half-full CamelBak water bottle…and proceeded to strike him in the head several times. As his blood streamed down his face onto his crisp ROTC uniform, she ran out.

When I got to the school minutes later, my only concern was for my son’s condition. My emotions were all over the place—shock, fear, anger. But once we got him home from the hospital (after multiple staples placed in his head), my husband and I met with the school’s police officer and learned the girl had just transferred to this high school from another city, where she’d been relentlessly bullied. She was deeply hurting. The next day, we met with her mom (and the officer) and shared that we (and our son) forgave her daughter and were not pressing assault charges. We talked about the Lord and prayed with her and the officer for her daughter’s emotional healing and salvation.

Days later, while I was walking the dog and talking with the Lord about the incident, He brought Isaiah 53 to my mind. And I literally fell to my knees on the street with the revelation: My son was wounded for someone else’s transgression, beaten so another person could know salvation and be free. But my son, unlike God’s Son, was not maimed beyond recognition…and He was not hung on a tree to die. As I sat there in the street, tears streamed down my face in thanksgiving for the infinitesimal taste I’d been given of the Father’s sacrifice—how God had to silently watch His Son suffer and die for someone else. For me.

“Father God, may I never get comfortable with what Jesus did on the cross. That I constantly stay in awe of His sacrifice—and Yours—for my healing.”

For His Glory

Julianne Winkler Smith
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Encouragement, Hope, Worship

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | March 17, 2020

Finding God’s Will

“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18.

If you’re like me, part of your daily prayers may include something like, “Lord, show me Your will for this situation.” It may be about a choice we’re facing—a potential job change, what school to attend, or how to handle a relationship. Or, it could be a life-altering situation involving a move, a marriage, or a mission.

Most of the time, we’re not fighting against God’s will or direction, we just want Him to show us exactly what to do and where to do. We crave clarity, certainty. My mind typically goes to Moses…where is my burning bush?

Ladies, did you know that the Bible tells us very clearly what God’s will is for our lives? His Word may not name names or geographic locations, but it does provide specific guidance to be in the will of God.

1 Thessalonians 4:3 tells us that it’s God will for us to be sanctified (holy). We are also to do good (1 Peter 2:15). And God’s will, according to 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, is for His people is to rejoice always, pray continually, and give thanks in all circumstances. In other words, we are to pursue a life worthy of the salvation we’ve freely received—to live with the righteousness Jesus has bestowed on us through His sacrifice. And while we keep our eyes on this high calling, we must rejoice, pray and have a grateful heart.

This is what pleases God. This is what He wants from our lives. See, we do have a burning bush! The Bible has given us our life map. When we look at our decisions through the lens of God’s Word and our holiness, our desires will align, and choices can become clearer.

Which house should you buy? Do you go back to work? Should you change jobs? Don’t be paralyzed, sisters! If it allows you to be holy and good and on the path of righteousness, then it’s a God-will choice. Then, once you make the choice, keep praying, rejoicing and thanking. Whatever we do, His will is for us to “seek first His kingdom and His righteousness” (Matthew 6:33). The rest is just details.

“Lord, help me keep my eyes on You, seeking You and pursuing holiness for my life…and let me rest in the knowledge of Your sovereignty in everything else.”

For His Glory

Julianne Winkler Smith
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Hope, Spiritual Growth

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | March 16, 2020

Where Grace Lives

“Jesus answered him, “If anyone loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him.” John 14:23 (ESV)

Home…where love grows, grace is extended and God is praised! Beautiful slogan don’t you think? Sounds incredibly inviting – who wouldn’t want to experience a home filled with love? Sounds too good to be true – who wouldn’t want to feel the warmth of grace in their failed places? Sounds beyond belief – who wouldn’t want to stay where worship is lived out in the ordinary moments?

Home… it’s supposed to be our safe haven – a place of acceptance without reservation. Home… it was designed to be the place where we love one another so that others will see Jesus in us. Home… it’s supposed to be the place where forgiveness reigns. Home….it’s supposed to be the place where God is known, worshipped and exalted.

So how’s our home? What’s life look like behind those doors? Would our husband, children, extended family or roommates find love, grace and praise under our roofs?

Harvesting love requires planting give and take – compromise without attitude. Especially when love must be tough but seasoned with grace. Receiving grace requires forgiveness – seeing others clothed in His righteousness. Especially when grace means letting go of our expectations in exchange for God’s.

The reality is if we all gave what we really wanted then home would be that safe haven – the place where love grows, grace is extended and God is praised! A place we’d all feel accepted, loved and valued. A place where peace, rest and comfort are found. A place where failures can be transformed into deep wells of growth. The place like no other place – home.

“Father, help me to be a planter of love, an extender of grace and a voice that never ceases to praise You.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Encouragement, Hope, Love, Spiritual Living

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