Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | March 11, 2020

Love Isn’t Selfish

“Love isn’t selfish.” 1 Corinthians 13:5 (ESV)

I was recently talking with someone who is coming up on a special date regarding their son’s death. Their eyes filled with tears as they talked about their son and how much they miss him. I appreciated their honesty and vulnerability with me. And I understood where they were coming from. But then, just as they started to share their heart – they stopped. The next words they uttered were – “I shouldn’t say that, it’s selfish to miss him and want him back, because he’s in a better place.”

While there’s truth in the fact our saved loved ones who are deceased are in a better place, it’s not selfish for us to miss them. Shutting down our emotions will not help us process our grief. People often throw around the phrase “I love you to death”. But if their loved ended at death, then grief would be easy. What makes grief so difficult to process is the simple fact that your heart still loves the person who has been taken from you. You miss the relationship, the conversations, the hugs, their voice, their little quirky ways. Your heart doesn’t stop loving them just because they’ve been removed from your life. You’re left with all these emotions for the person, but they’re not here to share them with.

Grief is a lifelong process of learning how to handle the emotions regarding the person you are missing.

If you’ve spent any time reading the Bible, then you know God loves people and He values relationships. He values them so much that relationships will be the only thing that will continue in Heaven. The fact that there will be accountability for our life lived on this earth stands as proof we will be ourselves in eternity.

Scripture tells us that “Jesus wept” when he heard of the news of the death of his friend Lazarus. The tears that Jesus shed were an outward sign of the love He felt for his friend and the family grieving.

Grief is the cost of loving someone. 1 Corinthians 13:5 states “love isn’t selfish”. It’s not selfish to miss the ones you love. Until we take our last breath on this earth, we will miss our loved ones. We will grieve them.
Our sovereign God is in control of everything. We can find comfort knowing that the same sovereign God is the same One who has experienced the pain we face daily.

By holding onto our hope of our future reunion with them, we can find healthy ways to grieve the rest of our days.

“Father, we thank you that you are not aloof from our loss, our pain, and our sense of anger. You value relationships and we ask that you hear our hearts’ cry as we grieve the loved ones no longer with us.”

For His Glory

Laura Holmes (www.EphraimMinistries.org)
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Encouragement, Hope, Love, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | March 10, 2020

Hunting Wolves

“Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves.” Matthew 7:15

Throughout the Bible—in both the Old and New Testaments—we are warned about false teachers and deceptive teaching. For example, Ezekiel and Jeremiah cautioned the Israelites of “prophets” going around proclaiming that their words were from God. But these charlatans were merely speaking messages and visions of their own imaginations (Ezekiel 13:9 and Jeremiah 23:16). To the early Church, Peter, John, and Paul all warned believers to be aware that false doctrines were spreading among them. And even from our very origin in the Garden, the slithering Enemy twisted God’s word to entice Adam and Eve away from life-giving Truth.

Today, dear sisters, it is no different.

All you have to do is turn on the TV or listen to radio and podcast programming, and you’ll find “Christian” teachers, often with Bible in hand, making pronouncements that suit our first-world desires. Out-of-context Scripture verses are peppered throughout the message, splashed up on jumbotron screens for emphasis. Passionate words and songs create frenzied emotions that bring listeners to a place where the message makes sense to itchy ears and inherently wicked hearts (Jeremiah 17:9). Surely, those stadium-size crowds of hand-raising, fervent listeners—with their own Bibles in hand—can’t all be wrong, can they?

During Jesus’ own ministry, He told His disciples to watch out for false teachers, emphasizing how, despite the way they seem, they are ravenous wolves in sheep’s clothing (Matthew 7:15). And, right now, they still are among us in many of the most popular ministries around our country. So, how do we know the true teachers from the false? How can we pull off the wool to reveal the fangs?

The good news is that we don’t have to familiarize ourselves with every onscreen teacher or popular cult. Just like those professionals who specialize in identifying counterfeit money, to recognize the fake, we must simply know the real. We must, as Peter wrote in 2 Peter 3:17-18: be on guard and grow in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Read, study, and meditate on God’s Word. Understand who Jesus is—the second Person of the Triune God who came to earth as 100% God and 100% man—and what He did on the cross for our salvation.

Don’t accept the counterfeit—no matter how good it may feel. Know the Truth. Stand firm. And let’s keep the wool from being pulled over our eyes.

“Lord, You are the Way, the Truth, and the Life. Help me know Your Word to be discerning of false teaching.”

For His Glory

Julianne Winkler Smith
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Faith, Spiritual Living, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | March 9, 2020

When Yield Invites Abundance

“Wait for the LORD; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the LORD!” Psalm 27:14 (ESV)

Driver’s education class was my fave in school, and I couldn’t wait to finish the course, take my test and sit behind the wheel all alone. Driving in the city was a little more challenging. I completely got what red stop signs or lights meant. I totally didn’t get what those yellow yield signs and caution lights meant. Unfortunately, I usually ignored them – not a good thing.

Yield is definitely not our usual go to thing, which is exactly the reason these yellow signs and lights were created. Dangerous intersections were common place. Arguments arose over who was at fault when accidents happened. So a police officer came up with the right solution – yield signs could cause drivers to slow down and prevent tragic accidents. One year after the first yield sign was put into place and the results were amazing. Not only did it lessen accidents but it blocked dangerous areas.

Who would have though yellow could do so much? If you’re like me, you probably enjoy go much better. If I’m really honest, I’d say I don’t like red at all. I’d much rather keeping moving forward despite the protection that can be unveiled in slow down, danger is ahead and somethings about to change.

Rather than avoid yellow let’s learn to embrace yield. Let’s not run ahead when God is saying “proceed with caution.” Let’s slow down and examine what’s going on around us before we plunge forward. Let’s not get hung up on surrender and relinquish when yield can be more fruitful.

Deep lessons are learned in the wait and caution. Incredible truths we would have missed had we kept pressing on. God desires for us to avoid dangerous intersections that cross our journey in life. He wants us to avoid the devastation of tragic consequences. Takes courage, discipline and awareness to unpack the obvious right before our eyes. Requires unshakeable trust to allow God to move us instead of self.

Yellow never looked so good to this God loving girl who has struggled through but found He is faithful and true. Gotta love His divine protection even when we tune out the danger. Grateful for His wisdom and discernment. Cherishing His grace for moments when my persistence overrides what God knows is best. Learning not to ignore the prompting in my Spirt that births His goodness.

“Sweet Jesus, we are truly independent beings – bent on going our own way – sheep wandering off. Praising You for being my good Shepherd who protects me from self.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Attitude, Encouragement, Hope, Spiritual Growth

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | March 6, 2020

Weaknesses Reinvented

“Seek the LORD and His strength; seek His presence continually!” Psalm 105:4 (ESV)

Out of the corner of my eye, I glimpsed the swerve. Yes, a car slid right in front of my SUV barely missing my front bumper. Caught totally off guard, I slammed on the brakes. Not even sure where that car came from, and the driver was oblivious to the near hit. Didn’t even seem to send their heart racing like mine. Note to self: You never know what’s coming at you – stay focused.

Great advice for driving even better advice for life. How many times have we been blindsided by a weakness we hadn’t seen resurface in a long time? Without announcement or notice, we find ourselves face to face with our inadequacies and insecurities swerving right at us. All our confidence halting in the anticipation of what’s been conquered and defeated slaying us once again.

Love the reminders from God’s word compelling us to guard our way (Proverbs 16:17), guard our heart (Proverbs 4:23) and embrace His strength in our weaknesses (2 Corinthians 12:9). The face staring us in the mirror is ours with all its imperfections, yet it is beauty redefined by our Creator God. Despite our landing on familiar places again and again, God promises to transform our weaknesses laid down at His feet.

Best defensive move ever is found in our daily relationship with God. When we commit ourselves to feasting on His word and connecting with Him in prayer, we build a strong foundation. One that won’t be easily shaken or moved. One that will withstand the storms of life and the temptations surprising us. One guaranteed success formula to silence inadequacies and anchor our souls securely to His.

We can’t predict the moment or occasion when our “less than” seeks to raise its ugly head and detour us from the path God designed. Self will always attempt to take center stage, but if we keep our eyes focused on Him then we will be victorious over our weaknesses.

Sweet friends what’s the one weakness seeking to derail God’s best in your life? Pull yourself away from the noise and distractions. Settle down at His feet and trust your loving, gracious Father to show you a better way. He already knows what’s swerving in your direction, and He is completely capable to alleviate your fears and fill you with a godly confidence. Despite your past defeats, God will lift you back up and turn those weaknesses into His glorious strength.

“Father, we desperate need Your strength to transform us from the inside out. Help us to lean into You and resist the pull of our weaknesses.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | March 5, 2020

It’s Too Hard

“Is anything too hard for the Lord?” Genesis 18:14a

Many of you may know the story in the Old Testament—in Numbers, specifically—about Moses sending the 12 spies to check out the Promised Land. When they came back after 40 days, 10 of those guys spun a tale of the insurmountable obstacles ahead. They spread terror and woe among the Israelites, convincing the masses there was no way they could triumph. “We were like grasshoppers in our own sight,” they bemoaned.

And in that statement lay the problem.

They saw their circumstances, their enemies, and their hurdles through their own eyes. They failed to recall—despite the pillar of fire and smoke in front of them, the manna every morning, and shoes that didn’t wear out—that it wasn’t “their sight” that mattered. It was God’s. To God, the purported giant men and huge walls were like mere particles dust. Moreover, the Lord had made a promise to His people to bring them into the land flowing with milk and honey. And although He’d kept all of His promises to the Israelites so far (notwithstanding all their whining and complaining), they were still too paralyzed to take the land.

Can you relate? Do you have an obstacle in your way right now that seems immovable? A hope-stealing problem that feels overwhelming? Are you feeling paralyzed because it’s just too hard? I’ve been there for sure.

What we need is a fresh perspective. Remember, whatever we are facing, our God is bigger. He is greater and more powerful than anyone or anything standing between us and His promises. In time eternal, He’s already been to the other side, and He knows just how best to get us there. We must simply trust that, in whatever we are facing, we are not the grasshoppers in the situation—our adversity is. We are standing alongside our immense and victorious heavenly Father. And the battle belongs to Him (1 Samuel 17:42)—so let’s hand it over.

He will make a way. Because, sisters. nothing is too hard for Him.

“Lord, when a daunting obstacle is before me, making me feel small and helpless, remind me that I can’t handle it on my own…but nothing is too hard for You.”

For His Glory

Julianne Winkler Smith
TRBC Women’s Ministry

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

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | March 4, 2020

When Comparisons Steal Life’s Gifts

“Pay careful attention to your own work, for then you will get the satisfaction of a job well done, and you won’t need to compare yourself to anyone else.” (Galatians 6:4 NLT)

Where did this all begin? Comparisons. We compare our looks, and when that fails, our intelligence, our position, our influence, our wealth or lack thereof, our age, our skin color and even our marital status. Is there anything we won’t compare in an attempt to measure up, matter more and feel content with our constant efforts to achieve? We know it’s wrong but just as we overcome one area of insecurity another pops up to remind us of our sinful condition exemplified in one of the earliest sins committed; Cain’s comparison that eventually lead to Abel’s murder. Perhaps this is why God despises comparison so.

Miriam arrives on the scene in 1 Chronicles 6:1, “The children of Amram were Aaron, Moses, and Miriam.” That’s some family lineage. Exodus 15 describes her as a prophetess and worship leader. Miriam led the celebratory procession following the Red Sea waters that separated Israel from its captivity. She was a leader within the Israelite community, gifted and well respected. And you did note that she was a woman! Even with her advanced position, she compared what God had allowed Moses to do with her own situation. God summoned. Seven days of leprosy, and of even greater consequence, temporarily ushered outside of God’s presence. The next mention of Miriam is five chapters later at her passing.

God has given us amazing gifts, custom-designed for each of us, to be used for His glory. He longs to see His gifts used in the manner intended. Not for us to masquerade as someone we’re not, not for us to bury as though they don’t exist, or to distort and become what isn’t intended. When I am focused on what another has been given, I tend to not take care of the gifts I have been given. My place and potential are overlooked and underdeveloped. I fail to enjoy the gifts given to me and fail to acknowledge and appreciate the provisions of God; His supremacy and care. God is in complete control of my life and He knows precisely what I need, who I need and where I need to be in order to most effectively glorify Him and serve His people.

“Father, may I enter Your throne room, accessible only through the blood of Jesus. May I repent for my fleshly fearful focus and allow You to transform my gaze to Your generous gifts crafted just for me, knowing that You and they are fully enough. May this please and glorify You, my Creator.”

For His Glory

Kathryn Hayman
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Attitude, Encouragement, Gratitude, Spiritual Growth

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | March 3, 2020

Run Your Race

“…and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith…” Hebrews 12:1-2

I’ve never been a runner. Soccer was my sport growing up and, although running was required for training and playing, the thought of “running for fun” never crossed my mind. But I am in awe of those of you who enjoy propelling yourself, foot strike by foot strike, through space. I admire your strength, focus and endurance.

Despite the fact that I’m not a runner, I do recognize a couple truths about the sport. First, a runner’s eyes must stay on the prize, whether it’s a faster time, a longer distance, or a neck-hanging medal. To those respective ends, the second truth is this: Running is, for the most part, an individual sport. When all is said and done, it’s your training, your goals, your race.

Because running competitions were a big thing back in the first century, the author of Hebrews used this sport to illuminate some God-inspired Truths for his readers—and for us today. We can look at just the first couple of verses of chapter 12 to gain insight and encouragement.

“…let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith…”

First, like a successful runner, we need to let go of stuff that slows us down. Maybe there are people, habits, or activities in our lives that are an encumbrance to godly living—things that hold us back from an unfettered pursuit of Jesus. Or perhaps we’re holding on to some sinful thoughts and attitudes that trip us up along the way. Let’s drop this excess spiritual weight.

Next, he talks of “the race set before us” (emphasis mine). In other words, we each have a unique race, a specific lane in which to run, that was established by our Creator. You and I have distinctive gifts, personalities and purposes. We have our own individual path to run with distinct prizes (crowns) in store. So, let’s not look at those running to the left and right of us.

Finally, we must “fix our eyes on Jesus,” keeping our gaze upon Him as we train in the spiritual disciplines to be more like Him. When we focus on the Lord, it is He that draws us forward—not more money, more stuff or our own glory. After all, our race is for Him…our ultimate Prize.

“Help me to focus on You as I run my race, Lord. Let each step be for my sanctification and Your glory.”

For His Glory

Julianne Winkler Smith
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Encouragement, Hope, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | March 2, 2020

Best Conversation Ever

“I (Jesus) have made You known to them and will continue to make You known in order that the love You have for me may be in them and that I myself may be in them.” John 17:26 (NIV)

My sweet hubby, Jay, has the knack for conversation. I don’t think he has ever met a stranger. Regardless of where we are, he will know the people around us before we leave. How does he do it? Jay simply introduces himself and then switches the focus and conversation to revolve around the other person. Me, I’m more like an quiet observer enduring a wait in line missing out on a chance to know someone new.

Know who else was great at conversation? Jesus was great at instigating pivotal conversations that drew one’s heart to the Father. It would have been easy and perhaps even normal if He had zeroed in on His own greatness. After all Jesus was the Son of God. He turned water into wine. He healed the sick. He walked on water. He fed the multitudes. Jesus spoke and the storms calmed. He rose Lazarus from the grave. Told the Samaritan woman everything she ever did. Emptied the temple of moneychangers. Healed the blind and lame. And the gospel of John reminds us that if every one of Jesus’ miracles were written down the world would have no place to hold the books (John 21:25). Yet not a word out of Jesus’ mouth proclaimed His glory. Not even a simple pat on the back or a rhetorical listing of His accomplishments.

Why? Because Jesus was not focused on self. Instead He proclaimed over and over again that He was here to do His Father’s business. Fulfilling God’s will was at the top of Jesus’ list. All of His actions, words and thoughts centered on the Father. Everything about His life reflected the heart of the God.

Wonder what would happen if instead of focusing on our achievements, successes and inspiring deeds, we proclaimed the true source of our inner strength? What if we made God known to those who encounter us? And what if we allowed our conversations to weave an open door to God’s greatness? Inviting others to know God rather than focus on self.

Best conversations ever are centered on giving Him glory – and it begins with you and me.

“Father, let the words of our mouth and the mediation of our heart bring you glory.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Attitude, Encouragement, Faith, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | February 26, 2020

Two Powerful Words

“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(NIV)

What currently has you crippled with fear? Think hard and come up with just one thing right now. Fear has a way of creeping into our lives without us even realizing it many times. It could be fear of rejection, job loss, failing a class – think about what it is in your life. Take a few minutes to write down what you are currently battling on a piece of paper.

Take the next few minutes and think about what would happen if that fear were to become reality. Write it down.

Now grab a red marker and as big as you can write BUT GOD to cover most of what you wrote. Stop and take a look at it again, focus on the words written with red marker over the top BUT GOD. What are you feeling, thinking?

Do you see how God can cover that fear? How would God change things? What would he provide as answers for you? Are you willing to hand it over to him and let him take that weight off of your shoulders and let him carry that burden?

Maybe giving it to him isn’t going to solve everything right at this moment. But God can give you the strength to get through it. He can carry you and give you the wisdom and discernment to move forward. He wants us to hold out our hand so he can grab ahold of it and help us move forward.

But God….two three letter, powerful words. Rest in his righteous hand. Feel his strength rush through you. Let him take the lead.

“Father, take my hand and let me feel your power rush through me. Let me feel your strength take over. I want to feel your presence Lord.”

For His Glory

Debbie Struble
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Hope, Spiritual Growth

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | February 25, 2020

The Good O’l Days of Slavery

“The Israelites said to (Aaron and Moses), “If only we had died by the Lord’s hand in Egypt! There we sat around pots of meat and ate all the food we wanted, but you have brought us out into this desert to starve this entire assembly to death.” Exodus 16:3

If you’re older in the faith, you’re probably familiar with the narrative of Exodus. It’s like a great novel. In it, we’re amazed at Pharaoh’s hardened heart as plague after plague hits, yet he doesn’t free the Israelites. Then, we gasp as the angel of death passes through, leaving every firstborn dead but those who’ve painted their doorposts with sacrificial lamb’s blood. Finally, we’re thrilled as millions of Jews walk on dry land through the Red Sea, escaping the pursuit of the Egyptian army…and we celebrate that army’s demise.

Ah, but then we find ourselves shaking our heads in disbelief as the Israelites—freed from bondage and daily terror—begin complaining to Moses about God. “Oh, our days in Egypt were so awesome! Remember the delicious food and good times?”

Really? Despite the constant presence of God—a pillar of smoke by day and fire by night—and miracle after miracle, the Israelites had the audacity to complain? They whined about their current circumstances and pined for the past.

But, before I get too self-righteous, I am going to admit that I do the exact same thing sometimes. In fact, just the other day, I was whining and pining…and I did so in spite of the Lord’s amazing grace, mercy and provision.

In direct parallel with the Jewish people, we were once slaves to sin, destined for death. But God, through Jesus, freed us and gave us new life. And if that weren’t enough for us to be eternally grateful, He is also gracious to provide us with family, friends, food and shelter—not to mention the very breath in our lungs.

Yet, despite all this, it’s way too easy for us to look around at our circumstances and wish for what used to be. To look back with rose-colored glasses at a past from which He clearly rescued us. There are stones of remembrance all along our paths—and His glory right in front of us. But the enemy whispers in our ears, “Don’t you remember how great life was before?”

Sisters, let’s not let the evil one turn our eyes from all the Lord has done. Let’s stay focused on where He has us now…because it’s just where He wants us. And, remember, the Promised Land is not that far away.

“Lord, forgive me for my ungratefulness and forgetfulness. Keep my eyes on You and Your miraculous grace.”

For His Glory

Julianne Winkler Smith
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Attitude, Encouragement, Freedom, Hope

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