Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | November 25, 2019

An Opportunity To Rejoice

“The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice.” Philippians 1:18

You’ve no doubt heard them by now—probably nearly everywhere you go. Christmas Carols. And it’s not even Thanksgiving yet! In fact, as stores removed their Halloween décor, it was briskly replaced by shelves filled with Christmas ornaments and bright wrapping paper. It seems that “’tis the season” expands annually.

The other day I popped into a store, laser-focused on what I needed to find. I was zigzagging through the aisles when the not-so-subtle background of Holiday classics broke through my concentration. Shaking my head, I shot a text to my husband to share my frustration.

But then, it hit me anew as it (eventually does) each year: Whether the store managers or shoppers believe it, Christmas is all about Jesus Christ. And with every utterance of “Merry Christmas” or background carol that sings of His birth in a manger, Jesus is being proclaimed.

It brings to mind what the Apostle Paul told the church in Philippi when writing to them about teachers among them who were preaching Christ for selfish ambition or to stir up trouble. Did Paul get angry or frustrated by that? No, he rejoiced because the Gospel was being spread!

Is it “selfish ambition” for stores to pipe in carols for two months prior to December 25? Sure! It pushes their biggest revenue season of the year! But the message of that marketing music proclaims that Emmanuel—God with us—was born to deliver us. Each card, every ribbon and bow, all the twinkling trees peeking out of neighborhood windows…regardless of motivation or even recognition, Jesus Christ is being declared.

So, let’s shift our perspective this Christmas season. Let’s rejoice at every carol—even sing along in praise. Better yet, let’s take this seasonal opportunity to share with others why we are rejoicing. Let’s tell them why—and how—they too can celebrate the hope and peace available because that Baby was born in a manger.

“Lord, in a culture that has commercialized the celebration of Emmanuel, help us to rejoice and use this season to spread the Truth of Jesus Christ.”

For His Glory

Julianne Winkler Smith
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Attitude, Faith, Hope

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | November 22, 2019

Chance Of A Lifetime

“Now the LORD had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father’s house, unto a land that I will shew thee: And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great ; and thou shalt be a blessing:” Genesis 12:1-2 (NIV)

Genesis 12 introduces us to Lot, a man who held onto the curtails of his uncle, Abram’s, faith. Wealth, possessions and favor followed in Abram’s footsteps, so it’s a no brainer as to why Lot would want to tag along. He was eager to follow and experience the benefits of Abram’s faith walk. Leaving his homeland of Ur for a great adventure to see the world, Lot’s bags were packed in record time. It was the chance of a lifetime, and one that Lot had no intention of missing.

What about us? Have we found ourselves eager to grab a hold onto someone else’s faith because success characterized their journey?

Anytime, we hold onto someone else’s faith walk, we will always shortchange our own. God has a unique growth plan for each of His children’s lives, and He desires to deepen our level of trust in Him. Basing our decisions on what God is leading in someone else’s life without His clear direction for us will land us outside the will of God, and the regrets will rise up to the surface faster than we realized.

So whose curtails do we tend to hold onto? Maybe’s it’s our parent’s faith. Or perhaps we’ve placed our trust in results evidenced in the lives of others rather than the One who sovereignly orchestrates the events in our lives. God is the Rewarder of those who place their faith in Him – don’t miss out on the journey – embracing the life He has for us is more than we can ever imagine.

“Father, empower us to step out in faith and pursue the journey You have for us.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Faith, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | November 21, 2019

Do versus Done

“For by one sacrifice He has made perfect forever those who are being made holy.” Hebrews 10:14 (NIV)

Before I became a Christian, I believed whole-heartedly that there were many ways to God—different paths, each as valid as the next. In fact, I was so vehement that I designed a logo representing it and had it tattooed onto my body. Now, that’s commitment.

But, thankfully, the Lord was leading me to the Truth. And, after three decades of going to church (because my “path” was Catholicism), I heard the Gospel for the first time. I truly understood that through Jesus, my sins were paid, and I was made righteous in the eyes of a God that requires perfection.

Even after I heard the Truth, I questioned God…surely, He wouldn’t condemn all those Baha’i, Buddhists, and Muslims who are just as passionate about their path to Heaven. How could Christianity be so narrow-minded? Couldn’t there still be many ways to God?

So, on the front steps of my newfound church, I asked that question of the pastor. And he explained a simple, profound truth: Within all the world religions, people must work to earn heaven—they must pursue “good enough” by their own efforts and deeds. No so with Christianity. By what He accomplished on the cross, Jesus Christ paid in full the cost of eternal life with God. There’s nothing we can do to earn it or be good enough. We are sinners, and the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus. (Romans 6:23).

Jesus paid our debt, stamping it, “Paid in Full”—we owe nothing…and everything. In fact, when Jesus cried from the cross, “It is finished,” the original word equates with a debt being satisfied.

Others do and do and do, never to be perfected. Christians, however, have been made perfect and holy because He paid it all for us. It’s done. We don’t have work for our salvation—and fail repeatedly. Instead, in response to what Christ did, we do good—not to earn but in grateful response.

So, I added the word Teleo to my “tattoo testimony.” It translates from Greek into, “I am complete.”

“Lord, thank you for paying a debt I could never pay on my own—for the gift of salvation. May I respond by sharing this amazing news with others to free them from the trap of ‘doing enough’.”

For His Glory

Julianne Winkler Smith
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Faith, Freedom, Hope

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | November 20, 2019

All That I Need

“Your (God’s) promises have been thoroughly tested, and your servant loves them.” Psalm 119:140 (NIV)

Late Fall and I just switched out all my clothes for colder weather. The storage boxes taking up space in my bedroom floor just had to go. And after a few 40 degree days, I was confident cold weather was here to stay. But then, we do live in Virginia. A state of pure unpredictability. Few sunny days and I found myself digging out something cooler to wear. Evidently Fall is taking a temporary break.

While we definitely can’t predict the weather, there are some things we can predict. We can always count on God singing over us in the morning – what a sweet sound. We can always depend on His strength to get us through the chaos of life – amazing power. We can always find shelter in His presence in the midst of a demanding day – peaceful blessing. We can always rest assured He is hovering near to the broken hearted – sweetest promise. We can always gain perspective knowing He is our wisdom – divine insight giver. Everything we need can be found in Him.

So why would we ever question uncertain days? Why would we ever depend on self instead of trusting God? Why would we ever run away from the One who longs to draw us close?

Sometimes in the midst of unpredictability, we cling to the visible. We’re looking for tangible instead of resting in His promises. We desire face to face interaction not long distance. We long for a huge hug and a you’re going to be okay speech. But the unseen is where God is working – behind the scenes, yet fully surrounding us – going before and behind. There is never a moment when we are out of His sight or His reach. God never takes a break or becomes unstable – He’s the same yesterday, today and forever. And that is something we can count on.

“Father in the midst of many unknowns – You are the One who holds it all together. Thank You for being more than enough for all that we need.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Coffee Break

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

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | November 19, 2019

The Price Of Peace

“For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9

What would you pay for peace of mind? Maybe you’re willing to pay double for a pair of shoes you know will last—and be comfortable. Or, you hire a contractor who gave you the highest bid because he was referred by someone you love and trust. Perhaps that peace comes with sacrificing the good to wait on the better. Peace can cost us a lot.

Recently, I spent money (and time off from work) for a diagnosis that would determine whether I’d (a) have peace or (b) start a new journey of medical procedures. It’s important to note that I do not go to the doctor unless life or limb is at risk. So, for me to even consider this appointment, you can be sure my mind and heart were anxious. Praise the Lord, the result was aligned with my hope and prayer. I simply went home with less money in my account and a receipt that could very well have read, “Peace of mind, paid in full.”

And as I drove home, it struck me…peace of mind and heart may be costly to us, but peace of spirit—true and everlasting peace—is absolutely free. The Prince of Peace, Jesus Christ, paid in full the price of our salvation with His life. We can’t earn it, work for it, or pay for it. It is a free gift. All we have to do is accept it.

So, let me ask again. What would you pay for peace? As Jesus Himself tells us: This world will bring trouble, worry, and fear. But we can take heart! Jesus has overcome the world and its troubles to bring us peace (John 16:33). The God of extravagant mercy and grace has given us His peace that can never be taken away. And it’s completely free.

“Lord, thank You for the gift of salvation—a gift that costs us nothing, but cost You everything. Let us never forget your sacrifice for our peace…and give us hearts to share this great news with others.”

For His Glory

Julianne Winkler Smith
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Hope, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | November 18, 2019

When Another Year Slips By

“Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” Psalm 90:12 (ESV)

My inbox is overflowing with emails enticing me to grab the best sale in town. Yes, it’s not even Black Friday and everyone wants us in their store spending some holiday cash. Coupons and cash incentives inviting us to grab the final deal of the day. Perhaps you too find yourself like me deleting and clearing out the latest sales pitch.

The holidays definitely lure us into a buying frenzy. Searching for the perfect gift. Checking our lists not once but twice. Spending our weekends trying to get a jumpstart on Christmas shopping before it gets crazier.

Every January, I mark my calendar for September with grand intent to work on my gift list early. My intentions are really good; I just simply get distracted along the way. And in the blink of an eye, I’m scrambling to get it all done – Happy Holidays to me!

And here we are closer to the end of another year, and we find ourselves wondering how we got here so quickly. If you are like me, you’ll start to think back over those lists and goals which seemed so attainable on January 1. Days slipping through our fingers. Hours vanishing right before our eyes. Good intentions evaporated in a sea of distractions.

Perhaps reflecting on those days leaves us discouraged, defeated and feeling like we blew it. But sweet friends there are still six weeks left in 2019. It’s never too late to chisel in some uninterrupted time to pursue what God has laid on our heart for this year. Rather than sulk and give up, let’s determine to use the remaining seconds, minutes and hours to revisit God’s plan. Instead of wasting what’s left, let’s delete and clear out distractions. And yes, we won’t recapture all those days missing, but we can seize the opportunity to make today’s choices align with Gods.

2020 might be just around the corner, but I’m confident we can finish this year flourishing. Wear intentionality well. Leave discouragement behind. Press on faithfully trusting God to empower us to gain back what has been lost – seize the day and resist the urge to quit. Why? Because I can’t think of a better way to end 2019!

“Father, we are leaning on You to help us complete 2019 to our very best ability. Seeking Your grace for those moments we wasted and Your redemptive power to help us finish well.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Encouragement, Hope, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | November 15, 2019

When Love Is Real

“Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other.” Rom. 12:9&10 (NLT)

Who would ever conceive of pretending to care about others? Absolutely not me – those were the first words out of my mouth. But you know honesty is the key to growth and if I’m leaning towards the truth zone, I’d better rethink those words. It’s too easy to say we care when deep down we really don’t. How many times have we listened to prayer requests, even prayed over names and then later shared the tidbits of yes, gossip, adding our own judgements? What about those moments when we’re sharing the love because everyone and all things are going our way? Our love is strictly dependent on how well they treat us, agree with us and sing our praises.

A friend sent me this verse, and God unpacked it all week long. Each day I prayed these words and asked God to help me delight in honoring others. Monday and Tuesday were victories – goal achieved. Easy going until the chaos of a deadline Wednesday arrived. Those words “really love them” haunted me. Between computer issues, various challenging personalities and the endless growing list, I had very little love in my heart. Biting my lips, yet allowing dislike to penetrate my soul.

The Apostle Paul wrote these words in Romans 12 and I couldn’t help but think how they must have penetrated his heart. He was a persecutor of Christians – one who showed no honor, respect or love towards those who disagreed with his beliefs. Until Paul met Christ on the road to Damascus, his life dripped of pretense and legalism. The shining light blinding his eyes truly removed the scales from his heart. Paul’s mission from that point on was to share the good news of Jesus Christ with anyone he met. Even in his dying moments, Paul didn’t judge or ridicule his accusers.

Wow talk about transformation and yet if we have accepted Christ as our Savior, our love should be just as real. Too many excuses. Too many exceptions. Too many denials. Too many – too manys. We’ve all got reasons to let ourselves slide on who we chose to love. But is that what God intended – absolutely not! Take it from one (Paul) who knows the power of love and harness the joy of truly delighting in honoring others.

“Father, our paths will always cross with those we find hard to love – help us to not excuse away your commands to really love them and hold on tightly to what is good.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Attitude, Hope, Love, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | November 13, 2019

Leaving Boredom Behind

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

Anyone that knows me, would say I’m a routine addict. Give me something to do and I can do it forever and ever. Consistency and discipline are great traits which I gladly wear, but they can also rob me of new ventures if I stay parked in those lanes too long. Found myself there a few weeks ago when my usual gym routine lacked enthusiasm. Boring would probably be a better word. My solo lifting weights and pounding the treadmill left me wanting more. So, I moved my reluctant feet and left familiar for a class with others.

Much to my surprise each class was different – no exact repeaters. And the people occupying the space next to me varied weekly. Best part of all, I love it. My exercise girls are friendly and encouraging. The instructor is lively and creative. Routine does not wear well with this group. And it’s my new fave workout of the week. Interesting how a slight variation, a removing of familiar opened the door to more than I could have hoped for – an energizing and exhilarating new.

If I’m not intentional, the same boredom with exercise can creep into my time with God. Approaching God’s word the same way every day can potentially send me snoring on the sidelines. Settling for one teacher versus giving others a chance to speak deeply into my life may leave me unbalanced in my perspective. Repetitively praying words can lose its vibrancy. No one would want to entertain a boring conversation on repeat.

Auto-pilot isn’t God’s desire. He invites us to experience the freedom and joy found in a relationship not a routine. While consistency and discipline are key components of a flourishing follower of Christ, they don’t have to limit us to sameness. Our God is creative, unique and ever surprising us with His incredible insight just waiting to be unpacked.

What about you? Has the routiness stolen away your joy? Do you feel locked in and unmovable? Maybe it’s time to venture out, take a leap and do something totally different. Go for a long walk and praise Your Creator. Compare translations of the same passage of scripture to gain deeper insight. Pour out your heart before God rather than hide behind forced familiar phrases. Memorize His word – sing His word. Leave boredom behind and embrace the energizing and exhilarating relationship God desires for each of His children.

“Father, give us a holy passion to know You more each day – fill us with creativity and enthusiasm as we study Your word.”

 

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Faith, Prayer, Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | November 12, 2019

Giving Thanks

“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, ESV))

There are certain situations in life when we don’t find ourselves automatically expressing feelings of thanks. Situations such as: receiving a phone call from the doctor to inform you they have found a lump in your breast. Or having someone you love removed from your life because of death.

However, that is not what this verse is saying. This Bible verse is sometimes misconstrued. It doesn’t say to give thanks for all situations, but IN all situations–big difference.

In the days and weeks following my sons’ death, I had people quote this scripture and remind me that I should be thankful. How does a person find the ability to be joyful, pray continually and be thankful in every situation?

It’s easy to rejoice when the news is good. When life is going the way we planned, joyful emotions can flow from us without a second thought. But in seasons of loss, our faith can be tested. Giving thanks can seem like an impossible task. Sometimes faith is simply hanging on in the dark – hanging onto our hope in Jesus until God illuminates the way. To hang on, it requires a concentrated effort to redirect our thoughts in such a way that we can think on things that fill us with a heart of gratitude. While we may not be “thankful” for the diagnosis of cancer or the unexpected death, we can be thankful Jesus is with us in the middle of our pain and heartache.

As believers, when we seek God in prayer and through His Word, we are reminded of His attributes. We are reminded of His complete love and faithfulness to us. In the process of reminding ourselves of God’s attributes, we can be drawn back into a living fellowship and intimate communion with Him. This is the part for which we can always give “thanks.” The simple fact is everything that comes into our lives has been filtered through the hands of a loving and faithful God.

When we know Jesus, we can find joy in stressful times and even rejoice when our life is filled with sorrow. Because as believers our joy is not based on circumstances, but in God. Circumstances change in the blink of an eye, but God never does.

God honors our expressions of faith when we say ‘thank you” through tearful eyes and broken hearts. When we trust Him, He can turn our tragedies into triumph for the Kingdom – this is His will.

“Lord, thank you for Your faithfulness to me and Your patience with me. Thank you that You are in control. No matter how much my heart breaks, no matter how much the ground underneath me shakes, you are a reliable. You are sovereign and you will never leave me. For this I can rejoice and be thankful.”

For His Glory

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

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Posted in Attitude, Encouragement, Faith, Gratitude, Hope

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | November 11, 2019

Birthing Beauty From Broken

“The LORD is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.” Psalm 34:18 (ESV)

Broken – that’s how my week went down. Everything I touched broke. Two pairs of sunglasses broke; one was my fave pair. Couple days later and my readers, which I absolutely must have, hit the floor and broke. Halloween night a gusty wind slammed a car door shut on my tiny purse. Normally not a big issue but my cell phone was in that thin purse and the glass was crushed. Weekend rolls around and Sunday morning, I’m reaching to adjust the shower head – yes, you know it girlfriends – the whole shower thing broke. Needless to say, I’m rolling into this week a little more cautious and totally frustrated from all that broke.

While all my breakables were fixable some of them were definitely more costly than others. Sunglasses and readers can easily be replaced. My cell phone drama is thankfully under warranty. But that last repair took more than self to restore water to my shower.

Same truth rings loud and clear in life. We’ve probably all experienced moments of brokenness – a crushing of our spirit. Some we endured and recovered quickly. Others took the very breath out of us and left us wounded for years. And then there were those repeat performances we initiated ourselves which led to a brokenness requiring divine intervention. Just the very thought of our weak, vulnerable and bankrupt places recreates images we’d rather not visit. This girl totally gets it.

Only God can usher lasting healing to all our shattered places. Whether we were innocent victims or instigators of our own misery, God welcomes our broken and fractured souls. He strategically uses those moments when He is all we have to showcase He is more than enough for all we need. Incredible truths rise to the surface when God has our full, undivided attention. He delights in binding up our wounds and healing our brokenhearts (Psalm 147:3).

Brokenness released into God’s hands will never disappoint. What has been stolen from us, He will restore. What we chose to confess, He promises to redeem. What has left us brittle, pruned and cut off, He declares has the potential to produce more fruit than we dared dream. We can fully trust our God to draw near and near leave.

“Father, You are our divine Healer – the One who specializes in birthing beauty from broken, crushed places. Praising You for being our Restorer, Rebuilder, Redeemer and Everlasting Father.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Encouragement, Hope, Mercy

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