Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | October 15, 2025

Happy Fall, Y’All

“The grass withers, the flower fades, but the Word of our God will stand forever.” Isaiah 40:8 (ESV)

Autumn is by far my all time favorite season. I love the smells of apple cider, cinnamon sticks, and pumpkin chai waffling through the air. I can never get enough of the rich reds, oranges, and yellows falling from the trees. Pumpkin patches, fall markets, and hayrides are just a few of my highlights, but there are so many more! Can you really ever get enough sweater weather or fall plaids?!  It makes my heart smile just to think of this beautiful season we are marching into!

Fall is also a time of harvest, a time when we see the lovely greens of summer fields turning brown. Our garden is beginning to become barren and the bright, bushy grass is needing to be mowed less and less, and soon the mower will be put away until the next growing season.

As we transition from summer to fall, from hot days to cooler ones, may it cause us to pause and think about what is really important. Changing seasons are always a great time to reflect.  God’s Word tells us that everything has a season and that change is always upon us. We know that all too well, as births and marriages occur and we celebrate, and illness, loss, and death occur and we mourn. Our lives run in seasons.

It has been said the only things that are certain are death and taxes, but God’s Word disagrees. He tells us that no matter what season comes next, His Word, His Truth, will stand forever.

As we fall into autumn:), it is a reminder that our focus needs to be on God and His Word at all times, so that we are prepared for the seasons ahead of us. I could have never predicted some of the seasons I have walked through, good and bad, and I’m sure you could say the same. In His awesomeness, God gave us something we can cling to throughout each season, His Word. He reminds us we have His Word, His beautiful letter to us, that will never change. We can count on it as He promised! Read it each day and let His Words speak to you!

“Lord, help us not get caught up in things that might distract us, but, as a new season is upon us,  help us to keep our focus on You and Your Word, the one thing that we can always count on. Thank you for giving it to us.”

For His Glory

Terrie Tollerson
TRBC Women’s Life

 

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | October 14, 2025

Status Change

“See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!” 1 John 3:1

I’m not a social media person. In fact, I am completely disconnected from all things Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Snap Chat, etc. (It makes me a much happier and calmer person, truth be told. And it helps preserve my friendships—I know you know what I mean.) That being said, I am aware of the all-important “status” setting of some platforms. It’s a key acknowledgment of personal identification, upon which others can make assumptions and take particular actions. And it’s a big deal when one’s status changes. Going from “single” to “engaged” or to “married” are significant milestones in our social-media-driven culture.

But, sisters, do you know that when you accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, you undergo an immediate status change? We are born into this world as slaves to sin (John 8:34). We are not all “good” to be corrupted by the world, as some might say. We are corrupt by a fallen nature and sinning is our human nature. (We don’t have to teach a toddler to lie, now do we?)

When He chose to die on Calvary, Jesus purchased us with His precious blood—He gave His life for ours. The price of our sin has been paid in full. So, when we surrender our life to Jesus and live by His Word, we are set free from this bondage (John 8:31-32; 36)! Our focus shifts from serving our fleshly desires to willfully serving the Lord and glorifying God in all we do. Going from “slave” to “free” is a pretty cool status change,

But wait! There’s more!

“But when the right time came, God sent his Son, born of a woman, subject to the law. God sent Him to buy freedom for us who were slaves to the law, so that He could adopt us as His very own children. And because we are His children, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, prompting us to call out, “Abba, Father.” Now you are no longer a slave but God’s own child. And since you are His child, God has made you His heir.”

(Galatians 4:4-7 NLT; see also Romans 8:14-17)

Christ did not just come to this earth to free us…He came to make us children of God (John 1:12). And, as heirs, we will abide in the Father’s house forever (John 8:35), with an indescribable inheritance awaiting us in Heaven. Sisters, upon salvation we are not only freed by God’s amazing grace, we become a new creation altogether (2 Corinthians 5:17). We are brought into the family of God.

We go from “slave” to “child”—and this is the ultimate status change.

“Father, what a joy and privilege it is to be counted among Your children! May I use this status to invite others into the family.”

For His Glory

Julianne Winkler Smith
TRBC Women’s Life

 

 

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Posted in Faith, Hope

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | October 13, 2025

The Perfect Destination

“A person’s steps are directed by the Lord. How then can anyone understand their own way? Proverbs 20:24 (ESV)

Have you ever tried to over navigate your Google directions? I’m definitely geographically challenged and can get lost ever so easily. So why I would even consider overriding Google maps is insane.

This summer I headed to the DMV in Bedford and thought I remembered its exact location. Have to admit, I hadn’t visited this DMV since my son got his learner’s permit (too many years to count). And to make sure I arrived in time for my appointment, I pulled up the DMV in Google maps and drove out my driveway. Crazy thing is Google was so wrong (or so I thought). It kept taking me around and around in a circle headed towards the Bedford Walmart. I would switch and go another way in hopes of seeing that all too familiar building only to end up back at the Walmart parking lot. Finally I gave in, and you will never believe it but the DMV moved into one of the buildings located at Walmart.

While I can laugh and get frustrated over my attempts to override Googles directions, I would have never reached my desired destination if I’d kept charting my own path to get there.

Sweet friends, how many times do we land in this place of charting our own course in life only to find we are circling in the wrong direction? Yes, I’ve landed in this place too many times. Why? Because my directed course looks so familiar so it must be right.

One big problem here  – when we chart our course, we forget that God doesn’t always take us down the same path on repeat. Often He will lead in a different direction because that is where growth and transformation will take place. When unfamiliar stares us in the face, we are stretched outside our comfort zone and our self-sufficiency no longer serves us well. In those moments, we must pivot and lean on God’s wisdom and guidance to arrive at the perfect destination He has planned.

Sounds so easy, but it is hard to release our direction and embrace His. Yet it is totally worth it every time. Our limited perspective only sees one way…one direction. What worked in the past – what we envision for now. God’s divine perspective sees everything, and He alone knows how all things work and fit together to accomplish His purposes. The direction He has for today will teach us to trust Him more and position us for His best.

New paths are new opportunities to lean into God’s wisdom and embrace the growth He desires to accomplish in us. New paths open up new challenges which require utter dependence on God’s strength. New paths offer us a deeper relationship with the One who always leads us in the victory – it’s a win, win, we have nothing to lose.

 

“Father thank You for charting our course, leading us and guiding us each step of the way. Following hard after You never disappoints and it’s the best way to live our lives.”

 
For His Glory

 

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

 

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Spiritual Growth

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | October 10, 2025

When Scattering Invites Blessing

“Now those who were scattered went about preaching the word.”  Acts 8:4 (ESV)

Just the mention of the word “scatter” can evoke a negative vibe.  We are creatures of habit and love our besties, our Bible study tribe and our inner circle of sweet friends.  So the thought of dividing up…spreading out…casting in all directions simply doesn’t appeal to us.  We love the comfort of those we’ve been doing life with, and we can’t imagine the dissolving of such a good thing.  But if there is no scattering could it be possible we are missing out on the blessing of spreading God’s love in a different direction?

The book of Acts unveils the beauty of a scattering.  The early church was facing immense persecution in Jerusalem.  Stephen, full of faith and the Holy Spirit, was martyred – stoned to death.  Saul was savagely persecuting believers entering their homes and dragging men and women to prison (Acts 8:3).  Desperate times sent the early believers scattering throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria preaching the good news.  This forced, unwanted dispersing ultimately culminated in many receiving the gospel.

Fast forward to 2025 and we have absolutely no excuse for not spreading the gospel.  We might face ridicule and criticism, but the church of God in America isn’t facing persecution like the church in Acts.   Sharing the good news of Jesus Christ is easier than ever, yet we often desire to stay confined within the walls of sweet fellowship with believers rather than spending time with those who don’t know Jesus.

Wonder how God feels about our settling for ease?  Matthew 28:16 commands us to go – to make disciples – to scatter into all the world preaching the gospel to everyone.  Now that’s definitely not a clinging to my group mentality at all.  God’s plan was for us to enjoy fellowship but not at the expense of resisting sharing His truths with others.

Love the amazing testimony of Elisabeth Elliot who took the Great Commission seriously.  Her husband, Jim, was martyred by the Waodani Indians.  A year later, two Waodani women walked out of their tribal land into a remote village not far from where Elisabeth was still serving as a missionary.  When she heard the news, Elisabeth left her young daughter with a friend and walked six hours to meet these women.  She brought them back to her home to live with her so she could learn their language.  Eventually Elisabeth, her daughter and Rachel Saint lived among the very people who speared her husband to death and many from this tribe believed in God.

Scattering isn’t comfortable or easy.  Yet,  I can only imagine how beautiful it will be when we stand before our God and see those who came to know Him as a result of our willingness to disperse and share the gospel.

“Father, sharing the gospel with our world is a privilege we don’t want to neglect.  Help us to step outside our comfort zone and boldly tell others of Your love for them.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

 

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | October 9, 2025

Changing From The Inside

“Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us”   Ephesians 3:20 (NIV)

That’s a portion of scripture that many of us love, one that gives us great encouragement when we’re stuck between a rock and a hard place with no place to turn. I’ve been in a situation like that recently, and you probably have been, too, at least within recent memory. It’s the human condition.

We humans love to be in control of our own lives, don’t we? We love to think of ourselves as self-sufficient, not a burden on anyone. But when our resources suddenly dry up, our health fails, or circumstances twist our path in unexpected directions, we find ourselves in that scary place where life is out of our control, where life spins in a direction we didn’t choose. We see our cherished plans crashing and burning. The future stretches out before us as a great unknown, or maybe we even see the future being cut short. Maybe our old ways of handling crises don’t work in the new situation.

That’s when we turn to the words of Paul, describing our God – “who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine . . . ” When you let those words sink into your heart, they are indeed a source of great peace and comfort. But we can’t stop there. What about the rest of the verse—according to his power that is at work within us?

Yes, it’s His power. Yes, it’s at work within us. That may mean that we need to take action, but not always. Sometimes that means His power is changing us from the inside, and we can trust Him to do everything according to His great love for us. Change is often difficult. It’s scary. If you feel the pull of God trying to change your thinking or your heart, you are most blessed. Don’t resist. Let Him do His work so you can break free of the emotions and ideas holding you back. I have never regretted allowing God to change me. Even though it has sometimes been a gut-wrenching experience, it has always, always been for the best. When that happens in your life, you can stand back and be amazed at what God can accomplish when your erroneous notions get out of His way.

God is sovereign! So “trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will direct your paths.” (Proverbs 3:5-6)

Following God is an exciting adventure. Blessings on you as you put your life and your efforts in His hand!

“Lord God, our heart’s desire is to align ourselves with Your will, so give us the courage to submit to Your work in our hearts and minds.”

For His Glory

 Cherie Williams (www.cherieharbridgewilliams.com)
TRBC Women’s Life

 

 

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

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | October 8, 2025

What Are You Looking At?

 

“… at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue declare that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”  Philippians 2:10-11 (NLT)

My husband runs the cameras for the local high school football team. He loves it! Every Friday night he is out in the end zone working with remote cameras and twenty foot wires. Last week the cameras were not working correctly and he was disappointed, but he made a comment about actually getting to see the game. He went on to explain that although he was at the game and even on the field each week, the scoreboard was behind him, so he rarely knew the exact score—though he always knew who was winning. He is so concentrated on getting each play recorded; therefore, he is focused only on his part.

That made me think of what my life should be like. I know Who wins. I have read the end of the story. Philippians tells us that every single knee will bow to Him, and every single tongue will acknowledge Jesus is Lord! This will happen when God says it is time for it to happen. What an amazing day that will be for those of us who have bowed our knee to Him here on this earth. What a tragic day that will be for those who have denied Him here on this earth.

Since I have no doubt this day will happen,  my job here and now is to focus on the game. Whatever role He has called me to, wherever He has placed me to influence others, and whoever He has called me to share Him with, that is all I need to do. I don’t need to worry as the score goes back and forth or coaches change up the play calls. I just need to concentrate on my part in the game.

Can we just imagine what our world would look like if each of us did our part and stopped looking around? The football players on the field are not wondering why the quarterback is not playing defensive back or why the running back is not doing the part of a wide receiver. Each knows his own job, and each one works hard all week to do his part correctly. They are all working for the team to win!

I am challenging myself to this – keep my focus on what He has called me to do and to allow everyone else to do what He has called them to do. As we work together, we can see this world change. Each one added to His kingdom brings the score up just a little bit more! Why do we do this? To win souls to Jesus Christ because that is ultimately the only thing that really matters.

“Father, help us to do our part in Your kingdom so many will come to see You as their Lord.”

For His Glory

Terrie Tollerson (feel free to follow me @TerrieTollerson)
TRBC Women’s Life

 

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Posted in Faith, Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | October 7, 2025

The Gospel According To Isaiah

“Seek the LORD while He may found; call upon Him while He is near. Let the wicked forsake his way and the unrighteous man his thoughts; and let him return to the LORD, and He will have compassion on him, and to our God, for He will abundantly pardon.” Isaiah 55:6-7

Reading the Old Testament prophets (major or minor) can be confusing, complicated, and overwhelming. To me, understanding these prophesies in the context of the nation of Israel, as well as their pointing to Jesus, requires intense study by way of theologians, commentary, and the Holy Spirit Himself! But then I come to particular chapters of Isaiah, and I am overjoyed in seeing clearly the message of salvation and our beautiful Messiah.

In the opening chapter, verse 18, for instance, Isaiah proclaims, “’Come now, let us reason together,’ says the Lord. ‘Though your sins are as scarlet, they will be as white as snow. Though they are red like crimson, they will be like wool’.” Then there is the terrible and stunning chapter 53, which describes in prophetic detail the suffering of our Savior and His satisfaction of the wrath that belongs to you and me.

So, as the headlines of this evil and broken world continue to pummel my soul with Davidic questions like, “How long, oh Lord?,” it’s easy to get discouraged. And it can be hard to keep one’s eyes on the Sovereignty and Goodness of our God. But then I open my Bible to Isaiah chapter 55, where the precious promise of God’s grace poured out in a refreshing Gospel reminder.

Here, Isaiah starts by asking why we’re trying to satisfy our soul with the things of this world—we hunger and thirst but chase things that cannot quench our deep needs. No, he says—there is a free gift of God that is yours for the asking! Seek the Lord—call upon Him in your desperation. Forsake your wicked ways and repent—turn back to God. When we recognize that there is no way we can buy, earn, or achieve God’s standard on our own and so surrender to Him, He completely pardons us. (A pardon! Think about this in our modern legal terms! A guilty, convicted criminal is fully forgiven and freed—as if he or she never committed the crime at all. Oh, sweet friend, how amazing is our pardon from the Living God?!) When we call on the Lord in the recognition of our sin and unworthiness, and then surrender to Him, we receive the righteousness of Christ (the suffering Servant of Isaiah 53). And as an extra bonus to exclaim how mind-blowing this free gift of salvation actually is, Isaiah goes right into saying, “And you know what? It is impossible for our puny brains to fathom this abundant compassion, mercy, and grace” (vs. 8-9).

Are you tired and thirsty? Seeking satisfaction from the things of this world? Are you frustrated by the headlines of darkness that make you question whether there is a light that can overcome it? Beloved, from before time began, there has been a plan of Victory! Jesus, the Second Person of the Godhead, came to earth as a Man to suffer the penalty for all who call on His Name, overcoming sin and death. He is the Light that makes all darkness flee. He is the Bread of Life, the Living Water that fully satisfies the “God-shaped hole” in your soul. Won’t you invite Him in and accept His free gift of grace?

“Oh, sweet Jesus, thank You for exchanging my sin and wretchedness for Your righteousness—forever changing me and my eternity. Thank You for Your Word that, from Genesis 1:1 to Revelation 22:21 shouts of Your redemptive plan.”

For His Glory

Julianne Winkler Smith
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Faith, Hope, Worship

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | October 6, 2025

Confident Trust

“Because he holds fast to me in love, I will deliver him; I will protect him, because he knows my name.” Psalm 91:4 (ESV)

This weekend, I pulled out the mower and once again took care of the yard. The temps were nice Friday night, so I barely broke a sweat. With the days getting shorter, I didn’t get finished so as soon as I got home from church Sunday, I mowed the last part and took the mower back to the lower end of our garage. Just as I was entering the garage, I saw something in the grass. When I checked it out it was the remains of a black snake, possibly one I had mowed over on Friday.

So you have to know my ritual every time I mowed this summer, I always prayed and asked God to protect me from ticks, snakes and any other creatures (raccoons, skunks) that might be hiding out in the lower garage. Yes living near a farm, I see all kinds of animals. And God totally protected me, yet today my mind was consumed with the fact that an actual snake was in my yard. Oh how quickly we move from confident trust to daunting fear.

Definitely had to pivot on this because God, who knows me intimately,  was gently reminding me over and over again – the snake was dead! He had truly protected me, and the fact I saw it was reassurance He is taking care of me in so many other ways. Don’t you just love that our God knows exactly what we need and especially when we need the visible, tangible reminders of His constant protection.

The past seven months since my husband suddenly left this world for his eternal home have definitely invited moments of fear, doubt and insecurities. My soul has felt vulnerable and exposed, yet there are endless ways God has met my every need and protected me. In a sea of ever increasing paperwork, God has given me clarity and taught me how to lean into His understanding. When sleep evaded me, He calmed my aching heart and held me close. When daily tasks increased, God strengthened  and encouraged me. And when the enemy attempted to create doubt and confusion, God protected my mind and assured me of His deep abiding love.

Sweet friends, whatever you’re facing this week – breathe out a prayer to the One who can provide all we need and protect us in every way. And when the enemy shouts doubt choose to trust the One who whispers I’ve got it – I’ve got you covered, you don’t need to fear or worry – you are totally safe with me.

“Father, if only we could see all that You are protecting us from we would be totally amazed. You shield, provide, surround, calm and lovingly care for us. How could we ever doubt Your goodness even in the hard places.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

 

 

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Gratitude, Hope

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | October 3, 2025

Dancing In The Joy of Forgiveness

jan-30“Then I let it all out; I said, I’ll make a clean breast of my failures to God.”  Suddenly the pressure was gone – my guilt dissolved, my sin disappeared.”  Psalm 32:5 (The Message)

The joy of forgiveness is only birth in authentic confession.  Sounds simple – we  confess, He forgives and we live happily ever after. It’s so easy to simply come to Jesus and say:  “I’m sorry for what I did or please forgive my sins.” True confession, however, stems from a specific acknowledgement of our disobedience. In other words – name it, confess it and turn from it.

It’s so easy to grab grace on the go and dismiss the holiness of God’s character.  It’s more comfortable to be general than specific because then we would have to admit our wrongs and turn from them.  Much more pleasant to minimize or excuse our actions versus coming clean with Jesus.

Recently, I have been challenged to name one of my sins – disunity.  Faced with a challenging person, I’ve jumped on the bandwagon of complaining and grumbling.  Sad thing is this person is a believer – double strike against me.  Rather than continuing to join in with the critics, I’ve had to confess that my words have not been uplifting or building up this person.  I’ve just sung the same song as everyone else.  And God’s word is very specific about disunity among believers and criticism. When I confessed my sin and truly repented, I experienced the beauty of God’s forgiveness.

“Will I sin again?  In my flesh, I am sure I will but learning to confess my sins by name propels me to walk closer in obedience.  It frees me from the clutter of dirt residing in my heart that clogs my relationship with God. It opens up the prayer lines so that God can draw near to me.  Instead of drowning in sin, I can dance in the joy of God’s forgiveness.

“Sweet Jesus, I would much rather vaguely excuse away my wrongs then name them one by one.  But I know that You long to break the chains of bondage that so easily pulls us down.  Help each of us to evaluate and respond to Your conviction over the things in our lives that displease You.”

 

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Faith, Gratitude, Hope

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | October 2, 2025

When Yesterday’s Release Is Hard

“For the Lord your God is bringing you into a good land – a land where you will lack nothing.”(Deuteronomy 8:7a&9a NIV)

The Lord had spoken. He had seen the misery experienced in Egypt and freedom was imminent in a land flowing with milk and honey. Pharaoh posed obstacle number one and the Israelites were quick to condemn the giver of the message. Relief was not immediate so the way things had always been, even if it was in slavery, must have been better than any possible future outcome. Thus commenced the cycle of impatience, pointing fingers, discontentment and ultimately worshipping other gods. Heart attitudes and behaviors that God could neither accept nor reward.

In a knowledge era that reinforces what we don’t know, in a time of fast everything that slows our ability to live in the here and now, have we lost the art of surrendered souls that trust God’s hand at work?

Too often, I find myself looking back. Sometimes, great achievement was realized that is pleasurable to replay. Most often, my cup half-empty self meditates on those encounters that failed or went off track. In the meantime, I am unable to hear God’s voice in the now that is calling me to prayer, presence and purpose. It’s difficult to move forward when every part of my being is looking back and analyzing the past. I reinforce my trust in the known, but faith comes up short as I take my eyes off what the Lord wants to do today. The path of the past does not meet the path of the now rendering my service ineffective for anyone. Excellence in today’s pursuits is not possible. Sensitivity to see the Lord at work unattainable. Peace in the circumstance an illusion.

As I let go of yesterday and focus on today, regardless if it seems to contain more or less glamor, I am more fully able to express all that God has called me to. What is behind filled a purpose for a time that has come to an end. With learnings in hand, may I then embrace today’s mission knowing that God has me in His perfect will, watches over me and is pleased.

“Lord, we are a people, obsessed with the past and future but resistant to view the truth in the present. May your children depend on you for daily sustenance, peace and protection. May we be an example to the world of your love, care and sacrifice.”

For His Glory

Kathryn Hayman
TRBC Women’s Life

 

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Posted in Faith, Prayer, Spiritual Growth

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