Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | December 5, 2025

When Character Begins To Slip

“Do not be misled: “Bad company corrupts good character.” I Corinthians 15:33 (ESV)

He appeared hunched over and clutching his brown bag tightly to his chest. His coat was torn, dirty and oversized. His teeth darkly stained beyond recognition and the stocking cap covering his head revealed grey stringy hair. Scary doesn’t even describe him. His feet dragging up the steps, he halted and banged on the door. Gasps, screams and fear stricken women were hovering inside. Little did they know, the one waiting outside really was one of them. Totally out of character – Goodwill clothes and all, my quiet sweet me had played quite the joke on my Bible study friends.

Ever found yourself acting out of character – not true to the real you? The person who was predictable and expected unveiling a flipside unrecognizable to those who knew them best. The punctual one all of a sudden arriving late. The quiet reserved one surprising becoming loud and showy. The devoted committed one who suddenly becomes noncommittal and unintentional.

Hate to admit it but I’ve been there before – how about you? Landing in the place where we exchange who we are for something far less. To be totally honest it’s never intentional just a gradual slipping away from the real us. Blinded by the character flip. While we are dismissive and in denial, our inner circle becomes majorly concerned. And the result never serves us well.

Sweet friends the quickest way to avoid stepping out of character is to guard our motives and the influencers in our circle. What is going on in our life that would motivate us to act contrary to who we are? Are we trying to fit into a new circle? Are we testing the waters of change because we no longer want to be who we’ve been? Or perhaps we’ve compromised on some critical points and the new reflection of us is less than we thought possible.

Note to self: stay true to self. Don’t allow the seemingly attractive lures to cause us to project a different view of us. Heed godly counsel and friends who recognize what we can’t see. Be women of steadfast integrity, unwavering in reflecting the image of our awesome Creator – simply us as God designed us.

“Father, help me to see the woman in the mirror and recognize when my character steps out of alignment with yours.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Spiritual Living, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | December 4, 2025

Awesome…Experiencing The Wonder Of His Greatness

“All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.” Acts 2:4 (NIV)

Awesome is a word that describes something or someone that causes feelings of wonder or awe. Something awesome can move us from the inside out and cause a thrill and joy that normal things just cannot achieve.

One of the things I characterize as awesome is worship, because something supernatural and unconventional happens during worship. When we alleviate things around us and focus on our worship to God, chains are broken and walls fall down; barriers cease to exist, and we are all gathered as one. I had one of those awesome experiences while attending the International Christian Embassy Jerusalem (ICEJ) annual Feast of Tabernacles in Israel, along with thousands of people representing 95 nations from around the world. We were gathered in a large arena in Jerusalem called Payis Arena, with the capacity to hold over 15,000 people. Just before they announced the evening speaker, the praise band began to sing How Great Thou Art. What began as an English-unison in the first stanza, soon became an audible breakdown of voices by different languages. All the nations represented in the arena were singing praise to the Lord in their own tongue, just as it had happened on the Day of Pentecost (Acts 2). The power of the Holy Spirit was so strong in the arena, that I, along with hundreds of other people, could not help but fall to our knees and worship the Lord.

Have you experienced something awesome lately? If not, I encourage you to let go of your normal routine for a bit and immerse yourself in praise and worship to the Lord. You will find that all those worries will seem obsolete in the presence of the King, because the Lord inhabits the praises of His people (Psalm 22:3).

“Dear Lord, You are amazing. We give You glory and honor and praise for You are worthy.”

For His Glory

Luska Natali
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Encouragement, Hope, Worship

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | December 3, 2025

Holiday Anxiety

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV)

­­You can feel it in the air already, can’t you? Stepping into a store, you see lit Christmas trees lined up one aisle, holiday music playing and sales everywhere. Retailers fervently promoting their products, and Amazon runs major sales events.

The holiday season, which I think of as a rollercoaster from Halloween through New Year’s Day, is when our everyday lives get upended by cultural insanity. People buy things they don’t usually buy, eat goodies they don’t normally eat, wear sweaters they wouldn’t be caught dead in at other times of the year, and pack their calendars with special events. Is it fun? It’s intended to be, but it can also cause physical and emotional burnout.

Here’s a non-holiday example of what can happen: Years ago, I worried about everything, particularly events in our church, because my young husband was the pastor. It was a small congregation with one aggressive member who opposed him in everything and caused deep dissension. This fellow also went around town with a business card saying he was the associate pastor, even though he wasn’t. My stress level was extreme. I expected more from Christians. My anxiety finally began to cause physical symptoms that sent me to the doctor. As he dug into the causes of my illness, I mentioned what was happening in our church. I told him how shocked I was at people’s behavior. He said, “Why are you so surprised? They’re just people.” That was the beginning of my recovery. I woke up to the fact that I expected too much. Can you relate that to the holidays?

On the other hand, God may use your stress to your advantage. Sometimes, anxiety forces us to recognize God’s sovereignty. Job was an example of that. He lost his children, his livestock, his fortune, his health, the respect of his friends, and the support of his wife, who urged him to curse God and die. Talk about riches to rags—that was Job. And Mrs. Job’s own anxiety had to be through the roof, too. We never consider her in the story except to criticize her…but I digress. Job didn’t come to peace until he had long talks with God. He finally recognized that God is sovereign and can do what He wants. But God is also a God of love. You see, walking through stressful times sometimes knocks down the wrong thinking we have developed without realizing it.

So, what’s my point? Is holiday stress good or bad? The answer is this: it depends on how you handle it. So, child of God, when the gift-buying, tree-trimming, and Christmas programs take their toll on you this season, step back, take a breath, and press into your heavenly Father. Be still and know that He is God.

“Dear Lord, we thank You for this joyful time of year, but pray for sanity this coming holiday season, that we will not expect too much. We invite You to our activities and ask that You infuse them with the Spirit of peace.”

 For His Glory

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

 

 

 

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

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | December 2, 2025

Help Me! I Trust You!

“Incline Your ear, O Lord, and answer me; For I am afflicted and needy. Preserve my soul, for I am a godly man; O You my God, save Your servant who trusts in You. Be gracious to me, O Lord, For to You I cry all day long. Make glad the soul of Your servant, For to You, O Lord, I lift up my soul.” Psalm 86:1-4

Don’t you just love the Psalms? These writings pretty much have it all covered—every emotion, lament, pain…worship and praise for who God is…wisdom and instruction as to how to be in God’s will…and even a bit of “go-get-‘em-God” sentiment (imprecatory Psalms). When we’re wrestling with life (that is, ALL of us, pretty much ALL the time), then diving deep into the Psalms is like cool water for the soul. In fact, the very first Psalm starts off with the exhortation that to stand firm and be wise in the craziness of this wicked world, we must stay in God’s Word!

It’s the Psalms written by David that are really encouraging to me. No matter where David starts (soul-wrenching agony, anger, questioning God…), he tends to end up in the same place: worshipping the Lord for His goodness, graciousness, and glory. That’s why, in the midst of our needs (life-altering mountainous ones or daily knocking ones), Psalm 86 is a wonderful go-to. In summary, the basic flow is:

“Are You listening, Lord? Help me!

I am Yours, and I know I can trust You!

All day I cry to You—I’m so sad…please restore my joy!

I know You’re good, Lord—so kind to Your people.

So, please hear me—I’m in trouble!

I know You’ll answer me. I’m not sure how or when…but it WILL be for Your glory.

You’re God. (I’m not.) Show me Your way in this—that’s all I want! Your will!

You rescued me, and I’m so thankful.

Help me! Be gracious and strengthen me in this.

You’ve been faithful to me before, please do it again. For Your glory.”

 

Really, it’s the “I believe, help my unbelief” format of Mark 9:23-24, with a similar paradoxical prayer of “I trust You to help me—help me trust You.” And it’s such a glorious structure for our cries to the Lord. So, as you (and I) start to feel that panic of pain, fear, trouble rising to the surface, here are four steps, per Psalm 86, to lift our needs—and our soul—to the Lord.

  1. Tell the Lord your specific trouble. Yes, He knows—of course—but He wants to hear your cry. (“Protect me” or “Heal me” or “Rescue me”…)
  2. Remember who God is. Rehearse His patience, kindness, grace, and love. Remind yourself that His will is perfect, His timing is perfect, and all things will be for our good—and most importantly, for His glory.
  3. Ask Him to change you—to strengthen you, gladden your heart, make you more like Him. To show you reasons to rejoice even in the pain.
  4. Remind yourself of the truth of your rescue from darkness and death! You have the hope of heaven. You’ve been redeemed and will be glorified. (This life is a blink in the scheme of eternity…and this world is not our Home.)

“Lord, You are so good, and Your lovingkindness is beyond our comprehension. As I cry out to You (in anger, pain, fear), hear me, strengthen me, and remind me that You are God—and You’ve got this.”

For His Glory

Julianne Winkler Smith
TRBC Women’s Life

 

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Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | December 1, 2025

The Wait List

“But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in Him. They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.”  Jeremiah 17:7-8 (ESV)

Read these words this week, and they settled all over me: “No matter what you’re waiting on, remember that God is working in the waiting” (quote by Kristyn Perez).

Waiting is definitely not our fave thing to do. This year has been a season of many waits….waiting on insurance check, waiting on a vehicle to sell, waiting to settle some accounts, waiting to get my washer fixed, waiting at Duke with my brother, etc. I think we get the picture – we all have seasons of waiting – just some of those seasons seem to be on repeat and not of our choosing.

One of the great misconceptions Satan rises to the surface during waiting is God’s lack of involvement in our lives. Waiting seems so wasted and ineffective. Delayed dreams and expectations appear to expire. Yet scripture reminds us that God’s waiting is always for His perfect purposes. Just a glimpse at David’s life, and we find this future king still tending sheep, fighting off a giant and running for his life. Moses waited in the wilderness convinced he was not the one to help his people. Wrongly accused, Joseph spent years in prison waiting for the cupbearer to remember him. The Jewish people waited for the arrival of the Messiah to save and deliver His people.

We know the ending of all these waiting seasons, but the ones who were waiting were just as clueless as we are  – we simply don’t know how God is working or understand His timing.

Just like God ordained every second of the lives of people throughout scripture, He ordains all of our days for His perfect purposes. Our clock may be ticking, but God’s isn’t because He, sweet friends, is eternal. We can trust every season into His care, and He is working even if we don’t see it. Yesterday’s delays and today’s sidelines all align into tomorrow’s fulfillment of God’s divine will – our part is to simply wait, trust and act as He leads us.

As we move into the Christmas season, what are you waiting for? Perhaps it’s relief from a hard year. Perhaps it’s progress toward a goal that seems unachievable. Maybe it’s re-connection with a loved one estranged due to conflict. Could it be we’re waiting for a new year to unveil better days free of unwanted burdens. Regardless of the reason for our wait, God longs to focus our attention away from the cares of this world so we will view life through the perspective of eternity. Bearing fruit even in wide spaces of wait so others will see our hope and determination to follow God’s leading rather than our own.

“Father thank You for pivoting our waiting seasons into glorious opportunities for growth. Teach us to embrace waiting and learn the lesson You will unveil one day at a time.”

For His Glory

 

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | November 26, 2025

Happy Thanksgiving

“He touched her, and instantly she could stand straight. How she praised God.” Luke 13:13 (NLT)

Thanksgiving is tomorrow whether we are ready for it or not! I hope your shopping is done, the turkey is thawing, and you are all decorated for Thanksgiving or Christmas or both:)! Maybe we should have a picture of Santa eating a huge Thanksgiving meal while the reindeer graze outside and eat pumpkin pie!

As we get ready for the holiday season to begin, I just wanted to share a little gem from Luke 13.

Here we meet a woman who has been afflicted physically and spiritually for eighteen years. She has been so bent over, she is unable to stand up. Scripture also tells us that there was an evil spirit involved. We don’t know whether that caused the physical ailment or maybe it was a spirit of depression or sorrow because of her condition. We do know that it was the Sabbath, and she was present in the synagogue.

We can imagine her standing in the background, listening, unable to even look up to see Jesus. Jesus sees her and calls her over. Her first choice. Should she go to Him? Do we go to Him when He calls us?

She goes to Him and Jesus says, “Woman, you are free!” (Luke 13:13 The Message)   She is healed of the spirit that has been so heavy and burdensome all of these years.

Jesus then reaches out and touches her. She is then healed physically! After 18 years, she could stand up straight and look Jesus in the face. She could see Him clearly for who He is. Her physical healer, but also her spiritual healer.

What is the first thing she did? She thanked Him. She praised and glorified Him. She could not get over what Jesus had done for her. Have we gotten over what God has done for us?

Just for a moment, remember when you met Him. Remember one of your most difficult seasons and how He stayed beside you. Thank Him for a miracle you lived through, an illness that was healed, physical needs that were provided, or loved ones who offer a hug. Thank Him for the hard times and the character that He helped develop in you. Thank Him for being the Light in the darkest of days. Thank Him for His willingness to be humiliated and shed every drop of blood because of His great love for us. Just thank Him.

As we move into this Thanksgiving, are we moving toward Jesus or away from Him? Remembering what He has done and thanking Him brings us closer to Him.

I will give thanks to You, Lord, with all my heart;

    I will tell of all Your wonderful deeds.

Psalm 9:1

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

“Father, help us always remember to thank You in everything.”

 

For His Glory

Terrie Tollerson (follow me @TerrieTollerson on Instagram Or visit TerrieTollerson.com)

TRBC Women’s Life

What a joy it is serve each of you with Women’s Life Devotionals. Praying you have an amazing Thanksgiving – our devotionals will resume on Monday, December 1..

 

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Gratitude, Hope

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | November 25, 2025

Keeping The Blessed List

“But they soon forgot what He had done and did not wait for His counsel.” Psalm 106:13 (NIV)

Forgotten. Left off the list. Intentionally erased. Purposefully dismissed. Amazing how quickly we can move from down to up and miss how we got there. It’s not like our minds went on vacation – we remember lots of things: birthdays, anniversaries, doctor visits, bargain sales, passwords, etc. But when life shifts from desperately in need to being full, we tend to forget who got us through. Good becomes our feast, and we become our victor.

No different than the ten who found themselves freed from leprosy (Luke 17). Lifting up their voices as they begged for mercy when Jesus passed through their village. Healed by the very words that flowed from Jesus’ lips. All cleansed, made whole, restored – and yet only one returned to praise. One remembered. One, with a loud voice, glorified God and fell facedown at His feet giving thanks.

A year slips away – 2025 is quickly fading. Where has Jesus taken us? What lessons have we learned? What has He done in the moments of our days? Is our list short? Have we intentionally forgotten because we survived? What prayers did He answer? How did we navigate those hard places and still shine? What about those glorious sunrises and sunsets – what beauty unfolded before our eyes? Who painted the sky? Who created the perfect moments when protection surrounded us? And what about those sweet times with family and friends – who orchestrated the relationships in our lives that bring us such joy?

I’m an avid list maker. Grocery lists. Things to do lists. Books I’d love to read lists. And as I head into the holidays it’s the Christmas list. Best list ever is the one naming all God is to me. Not just all He’s done, which is incredible, but remembering who He is and how He intentionally pursues a relationship with me.

Gratitude expressed lifts the heart and pivots our focus away from self and onto our glorious God.   Our comforter who dries tear drenched eyes.  Our peace when the ground beneath our feet is shaky.  Our security when uncertainty reigns large.  Our strength in the face of overwhelming weakness.  Our ever present companion during lonely nights of sleeplessness.  Our loving Father who carries us when moving forward seems unbearable.  Our wisdom giver when questions loom large.  Our joy giver in the early dawn hours.  Even in a year of devastating loss, God is filling my blessed list with endless praise for His grace, love and truth.

Sweet friends, join me in keeping the “blessed list” that isn’t erased. Let’s be the one who never forgets. Let’s rehearse His goodness found even in those unexpected places. Let’s purposefully remember all He has done. Let’s intentionally reflect on treasures birthed in the darkness. Let’s not flee in the midst of success neglecting to glorify God. Let’s not give up when hard scripts unfold. Let’s be the one facedown at His feet shouting praises at the top of our lungs even if tears flow endlessly.

“Father, seal our hearts and minds with the incredible story You are writing over our lives. Help praise to flow effortlessly from our lips. And at all times, good or bad, sweet or hard, remind us that You alone are worthy of our praise.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

 

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Posted in Encouragement, Gratitude, Hope, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | November 24, 2025

Writing Thanks On The Wall Of Your Heart

“Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for mankind, for he satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things.” Psalm 107:8-9

One of my favorite Thanksgiving traditions is our “Wall of Thanks.” Every November, on my kitchen wall (which incidentally is in the heart of our home), I write a scripture about thanks on the top of our giant chalkboard, and through Thanksgiving Day, daily every member of our family writes something they’re thankful for and whoever may come in our home—from plumbers to dinner guests— is invited to do the same. It’s a marvel to see the wall filled by Thanksgiving Day with so many written shouts of thanks.

I love the giant visual, but I ask myself…if my heart was a chalkboard, would it be as full of such notations? Am I being intentional to offer a record of my thanks to the Lord? Am I thanking Him not only for the big things but also the small things? Am I thanking Him not only for the good things but how He shows Himself faithful through the hard things? Am I thanking Him just for the things He does or am I remembering to thank Him for who He is?

These are questions each of us would do well to consider not only during November’s focus on thanks but really every day.

Often, what you see put on a tea towel or a wall hanging seems cute but gets a little lost in the background: “There’s Always Something to Be Thankful For.” Do we really believe that? If so, taking an inventory of what fills our hearts with thanks is essential. We have so much to be grateful for, even on our hardest days. Even if there is not one thing before our eyes, we can see to be thankful for, the Lord is worthy of our thanks simply for being good and faithful. Of course, we know that even on the darkest night, there’s still something we can witness to physically be grateful for, even if it’s the breath in our lungs.

So no matter how much you can or cannot see, examine your life and consider what’s written on the wall of your heart. What are you thankful for today?

Take account of your thanks and offer it to the Lord.

“Lord, Give us grateful hearts. Thank you for who you are and how you show yourself faithful to us each day.”

 

For His Glory

Emily P. Meyer (www.emilypmeyer.com)
TRBC Women’s Life

 

 

 

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Posted in Encouragement, Gratitude, Hope, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | November 21, 2025

Grateful Hearts

“Enter his gates with thanksgiving go into his courts with praise. Give thanks to him and bless his name.” Psalm 100:4 (NLT)

Sarah Josepha Buell Hale (1788-1879) was an American writer and editor. One of her credits is penning the nursery rhyme “Mary Had A Little Lamb.” In 1846, Ms. Hale began a 17 year endeavor writing five different presidents proposing a day set aside to give thanks. The letters fell on deaf ears. Until, the letter she wrote Abraham Lincoln convinced him to enact legislation establishing what we call today Thanksgiving in 1863. Hail to Ms. Hale! She is credited as the individual most responsible for the national holiday “Happy Thanksgiving.”

As we travel long or short distances to be with family and friends for the holidays, we will gather around tables amid a bounty of turkey, dressing, cranberry and pumpkin dishes. Let’s humbly with grateful hearts enter the gates of heaven; up to the throne where our Lord sits crowned with majesty and worthy of all our praise. Reminiscing as far back in time as our memories will allow. Turning page after page of our pasts. Thinking on certain times in our lives when God certainly held us in the palm of His hands. Thanking Him with silent prayers for His faithfulness. Blessing His name through the trials and triumphant knowing the Lord has been there each step of the way.

Whether we were in the valley or on the mountain top; struggling through the wilderness towards the promised land…God has never left us nor forsaken us. He has protected, provided and delivered. He has restored, renewed and healed. And He has forgiven us time and time again.

“Father, we are thankful not just on Thanksgiving day, but every day because Your love for us endures forever. Your love never fails. You are worthy and we bless Your holy name.”

For His Glory

Kim Lacey Schock (kimlaceyschock.com)
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Attitude, Encouragement, Gratitude, Hope, Worship

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | November 20, 2025

Windblown

“The ungodly . . . are like the chaff which the wind drives away. Therefore, the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous. For the Lord knows the way of the righteous, but the way of the ungodly shall perish. Psalm 1:4-6  NKJV

Autumn is my favorite season. After the Virginia trees turn from green to glorious yellows and reds, they darken to deep crimson and gold. This year, after all the drama of the color changes, the weather took a sudden snap. Most of the leaves are now crispy brown. Suddenly, it’s very cold, and the wind is squalling. Suddenly, it’s very winter-like.

My husband and I live in a home surrounded by acres of woods where we have a front-row seat to the fall spectacle. We enjoy monitoring the progress of autumn from our window.

Many of the leaves have already fallen to the ground, and this morning, they were at the mercy of the gusting winds. There was quite a performance on the driveway. The dead leaves flitted about in the wind, swirling up in circles and then settling to the ground. They blew toward the right, and a few seconds later, blew back again to the left, twirling and spinning the whole time. They had no power nor desire to control their direction; they only went where the wind drove them.

Have you noticed a lot of this going on in the culture? People’s beliefs go this way and that depending on whatever is popular. And when a new idea comes along, the old belief is discarded in favor of whatever gets the most press. It puts me in mind of one line of the song, “Trumpet of Jesus,” that says, “I march to the drumbeat of God Almighty while the others just wander around.”

There’s a lot of wandering around these days, just like those leaves. But for those who are marching to God’s drumbeat, there’s joyous purpose to living. Listen to verse 3 of Psalm 1 that refers to those who love the Lord:

He shall be like a tree
Planted by the rivers of water,
That brings forth its fruit in its season,
Whose leaf also shall not wither;
And whatever he does shall prosper.

The choices are clear. We can live with purpose and vitality according to God’s Word—bearing fruit—or we can be like the withering leaves and chaff that the wind drives away. There can be no more important decision. One leads to life, and the other to death.

As daughters of our Heavenly Father, we have the privilege of following Him daily, depending on Him, and receiving His blessings. We have the privilege of life. And He has commissioned us to witness—to tell our stories—to those who need Him.

“Father, we all know people who need You. Give us a heart for those who are lost, and help us to recognize the opportunities before us. Help us to influence those who are like withered leaves to become fruit-bearers in Your kingdom.”

For His Glory

Cherie Harbridge Williams
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Hope, Spiritual Growth

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