Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | July 29, 2025

All Access Pass

“And He came and preached peace to you who were afar off and to those who were near. For through Him we both have access by one Spirit to the Father.” Ephesians 2:17-18

Despite the fact that I can’t play any instrument and I’m not the greatest singer, music has always been a passion of mine. In fact, for decades I was a hardcore concert goer. Beginning at age 13, I started seeing my favorite bands and solo artists perform, in venues from huge stadiums to intimate clubs. In all those years of hundreds of shows, one thing I have never been privileged to have is one of those “all-access” passes. You know, that special lanyard that grants you entrance backstage with all the roadies…and even affords you the opportunity to meet the object (or objects) of your fanaticism.

So, what makes one worthy of such prestigious access? Most of the time, it comes down to money—if you pay enough, you get access. Other times, it’s about who you know. Your uncle Joe knows the brother of the stage manager (who owes him a favor), so you end up with that priceless tag around your neck. Next thing you know, you’re face to face with some rock god you’ve obsessed about for years.

Sweet sister, let me let you in on an amazing truth: As a believer, you have been granted access to God Himself. In fact, you have an all-access pass to go boldly to His throne at any time. And at the end of your earthly journey, you will literally be face to face with Him. But, unlike a stage pass for some musical show, you cannot pay any price for this access—nothing you can do can earn you that proverbial lanyard. The Christian’s all-access pass, however, is acquired by that “who-you-know” route.

See, for every individual, there is just one way to gain this entrée to God’s presence—one Person to know. The moment you receive Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, you are presented before the throne of God the Father (no interceding roadies, gatekeepers, or ticket-takers). Jesus paid the cost—a price we could never afford—so we can stand in perfect holy righteousness before the Creator. All we have to do is ask.

Why not reach out and accept your all-access pass today? Just acknowledge that your brokenness and sin separate you from God. Then, turn from your old ways and accept the free gift of grace from Jesus who has made a way for you. On the cross and through His resurrection victory over death, He has exchanged your sin for His righteousness, so you can have a restored access (relationship) to God.

“Jesus, thank You for living a life I could not live and paying a debt I could never afford, providing me with an all-access-for-eternity pass to God.”

 

For His Glory

Julianne Winkler Smith
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Faith, Gratitude, Prayer

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | July 28, 2025

Temptation’s Cure

“Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” Mark 14:38 (ESV)

Working remotely definitely offered some pros and cons, but the path to my fridge seemed to get shorter every day. And let’s just be real here – my resistance was wearing out. Too easy to just grab a snack when my energy level slumped. I used to think I had a lot of self discipline….not quite so sure anymore. So for the sake of the clothes I have to wear and can’t buy another size right now, I challenged myself to do pushups when I went into the kitchen. You got it girls…yes, 10 counter pushups if I was tempted to grab a snack. And if that trick doesn’t deter  then I would have to come up with something else.

Temptation is simply tempting isn’t it? Webster defines it this way: a strong desire or an occasion of enticement. While grabbing a snack isn’t the worst thing I could do, the giving in to something tempting gradually lessens my resolve. And it never ends the way we think does it? Probably the very reason our enemy, Satan, attempts to desensitize us with every temptation we cave in to.

Regardless of our preconceived view of not sliding away, we can all fall into the trap when our resistance wears out. Best way to ensure success is to recognize what tempts us. Then come up with a plan for moments when that temptation seeks to lure us in. For instance, we can easily get caught up in the gossip circle. It starts out very innocent….and before we know it we’ve gone down a long trail of not uplifting conversations about someone. Solution: Simply change the subject when gossip slips in or walk away. Or could it be we know exactly how God wants us to handle a situation, but His way is definitely harder. We have several easier options in mind but deep down we know His is the right way. Yet we keep entertaining the words, “anyone else would do this.” Never worked with our parents and definitely doesn’t please our God. Solution: Listen to God’s way and forego the rationalization to do it our way.

I think we’ve got the picture. Identify what tempts us. Create a solution in advance – God calls it a way of escape. And then stay prayed up sweet friend because Satan loves to entangle us with things we never thought we’d do again. Choose today to win and not cave in.

“Father, You have filled us with the power of Your Spirit living within us positioning us for victory over sin. Help us to surrender to Your leading and defeat the temptations which seek to devour us.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Spiritual Living, Success, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | July 25, 2025

Inviting Stillness

“And rising very early in the morning, while it was still dark, he departed and went out to a desolate place, and there he prayed.” Mark 1:35 (ESV)

It is so quiet in my house; I could probably hear a pin drop. So unfamiliar compared to the noise cluttering my brain all day. Unknown territory for those who find comfort in keeping noise going. Not so easy to welcome when we stop hearing everything else.

Wonder why we so avoid quiet? Maybe we’ve just gotten used to the drone of computers, buzz of appliances and yes that ever present ding of our phone even when we’re home alone. But there’s something sacred, refreshing and yes inviting to be found even though we struggle through stillness.

Don’t know about you, but once I get over my initial void of chatter, quiet soothes me. My mind begins to slow and clear thinking settles me. The crazy rush of a busy day evaporates, and I find myself cherishing quiet more than I ever thought I would.

Crazy thing about still – it invites focus, concentration without pressure, deep thoughts that rise to the surface – all because quiet fills us.

Wonder if that’s why Jesus pulled Himself away from the crowds – those who loved Him and those who hated Him? Perhaps He too found focus and balance in the sweet stillness. Can’t imagine what it must have been like to walk from place to place. Teaching wherever an audience appeared. Healing even in the midst of crowds rushing through the streets. Leading a group so distinctly different yet divinely appointed.

Love the way Jesus stole away to welcome His Father into His stillness. No agenda. No impatience. No distractions – just simply filled. The world needed Him. Followers desperately required His leadership. Family missed Him. Many were sick. His time was short. An endless list of why urgency would be justified, het Jesus long for the pleasure and depth of being in His Father’s presence alone.

Wouldn’t we do well to follow in His example – to invite moments of quiet so we can clearly hear His voice? Note to self: forego the dishes in the sink, let go of the piles of mail waiting to be opened, release the urge to veg on tv or skim through tweets. Embrace rare moments of stillness and enjoy His presence filling us. Quiet never felt so good.

“Father there will always be something on our list to do, yet You long for us to gather at Your feet and release everything else. Teach us to cherish still and quiet so we can truly hear Your voice.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Encouragement, Spiritual Growth, Success, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | July 24, 2025

The Unexpected

“And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.”  Romans 5:5 (NIV)

One-third more for free.  Turbo-charged.  I was surmising how my ability to love others changes with the infusion of Jesus into my life.  My love plus some was the conclusion to which I eventually arrived.   Then, I encountered the furious customer who wanted my head and thought it would relieve the pain caused by her wayward husband.  Then, the co-worker who was deep in her own angst of unmet expectations cared little about how her words would affect me.  Then, the child with no voice, neglected and alone once again.  My muses of love too insufficient, and not up to the challenges presented.

Jesus’ ability to love continually set him apart.  Israel watched for a Savior.  Jesus was the unexpected.  The Pharisees inquired as to why Jesus would do the unthinkable and eat with sinners and tax collectors.  Hearing this, Jesus responds with “I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.” (Mark 2: 17)  Breaking Sabbath customs?  Jesus asks is it not lawful to do good and save life? The prominence of one’s mother and brothers is clear, Jesus expands His solidarity to all those who do God’s will.  Jesus, exhausted and burdened by the assignment given Him, made time for those who believed, who had need, and who reached out for help.  And the Pharisees laughed and planned Jesus’ death.

How then am I to love?  Like Jesus – in unexpected ways.  God’s love is being poured through me as my love is His love, and I have the privilege of being the chosen vessel.  Time with my Father.  Faith that believes because I know the character of my Father.  Allowing the Holy Spirit to empty me of me and become His masterpiece.  And in so doing, to be obedient to His voice and undaunted in my care for others.  To look beyond the outward signs of apathy or hurt.  To be an encouragement even when I’m tired, even when it’s not convenient and even outside of church hours.  Much love is needed, all vessels have a place.

“Father, thank You for Your love that allows me to love others in a way that cannot be compared to any experience in my natural human state.  That others will know You Jesus because of my love.”

For His Glory

Kathryn Hayman
TRBC Women’s Life

 

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Posted in Encouragement, Hope, Love

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | July 23, 2025

Desperate


“In my desperation, I prayed and the Lord listened. He saved me from all of my trouble, for the Angel of the Lord is a guard, He surrounds and defends all who fear Him.”

Psalm 34:6(NLT)

I forget things way too easily. Things pop in my head and out so quickly I sometimes can wonder if I even had the thought to begin with!!

Welcome to my world!!!  Can anyone else relate?!

Last week I was feeling a lot of anxiety about a situation that was completely out of my control, but I still felt it deep in the pit of my stomach. I walked, listened to music, cleaned out the fridge, and just tried anything to get out of the funk. I was reading scripture each morning, but it just was not enough. This overwhelming unease was getting the best of me.

As the week went on I was losing sleep and my appetite. I was really struggling with what else I could do. I looked up the word desperate after hearing Jamie McDonald sing,

      Oh God, I’m desperate

      Down on my knees

      Send help from heaven

      ‘Cause that’s what I need

      Redeem this wreckage

      Restore my peace

      I’m not asking, I’m begging

      Lord, come through for me

      I need heaven and I’m

      Desperate

 

If you have not heard this song, it is absolutely worth a listen!

So, as I am looking in my Bible to see what God says about being desperate, I came across Psalm 34:6.(See above)  “I prayed” jumped out at me. Had I been praying? Yes, if you mean as in not much more than a meal prayer. I realized I had been thinking about this, reading my Bible, searching for answers, trying to distract myself, but I had not dedicated time to give this concern to the Lord. We are not promised answers, but we are promised that He will listen. The verse goes on to say the Angel of the Lord is our guard. If He can guard someone or something from coming in, He can guard my thoughts, my anxiety, and my fears from overwhelming me.

I went out on our back porch and wept as I realized I had been struggling through this alone and I had forgotten Who I belonged to. I am the daughter of the King of Kings, and He is waiting for me to share my heart with Him. He will listen and He will guard me, even from myself. I started pouring my heart out to Him.

Did I receive a miracle? No, the situation remains and I am daily (sometimes hourly!) handing it over to Him. Did I receive peace? Yes, I did and more importantly, every time the anxiety comes back I go to the Lord and give it to Him. I do not have peace all the time, but I know where to find it! My Father is waiting to hear from me, and I am not carrying this alone.

The throne room is open. We can go running in at any time of the day because our Daddy is the King, and He is ready to welcome us with open arms. He wants to listen to us and hold us and remind us that we can bring anything and everything to Him.

“Father, help us not to forget Who we belong to. You are the King of all. Thank you for your promise to listen to us.”
For HIs Glory

 

Terrie Tollerson
TRBC Women’s Life

 

Jamie MacDonald – Desperate (Official Lyric Video)

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Hope, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | July 22, 2025

Do Tell

“I will exalt You, my God, the King, And I will bless Your name forever and ever. Every day I will bless You, And I will praise Your name forever and ever. Great is the Lord, and highly to be praised; And His greatness is unsearchable. One generation will praise Your works to another, And will declare Your mighty acts. On the glorious splendor of Your majesty And on Your wonderful works, I will meditate. People will speak of the power of Your awesome acts, And I will tell of Your greatness.” Psalm 145:1-6

In my church, we have this thing we do whenever we gather in small groups, whether huddling before Sunday serving, at the start of disciple group gathering, or even when two or three are gathered for almost any reason. A simple request is made of one another: Let’s hear some wins. For context, a “win” is wherever you have seen the Lord work in a big way in your life. This could entail an invitation to church given to a shoe salesperson—and accepted. It could be the experience of unreasonable peace through a very challenging workday. Or it may be a step of obedience taken in following after Jesus.

It appears obvious that in thinking back over the past days or week, we’d all have 400 ways in which the Lord showed Himself awesome to us…so sharing a win seems like a no-brainer, doesn’t it? Yet, I’ve noticed that when the question is asked in these gatherings of the saints, crickets fill the air instead of glorious praises. All too often, I even rack my own brain in search of something to share. Where, I ask myself, did I see God show up?

Beloved, for every follower of Jesus, this should not be something to grasp for! Every breath is an awesome gift of God. The mounting glow of the morning sky at sunrise, the belly laughter of a child, the food satisfying our belly, the sincere eye-to-eye welcoming of another that says, “I see you and love you.” The joy of reading the very Words of God, praying with friends, sharing burdens with a brother or sister to shed light on a darkness of the soul. All these reflect the Lord’s hand in our life, glorifying His greatness. The key, sweet friend, is to be intentional—look for, acknowledge, be awed.

King David was particularly good at sharing wins—recognizing and declaring the awesomeness of God. So, his Psalms are a fantastic place to go when we’re struggling to see the Lord’s mighty hand in our lives. (I realize this seems like an odd thing to say to believers…but, let’s be honest, some days we get up and go, go, go just to fall into bed at night with perhaps some faint prayer of thanks or a last-minute supplication for a family member or friend.) Psalm 145, for example, is a wonderful go-to for inspiring the exaltation of the Lord. As the great John MacArthur (who now glories in the very presence of Jesus) said of this poem of praise: “Here, the king of Israel extols and celebrates the King of Eternity for who His is, what He has done, and what He has promised.” There is a beautiful flow that starts and ends with a commitment to praise God. And in between, the Psalm moves from God’s awesome greatness to His great grace to His unfailing faithfulness to His unblemished righteousness.

So, let’s encourage one another, as long as it is called today, to intentionally look for God’s greatness, grace, faithfulness, and righteousness. In the big things and small details. Because it all is miraculous, and it’s meant to glorify the Lord—they’re all wins. Then, do tell.

“Lord, may I never cease to be in awe of You—Your steadfast faithfulness, the gift of salvation through Jesus, my ability to know you through Your Word. May I daily look for—and tell of—every win.”

 

For His Glory

Julianne Winkler Smith ( encouragedbygrace.org )
TRBC Women’s Life

 

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Gratitude, Hope, Worship

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | July 21, 2025

In Pursuit Of The Best Prize Ever

 

“Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me His own.”  Philippians 3:12 (ESV)

Their performance was short but impactful.  Their chance at a Gold medal brief. The hopeful Olympian competitors make all the right moves look effortless and simple.   Perfect rotations on the parallel bars.  Amazing strokes rowing across the water.  Incredible dives in sync not missing a beat.  And that’s just a few of the highlights.  Each one desiring the Gold dangling before their eyes.

Absolutely love the moment when one who has tried so hard realizes the Gold is insight.  Witnessed the tears flowing when Hidilyn Diaz won the Philippines’ first medal ever.  For over 100 years, the teams trained, competed and went home without the Gold.  Not anymore.  Competing in the women’s weightlifting, Hidilyn made history.   Serving in her country’s air force, Hidilyn celebrated with her coaches before the award of her Gold.

Hidilyn commented to the Philippian Daily Inquirer:  “I sacrificed a lot.  I wasn’t able to be with my mother and father for many months and years.  Training was excruciating.  But God had a plan.”

Rising out of childhood poverty, Hildilyn pursued her dreams with devotion, hard work, discipline and dedication. A true athlete who knows the pursuit of the Gold comes with a price.  A true athlete who knows the pure joy of earning the Gold.

While we may never attain a Gold medal or stand on a platform representing our country,  we can be  devoted athletes seeking the highest prize of all time pleasing our God.    We’re all running our race, and just like those competing in the Olympics it will require hard work and sacrifice – a lifelong pursuit of holiness.

The key element is discipline….training which corrects, molds and perfects us. What needs to be corrected (Romans 8:5)? Mindless chatter  – allowing our thoughts to erupt into actions which dishonor God. Resistance to obeying His word.  Impure motives centered on what we deem is best.  What needs to be molded (Isaiah 64:8)? Our flawed, imperfect character which seeks its own glory.  Spiritual immaturity which settles for less.   What needs to be perfected (Ephesians 5:2)? Loveless, surface relationships with God and people. Divided devotion caught up in the cares of this world.

Sweet friends, we need to embrace discipline and welcome God’s correcting, molding and perfecting.  He alone knows exactly the transformation needed in us.  The race we are running is worth the  excruciating pain of surrender and obedience. The exhilarating joy found in the pursuit of pleasing God is absolutely worth it.  Best prize we could ever win is to hear God said, “Well done good and faithful servant  – welcome home!”

 

“Father,  one day I will stand in your presence.   Your face I know I will see.  Give me a holy devotion to following hard after You and empower me to finish my race well.

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

 

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Hope, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | July 18, 2025

When Our Spirit Is In Sync With His

“Abram believed the LORD, and He credited it to him as righteousness.” Genesis 15:6 (ESV)

Ever wondered what life will be like as we age? Have to admit aging isn’t something I look forward to. If I’m totally honest, I try to resist it..yes, like I can really do that. Probably the main reason I love exercising; I want to keep this body in motion. It’s a constant challenge to keep moving but if we don’t our muscles begin to waste away and become more prone to injury. We get weaker, more tired, lose strength…..the list is endless. So when I dread a workout day, my mind fast forwards and decides for me to keep moving, because a body in motion – stays in motion.

Wonder what happens if we let our Spirit get out of sync with God’s? If we choose to avoid obedience, we set ourselves up for failure. Actively choosing familiar instead of beyond our comfort zone opportunities robs us of faith stretching growth spurts. Very quickly, we will begin to settle for less than He ever designed us for. Without even thinking twice, we will neglect His voice for the sake of easy, comfortable strides. Our once strong faith will begin to shrink, weaken and leave us vulnerable to the attacks of the enemy. And when our foundation is shaken, we will falter rather than keep pressing on.

While aging is totally out of my hands, spiritual maturing is ours for the taking. God delights in seeing His children grow, stretch, learn and embrace steps of faith. He longs for them to reach beyond their comfort level. Even in the depths of difficult circumstances, God births life lessons guaranteed to position us for growth. Failures reinvent themselves. Discouragement readjusts itself. Trust runs deep and builds muscles of endurance, perseverance and strength. When our Spirit is in sync with His Spirit, growth is a natural byproduct.

So sweet friend let’s stay in constant motion with God drawing deep from His word. Let’s venture out into the unknown He’s called us to and embrace His leading. Let’s not sit still and avoid go. Let’s partner together to cheer each other on even when fear seeks to derail us. Why? Because nothing is more sacred and powerful than God’s girls staying in sync with our Divine Creator.

“Father, we miss out when we choose to avoid growth for the sake of familiar. Help us to build strong muscles of faith as we stay in sync with You.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

 

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Posted in Spiritual Growth

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | July 17, 2025

When Sleep Isn’t Our Friend

“Keep a cool head. Stay alert.” 1 Peter 5:8 (NIV)

Healthy sleep is something everyone needs in order to live a healthy, productive life. Sleep helps the body get invigorated and balanced. Lack of sleep, on the other hand, is something that can jeopardize one’s ability to function properly and be alert.

I recently watched a funny video that was forwarded to me, in which people of all ages were falling asleep in all kinds of awkward positions. Children and adults alike would succumb to sleep in the middle of regular activities, such as while eating, studying, and even standing up. While watching that video made me laugh, it also made me think of the consequences of falling asleep during something more dangerous, such as while driving. Falling asleep at the wheel is one of the biggest causes of automobile accidents. As a matter of fact, The Gallup Organization, a statistics company, surveyed 4,000 drivers in the U.S. in 2002 and 37 percent of those drivers admitted to having dozed off while driving at least one time.

The Bible tells us about a time when Jesus was at the Garden of Gethsemane with His disciples to pray, and they kept on falling asleep. That was a really crucial time for Jesus and He really needed their prayers, but they could not keep their eyes open. (Matthew 26).

Sometimes in life, we go through situations that can exhaust our capacity to function and to stay focused on what is important. During those times, we must persist and stay focused, so we don’t end up weak and unable to keep faith alive. God is by our side, and He will help us; all we need is to call out to Him.

“Dear Lord, You are our strength and our shield. Please help us to stay focused and to believe that all things are possible through You.”

For His Glory

Luska Natali
TRBC Women’s Life

 

 

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Hope, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | July 16, 2025

The Waves

“Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.” Deuteronomy 31:6 (ESV)

Last week I had one of the highlight weeks of my life-I was at the beach with all of my children, spouses, and the two most perfect grandsons ever:)! It was wonderful to be with everyone and just relax watching the waves roll in. You know, the weeks you try to remember every detail and soak in the moments. It fed my soul and reminded me of what is important in life.

My three year old grandson was all about the sand-building castles and moats, burying anyone who would let him, and bulldozing and dumping wherever he could. It was so fun to watch him. His parents tried to take him in the ocean, but he would run from it each time. He did not even like the water to get too close to his castles, yet he loved playing on the beach!

We arrived on Saturday and on Thursday he, my sweet grandson,  decided he may want to try the water. He was carried into the ocean very slowly and with great care. Every step was discussed and measured before moving forward. He held onto his Daddy’s neck for dear life, and he would peek out at the ocean and then turn and bury his head on his Daddy’s shoulder. After several attempts, he was ready to go in a little deeper. As the waves came his Daddy would lift him up over the waves, smile at him, and remind him that he was safe. He told him he would be okay because he (his Dad) would never leave him out there alone.

As I sat and watched, and took pictures and videos of course, I was overwhelmed with God’s goodness to me. This may seem like an idyllic beach trip we have done forever, but it is a gift. It was less than ten years ago that I was a single mom juggling three jobs and four children. Life seemed to be only one wave after another, and I felt as if I was being pulled under and barely gasping for breath to survive. But God. He was always in the waves with me, and He never left my side. I was never out there alone.

I could not always see it then because the waves were so strong and I was so scared, but I know I was never left alone, not for a second.

Wherever you are in life right now, I want to remind you of two things. One is that God is a good, good Father, and the second is that you can trust Him to never leave you no matter how deep and how strong the waves are coming in.

“Father, please help us to know you are our good Father and hold tight to You no matter what life brings our way.”

 

For His Glory

 

Terrie Tollerson
TRBC Women’s Life

 

 

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Hope, Love

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