Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | June 10, 2025

Coulda, Shoulda

“How then are they to call on Him in whom they have not believed? How are they to believe in Him whom they have not heard? And how are they to hear without a preacher?” Roman 10:14

After my husband and I had a wonderful time in Pittsburgh visiting our son and daughter-in-love, I stayed a couple extra days and helped Rachel (DIL) pack up in preparation for their upcoming move to Richmond. My flight home was very early on Wednesday…got to the airport about 4:30 am for a flight that left at 6 am. Because I was a “C” group on Southwest, that meant I’d get a “Center” seat—which I did. And as I sat down to a distinctive alcohol odor, my “judginess” began. And I didn’t even have to make presumptions. As soon as I buckled in, the woman in the window seat confessed to being drunk and warned me that she may fall asleep on my shoulder. I mustered a slight smile (as my inward eyes rolled and my mind screamed, “Seriously? You’re wasted at 6 am?!”), and I probably said something like, “Oh, gosh.” She then proclaimed how “that’s what happens when you’re 60…you mop the floor while drinking wine, you do the laundry and have a drink…when you’re 60, that’s just what you do.” (She made the “turning 60” comment several other times.)

Opening number one. Not taken.

Before she did, in fact, pass out, I asked where she was going, and she said in her slurred yet distinctive Pittsburgh accent that she was going to Kansas to visit her daughter. In her mumbling, I heard her say something like, “I’m her emotional support animal.” I may have said, “Oh gosh” again, but I ignored her the best I could.

Opening number two. Not taken.

After about 3 minutes in the seat, I opened my book and intently read. Still annoyed, still internally ranting and questioning at what time of morning she would have to have started drinking to be THAT drunk by the time she boarded the plane at 5:30am. And I was relieved (yet still eye-rolling inside) when she passed out.

What I SHOULD have done, I know. I SHOULD have seen her pain. My inward thoughts SHOULD have been a cry to the Holy Spirit to empower me to ask, “What are you trying to numb?” I SHOULD have seen that she was running from some demon in her life. Trying desperately to quiet the internal condemnation, shame, and sadness. See, I was there at one time too! I know that numb-the-pain road—I’ve walked down it. I SHOULD have recalled where I’d been in order to empathize with her. (How I’ve played drinking games at 6am before school, or walked into class during grad school absolutely plastered, or drank-drugged-and-sexed my way to shut up my own demons.)

I COULD have been a witness to her about how Jesus freed me—and how He could free her. I COULD have shared how she is fully known and loved by God, despite the lying hisses of the enemy in her ear. I COULD have shared how she can stop trying so hard…that she can simply surrender to the One who loves her and bought the victory for her on Calvary, defeating sin and death. I COULD have asked her if I could pray for her…had I asked about her (obviously) devastating 60th birthday, or her daughter who is clearly going through a hard time, or if I’d taken any of the many opportunities to ask about her life. Her pain.

I SHOULD have thought differently about the whole situation. I COULD have done something to love her better and point her to Jesus. But I didn’t.

So, I had to ask the Lord to forgive me. In my mind, I have told that woman countless times that I am sorry. So sorry. And I pray that the Lord placed another believer next to her on her flight back to Pittsburgh who will speak life into her. That this person does not ignore her pain but recognizes it and shares with her the One she can hand it over to—whose burden is light. That this believer does not judge but instead offers her the gift of new life in Christ.

“Lord, forgive me. Let me see the opportunities You give me! And then empower me to open my mouth in love for that person to share the Good News and shine light into the dark places.”

 For His Glory

 Julianne Winkler Smith
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | June 9, 2025

When Giving Up Seems Sweeter

cb devo july 13

 

“My ears had heard of you, but now my eyes have seen you.” Job 42:5 (NIV)

No one really wants to lose. If we’re totally honest, we’re in this journey called life to win. To capitalize on every moment. We want success in our relationships, careers and finances. To make the most of our days. To taste the sweet life and drink deep of joy. To seize every opportunity to make a difference, so what is it about today’s life that seeps with the pretend ease of quit?

Giving up appears to be the best route when the going gets tough. Letting go way too early characterizes the solution looking only for a quick relief. Yesterday’s pain reigns high and relevant influencing tomorrow’s desire to keep pressing through. We lose sight of winning because losing appears to be our only out.

Wouldn’t it be awesome if we chose to stay in the hard places? To walk through difficulties hand in hand with Jesus. To choose growth and depth of character over running away. To linger in the midst of challenges clinging to His strength. To taste the delicacy of His grace and drink longingly of His truths. To resist the urge to walk away when staying speaks loud – I’m not giving up – we’re gonna win.

But then that would mean no quick fix. That would require much faith and stamina. That would mean when hope is exhausted, we trust God to be all that we need. We choose to thrive rather than just survive, and we encourage others along the way to hold tight, press on and reap the rewards found in not letting go.

Sounds a lot like a man named Job who suffered the loss of children, wealth, position and health. Yet despite the odds and advice to give up, Job didn’t quit. He just held on tighter to Jesus. And in the midst of pouring out his questions and frustrations, Job saw His creator in a whole new light.  What clarity, joy and wisdom we forfeit when we welcome quitting rather than persisting in faith.  The crowd around us may be chanting quit, but Jesus is always praying that after the enemy sifts us we will come through stronger in our faith and encourage others in our path (Luke 22:21-32).  Lessons learned are diamonds to those who are watching only if we are willing to open our hearts to share authentically the glory and power of the One who sustains us.  May we seize those opportunities to strengthen others with the truth, love and grace poured out generously on us as we press into Jesus and embrace the hard fought wins.

“Father, You desire to take us to greater heights than we could ever imagine. Teach us to be clingers, stayers and winners to never give up when the journey gets tough.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | June 6, 2025

Hidden Treasures

cb devo may 14“I will give you hidden treasures, riches stored in secret places, so that you may know that I am the Lord, the God of Israel, who summons you by name.” Isaiah 45:3 (NIV)

Saturday mornings were Grandma’s Day. She gathered up her granddaughters and we’d head out to gather treasures. One sedan and four giggling little girls with ponytails enjoying the ride. From neighborhood to neighborhood, Grandma strategically had her plan in place – hit as many yard sales as possible. We always ended up with some amazing finds that Grandma eventually ended up sharing with someone else. Us grands just loved the adventure.

Have you ever found the sweetness of hidden treasure in your adventures? It usually appears when we least expect it and in the most unlikely places. And sometimes it requires a strategic plan so we won’t miss an incredible find. Every time, we gather at the feet of Jesus, He amazes us with sweet nuggets. Truths unveiled and hope that sustains. Digging deep, He leads us to the word we need in that moment. Searching intently, Jesus reveals wisdom that forms a protective barrier around our lives. Leaning in close, He whispers worth, value and dismisses our insecurities. In the midst of worship, Jesus ushers us deep into His presence where peace and confidence abides.

Awesome treasures meant to be shared, given away and not kept for just one. Adventures that remind us all of His goodness, faithfulness and nearness. Laughter that lifts weary souls and joy that dances even in the rain. Clarity that ignites worship despite the silence. And amazing finds that are uncovered in every day moments when hearts are fixed on Jesus.

“Sweet Jesus, You invite each of us to experience the adventure of a lifetime – sweet treasures revealed to those who seek You with all their heart, mind and soul – incredible riches found in Your presence.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Encouragement, Gratitude, Hope

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | June 5, 2025

Sandpaper Theology

“Therefore, you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect.” Matthew 5:8 (NKJV)

My husband is a skilled wood turner. He has a lathe in the workshop down the hill from our home where he loves to create all sorts of wood products: bowls, candle holders, vases, lidded boxes – he’s even made urns. But his favorite is making segmented bowls. He cuts small pieces of exotic wood and then glues them together in intricate patterns. He turns them into bowls with wavy stripes, chevron stripes, or optical illusions. The creation of these bowls takes days of precision cutting and heavy concentration.

The final sanding is critical. If a bowl isn’t sanded properly, no matter how beautiful the design, the imperfections mar the look and feel of the piece. It’s not worth as much as it could be.

He recently made a gorgeous, segmented bowl from four kinds of exotic wood. The feature ring was a chevron stripe. It rivaled his other bowls in beauty, but it gave him some difficult challenges during production. What was worse, he didn’t feel well at all that week. So, he admitted that he gave it less than his best. There were some rough spots that he hoped the finish would cover. So, he applied three coats. As each coat dried, he buffed the finish to smooth out the little burrs. Each coat improved it a little, but when you looked at it and held it in your hands, it was obvious that it wasn’t perfect underneath.

Aren’t we like that? We tend to hide our imperfections, excuse them away, and pretend they’re not there. We put on the polish – go to church, get involved, do all the right things – but still, it’s only polish. Anyone who looks closely can easily see we have rough spots underneath.

My husband’s chevron bowl wasn’t its best until he put it back on the lathe. He removed the finish to get down to the bare wood. He gently chiseled away the imperfections, then took the time to sand it smooth. When that was done and the new finish was applied, it reached its highest potential. Its value doubled.

Similarly, the only way we can live at our highest potential is to allow God to work on us, effectively chiseling out the imperfections and sanding down the rough spots. It’s a process of daily working toward becoming perfect by yielding to His loving discipline in our lives.

Is it painful? Sometimes. But is it worth it? You bet. It’s the only path to joy, wholeness, and intimacy with Him.

“Father, thank you for salvation by which we become spiritually perfect and unblemished in Your eyes. But we’re still imperfect in our daily living. Help us yield to your chiseling and sanding away our rough spots so we can become more like You.”

  

For His Glory

 

Cherie Harbridge Williams
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Encouragement, Spiritual Growth, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | June 4, 2025

Haul Away The Junk

“If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”  1 John 1:8-9 (ESV)

My husband and I have been redecorating our bedroom. We painted, put up new curtains, ordered new bedding and added a  few decor pieces. I wanted to send a picture to my daughter, so we positioned the bed under the window with all the pillows and throw blankets and the pretty things in view.  Snapped the picture and sent it to her.

As I took a step back, I tripped over a pile of stuff that had not yet been put away. Then I glanced around my room and saw that there were a lot of piles, and in reality, the bed was the only thing put together and looking good! I paused and realized that my room was a picture of my life. I put the pretty things out there for others to see, and I shove the junk away, out of view. But it is still there.

Isn’t that so much like so many of our lives??  In reality, I want to be real and let others see the stuff and the junk, which translates into my sin, emotions, or exhaustion. But the few times I have shown the junk, I have not been rewarded with reminders of my humanity.  I have been shamed into not being more godly.  I want to help others embrace the realness of living a messy life for Jesus, but that means being honest about my junk, too, regardless of how it is perceived.

How do we determine being real and human as opposed to living in a state of sin? One thing to remember is that we don’t become sinners because we sin, but we sin because we were born as sinners.  We all sin, we all have junk lying around.  It is what we do with it  and how we remove it that matters.

I was humbled as I have been listening to sermons on 1 John and reading through that during my quiet time.  God reminded me that He is not surprised by my junk, my sin, and not only is He ready to forgive me, but He says I would not have His truth in me if I did not admit my sin! Talk about a perspective change! We should all be confessing our sins to one another so that we are not deceiving ourselves. It is not a surprise that we sin, it is a surprise that we do not walk in His lavish cushion of forgiveness and grace. It is His kindness that leads us to repent, to get rid of the junk.

“Lord, may I be always ready to confess my sins to You and to others. May I have the humility to show the junk, not just the finished product. We love You, Jesus, and thank you for making a way for us to be forgiven.”

For HIs Glory

Terrie Tollerson
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Encouragement, Freedom, Spiritual Growth

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | June 3, 2025

Beloved

“But God shows His love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”  Romans 5:8

Do you ever have those days when you feel unlovable? Like you can’t do anything right or say anything right. (You know this because others get irritated with you, and you’re not sure why exactly.) Maybe you feel unlovable because when you look in the mirror and see only ugliness—despite your inherent beauty, based on both objective reality and the fact that you are created in the image of God. This sense of “unlovableness” may also result from sheer fatigue. Being battered daily by work, lack of sleep, physical pain, even the bad news blaring from whatever screen you spend time watching, colors our self-perception in myriad ways (and never for good).

What about unlovable’s cousin, unloved? This one probably warrants an astounding “yes” from us all—feeling unloved is sadly quite prevalent. (Especially in today’s world digital connectedness that creates only shallow relationships and false community. Especially for young people. But that’s another rant—I mean, story.) You may feel unloved because you’ve not found the spouse you’ve been praying for. Or you’ve lost your spouse—through death, divorce, or emotional abandonment. Moms and dads can feel unloved when children don’t answer their calls or tell them the truth about their lives. And when a friend betrays us (in real or imagined ways), the accusations of “You’re so unlovable!” peck at our minds like unyielding buzzards on a dead possum. (Sorry for the specific imagery there, but that’s something I see quite frequently in my ‘hood.)

Friend, know this: You are beloved by God (Jude 1-2). God’s love is unconditional, unending, unrelenting. It’s who He is (1 John 4:8,16). And it’s because of this love for us—His best creation, modeled after Himself—God sent His Son to pay the penalty for our sin and unrighteousness. (Because, although God created Man perfectly for a perfect relationship with Him, Man blew it, severing that relationship. And although God loves all people with general love and provides general grace to all, we are not all in right relationship with God.) Jesus lived a perfect life and died the death we deserve, defeating death and rebuilding the bridge to the Father. If God loves you that much, then, sweet friend, how can you possibly consider yourself unloved?

This amazing love—underserved and unearned—converts us from dark to light. Transforms us from unrighteous to righteous. Washes us white as snow when our sin made us crimson-stained. God’s love through Christ Jesus makes us holy in God’s sight. So, no matter what image you see reflected in the mirror, God sees a reflection of His perfect Son! You are lovable!

That sense of unlovedness and unloveableness comes from the pit of hell. It’s the enemy of our soul who sends those vultures to peck away at our true self-image in God. (Remember, Satan was the first creature to break a perfect relationship with God…and he wants us all in his camp.) Don’t believe the lie or give in to the devil’s trickery. God loves you! Accept His Son, Jesus, and be accepted in the Beloved (Ephesians 1:5-7). Experience the amazing love, grace, and mercy of our Lord. And know you are beloved in Him.

“Father, help me recognize the lies of the enemy that tell me I’m not loved. You love me with an everlasting, unrelenting love—may I hold fast to that Truth.

For His Glory

Julianne Winkler Smith
TRBC Women’s Life

 

 

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Posted in Encouragement, Hope, Love

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | June 2, 2025

Tending To Our Souls

“Then they sent the tunic of many colors and they brought it to their father (Jacob) and said, “We have found this. Do you know whether it is your son’s tunic or not?”  Genesis 37:32 (NKJV)

Wounded hearts speak a language all their own.  We don’t often know the who, what or why but we feel the angst and bitterness which spews off their lips.  We witness the arched brows, the face twisted at the very mention of someone’s name.  We glimpse the avoidance and denial.  And while we are void of details, we realize the collateral wounds seeping deep into their heart.

Scripture reminds us of this downward spiral and the devastation found when one lives with this all consuming fire burning within them. Genesis 37 unfolds a familiar story – one we probably all loved hearing about as kids.  The giving of the coat of many colors to Joseph resonates with us all doesn’t it?  We would love to be the favorite, the chosen one.  Yet there’s a big problem with this picture.  Joseph was one of twelve brothers.  None of his other brothers received a special coat from their dad, Jacob.

Jacob’s favoritism drove a deep wedge among Joseph’s siblings. The evidence of their father’s devoted love to one versus all of his sons wounded their hearts.  Rather than confront their father, the excluded others allowed hatred to take root.  No kind words did they have for Jacob’s favorite.   And then Joseph chooses to tell his brothers about not only one dream but two dreams where they are bowing down to him.  Not exactly perfect timing on Joseph’s part. Deep seeds of hatred flourished as envy rose to the surface.

Fast forward to Joseph’s brothers tending their father’s flock in Shechem, and the spiraling hatred intensifies until they sell him off to the Ishmaelites.  Returning home, this band of brothers deceived their father into thinking Joseph had been killed by a wild beast.  Only his blood-stained coat of many colors remained.

How could a family become so unloving and distanced?  We find a clue in Genesis 37:32. Unresolved hatred, anger, bitterness and envy opened wide the door for wounded brothers to wound their own. No longer did they refer to Joseph as their brother; he was their father’s son.  Sharp words echoing in the overwhelming grief.

Quite easy to judge the response of Joseph’s brothers.  Bet we would never have hated, envied or disowned one of our own.  Yet we’d better unveil our eyes and reexamine the dynamics within our own relationships. Whether it’s family or not, deep wounds can separate the closest of bonds.  And once distance takes root it’s easy to write off, dismiss and leave them behind.

Love these reminders from God’s word on how we should build healthy relationships:

Be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to anger (James 1:19-20)
Be humble, gentle, patient  and full of peace (Ephesians 4:2-3)
Avoid the worldly draw to envy and jealousy (I Corinthians 3:3; Galatians 5:20)
Don’t be easily provoked (Ephesians 7:9)
Face your anger but sin not (Ephesians 4:26)
Love God and love others (Matthew 22:36-40)

Just  a sampling of the wisdom of God who knows and has seen the devastating impact of wounded hearts who wound others.  Sweet friends, let’s choose today to tend to our souls.  Heal our wounds and walk in obedience with the One (Jesus) who by His wounds we are healed (Isaiah 53:5).

“Father, help us to truly love others the way You have chosen to love us. Heal our wounded souls so we can love and not wound the people you bring into our life.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Encouragement, Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | May 30, 2025

Tangible Results of A Surrendered Life

“For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love.” 2 Peter 1:5-7 (ESV)

If you looked in my cabinets, you would think I had a side business – vitamins and supplements line my shelves. Jokingly, I used to tease my husband about all his nutrients filling up my space. But let’s just keep it real here – our food is so stripped of the nutrients we need, one has to do something. So in the Martin house our something is staring me in the face every time I open my pantry doors. And I have to admit adding supplements to my diet has been very beneficial. I definitely don’t get sick very often (even during flu season), and I feel much better. Laughter aside, my husband was on the right track.

Absolutely love the way the Apostle Paul emphasizes supplementing our faith with the tangible results of a life surrendered to God. Stacking the building blocks of our faith one upon the other, Paul lays out a plan guaranteed to please our Heavenly Father. Best part – we don’t have to rely on self. God has equipped us and filled us with the Holy Spirit which empowers and strengthens us to walk in excellence.

Sure there will be hiccups along the way; definitely no perfection sealed up here on this earth. We maneuver this world warring within ourselves, desiring to do life God’s way and yet giving into our own selfish desires. Paul knew this struggle well: “I have the desire to do what is right, but I do the very thing I hate (Romans 7:15-17).” Gotta love his honesty – we’re all there. Probably the exact reason Paul spurs us on to moral excellence (virtue), wisdom (knowledge), self control bridged with unmoveable feet keeping in step with God’s integrity. End result, we pour out deep affection and love for one another clear examples, living proof of the faith within us.

Keeping it real sweet friends; God’s grace covered Paul in those not so good moments and He does the same for us. But it sure does make Jesus smile when we hit the mark. Adding one upon another exemplifying Him in all we do – partakers of God’s divine power – claiming His promise to help us escape the corruption of this world and glorify Him.

“Father, so blessed by your grace and mercy. Forever grateful for endless days when You picked me up, wiped me off and set my feet to dancing. Love you always.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Faith, Hope, Spiritual Growth

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | May 29, 2025

Anytime….Anywhere

“When Jesus saw her, He called her forward and said to her, “Woman, you are set free from your infirmity.” Luke 13:3 (NIV)

I love stories that show how God is not bound by rules and regulations, or the so-called “red tape” as we know it. When God decides to act, He acts, and that is it. Period. No questioning. So, allow me to share this one true story with you. The Lord Jesus was teaching in a synagogue on a Sabbath, surrounded by Pharisees. If you know anything about Pharisees, you also know how defiant they were; their title and position among the Jewish leaders imposed a certain ‘aura’ of unrelenting pride. Those gents would demand the rest of the people to strictly observe and follow written, traditional Jewish laws, thus giving themselves the right to judge whoever would not do just that. Well, the Son of God was not just anyone, and He certainly did not refrain from blessing people when the Spirit led Him to a person in need, whomever that person may be and regardless of where He may be, including a synagogue!

Per the story, on that Sabbath day, as Jesus taught the people, a woman who had been crippled for 18 years showed up in the crowd, and as she did, the Lord Jesus noticed her. She did not have to say anything – anything, at all! He called to her and out He cast her infirmity. The watchdogs, I mean, the Pharisees immediately pointed their finger and their disgust to the Lord, telling the crowd that if they needed healing or anything else, they should return to seek it on another day that was not the Sabbath.

Can you believe such a thing? Instead of praising God for the evidence of His power in their midst, they rebuked the people for seeking their healing, and rebuked Jesus for giving it.

Friends, let us never turn into such people. Let us seek to be more like Jesus and to never forfeit an opportunity to bless those in need, worrying that others may judge us. An opportunity missed may be an opportunity forever gone. Don’t miss it.

“Lord, we want to be your hands and feet to this world of need, seeking out opportunities to bless others. Help us, Lord, to stay faithful.”

For His Glory

Luska Natali
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Hope, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | May 28, 2025

Car Wash Theology

“And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, “This is the way, walk in it,” when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left.” Isaiah 30:21 (ESV)

We have a fancy new car wash in our town. My daughter enrolled us in the family plan, which means she pays one amount per month and we can get car washes as often as we want. What a gift! Since we live on a gravel road where the dust coats everything, the privilege of on-demand car washes makes me feel absolutely wealthy.

I was running errands this afternoon and decided to duck into the car wash. Two young men approached me with mops and went over my hubcaps and windshield. They directed me to roll to a spot where my wheels were between rails. Once there, they told me to put the car in neutral and relax. Then the magic happened: They pushed a button on a keyboard, and my car moved forward automatically, staying safely inside the rails. I moved into the shower of soapy water, rinse water, and various polishes. I didn’t have to worry about getting off course to the right or the left, because I was inside the rails under someone else’s power.

Did you ever wonder if you’re where God wants you? Have you listened for His voice to give you direction? I have, but sometimes in my human weakness I’ve wondered—did I hear Him right? What if I make a mistake?

We have that beautiful promise in Isaiah 30:21: Your ears will hear a word behind you…whenever you turn to the right or to the left. “This is the way, walk in it.” And if I misunderstand and get outside the rails, if I make a mistake, I can count on His faithfulness. He is watching me and will correct me like a GPS. “Recalculating. This is the way.” And I can do what He asks of me under His mighty power, not my weakness.

What a wonderful gift of peace, to know that the Lord is shepherding me, ready to correct my path. It’s like being in the car wash. Impossible to go in the wrong direction if I don’t rebel and try to jump the rails.

“Lord, we thank You for Your guidance and direction. Help us to submit to Your voice and enjoy the peace of knowing that we are in Your hands.

 For His Glory

 

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

 

 

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Posted in Encouragement, Hope, Success, Wisdom

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