Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | July 15, 2025

Excel Even More

“Finally then, brothers and sisters, we request and urge you in the Lord Jesus, that as you received instruction from us as to how you ought to walk and please God (just as you actually do walk), that you excel even more. For this is the will of God, your sanctification.” 1 Thessalonians 4:1; 3a

If you are a follower of Jesus Christ, there was a time—whether a lightning-bolt instance or a gradual unveiling—when you proclaimed Jesus as your Lord and Savior. Once surrendered, you were justified. God sees you as holy and perfect because your life is hidden in Christ (Colossians 3:3). And, by definition of being a follower, you began following after Him with a desire to become more and more like Him. I mean, we were dead in our sins! But God, in His great love, kindness, and mercy, made us alive together with Christ (Ephesians 2:1-10)!

It’s in response to this rescue out of darkness into marvelous light (1 Peter 2:9), that we pursue obedience and holiness. Hear me on this: We don’t “do” to earn a right relationship with God. We think, say, and do righteously because we’re already in a right relationship with Him. We do this until we’re face to face with our Lord…this is called “sanctification,” which literally means being set apart from sin to holiness. And it is the will of God (1 Thessalonians 4:1).

And friend, whether you were saved by grace through faith yesterday or five decades ago, this process of setting ourselves apart is hard. Shoot, even the Apostle Paul—GOAT Christian—struggled with this! He didn’t do the things he wanted to and did the very thing he hated (Romans 7:15). But I love Paul’s exhortation to the Thessalonians in this: Wherever we are on this journey, we’re to “excel even more” (1 Thessalonians 4:1; 3a). Beloved, by the Holy Spirit, we’re being transformed into the image of Christ (2 Corinthians 3:18). He started this work in us, and He will complete it (Philippians 1:6)!

Thankfully, there’s no guessing needed! God’s Word is chock full of direction, encouragement, and warnings for us as we walk this walk. Here are just a few (on the positive side), but I urge you to search the Scriptures for yourself in this. (Hint: Because Jesus is written into each book of the Bible, you’ll find instructions wherever you look.)

Finally, pray!! My sweet friend, Jerri, boiled this sanctification journey down to a simple daily plea: “Lord, change me.” So, let’s join together in this! Study the Word and let it transform you. Abide in Christ. And pray fervently that the Holy Spirit living in you will empower you to become more and more like Jesus. (Or, as John the Baptist so eloquently put it: “He must increase, I must decrease” (John 3:30). Wherever you are, take your next step to follow Jesus…and excel even more.

“Lord, I want to be more and more like You. Change me.”

For His Glory

Julianne Winkler Smith
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | July 14, 2025

When Hard Births Beauty

 “He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end.” Ecclesiastes 3:11 (NIV)

Hot, hotter and hottest is how we might describe the summer of 2025. And right along with the heat, we’ve reaped the grueling, steamy humidity. Does absolutely nothing for my struggling flower garden. A few days of neglected watering left the soil hard and my blooms, well let’s just say they weren’t happy. Lesson learned, I now water faithfully even if a storm colors the sky. It took some good soaking, but it appears my consistent nurturing is paying off. What was once dead and lifeless is now bursting with vibrant pinks, oranges and purples.

Wonder if the hard places in our lives have the same potential to birth beauty? 2025 has definitely ushered in some of the hardest seasons I’ve ever experienced. Many days, I have felt like that hard soil totally depleted, lifeless and thirsty for relief. Perhaps you have been there too – wondering when the intense heat of life will ease up. Maybe you’ve felt neglected, tired and longing for just someone to ease the pain of your broken heart.

Sweet friend, I’m right there with you. Hard places are excruciating, and they don’t usually leave us quickly. Yet right in the midst of what shakes us to the core, God sees, hears and knows the ache of our souls. He is fully aware of everything that touches our lives; nothing is a surprise to Him. Fully acquainted with our suffering, God comforts and strengthens us as we navigate the unthinkable. He knows exactly what we need at just the moment we need it, and we can count on His promises to sustain us even when life slays us.

Paul David Tripp puts it this way:  “No matter what you are facing and no matter how hard it is, you are never without divine grace to help you and divine love to comfort you (Hebrews 4:16).”

The sheer beauty of God’s presence, grace and love surrounding us in our hard places is priceless. He breaks through even to the most broken soul and refreshes our spirit. And sweet friends, we get the joy of watching Him and joining Him. As we glimpse His restorative work within us, then we can be His hands and feet in the lives of others navigating their hard places. – a full circle moment when God births beauty within us.

Sweet friend if you find yourself in this season of hardness, welcome God’s healing. Cherish the body of Christ, dear brothers and sisters, who pray, care for and encourage our hearts during the hardest seasons. Phone calls, meals, prayers, scripture, presence – they all demonstrate to us we are not alone. And when the veil of grief and despair lifts, we will find ourselves still standing  – a monument not to our strength but to God’s. A ravishing beauty despite the hardest journey.

“Father, we never know what a day will bring, but we can confidently trust that You are always with us. Whatever seems to slay us will unveil Your radiant beauty when we choose to run to You.”

 

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

 

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Hope

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | July 11, 2025

When God Moves

“The Sovereign Lord is my strength; He makes my feet like the feet of a deer, He enables me to go on the heights.” Habakkuk 3:19 (NIV)

Abraham embarked on the journey of a lifetime when He left the familiar and moved with God. Ruth experienced a love she could have never imagined when grief moved her toward God. Moses witnessed the magnitude of God’s power when he finally chose to move in sync with God’s footsteps.

Esther demonstrated extreme courage as she moved in the strength of Her God. Job thrived in the midst of utter despair as he moved closer to the heartbeat of God. Captivated by the Holiness of his Lord, Isaiah moved and responded to His calling. Young, intimidated and full of questions, Jeremiah moved beyond excuses and trusted in the Sovereign One.

Mary exchanged her heart’s desire for the rhythms of her Father’s grace moving within her body. John moved towards decrease so that the true Son of God would be magnified. Peter instinctively lifted one foot out of the boat as he moved atop the waves to meet His Lord. Jesus surrendered His will, embraced the cross and defeated death moving us closer to the fullness of God’s presence.

Has God been moving in your life?

It’s the journey of a lifetime – a love unimaginable! Moving in sync with God guarantees a vision of His glory and the magnitude of His power. Courageous strength follows those who move to the beat of His heart’s desire. Captivated by His faithfulness and love, we can respond to His call. Glorifying God by stepping out into the deep, we will find the fullness and joy of His presence. Moving with God lifts us higher than we ever dreamed!

“Father, transplant our feet from the land of familiar to the uncharted path of pure obedience as we move with You.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Faith, Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | July 10, 2025

How Great He Is

“For He whom God has sent [Jesus] speaks the words of God, for God does not give the Spirit by measure.” (John 3:34 NKJV)

Aren’t there some conversations you just want to share with someone? Recently in our life group, we were discussing a headline. One of us had read that we generally feel closest to one person of the Trinity: Father, Son or Holy Spirit. Upon reflection, several expressed feeling closest to Jesus. In fact, for one, tears flowed effortlessly as precise details were given of each miracle performed, teaching offered and sacrifice made. God felt a bit elusive for some. Difficult to comprehend. And the Holy Spirit, a mystery and not well understood. Misunderstandings and misuses represented reasons to forego exploration. We were all left wondering if we were missing out on something. Of our own doing, not God’s.

God can be difficult to grasp or define. He transcends anything the human mind can conceive. Out of reverence, in Jewish tradition, one does not pronounce aloud any of the names for God except when reading the Torah or in prayers. And, once having written the Name of God, Jewish law prohibits the erasing or defacing of any name for God. God has been given many names throughout the Old Testament that show indeed, there is no one like Him!

And because of Jesus’ sacrifice, we can access this very same God. Through Jesus, we see the character of God. Jesus is the Good Shepherd who came to earth with the mission to restore our relationship to God. Jesus is the author and perfecter of our faith and as such, is the head of the church. Knowing His time on earth was limited, Jesus assures his disciples that “Unless I go away, the Counselor will not come to you; but if I go, I will send Him to you.” (John 16:7b NIV)

Amongst many gifts Jesus has given us, one is the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is the witness that we are God’s children. The Holy Spirit dwells in us and is our counselor, teacher, guide into all truth and giver of new life.

And so, my encouragement is that each of us who bears the name Christian may reflect on the role of each person of the Trinity. Let us come to more fully know the character and role of each. In so doing, may we claim the richness and inheritance that is ours to powerfully declare His name to a world longing for truth and direction.

“Father, Son and Holy Spirit, I need You. All of You. May Your greatness be revealed through me so that others might see your Glory and turn their hearts to You.”

For His Glory

Kathryn Hayman
TRBC Women’s Life

 

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Posted in Faith, Spiritual Growth, Wisdom, Worship

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | July 9, 2025

Idols Of Our Own Invention

“Who but a fool would make his own god—an idol that cannot help him one bit? Isaiah 44:10 (NLT)

Recently, I heard of a mother who suffered the loss of her daughter due to a drug overdose. Having lost my son in a motorcycle accident several years back, my heart went out to her. I can relate to her grief. I recall the initial shock and disbelief, followed by a whole range of wild emotions that knocked me off my feet temporarily. Then, as a child of God, I went running to Him. I’ll always be grateful for the healing and peace He brought to my heart in the midst of my crisis.

But this mother was not a believer. She didn’t know God personally or understand His ways. In her agony, her reaction was to say that God doesn’t exist, because if He did, He wouldn’t have allowed her beautiful daughter to die so young.

Haven’t you heard other people in crisis deny God’s existence? Their lives were thrown into turmoil, and if God existed, so they say, He wouldn’t have allowed that to happen.

I can’t imagine going through a tragedy like a child’s death without God. I can’t imagine the emotional devastation of such a loss, with no anchor to cling to, no comfort from a loving, all-powerful God. And no hope of ever seeing that child again in heaven.

So, if I could speak to her personally, what would I say?

I would say this: The god in your mind—the god who “owes” us —the god who shouldn’t allow disaster or hardship—the god who should give us everything we want if we’re good—the god who should let us do anything we feel like without consequences—you’re right. He doesn’t exist. He’s only a shadow in your imagination. He’s the equivalent of the idols created by human hands and worshipped as if they were real. He’s dead. Lifeless. Useless.

But there is a God who is alive.

He’s the God who created the universe, who created you and me. In His love, He gave us the Bible to guide us safely through life. He loves us so much that He gave up His son to lift us out of our sin. He’s faithful to be with those who trust Him through trials and temptations. He provides and protects. That God is very much alive and well.

He wants you to get to know Him as He is, not as you wish Him to be. You’ll find out He’s much better than any god you can invent in your mind.

That’s what I would say to that grieving mom. I pray she finds Him.

“Heavenly Father, we want to know You as You are, without being blinded by our own ignorance or wishful thinking. As we search the scriptures and spend time in prayer, please open our eyes and reveal Yourself to us just as You are.”

For His Glory

Cherie Harbridge Williams
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Faith, Wisdom, Worship

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | July 8, 2025

Another Lesson From Our Rescue Dog – Don’t Fear

“So we can confidently say, “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?” Hebrews 13:6

I’ve written a couple times about lessons from my rescue dog (see here and here). Caroline still follows me around the house—for the most part. But if she isn’t under my feet at my work desk, or lying by the couch when I’m there, she’s in our room snuggled under our bed. (We call it “Caroline’s Clubhouse.”)

In addition to her thankfulness and joy in the rescue (lesson 1) and her desire to be close to her rescuer (lesson 2), there’s another spiritual-life reflection that struck me recently. See, when a storm is brewing and thunder rolls, my little dog starts shaking like a leaf. Nothing can calm her. Then as the rain dumps and the thunder and lightning are in full swing, she is an inconsolable mess. I may be humanizing her too much here, but my rationale is that her life on the street so traumatized her that when storms came, she had nowhere and no one to run. She had to rely on herself to find a place to hide and wait out the storm in fear.

I try to console her, hold her, even crawl under the bed to calm her…but she just doesn’t understand that she is safe with us, protected from what is scaring her. Her life is not what it used to be. She has been rescued and is no longer fending for herself in a dangerous world. She has a safe haven with us. Not that she won’t ever get hurt, of course. Accidents happen, like getting injured by her larger dog-sister while playing. Or Caroline still makes self-harming choices, like diving out an open window through the screen to go bark at the neighbor’s dog. Old “ghetto” habits from her past life still pop up, but she’s getting better through the years. (For instance, on our walks she no longer jumps up on our neighbor’s trash cans to knock them over in search of food.)

But when it comes to her fear and trepidation when storms come, her fears are completely unwarranted. She has been rescued, no longer needing to seek out self-protection—just like she doesn’t have to worry about how and where to find her next meal. We are for her, we will protect her, and we want only her best—even when she doesn’t understand what’s going on. (Because, well, she’s a dog.)

Hopefully, spiritual lightbulbs are going off for you like they did for me. As believers in Christ Jesus, we have no need to fear! We have been rescued! The Lord is Sovereign and Good—our best is always and only His will. Storms will come in our lives—Jesus promised it (John 16:33). But we never have to fear them. He also assured us that He’ll always be with us (Matthew 28:20), never leaving or forsaking us (Deuteronomy 31:6). The Lord is our Anchor (Hebrews 6:17-20) and our Strong Tower (Psalm 61:1-3), whether our storms are a result of this fallen world, other people, our soul’s enemy (Satan), our own sinfulness…or even previous ghetto—or pigsty—behavior.

Beloved, we do not have to live like we used to, believing we need to figure it all out on our own. Whether your go-to response to fear is taking tighter control, drowning or numbing it, or lashing out to hurt-before-being-hurt, you can give your fear to the Lord. He’s got you. And me. So, when we hear the proverbial thunder roll, let’s stand in faithful confidence that there is no fear in the perfect love of Christ in us (1 John 4:13-18).

“Lord, when I am afraid, I will trust in You, knowing You have not given me a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control. I can fear not, because You are always with me.”

 

For His Glory

Julianne Winkler Smith
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Faith, Hope, Spiritual Growth

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | July 7, 2025

Observer of Life

“In the morning, Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly.” Psalm 5:3

For years I have been a weather watcher….now don’t think for a moment that I understand the scientific things concerning rain, storms, clouds, etc. I simply check the weather every night before I get my clothes ready for work. I browse weather.com if I’m traveling. And if I’m going to the beach, you will definitely find me checking that forecast the week before, days before and the morning of. Praying and hope the sun will shine. While the weatherman isn’t 100% on target – he typically doesn’t miss the mark often. So I lean towards trusting his forecast.

Why this crazy obsession? I want to know. I want to know how to dress. I want to know what to expect so I won’t be disappointed. I want to not get caught in a downpour with no umbrella. I want….and the list is endless.

Wouldn’t it be wonderful if our lives could be so easily previewed and programmable? There are definitely  moments I truly wish I could envision what lies ahead. There are many times when my mind wanders and lingers over what I perceive could be a possibility. And yet there are equally moments when I feel the future is better left in the future. Unknowns before their time can pivot us into fear, apprehension and paralysis.

My resolve gives in as I realize it’s best that I don’t know. Why? Because it is the unknown events of our lives that draw us to the feet of Jesus faster than anything else. It’s in those moments that God produces growth, character and endurance within us. It’s what compels our hearts to move from knowledge of God to fully trusting the character of the One who is sustaining us. It’s exactly what births the surrender of our will to His perfect plan.

When Jesus instructed the twelve to pray for “daily bread,” he was inviting us to do the same – to zero in on today and leave the future in His capable hands. To transition our focus to being a life watcher – an observer who pays attention to what God is teaching us daily. Good, hard, easy, challenging, joyful and sad – pivotal moments to lean in close and listen for His voice.

Love this encouragement from My Jesus Calling calendar “You cannot dread a day that is vibrant with My Presence.”

There are lots of unknowns we won’t understand,  yet the presence of God surrounds us every day and that’s something we can count on. The sheer beauty of Him moving in and through our moments ushers in a beauty we never dreamed possible. So if we zero in on tomorrow then we miss the essence of His presence today. The choice is up to you and me – soak up His presence, observe what God is showing us today and leave the future in His capable hands.

“Father help us to resist the urge to overlook today because our gaze is focused on tomorrow. Settle our heart, mind and spirit so we can enjoy Your presence moment by moment – filled with Your peace.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

 

 

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Posted in Faith, Hope, Spiritual Living, Uncategorized

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | July 4, 2025

Life, Liberty & The Pursuit of Joy

“I (Jesus) came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” John 10:10b

On July 4, 1776, the new Congress of what would ultimately become the United States of America, put forth a Declaration of Independence. This document clearly enumerated Great Britain’s tyrannical actions and the young nation’s absolution from allegiance to the British crown. One of the most quoted sentiments of this separation agreement sets its foundation:

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.

The Founding Fathers of our great nation set forth the truth (which at one point was self-evident) that human beings are created equal by God and have been given the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of (note, it’s not the attainment of!) happiness—and that no one can dispossess us of these things. The Declaration of Independence, as well as the Constitution drafted 11 years later, established the ideal for the new (and never-been-done-before) Republic. It’s a truly beautiful thing (despite how you hear today’s angry mobs shout otherwise), and as citizens of the U.S., we are privileged to live this way.

Interestingly, Thomas Jefferson wasn’t the first one to pen these concepts. We can look through the pages of the Bible and find the original promises made to the followers of Jesus Christ. As citizens of heaven (1 Peter 2:9-10; Philippians 3:20) , we are privileged to have received life, liberty, and the pursuit of joy (which is way better than happiness).

Life: We were dead in our sins, but have been made alive in Christ (Ephesians 2:1-10). Through Jesus we possess secure eternal life (John 3:16; John 10:27-29; Romans 8:38-39). And Jesus came to make us completely new (Galatians 2:20; 2 Corinthians 5:17), transform us into His likeness (2 Corinthians 3:18; Philippians 1:6), and allow us to walk in abundant life here on earth as we make our way Home to heaven (John 10:10).

Liberty: We were slaves to sin, but Jesus bought our freedom through His death and resurrection—His victory is ours. True liberty is found only in Him (John 8:31-36; Galatians 5:1). Upon salvation, we are given the Holy Spirit to live in us—and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom (2 Corinthians 3:17). And as Christ-followers, we don’t use this freedom to indulge ourselves, but to serve others (Galatians 5:13; 1 Peter 2:16).

Joy: In response to our God-given, Christ-bought life and liberty, believers are to choose joy (1 Peter 1:3-9; Philippians 4:4). Jesus lived this way during His ministry, even as He was being crucified (Hebrews 12:1-3). Obedience to the Father and abiding in Christ bring us true joy (John 15:8-11). And like our Savior, as well as through the example (and exhortation) of the Apostles, we are to endure the hard things of this life for the joy set before us. But beyond “endurance”, we are to actually “count it all joy” because these trials are part of our growth (James 1:2-4). See, happiness is based on our happenings…joy, however, can (and should) be a constant no matter what we walk through.

As citizens of the United States, let’s appreciate the rights our nation endows us with. But as citizens of heaven, let’s celebrate the life, liberty, and joy given to us by God through Christ Jesus.

“Lord, thank You for my new life and freedom in Christ. In response, may I choose joy as I walk in obedience and glorify You.”

For His Glory

Julianne Winkler Smith
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Faith, Freedom, Hope

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | July 3, 2025

The Near Miss

aug 29“No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.” I Corinthians 10:13 (ESV)

Ever had a close call – a near miss – the accident that didn’t’ happen?  We sigh a deep breath and count our blessings.  With shaky knees, we do the “happy dance” because we’ve been spared from the unwanted. Overjoyed, we move on and resume forgetting the unthinkable almost interrupted our day.

Wouldn’t it be great if we could always make the narrow escape?  If we could experience the thrill and adventure of the close call and still miss danger.    Our near miss would probably tempt us to lower our guard and take more risks.  We’d maybe discard the warnings and claim our resilience.  Or perhaps we’d ignore the cautions and keep moving because we’ve always been able to hit the escape button before it was too late.

Ever thought of temptation as a close call – a near miss – the sin that doesn’t have to happen? The close call greeted Jesus after he spent 40 days in the wilderness fasting.  His physical needs made Him a desirable target for Satan.  Despite what He may have desired in the moment, Jesus resisted and Satan fled.  Throughout the gospels, Jesus paints a realistic picture – in this world we will face temptation.  The close call – a near miss – can be our story too if we like Jesus determine to not cross that line.

No one is immune to temptation and if we think we are too strong – then we could be on the edge about to fall.  Satan’s plan is to give us a false sense of resilience that says you can lower your guard, you can take that risk and you don’t need to heed the warning.

We’ve all been there when we thought we could keep the boundary in place and then watched as we slipped over the edge.  The words we didn’t want to say.  The attitude that crushed others.  The actions that destroyed lives.  The selfishness that reigned over all our decisions.  And in each of these God provided a means of escape. The ultimate near miss beckoning us to step back, pray hard, cling to His words and hit escape.

“Father, You have lovingly provided a way for us to turn away from sin. Help us to honor the boundaries that seek to protect us.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Hope, Spiritual Growth, Success, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | July 2, 2025

We Cannot Go Where God Is Not

If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast.   Psalm 139:8-10

The most awesome privilege we have as daughters of the living God is to know that His Spirit is with us no matter where we go or what we do. He is there to lead, guide, protect, and provide. He is there to give wisdom in life situations.

That fact is easy for Christians to acknowledge mentally, but to understand that deeply, to be able to trust it, to rely on it in times of stress and danger—that takes the promises we find in scripture.

So here are a few to keep handy when you need the assurance that God is with you:

God goes in front of us to lead us. Isaiah 48:17  NLT

This is what the Lord says—
your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel:
“I am the Lord your God,
who teaches you what is good for you
and leads you along the paths you should follow.

God is behind us. Isaiah 30:21  NLT

Your own ears will hear him.
Right behind you a voice will say,
“This is the way you should go,”
whether to the right or to the left.

God is on our right. Psalm 121:5 NKJV

The Lord is your keeper; The Lord is your shade at your right hand.

God is on our left. Job 23:9a  KJV

On the left hand, where he doth work…

God’s wings are above us. Psalm 36:7  KJ21

 How excellent is Thy lovingkindness, O God! Therefore, the children of men put their trust under the shadow of Thy wings.

God is below us. Deuteronomy 33:27  NLT

The eternal God is your refuge,
and his everlasting arms are under you.

God is in us. 1 Corinthians 3:16  NLT

 Don’t you realize that all of you together are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God lives in you?

When I think of all these amazing promises together, I can imagine that we are each in a bubble of divine protection, surrounded on all sides—and on the inside—by the presence of God. Let’s all say, Hallelujah!

“Dear Father, what a blessing it is to know that you are behind and before us, on our right and our left, above us and below us, and dwelling in us. We need never fear being alone. Help us never to take that for granted.”

 For His Glory

Cherie Harbridge Williams
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Hope

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