Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | May 13, 2025

Lamentable Choices

“Then the word of the Lord came to Samuel, saying, “I regret that I have made Saul king, because he has turned back from following Me and has not carried out My commands.”  1 Samuel 15:10-11a

I’d always scratched my head at the verses in 1 Samuel where the Lord said that He “regretted” His action to make Saul king over Israel (1 Samel 15: 10-11; 35). Did God make a mistake in judgment?! Did He not know that Saul would turn out to disobey Him and grow prideful? No! God is Sovereign. And He never changes His mind—He always does what He says (Numbers 23:19). Moreover, God doesn’t “try” (whether said trying leads to success or failure) because His will always comes to pass. So, why does Scripture clearly say, “the Lord regretted?”

Then I got to thinking…sometimes you and I have to make a hard decision. We know it’s the best thing to do—but we also know it will be hurtful, either to ourselves or another. And even though it’s the right course of action, given the definitive or potential negative outcome, we are sad about it. For example, when our child is sick or injured, we know full well that the medical treatment may be incredibly painful for him or her…and, in some sense, we regret that the child has to endure it. But the necessary action is taken. It must be, because it will ultimately lead to the best result: healing. Yet we lament. Or maybe it’s a drug-addicted loved one. Although they beg for money to feed their demon, we refuse to enable them. Best choice? Absolutely! Regretful? Yup. After all, because of our “no,” they may go down a dangerous, even deadly, path to get their fix. And we lament. We also pray for rock bottom, so they will—ultimately—look up for rescue.

So, even we, mere mortals, can see situations where “good” decisions are still regrettable and lamentable. Even when we clearly know the ultimate purpose. Now let’s extrapolate this limited reality to our limitless King…which we can’t actually do. See, we are not God. God’s thoughts and ways are much, much higher than ours (Isaiah 55:8-9). And His emotions are immensely more complex than we can possibly wrap our little brains around. In His Sovereignty, God always acts according to His glory and good pleasure (Isaiah 46:9-10; Philippians 2:12-13; Hebrews 13:21)—and for our ultimate good (Romans 8:28-29).

What a precious realization from this Scripture! God knew exactly who Saul was and what he’d do (and not do). The course of history, though, was perfectly planned and executed by our Lord. Yet in His kindness and love for His people, He lamented (regretted). Friend, when our circumstances seem out of control, and we question the “why” in it all, let’s remember there is a good purpose for us, although it doesn’t make sense at the moment. Our situation may currently be lamentable, but we serve a Good God who made us and loves us…and whose perfect will always glorifies Him.

“Lord, thank You for being my Good, Good Father, loving me relentlessly and purposing my life for Your glory. Even when my limited perspective cannot see beyond the current pain, may I trust Your plan.”

For His Glory

Julianne Winkler Smith
TRBC Women’s Life

Leave a Comment

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

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | May 12, 2025

Stronger Than Ever

“And Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit to Galilee, and a report about Him went out through all the surrounding country.”  Luke 4:14 (ESV)

Challenges and trials totally zap our strength.  Way too many examples here…I’m sure we can all relate.  The work deadline which keeps us awake at night calculating how we can get it all accomplished.  The prodigal child missing from our dinner table leaving us empty and fearful.  The dreaded test results from the doctor leaving us speechless.  Moments when our mind races ahead, stalls and even becomes forgetful. Overload manifested physically, mentally and emotionally.

Wonder what that would have looked like in the life of Jesus?  Luke 3 unveils the beautiful moment when John baptizes Jesus in the Jordan. The Holy Spirit descends on Jesus like a dove and God proclaims, “You are my beloved Son.  I take delight in You!”  Sweetest words to One who at age 30 is beginning His public ministry.

And right when all seemed glorious, Jesus is led by the Spirit into the wilderness for 40 days to be tempted by the Devil.  Talk about mental, physical and spiritual exhaustion.  Jesus battles the enemy of His soul with the Word of God and emerges victorious – not a single slip.  And when the Devil finally departed, Jesus returned to Galilee in the Power of the Spirit.

Now lets’ just be real here friends – how many times do we land empowered at the end of intense temptation, trials and challenges?  I’m more like totally depleted, vulnerable and weak.  But I love the way the Spirit empowered Jesus  to keep moving forward – to not give up when ministry got hard and unbearable.  Love the way Jesus didn’t allow the fear of the one trying to silence Him to derail God’s plan for His life.  With boldness Jesus taught in the synagogues, met rejection and hostility in His hometown of Nazareth, rebuked an unclean demon, healed the sick and stayed on track with God’s purpose (Luke 4:43). How?  He was empowered by the Spirit.

As believers, we have access to this same “dynamic” power (Holy Spirit) living and breathing within us.  When we choose to fight our battles with the Word of God and remain diligent in defeating the enemy’s schemes, we can emerge stronger than ever. Resisting the urge to depend on self, we are more than conquerors in His power and might.  And the lessons we will learn will prove crucial to our spiritual growth, ministry and God’s divine plans.

None of us are immune from feeling overwhelmed, exhausted and on the brink of giving up.  So take heart dear one, don’t allow the enemy to silence your future.  Dig in deep to God’s word.  Stay connected to godly counsel.  Avoid the mindless chatter of defeat, doom and despair.  Recall His faithfulness and depend on His power to birth victory even in the midst of your toughest battle.

“Father, You take great delight in our total dependence on You.  Despite the trials, temptations and struggles we may face, You have overcome the world. We will win as long as we tap into Your endless power.”

 

For His Glory

 

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

 

 

 

 

1 Comment

Posted in Faith, Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | May 9, 2025

When Sin Breaks Our Heart

“My eyes shed streams of tears, because people do not keep your law.”  Psalm 119:136 (ESV)

As a timid middle schooler, I remember the day my best friend moved away.  Leaving had never been on my radar.  All my family lived within miles of each other. Staying is what we did. The very thought of someone I loved not being present in my life was too much for this seventh grader to endure.  So, the tears began to fall and did they ever fall.  I thought I would never stop crying.

Fast forward to adulthood, and I admit there have been many tear-stained days.  Some over silly misunderstandings. Some over broken hearts.  Some over tear-jerker movies.  Some over personal defeats.  Some over deep losses. Some over nothing at all.

Keeping it real here – one thing is certain few tears were shed by me because others failed to honor God’s word.  Interesting how we choose other routes rather than sorrow.  Easier to judge others’ actions.  Easier to gossip about others. Sadly it’s ever so tempting to relish in the consequences others experience from walking flagrantly in disobedience rather than be broken over their sin.

As I’ve journeyed through Psalm 119 this year, the imagery in verse 136 convicts my spirit.  Streams of tears isn’t exactly a quick cry. Webster defines stream as a steady succession – a continuous supply – an unbroken current.  And that word current reminds us it is the swiftest part of a stream. The psalmist wasn’t simply crying and wiping away his tears.  He was deeply sorrowful over others’ sins.

Wonder how long it’s been since we shed streams of tears because people are far from God?

What does that look like in our family, at work and in our church?

Brokenness over sin versus judgment holds the potential to draw others back to God.  Brokenness over sin removes the blinders over our own sin. Brokenness fosters humility, grace and restoration.  Brokenness causes us to pivot and reexamine disobedience from the eyes of God.

If the psalmist’s streams of tears were ever flowing, I can only imagine how the heart of God breaks over His creation’s disobedience.  Why?  Because He knows obedience positions us for His blessings, protection and glory.

Sweet friends, this week we will encounter many occasions to witness our sins in full bloom. We will watch as others turn their backs on God.  So rather than default to excusing or judging, let’s do the hard thing – allow our sin and others’ sin to birth genuine sorrow.  Crying out to our God who welcomes repentance and forgives all our sins.

Father, break our hearts for what breaks Yours.  Help us to view sin from your perspective and release our tendency to judge, gossip and relish in the sin of others.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

Leave a Comment

Posted in Faith, Mercy, Spiritual Growth

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | May 8, 2025

A Look At Psalm 46

“… though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging.”  Psalm 46:2b-3

If you were writing an epic scene for a disaster film, could it get any more epic than that? Picture the black, heavy clouds being tossed about in the skies, mountains crumbling into the sea and the resulting tsunami, so monumental that as the foaming water surges against the remaining mountains, the mountains shudder. Can you imagine the terror of those who are there to endure the horror?

But back up to the strength shown in verses 1-2a:

God is our refuge and strength,

an ever-present help in trouble.

Therefore we will not fear…

What a contrast. It’s a contrast greater than black and white, greater even than life and death. It’s the contrast of the power of the Almighty God versus the god of the world, Satan.

If I have a choice, I won’t be around when that happens, but if I am, I want to have the words of the Psalm etched into my heart and the Spirit of God in control of my destiny.

The rest of the Psalm, beginning with verse 4, seems to shut the door on all of that violence and brings us to a totally different reality with startling suddenness:

There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,

the holy place where the Most High dwells.

God is within her, she will not fall;

God will help her at break of day.

 

Keep reading to verse 10, where He invites us to

“Be still, and know that I am God.”

 

The God of terrible power, who will bring all things to an end in judgment, stoops down to lovingly still our hearts and introduce Himself to us personally.

 

There is no god like our God!

 

“Father, our human minds are not capable of totally understanding Your fierce power, nor Your tender mercy toward us. We thank You for both; that You are God, and You have us in Your hand.”

 

For His Glory

 

Cherie Williams
TRBC Women’s Life

 

Leave a Comment

Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Hope, Worship

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | May 7, 2025

Spring Cleaning

“Restore to me the joy of your salvation   and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.”  Psalm 51:12 (NIV)

It is springtime and that means time for spring cleaning in our house! I love to clean and decorate and rearrange and make things feel fresh and new. We keep things fairly clean and organized at our home, but I love to clean the baseboards, sweep behind the furniture, and reorganize the cabinets. Many times that includes a few items given to friends, a trip to Goodwill, and maybe some extra trash! It is an effort and takes time, but the outcome is so refreshing and feels so good.

As I was working through this process recently it made me think of my life with Jesus. I realized I needed to do a spring cleaning with Him.  Some of the things I do are just because I have done them before and my heart is not engaged. Cleaning the baseboards equals confessing sins-some things I do because “that’s the way I am.”  Some things I have let slide because my family still loves me, and I have not had the urgency to repent. In my case, it usually equals the way I speak or respond. Then I listened to the Fruit of the Spirit song with my grandson and was hit smack in the face about how I did not align with patience and kindness as often as I wanted to believe I did. Spring cleaning exposes what we cannot see every day.

Sweeping behind the furniture includes moving things around in my life that may feel uncomfortable but following Him in obedience. Recently, I was invited to a retreat and resisted going. I knew God wanted me to go, but I kept putting it off and making excuses. Finally I used my husband as my litmus test, full well knowing he would never want me to be gone for a night.  As my final act of avoidance, I asked him his thoughts about me going and he thought it would be a great idea! Doggone it, now I had to go. You know what, God used that experience in so many ways, through new friendships, making Himself so real to me, and encouragement. I did not want to move that furniture around, but it was worth it.

Reorganizing the cabinets may mean I change up my Bible reading habits or do my own prayer walk. It is not that I get rid of what I have, but I may need to rearrange to keep my relationship with Jesus fresh. I can so easily fool myself by checking a box that reads devotions but not spending time and listening to the One who is most important. For me this has included praying out loud as I walk through my house, listening to Psalms and Proverbs as I drive instead of music, and watching the Bible Project before I read through the next book of the Bible.  Little changes but moving things around has helped me engage with Jesus a little bit differently.

Just as spring cleaning makes a room feel brand new, some spring cleaning with Jesus can remind you of when you first met Him and how today is brand new with Him!

“Thank you, Father, for allowing us to renew and clean out where needed. You are too kind to us.”

For His Glory

Terrie Tollerson
TRBC Women’s Life

Leave a Comment

Posted in Attitude, Encouragement, Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | May 6, 2025

Clouds – God’s Glory Magnified

“For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.”  Hebrews 12:11

My home is about a block from a public lake dock, which sets a daily stage to admire the handiwork of God at both sunrise and sunset. Many mornings, I have literally had my breath taken away by the stunning array of colors and layered ethereal textures (as evidenced by the photo above). I once read that John Piper refers to God’s daily sky painting for His glory and our awe…he wrote about how the sunset we observe seems to “end” as the sun drops below the horizon (or the glorious sunrise fades as the sun ascends)…but a little further west (or east, as with the rise) the sunset is just beginning! God is always—24/7/365—creating a “Him-glorifying” sky. Like I said, these daily scenes are just a 3-minute walk from my door…but I don’t often choose to take those steps, look up, and appreciate the majesty of it all.

Each week, I spend time with some precious sisters to study God’s Word. We meet up at 7am and, depending on the season, the sky is just waking up. Not long ago, my friend Missy arrived a bit early and walked down to the dock to catch the sunrise. The sky, of course, changed from one stunning color to another as she gazed over the water. Picturesque, yes, but not really gasp-level. When we were talking about the various degrees of sunrise awesomeness, we noted that this particular morning was clear…and Missy made a simple, yet profound, statement: “Well, the beauty comes from the clouds, right?”

We all looked at each other with a different kind of God-glorifying gasp—recognizing the mic-drop truth of this statement in the lives of believers. Just listen to the words of Peter…

“In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 1:6-7).

And from James…

 “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing” (James 1:2-4).

The beauty comes from the clouds, indeed. In this life, we will have troubles as Jesus promised. But praise Him, He has overcome the world. Even as justified, blood-bought righteous people, we battle in this world against the desires of our flesh, the dark world system, and our enemy, the devil. But God takes all of it in His loving hands (and as he has intended from eternity past) and transforms it into something glorious. Every trial, every tear, every dark moment of the soul. His love for us shines through it like the sun through the clouds at dawn…and we burst forth in the joy of it all. If, that is, we choose to take the steps toward Him, look up, and appreciate the majesty of it all (Romans 5:1-5).

“Lord, help me see that the clouds of my life are there to create something even more beautiful—brilliant colors amid the pain, magnificent textures of joy through the challenges. All of it for Your glory.”

 

For His Glory

 

Julianne Winkler Smith
TRBC Women’s Life

Leave a Comment

Posted in Encouragement, Hope, Worship

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | May 5, 2025

Why Options Don’t Serve Us Well

“So if you have been raised with the Messiah, seek what is above, where the Messiah is, seated at the right hand of God.” Colossians 3:1 (ESV)

I’ve always been a fan of working out.  Exercise energizes me, clears my mind and just simply makes me feel good when I finish.  My normal routine is two a day – in simple terms – a 30 minute workout at 5:30 am and a 45 minute workout at noon.  For some of you that sounds a little crazy, but for years it has worked great with my schedule.

Lately, I’ve noticed a trend. Early morning exercise has become optional – it hurts to admit and even confess those words.  Yes, I’ve skipped a lot of my 5:30 a.m. workouts to catch a little bit more snooze time.  At first it was occasional misses and then, well let’s just say the snooze button has been getting a good workout not me.  Bottom line my consistent workout in the morning is no longer considered non-negotiable.

Webster defines my dilemma of optional precisely – “left to one’s choice; not required.”  Exactly what I’ve been doing and it’s not serving me well.

Wonder if we float our optional stance to other areas of our lives too?

It only takes a few occasional misses to land us in this place where a non-negotiable easily slides to optional.  Instinctively excuses start to mount….just 5 more minutes of sleep, just one more piece of cake, just one Sunday away. I think we all get the picture.  Discipline and consistency are far friends from the fleeting optional.

Worst place to land is when God becomes optional.  Choosing to allow the demands of our day to rob us of His sweet presence.  Neglecting Bible study because we’ve got plenty of time later.  Purposefully checking out of accountability – it’s our right to choose, isn’t it?  Compromise after compromise without even a second thought. Consumed with our freedom of choice, we can find ourselves moving further and further away from what once was non-negotiable.

Love the freedom our God has granted to each of us. Our relationship with Him is a beautiful gift not a forced allegiance. He does not manipulate us like a puppet on a string nor force us to love Him.  The choosing is totally up to us.  God desires a willing heart from one who seeks Him and walks in His truth.     He knows the protection, pleasure, joy, growth and blessings birthed in one who doesn’t see their relationship with Him as just another option on the table.

Sweet friends, we miss out on so much when we release our pursuit of God for other things.  No one else will ever satisfy. No one else will ever measure up.  We desperately need an ongoing discipline and devotion to our God.  He is so worth every effort we choose to make. I’ve regretted lots of compromises, but I’ve never once regretted keeping God first in my life.

“Father, Your door is wide open to those who intentionally choose to search for You with all their heart, mind and soul.  Help us to release excuses and avoid the regret of making You optional.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

Leave a Comment

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

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | May 2, 2025

Charting My Course

“They make their hearts like a rock so as not to obey the law or the words that the Lord of Hosts had sent by His Spirit through the earlier prophets. Therefore, great anger came from the Lord of Hosts.” Zechariah 7:10 (HCSB)

Nothing uglier than a defiant spirit. One bent on doing life its own way. Determined to chart its course the way known only to them. Postured for “my way” is the best way. Unwilling to be changed, deterred or re-routed. No ones’ opinion or view has merit.

Wish those words described others, but I can remember clearly when they were mine. You see, as a young teen, I thought I had all the answers. And my parents, well they were holding back, restraining me from best. Too old fashioned, overbearing and set in their ways to know what was cool.

Interesting how quickly a soft heart can grow cold and hard. Set in stone – carved out to prove it’s right. Decision after decision, compromise after compromise building a mighty fortress barricading truth from edging in. Ignoring the obvious staring us straight in the face.

One huge issue with defiant – it comes with an overwhelming set of consequences. Resisting God’s truth will always land us on the short end of the stick. We will reap whatever we sow, even if we thought our crop was ours to plant. As a young teen, I learned some pivotal lessons. Some of those reckonings were doable, yet uncomfortable. Some of the repercussions were difficult, costly and excruciatingly painful to bear. And some unfortunately left scars deep within that hard, calloused heart.

Best solution – resist the proud road! Yes, pride convinces us we have all the answers. Pride opens wide the door to block God’s best and it masquerades as, “I know exactly what to do.” Said those lines too many times. Digested those words and spit them out too in the stark reality of “ I didn’t know what to do.” Cultivate a soft heart, a tender heart bent towards God’s commands. Resist the tendency to exclude godly wisdom and discernment. Admit our lack of and rely totally on God. Heed His warnings and desperately cling to His ways. Now that’s truly the best way to do life.

“Father, You loving and patient guide us – help us to resist the urge to demand our own way.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

 

Leave a Comment

Posted in Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Living, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | May 1, 2025

Attitude of Gratitude

“Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving.” (Colossians 4:2, ESV)

When I wake up in the morning there are a few brief moments when everything feels perfect in life. Nothing on my body is hurting. I’m not focused on my list of things to do that day and my heart isn’t aching for the people I miss, who are no longer in my life. But as the morning goes on that feeling slowly changes and the reality of this world sets in. Within a few moments unhappy thoughts can easily flood my mind and discourage me. The enemy of my soul reminds me of prayers that I’ve prayed for over a decade and still God has remained silent on them.  It can easily make me feel discouraged.  Thoughts like, why should I even pray about it anymore run rampant through my mind.

That’s why part of my daily routine involves spending my first hour of the day reading God’s Word and praying. Feeding my soul with the truth of His Word first.  Then pouring my heart out to Him in prayer, about the things that cause me pain. And praising Him for what I do have.

It’s the only way I can endure this life at all.  By choosing to daily put my Hope in Jesus.  Because if I don’t intentionally choose to think on different things than the reality of life, I can become easily overwhelmed. Then I’m not able to help anyone, not even myself.

When we’ve prayed for things day after day, week after week, month after month, even year after year and we don’t see anything changing – our humanity (flesh) tells us to give up.  To just quit praying – God isn’t listening.

As children of God, we must remember though, that the battle is not with flesh and blood but with spiritual forces of evil (Ephesians 6:12).  Those forces try to make us “feel” a certain way and give up on the promises of God.

Sometimes when we pray, our prayers sound and feel tired and sleepy.  Maybe because we’ve let the “evil forces of life” wear us down. But we are called to persevere, to be vigilant in our prayers.  It takes a great deal of effort to steadily pray for a situation when you don’t see anything changing.  That’s where thanksgiving comes in.

Our prayers should also be mingled with praise. Praise is a form of worship.  Worship is where we get our strength.  Worship is focusing on what we have instead of what we don’t.  Choosing to see (being watchful) how God is fighting our battles for us.

Worship doesn’t only give us spiritual strength. Expressing gratitude can improve your overall mood.  People who regularly express gratitude for positive things in their life are shown to be happier/healthier overall.

“Father help us to be grateful for the things we have instead of focusing on what we don’t.”

For His Glory

Laura Holmes   (www.ephraimministries.org)
TRBC Women’s Life

 

1 Comment

Posted in Gratitude, Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Living, Worship

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | April 30, 2025

Up, Please!

“Therefore, encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” I Thessalonians 5:11 (NIV)

There is something about entering an elevator and finding someone courteous to share the ride. Someone kind enough to ask what floor we are heading to and pushing the button for us. The kindness of a stranger in an elevator makes the ride so much more pleasant.

I have learned there are no strangers in the family of God. No matter what denomination we visit or region of the country we find ourselves in, we will always be surrounded by family when we are in His house, by brothers and sisters in Him.

Back in 1987, I visited a church in Paris, France, and I did not know anyone there before I walked through the doors. The service was preached in French, and the church was packed. The love of Christ was bubbling in that place like a bottle of soda. When you shake the soda and then the cap comes off, there is no way to stay dry, because it will come out in an explosion of fizz that is virtually uncontrollable. When we surround ourselves with our Christian family, the love and joy we feel is just like that soda explosion; we all experience the flow. We will not even consider leaving anyone behind or outside, because we want to share what the Lord gives us with them. And because we want to share our blessings with others, we become encouragers and motivators.

Do you know anyone going through life’s struggles? Is your neighbor going through a phase and needs someone to stand in the gap with her in prayer? Fear not, because that which you do in His name, you do as unto Him. Keep the ride moving upwardly!

“Father, it is sweet to be a part of Your family. May we honor You as we love one another in You.”

For His Glory

Luska Natali
TRBC Women’s Life

Leave a Comment

Posted in Attitude, Encouragement, Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Living

« Newer Posts - Older Posts »

Categories