Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | June 17, 2025

I’ve Got A Secret

“I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:12-13

Contentment. It’s a tough nut to crack in the abundance culture of the United States. Although we can all agree that grocery prices are (still) high and the general cost of living seems relatively challenging, Americans are still among the wealthiest people on the planet. In fact, statistics show that if your household income is more than $35,000 per year, you’re in the top 1% of global income earners. But it’s not just money, is it? Depending on your particular age group or even geographical location, the “contentment standard” could be tied to acquiring a coveted brand of something (clothes, gear, vehicle), achieving a certain Insta-filter look (think large lips, no lines, or shiny face), or attaining a particular number of social media followers.

Maybe your “if only” has nothing at all to do with stuff. It’s a better job (not your current one, which you prayed incessantly for before you got it). It’s a healing for you or your child, friend, or spouse. It’s the need for relief from that relentless pain you’ve had for years. It’s that prodigal who you’re watching wallow in the pigsty. Yes, you would finally be content if and when…

Oh, but then there is the Apostle Paul telling it like it is. At one time he was a top dog in the world—Ivy League educated, a top attorney, on the political rise, in the in crowd. But after Jesus got hold of him, Paul’s life changed markedly. Just from what we learn in 2 Corinthians 11:22-33, Paul experienced the following as he journeyed to share the gospel with the world: numerous imprisonments, so many beatings that he stopped counting, 39 lashes five times, beaten with rods five times, stoned (some say to death), shipwrecked three times—and that’s just the short list of his sufferings.

Yet Paul is content. More than that, he consistently rejoices in and through it all.

See, Paul knew a secret. Thankfully, the Holy Spirit saw to it that Paul shared it with us as he wrote his letter to the church at Philippi—which he wrote while in prison! (Actually, Paul hammers contentment and joy in the Lord in all his writings, but we’ll focus in on Philippians for now.) Jesus changed Paul’s life—and Paul’s sole purpose was to see everyone else’s life transformed from darkness to light like his. He loved the Lord and, as a result, loved others to and for God’s glory. And no matter what his circumstances, Paul used that situation to boldly proclaim Christ and Him crucified. With his eyes on the prize of the salvation of others and the ultimate heavenly destination, Paul counted it all joy (Philippians 1-3).

Then there is the glorious chapter 4 of Philippians. In his great joy and excitement and confident faith, Paul shares his secret. First, he sets it up by urging us to rejoice in the Lord. No need to be anxious about your bank account, your reflection, or even your daily pain. Be prayerful, with gratitude, and your heart and mind will be guarded by an incomprehensible peace of God. He tells us how to focus our thoughts (v 8) and to practice all the stuff he taught us through this and his other letters (v 9). Then, drumroll please…Paul gives us the key to contentment. “I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am,” he says. Whether broke, rich, hungry, suffering, with friends, alone in a prison cell. You and I can do all things through Christ who strengthens us. That’s it! In our own strength and effort, we will always be lacking, wanting, discontent—there’s always more to be had, something better. But in Christ and through Christ, we are more than conquerors (Romans 8:31-39).

Want to stand firm and be bold like Paul? Want to know that you know that you know the peace, joy—and, yes, contentment—found only in Jesus? Consider these other exhortations from our brother Paul: We were dead, and now we’re alive in Christ—seated with Him—and we are His masterpiece (Ephesians 2:1-10); there’s no more condemnation for us (Romans 8:1); we are a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17); we are daughters and sons of God (Galatians 3:26). And this is just a taste of why/how soul-level contentment is ours for the taking.

Friend, do you want true and lasting contentment? (I sure do!) In Christ, we are empowered by the Holy Spirit to firmly grasp it—no matter what our life and circumstances look like. And although secrets are typically meant to be kept quiet, this one has been given to us to be shared. So, like Paul, let’s go tell the world.

“Lord, may I hold fast to the secret of contentment: Christ, His victory over sin and death, and who I am in Him.”

For His Glory

Julianne Winkler Smith
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Hope, Spiritual Growth

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | June 16, 2025

Missing The Truth

“And He (Jesus) did not many mighty works there (Nazareth) because of their unbelief.”  Matthew 13:58 (ESV)

Ever been there when something is simply too good to be true?  Interesting how our minds default to questioning, doubt and disbelief when good is staring us in the face.  It’s almost like a defense mechanism attempting to prevent us from being disappointed if good is less than we imagined.  So we cower, rationalize and resist the urge to trust, accept and receive the truth.

I remember this well as a teenager in my youth group.  We had a contest and earned points for being present every Sunday. If we brought a friend, we got extra points. At the end of the contest, each point would get our name into the bucket for a free 10 speed bike.  There was one stipulation – you had to be present to win.  As I sat on the edge of my seat and heard someone else’s name called, my heart sank.  Silence filled the room ­- there were no crazy shouts of joy.  No feet running up to the platform to claim the prize.  So another name was pulled and yes, again no joy, no feet – the winner was not there.  So on the third attempt, my name was called.  Totally paralyzed in my seat, I didn’t utter a sound.  This really wasn’t happening.  I’m sure I didn’t hear my name called.  When my pastor got ready to reach his hand back into the bucket, I stood up and slowly moved to the front of the room to receive my prize.  Good was staring me in the face and it felt ever so good – absolutely loved that bike!

Matthew 13 reminds us of a group of people who chose not to move towards good – actually He was better than good – Jesus was the answer to all they would ever need.  The people of Nazareth couldn’t wrap their mind around the carpenter’s son who claimed to be the long awaited Messiah.  They knew Joseph and Mary.  They watched Jesus grow up, so how could He be the Son of God. As Jesus read the scriptures and taught in the synagogue proclaiming the “good news,” the people marveled that Joseph’s son could speak so graciously.  They totally missed the truth staring them in the face, and their unbelief carried a huge price tag.

Flip through the pages of the gospels, and we will find miracle after miracle.  Water was turned into wine. The lame walked. The blind could see.  The deaf could hear and the dead were raised.  The guilty were pardoned and set free.  All because they choose to believe.

Wonder what miracle we’re missing out on because of unbelief?   Are we allowing doubts to cloud our perspective?   Unbelief is simply defined as a distrusting skeptic, and God’s word proclaims blessed are those who believe.  It takes faith to believe what we have not seen in person, but I’d rather take God at His word than risk denying His existence.

“Father, help our unbelief…enlarge our view of who You are and help us to walk in faith courageously trusting You every step of the way.”

 

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Faith, Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | June 13, 2025

Settling Our Minor Details

aug 17

“You are aware of all my ways. Before a word is on my tongue, You know all about it Lord.  You have encircled me; You have placed Your hand on me.”  Psalm 139: 3B-5 (HCSB)

It was an insignificant thing really. Not even worth mentioning. It wasn’t huge just a quiet whisper.

“God can you please ………”

Not only did He take care of my tiny little detail.  God took it further and blessed me with the sweetness of ease that only comes from Him – far beyond what I even dared ask. Isn’t that just like our God to surpass what we imagined and do exceeding abundantly more than we dared ask?

Wonder how many times God desires to settle our minor details, but we fail to ask?  Don’t know if you are like me, but I tend to hold out on small because I need God’s help with major.  I forego the day to day because it’s really not that important – just something that would make my life easier, manageable, and less complicated.

Thankful today that God specializes in the most insignificant things, as well as the huge insurmountable ones.  Glad He pays attention to every little detail and gives me ease even when I don’t deserve it.  Filled with gratitude because God knows what’s on my heart before I utter a word. Unspoken cries of the soul reach His ears even in my silence.

How about you?  Are there any minors that you’re not bringing to God because your perception of what’s important to Him is incorrect?  Total dependence is what God fully desires and there is nothing that touches our lives that He finds insignificant.  He is working all around us and knows how our minor could ultimately pivot into major. God sees the path ahead, and He longs for us to turn to Him in trust and total confidence.

So next time we are tempted to not ask, ignore or bypass God – let’s commit to the quiet whisper. The one who bravely and courageously isn’t afraid to approach His throne over the mundane.  The one who trusts Him rather than self.  The one who says “God can you please….”  even when we think we’ve got it covered.

And at the end of our today, let’s not forget to thank God for the details, ease and love He so graciously gives every day.

 

“Father, You find great pleasure in responding to even the smallest, insignificant details of our day.  Thank You for blessing my life with more than I dared to dream.”

 

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Faith, Gratitude, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | June 12, 2025

Sponge Life

“Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth.” 1 John 3:18

Our church is big on living the conduit life as a Christian—to be a passthrough of God’s love, mercy, and grace to others. Another way our pastor exhorts this truth is by saying, “Once we are rescued by Jesus, we become part of the rescue team.” This Biblical “one another” attitude (and practice) is one of the many reasons I just love my church family.

We recently finished up a series that went through our Discipleship Journey map, a never-ending triangle of following Jesus to deepen our relationship with Him. During the wrap-up sermon, the pastor used an analogy of a healthy Christian life which was one of those mic-drop moments for me. And I’m totally stealing it to elaborate on here: He commented that we need to be like sponges.

See, for many people, being a Christian is about finding “the right” church that will strike the smart-shopper balance of entertainment/engagement, kid-friendliness, aligned musical tastes, etc.…even though (due to children sports, family vacations, or sleeping in) they’ll show up about once a month. They want what they want. Others are truly faithful to not miss a church service (Hebrews 10:25), loving the worship experience in song and teaching. There is even a good percentage who, in addition to consistent corporate worship, read their Bible on the regular. They soak in all the never-ending goodness, richness, and conviction God’s Word has to offer, satisfying that Holy-Spirit-given appetite.

But as followers of Christ, we can’t just be sponges—soaking in and soaking in, even though it’s all good stuff we’re absorbing. Because we all know what happens when you don’t squeeze out your sponge on the regular: it gets sour and starts to stink. So, just like a sponge, we’ve got to squeeze ourselves out: doing good unto others and serving, giving away what the Lord is teaching us (Matthew 23:11; Galatians 5:13-14; 1 Peter 4:10). And there are so many ways to do this! Be part of a small group at your church to talk about God’s Word—or just meet together with one or two other believers once a week to share what God’s teaching you and how He’s moving in your life. And serve! I guarantee that there are at least 10 different ways you can serve at your church right now, whether during Sunday (and/or midweek) services, through local ministry/outreach partners, and short-term global mission trips. Or find a local Christian organization on your own that fuels your spirit.

However you choose to squeeze yourself, there is a beautiful irony that takes place: You don’t experience an emptiness in the emptying! In fact, this spiritual squeeze produces an immense fullness of joy! Giving yourself away immeasurably blesses you (Acts 20:35)! Plus, the pouring out for others creates the space to refill with more of God’s Word and refuel yourself for more giving away.

So, sweet friend, live the sponge life. Soak up God’s truth and goodness through His Word, corporate worship, and community…then squeeze yourself out for the sake of others. And then repeat.

“Lord, I am so grateful that You have rescued me—brought me from death to life, from darkness into Your glorious light. Make me a conduit of Your love and grace as I give of myself to others in Your name.”

 

For His Glory

 

Julianne Winkler Smith
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | June 11, 2025

The Blessings of Hope

“I believe that I shall look upon the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living!”  Psalm 27:13

Psalm 27 is the one that begins, “The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?” The psalmist, David, going through a dark period in his life, reminds himself of who is in charge and who is looking out for him.

Can you relate? Have there been periods of extreme distress in your life? Have you ever been tempted to lose hope? Psalm 27 was written as David was fleeing for his life, not an unusual situation for him. Except for those of us who have been stationed in a military war zone, most of us have yet to experience the strife and physical danger he faced. He had just finished reminding God that his father and mother had rejected him, and false witnesses had arisen against him, breathing out violence.

Enemies with weapons aren’t the only dangers we may ever face. Were you bullied as a child? Have you had a disease that threatened your life? Do you have children who made disastrous choices that cause you to tremble for them? Maybe you have had a divorce, a life-changing accident, or been a victim of crime. None of us gets through this life unscathed or undamaged.

But David’s word choice is interesting. He says he shall look upon the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. He already knew he was going to see the goodness of the Lord after death. That was a given. But to trust that he would see the Lord’s goodness yet in this lifetime was an act of faith. His Psalm ends, as it begins, on an upbeat note.

I believe we always have reason to hope for goodness in this life, even when we are suffering. The blessing may come in the form of a hot cup of coffee that brings warmth, the blessing of relief from pain medication, or an unexpected visit from a friend. Maybe it comes in the form of having a need filled unexpectedly. Or maybe it is serenity in the face of crisis.

We can lean heavily on the word of God when He says, “All things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.”

“Father, You are in charge of all things, including the trials and disasters in our lives. We thank You that You have the power and the desire to change our circumstances. When we need it, please remind us that we shall yet see Your goodness in the proper time.”

 For His Glory

Cherie Harbridge Williams
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Gratitude, Hope, Worship

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

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