Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | April 29, 2025

Be Brainwashed With The Truth

“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” Romans 2:12

The term “brainwashed” typically has a very negative connotation. In fact, there’s been a lot of talk over the past eight or so years about media “brainwashing” people with false information—trying to persuade us of one “truth” or another, depending on who you listen to. And with the rise of social media “influencers” and platform algorithms, it’s easy to be convinced that certain information is true… “See! Everyone agrees with me, just look at the ‘evidence’ of my incessant feed!” Hence, we fully embrace what we’re thinking. Our minds are sure.

Until an opposing viewpoint slips through. Then, we glimpse the other side’s “facts” and start seeing more of the same when the algorithm pivots. And confusion sets in.

This example holds true for cultural trends, political leanings, health and fitness information—you name it, there’s an opinion that can thoroughly wash over your brain. And when it comes to some topics, the “sides” are so contrasting that it seems like there are literally two distinct realities! (See carnivore vs. vegan.) With all the over-information, discerning what’s truly true is really hard.

Thankfully, there is One who never changes (Malachi 3:6; Hebrews 13:8; James 1:17)…and there is His Word that is living and true (2 Timothy 3:16-17; John 17:17; Psalm 119). With God, sweet friend, there is no confusion (1 Corinthians 14:33).

It’s so easy for our thoughts to be muddled by all the noise of this world. Our enemy, the father of lies hisses daily in our ears, “Did God really say…?” So, we must fill our mind with the Truths and Promises of God, standing firm in who we are in Christ. To fully embrace this Word-driven brainwashing, our mind will be renewed and our very soul transformed. This is a command and a promise.

Colossians 3:1-3: “Set your minds on the things that are above, not on the things that are on earth” (v2).

Ephesians 4:17-32: “You are to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, which in the likeness of God has been created in righteousness and holiness of the truth” (vs 23-24).

2 Corinthians 10:3-6: “We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ” (v5).

Philippians 4:8-9: “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, think about these things. As for the things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.”

So, what are you filling your head with? Endless social media clips and doomscrolling? Mind-numbing video games? YouTube rabbit holes? Stop the lies and confusion…be brainwashed with God’s truth and know His peace.

“Lord, amid all the noise—and lies—of this world, help me keep my eyes and focus on You and Your Word. Brainwash me with Your Truth!”

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 | April 28, 2025

Called Out Of Darkness

“For You are my lamp O Lord and my God who lightens my darkness.”  2 Samuel 22:29 (ESV)

Waking up in the middle of some good sleep has never been my fave thing. Especially as the season changes and cool temps find us snuggling under the covers. But it happens and lately I’ve noticed one of our stray cats perched outside our bedroom window. Sitting perfectly still in the same spot every night regardless of what time I looked out into the dark.

Curiosity finally got the best of me. Shining my light into the dark revealed my stray cat really wasn’t my stray cat. Sad to admit it but the image in the dark was our yard ladder – yes, you got it. The angle of the rungs and the way it was sitting appeared totally different from blurring eyes straining into the darkest of night.

Dark has a way of convincing us that things are different from reality bursting forth in the light.

Bet we’ve all been there when the darkest moments of our life unveiled a false reality. Conversations flowing through our mind nonstop creating a narrative that doesn’t serve us well. Perceived reasoning convincing us we are moving in the right direction even when we know we’re headed down the wrong road (John 12:35b). Navigating closer and closer to temptations we would have never entertained. Throwing caution out the window because we know exactly what we want, and we can handle the cost.

It doesn’t have to be dark outside for darkness to influence our decisions. When we allow sin to creep in and take up residence, we find ourselves maneuvering further and further away from the light of God’s wisdom.  Truth becomes clouded. Gray sounds enticing. I think we all get the picture….unconfessed sin surrounds us in darkness and separates us from the light of God’s guidance.  Knowledge and understanding simply evaporate in darkness (Psalm 82:5), and the longer we linger there the more we slip away from reality.

Keeping it real here….I’ve really never been a fan of dark, even though I’ve entertained it on many occasions. Just the absence of light fills me with uncertainty. Why? Because I can’t see my way. I don’t know if someone else is there or if I’m alone. Fear slays me in the dark and that’s a good thing if it drives me back to God.

Sweet friends, we don’t have to settle for even a hint of dark. Simple heartfelt confession invites the grace of our God who longs to illuminate our way (Psalm 18:28). Aligning our hearts with His guarantees His protective shield keeps us from the dangers lurking in the dark (Daniel 2:22). By following hard after God, we can enjoy the benefits of His chosen people called out of darkness into His marvelous light (2 Peter 2:9)

“Jesus, You came into this dark world and filled it with Your glorious light.  Those who chose to believe in You and follow after You will no longer be in darkness.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Faith, Hope, Spiritual Growth

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | April 25, 2025

My Dwelling Place

“I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.”  Psalm 91:2 (NIV)

I had waited so long for this gift.  It represented coming of age, so to speak.  A mark of confidence.  The wait was as long as the struggle. I veered off course more than a few times. But now, the package had arrived. I eagerly pulled back the bows as the lid of the box popped open.  I dug into the tissue paper.  The colors surrounding my prize were as vibrant as the blue sky following a rain’s downpour.  Even my sense of smell was awakened. And as I examined my long awaited reward, I realized this wasn’t the gift I’d ordered.

This wasn’t what I was told it would be. Not what I had planned for. Certainly not what I sacrificed to get. I took the longest road to get here.  Gave up more than most would.  Overlooked. Forgotten. Placed on hold.  And now.  The gift-giver would not accept a return.  Not even an exchange.  I was asked to do the inconceivable. I was asked to accept the misplaced order, change my entire approach and continue on.

I had no idea that it’s not the gift that makes the person but rather how the gift is used.  “He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty” (Psalm 91:1).  As much as I love an afternoon nap, rest during my trial had nothing to do with reviving one’s energy.  My rest was active.  I needed to actively grip my Savior’s hand and allow Him to lead.  To lead the change, to lead my heart, to lead where I could not go.  What would most glorify Christ?  No bitterness became my prayer.  Oh, how I appreciated my godly sisters who had perspectives I did not and who encouraged me to stay the course.

Days of this journey turned to weeks and eventually my sojourn did end.  Looking back, I realize that the greater gift was in the unexpected.  Glorifying Christ at each turn, acting on His principles, focusing on His love produced a work I could never have on my own. Nothing was left undone. His fingerprint was on everything. Rather than hurt, He healed.  The end result was more love, more trust and preparedness to move on.

“May we trust You, Lord. May Your gifts draw us closer to You.  May we more clearly reflect Your glory within a world of division and decay.”

For His Glory

Kathryn Hayman
TRBC Women’s Life

 

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Hope, Spiritual Growth

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | April 24, 2025

Choosing Peace

“You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, Because he trusts in You.” Isaiah 26:3

Turn on the news—where is the peace? Look in your own community—where is the peace?

Everywhere we look we see economic challenges, historic unemployment, racial strife, and political unrest—all magnified and glorified by 24/7 media that dances on the edge of our vision like a dark shadow. And this external disquiet can’t help but steal our internal peace.

As we all struggle to find peace in our daily lives, we need to remember that we simply won’t find it here. Not now, not amid this fallen world. And not among fallen people. Even Jesus told us that we would have troubles on earth. So, if we can’t find peace here, in daily living in this world, then where can we find it?

Thousands of years ago, the prophet Isaiah gave us a promise to help us in our struggles with serenity, reminding us that peace is a choice. And it’s found in a Person.

You will keep him in perfect peace,
Whose mind is stayed on You,
Because he trusts in You.

Any concordance can show the nuanced meanings of the individual words in the verse: “stayed” means leaning, dependent upon, resting; “perfect peace” is literally “shalom shalom” or “peace upon peace”; “mind” means purpose or imagination; and “trust” means confidence, but it also means “hope”.

Quite simply, this verse could be reworded or reordered to read, “Because I have confidence in You and in Your hope, and because my purpose and thoughts are filled with You, You give me a deep peace that does not end.”

That’s an amazing promise, but it takes intentional action on our part. And it’s conditional. In other words, if we keep our thoughts on Him and trust Him, then He will keep us in peace.

I don’t know about you, but it takes effort to pull my thoughts and emotions away from the tumult of the world and focus on God, His Sovereignty, His control. Sometimes it’s a minute-by-minute discipline that I wrestle to embrace and practice. And I often lose that struggle, getting drawn back into the world’s angry shouting match that seems to just be getting louder. The pit in my stomach grows and an emptiness starts slithering around my heart. That’s the very moment I must stop, breathe, and refocus my mind on where it belongs: God.

Then, and only then, will I grab hold of that peace upon peace promised me.

“Lord, help me trust You, keep my mind stayed on You, and live each day in peace.”

For His Glory

Julianne Winkler Smith
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Attitude, Hope, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | April 23, 2025

Worth The Wait

“For since the world began, no ear has heard and no eye has seen a God like you, who works for those who wait for him!” Isaiah 64:4 (NLT)

I did not date in college; I went on interviews. I was one of the very few females working towards a degree in Religion at Liberty University. Fellow Religion students asked me out, but a romantic evening was not on the agenda. These future pastors were looking for a coworker in the faith, a wife who could minister alongside them. From the moment we ordered our entrees, the interview questions flowed.

“How has God gifted you? Can you sing?” (Every good pastor’s wife can sing, right? Not in my case.)

“Where do you fit on the Armenian to Calvinist side? What is your theology on the 2nd coming of Christ?”

“How many kids do you want? What is your theory on disciplining children properly?”

“Would you be willing to direct children’s ministry if we started a church?” (I haven’t even decided to go out with you again!)

Every date ended with me either failing the interview or deciding I wasn’t interested in this particular job after all. Graduation was looming ever closer. All of my friends were designing their perfect weddings. I felt like the only one who hadn’t snagged a MRS degree along with my BS in Religion. Then I came across our key verse in a devotional I was studying. I surrendered my future to God, setting aside my dream of a husband and family. I researched job opportunities. I waited on God to show me what to do. That’s when God brought Scott to the office I worked in. I could have fun with this one. I didn’t feel any pressure to measure up to a job application process. We loved spending time together and wanted to extend the date until death do us part.

What is it you desperately want God to do? What have you been asking God to provide, heal, or change? There is no other like our God. He works on our behalf when we choose to wait for Him. Running ahead and making our own plans is so tempting. Do we want our plan or God’s plan? I choose to wait for Him.

“Lord, I choose to wait on You. You alone are God and are worthy of our trust.”

For His Glory

Tammy Randlett (http://staletoast.com)
TRBC Women’s Life

 

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Posted in Encouragement, Hope, Spiritual Growth

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | April 22, 2025

Salted By Fire

“For everyone will be salted with fire. Salt is good; but if the salt becomes unsalty, with what will you make it salty again? Have salt in yourselves, and be at peace with one another.” ~Mark 9:49-50

As I was reading through Mark’s gospel, which I have done many, many times, I saw a little phrase that seemed to have been recently added to my Bible. (I know you know what I’m talking about!) In chapter 9, we read about the Transfiguration and then listen in as Jesus tells His disciples straight up about his impending death and resurrection (which they did not get in that moment). Then, after some of His closest friends were arguing about who was the greatest disciple, Jesus explains clearly that to be the greatest, one must be last and a servant of all. Skipping ahead a few verses, Jesus gets really real about removing sin from our lives, going to extremes when needed. But then, in Mark 9:49, Jesus follows that up by saying, “For everyone will be salted with fire.” Wait, what? After pausing to ponder this odd phrase through the Holy Spirit lens, a cool application struck me.

Believers are called to be salt in this world—Matthew, Mark, and Luke recount the words of Jesus as He exhorts us to be “the salt of the earth” (Matthew 5:13), to “have salt in yourselves” (Mark 9:50), and not lose our saltiness, because then it’s of no use at all (Luke 14:34-45). The analogy is pretty clear: Just as salt preserves food, we’re to preserve God’s Word amid the “rotting” elements of culture. And just as we use salt to elevate the flavor of food, Christians sprinkle the grace, mercy, and love on others to reflect Jesus and glorify His name. And just as popcorn or chips make us pine for water, our salty lives should also make those around us thirsty for the Lord. Thankfully, we don’t do this in our own effort. Upon salvation, we are given the Holy Spirit to live within us to empower us to shine the light of Christ into our dark world, to serve as ambassadors of our new homeland (the Kingdom of God), to live fruity lives (Galatians 5:22-23), and—of course—to be salty. And although we are new creations in Christ and have the Holy Spirit within us, we’re still in a constant battle with the flesh and the broken world…not to mention against our enemy who hates us and wants only to kill, steal, and destroy. So, there is that. As we live in the world, being pulled on and pummeled by the lust of the eyes, the lust of the flesh, and the pride of life…well, our saltiness can lose its flavor.

And this is what the point of this before-unseen-by-me sentence in Luke points to: staying salted by fire. See, sometimes our most valiant efforts are not enough. We squelch the Holy Spirit with the idea of “I know better” or “I got this.” In these cases, it’s as if the Lord shakes His head knowingly and says to Himself, “Nothin’ a little fire can’t fix.”

So, by trial, persecution, illness, financial crisis, family calamity, and even those sneaky malicious intentions of the enemy, the Lord purifies us. He burns up those attitudes, habits, and actions that have dulled our saltiness—and He refines our Christian walk for His glory, praise, and honor (1 Peter 1:6-7).

When life is hard (because, frankly, it is), do we turn to the things of the world or old patterns that pull us off the Narrow Path and into the wide road? Does our awe of God’s greatness dim, and our enthusiasm for His people and lost souls wane? Oh, friend, I’ve been there, becoming tasteless to a world that so desperately needs to know the soul-level satisfaction of Jesus. But when we take our eyes off ourselves and our circumstances, and place them back on the Lord, and to His mercy and grace—and see just how He is salting us by fire—we can re-embrace the joy of our salvation…and amplify our saltiness once again.

“Lord, forgive me for losing my saltiness in the trials of this life. Thank You for “salting me with fire,” refining my flavor to be more like You.”

 

For His Glory

Julianne Winkler Smith
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Faith, Hope, Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | April 21, 2025

When Normal Slips Away

“And with great power, the apostles were giving their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all.” Acts 4:33 (ESV)

Stepping outside my front door, I caught a glimpse of the sun setting behind a grove of trees nothing extraordinary just the usual. The smell of freshly mowed grass and the crisp air for a moment dispelled my thoughts of a new normal. It was a usual Spring evening with birds chirping and peaceful stillness – everything was just as it should be.

Spring has always been my fave time of the year. I love watching flowers bloom and grass thicken. There’s just something about this time of year – it invigorates my soul and renews my energy. Feeling alive is a better way to describe it.

Life can become different and challenging – normal may not be what you’re experiencing. In some ways that’s a good thing because our normal has a way of being distracted, busy and noisy. Our schedules may need emptying. Excuses evaporated. Yes, it may feel uncomfortable to soak in some quiet solitude but the benefits of clarity and drawing closer to God are priceless.

Flip back through the pages of scripture and you will find a group of men whose normal kept changing. For years, they lived in obscurity – simple fishermen, tax collector – you name it their lives were usual. But then Jesus came on the scene and called each of them to follow Him. Normal was gone and the journey was just beginning; their lives would never be the same. And just when they felt comfortable walking, talking and witnessing the miracles of Jesus – normal slipped away.

A cross, death and an empty tomb unveiled the beauty of a new normal. Uncomfortable, uncertain and yes fear filled – uncharted territory stood before them. Jesus died, was buried and was now alive. Would they move forward hope-filled and passionate about the gospel or slink back? These Jesus followers embraced the glory unfolding right before their eyes.

Perhaps we all find ourselves at pivotal places when life gets challenging. We’d much rather go back to the way things were, but God desires to move us to a new place – a deeper revelation of who He is and His desire to be all we need. Resurrection isn’t regulated to empty tombs – it’s the rebirth of a soul who despite a lack of normal chooses to move forward trusting God faithfully.

“Father, the empty tomb assures us of the living hope that conquers all our unknowns. We can rest confidently in You.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

 

 

 

 

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Hope

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | April 18, 2025

Victorious Morning

cb devo apr6“O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?” 1 Corinthians15:55 (KJV)

Imagine 2000 years ago, thousands of enthusiastic people standing along the side of a road in Jerusalem with palm branches in every hand watching and waiting with anticipation. Then they see Him…Jesus whom all the excitement is about! Mobs of people lining the street waving palm branches as Jesus passes by on a donkey. There is a thunderous roar in unison, “Hosanna, Hosanna. Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord. Hail the King of Israel” (John 12:13).

Amazing how in one week’s time jubilation can turn sorrowful. The week between Palm Sunday and Easter Sunday is the ultimate example. Jesus went from experiencing adoration, waving palm branches, shouts of praises and hallelujahs to the total opposite of betrayal, false judgment, screams of crucify, humiliation, torture and mocking. Then a crown of thrones wedged in His brow as He carried an old rugged cross up Golgotha to be nailed to it…despised and rejected. Hope for the world seemed lost.

Darkness fell across the land. Jesus cried out to His Father and took His last breath. The temple veil tore in half, the earth shook, rocks split and tombs opened. Sadly, Jesus had died and then was buried in a borrowed tomb. Had Satan accomplished his evil deed?

Absolutely not! Jesus arose from death and the grave three days later by His own power. The tomb is empty and Jesus is alive…hallelujah ! He nailed my sins, your sins and the sins of the whole world to the cross defeating sin, darkness and breaking every chain that binds. Death has no victory because the grave could not hold OUR King.

Easter…Jesus’ finished work on the cross was His finest hour because death lost its sting and His love won.

“Today, Jesus, You are seated at the right hand of the Father preparing a home for all Your children and we will one day sing Your praises evermore.”

For His Glory

Kim Lacey Schock
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Faith, Gratitude, Hope, Worship

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | April 17, 2025

A Crown of Betrayal

“When they had twisted a crown of thorns, they put it on His head, and a reed in His right hand. And they bowed the knee before Him and mocked Him, saying, “Hail, King of the Jews!” Matthew 27:29 (NKJV)

The scene is hard to imagine. Jesus, the Son of God, the One who had lived amongst His people teaching them, healing them, and delivering them from spiritual bondage has just been betrayed by one of His trusted ministry partners. What a disappointment! What great pain from such betrayal!

Jesus, being who He was – and is – could have chosen to not go through physical torture and death on the cross. It was the most humiliating and painful type of death an innocent man could endure, but He did not defend Himself to anyone. He didn’t point fingers at anyone. And He didn’t curse anyone. He remained silent, instead. I can only imagine the turmoil in His head, knowing what was coming to Him and not getting out of it even though He had the power to do so.

The Son of God was mocked by the very people He defended. And what did He do when He was betrayed and mocked by those people? He endured. He allowed His Father’s plan to unveil.

And thank God that He did! Because Jesus willingly took upon Himself our sins on that cross, we can have hope of eternity in heaven with Him.

“Lord, so much pain and sorrow came to You before the world saw You fulfill Your Father’s plan for You and mankind. Still to this day, we suffer from betrayal and mockery, but through You we overcome the pain they cause us. Thank You for the cross. Thank you for the blood that was shed for us.”

For His Glory

Luska Natali
TRBC Women’s Life

 

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Posted in Faith, Gratitude

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | April 16, 2025

Easter To Eden

“Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God, believe also in Me…..I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” John 14:1,6 (NIV)

I would like to take a few minutes and imagine we are seated at the feet of Jesus. We are in a friend’s home, the smell of freshly cooked bread is in the air, fresh fruits line the table, everyone is quietly listening with occasional laughter as shared stories are remembered. We are in our comfy clothes, hair in ponytails, and perfectly at rest. We know we are loved.

Jesus is talking and telling us silly stories about the disciples and how they tease one another and Him. He smiles as He shares the little anecdotes and includes each one of us in the conversation. He asks about our lives and listens with his eyes. He is so genuine and caring, and we want to stay forever.

Then His voice takes a more serious tone, and Jesus begins to share about heavy things, concerning situations to come. We are puzzled. We ask Jesus to explain a little further, and He replies with, “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God and trust in Me, also. There is more than enough room in my Father’s home.”  We sit and wonder if we should know what He is saying.

Jesus continues teaching and tells us things like, “He is the vine and we are the branches,”

“You didn’t choose me. I chose you, “ “If the world hates you, remember that it hated Me first,” and “I have told you these things so that you won’t abandon your faith.”  Jesus looks into each of our eyes, lovingly knowing we do not understand all that He is teaching us yet lovingly knowing that He must follow through on the next step, the beatings and the crucifixion so that we may sit like this with Him again.

And that is what He longs for.

Before the soldiers came to arrest Him, Jesus prayed for us. He spent His last minutes before enduring shame and pain and torment talking to His Father about you and me. As Jesus prayed,

John 17:9 states, “My prayer is not for the world, but for those You have given Me, because they belong to You.”  Further on in chapter 17 Jesus begs God “I have given them the glory You gave me, so they may be as one as We are One. I am in them and You are in Me. May they experience such perfect unity that the world will know that You sent Me and that You love them as much as You love Me. Then they can see all the glory You gave Me because You loved Me even before the world began.”(vs. 22-24)

Jesus was longing for the unity He and the Father experienced before Creation and continued into Eden until that tragic first sin. He wants us to know that the Father loves each of us as much as He loved Him (Jesus). That is what Jesus wanted to be sure we knew before His death.

He longed for each of us to experience Eden with Him forever.

This week before Easter, sit at His feet. Read and meditate on His Word. Focus on the overwhelming love He has for you. No matter what this world may bring you, we can look forward to a forever wrapped in His love because of His sacrifice. That is what He wants. That everyone of us sees and believes in His love for each of us.

“Father, thank you for being willing to send Your only Son to this nasty earth because of Your love for us. Thank you, Jesus, for being willing to obey. We love You.”

For His Glory

 

Terrie Tollerson
TRBC Women’s Ministry

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Hope, Love

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