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

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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

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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

 

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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

 

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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

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Posted in Attitude, Encouragement, Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Living

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

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