Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | March 10, 2025

Circle of Grace

“Then Moses said to the Lord, “…Moreover, You have said, ‘I have known you by name, and you have also found favor in My sight.’ Now then, if I have found favor in Your sight in any way, please let me know Your ways so that I may know You, in order that I may find favor in Your sight.” Exodus 33:12-13a

Like the entire Bible, the Book of Exodus is like a never-ending onion. You can read and gain Holy-Spirit-inspired insights, only to revisit the same passages again to see something entirely new—even words or phrases that seemed to not be in the verse before! It’s amazing. And it’s why the Bible never gets boring! It’s living and active, sharp and heart-discerning (Hebrews 4:12). But the coolest part? It all points to Jesus. So, when I landed in chapter 33 of Exodus, a couple of verses (which I’d “never noticed” before) struck me as pointing to the Gospel and the believer’s relationship with the Lord.

For quick context, Moses had to do a lot of interceding for the Israelites in the post-Exodus desert journey. These people were a lot. In fact, despite the awesome character and obedience of Moses, as well as his relentless protection and advocacy for his people, their whining and rebellion—and his “straw-that-broke-the-camel’s-back” reaction to them—ultimately kept Moses from walking into the Promised Land (Numbers 20:10-13; Deuteronomy 3:23-28). But before that happened, he was once again pleading to God on their behalf in Exodus 33. It was here that I saw the “new thing”—a stunning circle of grace.

First, a language lesson: The Hebrew word used here for “favor” is the same word used for “grace” in other Old Testament verses, including Psalm 84:11 and Proverbs 3:34. Interestingly, the same Greek word for “grace” in Paul’s Gospel-centric Ephesians 2:8—“By grace you have been saved”—is also translated through the New Testament as, you guessed it, “favor”.

Because of the quote-inside-a-quote structure, it takes a minute to understand what’s being said here. But, basically, here’s how the circle goes:

  1. Moses is recounting that the Lord (a) knows Moses by name and (b) has extended His favor/grace to him.
  2. Moses then requests, “If (or since) I have found favor/grace, please let me know Your ways so that I may know You more.”
  3. Why does Moses want to know God and His ways more? So that he (Moses) can find MORE FAVOR/GRACE in His sight! (Mind-blown emoji here.)

Friend, this is our own circle of grace! God calls us by name, extending His grace (unearned and undeserved merit) so that we can know Him. (Our relationship with God is restored by grace alone through faith in Jesus, so that in surrendering to Jesus, we can know the Father.) Then, in response to this grace, we take action to know His ways—we read God’s Word, attend a church, join a disciple group, etc.—so we can deepen that relationship and know Him more. And, as a result, what do we discover? More grace (2 Peter 1:2; 3:18)! Isn’t God so, so good?!

Just as the Bible itself is an unending revelation of God, so is His grace. The more we know Him, the deeper our experience of His amazing grace toward us. The more grace, the deeper our knowledge of Him. And so it goes on and on and on—even in glory, we will never, ever stop getting to know God more. So, let’s dive in! If you are a believer, you have experienced God’s astounding grace. Now, get to know him more! If you don’t yet know the grace/favor of God, it’s easily yours—just ask. Once you jump in the circle, you’ll never be the same.

“Father God, thank You for calling my name, for showing me Your favor and grace, and for revealing more and more of Yourself to me. I’m excited to know You more.”

For His Glory

Julianne Winkler Smith
TRBC Women’s Life

 

 

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Posted in Encouragement, Hope, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | March 7, 2025

Step By Step Faith

“By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place that he was to receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going. ~ Hebrews 11:8

As one who is directionally challenged, I do appreciate that (somewhat annoying) voice telling me exactly where and when to turn so I’ll arrive at my desired destination. When using GPS, some of us might not even pay attention to the route before we pull out of the driveway. We just pop in an address and go—trusting that voice for each step of the way.

Wouldn’t it be awesome if we had the same level of faith and step-by-step compliance when it comes to the Lord’s directions for our lives? Now, for this GPS-to-God’s-will analogy to be accurate, it must be acknowledged that we don’t always (or ever!) know our destination—the place where God wants us to go. And this is perhaps where GPS has spoiled us. We say to Him, “OK, Lord, just tell me where I’m going to end up, and I’ll go.” Or, “Lord, that is where I want to be, show me how to get there.”

Honestly, our faith journey is more like jumping in the car and pressing “start route” without knowing the ultimate destination. Even when we ask (and beg) Him to show us His will or give us the big picture, we may only hear Him say, “Here’s the first step. Go.”

“But God,” we respond, “where will this lead? What do you have in store?” When silence follows, we must recognize what God is waiting for—what He teaches us through Moses and other great men and women of the Bible: He wants obedience one step at a time, even when we have no idea what the very next step might be.

And as we make our way, we might not even know the destination until we actually get there. But, if we are faithful to follow His divine directions, we can be confident that when we hear, “You have arrived,” that the destination will be for our good and His glory.

Lord, You know the end from the beginning. Thank you that we can trust You to guide our steps when we surrender to Your will and walk in obedience to Your Word.

For His Glory,

Julianne Winkler Smith
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Faith, Spiritual Growth, Success

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | March 6, 2025

An Assignment From Jesus

“They were completely amazed and said again and again, “Everything He does is wonderful. He even makes the deaf to hear and gives speech to those who cannot speak.” (Mark 7:37 NIV)

Biblical accounts of miracles. Loved since childhood. Jesus heals a man of leprosy, and the man was quick to spread the news. Jesus asked the man with a shriveled hand to stand in front of the crowd. Jesus healed so all could see. The man possessed by demons was told to tell his family what the Lord had done. And Bartimaeus, not ashamed to cry out to Jesus, receives his sight. Freedom restored. Health made whole. Acceptance regained. Ready to follow Jesus.

In some manner, some fashion, each of us has an area of life that has been wounded. Unavoidable in a world of fallen condition. Perhaps healed in quiet. Perhaps waiting for healing fully aware of the fragile state of our condition. Wonder if people can see the scar our soul carries. From time to time the hurt that causes more hurt. The good news today is that Jesus heals.

And when Jesus heals, or when we’re expectantly waiting for the healing, what do we do? I’ve heard from others the exact same agony that I’ve heard in my own mind: God can’t use me. Each time I hear this phrase, something inside cringes. I’ve learned it’s a lie. It’s a lie told to me and it’s a lie told to my brothers and sisters in Christ. I know where it comes from – Satan. Our adversary. The prince of death and destruction. He wants to stop the very thing the Lord has commissioned. The telling of the miracle of freedom, restoration and grace paid for by Jesus, the King of kings. Dear one, God can use you. We need not remain quiet about what He has and can do, but we must readily tell. Tell the wonder of the Lord.

This is how He will use us. Our story. Our healing. Our hope. A hope that never fails and never forsakes. Righteousness revealed from the beginning of time. As the clock moves forward to the global revealing of the one true Savior, we must refuse to be quiet.

“Father, may I acknowledge the miracles that Jesus has done in my life. May I see the opportunities that You provide to declare my amazement to those around me. May my words glorify You and be used to draw others to Christ.”

For His Glory

Kathryn Hayman
TRBC Women’s Life

 

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Hope

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | March 5, 2025

Mirror, Mirror

Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. Romans 8:1(ESV)

Has it happened to you? You’re enjoying a delicious dinner out with friends, talking and laughing the hours away. A few sweet teas into the evening, you hit the restroom and gaze at your reflected smile…only to see a big green hunk of spinach between your teeth. The mirror has shown you what your friends didn’t tell you—and you couldn’t see.

So, we take down the mirror off the wall and use it to clean our teeth, right? Of course not! The mirror only reveals the problem, it doesn’t fix it.

This is a perfect analogy for God’s law. Throughout the Bible, the Jews were trying to use the law to achieve a level of holiness that would be acceptable to God. Even today, followers of nearly every world religion—and many Christians—believe the “rules” are steppingstones to salvation.

But sisters, the law was never meant to be the way to God. Our Father in heaven is perfect, and He requires nothing less than perfection. So striving for rule-following, no matter how hard we try, will fail. Humans are not perfect, and we are incapable of following God’s law with perfect righteousness.

Just like the bathroom mirror that reveals food caught in your teeth, the law is meant to show us we are not good enough for a perfect, Holy God. His law shows us how unrighteous we really are so we’ll run to the only One Who is perfect. Jesus came to this earth, fully God and fully man, to pay the price for our sinfulness. Because he died for us and rose again, we are able to accept His gift of grace and be made perfect in God’s eyes.

The mirror cannot remove the spinach from our teeth. But it was necessary to recognize there was a problem—a big hunk of green. And trying to follow God’s rules will not remove the stain of sin from our lives. The law shows us there’s a problem…but Jesus Christ is the only answer.

“Lord, there is only one way for us to perfectly reflect You—by accepting what Jesus did on my behalf. Thank you for revealing my sin and for paying the price.”

For His Glory

Julianne Winkler Smith
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Faith, Freedom, Mercy

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | March 4, 2025

Rest

 

“Then Jesus said, “Come to Me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you. Let Me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30 NLT)

Sometimes we take time  to rest and sometimes rest is pushed upon us by the circumstances of life. Either way, rest is something God does not just suggest, it is a New Testament command. We are so good at focusing on the commands of what not to do, but we can easily look past the commands of what to do, rest being one of them.

In Matthew chapter 11, Jesus shares with us about who He is. He tells us He is “humble and gentle at heart.”  Can you just see a new mom rocking her newborn baby? This is a picture of “gentle at heart.”  Her very being is calm, inviting, loving, and accepting, even though this new baby has nothing to offer or take care of him/herself! Mommas don’t care! They just love. Guess what? Jesus doesn’t care (what we have to offer!)  He just loves us as we are! What a picture of Jesus inviting us to relax in His arms, look into His gentle eyes, and feel the love that encircles us, just because we are His. Not because of anything we have done or will do.

My Sweet Friend, rest in Him. Take your shoes off,  climb into the lap of Jesus, and allow the heavy burdens to fall off of your shoulders. Sit with Him and let Him remind you of His love, His strength, His gentle heart and His humility. He wants you to know you are His and you are never alone.

Note, Jesus tells us He will teach us. He knows it does not come easy to us, it is a learned skill, and it will take practice. He reminds us why it is worth it-because we will find rest for our souls. And He, our loving King of Kings, will gently teach us and humbly remind us how to find our rest in Him if we will let Him. The end result is that we will find rest, learn how to remain there,  and allow our burdens to become light.

“Father, please allow each of us to find rest for our souls in Your presence. Teach us and help us to be quick learners.”

For His Glory

Terrie Tollerson
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Encouragement, Hope

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | March 3, 2025

Glow

“But whenever Moses went in before the Lord to speak with Him, he would take off the veil until he came out; and whenever he came out and spoke to the sons of Israel what he had been commanded, the sons of Israel would see the face of Moses, that the skin of Moses’ face shone.” Exodus 34:34-35a

I am privileged to have just returned from vacation. My husband and I celebrated our 30th wedding anniversary by going on a Caribbean cruise. Not gonna lie, it was amazing to not think for six whole days. No deadlines, no videoconference calls, no screens. We met some neat people, ate way too much…and we got to witness—twice!—whales breaching, spouting, and kicking. In the Caribbean Sea. It was amazing. I also was able to lay in the warm sun and read. A lot. And although I wore sunscreen, as well as spending a lot of time in the shade, my olive-tone skin got pretty tan. You could say that my tanned face was glowing from all that sunshine.

Sadly, my vacation ended, and back to work I went the very next day—back to deadlines, video calls, and multiple screens. In the week since I’ve been home, I’ve not spent any time with my face to the sun…so, that facial glow is quickly fading. Obviously, if I hit the beaches here in my town—or even a neighbor’s pool or my own backyard—face to the sun…well, my skin would stay tan, and I’d keep that glow!

If you’re familiar with the book of Exodus and the Israelites’ journey through the desert to the Promised Land, the scenario above is probably striking some “ah-ha” chords within your spirit. When God called Moses up Mount Sinai to speak with Him, something very interesting happened to the skin of Moses’ face: it glowed (Exodus 34:29-35). Moses didn’t even know it until others pointed it out to him. See, being in the Lord’s presence gave Moses his shining glow—his face was reflecting the very glory of God. Interestingly, though, as Moses was off the mountain, this facial glory-reflection faded (2 Corinthians 3:13). Then, when he went again before the Lord to speak with Him, he’d “glow up” again and return reflecting the very glory of the One he spent time with.

Oh friend, do you see the connection? Is your heart crying out? When we spend time with our face to the Son, we get to soak Him in! Through prayer, singing praises, gathering for worship, and reading the Bible, it’s like pointing your face up to the sun and soaking in the warm rays. So, as we walk through this world, we get to reflect His very glory. We get to shine this light to others, so they may see our life and glorify God (Matthew 5:16).

The Apostle Paul takes the meaning of Moses’ glowing face even further in his letter to the Corinthian church (2 Corinthians 3:7-18), when he compares what the Israelites had in the Law to what we have through Jesus. See, they had “engraved letters of stones” for glory…we have the Holy Spirit living in us. Moses had to walk away from the Lord, but the Lord remains with us—and we have access to the very throne room of God through Jesus. Moses wore a veil to prevent his people from seeing the glow fade…Christ has removed our veil so that as we walk surrendered to Him, we’re being transformed into His image, from glory to glory.

Beloved, stay in the Lord’s presence and keep your shine! Spend time with Him, so you can “glow up” and reflect His glory to this ever-darkening world.

“Lord, thank You for unveiling my eyes and heart to the Truth of Jesus. Continue to transform me to be more like You—and constantly reflect your glory to others without fading.”

 

For His Glory

Julianne Winkler Smith
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Faith, Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | February 28, 2025

When Growth Stalls

“Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience.” Colossians 3:12 (ESV)

While I love fresh fruit and veggies, I’m so lacking in the farming department.  So when I have a question or dilemma, I usually resort to my co-worker (Farmer Fred). He has the best gardens ever and me, will I can’t seem to get even a simple something to make it from farm to table.

My latest quest was a hanging strawberry plant which my mom gave us for our anniversary.  After a few groundhog attacks, we opted to move it inside at night. Protecting, watering and hovering, I anxiously waited for just a glimpse of a strawberry.  And then it happened, tiny green little berries were bursting forth as the white flower petals dropped.  I could already taste their sweetness…..but green was taking forever to turn red.

Into Farmer Fred’s office I marched totally upset. What was I doing wrong?  His answer was simply, “Janet you have to be patient.  It’s an immature plant so the berries will take longer  – you can’t rush the growth process.”

Not exactly what I wanted to hear…but truth just the same.

Wonder how many times I have forgotten this principle when glimpsing the spiritual growth of new believers?  Wonder if I have even contemplated how this process relates to those who have fallen away from their faith and are bravely attempting a come back? Patience is crucial.

Unfortunately, we (self included) have high expectations of those who are “babes” in their faith.  It’s like we anticipate them growing at a rapid pace to catch right up with where we “longtermers” have been.  We often forget it took years of learning, failing, and getting back up to experience depth in our faith. Simply put it’s a journey…one day at a time putting our trust in God and walking in obedience.  How quickly we forget and allow our impatience to discourage others.

We who are spiritually mature should be their biggest cheerleaders.  Rather than judging, we should be there to answer questions, encourage and strengthen new and returning believers as they attempt to grow.  Patience is critical and if we find it lacking then we need to evaluate if we are walking in the Spirit (Galatians 5:22) or depending on self. A quick glance in the mirror and we are reminded of God’s longsuffering patience in maturing us. None of us arrived in full bloom filled with the sweet taste of God’s knowledge, discernment and love – it was a process and continues to be a daily dependence on Him.

We all need cheering on….even those of us who have been on this faith journey for years.  So sweet friends let’s embrace patience, release expectations and trust God to complete His work in us and those who have just met Him for the first time.  Let’s choose to be active investors in the lives of those who desire to grow and mature in their faith.

“Father, You are patient, loving and kind.  Transform us to be more like You with every passing day.  Help us to encourage others on their faith journey and resist the urge to judge or grow impatient.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Hope, Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | February 27, 2025

Hope Has A Name

“I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people,”      (Ephesians 1:18, NIV)

“He’s a loving Father.  Just as an earthly father cares for his children, how much more will your Heavenly Father do for you.”

It’s a common analogy that preachers use when explaining the attributes of God, comparing Him to a loving Father.

But what about the children whose father passed away when they were little?  Or the ones whose father walked out on them?  Consider the ones who had a father in their life, but he was emotionally distant or abusive.  It’s hard to imagine something you’ve never had.

When I was little, my Grandma Edith was a special person in my life. She was always talking about this man named Jesus.  Telling me how I could be anything in Him.

When she died a lot of things in my life changed.  I remember walking by myself to church after her death.  I heard the preacher say – –

“Do you need a friend, let Jesus be the friend who will never leave you?”

 “Do you need hope that life can be different?”

I couldn’t believe what I was hearing – Jesus as a friend?  Jesus offers Hope?

I’d heard him talked about before as a loving father, but I had a hard time relating to that. Growing up my Dad was an angry person.  It was best to stay out of his way when he was home.  I never knew what to expect when he walked through the door.

After Grandma died, I desperately needed a friend and hope that life could be different from what I knew.

After hearing that hope had a name – it was the name of Jesus; I went forward that day at the altar call.  I accepted Jesus as my Savior and my friend. Jesus was the Hope I had been looking for.

When a father dies, there’s usually an inheritance left behind.  When Jesus died on the cross for us, He left us the best inheritance of all.  We’re quick to think about the glorious future of resurrection, and eternal life with him.  Yet, we often overlook the fact that He gives us hope for this life.

Sometimes it seems that life is stacked against us. Focusing on what you don’t have can leave you feeling very hopeless.

Be assured that what you have in Jesus, our Hope is greater than the things you don’t have. He’s able to do exceedingly abundantly more than you could ever ask for.  (Ephesians 3:20)

That little girl could have never imagined the life I have now.

“Dear Jesus, we thank you today that we have an inheritance through you.  We are your daughters’. Because of you, we have victory in this life.  You are our Waymaker!”

For His Glory

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

 

 

 

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Hope

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | February 26, 2025

When Our Hearts Need Spring Cleaning

“As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct.” 1 Peter 1: 14&15 (ESV)

It’s here. No, not yet. Maybe next week. Spring. Is it just me or is spring seeming to do a peek-a-boo dance this year? My snow denial, SD for short, has kicked in a few times. Fortunately, the snow melts quickly in Virginia and I was able to get out and get food for my family. I am so ready to see temperatures that are higher than my age!

Another annual event is kicking in for me: spring cleaning. It’s that time of year when I actually look forward to cleaning, plan for what I’ll clean and stick to my plan! I have a couple of rooms where I’ll reconfigure the furniture. An outside job will require a contractor to help. I may even paint the kitchen cupboards. We’ll have to see how long spring lasts this year.

Lately, along with my spring cleaning list, I’ve been sensing a buildup of spiritual filth. Kind of like the laundry is getting a bit out of control. Oh, I excuse away this chore left unattended. Of course, Kay Arthur’s Titus study is bound to do that to a girl no doubt. The issues I’m having with others are their shortcomings, not mine. This can’t be that bad. But in truth, coming face to face with my Creator in these regards is a bit formidable.

God calls us to holiness, as He is holy. He brings areas of our lives to our attention to set us free, to become more like His son and to serve Him more fully. Out of love, He allows events to occur. He allows our hearts to break so that He might display the richness of walking in His ways. He will hold our hearts, teach us His truth and glorify Himself. If we choose.

So, may I boldly go before the Father. Allow Him to search my heart and identify those areas of my heart and life that need cleaning. Repent. Embark on a course of change. Admit that I can do this only through the Lord’s grace and surrendering to the Holy Spirit.

“Father, sometimes I look for, seek after and expect easy. But hard places come so that You can show Yourself to be a Faithful Father. May I allow the Holy Spirit to do His work in me.”

For His Glory

Kathryn Hayman
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Encouragement, Freedom, Spiritual Growth

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | February 25, 2025

A Very Small Thing

“But to me, it is a very small thing that I may be examined by you, or by any human court…but the one who examines me is the Lord.” 1 Corinthians 4:3-4

If you’ve been a follower of Christ for a while, and you’re regularly spending time in the Bible (hope you are!), then you’ve likely experienced the truth of Hebrews 4:12: For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. It’s weird to think of a book being “living and active”—but this isn’t just any book. It’s God’s breathed-out Word. (Take a look at Psalm 119 for all kinds of goodness about how we should view and handle what God has to say.)

With this “living” document, have you ever been reading verses you’ve studied in the past (maybe even numerous times—for years) only to see a phrase or word you’ve not seen before? It’s amazing how the Holy Spirit opens our eyes to additional Scriptural truths as our sanctification walk progresses. This happened to me the other night during a teaching from a visiting pastor at our church.

I’ve read Corinthians (both letters) numerous times over the past 25 years—like all 13 books from Paul, these are instructive, inspiring, and convicting. But the first 5 verses of 1 Corinthians, chapter 4 “suddenly” had new stuff in there. My Bible underlining and circling revealed my initial focus on being a trustworthy servant of Christ and steward of God’s truth. But the other night, the Holy Spirit opened up verses 3 and 4 in a powerful way.

Based on the power of the gospel, we are completely transformed. Paul and the other New Testament writers make it clear that the Great Exchange gives us a new identity in Christ. We become children of God, royal, holy, righteous (1 Peter 2:9; John 1:12; 2 Corinthians 5:21). And, with this understanding, Paul springboards into verse 3: “But to me it is a very small thing that I may be examined by you.” Paul is basically saying, “I am free of your opinion of me!” How amazing is this revelation? How much time do we spend worrying about what everyone else thinks about us? Our culture, in fact, is all about the likes and comments. We perform to accumulate the accolades of people we don’t even know. But, as followers of Jesus, we don’t have to care about that. At all.

“The one who examines me is the Lord,” Paul emphasizes. The only One whose opinion matters is God! And we have already been defined by Him, remember? So, as believers, we go from men-pleasers to God-pleasers (Galatians 1:10; 1 Thessalonians 2:4). We are free to focus on walking according to God’s Word, doing life for His glory as ambassadors of the Kingdom. Free from the accusations—and acclaims—of others, as we follow Jesus on the Narrow Path against the cultural tide.

Free. Following, trusting, and pleasing God—in confidence (Psalm 56:11; Psalm 118:6; Hebrews 13:6). The mocking of the world? The not-so-subtle eye-rolls we get? The outright persecution because we follow the Lord’s commands? Friend, join me in standing stand firm on this beautiful fact: it’s a very small thing.

“Lord, I love You and trust You—what can man do to me? Help me live for You, the Audience of One (Colossians 3:23-24), knowing that the judgments, taunts, even accolades of this world are nothing.”

 

For His Glory,

Julianne Winkler Smith
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Faith, Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Living

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