Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | April 8, 2025

Weeding The Garden

Spring has arrived and for us, that means it is garden time! Anyone else already getting their hands dirty with soil, dreaming of the beauty to come, and looking forward to eating the fruits of your labor? We are so ready at our house!

As we were cleaning out the beds and mulching the soil, we found a few subtle weeds in the corner. We had our little garden shovel, so we quickly dug the first one up. As we went to dig out the next one, it was obvious the small garden shovel would not be enough. We had to get the ditch digger shovel! Although the weed was barely peeking through the surface, we found it had a large root ball underneath. It took time, sweat, and that big shovel to dig it out.

It was frustrating for both of us because we were not expecting such a big weed. It also lifted out a lot of the good soil with it when it was dug up, and it took extra time when we wanted to plant!

As I was working through my annoyance with this weed, Hebrews 12:15 came to mind. It says, “Watch out that no poisonous root of bitterness grows up to trouble you, corrupting many.”  The message says it like this, “A thistle or two gone to seed can ruin a whole garden in no time.”

That was sobering. Here we were digging out difficult weeds in the garden, yet I realized I had allowed bitterness to go undiagnosed in my own heart and I was now faced with the realization of the cost. I recognized that I had not only allowed it to affect me, but those around me, especially my family. The weight of my choice to hang onto hurts and not bring them to the Lord to uproot, while they were still tiny little shoots, hit me hard.  Right there in my little garden, God spoke to me, and I had a choice. I tried to justify to Him the pain that I had been in, through the choices of others. Yet, He reminded me that I could leave the pain with Him, turn away from the bitterness it had caused, and start over and allow Him to plant new things. It would take some time, effort, and a lot of choices to stay focused on the uprooting, but I made the decision to allow His shovel to begin removing it.

It will take time but asking Him to remove  that root has not only produced freedom and joy in my heart, but it has allowed space for His plants to grow! It is not always easy, and it is taking blood, sweat, and tears, but the result is worth it. The bitter root had caused trouble for me, as well as others close to me.

Doing things His way is always best. I ‘know’ that, yet I did not live it. Hmmm….when will I learn?!!!

“Lord, remind us that doing life your way is always best. Help us to be humble and allow you to weed our gardens as needed.”

For His Glory

Terrie Tollerson
TRBC Women’s Life

 

 

 

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Posted in Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | April 7, 2025

Clipboard Christians

“And they were watching (Jesus) closely to see if He would heal him on the Sabbath, so that they might accuse Him.”  Mark 3:2

As I was reading through the first few chapters of Mark’s gospel, an interesting rhythm arose in chapters 2 and 3 as Jesus walked out the start of His earthly ministry. As He taught, healed, and hung out with His disciples, something struck me as weird: the Pharisees and/or Scribes were always there, lurking about with proverbial clipboards in hand. Not sure why, but I envision them sneakily following and then comically popping out from around a corner or amid a crowd like a jack-in-the-box or whack-a-mole. But their allegations were anything but funny.

Throughout all the gospels, we can find these pesky Pharisees around Jesus and His disciples, watching and waiting to pounce. But even just in these five short scenarios in Mark, their intentions are made super clear. (Please go back and read Mark 2:1-3:6 for full context here.) In the first scene, Jesus is teaching in Peter’s house, and it’s packed—too packed for some guys to bring their paralyzed friend to the Lord. So, they tore off the roof and lowered him down. Jesus told him his sins were forgiven. But the Pharisees started at Jesus, clipboard up, glasses at the end of their nose: “Why’s He doing that? That’s wrong!” (Actually, here they were only thinking it, but Jesus could hear their hearts. Mark 2:6-7) Next, Jesus calls Matthew, a Jewish tax collector, to follow Him. He does and then throws a party for Jesus to bring his tax-collector friends (and other “unsavories”) to the table to meet the Lord. And then, “Pop! Goes the weasel!” The Pharisees tap their clipboard: “Why is He doing that—it’s wrong!” (See Mark 2: 14-17.) In the third and fourth situations, the Pharisees saw that Jesus and His disciples were not following the religious rules to the burdensome level set by man (beyond God’s original intent). “Why aren’t you doing this?! And why are you doing that?! Tsk, tsk!” (See Mark 2:18-28.)

In the fifth (but hardly final) scene of Pharisaical sanctimony, Jesus is teaching in the synagogue on the Sabbath, and Mark states the obvious: “And they (the Pharisees) were watching Him closely (or “maliciously”) to see if He would heal (the man with the withered hand) on the Sabbath, so that they might accuse Him” (Mark 3:2). But this time, Jesus beat them to the punch by asking them if what He was doing was lawful. I see them quickly hiding their clipboards behind their backs, looking at Jesus with wide “I-don’t-know-what-You’re-talking-about” eyes. As they say nothing in response, Jesus healed the man (while likely staring down the Pharisees). Ah, and then they scurried away like cockroaches and began conspiring as to how they could kill Him.

As we all shake our heads in disgust at these Pharisees, let me get that mirror for us. (I know I need one.) How many of us, as followers of Jesus Christ, are Clipboard Christians? Are there certain people at church that we watch, clipboard and pen in hand, waiting for them to say or do something we deem to be pounce-worthy? Maybe it’s that the Lord delivered you from some sin or sinful lifestyle upon your salvation, so you think every other believer should be so sanctified accordingly…and when you see it, you think (or say), “Why are you doing THAT? It’s not right!” You click your tongue and move through the sanctuary, watching and waiting. “Aha! Look at her—that outfit! In church?” Or “Did you see what he did?” And “I can’t believe that language she uses—and she calls herself a Christian.”

Um, ouch. Friend, every believer is a new creation in Christ—having been moved from death to life! Praise the Lord! But there are two important things for us to remember:

  • As Jesus says in Mark 2:17, it’s not the healthy who need a physician, but those who are sick—He came to call sinners. And we’re all sinners, on our way Home to glory.
  • Each of us is on a unique sanctification journey, according to the will of God, becoming more and more like Christ (2 Corinthians 3:18) at our own pace. Your race is not mine, and mine’s not yours.

So, beloved, let’s put down the clipboard. And let’s live, love, and serve like Jesus.

Lord, forgive my “Pharisee tendencies” to judge my brothers and sisters. Help me love more like You.

For His Glory

 Julianne Winkler Smith
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Hope, Love, Mercy

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | April 4, 2025

Facing Obstacles Bigger Than Yourself

“The things which you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, entrust these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.” 2 Timothy 2:2 (NASB)

She inspired, encouraged, and challenged me. On rare occasions glimpses of her private life surfaced – her attitude on difficult days, interaction with her children, conflict with her husband, and many other real life situations. Though there were many personal one on one encounters, the majority of lessons were learned through observation. Was each planned? Not necessarily. Who was she? Special women who helped shape me into who I am today.

Though the word mentor is not used in scripture it is exemplified throughout. One of the greatest examples is the relationship of Mary and Elizabeth recorded in Luke 1:39-56. Immediately following the angel’s unexpected birth announcement, Mary went in haste to visit a close family relative she obviously respected and admired. Staying three months with Elizabeth intensified spiritual and practical stimulation. Why? She had much to learn and many questions to ask! Returning home, Mary faced her new assignment filled with reassurance, motivation, and confidence.

Mentoring happens every day. Be an Elizabeth to someone – as Mary, she may be facing an obstacle bigger than herself and needs someone to inspire her to be whatever God has called her to be! It has been said influence speaks volumes without saying a word. It is amazing how powerful it can be!

“Dear Father, use me to mentor someone by investing in her life.”

For His Glory

Patsy Sanders
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Hope

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | April 3, 2025

TLC For Eternity

“The Lord makes firm the steps of the one who delights in him; though he may stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with His hand.” Psalm 37:23-24 (NIV)

When my firstborn son, Thiago, began to walk, I was always around and ready to scoop him up immediately after a fall, to ensure he did not get afraid to stand and take another step in fear of falling. After a few trial-and-error attempts, my little man was wobbling his way around our living room.

Sometimes God gives us spiritual children whose walk starts just as that of a young babe. With the proper attention, care, nutrition, discipline, and practice, a spiritual child will become stronger and be equipped to walk on her own. Conversely, a child who is malnourished and receives poor attention and care will struggle to start on her walk.

Has God placed anyone in your life lately who needs a little TLC from you? A neighbor? A friend? Someone you met at the beauty salon? Someone in your own family?

Spiritual children are just as important in our Christian walk as are our own children. If God has entrusted someone into your care, embrace the task at hand and offer your helping hand to provide the assurance your “child” needs until she is ready to walk on her own.

As for my little guy, it wasn’t long before he was doing little races around the house and even climbing on things he should not climb on, as he was eager to show his newly found ability to move on his own.

If you are someone else’s caretaker, you are likely to have all the necessary skills to ensure their well-being. And chances are, if you look around your own environment, you will find possibilities to do something of eternal value for someone else.

“Dear Jesus, thank You for saving us. Help us, Lord, to have the same love for those who are lost.”

For His Glory

Luska Natali
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Encouragement, Hope, Spiritual Growth

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | April 2, 2025

Words Of The Wise

“Watch your tongue and keep your mouth shut, and you will stay out of trouble.” Proverbs 21:23 (NLT)

Have your words ever gotten you into trouble? Have you uttered thoughts out loud—either under your breath or at the top of your lungs—that you wish you could have taken back the moment they left your lips? How often does your tongue betray the ugly truth of your heart?

As for me, the answers to the above questions are yes, oh yes, and way too often.

Although Scripture has a lot to say on the matter, you don’t have to be a Bible scholar to know the power of the tongue. Our flesh is a formidable foe, and it’s so easy to use our tongue in a way that’s hurtful—to another person and to ourselves. And, much like squeezing out toothpaste from its tube, once spoken, our words cannot be “put back” or become unspoken.

So, how do we keep our tongue from evil (Psalm 34:13) and ensure our words are used to bring comfort and edification? Here are three simple instructions found in God’s Word. Simple, yes. Easy? Well, not so much.

1. Listen first. “If one gives an answer before he hears, it is his folly and shame.” (Proverbs 18:13) When having a discussion (or disagreement), it’s easy to start formulating your response without really listening to the other person. Instead, try to focus on what they’re saying, parrot back what you heard, and ask questions of clarification. Not only will we prevent foolishness, but we may quickly come to a mutual understanding.

2. Watch your tone. “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” (Proverbs 15:1) When a situation is emotionally charged, our words can be as well. The same exact sentence can carry polar opposite meanings depending on our tone of voice. This is an area of personal struggle for me. In fact, sometimes I don’t even realize I’m using a “harsh tone” until someone (usually my husband) “lovingly” points it out.

3. Be gracious. “Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.” (Colossians 4:6) When we greet each day with the gratitude of God’s grace in our own lives, recalling that we’ve been spared the punishment we deserve thanks to Jesus Christ, extending grace to others starts coming more naturally.

“Lord, set a guard over my mouth and keep watch over the door of my lips, so that I may bring comfort and peace—and not pain or anger—by the words I speak.”

For His Glory

Julianne Winkler Smith
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Living, Success, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | April 1, 2025

What Does God Say About Grief

I have spent a lot of time the past few months thinking about grief and what the Bible has to say about it. Today I just want to share a few things that I have learned.

  1. Jesus wept. Jesus saw the devastation that the death of his friend, Lazarus’ caused, and He, the Almighty in human skin, wept. He saw the pain of His friends, but He also felt the loss. He knew, so much better than any of us could ever know, that He would be forever with Lazarus in Heaven, and yet He wept. Not shed a tear, not cried, but wept. Strong’s concordance gives a synonym of wept as overflowing. The tears would not stop, and his grief was heavy. What a picture of our Lord. He understands when our tears overflow.
  2. “Curse God and die,” said Job’s wife. We do not even know her name, yet we can learn so much from her. So many have preached about her with comments alluding to the fact that part of the pain that Job had to go through was dealing with his wife. I think we can look at this passage another way. Job’s wife lost the same children that Job did. She lost the same cattle and servants and security that Job had. She is now watching her husband writhe in pain.  Could it be possible that she was fearful Job was going to die next? She is a woman in the deepest gut wrenching grief one can imagine. I think we can be so unkind to her. Notice that God does not condemn her for her words. She is not as Lot’s wife, turned into salt, or punished in any other way from what scripture tells us.  Job does not say his wife is foolish, he says she is speaking as a foolish woman. This shows it is out of character for her, that she does not usually speak that way. Her grief is not dismissed by God or by Job. God allows us to see that grief does not look the same on every person.
  3. In Psalm 22, David cried out, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from saving me, so far from the words of my groaning? Oh my God, I cry out by day but you do not answer, by night, and am not silent.”  King David, the friend of God, the boy who killed Goliath, the man after God’s own heart, grieved and begged God for answers, and struggled when there were none.

Friend, if you are feeling shattered today, you are not alone. Jesus, Job’s wife, and King David have walked this road where there is no light ahead and the pieces are so broken it does not seem as if there is any way to put them back together again.  God shared these stories with us  so that we would know God understands grief and He grieves with us. He is a God who is in the deep trenches of pain with us and as Psalm 34:18 says,

“The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”  Know today He is right there next to you in the pain, and He will never leave.

“Lord, when our hearts are shattered and nothing makes sense, please give us strength to take the next breath. We love You.”

For His Glory

Terrie Tollerson
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Encouragement, Hope

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | March 31, 2025

Carried

“Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and His understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” Isaiah 40:28-31 (NIV)

Because life is, well, life, many of us are likely in a hard place right now—a time of grief, doubt, pain, uncertainty. Jesus promised it, after all (John 16:33). Sometimes these seasons are thrust upon us with the unexpected suddenness of a lightning strike. Other times, we are unmistakenly following after the will of God when it rolls over us. We’re taken aback, because we’re 100% certain in our steadfast obedience. And it could be somewhere in between. Regardless, the result is the same: a soul-level, fog-like weariness that the deepest sleep couldn’t lift. (As if sleep is even a thing during these times.) You may even hear yourself cry out to the Lord or a friend, “I don’t have the strength to endure this thing.”

Again, some of us are in this place right now. Others may be looking at it in the rearview mirror…for others—and I’m sorry to break the news—it’s just over the horizon. No matter how long you’ve been walking with the Lord, you know this to be true. And if you’re in Christian community (which I pray you are), you see and hear it from your brothers and sisters in Christ as you experience Holy Spirit-inspired koinonia.

As for me, I’m in it deep. Interestingly, it’s a result of total obedience to the Lord. In fact, there have been incredible miracles along the way, with the Lord showing up (and off) that His hand is leading my husband and I in the direction we started walking a few weeks ago. He changed our hearts 180 degrees to start this process in the first place, which is the foundational miracle. And whether witnessing “only-God-coulda-done-that” moments, sweet church fam pouring into us, or the very Spirit in us, we leapt in this thing with confidence. But now it’s gotten really real. And exponentially “really” hard.

But friend, there is amazing news: God is who He says He is, and His promises are true. So, wherever you and I are along this narrow, rocky road, here’s the really real deal: We can trust the Lord to carry us. Here are just a few reminders for us all (some to read here—others to look up). Some of my favorites are from God through Isaiah:

Isaiah 40:31: Yet those who wait for the Lord Will gain new strength; They will mount up with wings like eagles, they will run and not get tired, they will walk and not become weary.

Isaiah 41:10: Do not fear, for I am with you; Do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will also help you, I will also uphold you with My righteous right hand.

Isaiah 46:4: Even to your old age I will be the same, And even to your graying years I will carry you! I have done it, and I will bear you; And I will carry you and I will save you.

2 Cor 12:9; Isaiah 40:11; Deuteronomy 1:31; Isaiah 43:2; Psalm 23; Zephaniah 3:17; John 14:27; Psalm 34:18

Stay in His Word. Remain connected with encouraging brothers and sisters. And, most importantly, like an exhausted toddler at Disney, reaching up to her parent with weary desperation, cry out, “Abba (Daddy), carry me!” And He will. He’ll take us through…and it may not look like what we thought it would or should. I don’t know about you, but wherever He wants to take me, that’s where I want to go.

“Lord, I trust You. I trust Your Word. I’m so weary and can’t do this on my own. Carry me.”

For His Glory

Julianne Winkler Smith
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Hope

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | March 28, 2025

Our Best Friend Ever

“Abide in me…” John 15:4 (KJV)

In the first eight verses of John chapter 15, Jesus refers to Himself as the true vine. His Father is the gardener, and we are the branches. Jesus talks about cutting off branches and pruning. However, the pivotal part of the text is the emphasis on abiding in Him.

In verse 15, Jesus changes the nature of the relationship. Those who obey go from servanthood to friendship with Christ. But beforehand, there’s a period of simply learning to obey. God doesn’t explain it to us, and we’re left with many questions. He has trained us with a firm hand to be obedient. At some point, we come to a place where God allows us to catch glimpses of His plan. We start to realize everything fitting together and the whys of the journey become clearer.

With God’s cuts…we suffer loss, go through trials, experience pain and hardship. Some days are so dark we wonder if the sun will ever shine again; and at night hugging a pillow is our only means of comfort. In spite of all this God says, “ABIDE!” Stay there, don’t quit, stick it out…trust Me…know I’m working on your behalf to produce fruit, more fruit and much fruit.

God’s pruning isn’t meant to destroy. He wants a friendship…a relationship. God will prune and cut using our finances, health, spouses, children, death, loss, etc. We cry, bleed and ache. It’s God’s way of finding out after the pruning and cutting…still friends? Can God trust us with trouble…still friends? Can I take you through intense sadness and your love for Me not change…still friends?

Those who are “there” in the cutting and pruning; you haven’t become bitter or frustrated. Because you didn’t quit, you’ve stuck it out, you’ve endured, you’ve been faithful and trusted Him. Verse 16 says, “Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, He may give it to you.”

“Father, in spite of the pain and suffering, we will abide in You cultivating a loving relationship. When the trimming is done and our fruit is ripe, we look forward to You answering our prayers.”

For His Glory

Kim Lacey Schock (www.kimlaceyschock.com)
TRBC Women’s Life

 

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

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | March 27, 2025

Eyes To See

“For now we see through a glass, darkly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; but then shall I know, even as also I am known.”  Exodus 33:18   (KJ21)

My husband recently scanned through some YouTube videos and came across the riveting story of a young man named Christopher Duffley. He had been born prematurely with cocaine in his system and weighed under two pounds. He was also blind. Several times as an infant, he narrowly escaped death. Later, an aunt rescued him from foster care and raised him in her home, introducing him to Jesus at a young age. The story pulled us in, and we wanted to know more.

It turned out that even though he had no sight, he had perfect pitch and learned to play the piano. He also had a strong singing voice, which took him to the stage. In the video we watched, this blind young man stood in front of a large audience singing (grab your Kleenex) “Open the Eyes of My Heart.” It caught my breath.

I looked at that boy’s face as he sang, knowing couldn’t see anything at all, and the words of the song haunted me. I felt like that was a picture of me, having no ability to see the Savior with my physical eyes yet longing to see Him with the eyes of my heart. Does that feel like you, too?

Moses had an experience seeing the Lord on Mount Sinai. He had a rich, intimate relationship with God and summoned the boldness to ask to see Him. God didn’t allow Moses to see His face, but he allowed him to see His back.

I’m not as bold as Moses. I’m not asking to see a physical manifestation of God in this life, but I want to see him more clearly, spiritually. That can only be accomplished over time as I spend time with Him, living in obedience, digging into His word, worshiping, praying, and listening when He speaks to my heart. And one day, when I step into His presence, I will see Him face to face, and know Him as I am known.

I’ve been humming the tune by Michael W. Smith all day and letting the words sink in–

Open the eyes of my heart, Lord

Open the eyes of my heart

I want to see you, I want to see you…

“Lord God, we desire to see You in a deeper way. Plant that desire more firmly in our hearts; give us ears to hear and eyes to see.”

For His Glory

Cherie Williams (www.cherieharbridgewilliams.com)
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Faith, Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | March 26, 2025

A Whole New Wardrobe

“I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, My soul shall be joyful in my God; For He has clothed me with the garments of salvation, He has covered me with the robe of righteousness.” Isaiah 61:10

Confession time: I’ve been kind of a mess lately. Looking at both macro and micro issues, so to speak, I feel pressed in on every side. Big-picture, way-beyond-my-control stuff—like the Orwellian dystopia that is our culture—can overtake my mind and heart like a dense black fog. And, closer to home, those I love are besieged in mighty struggles that daily break my heart.

I get it—really, I do. All these things are raging spiritual battles—the enemy’s fight is fierce for the world and its inhabitants. Despite my knowledge of this fact, as well as having confidence in this war’s ultimate outcome, my spirit is heavy.

So, when I opened the Word this morning to read Isaiah 61, the Lord spoke clearly to me of His unequivocal understanding. He gets me…and my experiences and internal struggles are not new. If you’re familiar with the launch of Jesus’ public ministry, you’ll know that He turned to this Scripture, reading aloud in the Synagogue to proclaim, “This is Me! I’ve come to heal and save you!” This is amazing, but the part of this chapter that pierced my soul today is in verse 3: Jesus also came to give those who mourn “the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness.”

As this so accurately describes my current status, its remedy also jumped off the page: the garment of praise. This verse doesn’t necessarily mean we need to cast off the spirit of heaviness any more than we can cast off being cold. Instead, through Jesus, we are able to don a garment of praise—and by putting on praise, we don’t add another layer of heaviness…we lighten our spiritual load!

And as the chapter continues, verse 10 delivers more wardrobe advice: “My soul shall be joyful in my God; for He has clothed me with the garments of salvation, He has covered me with the robe of righteousness.”

Because of Jesus, my clothes are no longer the rags of sin, death, and unrighteousness! Despite my fallen nature, God looks upon me in garments of perfected beauty. And (popping back up to verse 3), for this I can—I must—praise Him, adding another element to the outfit. (Think of it as a great accessory.)

When we look in the mirror, sisters, is this the ensemble we see? Or do we wake up daily and pull on a t-shirt of fear, leggings of despair, and a sweater of uncertainty—despite the clothes given to us by our sweet Lord?

You know that awesome feeling when you find that rare (and often elusive) outfit that fits perfectly and brings a sense of joy and confidence—maybe for a job interview or special occasion? Think about that and multiply that awesomeness by about a billion. Sisters, whatever is going on in our world, our home, or our minds, we have what we need for joy and confidence. We have salvation that cannot be taken away. We have righteousness, despite our sin. We have reason to praise in all circumstances.

God has given us a whole new wardrobe. So, go ahead, flaunt it.

“Lord, remind me daily that You have given me the spiritual garments I need to take on each day with hope and joy—thank You!”

For His Glory

Julianne Winker Smith
TRBC Women’s Ministry

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Posted in Attitude, Encouragement, Faith, Hope, Spiritual Living, Success

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