Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | January 28, 2025

Justice Is Served

“(The Lord) will judge the world with righteousness and the peoples with fairness.”  Psalm 98:9

There’s a lot of talk these days about justice…and pardons. In fact, until recent months (and days) the concept of pardoning probably didn’t cross our minds. Then, rather suddenly, they’re flying around like those old Oprah days when she had her big giveaway shows: “You get a pardon! And you get a pardon! And you get a pardon!” (And I won’t even go into that whole “pre-emptive pardon”—how is that even a thing?)

Before I digress, let’s establish some legal definitions in order to get to some spiritual implications.

  1. Justice: “The ethical, philosophical idea that people are to be treated impartially, fairly, properly, and reasonably by the law and by arbiters of the law.” Another simple explanation is “getting what one deserves.”
  2. Pardon: “To use the executive power of a Governor or President to forgive a person convicted of a crime, thus removing any remaining penalties or punishments and preventing any new prosecution of the person for the crime for which the pardon was given. A pardon strikes the conviction from the books as if it had never occurred, and the convicted person is treated as innocent.”

We all pine for justice, don’t we? When we witness a person, group, or even community of people being mistreated or victimized, something rises up within us—payment must be made, the wrong made right! (This is especially if we’re the one who was wronged.) We stand firm on our sense of righteousness, and shout, “That person/group/government” has fallen short!”

Ah, but this is where things get tricky when we shift our perspective to the heavenlies. See, the only reason we—or anyone in the world—has any sense of moral “right” or “wrong” is because God instilled it in us (Romans 1:19-20). We want to see justice because God is just—His perfect, holy righteousness is the ultimate standard (Deuteronomy 32:3-4). Yup…He is just. And we all fall short (Romans 3:23). One little lie or angry thought toward another….mark missed. So, what happens when we cannot meet the righteous requirements of our perfect and Holy God? Well, there is the penalty of His wrath to be paid (Romans 1:18; Romans 2:5). Uh oh. Is “justice” what we really want now?

God is just, we’re easily convicted, and the sentence is definitive. But praise God that He is also merciful! Jesus has stepped up to the Judge’s proverbial bench and said, “I will take the punishment (your name here) deserves.” And He did. Jesus came to earth, fully God and fully man, to live a perfect, sinless life we could not and take the wrath meant for us. Then, He rose victorious over sin and death.

And, friend, guess what we get when we accept for ourselves what Jesus did on the cross? A pardon! Look at the elements of the legal definition again: 1) a person convicted of a crime is forgiven (Ephesians 1:7); 2) any penalties or punishments are removed (Psalm 103:10-12); 3) any new prosecution is prevented (John 10:27-30); and 4) (this is the best, most amazing part) the conviction is stricken from the books as if it had never occurred, and the convicted person is treated as innocent (2 Corinthians 5:21). The church word for this is actually “justification”—we are made righteous by the blood of Jesus, so that God upon His Judgment seat looks upon us as completely innocent…as if we’ve never sinned at all (Romans 3:21-26).

Someday soon, you’ll likely find yourself in a political conversation about those recent pardons—around which there is much vitriol one way or another. So, join the discussion! Share how you are a BIG FAN of pardons…then tell them the story of your own.

“Lord, thank You for your grace and compassion. And thank You, Jesus, for being the Just and the Justifier.”

For His Glory

Julianne Winkler Smith
TRBC Women’s Life

 

Leave a Comment

Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Hope, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | January 27, 2025

Why Watching Our Step Is Critical

“The one whose walk is blameless is kept safe, but the one whose ways are perverse will fall into the pit.” Proverbs 28:18 ESV)

“Watch your step.”  How many times have I heard those words this winter? The snow and ice mix we had earlier this month made for some tricky commutes and slippery walks across parking lots. Even I uttered those words to my nephew, who is recovering from a serious car accident.  He’s a huge fall risk navigating a walker without being able to put much weight on either foot. And then there’s my mom who shuffles her precious feet across the floor with cane in hand. Yes, no one wants to fall regardless of their age.

Falling is one of the most common accidents that cause a loss in the quality of life for older adults. Believe it or not,  some of us are in that category.  So what’s the main culprit? Carelessness, obstacles in our path, distractions, weak muscles, etc. are all at the top of the list. Most of which could be prevented with a little intentional intervention.

You may be wondering why all this talk about falling? Well, sweet friends, we all fall. Now we may not hit the ground literally, but we’ve all fallen spiritually. We live in a broken world with broken people and no matter how hard we try, God’s word reminds us none are righteous (Romans 3:11). We miss the mark daily  – we fall short of God’s design (Romans 3:23). Repetitive sin makes us unstable, and it’s amazing how the same obstacles keep tripping us up time and time again.

To prevent physical falls, we must identify the cause and create strategies to avoid another unwanted hit to the floor. We often need the assistance of others or at least walkers and canes to stabilize us. To prevent spiritual falls, we must do the same. By identifying those repetitive temptations and sins, we can with God’s help develop strategies to eliminate their occurrence. And we, too, need assistance – the Holy Spirit strengthening us and godly counsel to keep us stable and free from stumbling.

Confession isn’t optional when we unveil the source of our falls, and our gracious God stands with open arms full of mercy offering us forgiveness. Accountability is critical if we want to avoid the devastating effects of stumbling in the darkness. We need those who will walk alongside us, cautioning us (watch your step) when we entertain another fall. We need those who will speak truth over us and share their faith journey so together we can be victorious over the attacks of our enemy.

Bottom line – falling is no fun whether it’s physically or spiritually. Both involve pain and healing. So if we find ourselves face planted to the ground with sin crouching at our door, let’s take the way of escape (I Corinthians 10:13).  Let’s purposefully choose to stay clear of any obstacle in our path and strategically determine that 2025 is the year we avoid the devastating consequences of another fall. Our God is our ever present help committed to positioning us for His best if we choose to heed His voice and follow after His heart.

“Father, clear our pathways so we can avoid stumbling into darkness. Remind us that prayer and the power of Your word are our greatest weapons against the enemy’s attacks. We can be victorious if we cling to and obey Your truth.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

Leave a Comment

Posted in Encouragement, Freedom, Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | January 24, 2025

Creating Space

“So then, there remains a Sabbath rest for the people of God, for whoever has entered God’s rest has also rested from his works as God did from his.” Hebrews 4:9-10 (ESV)

Us Martins are terrible packers. Going on a road trip looks more like we are leaving home forever. By the time we pack for every conceivable weather condition, the car is begging for relief. Then we squeeze one more little thing in that tiny little space and slam the trunk shut before something falls out. Now we’re ready to go and attempt to enjoy our vacation.

Some days feel like a road trip even if we’re still at home. We load up our schedules with every possible event. We attempt to accomplish everything on our list. Prioritizing goes out the window as distractions surface. And at the end of the work day, we squeeze in just one more thing and pray we don’t have a heart attack. Exhaustion and anxiousness follow closely behind us. The important things we really needed to do somehow got shuffled to the bottom of our list. And as we sit around the dinner table irritability, frustration and weariness spill over into our plate. The edge of night finds us lying across the bed still dressed and makeup on drifting off to sleep.

Tomorrow always arrives sooner than we think. And the repeat of yesterday’s cramming will eventually zap us of wisdom, patience and peace. Juggling priorities isn’t an easy task. Saying no takes courage and sacrifice. Laying down our burdens and accepting what God wants us to accomplish requires discipline and submission. But the reward far outweighs the thrill and challenge of busy.

Instead of squeezing one more thing into our day, perhaps we could release some things and enjoy the space. Our souls would be refreshed and those around us would be blessed in the absence of our weary.

“Father, show us what is truly important and help us release our schedules into Your hands.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

Leave a Comment

Posted in Encouragement, Freedom, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | January 23, 2025

A Life Redeemed

“The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the Son of David, the Son of Abraham:”
Matthew 1:1 (ESV)

Have you ever come across the chapters in the Bible with the genealogies and read that 40 verse chapter in 10.2 seconds because you are doing nothing more than scanning?  This morning when I started Matthew chapter 1, I thought about it, but I began to read it more slowly and think a bit more about it.  When I read David’s name it made me think about his life.  The life of David, the greatest King in Israel’s history, a man after God’s own heart, could be summed up with two names:  Bathsheba and Goliath.  The greatest victory in David’s life, of course, was when he killed Goliath.  Not one man in the Israeli army could be found who was willing to face off with this 9’ – 6” wall of muscle except for young David who loaded his sling and Goliath fell.  But then on the other side of the coin there was Bathsheba.  Bathsheba, the wife of Uriah, and David slept together and conceived a child.  David attempted to cover up this sin, and ultimately had Uriah sent into a battle that killed him.

Amazing as all this was, David made it into the most exclusive family tree in history.  When Jesus walked on the earth, He was called the “Son of David.”  David’s name was redeemed, despite his shortcomings.  David did suffer the consequences of his sin, but God brought the good out of the bad. And you know what I thought about; He will do the same thing for us!

“Lord, thank you for looking beyond my shortcomings and being willing to use even me.  Allow me to be used even today by YOU, so that I can be a light to this dark world.”
For His Glory

Melissa Tucker
TRBC Women’s Life

Leave a Comment

Posted in Hope, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | January 22, 2025

In The Words of Dr. Seuss….

Dr. Seuss said it…do we believe it? Should we want to steer ourselves in any direction we choose?!

Let’s break it down-

Whoever is doing the steering is going to be the driver, the one who determines the destination.

It depends on who is at the wheel where you are heading.

Are you heading the right direction?

Do you need a course correction?

Maybe it is because of the one who is the one steering you-

whether you or someone else?

Carrie Underwood belts out, “Jesus take the wheel…” implying she had it,  but she is ready to pass it on to Him.

Do we even want Jesus to take the wheel from us?

We have a decision to make.

What if  we  decide we want Jesus to drive, to lead, to be in control.

What does that look like on a day to day basis?

 How do we really hand the keys over and let Him?

How about this?

We have brains in our head

We have feet in our shoes

We can let Jesus steer us any direction He choose(s)!

How do we consistently hand the keys over to Him each day or even each moment?

Proverbs 3:5-6 states: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding.

Seek His will in all you do, and He will show you which path to take.”

 

King Solomon, the wisest man who ever lived, reminded us not to listen to ourselves, but to seek Him and trust He will steer us right every time. We can count on Him. We only need to surrender our will to His, knowing and trusting that His plans are far greater than anything we could even imagine!

 

“Lord, please help me to give you the keys and trust your plan for me each day.”

 

Each day I hand God the keys

And I beg and I say Please,

Lord Jesus, lead me, guide me,

Direct me, and help me to see

That no matter how hard to believe,

I know Your ways are always best for me.

For His Glory

Terrie Tollerson
TRBC Women’s Life

 

 

 

Leave a Comment

Posted in Encouragement, Spiritual Growth, Success, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | January 21, 2025

Go To Extremes

“And if your hand or your foot is causing you to sin, cut it off and throw it away from you; it is better for you to enter life maimed or without a foot, than to have two hands or two feet and be thrown into the eternal fire. And if your eye is causing you to sin, tear it out and throw it away from you. It is better for you to enter life with one eye, than to have two eyes and be thrown into the fiery hell” Matthew 18:8-9

Before I get started, I want to be absolutely clear: Salvation is by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone—“not by works so that no one may boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9). We do not earn our right relationship with God; it is a gift. Once justified (that is, having our penalty for sin paid in full by Jesus), we do work—we make an effort to be holy as Christ is holy (1 Peter 1:13-16). The entire New Testament is our manual for righteous living as ambassadors of Jesus and citizens of Heaven. This is sanctification, and we’re on this path until we’re glorified at death or when Jesus comes back.

OK, now that we’ve got all that straight, let’s talk about righteous living. Friend, whether we’ve been saved for 50 years or 5 minutes, the rest of our lives will be a battle against sin. Although we’re made new creations (2 Corinthians 5:17) and we’ve got the Holy Spirit living in us, we’ve got our pesky flesh to contend with. Oh, and the world system, which is undeniably upside down and pummeling us from every media angle. Then there’s the enemy of our soul, Satan, who prowls around us, hissing lies and condemnation in our ears, wanting only to kill, steal, and destroy us (John 10:10). Fun times.

That’s why the God-inspired epistle writers give us lots of advice…we must put on the armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-18). We renew our mind (verse). We give thanks and keep our minds focused on Godly things (Philippians 4:4-9). I could go on and on at all the positive things to do, as we’re directed in the Bible.

And, although we are told to stand firm on our faith and the Truth of Jesus, there are also ample exhortations to flee—to do what it takes to simply get out of the proverbial trap you may be in (or just inching toward). We’re to flee from false teachers and the love of money (1 Timothy 6:3-16). We must flee youthful desires (2 Timothy 2:22). We also have to flee from sexual immorality (1 Corinthians 6:18) and idolatry (1 Corinthians 10:14). That’s a lot of running! (Too bad it doesn’t count toward our daily step count.)

Jesus Himself is also very clear about doing whatever it takes for the sake of righteous living. Once in Mark’s gospel (9:43-48) and twice in Matthew’s (5:27-30; 18:8-9), Jesus uses intense hyperbole to warn His listeners that if, for example, your hand is causing you to sin, cut it off. Same with your eye. The point is not to literally cut off your hand or pluck out your eye, but rather to go to extremes for purity. What would be our modern equivalents? Does your computer entice you to visit porn sites? Get rid of it. (Or at least add some serious firewalls that only allow for the most basic of searches.) Spending hours every day scrolling your socials only to go down black holes of comparison, self-beratement, or social/political vitriol? Close your accounts. Hanging out with buddies who lure you to go to your pre-Jesus haunts and do pre-Jesus activities? Or maybe your friend group just loves juicy gossip sessions whenever you’re all together. Stop hanging out with those people. Full transparency here: If you’re obsessed with body image, and your day is either “OK” or “ruined” by a digital reading, throw out your scale.

Although we all have different sin temptations, there are no “levels” of sin in God’s economy. From porn to drunkenness to gossip to idolatry to lies—it’s all an equal playing field of sin. So, beloved, let’s do some serious soul-searching about where we stand on temptation. From what do you need to flee? And where in your life do you need to go to extremes for righteousness?

“Lord, search me and know my heart. Reveal to me my idolatry, immorality, impurity—and show me what to do to fully surrender it all to You.”

For His Glory

Julianne Winkler Smith
TRBC Women’s Life

Leave a Comment

Posted in Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Living, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | January 20, 2025

When Stretched Reveals His Glory

“And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.” 2 Corinthians 3:18 (ESV)

Runners, football players, tennis stars, ballerinas, and vocalists all share one thing in common – the importance of warmup and stretching.  You got it – all kinds of deep reaches yet gently invigorating those muscles we need to perform. Glimpsed these awkward moves the other night as football players hit the field and began their routine of prep for the big game.   Whether its arms extending into the air or soft tones resonating in our throat, the benefits of warmup are essential preparation for all those who want to shine in the main event.

While I’m not hitting the courts of the Australian Open or singing at Carnegie Hall, preparation is still crucial.  Every day, I move closer to the main event – the moment I step into eternity and meet my Jesus face to face.  All my days in-betweens from the day I invited Jesus into my life to my final breath on this earth are stretching and preparing me for the day He calls me home.

What does stretching look like in the life of a Jesus follower?

  • Leaning in deep to what we believe when doubts surround us
  • Taking small steps of faith when we don’t know what to do or where God is leading.
  • Trusting in the promises of God instead of placing our trust in the visible, tangible things of this world.
  • Laboring in prayer rather than manipulating circumstances to get what we want.
  • Unapplauded serving when we desire a different path.
  • Steady, consistent time in God’s word even when distractions and busyness entice us.
  • Welcoming hard lessons instead of seeking a quick fix.
  • Obeying instead of delaying.
  • Choosing surrender over demanding our way.
  • Inviting accountability instead of avoiding our blind spots.
  • Giving generously to others

Whoever thought stretching was optional totally missed the mark.  Athletes need stretching to warm up muscles and prevent injury, and we sweet friends are no different when it comes to stretching our faith.

When we embrace the sanctifying process, the transforming of the old us into the reflection of our God, stretching is part of the plan.   We need spiritual stretching to lay a strong foundation to  navigate through life on this earth.  God ordained stretching postures us for victory over sin and the enemy’s attacks. Biblical stretching builds spiritual resilience and perseverance –  destined to glorify God with heart, soul, mind and strength.

While most resolutions are centered around improving health (which is a good pursuit), let’s zero in on 2025 as the year we welcomed and embraced God’s spiritual stretching.  Let’s not look for a way out but a way through. Leaning, reaching and stretching toward the One who created us in His own image will serve us well.

“Father as we move into 2025, help us to cooperate with Your work in us.  Guide us through the hard places so we will truly radiate Your glory shining in us.”

 

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

Leave a Comment

Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | January 17, 2025

The Daily Choice

“For the Lord gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding…”  Proverbs 2:6 (ESV)

Started my day jumping in the shower first to wake up my eyes.  Decided to dry my hair naturally and create a loose curl – perfect for a hot day.  Switched up my shoes and jumped in the car.  Rethought my commute to work and took the less traveled route.  Within a hour, I had made lots and lots of little decisions. We do it all the time.  What to wear, what time to get up, what to have for lunch – I think you get it. Seemingly unimportant choices until one of them unveils the big behind the small.

Perhaps you’ve been there when going one route prevented you from a tragic accident.  Maybe the fact you rethought an activity with friends saved you from awkward unwanted moments. Could it be that a boatload of careless decisions landed you where you didn’t want to be now?

If we could only see ahead – you know – like visit the consequences of our decisions before we cemented them in stone.  We would definitely avoid the unavoidables.  But, we don’t get that privilege or do we?

God’s word is packed full of wisdom and guidance.  Tried and true tips for making good decisions.  So blessed by authentic examples of people’s lives who succeeded, failed and got back up again.  Grateful for impactful truths found in Proverbs – daily wisdom for all of life’s choices.  Encouraged by James’ reminders of how we should be living our lives.

Sweet friend, we are without excuse.  Yet knowing and doing are two totally different decisions.  Who wouldn’t seek out wisdom?  Who wouldn’t want to learn how to make good choices and live within the boundaries of God’s blessings?  The decision to gather wisdom is pivotal.  But it must be followed up with doing.  You got it – putting into action what we have learned, seeking the Holy Spirit’s guidance as we make decisions and staying within the boundaries of God’s commands.

While we can’t foresee the future, we can ensure the decisions in the present are aligned with God’s will.  What may seem unimportant in the moment could possibly culminate in life altering decisions. Each choice, each decision builds upon the next.  A series of “not good” choices can land us in deep waters.  A series of “good” choices can position us for God’s favor and blessing.

The choice is up to us – choose well sweet friend.  Choose carefully and choose with God’s perspective.  You won’t be disappointed.

“Father, You generously give wisdom to all who seek it.  No holding back.  No favorites.  All who come to You in will receive if they ask in belief without doubting – You are our Wisdom Giver.”

 

For His Glory

 

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

Leave a Comment

Posted in Success, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | January 16, 2025

The Blessing In Wait

“Meanwhile, friends, wait patiently for the Master’s Arrival.  You see farmers do this all the time, waiting for their valuable crops to mature, patiently letting the rain do its slow but sure work.” (James 5:7 MSG)

The beginning of a New Year!  I for one am ready for it.  A blank piece of paper and pen ready to set my course.  Fill in the details and give me a to-do list and I’m a happy camper.  But, like a writer staring at a blank page, I am uncomfortable when prayer leads to one word:  wait.

It’s not time yet; more to learn and more to heal.  And just when I thought I was ready.  “What are the blessings that waiting is meant to work?” asks Andrew Murray.  I roll this quote around in my brain numerous times coming up with … no response.  I would be blessed if I could move forward with an interesting project or big calling from God.  Waiting and Blessings seem to be unrelated words used to frustrate the one waiting.

Just before Christmas, I was excited to be meeting with someone to discuss my next steps.  I was eager for the meeting so that I could have plans set and ready to go for the New Year.  Unfortunately, a cancelled appointment was necessary and a three week delay in place.  My initial response was to just move forward with my plans.  But, I felt in my spirit that the Lord wanted me to wait.  Uh, that word again!

James chapter 5 reminds us that the farmer needs to wait for the land to spring forth its valuable crop.  The land needs to be tilled, fertilized, seeds planted, pruned during growth and watered deeply.  The to-do list mind-numbing if we stop to record all the steps before harvest.  As God develops the fruit in our lives that will yield forth purpose, we too need to be patient and wait.

This Christmas, in the waiting, I was able to enjoy the season without the pressure of future plans.  I could relax knowing that God is a God of order and that my decision to wait and follow His process was pleasing to Him.  I enjoyed each moment of time with my family, in a way I might not have been able should my mind have been preoccupied with goals.  Finally, after months of experiencing only frustration in the waiting, I could bask in the blessings within this period of waiting and declare that He is good.

“Lord, may we obediently move forward or rest still in You.  During times of waiting, give us the grace to be patient and to see the blessings therein.”

For His Glory

Kathryn Hayman
TRBC Women’s Life

Leave a Comment

Posted in Encouragement, Hope, Spiritual Living, Success

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | January 15, 2025

2025 – A Blank Canvas

“Great is His faithfulness;  His mercies begin afresh each morning.” Lamentations 3:23 (NLT)

Our Christmas holidays have come and gone, seemingly flying by even quicker than years past. Boxes and totes are being placed back into the attic for another eleven months, wrappings and confetti are being thrown away, and the last of the outdoor lights are coming down. A new year is upon us as a blank canvas waiting to be painted.

A blank canvas opens up so many possibilities. Will color be used or will it be black and white, will it be a nature picture or an abstract, or will it be letter art to share a word or phrase?   So many options! So how do we know where to start or what colors to use? This is the time to pray and ask what God would have your 2025 masterpiece to look like. It will come together with a few simple strokes each day. We are not able to see the complete work with the first stroke of the paint, but with time and patience, it will come together.

Our canvas will be filled with wins and losses from this year, how we spent our time, effort and energy for our King, how we grew in the fruit of the Spirit, and how our attitude honored or dishonored Him each day. Our masterpiece of 2025 will come together with our small daily choices for Him, which are not always easy to make. It will not come without blood, sweat, and tears, or a combination of all of them!

A masterpiece is considered the epitome of one’s career, or a piece that stands out and defines that artist. What if 2025 was the year that defines you and me? The year that we overcame and we represented Him so well! It can be!

Let’s pray over our canvas, erase any mistakes already there, and know each day we are working toward our masterpiece, which will be named 2025.

Thank you, Lord, that your mercies are new each day and you are the God of new beginnings.

For His Glory

 

Terrie Tollerson
TRBC Women’s Life

Leave a Comment

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

« Newer Posts - Older Posts »

Categories