Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | January 14, 2025

The Power Of A Preposition

“Now all the tax collectors and sinners were coming near Jesus to listen to Him. And both the Pharisees and the scribes began to complain, saying, “This man receives sinners and eats with them.” Luke 15:1-2

My husband came home from his men’s group the other day and shared a simple, yet profound, phrase someone had mentioned almost off the cuff. It was around a brother they were discipling—that this guy “had a heart for Jesus, but not the heart of Jesus.”

Mic drop.

If you consider yourself a Christian, then you know Jesus. Most likely, you love Him…that is, you have a heart for Jesus. You may even excel at the disciplines of the faith: reading God’s Word, praying, attending church. When asked about particular Bible verses, you know just where to find them. You may even be especially fond of the “don’t do” list. So, you can be quick to point out how fellow believers are lacking based upon the sanctification path—and speed—you deem to be “correct.” (And when I use “you” here, I can just as easily use “I.”)

You may have attended a church like this—I definitely have. The pastoral staff and congregation certainly love the Lord. The teaching is Biblically solid. Jesus is preached, evangelism is pushed, truth abounds. Oh, but to attend each Sunday, you’d better possess a certain “buttoned-up-ness” to avoid those judgmental glances and oh-so-subtle head shakes of disappointment. Have a sleeve of tattoos? Better cover up. Grabbing a cigarette in the parking lot after church? Well, just don’t. Walking in the door with a friend who invited you, but you’re sporting a slight hangover from the night before? Should’ve stayed home.

See, churches (and Christians) like this lack grace—the very heart of Jesus, and the very means by which we are saved! Grace is getting what we don’t deserve. And because we are all sinners, we all fall short of the glory of God. Yet we are justified by His grace through the redemption of Christ Jesus (Romans 3:21-26). And although sometimes we are completely freed from some flesh-satisfying behavior immediately upon salvation, the rest of our life on earth is a sanctification journey Home. We progress, following Jesus step by step, from glory to glory (2 Corinthians 3:17-18).

And friend, we all need grace upon grace along the way! As brothers and sisters in the family of God, we must proceed having the heart of Jesus—extending grace, mercy, forgiveness, and love to one another. We must love our neighbor like the Samaritan in the parable of Jesus (Luke 10:25-37). And we have to remember that once saved, we all walk this journey at different paces and with the Lord refining us each in His Providence—for our good and His glory.

So, let’s decide today to not just have a heart for Jesus, but to have the heart of Jesus. Let’s extend more grace than judgment and welcome people just where they are—not where we think they should be.

“Lord, You are so, so good and gracious to me. Forgive me for having a judgmental, Pharisaical attitude toward my brothers and sisters. Give me a heart like Yours!”

For His Glory

 

Julianne Winkler Smith
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Encouragement, Hope, Mercy, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | January 13, 2025

The One Who Needs To Change

“I acknowledged my sin to you, and I did not cover my iniquity; I said, I will confess my transgressions to the Lord, and you forgave the iniquity of my sin. Selah.” Psalm 32:5 (ESV)

“Show me Lord if I’m the one who needs to change.”

Wonder if you’ve given voice to these words – I certainly have.  Faced with an outcome I just couldn’t come to terms with, I prayed fervently.  My mind couldn’t wrap itself around the facts of how this scenario played out. The replay did overtime consuming my thoughts. Unfair was spoken over and over in my mind.  And so as I daily cried out to God for some understanding and echoed my frustration, I heard nothing.  Yes, you got it – silence.

So it was in the pit of God’s quietness, I finally resolved, “Show me Lord if I’m the one who needs to change!”  Gently, He began to unveil my eyes.  Tenderly, He revealed a heart which needed to be softened.  Without a shout, God whispered to my spirit the exact thing standing in my way.  It wasn’t someone else – it was me. The enemy slaying my soul was unconfessed sin creeping in and taking up residence to my surprise.

While I admit the hardness of realizing something in me had to go, the freedom birthed after those moments of realization, confession and grace receiving were humbling and powerful.  The peace which evaded me for weeks was now my constant friend.  No longer did my thoughts replay events and grasp for questions and blame.  No longer did I allow an outcome to rule my reactions, mood or rob me of joy.  And the best part – the barrier between me and God was erased.

Sweet friends, we often forget the divide sin greats.  Unfortunately, we allow Satan to convince us that no one else is affected with our hidden, cherished sins.  Yet while they may not be visible to the common eye and we appear all polished and together, sin is never pretty.  Reality check here – sin hinders our effectiveness to bear abundant fruit, it hinders our prayers and sets us up for regret filled consequences if left unchecked.

Bottom line – confession wins every time.  Examining our heart positions us for clean living.  Choosing to seek God’s view welcomes the loving discipline of our Father (Proverbs 28:13).  He who sees our blindspots would never dismiss what needs to be refined in us. And the best part, God welcomes us with open arms (I John 1:9).

Totally convinced I would still be looking for answers and pointing blame at someone else if I hadn’t uttered those words, “Show me Lord if I’m the one who needs to change.”  Certain I would still be consumed with an outcome rather than dealing with the face in the mirror.

Thankful, grateful and blessed for the sweet mercy and overflowing grace of my God who lifts me back up and washes me clean.  A win – win wouldn’t you agree?

“Father, Your lovingkindness draws us to look deep within and confess what hinders.  Praising You for gently showing me what needed to be changed.”

 

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Encouragement, Hope, Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | January 10, 2025

The Beauty of Unity

“May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus,  that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Romans 15:5-6 (ESV)

From the shore, the rowers seemed to glide across the water smoothly and effortlessly.  Always in sync, never missing a beat working together to win the race.  No one abandoned ship.  No one demanded their own stroke.  Each team member strategically placed zeroed in on the one at the head of the boat known as the “cox.”  Why’s this position worthy of their undivided attention?  The cox keeps the boat going straight and the oars swinging in sync.  They alert the crew to who’s ahead and who’s behind.  If done right, the cox helps the rowers push past the pain and keep pulling their oars even when every muscle tells them to stop.

Harmony is beautifully displayed as rowers skim across the water.  From our view it’s a graceful move; from the view of the rower, it’s a grace-filled move. Webster reminds us that harmony is an interweaving of different into one – no two rowers are exactly alike in size, skill or mental strength. Yet the culmination of all their different working in sync together is what positions them to win the race.

Wow – don’t know about you, but I can so see the beauty birthed when we (believers) are moving in sync with one another.  By simply zeroing our attention on God (our cox) versus self, we strategically position ourselves to move forward together and not get off course.  Problem is, we often lose sight of the fact we should be working towards the same goal – to glorify God.  We tend to maximize differences and choose to conquer and divide among ourselves. We covet others’ roles versus using our unique giftings. We forge our agendas.  Disunity leaves us vulnerable to the attacks of our enemy, damages our walk with God, and hinders our reputation. Not exactly the way to glorify God.

When we resist the urge to demand our strokes, we open wide the door for harmony to reign. Operating out of one mind, one mouth and with one voice we truly glorify God.  Ephesians 4:1 compels us to eagerly pursue unity. Psalm 133:1 reminds us that it is good and pleasant when brothers dwell in unity.  By showing mutual respect and honor to one another, our minds aren’t distracted and divided. When we love our own, we give the world a beautiful picture of God’s love for them.

Do we really want to expend a lot of unnecessary energy fighting against each other or do we want to channel our energy into sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ?   Do we want to zero in on differences or zero in on Jesus?

Sweet friends, we can choose to love or divide – it’s really up to us – let’s choose to glorify God.

“Father when we live in harmony with one another, we bring you great joy.  Help us to lay down our preferences and differences so we draw others to You by the way we love one another.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Encouragement, Hope, Spiritual Living, Worship

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | January 9, 2025

Follow The Leader

“Then Jesus told His disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.”  Matthew 16:24 (ESV)

“Step back 2, 3, 4 Forward 2, 3, 4 – Grapevine to the right, 2, 3, 4 – Grapevine to the left 2, 3 – whoops”

I was counting the steps in my head to a song in my Zumba class. I had moved to this song plenty of times before. I thought I didn’t have to watch the leader. I was in my own head over a situation that was bothering me. Before I realized it, I had started following the woman in front of me. It was going well for a few moments. However, I was unaware that others in the group started following me. Then we realized the whole class was moving to the wrong song. None of us had our eyes on the leader. Even the lady I was following – we were all in our own heads moving to a different tune.

It’s easy to do, isn’t it? Becoming distracted. Allowing ourselves to go on “auto-pilot” just doing what we may have done in the past or what we see others do. We go to church, read our Bible and pray. We move in step to the comfort level of our lives. All the while our hearts “our eyes” are focused on the situation causing us pain. The cross that we are bearing – – finances, health issues, problems with our children, grieving a loved one, etc. But sometimes God is trying to change the rhythm of our lives (most always getting us out of our rhythm of comfort).

In a previous season, He may have told us to pray and wait. But in this season, He may want us to move “act.”  If we focus on our “cross,” we will allow ourselves to become distracted and miss the change in His steps being orchestrated in our lives.

The word of God never changes (Psalms 119:89). Yet His ways are not our ways (Isaiah 55:8-9). God uses different methods in different seasons.

Imagine Peter and Andrew on the shore after a long night of fishing. Ever wonder what the circumstances were that put them out on a boat in the middle of the night? Perhaps they were trying to catch enough fish to make money to pay their bills. When Jesus saw them, He said “Follow me and I will make you fishers of men.” Immediately they left their nets and followed him. (Matthew 4:19-20, ESV) Thankfully, they weren’t too focused on their problems to miss the change Jesus was doing in their lives.

“Father help us to firmly fix our eyes on Jesus. Teach us to listen to that still small voice of wisdom and stay in step with his guidance. Enable us to walk in Your hope, peace, joy and draw others to you.”

For His Glory,

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

 

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | January 8, 2025

His Blessings

nov 12

“But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved)” Ephesians 2:4 (NKJV)

“Count your blessings, name them one by one!” On how I needed to be reminded of this wonderful hymn by J. Oatman, Jr. One morning my first cry out to God was, “God! Please, I need some miracles today! Please help me be aware of Your blessings to me! Show me You love me, O Lord!” A few seconds later, I realized this is the day I was to have had a biopsy – which is now over – it’s done! The sun is shining, and the weather is cool and invigorating. I ate a fruit breakfast which was so tasty. I realized God had indeed started opening my eyes to count my blessings! I need some big ones as well, but I know His love surrounds me. During my devotions, He reminded me that His faithfulness is with us constantly – even when/if we are unfaithful, He still will be faithful! What a marvelous truth!

Let’s be “intentional” about looking for ways He is saying “I love you, dear child.” Don’t ever cast off His care with “What if…” and risk missing out on the ways He is sending us His love. We want a trustworthy God; we have a trustworthy God, now let’s show our thanks!

“Oh, Father, thank You for letting me know within one hour just a little of how much You love me. I’m the most insignificant of Your creatures, but You still love me! I feel, like Isaiah, to be a person of “unclean lips” because I complain so much; give me strength, please, to guide and take captive my thoughts, to Your glory! I love You, Lord! Thank you for the cross!”

For His Glory

Sandy Day
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Attitude, Encouragement, Gratitude, Hope

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | January 7, 2025

Resolve To Awe

“Let all the earth fear the Lord; Let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of Him.” Psalm 33:8

It’s been a week since we’ve been launched into 2025. That said, how are those New Year’s resolutions going so far? Are they losing their appeal? If not, studies show that, sadly, most of us will drop them altogether by February. I’m all for committing to self-betterment—physically, spiritually, mentally. But I wanted to share one resolution we can all get behind for the rest of this year (and, really, the rest of eternity).

More than an added activity or lifestyle pivot, this is more of a perspective shift that influences every moment—the big, profound ones and the seemingly irrelevant. This year, let’s live in constant Awe of God. Although God’s Word is full of inspiration for awe-filled living, here are just a few incentives to get you started. As you meditate on them, click on the Scripture reference links and choose some verses to explore, delight in, and write down as reminders.

  1. He is the Creator and Sustainer of all things (Genesis 1:1; John 1:3; Hebrews 1:3; Colossians 1:16-17; Revelation 4:9-11). He knows every star by name (Isaiah 40:26) and the number of hairs on your head (Luke 12:6-7). The meticulous balances of life, from the exact tilt of the earth and our atmospheric perfection to the biomolecular function of the eyeball, are made and sustained by God.
  2. His creation is wonderous—the heavens, living creatures, and you—and declares His glory (Psalm 8; Psalm 19:1; Psalm 104; Psalm 139:13-15; Isaiah 43:7). Listen to waves at the beach rhythmically roar in praise. Turn your ear to the wind moving through the trees and hear the leaves shout, “Glory, glory, hallelujah!” Again, as you walk, talk, think, do…it’s all miraculous. As you inhale and exhale, consider that your lungs hold the very breath of God (Genesis 2:7; Job 33:4).
  3. Because of Christ, walk in victory over sin and death—we are free (John 8:34-36; John 11:25-26; Romans 8:37-39; Galatians 5:1; 1 Corinthians 15:54-57). The world system and its craziness does not have to entangle us. When we look around, it may seem like the enemy has an advantage…but God wins (and so do we).
  4. As Christ followers, we are citizens of heaven—our ultimate and eternal Home (Philippians 3:20-21; Ephesians 2:19; 1 Peter 1:3-4). The reason the things of the world cannot completely fulfill us is because we were not made for this world. We’re merely ambassadors to tell others about our Country and the greatness of our Sovereign King.
  5. Get ready! God has new heavens and earth prepared for us (Isaiah 65:17-19; John 14:2-3; 2 Peter 3:13; Revelation 22:1-3). The awesome sights, sounds, smells, tastes, and joys of this earth are mere shadows of eternal glory, giving us brief glimpses of what’s to come.

So, resolve to gaze at each sunrise and sunset with a new sense of wonder—recognizing the Lord painted it uniquely for that moment. Study the intricacy of a flower and note the endless variety of colors, shapes, and intricacies. Taste and savor the food that God made. Look—really look—into the faces of the men, women, and children around you…know that you’re beholding the very image of God. And, daily, recall that as a child of God redeemed by Christ, you are a walking miracle…you were dead, and you’re now alive, awaiting the full glory of heaven to come.

“Lord, as followers of Christ, let us “show gratitude, by which we may offer to God an acceptable service with reverence and awe” (Hebrews 12:28).”

For His Glory

Julianne Winkler Smith
TBRC Women’s Life

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Posted in Encouragement, Hope, Worship

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | January 6, 2025

Navigating 2025

“They will have no fear of bad news; their hearts are steadfast, trusting in the Lord.” Psalm 112:7 (ESV)

Can’t believe we just flipped the calendar to 2025. 365 days of 2024 evaporated so quickly. So many things left undone…so many things completed. So many moments treasured….so many moments lost. So many victories…so many defeats. So many joys felt….so many trials endured,  Reflection definitely rears its head as we glance back at a year gone.

As we pass the torch into 2025 intentionality and discipline will serve us well. Laughter and tears will serve us well – releasing emotions. Rest and reflection will be our best friends in the busy, chaotic days that unfold. Staying connected to God’s word will fill us with wisdom, comfort and strength as we navigate uncharted paths. Developing healthy relationships will enrich our days. Stewarding our resources and time will serve us and others well.

Oh, what wonders a new year brings. None of us could have predicted the unfolding of 2024 yet so many pivotal lessons were learned. The power of “no” and releasing personal imposed “expectations” definitely served me well when I navigated through a caregiving season. My tree went up but with no decorations this Christmas. We enjoyed the star at the top and the pre-lit lights – warmed up our home. No Christmas wreath on the door. No decorations inside the house, yet we were totally fine. Now did I miss those decorations? Absolutely – but the world and self were fine. Eased us into the holidays and some much needed relaxation. Makes me wonder how many self-imposed expectations we place on ourselves during the course of a year?

So as we head into 2025, let’s release our expectations and embrace God’s plan. Let’s treasure every day. Let’s, along with God, strategically choose how we spend our time and the pursuits we entertain. Let’s seize moments to share His love with others. Let’s determine now to dive deep into His word and maintain an engaged relationship with our Creator God. Let’s rest in the knowledge that God knows how each of those days will unfold and He is lovingly preparing us for each one. Let’s passionately listen to the voice of God and walk in obedience. And for all the days when we seek to control the world around us, we will grab ahold of His grace and simply rest under the shadow of His wings.

“Sweet Jesus thank you granting us another year and for all those moments You carried us, we are eternally grateful. Trusting You to navigate 2025 with us and provide all we need.”

 

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

 

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Posted in Encouragement, Hope, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | January 3, 2025

When Answers Are Forgotten….

“The LORD has heard my plea; the LORD accepts my prayer.” Psalm 6:9 (ESV)

Happens every day….simple words uttered. Some carelessly others crafted from deep thought. Whispers from weary souls. Precious to our Sweet Jesus – prayers offered up to the One who hears, sees and knows our hearts. Not a word is wasted. No concern too small. No request too large. Conversations with our all Mighty and Powerful God.

Reminded today of words offered over the past few weeks. Answers given right before my eyes, and I almost missed them. Prayers for strength, comfort and peace for dear friends grieving loss. Prayers for ease of sleep for one struggling. Prayers for wisdom and discernment for decisions that lay ahead. Prayers for deadlines and projects that overwhelm. Prayers for creativity when minds are empty. Prayers for opening of eyes to the truth.

My list could go on forever….bet yours could too. We ask for much; God overflows us with abundance, and we somehow move on totally missing it. Real issue perhaps is our reluctance to slow down enough to breathe “thanks.” Neglecting the Giver of all things in the midst of doing life.

Don’t know about you, but it’s moments like this when I get just a glimpse of God’s goodness my heart melts. How could our Creator God be so intimately involved in the seemingly insignificance of our days? When does He find time to hear all our rambling requests? How does He do it day after day – carrying our burdens?

We so easily take what He gives, forget what He does and fail to utter thanks and yet, God never leaves or fails to listen again. He longs for conversation – plain talk – sharing our hearts with Him. God enjoys the sound of our voice calling out to Him rather than running to someone else.

Incredible? Absolutely. Mysterious? Yes. Incomprehensible? You better believe it. What we can’t explain or understand of One who demonstrates such deep love towards me, you and the whole world is beyond our thinking. Why He would choose to draw so close is beyond our comprehension. Wonder how we could ignore the sweetest invitation ever to pour out our heart at His feet?

“Father, You lean in to hear what we say and shower us with Your answers at just the right time. The beauty of Your holiness and wisdom leads us every step of the way.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Encouragement, Hope, Prayer

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | January 2, 2025

The Time When Busyness Comes To A Stall

“There is a time for everything and a season for every activity under the heavens.” Ecclesiastes 3:1 (NIV)

Wintertime, to adults, can be a synonym to stressing over who will take the trash outside on a snowy night, or who will plow the driveway, salt the walkway, deciding what type of tires to put on the family vehicles to ensure safety during travel to and from work, among other things. To children, however, wintertime is the perfect time to plan on going ice skating, snowman building, sleigh riding, snowball throwing, and so many other outdoor activities adults usually would not think twice before trading for a seat by the fireplace while sipping a steaming cup of hot cocoa or apple cider.

Each morning this winter, I routinely prepared to go to work, started my car, and scraped ice and snow off the windows before getting on the road. It was a routine I did not look forward to, I will admit, because I do not enjoy being cold or covered in snow. So, one morning, as I was getting ready to drive my grandchildren, who had stayed the night with me, to school in the morning, I quickly accepted their offer to scrape the snow off the windows before I got in the car. Ah, how nice it was to sit there and not have to do that job myself that morning. I turned on some music in the car and was talking to Nio, my five-year-old grandson in the backseat, when suddenly I saw this silly face pressed against the window, trying to scare me. It was Jayden, the oldest, while AJ was completely focused with the task at hand.

I thank God each day for little moments like these. We get so narrow minded at times, thinking we must get up, go to work and then return home to get some rest to then start all over again in the morning. We don’t allow room for some laid-back, quality time with those God has placed in our lives to cherish and to love.

In 2020, we were forced to practice social distancing from the population at large. Incidentally at this time, we were given precious time with family members, while we were forced to be in home quarantine. Don’t take it for granted. Treasure each moment with loved ones; make memories, pray together and laugh freely.

“Father God, we trust Your hand to guide us through the tough times. Please help us to be wise in our actions and to help others to live in peace and health.”

For His Glory

Luska Natali
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Encouragement, Gratitude, Hope, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | January 1, 2025

A Quest For Wisdom

Happy New Year to each of you!

As we together begin to paint this blank canvas which will be called 2025, I wanted to share a few things that have been swirling around in my mind.

It is the norm for most of us to come up with resolutions, a chance to begin again and refocus our goals, from our physical shape, to our life with our community, to specific changes for our finances, to beginning a new hobby.  According to George Barna only 9% of people actually fulfill their New Year’s resolutions.  Yet, we make them over and over each year only to be frustrated again!

The past couple of months, I have been reading through Proverbs and it has jumped out to me that, while resolutions are not bad, many of us are spending our time and energy looking for things that are really not that important after all.  God clearly lays out in His Word what is more “precious than rubies” and what gives long life and peace.

Let’s look at Proverbs 3:13-18:

Joyful is the person who finds wisdom,

the one who gains understanding.

For wisdom is more profitable than silver,

and her wages are better than gold.

Wisdom is more precious than rubies;

nothing you desire can compare with her.

She offers you long life in her right hand,

and riches and honor in her left.

She will guide you down delightful paths;

all her ways are satisfying.

Wisdom is a tree of life to those who embrace her;

happy are those who hold her tightly.

Unlike the U2 song, “I still haven’t found what I’m looking for,” God is so kind to tell us what we should be looking for and where we can find it.  We can find joy, understanding, long life, and satisfaction if we focus on Him and what His Word teaches us.  These are the things most of us are seeking and God tells us how to find them!

God gave us the book of Proverbs, which is full of wisdom, and He has told us that wisdom is a “tree of life” to each of us and that we should hold onto it tightly.

In 2025, I am going to seek after wisdom and understanding by reading one chapter of Proverbs each day for 2025.  Instead of resolutions, will you join me in a quest for wisdom?

“Lord, help us seek you with all of our hearts each day of this new year.”

For His Glory

Terrie Tollerson
TRBC Women’s Life

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

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