Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | December 31, 2024

Church Is For Sinners

“And Jesus answered and said to them, “It is not those who are healthy who need a physician, but those who are sick. I have not come to call the righteous to repentance, but sinners.” Luke 5:31-32

“I don’t go to church—it’s full of hypocrites.” You’ve likely heard this statement (or something similar) before. Maybe it was in response to a church invitation you made to a fellow gym member. Or perhaps it was a general condemnation of Christianity by a coworker during pre-meeting chit-chat when someone mentioned a church activity they’re involved in. And all too often, this type of assertion is uttered by people proclaiming to be followers of Jesus. Sadly, the source is easy to trace: a denominational leadership or churchgoer at some point in their past wounded them so deeply that the thought of “church” brings only distaste or even profound pain.

See, it’s way too prevalent for U.S. churches today to require those walking in the door to be perfectly buttoned up—at least on the outside. Prerequisites for acceptance include appropriate dress, talking the Christianese talk, and certainly making an almost pharisaical show of not drinking, cussing, or watching R-rated movies. Looking like a sinner, acting like a sinner, or even having the appearance of a pigsty-living past can result in quiet (or not-so-quiet) shunning or dismissal from “the family” of some churches. Hence, there are men or women who came to accept the saving grace of Jesus, and—being miraculously transformed from death to life—went running to the nearest church (as they should). But instead of a welcoming embrace, the door was proverbially slammed in their face.

This response, however, is completely antithetical to what Jesus taught during His earthly ministry. Throughout Luke’s gospel, for example, the Lord repeatedly admonishes the Pharisees (church people) about this very issue. In His hometown of Nazareth, Jesus proclaimed His purpose by reading from Isaiah, that He has come to release captives, give sight to the blind, and free the oppressed (Luke 4:16-22). But when the church people heard this, they “were filled with rage” and then tried to throw Jesus off a cliff. And when Jesus called Matthew—a tax collector—to follow Him, and went to dine with him and his friends, the Pharisees were aghast that Jesus would socialize with such people. But our gracious Lord responded, “It is not those who are healthy who need a physician, but those who are sick.  I have not come to call the righteous to repentance, but sinners” (Luke 5:29-32). Similarly, when Zaccheus (a chief tax collector), joyfully received Jesus, the church people again complained that Jesus chose to hang out with “a sinner.” But Jesus replied plainly: “the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost” (Luke 19:1-10). It’s in Luke 15, though, that Jesus gives the Pharisees a 1-2-3 punch in response to their griping about His pursuing sinners. In quick succession, He tells parables of a lost sheep, a lost coin, and a lost son. Jesus’ bottom line? “There will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous people who have no need of repentance” (v7).

Friend, the Church should be an ER for the soul. A place of triage for those wounded and bloodied from the battles of this broken world. See, if you had a deep gash on your head and rushed to the hospital for help, they wouldn’t say, “Go home until you stop bleeding. Then, when you’re all cleaned up, you can come back for our services.” No! They would rush you in and tend to your wound. By the way, that doesn’t mean when you walk out of the hospital doors you’ll never fall down or get banged up again—you will. And you’ll need those nurses and doctors again and again. But in the meantime (as this hospital-to-church analogy deepens), you’re on staff! You are the one with open arms, extending grace, mercy, and healing truth to those entering the doors.

We all were once lost, blind, and broken. But God, through the finished work of Jesus, made a way of gracious healing through faith. What about you? Are you an open-armed grace-giver? Or, now that you’ve been proverbially cleaned up, do you require that of others before welcoming them in?

“Lord, may I not only rejoice when one who was lost is found but also be generous in grace with all who follow You on the walk Home.”

For His Glory

Julianne Winkler Smith
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | December 30, 2024

Best Words For Your Year

“…but my heart stands in awe of Your word.”  Psalm 119:161b (ESV)

Several years ago, I began the practice of zeroing in on a verse for the week. I don’t recall what prompted me to begin this discipline, but I do know it has greatly impacted my life.

You might wonder how I chose the “weekly verse?”  Actually it was very simple, and I rarely struggled.  Here’s some of my go-to ways I’ve been collecting God’s weekly word for me:

  • Key verses from Sunday’s sermon cemented critical truths in my heart all week long
  • Specific verses personally searched out to encourage and strengthen my heart during seasons of challenges and trials
  • God’s word leaping off the page during my time in His word convicted me to the core
  • Familiar passages nourishing and refreshing my soul
  • Sweet conversations with friends often unveiled the perfect one for the week
  • Key takeaway verses from podcasts, tweets, etc.

The list is endless of ways God specifically shared with me His word for my week. Scribbled on my Monday list, those words were visible to my eye all week long. Offering me advice, encouragement, strength, peace and comfort 52 weeks of the year. Verses often shared with others as they navigated their journey through another year.

As 2024 counts down its final hours, you will find me flipping through those pages of my calendar where those daily verses were recorded. Best reminders ever of the power of God’s word to influence, impact, correct and pivot our lives when we intentionally seek His voice.

Meditations on the excellencies of the Word of God is exactly how the psalmist denotes the longest chapter in the Bible (Psalm 119) which expands our understanding and desire for the very words of God. One hundred seventy-six dynamic verses composing the most beautiful praise and celebration of God’s word. Each stanza calls us to  deepen our wonder, appreciation and response to incredible truths.

On December 31st, the countdown will begin. The clock will be ticking. Friends will gather. Football will be watched. Delish food will be devoured. The ball will drop in Times Square. And in those final moments, I will praise my Lord and Savior whose words led me through each day one week at a time. Forever grateful, we are never on this journey alone.

Sweet friends don’t choose to extinguish His presence or voice from your 2025. Intentionally purpose now to cling and hold tight to the incredible truths found in His word.  A slow reading of Psalm 119 is the perfect way to ring in the New Year propelling us forward with a renewed appreciation for the truths we desperately need each day.

“Father, Your words are trustworthy and true. They give life and revive our souls. We are blessed to hold Your words in our hands – may we never lose sight of its glory.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Hope, Spiritual Growth

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | December 25, 2024

Jesus

“Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven,  and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”  Luke 2:13-14 (NIV)

My two year old grandson and I are having a great time playing with his Fisher Price Nativity and reenacting the story of the miraculous birth of Jesus. We have the little angel, and she sings to the lone shepherd in the set and then he has him run to the stable to see Baby Jesus. We talk about how there were lots of angels and they were singing loudly and excitedly!

I was thinking about why the angels were singing and why God included this detail in His Word. He said, “Suddenly a great company of the Heavenly host appeared…:”  I can imagine these angels were bursting at Heaven’s door to come to the Earth to celebrate the arrival of Jesus. They missed Him. They had never known Heaven without Him.

When Jesus willingly agreed to take on our humanity and grow as a tiny baby in Mary’s womb, He was apart from the angels. He was 100% God as He allowed Himself to become 100% man. He allowed Himself to be a baby, without any ability to take care of His own needs. He allowed Himself to be under the submission of two imperfect people. He allowed Himself to be mistreated and questioned and humiliated.   He allowed Himself to leave His Father and the place where He was known for who He is-God Almighty, King of Kings and Lord of Lords. He allowed Himself to leave the place where the angels worshiped Him. He allowed Himself to leave perfection.

As we celebrate our Christmas this year, let us pause and think about the sacrificial love that Jesus had for each one of us. We can barely fathom what He truly gave up all because we were on His mind.

The angels knew who He was and they could not wait to celebrate Him and let everyone know He had come!

May we celebrate this beautiful season, may we let everyone we know why we are celebrating, and may we pause and acknowledge His overwhelming love for each of us.

For His Glory

 

Terrie Tollerson
TRBC Women’s Life

 

Praying you and your family have a glorious Christmas. Women’s Life devotionals will resume on December 30.  Merry Christmas!

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Posted in Faith, Hope, Worship

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | December 24, 2024

Christmas Paradox

 

“For a Child will be born to us, a Son will be given to us; And the government will rest on His shoulders; And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6

It’s Christmas! And as I was flipping through the Bible to contemplate all the many Old Testament prophecies that point us to the birth of Jesus, a weirdly random memory popped into my mind. I was a seventh grader in my favorite class that year called “Mixed media.”  (Now, I am within my fifth decade of life, so the “media” we explored in this class would only resonate with my generational peers.) The class taught students how to effectively communicate within the various forms of modern media—as a bourgeoning young writer and a tendency (like most middle-school girls) to be dramatic, you can imagine how much I loved this class. The assignment that bubbled up in my mind while looking into God’s Words about Christmas was this: We were tasked to choose a text for a dramatic reading, find appropriate accompanying music, and perform it in class.

Although my family was Catholic, and we didn’t read the Bible—that was for other people to read portions to us on Sundays—I did have a big children’s illustrated Bible in my possession. (If you grew up Catholic in the 1970s/80s, you can probably see in your mind’s eye what I’m talking about.) So, I chose for my reading one of the gospel narratives of the crucifixion of Christ—obviously highly dramatic. For my music, I was just looking for a piece that could match the drama of the words, with the right ebbs and crescendos. Somehow, in my 12-year-old obliviousness, I found “Carol of the Bells”—maybe because the timing was just before Christmas break, but I’m not sure. But I know that I didn’t give any thought to it being a Christmas song, it just felt like the right choice musically. And in my memorialized version of that classroom event, I slayed the assignment. Although my teacher gave me high marks on my recitation, she pinged me quite heavily on the fact that I chose a Christmas song while reading about an Easter event. These elements had no relationship, she said. Being ever the perfectionist, I was bummed to not have gotten a perfect mark, but I moved on…

Now, four decades later—and having been a follower of Jesus for the past three of those—I can look back on that memory recognizing a beautiful truth lost on both me and my teacher: There is nothing more connected in the history of the world than the two elements of my dramatic reading. My 50-something-year-old Biblically literate self would go back to class and dispute my teacher’s assessment, “No, ma’am,” I’d say. “The very point of Christmas is Easter.”

Fulfilling God’s plan from eternity past, as well as those prophetic OT writings, a virgin named Mary gave birth with her fiancé in a small cave meant to shelter animals (Isaiah 7:14; Luke 1:26-38). In a town—Bethlehem—whose name means “House of Bread”, God brought forth the Bread of Life (Micah 5:2; Luke 2:1-8). Jesus—who is God—removed His heavenly royal crown and wrapped Himself in flesh—Immanuel, God with us (Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1:18-25). The Lion of Judah became the Lamb of God for the purpose of being slain on our behalf (Isaiah 53:7; John 1:29; Revelation 5:12). He was born fully man and fully God (John 1:14; Philippians 2:7; Colossians 2:9), to live the perfect life we could not, die a brutal death on a cross (accurately prophesied before crucifixion was invented, see Isaiah 53:1-12; Psalm 22) to pay the penalty we owe (Romans 6:23; Ephesians 1:7)…and to rise again triumphant over sin and death to reconcile this lost and broken world into right relationship with God (Isaiah 53:5; Romans 5:10-11; 2 Corinthians 5:18-19; Colossians 1:19-22) .

Friend, this is the paradox of Christmas. Yes, we celebrate with the angels (Luke 2:14-15) and sing, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace…” But the peace declared by the angelic host doesn’t come at that time with the baby wrapped in swaddling clothes in the manger. This peace with God declared in the heavenlies was established 33 years later, when this man—dead and wrapped in grave clothes—walked out of His tomb in victory.

“Lord, may we celebrate Your glorious birth with a right view to why You came to earth—to make the way to peace with God through the death and resurrection for which You were born.”

For His Glory

 

Julianne Winkler Smith
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Faith, Hope, Worship

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | December 23, 2024

Unbelievable – God’s Extraordinary Promise Fulfilled

“Now listen! You will become silent and unable to speak until the day these things take place, because you did not believe my (Gabriel) words, which will be fulfilled in their proper time.” Luke 1:20 (ESV)

Despite an empty cradle and a lifetime of an unfilled longing, Zechariah and his wife, Elizabeth, chose to obey and serve rather than become bitter and disillusioned. Their integrity and faithfulness characterized not just months but the decades of their lives.

The book of Luke recounts the pivotal moment when Zechariah was chosen for an extraordinary honor. Each division of priests served in the temple twice yearly. Being chosen to enter the sanctuary of the Lord and burn incense was rare and usually happened only once during a priest’s lifetime. Zechariah was chosen for this honor and right in the midst of his serving Gabriel, the angel of the Lord, appeared.

Overcome with fear, Zechariah had no idea that unbelievable was about to make its entrance. Gabriel wasted no time sharing the good news – his prayers had been heard. Elizabeth would have a son. And not just a son, but one named John who would prepare the hearts of the people for the Messiah. Unbelievable – yes that would probably be the words floating on my lips if I were Zechariah. How could an old man and old woman give life to a child? The very idea was beyond Zechariah’s comprehension.

Quite a lot to take in wouldn’t you say? Even the righteous one who had served God all his life couldn’t grasp the magnitude of this divine blessing. Wouldn’t we be right there with him too? Easy to cast judgment when Zechariah’s disbelief caused his lips to be sealed until the baby was born. Bet we’ve walked in those shoes many times – choosing to allow doubt to silence the truth of God’s promises.

Disbelief robs us of the pure joy found in trusting God for the impossible. Our mighty and powerful God still births miracles right in the midst of our mundane moments. He longs to do the unthinkable and unbelievable – it’s where His glory shines the brightest. So sweet friend what’s our impossible this holiday season? Whatever we are facing, wherever fear is reigning, regardless of the empty past staring us straight in the face, lean into the One who delights in doing the extraordinary for those who call upon His name.

“Father, unbelievable is your trademark – doing what only You can do. Help us to trust You completely and not allow doubt to reign in our hearts.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Faith, Hope, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | December 20, 2024

Best Gift Ever

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16 (ESV)

Ever sneaked around looking for your Christmas present? Hate to admit it but I was a nosey little girl. Regardless of whether or not that package had my name on it or not, I was determined to shake it. I’ve even been known to unwrap and then rewrap and act totally surprised on Christmas Day. Have to admit the second surprise wasn’t as much fun, and the first surprise was overrated – I was the only one enjoying it. Sounds silly to recount my nosiness now. I’d much rather wait and experience the surprise on Christmas morning.

Ever searched through scripture seeking God’s amazing Christmas gift? His arrival was anticipated, His birth expected yet the way He came was totally surprising. No one had any idea Mary would be the virgin mother of Jesus, especially Joseph. Who would have thought that the babe would sleep in a manger filled with straw? Not exactly a royal birth. And what about that starry sky that led others to Bethlehem….shepherds and Wise Men were clueless as to where it would lead.

The gift, the promise, the presence of God living among us. Experiencing the good, the bad and yes, the ugly. Totally undeterred and unencumbered by the temporary pleasures of this world. Jesus, the very Son of God came, healed, rescued, delivered and redeemed. Fulfilling every promise.

I remember as a child unwrapping the gift of the Savior. Sweetest moment ever – totally unsure of the significance this gift would make in my life. Tiny little mind couldn’t even grasp the magnitude of His presence living and breathing in me. Amazing how a simple prayer began an incredible work within me. While doubts and wonderings may have followed, Jesus never left me and kept reminding me of His ever presence. Always surprising me with His love and grace.

Sweet friend, if you have never opened His gift there is no better time than now. Can’t think of a better present this Christmas than to experience the fullness of God. When we simply confess our sins and believe He is the Christ child, God promises to welcome us as His own. We are His forever and life will never be the same. Difficulties will still emerge. Struggles will challenge us. But we can endure them all filled with His joy living and breathing within us – Best gift ever!

“Father, the depth of Your love cannot be measured. You gave Your only Son so we could experience eternity with You – what more could we ever want.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

 

 

 

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Posted in Faith, Hope, Love

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | December 19, 2024

Mary

“And Mary said, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to Your word.”  Luke 1:38 (ESV)

Imagine a young lady dreaming of the life ahead of her.  She was going to marry a strong man, a protector and a provider, one who would provide her with a pleasant life. They imagined a yard full of little children with visits to both sets of grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins. There would be a yearly trip to Jerusalem to look forward to. She knew that any day her beloved would come to take her as his bride.

In a moment – all of that changed.

When Mary was visited by the angel, Gabriel, and was told she was the chosen one to bring the Messiah into the world, she had only one question. “How could this be since I am not married yet?”  The angel explained the power of God and the miraculous way in which she would conceive. We can imagine Mary thinking that over for a moment and digesting this news. Did she wonder if Joseph would believe her or what her neighbors might say? Did the life she had been dreaming of flash before her eyes? Did she have time to imagine what it would be like to be the mother of the Savior of the world?

We only know how Mary responded. Luke 1:38 tells us, “And Mary said, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to Your word.”

Mary’s first and only response was that she was here to be the Lord’s servant.

She did not dwell on what may happen or her potential losses. She put all of her trust in the word of the angel and knew it came from the heart of God. Her life was changed in a moment and all that she knew and loved was affected.

We know that she had to travel far away from her hometown while she was very pregnant. We have no record that family members or loved ones were near to celebrate with her.  From what we know, she gave birth and her only help was with a man she had not yet been intimate with. Not long after her baby was born, she had strange men come and visit, while she was resting in a stable used for animals.

More strangers telling her difficult days were coming to her precious son, her friends having their baby boys murdered and fleeing to a foreign country in the middle of the night are just a few of the things Mary lived through before her sweet boy was even two.

Mary’s decision to stay obedient to the Lord no matter her personal cost is why she is called, “Blessed among women” (Luke 1:42).

“Lord help us to be Your willing servant, no matter what you ask of us.”

 

For His Glory

Terrie Tollerson
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | December 18, 2024

God’s Undivided Attention

“Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever Amen.” Matthew 6:9-13 (NKJV)

The best advice I can give someone is to pray! Pray about everything, anything and do it first before anything and everything.

Do you think the disciples struggled with prayer? They did not ask Jesus how to preach or teach, but how to pray. If the disciples who walked, ate and slept in the presence of Jesus and personally witnessed Him perform miracles had to ask Him how to pray; then how important is it for us to learn to pray?

Is your prayer life thriving or surviving? When we pray, we have the distinct privilege of knowing God is hearing our worship, thanksgiving and petitions. Prayer is active communion with Almighty God. As our Christian lives mature into a relationship with Jesus, our prayer lives also mature. We go from asking for “things” to worshipping God for all He has done and for who He is. We no longer need to plead and beg, but exalt and reverence the Holy One.

The Lord’s Prayer is not self-important, the words are not impressive, but simple, meaningful and powerful. We begin and end with giving God glory. There is no correct posture to prayer. Kneeling, lying, sitting or standing; God doesn’t care. Where you pray is wherever you may be. God is there. Jesus doesn’t specify a certain time of day. Anytime around the clock is fine with God. He’s awake and attentive. Prayer is not dressing in your Sunday’s best, putting on a serious look and praying in a tone that is not authentic.

Prayer is having God’s undivided attention to your worship and requests. Psalm 116:2, “Because he bends down to listen, I will pray as long as I have breath!” What a beautiful picture of our loving Father caring for the needs, concerns and desires of His children. Prayer is one asking heart moving one giving heart. Amen!

“Father, You know, You hear and You care. It is our prayer to never cease praying because You will never stop answering. “

For His Glory

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

 

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Posted in Prayer, Spiritual Growth

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | December 17, 2024

They Deserve It

“And I heard the angel of the waters saying, “Righteous are You, the One who is and who was, O Holy One, because You judged these things; for they poured out the blood of saints and prophets, and You have given them blood to drink. They deserve it.” Revelation 16:5-6

Studying the book of Revelation is a wild ride. It’s mysterious—yet contains mysteries revealed. From his visions, John recounts dire warnings—and exhilarating promises. There is utter despair and confident hope, frightening wrath and magnificent glory. In fact, the opening of Charles Dickens’ classic, A Tale of Two Cities, captures the vibe of Revelation very succinctly (and, in fact, Mr. Dickens was likely himself inspired by Apostle John’s writing):

“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of light, it was the season of darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair.”

I’m diving deep into Revelation with a couple of sweet sisters as we follow a study guide. Each week brings mind-blowing I-never-saw-that-before ah-ha moments…and simultaneously makes me question concepts I had thought my mind firmly grasped. In fact, the writer of Hebrews tells us that God’s Word is living and active, sharp and piercing (4:12), but it’s also like an everlasting onion—we can continually peel away and keep unearthing more and more truthful treasures.

All that to say this: In Revelation 16:6, in the midst of the final set of 7 judgments on the earth, I saw this little sentence: They deserve it. Yes, indeed, I thought. They do deserve it! They’ve rejected the Lord through ever-increasing judgments and plagues—He keeps giving them chances to repent, but they blaspheme Him and continue doing life their way. He’s been so patient…yet they reject Him time and time and time again. As I’m reading, I know that God’s full wrath is about to be poured out…and, yes, they deserve it.

(Loud gulping sound here.) So. Do. I.

For 30 years of my life, I rejected the Lord and continued to do life my way. Running after things and people to satisfy a hole in my soul that only God could fill up. Blaspheming God through my life choices. I deserved His judgment and wrath! Yet in His patience, He didn’t pour it out—He gave me more chances until I finally surrendered. At that moment, I didn’t suddenly not deserve His wrath. In fact, because of His perfect holiness, even a single lie or stolen candy bar deserves eternal punishment. (I know, I know…but that is just. And He is Just.)

What changed at that time? I realized that the wrath I deserved (and still deserve) was taken by Jesus when He died on the cross. The penalty was paid for me. He took my punishment and gave me His righteousness, so that I can stand acceptable before God in perfect, eternal relationship with Him and with my brothers and sisters in Christ. Mercy for wrath.

So, with that little mirror-gazing exercise, my attitude definitely shifted when covering all the wrath-filled verses in Revelation. Instead of cheering on those angels hurling fire, boils, and 100-pound hailstones, celebrating the demise of “those people who deserve it”…instead, my heart now cries out, “Why are you being so hardheaded! Repent! Surrender to God! He’s given you so many chances, and your time is almost up!”

I ask you now, beloved, what about you? Time is short, and wrath is coming. Please trade yours for the beautiful cup of mercy extended by Jesus.

“Lord, thank You for your longsuffering, that You wait for us hardheaded people to recognize our need for You and the free gift of grace You offer through Jesus. May someone reading this make the beautiful exchange right now.”
For His Glory

Julianne Winkler Smith
TRBC Women’s Life

 

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Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | December 16, 2024

The Audience

mar 14“Oh give thanks to the Lord; call upon his name; make known his deeds among the peoples!” Psalm 105:1 (ESV)

We never know when the audience will come. It may be in the office lunch room when the conversation dives to, “How did you spend your weekend?” Could be that moment when stress overrides, deadlines overwhelm and our co-workers get the pleasure of our erupting emotions. Might even be the moment we walk in the door to greet an unplugged crock pot with cold roast and no options for dinner. Not exactly our happy moment. Somehow our words and actions follow us wherever we go. We don’t even get the pleasure of choosing who sees what, when or where.

You know what speaks the loudest to our world? When life dumps hard, difficult and challenging on our plate and we don’t lose hope. In those rare moments, we get a chance to offer this world real authentic faith demonstrated and unveiled before their eyes. In the silence of questions and “this isn’t fair,” we earn the place to speak truth. Compelling strength that doesn’t shrink when our boat begins to sink. An open mic to shout loud the goodness of our God. A platform to share our God story of redemption and grace without restrictions.

The world listens when faith is put to the test – just like Country music duo, Joey & Rory Feek, who grabbed an audience with Joey’s cancer. A spotlight moment they used to share their faith. A story filled with ups, downs and disappointments, yet never losing sight of their God. The world saw and the world listened to their strong faith. And when cancer stole away this beautiful woman, the world wept and remembered her story. Joey’s audience had a first hand glimpse of a God filled life with scripture, hymns and prayers.

What will we do with our audience? Praying we stand strong and courageous. Praying we seize the moment in victory or defeat – in sickness or in health – to shout the glories of God.

“Father, may we honor You with all our days so that others will see the power of Your story living in us.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Encouragement, Spiritual Living

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