Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | November 27, 2024

Gratitude

“… do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.”  Philippians 4:6 (ESV)

Last week I taught chapel to a room full of precious elementary students. Our topic was how to train to be Godly and I desperately wanted them to get it. We spend so much time training and practicing for things that have no eternal value, I kept thinking, “ How amazing would it be to have these young hearts grasp what is important and decide to focus on Him!”

In my preparation, I came across some ideas to help younger minds understand what Godliness is and how to help them focus in that direction. What I did not expect was how much it helped me-isn’t that the way it usually goes!

In the area of teaching kiddos how to pray, one of the points of emphasis I discovered was how to teach children to give gratitude to God during their prayer time. Some material that I read stressed teaching children to list the things they love about God and Who He is and what things, specific things, He has done in their life. Maybe this was written for kids, but it sure applies to me!

As author Lisa Appelo writes, “Gratitude opens our spiritual eyes. There’s a beautiful cycle in giving God thanks: the more we thank Him, the more we see Him working in us and around us. Gratitude helps us sense God’s presence, His personal care and His perfect timing.”

That is exactly what I want-to sense God’s presence, to know He is working in all things, and to honor His timing as I understand He is King of Kings and I am not. I want my eyes to be open and aware of Who it is that I am living for and gratitude is the key to moving into that direction.

Maybe you are struggling and do not feel as if you have a lot to be grateful for. I have been there. Life fell apart and I felt so alone. I have found that gratitude is a choice. It can be the bootstraps God uses to help us pull ourselves out of the pit of self. It is not always easy, but it is always worth it. There is always, always something to be thankful for. When we find the things to thank Him for, we can see Him working and this draws us to Him.

As Corrie Ten Boom recorded, her sister Betsy taught her to be thankful for the fleas in their beds in the Nazi concentration camps because the fleas kept the guards from coming into their barracks!

I think I can find something to give God thanks for!

Happy Thanksgiving to each of you!

 

For His Glory

Terrie Tollerson
TRBC Women’s Life

Home – Lisa Appelo    

Women’s Life Devotionals will resume on Monday, December 2 – Have a great Thanksgiving.

 

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Posted in Encouragement, Gratitude, Hope

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | November 26, 2024

What Do You Say?

“Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good, for His mercy is everlasting.” Psalm 107:1

My boys may be beyond the age of that incessant request on my part, but you mamas of littles out there know what I’m talking about. A gift given or compliment received, and… wait for it, wait for it…nothing. Then, in your pleasantest mommy sing-songy voice: “What do you say?” A quick upward glance from that little angelic face to yours is followed quickly by, “Thank you!”

Oh, how I sometimes need that reminder for myself when it comes to the gifts given and mercy received from my gracious God. What about you?

Maybe there’s a decision you’re trying to make, and you’ve been knocking and knocking on His door about it, trying to discern clarity. Perhaps there’s a situation about which you’ve been begging for Providential intervention—an illness, a job, a prodigal. Or you’ve been crying out to Him in pillow-soaking desperation over some deep anguish.

Then it happens—slowly or in dramatic fashion. Because one door closed, you walked through another to find God’s “what’s next” for you. Healing comes—or at least an acceptance in the grace that is more than enough. A job offer is made that means next month’s rent is covered. That child who was staggering ever closer to the pigsty turns to run home.

And, like nine of 10 lepers surveyed, we run off excitedly to tell others of our deliverance. The news is shouted from every social-media-mountaintop. We may even give God the glory as we recount the details of our storm-turned-sailing-weather. But, amid our private and public celebration, do we remember to turn back to the Gift-giver with thanksgiving?

I realize—like with that small child—the sheer joy of receiving may take our thoughts to what we’ll do with that gift. Totally understandable. But as we walk into Thanksgiving week, consider this our collective mommy-nudge…a reminder that our Father in heaven is awaiting those two polite words of gratitude from us. Whisper it, sing it, shout it, or dance for Him like King David. However we express it, let’s say, “Thank you” to our God for the big and small, glorious blessings He showers upon us each and every day.

“Father, as this Thanksgiving marks our nation’s annual reminder to profess our gratitude for life’s blessings, may I recognize, acknowledge, and give You all the glory for Your daily grace, mercy, and abundant provision. Thank You, thank You, thank You!”

 

For His Glory,

Julianne Winkler Smith
TRBC Women’s Life

 

 

 

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Worship

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | November 25, 2024

Why Grateful Hearts Matter

“The Lord is my strength and my shield; in Him my heart trusts, and I am helped; my heart exults, and with my song I give thanks to Him.” Psalm 28:7 (ESV)

Middle of the week and we had no power.  You got it  – a car accident took out a main light pole in our neighborhood.  As I drove home from work, the sun was vanishing and dusk was settling in.  By the time I reached our driveway, I began to realize the full impact of the increasing darkness.  Luckily my sister had brought over three battery operated lanterns, and I quickly placed them all in the center of our kitchen counter.  The light shining forth was a welcomed relief.  Enough to enable me to fix a salad and eat a cold dinner.  This was doable.

I quickly realized, however, that sitting at the kitchen counter for the night was my only option if I kept the lanterns together.  So I began spreading them throughout our main living area and what a difference it made.  Each lantern illuminated and shined brightly where they were placed giving our room a warm cozy feel. I was no longer limited to just one space.

Lanterns are a lot like gratitude.  If we only praise God when life is good then we limit our view of God’s greatness.  It is doable to express our thankfulness in the face of ease and joy. When life is exciting and everything is just as we planned. But what about those moments when challenges and trials rise to the surface lurking in the darkness?  Dark is never our fave place to be, right?  Safe doesn’t fit being in the dark.  Clear vision fades in the darkness.  Clarity slips in the dark. Simply put, we prefer to be in the light where gratitude flows effortlessly.

Yet life happens, and we experience unexpected moments when gratitude slips away. We zero in on the circumstances and allow ourselves to become grumblers, overwhelmed and undone extinguishing our gratitude. Grasping towards what isn’t versus what is.

When I moved those lanterns to different areas in my home they shined forth right where they were placed.  Spreading light so I could see more clearly.  Gratitude works the same way. When we actively choose to praise God in the midst of the darkness, His light shines forth and illuminates our hearts. We lean in closer and gain a renewed perspective of His character and His presence. We learn how to trust more deeply in the one who has all things under His control.  And the most beautiful part is the light shining in us begins to flow out to others.  When people know our stories and witness our hearts filled with gratitude despite our pain and heartache, they too are drawn to God.

Sweet friends, we can choose to hover our focus in one direction – praising God when good defines us.  But a better choice, the best choice, is to allow our gratitude to encompass all areas of our lives, every part of our story including the good, bad and ugly.  Chapters we’d rather not write, yet ones God can use for His glory when we allow authentic, sacrificial gratitude to define us.

“Father, You are greatly blessed when we intentionally choose to praise You in the dark.  The enemy is defeated, and our hearts are filled with the joy of Your presence – best place to land – grateful hearts in all circumstances.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Gratitude

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | November 22, 2024

Brave

“Calmness can lay great errors to rest.” Ecclesiastes 10:4b (NIV)

Gotta love those brave souls that seem to shine in the midst of a crisis. With wisdom, integrity and determination they press through the most difficult situations. Despite a whirl of chaos and uncertainty, they do life well – they stand strong and lead us peacefully.

Who are these brave individuals? They’re the school teachers quieting their students while a gunman fires down the hall. They’re the rescue workers talking the defeated one off a ledge and back to safety. They’re the waitresses responding calmly while being criticized for all to see and hear. They’re the parents hovering over their children while tornado winds blow off her roof. They’re the co-workers organizing groups to descend the Twin Towers when the enemy attacked. Individuals who reacted fearlessly even though they were shaking in their shoes. Individuals who didn’t get lost in the moment and lose their cool. Individuals who focused on the big picture versus the “me” picture.

How do we handle the unexpected emergency? Does calmness define us or do our actions create even more drama? Do we breathe urgent prayers for wisdom and strength or do we respond in panic relying on self?

Scripture is filled with brave souls that met their moments of crisis clinging and holding tight to the Great I Am.  “The Lord gives, and the Lord takes away. Praise the name of Yahweh,” echoed from Job’s parched lips.    “My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord,” uttered from the unwed pregnant teenager, Mary.  “The Lord will rescue me from every evil work and will bring me safely into His heavenly kingdom. To Him be the glory forever,” spoken by the persecuted Paul.

Shaking inside but standing firm. Responding appropriately vs. overreacting. Seeking God moment by moment, brave souls who knew that the One who created the universe still holds them in the palm of His hand.  We, sweet friends, are no different – we can shout His praise even in the depths of overwhelmedness and uncertainty.  Confident and brave.  Unwilling to cave.

“Father, life is unpredictable and can change in an instant. Help us to stay close to You and draw from Your power when uncertainty surrounds us.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

 

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Posted in Attitude, Encouragement, Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | November 21, 2024

The Sabbath: An Ongoing Celebration of the Heart

Blond woman lying in field“For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day, and hallowed it.”Exodus 20:11 (KJV)

Recently, I spent my Saturday in the home of a Jewish couple while they observed the Sabbath. I was impressed with the large spread of foods on their table: cooked vegetables and salads, fresh fruit, delicious stews and rice. Some male friends of the family showed up and were welcomed to the table. They all seemed to be in a celebratory mood, speaking loudly in Hebrew and breaking bread together. The lights were left on at all times, and the warmer on the stove stayed on for the duration of the Sabbath. Their meals were all cooked the day before, for on the Sabbath they do not work, but instead they rest and enjoy their families.

As I observed my new friends’ traditions, I realized how often we do not show God our gratitude and honor. Our culture is so geared towards productivity and commercialism that we become focused on working and tending to our own needs, versus setting aside a day in which we do NOTHING but thank God and celebrate His goodness. Thanksgiving is not one day out of 365 days in a year. Thanksgiving means having a heart that is so grateful for a Lord that is so generous.  It means that we can’t help but celebrate before Him with all that we have, and showing Him that He is, indeed, the Lord of our hearts.

 “Our most gracious God, thank You for showing us that out of the riches of Your kingdom You bless us. Please accept our gratitude for all that You do for us, Father, and may our hearts always rejoice in You, our eternal hope and home.”

 For His Glory

 Luska Natali
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Attitude, Encouragement, Gratitude

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | November 20, 2024

Finding Rest

“And he lay down and slept under a broom tree. And behold, an angel touched him and said to him, “Arise and eat.” And he looked, and behold, there was at his head a cake baked on hot stones and a jar of water. And he ate and drank and lay down again. And the angel of the Lord came again a second time and touched him and said, “Arise and eat, for the journey is too great for you.” And he arose and ate and drank and went in the strength of that food forty days and forty nights to Horeb, the mount of God.”  1 Kings 19:5-8 (ESV)

He’d been in the wilderness running for his life – scared of Jezebel’s threat. Then he uttered the words “I can’t do this anymore Lord, take my life.” He had just experienced a great victory. How did he end up here?

He had summoned the prophets of Baal to Mount Carmel. Proposing a test. The prophets of Baal and Elijah would prepare an altar of sacrifice. But neither would create fire. The prophets of Baal prayed with great passion and zeal. Their prayers resulted in nothing. But when Elijah prayed– Yahweh answered by fire.

For three years, Elijah had been fighting a spiritual battle. Fervently praying for God to hold back the rains. God used Elijah to speak to the people. The prophets of Baal were destroyed. God sent fire and then he sent the rain. We can see the spiritual implications of Elijah’s obedience. But why do we think that because we’re spiritual we can ignore the physical body?

Ever pray through a health or financial crisis? These things wear on us – not just spiritually but physically. They leave us like Elijah – tired, grumpy, and discouraged. Feeling like life has nothing left for us.

Taking time to pray, preach and minister to the children of Israel took something from him. And even though there had been a great victory; he barely had time to rejoice because the enemy was on his heels again.

God saw the physical need in Elijah that day. Elijah needed rest. God still had plans for him.

Sometimes the most spiritual thing a person can do is get enough rest and replenishment.

Take a nap, or just be alone to read, refuel and re-energize through prayer and rest. There is nothing wrong with saying no to certain things when we are weary.

Don’t give up because of the exhaustion you may feel. After a while, God tells Elijah to get back to work. But first, he is allowed to find rest.

Feeling discouraged today – when was the last time you made finding rest a priority?

“Father in heaven remind us today that we cannot ignore our physical bodies. When we’re tired it affects our outlook on life. Help us to find rest so that we can give our best to you and others.”

 

For His Glory

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

 

 

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Posted in Encouragement, Hope

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | November 19, 2024

Do You Have A Reservation?

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to obtain an inheritance which is imperishable, undefiled, and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, who are protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.” 1 Peter 1:3-5

Sometimes it’s fun to do things spontaneously. You’re hanging out with friends or family, and you say, “Let’s go do ______!” So, you get in the car and just hit the adventure full throttle. But there are plenty of activities for which spontaneity is foolish. For example, we can’t just show up to an exclusive fancy restaurant and expect to get in. We need a reservation. And walking into a hotel expecting an available room, we’re likely to hear, “Do you have a reservation?” Some state parks are now locked to those without advanced reservations—which is hard to fathom. Even venturing out to play putt-putt, endure an escape room, or create scented candles—just showing up without booking a spot will likely lead to hearing, “Sorry, you should have made a reservation.” Oh, the disappointment of expecting a fun-filled time, only to be turned away.

That said, even when we wisely plan ahead, reserving and confirming every step along the way, our well-planned excursion can be wrought with a cloud of disappointment even before it’s over: think under- or overcooked food at that posh restaurant, pervasive wind and rain throughout the beach weekend, or a debilitating back injury the day before your first vacation with your husband in a decade (all of which I speak about from personal experience). Disappointing? You bet. And when does the event or activity goes better than we could have ever imagined? Oh, the joy and satisfaction feel so, so good! But then it ends—the amazing meal, fabulous vacation, exhilarating adventure. Sure, we celebrate having done it and can reminisce about the fun had, but disappointment lurks, like a fog that dims our vision of the road just traveled.

Friend, both our temporary delights and all associated disappointments are meant to be soul-level reminders from our sweet Heavenly Father. The best of this life are only shadows of what’s to come. You see, if you’ve surrendered to Jesus as your Lord and Savior, you have a reservation for the future which is confirmed, protected, and un-cancellable. The adventure ahead won’t ever be defiled by bad weather, poorly prepared food, or physical pain. And not only will the amazing memories being made not fade away, the experience itself is imperishable and eternal (1 Peter 1:3-9). Christians are citizens of heaven (Philippians 3:20), with a magnificent everlasting place prepared just for us by and with Jesus (John 14:2-3), and a perfected, glorious body with which to enjoy it all (Philippians 3:21).

In this life, we are privileged to get beautiful glimpses of what is reserved for us—the breathtaking awe of a sunrise, the promise of a rainbow’s brilliant colors, the thrill of earthly adventures, the deep love we experience with a spouse or child, and even the sweet comfort of our current home-sweet-home. But these give us only a taste of what is reserved for us in heaven! We have a confident hope in what’s to come (Philippians 1:6; Romans 15:13)…no matter the joys, disappointments, trials, successes, and pain we experience now (Romans 5:1-5).

So, do you have a reservation for heaven? If you’ve submitted to Jesus as Lord and Savior, the answer is a resounding yes! But if you long to know the promise of undaunted and unending joy, thrills, and adventure, you can get a reservation right now. Like the fanciest of events, this is an exclusive invitation. No plus-ones—it’s got to have your name on it. Yes, it’s exclusive, but it’s also radically inclusive. No big price tag, no waiting in line, no need to wait for a black Friday deal…but you do have to know Someone to get in (John 14:16). And He’s waiting to hear from you (Romans 10:9-10). Reserve your spot today.

“Lord, thank You for the promise of all You have in store for us—and the miraculous glimpses of Your glory we experience in the waiting. Stir the hearts of those reading this who don’t yet know You…may they accept Your invitation now.”

For His Glory

Julianne Winkler Smith
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Faith, Hope

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | November 18, 2024

Praising God In The Midst of Unknowns

“The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in Him, and He helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise Him.” Psalm 28:7 (ESV)

When life is hard, challenging and painful how does one find joy? Is it even really possible in the midst of disappointment and fear to praise God in the midst of unknowns?

Questions we often ask ourselves when suffering reigns high. Not always the ones we give voice to audibly, yet the inner dialogue of the soul wrestles  with this conversation.

And then there’s George. Yes, I met George last weekend while visiting my nephew, Ryan, at a Rehab Hospital. If you’ve ever had intensive physical therapy, then you know the road to mobility is paved with excruciating pain, unwanted movement and sleepless nights. Easy to get discouraged when progress is nonvisible and slow.

So what about George? Well, George is a gift from the Lord. The perfect roommate for Ryan. An 80ish man who’d occupied this space for about four months due to a stroke. Despite the lack of weekend visitors on his side of the room, George’s heart was filled with joy. His weak, frail voice sang along with the praise music from his church – quite an upbeat tune to rouse a weary soul. Struggling hands that no longer worked didn’t keep George from worshipping God from his soul and the aroma that filled that room was breathtaking. I can only imagine the tears of joy streaming down God’s face as He watched one of His own glorifying Him. Challenging, hard and painful yet George reflects the deep joy found in trusting God despite hard places.

What a privilege it was to pray with George before we left on Sunday. Excited that he finally got to go home this past Thursday. Grateful for God’s divine timing in allowing Ryan to meet such a sweet, godly man. Praying I don’t forget George’s smiling face as he praised the Lord and his heart leaped for joy.

When life is hard, challenging and painful how does one find joy? Convinced George found it and owned joy.  His circumstances were bleak and hadn’t changed yet his focus on the source of his joy was sustaining him. To possess that kind of strength and trust one must know the character of the one they are leaning on. George knew the Lord. To rise above hard places and challenging days, George knew praising his God wasn’t optional it was crucial. His ever-present God had been with him every step of the way; George wasn’t alone.

When disappointment and fear surround us, like George, we can find true peace in trusting God to be our ever-present source of strength and help. When uncertainties overwhelm us, we can, like George, focus on our God versus dwelling on the bleakness of our circumstances.

Sweet friends, I’m not sure where life is taking you, but I know One who longs to travel with you. God will never leave nor forsake those He loves. He will be the catalyst for your joy and inner strength even when your world is falling apart.

“Father, when hard places in life invite deep questions may we find You to be our strength, shield and joy. Forever praising You – confident You will meet our every need.”

 

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Gratitude, Spiritual Living, Worship

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | November 15, 2024

When Real Sabotages Growth

 

“So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. Galatians 5:16 (NIV)

“That’s just the way I am.” We’ve probably all used or heard that line. It’s the one that soothes over our rough edges or so we think. Being real, authentic in a world filled with imitation and fake is refreshing and energizing. Removing the mask revealing our self rather than hiding behind true self is liberating. But what happens when “just the way I am” sabotages growth and transformation?

Don’t know about you, but it’s easier to claim I can’t change than admit I won’t change. Facing our own weaknesses and admitting what doesn’t serve us well isn’t exactly where we like to visit. Unveiling all of the “real us” even if it hurts others isn’t pretty. Too many times, I’ve seen “just the way I am” on full display and the damaging effects of authenticity gone wild is more than I prefer to experience. Sorry to say, I’ve been real for the sake of real unfiltered, and I’m sure there were some innocent bystanders running for cover.

Ever wondered how to be real and transparent without our weaknesses dominating everyone’s space? Balance – yes it works, but we aren’t called to balance our authenticity – we are called to be led by God’s Spirit and not our own.

One of the beautiful things about our relationship with God is His intentional work in us. A surrendered heart flourishes when faced with God’s truth and doesn’t allow excuses to prevent transformation. A woman clothed in right living, discernment and grace isn’t faking it – she’s truly trusting in Him – allowing God’s Spirit to respond and react even when she finds herself in a hot mess. A woman committed to change even if she’s the one that needs to change is breathtaking. Real never looked so good.

Choosing to bring our real to the feet of Jesus and ask for His wisdom to guide us shines bright even in our dark world. What we thought or had convinced ourselves was impossible now faces us in the mirror (James 1:22-24). It’s a chance of a lifetime to admit, agree, alter and yes, surrender our real so others get a glimpse of His glory.

“Father, we long to be authentic believers completely honest about our weaknesses and totally dependent on You to transform us.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

 

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Posted in Encouragement, Hope, Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | November 14, 2024

Breaking Free

“It is for freedom that Christ has set you free. Stand firm, then and do not let yourselves be [bound] again by a yoke of slavery.” Gal 5:1 (NIV)

Many years ago, an image flashed through my mind while I was praying. (The same way visions of chocolates and cheesecake come to mind when I am trying to fit into my skinny jeans.) The image of an Asian woman with “bound” feet appeared and quickly faded from my thoughts. I wondered who God wanted to reach through this experience. Just imagine the implications this could have on a woman bound by the burdens, distractions, and temptations of life. My curiosity ended when God whispered my name. Ouch! Was “I” really the intended target of this intervention? Was I really so bound by the distractions of the enemy and the affairs of life that I didn’t even realize I was NOT free? I was, after all, a godly woman who loved the Lord.

God’s answer was clear. As long as I sought meaning in my accomplishments, looked for worth in the approval of others, ran from my inadequacies, clung to old habits and hid behind a shield of self-preservation, then “I” was indeed in bondage. Sadly, my ability to experience the fullness of God’s plan for my life was being held hostage by my willingness to settle for something “less” than what God desired. Can you relate? Is your freedom being compromised by your willingness to settle for something “less” than what God desires for your life?

“Lord, forgive us for succumbing to the temptations of the flesh and the distractions of the enemy. Show us where we may be walking in bondage and set us free that we may experience the fullness of your plans and purposes for our lives.”

For His Glory

Claudia Dempsey
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Faith, Freedom, Spiritual Growth

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