Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | October 30, 2024

Stay On Course

“Mark out a straight path for your feet; stay on the safe path. Don’t get sidetracked. Keep Your feet from following evil.”  Proverbs 4:26-27(NLT)

My husband and I have very different personalities, especially when it comes to driving!  Anyone relate??!!

I am from New Jersey and when I get into a vehicle it is to go to a destination, while spending the least amount of time in the car as possible, in traffic, or at lights. My husband is from Georgia and when he gets into a vehicle it is to head to a destination, enjoy the time together in the car, not rushing past anyone and waiting for everyone!

As you can imagine, this has created some fun memories, ugly arguments, and a lot of recognition of our differences! For the most part, we have finally come to a place where I can settle down and let him drive, and he does not get offended if I simply cannot resist offering my advice!!  To his credit, he will pull out a bit sooner now:)!

This was actually a very big deal when we first were married because I was impatient and wanted to get “there”, wherever there was!  Funny thing is, we arrived “there” every time, no matter who drove.

One of the reasons that this has settled down for us is because I finally recognized a few things:

  • We always got where we needed to be.
  • We arrived safely.
  • We stayed on course, and I was never fearful.
  • My husband never looks at his phone. He stays completely focused on driving.

I was reminded of our driving debacles when reading through Proverbs this month. I need to remember to stay on course with Jesus. I need to not get ahead of Him or push my own way or complain when the traffic of life piles up and it was not my plan. Jesus wouldn’t. He knew each part of the journey was where God wanted Him to be at that time.

I know when this journey ends, I will see Jesus, because I belong to Him. I want to get there knowing I have given my all to Him, while staying on course and remaining completely focused on Him, not getting sidetracked or caught off course.

It will be worth it!

“Heavenly Father, help us to stay on the straight and narrow path and not be deceived by all this world has to offer. We love you.”

For His Glory

Terrie Tollerson
TRBC Women’s Life

 

 

 

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | October 29, 2024

Same As It Ever Was

“Therefore God gave them up in the lusts of their hearts to impurity, to the dishonoring of their bodies among themselves, because they exchanged the truth about God for a lie and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever! Amen.”  Romans 1:24-25

As you read through the Bible—and I hope you do regularly—there are some events that can be hard to relate to in our modern world. Especially in the Old Testament. I think of Korah and his fellow power-mongers rebelling against God only to be swallowed up alive by the ground (Numbers 16). Or a talking donkey setting straight a man of God gone astray (Numbers 22). Then there’s Jonah getting swallowed by a huge fish so he would repent of his disobedience to evangelize his enemies (Jonah). Then, when we get to the New Testament and the letters to the first-century Church, it’s easy to compartmentalize the events and messages into, “Well, that was a long time ago—this stuff’s not relevant in 2024.”

Friend, all we have to do is read any letter from the Apostle Paul to see that nothing has changed in human society. Not sure if they were having parades or not, but people were giving in to sexual passions contrary to God’s order (Romans 1:26-27). Unwanted babies were being killed for convenience and prosperity’s sake, whether sacrificed to the fiery arms of a false god or abandoned to die. Romans 1:28-32 is one of many succinct lists of depravity “back then”: wickedness, greed, envy, murder, strife, deceit, malice, gossip, slander, haters of God, insolent, arrogant, boastful, disobedient to parents, untrustworthy, unfeeling, unmerciful, and inventors of evil. That about covers it—and we’re all listed in there somewhere.

Humanity’s bottom-line sin thinking is this: “I don’t need to worship God. I’m in charge of my own life.” But then—and now—something will always be placed on the personal altar of worship—the earth, the stars, sex, money…sports, alcohol, climate change…self. From the beginning, we were made to worship God. But it didn’t take long for us to want to put ourselves in the place of God (um, just ask Adam and Eve). And as soon as we believe this hissed lie that “you can be like God,” it’s so easy to give in to the lust of the eyes, the lust of the flesh, and the pride of life (1 John 2:15-17). It’s been happening since the dawn of Man and continues through today. There’s no sin or false god or temptation that’s new. And we all sin (whether gossip or adultery, drunkenness or greed, slander or murder) and fall short of the perfect worship and living that God requires (Romans 3:23).

And praise the Lord, just as throughout the New Testament, the message of hope has not changed either: But God, rich in mercy, sent Jesus to live the perfect life we could not, pay the penalty we deserve, and rise again in victory over sin and death. He traded our sin for His perfect righteousness, so we don’t have to be slaves to sin anymore (Isaiah 53:5; John 3:16; Romans 5:8; 1 Peter 3:18). In surrender to God (through Jesus and in the power of the Holy Spirit) as the sole recipient of our worship, the lies of the enemy fall apart. The Lord then and now is patient for our repentance—He is still the same as He ever was. His kindness leads us to Him, and His grace is freely offered. Won’t you too give up the gods and ways of this broken world and give yourself over to Him?

“Lord, thank You for Your kindness, patience, and grace. Although sin has been present since the garden, Your victory gives us power over it—and one day, we’ll be completely free of it. May those who are shackled by the lies of the enemy surrender to Jesus now…so they’ll never be the same.

For His Glory

Julianne Winkler Smith
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Spiritual Living, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | October 28, 2024

Transforming Weakness to Strength

feb-13“He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might He increases strength.”  Isaiah 40:2 (ESV)

Love the fact that God didn’t sugarcoat scriptures.  He didn’t give us the happy ending without the rough beginnings and all the inbetweens.  Love the way God interacts with His people personally, conversationally and relationally. I especially love the conversation between Moses and God – it’s one we all know well.  God tells Moses – I see, I hear, I know what your people are going through, and you are the one I am going to use to set them free. Moses, however, unloads a ton of baggage and excuses of why he is no longer the one – send someone else.  As the dialogue continues to bounce back and forth, God doesn’t allow Moses’ excuses to excuse him from obedience.

Attempting to opt out of his God ordained destiny, Moses highlights his lack of speech and inability to influence his people or the mighty Pharaoh.  God offers Plan B – your brother, Aaron, is on his way to meet you – I will help you both and teach you what to do.  Moses finally surrenders and God continuously brings him back to the microphone and gives him the exact words to say.  Speak is the common act that God instructs Moses to do time and time again. And through every step of obedience, God does the amazing, unthinkable in transforming Moses’ weaknesses into strengths and delivering the Children of Israel out of bondage.

What weaknesses are we holding onto? Do we really want God’s strength to empower us and move us past the excuses we so easily offer Him?  If Moses had ended His conversation with God rather than wrestled through, he would have missed an amazing opportunity to see God’s power demonstrated in His life.  Perhaps it’s time we brought our perceived weaknesses to God. He already knows what they are but God is eagerly waiting for us to engage with Him and then trust Him to work.  Don’t know about you, but I want that kind of empowerment in my life and it will require that I acknowledge and release my weaknesses so that God can transform them with His strength.  Can’t think of a better way to move forward.

“Father, the enemy wins every time we deny Your power is greater than our weaknesses.  Empower us to trust You completely and walk boldly in obedience.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Faith, Spiritual Living, Success

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | October 25, 2024

Beauty Designed By God

“But let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit which in God’s sight is very precious.”  I Peter 3:4

I saw the most beautiful, fully red tree near our Target today – can’t even describe the deep hue of red. It’s been quite a few years since we had a perfect Fall.  Now, I know you girls know I’m not a fan of Fall. I’m a Spring/Summer girl all the way.  However, I do enjoy the vibrant colors dressing the trees.

As Summer came to an end, we had a wide spectrum of weather.  We had brutally hot days, drenching rain and cool days.  All perfectly orchestrated by our Creator God to paint the gorgeous pallet we are seeing right now.

Isn’t that how it works in our lives?

We go through some really hot, dry times. The constant pressure and sweat of just trying to make it through another week’s demands can be exhausting.  Dealing with fiery tempers can leave us scrambling for cover. Trying to meet others’ expectations can make us a hot mess.

Then the rains come…..yes those downpours that leave us drenched, soaked and uncomfortable. Navigating through our day with umbrella in hand as the wind flips it right side out. Our days can feel the same – nothing is going the way we planned, and the harder we try the more things seem to blow away in the wind.  All our efforts evaporating right before our eyes.

Just when we thought we couldn’t make it through another day, cool refreshing breezes cover us. Reminders that change is about to happen. Relief is on the way. We will make it through with God by our side, and oh the lessons we will learn along the way.

I love the way our Creator God orchestrates magnificent beauty in our lives. Moments full of growth potential, frustrations that mold and shape our character, and joys that rise to the surface just when we need them the most. Every day is a beautiful work of art God is crafting in our souls.

When we resist the urge to react and respond based on what we are feeling in the moment, we realize the value of surrendering to the Spirit’s control. When we endure life’s storms, we recognize the specific, personal lessons God is divinely teaching us. When we receive the rest He cultivates, we are amazed to see the beauty He is cultivating within us.

The best part….the beauty God creates within us never fades it simply gets more gorgeous as our inner soul is transformed to reflect God’s character. Simply ageless shining in His glorious splendor. More vibrant than we ever imagined possible. A true masterpiece molded and shaped by our Creator who delights in His creation.

“Father, You sculpt our rough edges and misshaped attempts to create beauty within ourselves. And what an exquisite Creator you are – chiseling our inner souls so we can reflect You to our world.”

 

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | October 24, 2024

My Help Comes From the Lord

Woman Placing Palms Together“God is our refuge and strength; a very present help in trouble! Psalm 46:1 (NKJV)

“Help is on the way!” All of us watching the man pinned beneath the Jeep knew it would not be fast enough. The Jeep weighed hundreds of pounds and he began turning blue as oxygen could not get into his lungs. There were only a handful of people on the country road, but the men grabbed onto the Jeep. As they lifted, it miraculously moved up. We women pulled from under his arms, and his diaphragm was exposed. Not the end of the story, but it meant the difference between life and death for this man.

“Help is on the way!” How wonderful it would be to hear Michael, the Archangel, say, “God has heard your prayer!” We know He hears all of them, but sometimes we want immediate “fixes!” Would you ever confess to a life of doubt? Not many of us would! We don’t want friends to see that we have anything except complete confidence that God will “work all things for good” (Rom. 8:28).  Yet as we anxiously wait for God to act, millions of thoughts cross our minds: He may say no, He may say wait… and we torment ourselves. But help is on the way! He heard and He began—even possibly long before your prayer—to act. “Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him!” (Psalm 37:7). He hears us when we call, and He will answer in His time. Rest in those promises!

“Oh, God! Please give us the faith to know that You are loving, good, and true! You are so powerful that we can’t comprehend Your power, so holy we can’t imagine such holiness, and so perfect we can’t conceive of Your perfection! Increase our faith as we wrestle with daily living, trying to carry our cross in this world!”

 

For His Glory

Sandy Day
TRBC Women’s Life

 

 

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Posted in Encouragement, Hope, Prayer

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | October 23, 2024

The Perfect Excuse

“You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men”. Matthew 5:13 (NIV)

Lying comfortably in the TV room watching a movie, I suddenly noticed my ironing board, which had been hidden – by me – behind the door.  In fact, I haven’t unfolded that ironing board in a long time. I used to iron virtually everything, but now I don’t iron anything.  Excuses started to pour out of my mind like cereal falling out of a box. “I am a very busy person and don’t have time to iron.” Another good one was, “Who needs an ironing board and an iron when we have the convenience of Cleaners?” I knew that ironing board had been resting behind the door; I just purposely ignored it.

Do we ever create excuses about anything in life that we may be doing, or in this case not doing? We are called to be salt and light to a world that needs the Lord.  If we don’t fulfill our responsibilities, we immediately spill out an excuse for it.  Whatever the topic,  we always come up with the perfect excuse and those excuses can create very unpleasant situations. We’re not perfect, but with God’s help we can be diligent and careful with how we handle our responsibilities.

“Lord, as I look at my life, I can see many ways in which I could improve.  I want to live a life that reflects You, and I pray that Your Spirit guides me and leads me as I walk the path You have set before me.”

For His Glory

Luska Natali
TRBC Women’s Life

 

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Posted in Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Living, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | October 22, 2024

Malnourished

“If anyone teaches a different doctrine and does not agree with the sound words of our Lord Jesus Christ and the teaching that accords with godliness, he is puffed up with conceit and understands nothing. He has an unhealthy craving for controversy and for quarrels about words, which produce envy, dissension, slander, evil suspicions.” 1 Timothy 6:3-4

By and large, U.S. citizens have more access to food than most people around the world. There are grocery stores, specialty stores, and/or convenience stores within a stone’s throw of most of us—not to mention fast-food restaurants on every other (sometimes every) corner. Our country has a robust “food stamp” program (SNAP), spending over $112 billion per year1, and public schools serve on average 42 million2 meals per school day. And yet, according to the CDC, over 40% of adults and 20% of children are obese. (Not to mention that over 60% of Americans have a food-related chronic disease, despite the $4.3 trillion spend on U.S. healthcare.)

There is ample food being eaten, yet we are severely malnourished. The food is made to taste delicious, but it is, in fact, ultimately poisoning us to death.

Similarly, as you drive through U.S. cities and even small towns, there are churches of every denomination (and non) dotting the main streets. There are big fancy churches, quaint high-steepled chapels, and congregations that meet in converted strip-mall spaces. And yet—even among self-proclaiming “evangelicals”—almost half say that Jesus was a great teacher, but He was not God3. And although a whopping 70% of the U.S. population claims to be “Christian”, only 9% say they have a Biblical worldview, and 58% believe that if a person is good enough or does enough good things, they can earn their way into Heaven.4.

There is ample “faith food” being eaten (online, via podcasts, and in buildings), yet we are severely malnourished. Christians are being served up tasty morsels by pulpit chefs—food that tastes sweet when being consumed but has no Biblical value. We are being bloated with empty calories of cultural lies, while we’re starved of the sustenance of the Gospel—ultimately poisoning us to death.

What about you, friend? What faith food are you consuming? Is it the pure, undefiled Word of God? Or are your itching ears being scratched with Sunday-morning Ted Talks and feel-good gatherings from which you walk away with a confident “I’m-in-control” attitude (2 Timothy 4:3-4)? There is so much delicious spiritual junk food out there. It’s hard today to stand firm on Truth—and it will get harder. But we must (Ephesians 6:10-20).

So, what does a healthy Christian diet consist of, one that nourishes our spirit? Our Bibles have all the right recipes! It’s imperative that believers know God’s Word and its power (Proverbs 30:5; Psalm 119; 2 Timothy 3:16; Hebrews 4:12), so we can recognize the lies (from YouTube and church’s pulpit). We must meet together so we’re not that straggler ripe for the enemy’s attack (Hebrews 10:24-25). We must recognize that all the little-g gods of our life will never fill the God-shaped hole in our soul. And that it’s only through the work of Jesus—not our own—that we are reconciled with God, made righteous in His sight, and have the hope of Heaven (Romans 5; Colossians 1:19-20; Ephesians 2:1-10). And we must daily surrender to the Holy Spirit, acknowledging that we are not, in fact, God (1 Corinthians 2:1-16).

Although there is constant controversy and contradiction in dietary recommendations that can be overwhelming, spiritual nutrition is simple and undisputed: Worship in a church that stands firmly on God’s Word (all of it—no additions or redactions). Read the Bible for yourself, every day. Yield to the Holy Spirit living in you. Stay connected with fellow believers. So, let’s step out in Truth and be nourished.

“Lord, may we walk in Your Truth, being fully satisfied with Your glorious food for our souls.”

For His Glory

Julianne Winkler Smith
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Faith, Spiritual Growth, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | October 21, 2024

A Journey With A Great Destination

“Enoch walked with God, and he was not, for God took him.”  Genesis 5:24 (ESV)

Crisp autumn mornings and evenings are the best time to grab some outdoor time and get our steps in for the day. So, is there really something magical about hitting the 10,000 steps each day? While the exact number of steps varies research does show a wide range of benefits. Brisk walking improves our cardiorespiratory fitness, muscular strength and overall mental health.  And while we’re getting into a consistent stride, we are improving the way our body uses oxygen which is essential in helping us maintain a strong heart. As we age, we desperately need to maintain strong bones and muscles – gotta keep that body moving.

While the physical benefits are amazing, walking is a great way to relieve stress and reset our minds. Nothing better than a brisk walk to clear our thoughts, elevate our mood and cultivate a refreshed mindset.

Walking in the Old and New Testament most often referred to as “halak” indicated a journey with a destination. Yet counting steps isn’t the type of walking journey God was interested in; He was referring to a person’s life and behavior that aligned with His image. From the very beginning of creation, God initiated this beautiful invitation. He desired to walk in close fellowship with man developing an ongoing vibrant relationship – a journey of faith like no other – a total transformation of the created to reflect their Creator.

Right in the middle of a long list of genealogies in Genesis 5, we find one who walked with God. Despite the prevailing darkness of sin which erupted quickly in Genesis,   Enoch intentionally chose to be different – to live a righteous life that was pleasing to God (Hebrews 11). While the generations before him died and the ones after him eventually died, Enoch walked with God and was spared from death – God miraculously took him home. Along with the prophet Elijah (2 Kings 2), these two were the only ones God whisked away to heaven never to taste death.

Wouldn’t it be incredible if we were described as women who walked with God? What if our relationship with Him was so intertwined that people only saw our God in us rather than seeing us. Despite the prevailing darkness in our world today, what does this walking with God look like?

It all begins with entering into an intimate relationship with God through faith in His Son (Hebrews 10:22). When our heart longs to please Him, we will spend time in God’s word and seek to be doers of His word and not just hearers. We will live our days prioritizing faithfulness to His commands. We will enjoy sweet ongoing conversations with our God. We will confess sin quickly so there are no hindrances to our relationship. We will seek with our whole heart to avoid wrong and walk in His ways (Psalm 119:2-3) in total agreement with God about our choices. We will actively seek to eliminate anything that does not enhance our walk with Him (Hebrews 12:2). Our desires will be in alignment with His (Galatians 2:20) – totally in sync. Glorifying God in all that we do regardless of the cost will always serve us well.

Sound impossible? It is if we rely on self. But if we lean into the power and guidance of the Holy Spirit living within us, we can be women who passionately walk with God. And for those moments when we find ourselves out of sync with Him, we can quickly confess and seek His forgiveness. Oh the beauty of grace showered upon us in those moments – a relationship restored – a journey with a destination of pleasing God all of our days.

“Father, there is no relationship that satisfies like the one we can have with You. Help us to live our lives in a way that shines bright of Your love and truth even in a world characterized by darkness.”

 

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | October 18, 2024

Breaking Patterns That Don’t Serve Us Well

“For God does not show favoritism.” Romans 2:11 (NIV)

Sandy beaches and cool breezes. Starry skies and late night walks. Hallmark movies (and yes, I know they’re predictable) and anything chocolate. These are a few of my favorite things. Bet you’ve got a list too! We love our faves. Why? Because we find comfort, pleasure, stability and joy in our faves. Even if it is only temporary.

Having favorites over what we like to eat, do and watch isn’t a bad thing – truth be told – we all have them and that’s the nature of our individual preferences. But favorites with people doesn’t exactly serve us well. Growing up I witnessed this first hand – when the choosing of favorites created competition and comparisons. Snapshots still vivid in my memory bank. Trigger points I witness with others reigniting those feelings of “less than” or “not enough.”

Scripture unfolds the riveting story of those choosing favorites. Issac loved Esau; Rebekah loved Jacob (Genesis 25:28). Parents who desperately wanted a child allowing the double blessing to divide their home. Interesting how generational wrongs tend to repeat the pattern if not broken. Jacob loved his son, Joseph more than the other eleven (Genesis 37:3). Heartache, suffering, lies and deception followed all because of picking favorites, loving one over the other. Family dynamics totally wounded and destroyed.

Despite our tendency to choose favorite, God doesn’t. There is no secret list inside the pearly gates before the throne of God dictating His favorite ones. God so loved this world – everyone in the world – that He gave His only Son to die on the cross for All the world. Not just an exclusive offer or select few. There is no favoritism when it comes to our Holy God. No one is excluded from His invitation.

Regardless of what this world offers us, favorite or not, God loves us immensely. His love is wide and deep enough to wrap His arms around us All. We are treated equally (Romans 2:11) and God doesn’t entertain bribes (Deuteronomy 10:17). The perfect place where stability, joy and belonging thrive.

So where does that leave us in the midst of all our faves? As imitators of our Father, we strive to love others the way He loves us (Ephesians 5:1). We welcome all to His table just as He welcomed us. We set the table with love and embrace differences. We resist the urge to think “less than” or “not enough” because we’re breaking the patterns that don’t serve us well.

“Father, You have set the example for us – love always wins; favoritism always wounds. Forgive us for those moments when we allow our preferences to prohibit us from loving All.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

 

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Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | October 17, 2024

Can There Be Hope In Tragedy? (Part 2)

“Your rod and Your staff protect and comfort me.”  Psalm 23:4b (NLT)

Yesterday we saw that when an unexplainable tragedy occurs, it forces us to decide if we will continue to trust the heart of God or if we will take life into our own hands and decide we know better. This choice determines the trajectory of our life, so it is not to be taken lightly. This choice may not come without blood, sweat and tears as we wrestle with the Almighty begging Him for clarity, which we may never see. But it is a battle worth fighting.

Psalm 23:4b tells us that His rod and His staff protect and comfort us. A shepherd would have been equipped with both at all times. The rod was used to count the sheep, but also to keep wild animals away, in other words, to protect his sheep.

Interestingly enough, the staff was only used if you were a shepherd. The staff would not work for any other animal-it was the trademark tool for the shepherd. It was used to redirect the sheep if needed, but mostly to keep the sheep close to the shepherd and then to save the sheep if they got in a difficult position, particularly if they ran away from the shepherd.

Isn’t it fascinating that God wanted these two tools in the Psalm we recognize the most for comfort and care? He wants us to know that He is the Great Shepherd and He will protect us, redirect us, keep us close to Him, and bring us back to Him, if we should go astray. His heart is for us, to love us, and His desire is to walk with us all the days of our lives. Psalm 23:6 states it this way, “Surely Your goodness and  unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life.”

There are no guarantees in this life, and I am sure by now you have noticed that tragedies and unthinkable pain happen to both those who walk with Jesus and those who do not. The difference is whether we choose to trust the heart of the Shepherd, all the while knowing that this world is not our home and this pain will not last forever because we will “live in the house of the Lord forever”  (Psalm 23:6b). There is more to this life than meets the eye.

We can trust Him because He went through the unthinkable so that we would not ever have to walk alone.

“Lord, God, help us to cling tightly to You as the waves of pain wash over us. Thank you for being our Shepherd and always giving us Hope in Jesus.”

For His Glory

Terrie Tollerson
TRBC Women’s Life

 

 

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Hope, Spiritual Living

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