Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | January 22, 2025

In The Words of Dr. Seuss….

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

Let’s break it down-

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

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

Are you heading the right direction?

Do you need a course correction?

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

whether you or someone else?

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

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

We have a decision to make.

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

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

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

How about this?

We have brains in our head

We have feet in our shoes

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

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

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

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

 

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

 

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

 

Each day I hand God the keys

And I beg and I say Please,

Lord Jesus, lead me, guide me,

Direct me, and help me to see

That no matter how hard to believe,

I know Your ways are always best for me.

For His Glory

Terrie Tollerson
TRBC Women’s Life

 

 

 

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | January 21, 2025

Go To Extremes

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

For His Glory

Julianne Winkler Smith
TRBC Women’s Life

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | January 20, 2025

When Stretched Reveals His Glory

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | January 17, 2025

The Daily Choice

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

For His Glory

 

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | January 16, 2025

The Blessing In Wait

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

For His Glory

Kathryn Hayman
TRBC Women’s Life

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | January 15, 2025

2025 – A Blank Canvas

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

For His Glory

 

Terrie Tollerson
TRBC Women’s Life

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

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

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

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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