Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | December 4, 2024

The Shepherds

“And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child. And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them.”   Luke 2:17-18 (ESV)

My favorite part of the Christmas story is the Shepherds. Since I was a little girl fighting my sister to set up the manger scene each year, it has always been the shepherds. Our set had a tall shepherd man with a sweet lamb wrapped around his shoulders. The shepherd’s hands were up holding that lamb tightly and the shepherd had a gentle smile on his face. Somehow my little girl mind knew that smile was how God looked at me, and I have always known He has held me tightly all these years.

That is a wonderful memory, yet as I have grown up,  the shepherds have remained my favorite part of the Christmas story because nothing made sense, yet they never questioned it, they just went with God! If only I could live that way!

On a very normal night,  like so many others they had experienced, they were ‘just’ doing their job. They are keeping the sheep safe. They are guarding them, keeping eyes wide open for wild animals, and trying to stay warm. All they did that night was show up to work. Then one angel appears and explains to them what is happening in a barn not far away.  Then the sky fills with angels celebrating that their King has come to Earth while the shepherds hold tight and watch this pop-up concert in the stars. We have no idea how long this concert lasted. Suddenly the sky is dark again and the shepherds make the bold decision to go see this miracle-this precious Baby, our Savior. They don’t hesitate, they don’t look for help for the sheep, they just go! The Bible does not tell us if they talked with Mary or Joseph or even bowed down, as the Wise Men would later do, it just says they saw Him.

Luke 2:17 tells us the shepherds “made widely known the saying which was told them concerning this Child. All those who heard it marveled at those things which were told to them by the shepherds.”   The message states, “They told everyone they met what the angels had said about this child. All who heard the shepherds were impressed.”

So the overcrowded town of Bethlehem heard what happened on the hillside, and they marveled or were impressed, but THEY DID NOT GO! They were in the same town where the King of Kings was born, they knew about it, they thought it was cool, and then they did nothing about it. NOTHING!!!

Can you imagine the shepherds going from door to door or inn to inn telling everyone what they had seen and everyone listened, they were impressed, but they continued on without allowing this news to change their lives.

Deep breath-what do you know about Jesus? What have you heard about Him? Have these things changed your life? The Bethlehemites knew He was born and heard about His miraculous announcement, but it did not change anything about their life. It was a fun story and they were glad they heard it, maybe they even told others as they headed back home about it, but it did not cause their actions to change.

The poor, stinky shepherds allowed the news to change their lives. Do we?

“Father, let our hearts and lives be changed by your arrival in this world.”

For His Glory

Terrie Tollerson
TRBC Women’s Life

 

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Hope, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | December 3, 2024

The Christian Life Is Like…Skydiving?

“These things I have spoken to you so that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be made full.”   John 15:11

I was just looking at some photos from a couple of years ago when my husband went skydiving for his birthday. Just viewing the series of 179 images brought me through a rollercoaster of emotions: anticipation, dread, thrill, fear, anxiety, and joy, to name a few. Then I started thinking about how the whole adventure can be likened to the Christian life. Let me explain with words as I literally look through the pics…

The first pics are of my hubby in the airplane, filled with a mix of excitement and terror. This is like our life as earth-dwellers, isn’t it? We fly through this world making choices that bring us to new heights. And sometimes our journey has sudden dips that make us a bit nauseated. There are times of exhilaration and times of fear. (Now maybe to make this part of the analogy more accurate, we’d be flying the plane ourselves. But then there’s the whole pre-destination vs. free will argument that could ensue, so I’ll keep this metaphor at a 30,000-foot view—pun intended.)

Then I came to the shots of the actual jump from the airplane. Ah, the moment of real faith. He exited the known to soar into the unknown. All control out of his hands—he surrendered all. This is like the moment we put our trust in Jesus as Lord and Savior! We give up trying to do life our way (and the world’s way) and yield to the Lord’s sovereignty. It’s definitely a leap of faith, giving it all to Jesus. A step into the unknown. We leave the comfort of doing things like everyone else for the thrill of doing things God’s way. Is there trepidation? Yes! Are there stomach-drops of fear? Of course! Oh, but this is when life’s journey amps up, with joys unspeakable and peace that passes understanding.

I didn’t mention this before, but it really brings home the faith analogy: When he leaped from the airplane into the atmosphere, my husband was not alone. He was actually safely and tightly strapped to an expert skydiver. This man helped direct the freefall, knowing when to move his arms and legs certain ways. He also wore an altimeter, determining the right time to pull the cord to open the chute. Then, although my hubby’s emotional balance may have swung from fear to joy (knowing the death-defying freefall was over), the guy on his back still controlled the rest of the journey to earth. (Are you smiling with the ah-ha moment yet?)

When we take our leap of faith into the Christian life, it can be scary not knowing what we’re getting ourselves into. But, sweet friend, we are never on our own in this adventure! Jesus is strapped to our back, so to speak. In fact, we are given God in the Person of the Holy Spirit to live in us, to guide and direct us through every moment. Yes, there is pain and fear and anxiety. But He’s got us, so even through our tribulations and challenges of the world, we can confidently know that He has overcome the world (John 16:33)! He’s right there with us to comfort us, quell our fears, and wipe away our tears. And we can know that this adventure holds incredible pleasures, highs of joy, and deep satisfaction. And the proverbial “Man on our back” is there to belly laugh right along with us.

Now, I realize this skydiving analogy isn’t perfect. But I do hope in it you sense the delight of the Christian life—and the fact that you are never, ever alone (Romans 8:38-39). Or if you’ve been walking (soaring) with the Lord for a while, I pray that you’re able to recapture the sheer thrill of when you first took that leap. And what’s really cool to think of is where this analogy can go, especially as I flip to the photos of when my husband’s feet hit solid ground. Maybe it’s because I’m currently studying Revelation and reading a theological book on Heaven…but, oh, when Jesus speaks into existence the New Heaven and New Earth, I imagine our reaction to look similar to my husband’s face in those pics. It reads something like, “Wow, that experience was unbelievably thrilling…but, I’m so very glad to be Home, where the real adventure awaits.”

“Lord, help me remember that You are with me through my journey through this broken world, giving me strength, courage, and hope. And remind me daily that the Real Adventure with You is yet to come.”

 

For His Glory

 

Julianne Winkler Smith
TRBC Women’s Life

 

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Hope, Spiritual Growth

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | December 2, 2024

When Return Is The Answer

“So she (Hagar) called the LORD who spoke to her: The God Who Sees, for she said, “In this place, have I actually seen the One who sees me? Genesis 16:13 (NIV)

When God’s promises and our timing seem off it is so easy to seize control. After all God did create us to be helpers and perhaps He just needs us to push things along. Those were thoughts that may have lingered in Sarai’s mind. God’s promise of a son seemed impossible, so Sarai gave Hagar (her slave) to Abram as a surrogate wife.

I’m sure you remember the story – Hagar gets pregnant something Sarai couldn’t’ accomplish and then Hagar gets a little arrogance in her step. Sarai blames Abram, and he tells Sarai do whatever you like with Hagar. Sarai asserts her authority and treats Hagar badly – Hagar flees into the wilderness. God hears Hagar’s cries and tells her to go back to Sarai. Sounds like a reality tv show.

We all know what drama women can cultivate, and I’m sure it wasn’t easy for Hagar to return to the one who mistreated her. While God definitely doesn’t want us to live in abusive situations, this was His will for Hagar to swallow her pride and return. We don’t hear any mention in scripture of what happened when Hagar showed back up, but I would guess that Hagar didn’t allow her pride to rise back up to the surface.

Return is rarely our go to response when conflict arises. Like Hagar, we simply want relief. We don’t want to face the drama escalating out of control. So what’s a girl to do when conflict shows up and she is getting the short end of the stick? Hagar’s run into the desert probably gave her some “me” time. A chance to evaluate her role and how she offended the one she had faithfully served for many years. Her response to the angel of the Lord was one of running away not a re-telling of her sob story.

Wonder what would happen if we pulled ourselves away and honestly evaluated the drama encircling us? Rather than point the finger, we would look deep inside to see how we have contributed to the issue. Instead of replaying the events over and over, we would listen for God’s voice and obey even if it means going back to what seems hopeless.

Everything that touches our lives – other’s actions and our reactions – are fully visible before the eyes of God. He knows the potential for growth found in working through conflict and is fully aware that it isn’t all about “us” but the whole picture is at stake. And in those moments when we feel invisible, God is right there beside us – the One who truly sees it all desiring reconciliation.

“Father channel us away from pride and help us to see clearly the role we have played when conflict arises. Help us to hear and obey Your voice as we pursue unity with others.”

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 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

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