Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | October 16, 2024

Can There Be Hope In Tragedy? (Part 1)

“The Lord is my Shepherd; I have all that I need.”  Psalm 23:1 (NLT)

Our local community has experienced tragedy in the last couple of weeks. The pain has been palpable, the hurt heavy, and the grief overwhelming.  There has been no understanding of why things have happened the way they have and the prayers for those left behind have been without ceasing. As a people, we have grieved, lost sleep, encouraged, and promised to walk together, but the marked characteristic of a tragedy is that things will never be the same again.

As we walk into the days ahead, which will turn into months and years, the pain, grief and loss are unbearable, yet it must be carried. Life as we now know it will become the new normal and yet unthinkable pain will be a part of everyday life for so many now.

How do we rectify this with our faith? Can we?

God has given us a choice, as He does. We have little control as to how things in this world occur, yet we have a lot of control as to our response to them. We can choose to trust that there is Someone or Something bigger than us, and His name is God. Even though we would have NEVER allowed things to happen the way they did, we can know that there is a reason, or a plan, whether we will ever be made aware of remains to be seen. We can also choose to say these situations are just wrong or unfair and be angry at an unknown entity, possibly God if you believe in Him, or try to justify how this God or ultimate Being could allow these things to happen.

The loss of our faith is not in the struggle and the questioning, it is when we walk away from the trust. When we decide we know better and begin to distrust the heart of the Father, we are walking on dangerous ground. We may have to hang on for dear life to come to the realization that we are not in charge and there are things that will not only never make sense to us, but they will cause pain every single time we think about them or grieve the loss for the 1,000,000th time. It is always important to remember that these choices do not deviate from the truth that this tragedy is unfair, unimaginable, and so wrong in every sense of the word.

The question is, how will we respond?

As you walk through the darkest of days and the heaviest of storms, what is your choice? Though the answer may not come easily or without wrestling for days and nights, at the end of it, a choice is demanded. Is Jesus Christ your solid rock on which your faith stands on?

Whether you are in the midst of a tragedy or preparing for this life which is promised to be full of pain, choose wisely. Your choice makes all the difference.

“Lord, help us to remember this life is short and we can’t control what happens around us, we can control our response. Help us choose you.”

For His Glory

Terrie Tollerson
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Encouragement, Hope, Spiritual Growth

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | October 15, 2024

Are You Flourishing?

“I am the vine, you are the branches; the one who remains in Me, and I in him bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing.” John 15:5

What does it mean to have a flourishing life? Is it to be able to pay all your bills and have some money left over? Is it having a good marriage and happy, healthy kids? Is it being able to go to a job you love (or at least like) every day? Or maybe it’s just getting seven or eight hours of solid sleep at night.

I helped lead out a women’s event at church the other day where three women shared their stories of loss, betrayal, and heartbreaking life trauma…and how they walked through these situations to truly flourish. In fact, while they were in the very midst of their respective storms, they demonstrated supernatural grace, mercy, forgiveness, and joy. But how in the world does a person walk through the sudden death of a spouse, the upheaval of adultery, and the endurance of physical and emotional abuse with anything other than anger, bitterness, and despair?

Well, “in the world” this is not possible.

The common thread through each of these compelling stories was the Anchor to which each of these women clung: Jesus. In the midst of potential devastation, we all have a choice. We can succumb to the winds and crashing waves to be tossed about, gasping for moments of air before being helplessly plunged into darkness—we can surrender to the storm. Or we can surrender to the One who has the power to calm the storm and keep us calm as our circumstances are storming around us.

But, friend, this response on our behalf is a choice. We must choose to let go of our fleshly attempts to navigate our situation, and we must hand it over to God. In our own power, we can’t do it! But, when we surrender our life to Jesus, everything changes. Because God first loved us, we are able to love who the world tells us to throw to the curb (1 John 4:19). Because God has forgiven us much (Ephesians 4:32; 1 John 1:9; Colossians 3:13), we are able to forgive who the world says is unforgivable. Because of the unfathomable grace (giving us what we don’t deserve) and mercy (not giving us what we do deserve) the Lord showers on us daily (Lamentations 3:22-23; Luke 6:36; Hebrews 4:16), we are able to extend grace and mercy to others—even when the world thinks we’re crazy for doing so.

What is flourishing? It’s having all we truly need to thrive in the midst of this fallen and broken world. And all we need, friend, is Jesus Christ.

“Lord, this world is dark, but You are the Light. Things shift with uncertainty, but You are the steadfast Rock. With so much hopelessness around us, only You give confident Hope. Father, no matter the storm we’re in, may we surrender to You to find the peace that passes understanding.”

For His Glory

 

Julianne Winkler Smith
TRBC Women’s Life

 

 

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Posted in Encouragement, Hope, Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | October 14, 2024

The Fruit of God’s Love

“Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant,” I Corinthians 13:4 (ESV)

Simple reminders always serve us well. In the course of my work day, I’m constantly reminding others or reviewing my calendar to remind myself. Important events and checklist items that can’t get buried in the pile of undones. Phone calls we need to make. What would I do without my planner and notes? I’d be lost and scrambling.

A friend gave me a sweet reminder the other week – a wallet card inscribed with the beautiful words from I Corinthians 13:4. Familiar words read at weddings. Convicting words reminding us that our actions and reactions glorify God when we display the fruit of His love. Have to admit it’s much easier to read those words than to display those words.

Let’s keep it real here – how is our fruit bearing of God’s love going? I thought I was doing a pretty good job until I placed that little reminder on my desk at work. Clearly visible as I worked and interacted with others, I was challenged on a daily basis to exhibit patience and kindness. When computer issues frustrated me, I saw those words. When someone interrupted my busy schedule and needed my help, I saw those words. While sitting in traffic, I remembered those words. Why? Because they were right before my eyes every day.

Hate to admit it, but there were days when I purposely ignored gazing in the direction of that card. Why? My fruit was more shriveled than flourishing. My actions were resistant because I defaulted to reflecting self versus reflecting God. Busyness distorted my view. Frustration clouded my desire. Bottom line I excused away what was truly important and in those moments, I pushed aside what I knew would please my God.

Just in case we all need a quick refresher let’s unpack what God is telling us to do or not do when it comes to bearing the fruit of His love to others:

Be patient – even tempered while enduring trying circumstances. In other words, it’s being long suffering and prone to calmly wait rather than complain or become irritable. Definitely includes moments spent standing in long lines, waiting on others and especially waiting for God’s timing.

Be kind – warmhearted, considerate, humane, gentle and sympathetic. It is characterized by those who intentionally choose to be nice and extend help to others. Especially includes showing kindness even when it’s not reciprocated.

Do not be envious by having an intense desire for what someone else accomplishes or possesses. Jealousy robs us of the joy of celebrating others. Basically, it includes minimizing the success of others because we desire their success for self.

Do not be boastful – consumed with self-importance, adoration. Shouting our accomplishments loud so others know what we did or what we gave. Generally includes magnifying anything we have done in front of others desiring the praise of man versus the praise of our God.

Do not be arrogant – prideful, puffed up. Seeking to place ourselves above others. Always includes moments when we seek the best for self or exhibit unjust judgment of others to make us feel superior.

Sweet friends, we all need the word of God visible to our spiritual eyes especially when it comes to how we should love others. So thankful for the conviction of the Holy Spirit when the fruit of my love is shriveled up. Blessed with the grace and mercy of God for those moments when I fall short. Grateful for gentle daily reminders prompting my heart to reflect His.

“Father, we miss so many opportunities to show Your love to our world. Help us to be doers of Your word and agents of Your love rather than just receivers of Your love.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | October 11, 2024

When Starting Strong Wavers

“But I (Paul) do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.” Acts 20:24 (ESV)

Don’t’ know if you’re like me or not but starting a project is easy. We get an idea.  We envision the end result and excitement motivates us.  We see progress as we move forward.  We gain momentum, but then the inevitable obstacle or delay stalls us.  Sometimes the obstacle is us.  We get sidetracked.  We get tired of pressing through.  Discipline fades as we allow excuses to mount.  Not exactly where we want to land is it?

Grand beginnings can easily fall flat if we fail to dig deep and persevere through. Putting off what we know we need to do never serves us well.  We’ve probably all landed there – the place where procrastination creeps in stealing away what we intended to finish – because we have plenty of time.

Sound familiar?

Don’t we often take this same stance in our daily living?  We want to finish well – we want to complete the race God has set before us.  We long to hear Him one day say, “Well done good and faithful servant.”  But in the mire of reality, our starting strong can waver if we allow our tendency to postpone today because we have plenty of time left in our tomorrows.

The secret to finishing well is truly dependent on where we are right now.  What steps are we taking today to strategically position us to finish our race strong?

While we might be tempted to cultivate a lengthy list of doing, God is more interested in our being – being in His presence.  Choosing to create margin in our schedules to simply sit at the feet of Jesus can be challenging for us doers. However, we must silence competing agendas and lean into the voice of God.  Quiet is an unfamiliar place for us, but it is the perfect setting to posture our hearts for deep reflection.  It’s the best time to ask God to reveal to us those things in our lives we need to change to align our paths with His, so we finish strong.

Savoring His word invites truth which when applied results in finishing well one day at a time.  Note to self here – perfection isn’t the same as finishing well.  Our imperfect human flesh will miss the mark often (self included).  Yet when we couple presence at His feet with a devoted heart to His truth, then God can do amazing things in our souls.  Putting into practice what we know about His truth is essential to finish our race.

Sweet friends let’s not assume we have tomorrow – let’s choose today to apply His word, enjoy His presence and stay on course.  Finishing well could be sooner than we ever thought.

“Father, You have given us everything we need to finish our race well – help us to release our excuses and stay on course with You.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Encouragement, Hope, Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | October 10, 2024

Smoothing Out The Kinks

MP900444553[1]“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.” Hebrews 12:1 (NIV)

My hair curls up just by hearing the sound of thunder, let alone being exposed to a few drops of rain.  However, I always style my hair with a flat iron. It takes time and devotion on my part, but it smooths out the kinks and leaves my hair looking exactly the way I like. Being straight is definitely not the nature of my hair.

I compare my curly hair to our inherent human nature, which is sinful and somewhat “there,” present and noticeable, if we do not fight it. Failing to abide in God’s Word and seeking His face daily, may result in going back to our sinful, old ways.   If we maintain our relationship with God, embed His commands in our hearts, keep a daily life of prayer and worship then we will be more like Christ each day. “I have hidden your Word in my heart that I might not sin against you.” Psalm 119:11 (NIV).

If I do not keep my hair tamed, it will do its own thing and make me look like I stuck my hand in an electrical socket. Likewise, if we give way to worldly things and subject our eyes, ears and mind to things that do not edify our spirit, we will succumb to a lifestyle that takes us farther and farther away from God’s plan for our lives, reflecting and acting more like the sin that controls us.
 

“Dear Jesus, You know our most inner being. You know what we think long before we ever say it or do it. You know our nature is sinful but our hearts desire to please You. Please help us to remain in You always.”

 

For His Glory

Luska Natali
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Faith, Freedom, Spiritual Growth, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | October 9, 2024

How Healthy Is Your Garden?

“Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap.” Galatians 6:7 (ESV)

We are harvesting the last of our fruits and vegetables for this year.  It is always bittersweet as all of the work of watering and fertilizing comes to an end, yet it is a relief that there will be a few more extra minutes in the chilly fall mornings.  It is almost time to clean out the beds and get them prepared for next year.  We will leave them alone and come back to them in early spring to start over. As we wind down, we evaluate what grew best and how we could adjust what we planted, the location of each plant, or the amount of soil and fertilizer needed.  Why do we take the time to do all of this?  Because we want the time and effort we put into our garden to be worth it and not wasted.  We want our fruits and veggies to be healthy and delicious.

My husband and I put all of this effort into our little garden, yet it makes me wonder if I put  all of this effort into my  life.  I want to be spiritually healthy and attract others to Jesus, yet do I take the time to evaluate and reevaluate what seeds I am planting?  There will be a time when this life ends, whether Jesus comes back or it is our time to meet Him in Heaven, and we will not have any more time to plant, it will be harvest time.  Whatever I have planted, I will answer to my King for.

We can tell by the fruit we are growing if we are planting the right seeds-are we becoming more angry or bitter or impatient or are we able to hand our anxiety to Him and rest in the arms of Jesus?  Are we able to love others throughout our disagreements or do we have to be right?   It doesn’t mean anything about our circumstances changing, it just means that we are  handling it in a way that is honoring Him.  I have decided to check in daily with Him to see if He is pleased in what I am planting and I invite you to join me if you are not already.

As Galatians 6:9 states, “ At just the right time, we will reap a harvest of blessing.”  God knows what we are planting, and He so desires to shower us with a harvest of blessings.

“Father, give us wisdom during planting season that we may harvest what is honoring to You.”

For His Glory

Terrie Tollerson
TRBC Women’s Life

 

 

 

 

 

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Posted in Encouragement, Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Living, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | October 8, 2024

All Means All & Yes Means Yes

“For the Scripture says, “Whoever believes in Him will not be disappointed.” Romans 10:11

The book of Romans is amazing—and Paul is a master lawyer whose arguments are brilliant and irrefutable. This whole letter to the church at Rome drops one truth bomb after another. In fact, you could sit in each chapter for weeks (or months or even years) with transformational results. I’m gonna try to summarize in a few words (insert eye roll here).

For nine chapters Paul extols the miraculous and incomprehensible sovereignty of God, and that salvation is by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone—and that it has been an unmerited gift resulting from faith even from God’s first promises to Abraham. This latter argument was being made to contrast the religious Jews who believed that their righteousness was earned, based on their “holy” outward activity and the Law. But the Law was given to show us that we could never keep it! See chapter 4, but also the rest of the letter. Paul talks of God’s wrath for those who reject Him (chapters 1 & 2). He hammers that all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God (3:23). But Jesus came as a propitiation for us, a payment that satisfied God’s wrath we deserve (3:24-26)—even while we were still sinners and living as lord our own life (see chapter 5)! And when we experience this gift of grace, we are transformed, free from the shackles of our past sinful nature and made to walk in this freedom (chapter 6). Although we’ll struggle with sin, even after surrendering to the Lord (chapter 7), there is no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus (8:1)—we have the Spirit of God living in us to empower us to walk in our new identity: children of God and heirs with Christ (8:17). What’s more, for those of us who believe, nothing and no one can separate us from God’s love (8:31-39). Then Chapter 9 puts forth the equally valid and not-contradictory justice and mercy of God (mind-blown emoji inserted here), and then he circles back to God’s sovereignty in it all.

Whew. With that totally insufficient flyover, we come to chapter 10. Because as Paul talks about the Jewish people and the Gentiles, and how we’re all without-excuse sinners due God’s unimaginable wrath, it’s easy to think, “Well, this gift of grace can’t possibly be for me—I’m beyond hope.” Friend, that’s the whole point of Paul’s exhortation: Yes, all have sinned…but ALL who call on the name of the Lord will be saved (10:12-13)! He reaches back to Isaiah (10:11) and Joel (10:13) in the Old Testament to remind his readers that this has always been God’s plan. Are you part of “all” and “whoever”? YES, YOU ARE. You can call on Jesus to be Lord and Savior of your life and be saved—made new and free. All means all.

Hand in hand with that promise is God’s promise in these verses that this prayer—this cry—to the Lord will always be answered with a “yes.” Always. “If you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved” (10:8). [Note, please, that this confession is not just “Jesus is Lord”—even the demons believe that (James 2:19). Rather, it’s a proclamation that “Jesus is Lord of my life.”]

We may pray for healing, for circumstances to change, for provision…and God may answer us with a yes. But He may also say, “No” or “Not now” or “I’ve got something so much better for you in store, but you just can’t see it in this current ‘no’ season.” But the prayer of surrender to Jesus—the request for salvation through grace alone by faith alone, no activity required…this prayer is always a YES. Yes means yes.

Are you far from God, trying to be “good enough” for Him through right activity? Or are you far from God and believe the distance you’ve created is simply insurmountable and there’s no hope for someone like you? Oh, beloved, you are included in the “all” if you simply cry out to Jesus to be your Lord. And, per His promise, when you do this, His answer will be “Yes”—and you’ll be changed forever.

“Sovereign God, thank You that in the outcry for salvation—reconciliation to You through the propitiation and righteousness of Jesus—that ALL means ALL and Your YES means YES. May even one reading this recognize the beautiful mercy and grace in this and surrender to You right now.”

For His Glory

Julianne Winkler Smith
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | October 7, 2024

A Beautiful Mind

“Search me O God and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts.”  Psalm 139:23 (ESV)

What does one do on a rainy Sunday afternoon? Well, to be honest I could think of lots of things to enjoy like watching a movie while nibbling on popcorn, reading a book or meeting up with a friend at Starbucks. None of those made my list – instead, I cleaned out our storage room or better known as the junk room. You know, it’s the place where everything lands when you have no place to put them, i.e., extra paper towels, gift bags, light bulbs. I think you get the picture. Needless to say, our junk room had gotten pretty junky. This summer girl will not spend time inside while the sun is shining.

Two hours later plus a lot of persistence landed me a clean, tidy room and no stumbling over boxes on the floor. Amazing how much stuff accumulates so fast. A bag full of trash discarded and two bags of books out of the house  – loving my clean space – just hoping I keep it that way.

How did such a mess happen? It’s simple – laziness and carelessness overrode neat and tidy. Basically, excuses for not putting things away that needed to be put away or throwing out what needed to be trashed.

Don’t know about you, but our minds can often land in this place of sheer clutter and messiness. Lots of thoughts run rampant between our ears every moment of every day. Our brains are a three pound universe that processes 70,000 thoughts each day using 100 billion neurons that connect at more than 500 trillion points through synapses that travel 300 miles/hour (Cleveland Clinic). And that, sweet friends makes my head really spin.

What thoughts are roaming through our minds today?

Doubt and deception are two key tools our enemy loves to swirl in our minds. Doubts about our worth and value. Doubts about God’s promises, faithfulness and goodness. Doubts centered around God’s word. Doubts about the giftings God purposed for our lives. Deception about the consequences of sin. Deception zeroed in on the lies of Satan disguised as truth concealing his true agenda to kill, steal and destroy.

Sweet friends that’s just two of the enemy’s tactics to seize and manipulate our attention. Negativity, worry, jealousy, rehearsals of injustices, envy, strife, hatred, fear….the list is endless. All those thoughts running wild making connections and influencing decisions in ways we never thought we would. Broken records on repeat.

While the enemy seeks to destroy, our God seeks to renew and re-route (Romans 12:2). By strategically creating new thought patterns centered on the word of God, we can bring our thoughts under the submission of what glorifies God(Colossians 3:2). By surrendering to the Spirit’s leading, we can resist our tendencies to allow random, unhealthy thoughts to run wild (I Corinthians 3:16). By filling our minds with thoughts of our mighty God, we will be victorious and experience His amazing peace (Isaiah 26:3, Romans 8:6).

Sweet friends let’s not be the ones who allow anything to fill our minds. Let’s not be lazy or careless. Let’s not settle for old thoughts that have never served us well. Our God made us in His image with a beautifully created mind designed to glorify Him – let’s not allow the world’s thinking to cloud or distort His amazing work in us.

“Father, when unhealthy thoughts begin to swirl in my mind help me to shift my focus upward and trust in Your peace over all things in my life.”

 

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | October 4, 2024

Whispers…Praying To The Father

“…..be constant in prayer.” Romans 12:12b (ESV)

Standing near the back of the room, I heard the whispers of Jesus girls praying to the Father. It was the sweetest, most precious moment. The soft hush, the held hands, the arms locked and circled together. Heads bowed. Hands raised. Mouths praising, worshipping, speaking, asking – absolutely priceless. After the craziness of a work day, a refreshing aroma from those sitting at the feet of Jesus together – seeing hope ignited.

Love the way prayer can happen anywhere at any time. Love the ease of open hearts calling out to the One who can change us from the inside out. Love the open invitation to come just as we are tired, lonely, wounded, hopeless and rejected. Love the whispers that cry out in faith, trusting without sight and releasing heavy burdens.

Don’t know why we seem to make prayer so complicated when Jesus simply says, Come. No special formula or perfect words just hearts eager to hear, listen and share. Simple conversations. Jesus girls telling Him about all our trials, joys, excitement and fears. Releasing yesterdays and grabbing hope for tomorrows. Asking for the second, third and fourth time….waiting in expectation. Venting what He already knows and has seen yet confident He’s listening again and again.

Can’t imagine the joy expressed when God hears our whispers. When He sees us coming together praying for each other. The hum of voices in total sync, perfect harmony lifting one another up must bring much pleasure to our God. Wonder, if like me, He stands back in awe and breathlessly takes in the beauty of His girls locking arms in prayer?

“Father, thank You for giving me just a glimpse of how precious prayer is in Your sight. May we never neglect the invitation to talk with You.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Encouragement, Hope, Prayer, Spiritual Growth

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | October 3, 2024

Feasting On His Daily Bread

devp july26“In the sweat of your face you shall eat bread till you return to the ground, for out of it you were taken;” Genesis 3:19a (NKJV)

 A few years ago, I took my mom back to the old ‘home place’ where she was born. As we drove the ruts of the dirt road, she pointed in excitement: “That’s where Dad sowed corn, and I chopped weeds from the time I was five!” She had no brothers, so she worked the farm. I could imagine her young body sweating in the heat, doing a job she probably hated, yet loyal as any soldier to her father, whom she adored.

 Bread was earned, truly, by the sweat of the brow – nothing came easy to farmers.  This morning, I have the ease and comforts of home, yet I arose and felt “blah!” Getting my coffee, I wanted to sit for a few minutes until the caffeine awakened my brain. But I love my Father dearly, and knew I needed to start the day with Him, reading my Bible and praying. Some days that is so hard! We want to take a break—and then it hits us! Jesus said of Himself that He is the Bread of Life. We are disciplining ourselves to get our “daily bread” by the sweat of our face. No, it’s not a physical sweat, but the discipline yields crops in our lives because we sought Jesus first. It never—even after 40 years—is a habit, but always a discipline! So tomorrow morning, ask the Lord to give you “this day your daily Bread!”

 

“Holy Father, You alone are the Bread of Life! We need to seek You early, as the Word says, just as we break our night’s fast with food. Please give us discipline in our lives that we will find You when we have sought You with all our heart! Bless our efforts to stay in touch with You throughout the day, dearest Lord!”

 

For His Glory

 

Sandy Day
TRBC Women’s Life

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

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