Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | November 18, 2024

Praising God In The Midst of Unknowns

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Gratitude, Spiritual Living, Worship

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | November 15, 2024

When Real Sabotages Growth

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

 

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Posted in Encouragement, Hope, Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | November 14, 2024

Breaking Free

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

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

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

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

For His Glory

Claudia Dempsey
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Faith, Freedom, Spiritual Growth

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | November 13, 2024

Our Sweet Redeemer

cb devo may26“For I acknowledge my transgressions, and my sin is ever before me.” Psalm 51:3 (KJV)

How many times have we had someone tell us, “I know God has forgiven my sin, but I just cannot forgive myself”? If we are one of those who have fallen out of a close relationship with Jesus Christ, we know the wrenching agony of crying out, “God, I’m so sorry!” every time the sin comes to mind. Yet God holds us close as He whispers, “What sin? I don’t remember it.”

David’s confession reminds us that we have to deal with the consequences that are ‘ever before our eyes.’ Perhaps it’s a child who looks like a biological father that no one knows about, but reminders of the affair resurface when we look at the child. Like a lost limb to our body, the sin can be forgiven but the consequences still face us each day. David apparently felt this shame and pain, perhaps when he saw Bathsheba. Was there sorrow in her eyes from losing a husband who was dear to her or the pain of carrying a child for nine months only to lose him? We don’t know, but we do know that David penned those words and they comfort us. Yes we sin and it is always before our eyes, but it is not our lack of forgiving ourselves that brings pain. Knowing we have failed our Savior and those we love is hard, but when we embrace God’s forgiveness, we can walk in the freedom of His grace that redeems our tomorrows.

“Father, You know we are ‘but dust’ and fail you so often. Comfort us as we see the consequences of past actions, and send someone to those we have hurt, who will help them to know You love them. Thank You for accepting our repentance and restoring us to You. But most of all, thank You for the Cross, Lord, and thank You for the blood You shed.

For His Glory

Sandy Day
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Hope, Mercy, Spiritual Growth

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | November 12, 2024

Cone Head Focused

“For those who are in accord with the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who are in accord with the Spirit, the things of the Spirit.” Romans 8:5

My dog Bella had surgery a few weeks ago—I will spare you the gory details (puke emoji here). But since that time, she has had to wear a cone around her neck. She has no idea that the procedure, pain, and recovery process (no walks for weeks!) are for her good…and because we love her. She doesn’t realize that if we left her to her own devices, she would lick and gnaw at her wound, causing infection and preventing restoration.

Initially, we were excited about the latest cone version given to us by the vet. It was a stiff fabric, which seemed functional, but after a couple of days we realized that Bella could reach her wound to aggravate it. So, we bought an old-school huge plastic one, which has done the job. Although she frequently runs into walls as she wields the giant cone, her focus stays off the wound so she can heal.

I’m currently studying the Book of Revelation with some dear sisters. When diving into chapters 4 and 5, the Apostle John takes us to the very throne room of heaven where—to the best of his limited human language—he describes God seated on the throne, as well as those surrounding the throne and the very slain Lamb of God. We get to listen in as the 24 elders, 4 living creatures, “myriads of myriads, and thousands of thousands” angels, and “every created thing” worshipping: “To Him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be the blessing, the honor, the glory, and the dominion forever and ever” (Revelation 5:13).

This study has once again reminded me that, as believers, we must keep our eyes on the Lord—on His magnificence, His glorious creation, His almighty power. But it’s so easy to focus on self, isn’t it? We stay lasered in on our wounds, self-afflicted or given to us by others, which keeps said wounds open and oozing, preventing restoration. Our pain, mess, frustrations, and sin so easily distract us from the Healer, Counselor, Redeemer, Restorer. And although we are not yet literally in God’s throne room wholly consumed by His very presence, we are called throughout the Bible to live this life with cone-headed focus. “Therefore, if you have been raised with Christ, keep seeking the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on the things that are above, not on the things that are on earth” (Colossians 3:1-2). Keeping our eyes on Him brings perfect peace (Isaiah 26:3). Cone-headed living reminds us of the wonderous works He has done, brings us a joyful heart, and keeps us reliant on His strength (1 Chronicles 16:8-12).

Yes, in this world we have to work, parent, serve, etc.—and yet, we must do all these things as if we’re in the throne room (Colossians 3:23; 1 Corinthians 10:31)! Yes, the world is full of distractions, messes, and woundings. But we can keep our eyes on the Lord as we walk through it all with a love that makes us different (Matthew 5:43-48; Ephesians 4:32; 1 Peter 4:8-9) and with a hope even in suffering that makes others want to know our reasons (1 Peter 3:14-16).

And speaking from experience…when we put too much focus on something other than God (good, bad, or oozing), the Lord, in His great love for us, may well place a Providential cone around our neck for our own good—and for the single-minded glory only He deserves.

“Lord, until I step into Your very presence, turn my eyes from looking at worthless things and give me life in Your ways (Psalm 119:37). Each day, help me stay focused on Your creation, Your sovereignty, Your glory.”

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 | November 11, 2024

When Reactions Don’t Serve Us Well

“Some time later when King Ahasuerus’s rage had cooled down, he remembered Vashti, what she had done and what was decided against her.” Esther 2:1 (HCSB)

It’s party time and King Ahasuerus was having quite a royal one! Nothing was held back – the best of everything. And if that wasn’t enough – the royal wine flowed freely – no restraint in place. In this pivotal party mode, the King makes a rash and questionable decision. He summons Queen Vashti so he can show off her beauty to his male guests. Now that is ego at its height. Long story short – she refuses and he removes her as Queen. The one who had it all and didn’t need to impress allowed his beautiful Queen to be dethroned at the advice of poor counselors and in a moment of drunken rage. We never hear anymore about Queen Vashti -she’s simply gone and then the King when he is sober realizes what he has done, but his decision can’t be reversed.

Haven’t we all been tempted to make unwise choices in the midst of anger, hurt, woundedness, bitterness, impatience and pride? I know I certainly have. And listening to the wrong advice in those moments can definitely derail us. Ahasuerus’ counselors were concerned that Vashti’s unwillingness to comply with the king’s request would make a statement to other women who would then disrespect their husbands. Sounds like they had their own best interest at stake. (Note to self – you can’t demand respect or honor – it is earned.) Giving the king sound advice and helping him make the right decision wasn’t on the table.

How many times have we made a rash decision to defend our point of view or in response to a trigger from our current or past fears and it didn’t work well? Not all decisions can be reversed – words spoken leave our mouths and can’t be retracted. Careless actions can result in devastating circumstances with a high price tag. So what’s the take away – let’s not allow our emotions, fears or frustrations to win over God’s wisdom. Let’s make sure our closest circle, the one’s we lock arms with, are seeking God’s agenda and not their own. And if we are tempted to give into a flood of emotions….let’s pause, pray, call a friend and choose a better way that will serve us better when we cool down.

“Father, You are our wisdom, our daily guide…we can trust You to lead us in the right direction.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Faith, Spiritual Living, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | November 8, 2024

Tough Truths

cb devo aug3“Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body.” Ephesians 4:25 (NIV)

Never been a fan of tart or sour, but I can definitely indulge in some awesome sweetness. My little cup of frozen Sweet Frog goodness is totally hidden by all those yummy toppings. Wonder what happened to my nonfat, sugar free frozen yogurt? Bet it’s covered up with Oreos, heath bar crunches and caramel syrup. See what I mean? I’m addicted to sweetness. Too much sweetness, however, never serves us well. No matter how much we love it and desire it – our health can be totally compromised if we over indulge.

Ever sugar coated words of wisdom? We really knew what we needed to say. We’d earned a place in their heart to say tough truths. We loved them so much……yet the truth seemed hard and harsh. So we choose to ease over what we knew God was telling us to convey. We dismissed His promptings and open doors and overlooked a divine appointment.

Too much sweetness when we really need tough accountability will sabotage our spiritual growth. And the truth about our lives, even when spoken in love, is hard to take. But if no one takes a bold stand and says what we really need to hear then we might end up tasting the bitterness sin births.

Godly accountability strives to draw us to His truth – not popular opinion or their opinion. And that dear one that stands in the gap praying, confronting and speaking truth into our life truly glorifies the Father. Tough? You better believe it. Worth it? A thousand times! Never met one who was saved from the brink of their own disastrous choices who didn’t praise Jesus for the friend who chose to exchange sweetness for godly obedience.

“Father, speaking truth into difficult situations can be overwhelming, yet we know You will empower us with the right words to say at the right time.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Spiritual Living, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | November 7, 2024

God’s Hand Of Protection

“And they journeyed, and the terror of God was upon the cities that were all around them, and they did not pursue the sons of Jacob. ”  Genesis 35:5  (NKJV)

In this Bible story about Jacob’s move from Shechem to Bethel, we see that God protected his family from being attacked by placing fear in the people they would have to pass. God still protects His children by various means. This came home to my husband and me in a powerful way last week.

My eighty-something husband and I live in a wooded area accessed by a gravel road. We love living there, but there are only two routes from our home to town. One is the easy drive over straight roads. The less traveled route is the narrow scenic road through the woods, around curves, up hills and down,  and over a creek. The creek can only be crossed on a one-lane bridge, so you must be alert for traffic coming toward you around the curve.

Last week, the autumn leaves were so beautiful we decided to take the scenic road. We enjoyed the red and gold colors of the trees as we drove. As we rounded the curve and descended the hill, we saw a car blocking the bridge at the far end. A man stood beside it, waving for us to come closer. My husband slowed our car, trying to size up the situation. He decided not to enter the narrow bridge, knowing that if we went further, we would be unable to turn around. We sat there trying to decide what to do while the man continued to motion frantically for us to come closer.

When he realized we weren’t coming, he walked the thirty feet to us. He went to the driver’s side window and said he couldn’t start his car. My husband asked if he was out of gas. No. Was it the starter? No. The battery? No. He went down a list of possible problems, getting a “no” answer every time. We asked if we could call someone for him. He said no, a little too emphatically.

Then, we saw the man’s demeanor change. While we remained where we were, he turned and strode quickly back to his car. He reached into the weeds beside the road for something, started his car, and took off, spinning his tires as he went.

We don’t know what the man was up to. Clearly, he was lying about not being able to start his car. We could only imagine what he would have done to us if we had driven onto the bridge or exited our vehicle. But we know the Lord rescued us from danger. Our hearts were filled with overwhelming gratitude.

As I rejoiced over his protection, a question formed in my mind: Can we expect God always to rescue those of us who are His children? What about accidents and disease? What about Christians who are persecuted and martyred? Sometimes, in His great love, He protects. Other times, sin—our own or that of others—will lead to harmful consequences. No, God will not always protect us the way we would like in every situation, but we know that He will always protect our souls and strengthen us in danger (Matt. 5:11–12;  Acts 5:41–42). And when we step into Heaven, our final reward will be worth it.

“Heavenly Father, we thank You for watching over us so many times in many different ways—both when we are aware and when we are unaware of Your hand of protection. And when You don’t protect us precisely the way we want, may we still acknowledge Your sovereignty and give You all our praise and gratitude.

 For His Glory

Cherie Harbridge Williams
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Encouragement, Hope, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | November 6, 2024

The Day After…The Election


“Everyone must submit to governing authorities. For all authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God.”  Romans 13:1 (NLT)

Have you heard of electsomnia? I had not until I saw it on a news site last week. In case you are not familiar with it, it is a reference to losing sleep over the election.  It is a real somnia and the experts offer their typical answers-stay off electronics before you go to sleep, challenge your negative thoughts, and focus on where your life is right now. (Tuesday’s Health Report: How to fight “Electsomnia” (wbrz.com))

Ok, thanks, but I think most of us already know these things. So what do we do when the things that are offered as advice do not work? If the election has so burdened us, to the point of not sleeping, or if the weight of this world has been overwhelming recently, how do we handle it? What does God say?

If we know Jesus, we know this world is not our home. That does not give us an excuse to sit back and do nothing, but it does remind us of WHO is ultimately in control. Do we stand up for life and against injustice? Absolutely. But do we base our hope in our government?  Absolutely not.

That is the difference. We care, we act, we stand up and support what is dear to our Father’s heart.  We are clearly called to be responsible citizens. We are not called to base our hope or peace on what this world has to offer, politically or otherwise.

Paul wrote  Romans 13  during the time when Nero was the reigning power. It would not be long before Nero would blame the Christians for destroying the city of Rome, make martyrs of many of them, and cause persecution. Yet, this is the time when Paul wrote and told the Romans  to use their role as citizens to further spread the Gospel of Jesus and His love, to  respect  authority, and to honor those they disagreed with. That is still our call today.

No matter who our new President is, we know WHO holds the future in His Hands and WHO our Prince of Peace truly is. That is the truth we can rest in.

We can rest assured that God was not surprised last night. He is also not surprised by our emotions about it. Talk to Him -He is listening.

“Father, help us to rest in You and represent You and Your heart in every arena in this life, including politics. Help our lives to really be all about YOU!”

For His Glory

Terrie Tollerson
TRBC Women’s Life

P.S.  I would encourage you to read Romans 13 to see what else God has to say about our citizenship.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Spiritual Living, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | November 5, 2024

I Know Who Wins

“These things I have spoken to you so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

The long ramp leading to today’s election has been rough, filled with astonishing vitriol, venomous hyperbole, and outright lies. I’ve tried to keep an eye on things from sort of a 30,000-foot view, as to not get too mentally poisoned by it all. Sometimes those efforts were successful, other times…not so much. And here we are: Election Day 2024. (Well, Election Day is now a “season,” with early voting for weeks and mail-in voting for all. And I’m not confident that we’ll even know results anytime soon given the contentious atmosphere.)

Both sides of the battle have touted this to be the most important election of our lifetime—even in the life of our nation. This may very well be true. Our Republic is young, historically speaking, and our Constitution a brave, new thing in the global context of empires and nations. (And think about this: We’ve been a nation about half as long as the Israelites were slaves in Egypt before Moses led them out!) Whatever the ballot count ultimately reveals, I’ve got a feeling that the reactions won’t be pretty, and that we may be in for a challenging few months ahead.

But if you’re a believer, let me share some reminders that will hopefully wash away any trepidation, fear, or anxiety you may be feeling today (or over the past year or about the upcoming years).

  1. I know Who wins. And so do you. (Philippians 2:9-11; Revelation)
  2. God is Sovereign. He is in control when everything seems out of control to us (Psalm 115:1-3; Daniel 4:35).
  3. We may have the privilege of voting, but it is the Lord who sets our political leadership in place (Daniel 2:21; Romans 13:1).
  4. Everything is for God’s glory according to His will. Even when we can’t see how. Even if it means hardships, loss of freedoms, persecution, death (Genesis 50:19-20; Romans 8:28; Ephesians 1:11).
  5. Our citizenship is heaven. We are merely ambassadors to this country (Philippians 3:20).
  6. We’re called to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us (Matthew 5:44; 1 Peter 3:8-9).
  7. Our purpose is to share the Good News of Jesus with others. Even with our enemies. Even when it’s risky—or life-threatening (2 Corinthians 4; 1 Peter 3:13-22).
  8. The Lord is Judge—and there will be justice (John 5:25-29; Romans 1:18-23; 2 Peter 2:4-22; Revelation 14:14-20).

So, beloved, no matter what happens today (and tomorrow and next year), the battle belongs to the Lord (Proverbs 21:31)—and the victory has been won. In fact, next month much of the world will be celebrating this glorious Truth, believers and (ironically) unbelievers alike, as we acknowledge the first coming of our King (Isaiah 9:2-7) on December 25. And we—those of us who have surrendered ourselves to the Lordship of Jesus Christ—will joyfully witness His second coming in Glory…not as a swaddled baby, but as a Warrior King on a white horse, with fire in His eyes and a sword from His mouth—His Name King of kings and Lord of lords (Revelation 19:11-16). So, let’s not fear the election of 2024, friend. We know Who wins.

“Lord, may we stand firm in the Truth of Your Sovereignty. Elections—and nations—come and go, yet You remain. You are Creator, Sustainer, King of kings. May we rest in this today and every day.”

For His Glory

Julianne Winkler Smith
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Wisdom

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