Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | December 23, 2024

Unbelievable – God’s Extraordinary Promise Fulfilled

“Now listen! You will become silent and unable to speak until the day these things take place, because you did not believe my (Gabriel) words, which will be fulfilled in their proper time.” Luke 1:20 (ESV)

Despite an empty cradle and a lifetime of an unfilled longing, Zechariah and his wife, Elizabeth, chose to obey and serve rather than become bitter and disillusioned. Their integrity and faithfulness characterized not just months but the decades of their lives.

The book of Luke recounts the pivotal moment when Zechariah was chosen for an extraordinary honor. Each division of priests served in the temple twice yearly. Being chosen to enter the sanctuary of the Lord and burn incense was rare and usually happened only once during a priest’s lifetime. Zechariah was chosen for this honor and right in the midst of his serving Gabriel, the angel of the Lord, appeared.

Overcome with fear, Zechariah had no idea that unbelievable was about to make its entrance. Gabriel wasted no time sharing the good news – his prayers had been heard. Elizabeth would have a son. And not just a son, but one named John who would prepare the hearts of the people for the Messiah. Unbelievable – yes that would probably be the words floating on my lips if I were Zechariah. How could an old man and old woman give life to a child? The very idea was beyond Zechariah’s comprehension.

Quite a lot to take in wouldn’t you say? Even the righteous one who had served God all his life couldn’t grasp the magnitude of this divine blessing. Wouldn’t we be right there with him too? Easy to cast judgment when Zechariah’s disbelief caused his lips to be sealed until the baby was born. Bet we’ve walked in those shoes many times – choosing to allow doubt to silence the truth of God’s promises.

Disbelief robs us of the pure joy found in trusting God for the impossible. Our mighty and powerful God still births miracles right in the midst of our mundane moments. He longs to do the unthinkable and unbelievable – it’s where His glory shines the brightest. So sweet friend what’s our impossible this holiday season? Whatever we are facing, wherever fear is reigning, regardless of the empty past staring us straight in the face, lean into the One who delights in doing the extraordinary for those who call upon His name.

“Father, unbelievable is your trademark – doing what only You can do. Help us to trust You completely and not allow doubt to reign in our hearts.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

Leave a Comment

Posted in Faith, Hope, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | December 20, 2024

Best Gift Ever

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16 (ESV)

Ever sneaked around looking for your Christmas present? Hate to admit it but I was a nosey little girl. Regardless of whether or not that package had my name on it or not, I was determined to shake it. I’ve even been known to unwrap and then rewrap and act totally surprised on Christmas Day. Have to admit the second surprise wasn’t as much fun, and the first surprise was overrated – I was the only one enjoying it. Sounds silly to recount my nosiness now. I’d much rather wait and experience the surprise on Christmas morning.

Ever searched through scripture seeking God’s amazing Christmas gift? His arrival was anticipated, His birth expected yet the way He came was totally surprising. No one had any idea Mary would be the virgin mother of Jesus, especially Joseph. Who would have thought that the babe would sleep in a manger filled with straw? Not exactly a royal birth. And what about that starry sky that led others to Bethlehem….shepherds and Wise Men were clueless as to where it would lead.

The gift, the promise, the presence of God living among us. Experiencing the good, the bad and yes, the ugly. Totally undeterred and unencumbered by the temporary pleasures of this world. Jesus, the very Son of God came, healed, rescued, delivered and redeemed. Fulfilling every promise.

I remember as a child unwrapping the gift of the Savior. Sweetest moment ever – totally unsure of the significance this gift would make in my life. Tiny little mind couldn’t even grasp the magnitude of His presence living and breathing in me. Amazing how a simple prayer began an incredible work within me. While doubts and wonderings may have followed, Jesus never left me and kept reminding me of His ever presence. Always surprising me with His love and grace.

Sweet friend, if you have never opened His gift there is no better time than now. Can’t think of a better present this Christmas than to experience the fullness of God. When we simply confess our sins and believe He is the Christ child, God promises to welcome us as His own. We are His forever and life will never be the same. Difficulties will still emerge. Struggles will challenge us. But we can endure them all filled with His joy living and breathing within us – Best gift ever!

“Father, the depth of Your love cannot be measured. You gave Your only Son so we could experience eternity with You – what more could we ever want.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

 

 

 

1 Comment

Posted in Faith, Hope, Love

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | December 19, 2024

Mary

“And Mary said, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to Your word.”  Luke 1:38 (ESV)

Imagine a young lady dreaming of the life ahead of her.  She was going to marry a strong man, a protector and a provider, one who would provide her with a pleasant life. They imagined a yard full of little children with visits to both sets of grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins. There would be a yearly trip to Jerusalem to look forward to. She knew that any day her beloved would come to take her as his bride.

In a moment – all of that changed.

When Mary was visited by the angel, Gabriel, and was told she was the chosen one to bring the Messiah into the world, she had only one question. “How could this be since I am not married yet?”  The angel explained the power of God and the miraculous way in which she would conceive. We can imagine Mary thinking that over for a moment and digesting this news. Did she wonder if Joseph would believe her or what her neighbors might say? Did the life she had been dreaming of flash before her eyes? Did she have time to imagine what it would be like to be the mother of the Savior of the world?

We only know how Mary responded. Luke 1:38 tells us, “And Mary said, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to Your word.”

Mary’s first and only response was that she was here to be the Lord’s servant.

She did not dwell on what may happen or her potential losses. She put all of her trust in the word of the angel and knew it came from the heart of God. Her life was changed in a moment and all that she knew and loved was affected.

We know that she had to travel far away from her hometown while she was very pregnant. We have no record that family members or loved ones were near to celebrate with her.  From what we know, she gave birth and her only help was with a man she had not yet been intimate with. Not long after her baby was born, she had strange men come and visit, while she was resting in a stable used for animals.

More strangers telling her difficult days were coming to her precious son, her friends having their baby boys murdered and fleeing to a foreign country in the middle of the night are just a few of the things Mary lived through before her sweet boy was even two.

Mary’s decision to stay obedient to the Lord no matter her personal cost is why she is called, “Blessed among women” (Luke 1:42).

“Lord help us to be Your willing servant, no matter what you ask of us.”

 

For His Glory

Terrie Tollerson
TRBC Women’s Life

Leave a Comment

Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | December 18, 2024

God’s Undivided Attention

“Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever Amen.” Matthew 6:9-13 (NKJV)

The best advice I can give someone is to pray! Pray about everything, anything and do it first before anything and everything.

Do you think the disciples struggled with prayer? They did not ask Jesus how to preach or teach, but how to pray. If the disciples who walked, ate and slept in the presence of Jesus and personally witnessed Him perform miracles had to ask Him how to pray; then how important is it for us to learn to pray?

Is your prayer life thriving or surviving? When we pray, we have the distinct privilege of knowing God is hearing our worship, thanksgiving and petitions. Prayer is active communion with Almighty God. As our Christian lives mature into a relationship with Jesus, our prayer lives also mature. We go from asking for “things” to worshipping God for all He has done and for who He is. We no longer need to plead and beg, but exalt and reverence the Holy One.

The Lord’s Prayer is not self-important, the words are not impressive, but simple, meaningful and powerful. We begin and end with giving God glory. There is no correct posture to prayer. Kneeling, lying, sitting or standing; God doesn’t care. Where you pray is wherever you may be. God is there. Jesus doesn’t specify a certain time of day. Anytime around the clock is fine with God. He’s awake and attentive. Prayer is not dressing in your Sunday’s best, putting on a serious look and praying in a tone that is not authentic.

Prayer is having God’s undivided attention to your worship and requests. Psalm 116:2, “Because he bends down to listen, I will pray as long as I have breath!” What a beautiful picture of our loving Father caring for the needs, concerns and desires of His children. Prayer is one asking heart moving one giving heart. Amen!

“Father, You know, You hear and You care. It is our prayer to never cease praying because You will never stop answering. “

For His Glory

Kim Lacey Schock (www.KimLaceySchock.com)
TRBC Women’s Life

 

Leave a Comment

Posted in Prayer, Spiritual Growth

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | December 17, 2024

They Deserve It

“And I heard the angel of the waters saying, “Righteous are You, the One who is and who was, O Holy One, because You judged these things; for they poured out the blood of saints and prophets, and You have given them blood to drink. They deserve it.” Revelation 16:5-6

Studying the book of Revelation is a wild ride. It’s mysterious—yet contains mysteries revealed. From his visions, John recounts dire warnings—and exhilarating promises. There is utter despair and confident hope, frightening wrath and magnificent glory. In fact, the opening of Charles Dickens’ classic, A Tale of Two Cities, captures the vibe of Revelation very succinctly (and, in fact, Mr. Dickens was likely himself inspired by Apostle John’s writing):

“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of light, it was the season of darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair.”

I’m diving deep into Revelation with a couple of sweet sisters as we follow a study guide. Each week brings mind-blowing I-never-saw-that-before ah-ha moments…and simultaneously makes me question concepts I had thought my mind firmly grasped. In fact, the writer of Hebrews tells us that God’s Word is living and active, sharp and piercing (4:12), but it’s also like an everlasting onion—we can continually peel away and keep unearthing more and more truthful treasures.

All that to say this: In Revelation 16:6, in the midst of the final set of 7 judgments on the earth, I saw this little sentence: They deserve it. Yes, indeed, I thought. They do deserve it! They’ve rejected the Lord through ever-increasing judgments and plagues—He keeps giving them chances to repent, but they blaspheme Him and continue doing life their way. He’s been so patient…yet they reject Him time and time and time again. As I’m reading, I know that God’s full wrath is about to be poured out…and, yes, they deserve it.

(Loud gulping sound here.) So. Do. I.

For 30 years of my life, I rejected the Lord and continued to do life my way. Running after things and people to satisfy a hole in my soul that only God could fill up. Blaspheming God through my life choices. I deserved His judgment and wrath! Yet in His patience, He didn’t pour it out—He gave me more chances until I finally surrendered. At that moment, I didn’t suddenly not deserve His wrath. In fact, because of His perfect holiness, even a single lie or stolen candy bar deserves eternal punishment. (I know, I know…but that is just. And He is Just.)

What changed at that time? I realized that the wrath I deserved (and still deserve) was taken by Jesus when He died on the cross. The penalty was paid for me. He took my punishment and gave me His righteousness, so that I can stand acceptable before God in perfect, eternal relationship with Him and with my brothers and sisters in Christ. Mercy for wrath.

So, with that little mirror-gazing exercise, my attitude definitely shifted when covering all the wrath-filled verses in Revelation. Instead of cheering on those angels hurling fire, boils, and 100-pound hailstones, celebrating the demise of “those people who deserve it”…instead, my heart now cries out, “Why are you being so hardheaded! Repent! Surrender to God! He’s given you so many chances, and your time is almost up!”

I ask you now, beloved, what about you? Time is short, and wrath is coming. Please trade yours for the beautiful cup of mercy extended by Jesus.

“Lord, thank You for your longsuffering, that You wait for us hardheaded people to recognize our need for You and the free gift of grace You offer through Jesus. May someone reading this make the beautiful exchange right now.”
For His Glory

Julianne Winkler Smith
TRBC Women’s Life

 

Leave a Comment

Posted in Uncategorized

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | December 16, 2024

The Audience

mar 14“Oh give thanks to the Lord; call upon his name; make known his deeds among the peoples!” Psalm 105:1 (ESV)

We never know when the audience will come. It may be in the office lunch room when the conversation dives to, “How did you spend your weekend?” Could be that moment when stress overrides, deadlines overwhelm and our co-workers get the pleasure of our erupting emotions. Might even be the moment we walk in the door to greet an unplugged crock pot with cold roast and no options for dinner. Not exactly our happy moment. Somehow our words and actions follow us wherever we go. We don’t even get the pleasure of choosing who sees what, when or where.

You know what speaks the loudest to our world? When life dumps hard, difficult and challenging on our plate and we don’t lose hope. In those rare moments, we get a chance to offer this world real authentic faith demonstrated and unveiled before their eyes. In the silence of questions and “this isn’t fair,” we earn the place to speak truth. Compelling strength that doesn’t shrink when our boat begins to sink. An open mic to shout loud the goodness of our God. A platform to share our God story of redemption and grace without restrictions.

The world listens when faith is put to the test – just like Country music duo, Joey & Rory Feek, who grabbed an audience with Joey’s cancer. A spotlight moment they used to share their faith. A story filled with ups, downs and disappointments, yet never losing sight of their God. The world saw and the world listened to their strong faith. And when cancer stole away this beautiful woman, the world wept and remembered her story. Joey’s audience had a first hand glimpse of a God filled life with scripture, hymns and prayers.

What will we do with our audience? Praying we stand strong and courageous. Praying we seize the moment in victory or defeat – in sickness or in health – to shout the glories of God.

“Father, may we honor You with all our days so that others will see the power of Your story living in us.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

Leave a Comment

Posted in Encouragement, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | December 13, 2024

Best Holiday Ever

“And Mary said: “My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,” Luke 1:46-47 (ESV)

Just in case we didn’t shop enough on Black Friday, we experienced the wonders of Cyber Monday. Shopping online without even leaving our home is the ticket in this crazed scheduled world. Don’t know if you are like me, but when that calendar flips to December the pages seem to keep flipping. The days disappear quickly and if we aren’t intentional, the Christmas season will evaporate right before our eyes.

Now’s the time to steal away some uninterrupted and intentional time with Jesus this Christmas. Ask Him how we should spend our holiday. Trust Him with our overwhelming schedule. Allow Him to show us what needs to go and what needs to stay. Seek His direction in where our money goes. Commit to bringing peace and harmony into challenging family situations. Ask for open doors to share our faith. Seek God’s guidance in who we reach out to – who needs to be reminded of His love and grace. Lean in close and listen to His voice.

Grabbing the great deal can wait, but leaving Jesus out of the holiday season isn’t optional if we want to glorify Him. Resist the urge to saturate every day with nonstop activity. Cultivate a hunger and passion for the Christmas story. Read it slowly. Linger longer. Chew on the facts. Step back in time and feel the emotion, wonder and glory of Jesus arrival. Ask God to reveal Himself in a new and fresh way. Apply His truths and carve in margin to reflect on His incredible birth. Give up the hustle and bustle for a chance to worship the sweet babe in the manger.

Bargains will come and go. December’s festivities will cease too soon, but the Christmas story will last forever. Don’t miss out on a chance to draw near to the One who drew near to us.

“Father, help us to lay down our list and unwrap the gift of Your presence this holiday season.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

 

Leave a Comment

Posted in Faith, Hope

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | December 12, 2024

Joseph

“But while he thought about these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, ‘Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.’” (Matthew 1:20-21).

Joseph, the father of Jesus, is one of the most influential, yet obscure, people in all of scripture. Who was this man that God the Father entrusted to raise His only Son while He was living here on our planet? Out of all of the men God could have picked from, why did He select Joseph?

I believe there may be several reasons, but the key may be Matthew 1:20-21.

What a position Joseph was placed in! His betrothed wife told him she was expecting a baby. He had no doubt it was not his child. We meet Joseph in the middle of a crisis and Matthew 1:19 states, “But while he thought about these things…”

Joseph lived in a time when he could have had Mary killed for being unfaithful to him. He could have handed her over and not have had to deal with any of the fallout of these unexpected circumstances. He could have shrugged his shoulders, walked away, started over and shook his head in disbelief at how she had treated him. He could have yelled and screamed and shamed Mary. But he did not.

The Bible tells us that he paused and he thought.  He did not react. This does not mean he was not disappointed or hurt or shocked. It means he did not react to his emotions, which we can imagine were pulling him every direction.

While Joseph was contemplating his choices, thinking he would allow Mary to quietly leave town to avoid the shame that was sure to follow, he gave time for the Lord to work. Scripture tells us that the angel came and explained what was going on and that God had chosen him to raise the King of Kings!

Self-control, integrity, and wisdom are all displayed in the little we know about Joseph. We never hear a word from Joseph himself in scripture. He is not quoted and he is briefly mentioned.  Yet, his impact on the world through His stepson, Jesus, is eternal.

“Lord, help me practice the pause, and give You a chance to work in every circumstance.”

For His Glory

Terrie Tollerson
TRBC Women’s Life

Leave a Comment

Posted in Faith, Hope, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | December 11, 2024

Restoration

Young Woman Sleeping on Lawn Chair“The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want! He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul.” Psalm 23:1-3a (NKJV)

In our home, we have some pieces of furniture made by two of our grandfathers. Each piece had to be stripped, cleaned, sanded, and varnished from nearly 100 years of use, until they sparkled and shone as though they had just been made. We are so proud of them both for the people they represent, the time they took to make them, and the fact that they now grace our home.

As I reflect on Psalm 23, I am awed that our Savior and King, the Great I AM, “restores our soul” when it’s been dragged through the grit and grime of daily living. He takes us in His hands and wipes the stains of the world off; He gently smooths out the hurts that others inflict and reminds us of His love. He tells us we’re beautiful in His sight, and that nothing, NOTHING, will ever separate us from His undying love. He has restored my soul, given me what I need to sleep peacefully, and I can wake up to a new day with opportunities to serve Him.

Dear Father, please don’t let me forget for one moment how completely You love me, and how lovingly You restore me when I have had to be in the world for a day! Let me be an outpouring of love to others, as You have loved me.

For His Glory

Sandy Day
TRBC Women’s Life

Leave a Comment

Posted in Faith, Hope, Love, Mercy

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | December 10, 2024

Pray For Me

 

“Listen to my words, Lord, Consider my sighing. Listen to the sound of my cry for help, my King and my God, For to You I pray.” Psalm 5:1-2

I was recently talking with my sweet stepmother about our respective ongoing physical woes. She recently injured her back and has slowly and steadily been on the path back to the golf course—I mean, recovery. We shared how we are praying for one another…for medical team wisdom, for strength and comfort, and, of course, for perfect healing. Then she made a seemingly off-the-cuff comment that I quickly disputed: She said, “I never pray for myself.” And after hanging up, it got me thinking more about how common that is among believers. How when we recognize our sinful thoughts and actions, we do ask for forgiveness from the Lord, and we repent. But how many of us forgo prayers of direction, wisdom, healing, and help for ourselves?

Then, of course, there’s the apprehension to tell God how we really feel during our prayer time: our frustration, confusion, even anger…or the fact that some or all of these emotions are directed toward Him. Spoiler alert, sweet friends: He already knows.

The Lord’s desire is for us to be real with Him. To pull out all our self-directed worries, fears, anger, confusion, frustration, trepidation, etc. See, once we drag those things into the light, out of those dark corners where the enemy of our soul can feed and grow them, we can take them to God’s very throne room! Not only has the Lord been waiting for us to expose and admit this stuff, but He’s been waiting to take these heavy burdens from us—and, ultimately, allow these prayers to be transformed to thanksgiving and praise of His Sovereignty.

We’re given clear examples of this in the Psalms from the “man after God’s own heart”—David. It’s believed that David wrote at least 73 of the 150 Psalms, and we don’t have to turn too far into the book of Psalms to see how David prays for himself—and how these prayers always turn to praise. Even the very, very hard ones.

Start at the beginning by reading Psalms 3 through 7. David cries out to the Lord on his own behalf. He’s often very specific about his circumstances, his feelings, and even what he’d really, really, like God to do to his enemies. (See what are known as the “imprecatory” prayers, such as Psalm 35:6; 58:6; 55:15; 69:28, and 109:8. Pretty enlightening.) But every time, these beautiful and profound prayers end with David’s recognition of God’s attributes, like His holiness, sovereignty, power, and righteousness. Dive deeply into Psalm 6, for instance, where David cries out for healing. His “bones are in agony” and his “soul in deep anguish.. And he asks, “How long, Lord, how long?” Does this resonate with your spirit? I know it does mine. In verses 8 and 9, David says, “the Lord has heard my weeping” and “the Lord has heard my cry for mercy.”

Psalm 13 is a wonderful summarizing prayer of this truth that illustrates our ability to cry out to God with our real feels, to ask for answers, and then—most vitally—to proclaim trust in God’s faithfulness. Because He never fails us. And the woes, the tears, the begging, it all turns to singing because our Lord is wholly holy, perfectly loving, absolutely righteous. We can cast our cares on Him because He cares for us (1 Peter 5:7). We give Him our burden because His yoke is light (Matthew 11:28-29). And we cry on His shoulder because He wipes away our every tear (Revelation 7:17).

I highly recommend you dive into the book of Psalms if you have not yet studied it. There is a treasure trove of wisdom, explicit prayers we can use, truths about God, and prophetic promises fulfilled. And always know, you do not have to omit “me” prayers! The Lord wants you to share your heart with Him, unburden your soul, so He can turn your pain and sorrow into praise and dancing (Psalm 30:11).

“Lord, thank You that You care for me so deeply—more than I can fathom. May I find the freedom to cry out to you in my own need, suffering, and questioning.”

For His Glory

Julianne Winkler Smith
TRBC Women’s Life

Leave a Comment

Posted in Encouragement, Hope, Prayer

« Newer Posts - Older Posts »

Categories