Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | September 17, 2024

Taking Credit

For what does Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.” Romans 4:3

I love to study Paul’s letter to the Romans. In his brilliant lawyer-ese throughout this letter, Paul makes solid arguments—often submitting the opposing questions before they’re asked—and then, every time, slam-dunks the close. In chapters 1 through 3, Paul clearly demonstrates that all have sinned and fall short of God’s holy requirements, and that no one can be justified by good works. We cannot earn righteousness because it’s impossible to keep every law perfectly…but, in fact, justification is a gift of grace through the blood of Jesus.

And because these stubborn Jewish leaders he was talking to liked to claim their acceptance by God because they were descendants of Abraham, Paul uses their very argument against them by quoting Genesis: “Abraham believed God, and it (his belief) was credited to him as righteousness” (Genesis 15:6). If there was such a thing as a mic in first-century Rome, it would have been dropped. Yep, this was a crystal-clear statement that justification is by faith—not works. In fact, Paul takes the financial concept of “credited” and runs with it (using this term 9 times in chapter 4 alone). Let’s take a closer look…

The term “credit” or “credited” denotes a one-way transaction. I have money, you have an empty-ish bank account. I deposit my money into your account, and now you have been credited what was mine and is now yours. You did nothing but gladly accept the new balance that pops up when you log in to your bank account. Paul was reminding the rule-pushing Jews, much to their chagrin, that their “father Abraham” didn’t actually DO anything to earn or deserve God’s righteousness credited to him. (And in verses 6-8, Paul also uses David as an Old Testament example for them, which you can study from Psalm 32:1-2.)

“Believing in Him who justifies the ungodly,” Paul summarizes in verse 5, “his faith is credited as righteousness.” Pausing here to tackle another oft-used term of our friend Paul, which is important to understand in the whole “crediting” concept: justification. This is used about 30 times in Romans, and it’s a legal term that declares the two aspects of Jesus’ work on our behalf: 1) It’s a pardon from the guilt and penalty of our sin; and 2) it’s the crediting of Christ’s righteousness to our account.

OK, so what’s this word-study exercise all about? Well, it delivers amazing, astounding, glorious news! When we surrender to Jesus as Lord and Savior, we accept the free gift of grace that He offers to forgive our sins…by His death He paid the penalty on our behalf, taking the wrath we deserve. We are forgiven and rescued! But, as those TV infomercials used to shout, “Wait! There’s more!” Not only are we forgiven of our sin—past, present, and future—we are credited with the righteousness of Christ!

Going back to the whole banking analogy (which I’m borrowing from our pastor, who borrowed it from another pastor): If our massive, unpayable debt is cancelled, no cops are waiting to take us to jail, and we’re able to waltz out of the bank debt-free. Yay! But we’d still be walking out flat broke—we’d still have to get to work and start earning. But Jesus didn’t just rescue us from God’s righteous wrath. He credited to us His righteousness! In other words, the gazillionaire who paid off your proverbial debt also gave you access to everything he has—in fact, he adopted you as his child! So, now you will even receive an unfathomable inheritance one day.

Friend, THIS IS THE GOSPEL. By grace, through faith in Jesus—not by our works—our sin debt (yesterday’s, today’s, and tomorrow’s) is forgiven. We can’t earn it or get credit for our own efforts. But, in our belief we are in Christ, and the righteousness of Christ is credited to us. So, when God looks at us, He sees the perfection, beauty, and purity of His Son. So, what do you say? Are you ready to take the credit?

“Heavenly Father, I cannot earn my way back to You. Thank You for sending Jesus to pay the penalty I owe, taking the wrath I deserve, and—amazingly—crediting to me His righteousness. May I never take this for granted.”

 For His Glory

 Julianne Winkler Smith
TRBC Women’s Life

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | September 16, 2024

What We Can’t See, Yet

“But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity.” Amen. 2 Peter 3:18 (ESV)

“Happy Friyah!”  Those were the words echoing from my lips as I left the office. Everybody loves a Friday – sleeping in on Saturday feels ever so good to this working girl. Chilling, grabbing a great read and sipping on my fave iced tea – what could be better. Sounds too good to be true, right?

My “Happy Friyah” ended up being a mowing kind of night. You got it  – this girl was kickin it around the lawn. And when I made that final cut, I couldn’t wait to see how many steps I’d gotten in. One big problem, my watch didn’t record a single one; I was totally disappointed. Really?? Just because I couldn’t see any steps on my watch didn’t mean it didn’t happen.

Sound familiar? We do it all the time. We quickly doubt or dismiss what we can’t see.  The visible staring us in the face doesn’t resemble what we envisioned. Or perhaps, we’re simply afraid to look because deep inside we don’t see anything.

Growth is like that isn’t it? We don’t always see what God is doing around us and within us. Probably the exact reason why we minimize even tiny growth sprouts. When we become zeroed in on self work versus God’s work, we will always come up short.

Yet every moment in God’s presence, He is planting seeds within us. Like fertilizer for the soul, the daily reading of God’s word transforms us from the inside out. Every step of faith we take deepens our trust in Him. Like tiny little sprouts previously unseen by the human eye gently pushing through the soil of our hearts, His work within starts to break through. Our thoughts, actions, reactions and words begin reflecting the very heart of God – the one we were created to bear His image. A flourishing we didn’t’ even glimpse, yet one that was taking place day by day.

Sweet friends, consistency is key when it comes to growth and our enemy, Satan,  doesn’t want us to gain momentum or clarity. Defeat is more to his liking, so he reminds us and tricks us into thinking that growth is impossible. He uses discouragement to slay us when we don’t see significant progress. He uses disappointment to plague us when two steps forward results in four steps backward.

The enemy’s lies can definitely hinder and sabotage our growth, but he doesn’t have the final say. The decision to consistently soak in God’s presence, study His word, and take leaps of faith even when we can’t see growth will result in a deep soul work beyond our imagination. The old us will experience a major pivot as the new us flourishes. Can’t think of a better way to silence the attacks of Satan than to glorify God with the evidenced growth in our lives and reflect His image to our world.

“Father, help us to trust You with the work You are doing within us. Teach us to not give up but rather press through even when we don’t yet see all You are doing.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

 

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | September 13, 2024

Best Saturday Ever

“For a day in your courts is better than a thousand elsewhere.” Psalm 84:10a(ESV)

Ever find yourself at the mercy of someone else’s urgent? Friday night, I planned out my Saturday. Several projects needed to consume my focus and distractions like shopping, running errands, etc. really needed to take a back seat. Snuggling under the covers, I committed myself to seizing every moment. Confident I would stick to my schedule.

Fast track to Saturday morning and my husband’s urgent took center stage. He needed someone to follow him to the Virginia Beach area where he was delivering a vehicle. Unfortunately, all his attempts to find someone failed and his urgent sat right in front of my eyes. My list kept rolling through my mind, yet I knew my husband really needed help. No brainer here – I got in my car and followed my man in the big truck to Virginia Beach.

Urgent stole away my list and my undistracted Saturday or so I thought. But God had everything totally under His control. While I cruised down the highway, prayers began to flow from my lips. Isolated in a vehicle for four hours just me and my God – sweet moments. Didn’t even realize I had so much to talk to Jesus about, but I did. Notepad by my side, every stoplight became an opportunity to jot down what God was sharing with me. Totally undistracted – best way to spend Saturday in the presence of God.

And that list I left behind well all those things actually fell perfectly into place in God’s timing. Someone else’s urgent ushered me into the presence of God – treasured moments concentrated on Him alone. Totally confident that my God knew I needed this time with Him more than I needed anything else. Convinced this wasn’t just a coincidence but a divine appointment – an opportunity to be totally His in a place where dirty dishes and piles of laundry couldn’t compete.

Love the way God loves us so much that He carves in time for us right when we need it the most. Love His tender mercies for all those other times when we ignored His call. Blessed to discover God is really all we need, and He is the One who can enable us to complete every item on our list. Grateful for moments at His feet where perspectives are changed and wisdom is poured out. Best Saturday ever!

“Father, You desire an intimate, thriving relationship with each of Your children. Help us to hear Your voice and welcome sweet moments in Your presence.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

 

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | September 12, 2024

His Words

“These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace.  In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 (NKJV)

The encouragement, conviction, or support that comes from sisters in Christ as I read daily devotionals always seems to be just what I need.  But I know that in my own life, as in many others whom I talk to, there are wells of pain so deep that we cannot share them. Sometimes we feel so alone and overwhelmed.  It is here again that God’s Word shows its living, breathing, comfort as I struggle with situations where I have no control.

I read of Elijah, who confronted Ahab, only to go into a deep depression and hide in the desert–where I so often long to flee. I read of David, who was wounded by the betrayal of his friend, and felt so crushed. Paul had such a falling out with Barnabas that they split ways.  And Job’s ‘friends’ condemned him for hidden sins.  These examples are just a few from God’s Word that remind us life is not always going to be “good.”

There will be periods of hurting so desperate that only time and trust will heal.  No matter how dismal our outlook may appear, Satan cannot take away our salvation nor can he remove us from our Savior’s loving hand.  This is our greatest comfort and our Peace!

“Dear Father, again I lift up my day to You, laying once more at Your feet the burdens that are so heavy to bear.  I praise You that You are going to bring good out of all these situations because I can trust You, and Your love for me.”

For His Glory

Sandy Day
TRBC Women’s Life

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | September 10, 2024

When Doing Good Goes Bad

“Yet we know that a person is not justified by works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ, so we also have believed in Christ Jesus, in order to be justified by faith in Christ and not by works of the law, because by works of the law no one will be justified.” Galatians 2:16

Have you ever done something that you thought was a very good thing, only to discover it was not good at all? Or maybe you’ve created a pattern (or patterns) in your life that you 100% believe are getting you what you really want/need…only to later determine that they were actually harmful to you and/or others. You may even have been standing firm on the validity of your actions in righteous indignation that what you were doing was honoring to God. However, some wiser and more experienced person came along to gently share with you the errors of your ways, redirecting you with unveiled truths.

This has been my experience in the midst of all my recent health and medical revelations. I won’t go into the annoying details but suffice it to say that I certainly didn’t think that eating ½ bag of spinach for lunch every day would actually be harmful to me. Or that my dislike for meat (and therefore lack of protein) has also been contributing to my physical decay. In fact, before I saw the evidence, I probably would have mocked you if you told me I was “eating poorly.” After all, I was getting accolades from others regarding how it all looked from the outside. But with medical substantiation in hand and insights from wise and learned medical counsel, I’ve come to recognize that many of my “good” habits might look good on the surface but are—in reality and for the long-term—destructive.

Then the spiritual implications of this struck me hard. In fact, it brought me back to the days prior to my total surrender to Jesus as Lord and Savior—days when I believed that doing good things was God-honoring and the key to a positive end-game outcome (especially if my tally of good surpassed the bad). Yep, good works earned my right standing and entry fee to eternal life in heaven. These activities look really good on the surface…they may align with God’s law and His Word. And said actions can make a good impression too, earning accolades from others based on how it all looks from the outside. But, in reality and for the long-term, these good works lead only to destruction.

Similar to my current health situation, we all need an inside-out transformation. Righteousness does not come from our good works—we cannot be “good enough” because the standard is perfection. In order for a holy God to look upon our sinfulness (because we’re all sinners—Romans 3:23) and forgo His wrath against us (because He is just—Romans 5:9), we need the imputed righteousness of Jesus. In other words, the life, death, and victorious resurrection of Jesus paid the penalty for the wrath we deserve. So it’s by His scars (His good deeds) we are healed, rescued, redeemed (Isaiah 53:4-5; 1 Peter 2:24). We’re made new by Him—not by our efforts.

Don’t get me wrong. I am not knocking doing good things in this life—in fact, the Bible is replete with calls to stop with the self-serving depravity and walk according to God’s law (love God and others). But this activity is a response to the grace we’ve been given through Jesus! And we can only rightly do them through the power of the Holy Spirit living in us as believers.

Are you working (and working and working) to earn the acceptance of God and/or the accolades of others? Beloved, stop striving. It’s already been accomplished (John 19:30), and all you have to do is accept the Truth of the Gospel (Titus 3:5-7). Then, you can “get to work” for Him and from victory—doing good out of His love, not to earn it.

“Father God, thank You that I don’t have to strive in earning a righteousness worthy of Your perfect standard. Jesus paid it all so that, in Him, I have the gift of eternal life.”

For His Glory

Julianne Winkler Smith
TRBC Women’s Life

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | September 9, 2024

Why Linger Makes The Difference

“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.” Colossians 3:16 (ESV)

Ever feel like your life is on remote – just simply going through the motions?  We drive the same route to work and back without even thinking about which way to turn and sometimes wondering how we actually got there – our mind was on remote.  Or perhaps we were folding laundry and putting it away while our thoughts were a million miles away. We’ve probably all landed here in this place of familiar activity, effortless doing while our thoughts scatter.

If we’re not intentional familiar can slip in when we read and study God’s word. Oh, we know that passage or story well so we do a quick read and move on. However, lingering invites a deeper understanding and often an unveiling of pivotal truths God desires to bring to our attention.

Landed here myself recently while studying the familiar words of Psalm 23. Probably all of us could recite it from memory. We’ve heard it read at memorial services. We’ve seen it printed on program booklets. We’ve seen Pinterest graphics displaying these beautiful words. Yet, God took me to this familiar passage to remind me of His intentionality in being all I need – comforter, protector and guide.

Lingering over six verses for six weeks opened my eyes to a better grasp and understanding of the love and faithfulness of our Lord – our Shepherd. Reading those verses with no distractions broadened my perspective of His leading and guidance. Visualizing God’s presence surrounding me always, even in the darkest valleys, removed insecurities and deepened my trust in Him. Confidence washed over me as I was welcomed to the table He prepared for me. All sweet reminders that one day, I will see Him face to face and live with Him forever. Goodness and mercy will follow me all of my days.

What joys I would have missed if I weren’t intentional. Blessed by the deep truths God revealed to me from these familiar passages. Totally convinced slow, focused reading ushers in clarity and invites the Holy Spirit to highlight exactly what we need. It may feel a bit uncomfortable at first, but as we put into practice lingering over His words, we will be amazed at what He teaches us. Truth is, revisiting familiar is now one of my fave things to do.

Sweet friends let’s not live our lives on remote – simply going through the motions, especially when it comes to God’s word. Let’s carve in margin to remove distractions and resist the urge to allow complacency and familiarity to settle in. It’s the one choice we will never regret.

“Father, ignite within us a deep desire to know You and Your word more each day. Open up our eyes and engage our heart with Yours.  Reveal Yourself to us and show us how to walk in obedience one step at a time.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | September 6, 2024

Another In The Fire

“Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9 (ESV)

There was a new law in the land. King Nebuchadnezzar had a statue made in the image of his dream. He was trying to defy what God had said about his rule ending. Everyone was summoned to the dedication of this golden image. They were commanded to fall down and worship the image when they heard the music playing.

It was considered treason to refuse to worship.

With thousands of people in the crowd, their failure to worship wasn’t visible to the King. They most likely were overlooked at first. But then someone noticed and accused them of not obeying the new law. No surprise there, the enemy of our souls is always making sure there’s someone to accuse those trying to uphold God’s word.

In Daniel 3 we read that the King threatened Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. If they didn’t worship when they heard the music, they would be thrown into the furnace. These young men stood fearless. Responding with confidence that the God they served was able to deliver them from the fiery furnace. The King became enraged at their disobedience and turned up the heat seven times hotter.

They fell into the furnace fully clothed and bound.

The Septuagint says in Daniel 3:24 the King’s attention was caught when he heard the men singing praises. The King looks and sees four men in the fire, loosed, walking around – not burned.

“The fourth is like a son of God.”

They offered no excuses. “Everybody else is doing it. We will lose our jobs/our standard of living.” They didn’t let fear grip them. They just acted in faith. Completely willing to defy man and give up their lives instead of risking defying God.

In doing so, they changed the heart of the King that day.

Every day we’re faced with decisions -will we choose good or evil? Just because our culture tells us it is okay to do something – doesn’t mean that God’s Word says it’s ok. The enemy tries to grip us with fear that if we choose to go against the “popular” decision of our culture that we’ll be alienated.

We do not know if these young men knew Jesus was in the fire with them. The King saw, but did they? Sometimes, we are aware of Jesus’ presence in our trials and sometimes we feel He’s far away/not listening/not seeing what’s happening. We are reminded in Joshua 1:9 “Be fearless. You are never alone.” Regardless of what we feel, He is always there with us.

“Father, we see the enemy trying to make believers bow down to the idols of this world. Let us praise you in the fire. For you are with us. Help us to be fearless, and not compromise your unchanging Word.”

For His Glory,

Laura Holmes www.ephraimministries.org
TRBC Women’s Life

 

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | September 5, 2024

Letting Go

“See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland.” Isaiah 43:18&19a (NIV)

Leave the past behind and move forward. That has been my directive. For months now. Easier said than done. Most often by people, although well-intentioned, who can’t comprehend. Rebuilding a life after it has crashed, disintegrated, been shattered into an array of broken, chipped pieces is no small task.

Potholes adorn the road ahead. Wait. Rest. Slow. Words that have always been a part of my vocabulary now take on new meaning. I must secure my Ephesians 6 armor as bitterness creeps in. A hardened heart would render me ineffective. Trying to rebuild on God’s terms with Satan’s lies screaming forth. No one can relate. Or perhaps they can.

The year is around 1375 B.C. The book of Judges brings us up to date with God’s people. Joshua had gone to be with the Lord. Through Joshua’s leadership, God fulfilled His promise and delivered the land of Israel to His people. The Israelites were left with the task of cleaning up the land of those elements that would eventually snare the people and draw their hearts away from their God. Obedience was in order and God had made a covenant for their victory. The list of did nots, nor did, and neithers directs us to the disobedience that followed.

The land was left with people groups that would ultimately lead the Israelites to worship other gods and away from the teachings of their forefathers. The Lord’s anger raged. He withdrew His protection, and the Israelites were plundered, given to their enemies and defeated. Funny, that’s how I feel sometimes.

From what in my past must I turn away? What is a snare to my devotion to Christ? I’ve learned the answer is not so simple. Yes, perhaps some friendships and gathering places must go. But what about my thoughts? Uncontrolled, they so easily revert to memories of what was. What could have been. What was lost. My thoughts pull me back to a place that encourages discontentment today. But God wants to do a new thing. Give me a new mind. One that will spring forth fruit, freedom and glorify the Lord God. The old must go so the new will come.

“Holy Spirit, bring to mind that which will ensnare my walk with the Father. Give me the strength and courage to leave this in the past and step forward into the future prepared for me.”

For His Glory

Kathryn Hayman
TRBC Women’s Life

 

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | September 4, 2024

When The End Isn’t Really The End At All

“Don’t call me Naomi,” she responded. “Instead call me Mara, for the Almighty has made life very bitter for me.” Ruth 1:20(NLT)

Naomi was beyond heartbroken. She had moved with her husband and two sons to a new land several years before. After they settled in this new land, her husband died. Hopelessness set in. But, then her two boys grew up and married women from this land. Two new daughters-in-law would hold the possibility of new life through grandchildren. But, after ten years of both sons being married, there were still no grandchildren for Naomi. Then both of her sons died. Hopelessness pervaded. She just couldn’t take it anymore. Why was this her life?

From scripture, we know these young ladies thought highly of Naomi and were willing to travel back to her homeland of Judah with her. But Naomi could not see the hope there. She was focused on all she had lost. She was heading back to her homeland to die among her people. As the story goes, Orpah turned and headed back to Moab, but Ruth continued on with Naomi, declaring her allegiance to Naomi. Ruth traveled all the way back to Bethlehem with Naomi and, as Naomi was greeted by old friends who were excited to see her again, Naomi stated, “Don’t call me Naomi…instead call me Mara, for the Almighty has made life very bitter for me. I went away full, but the Lord has brought me home empty….” (Ruth 1:20-21 NLT). Wow! Ruth was standing right there beside Naomi, after having traveled so far with her, and Naomi could only see the end, the sadness, the bad. She was unable to see Ruth standing right beside her! She was without any hope.

If you know the story, you know Naomi was just around the corner from a new life which would include a new son-in-law and, finally, a grandson! Naomi had no idea what was ahead for her and how her hopeless situation would turn to hopeful, and ultimately bring Jesus Christ, who is our HOPE.  What a beautiful reminder to us that, as long as we have breath, there is always hope. Jesus is the only one who can bring hope to a hopeless situation. It’s kinda His thing!

“Lord, be our strength to hang onto hope through You when it seems as if there is no hope to see. You alone can bring life from death, beauty from ashes, and hope from hopelessness.”

For His Glory

Terrie Tollerson
TRBC Women’s Life

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | September 3, 2024

Too Wonderful

“You have encircled me behind and in front, And placed Your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; It is too high, I cannot comprehend it.” Psalm 139:5-6

You know it as well as I do: Satan’s time is short, so the battle for souls is ramping up. Just turn on the news, scroll social media, drive on the highway, or walk through the grocery aisles. Hearts are dark and fools abound—the glory of the incorruptible God has been exchanged for idolatry and worship of self. Truth has been exchanged for lies…and God is giving this depraved culture over to its passions (Romans 1:18-32).

And as this spiritual war rages, the follower of Jesus Christ must stand firm—daily putting on the armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-20), praying fervently, and staying in community. Because, friend, the fiery arrows of our enemy are relentless.

But we are fighting from victory—not for it. And, what’s more, no matter where we find ourselves on the battlefield, we are never alone. Unlike that lone soldier who finds himself separated from his company, left on his own to combat the enemy on all sides, we who are in Christ Jesus are always surrounded by God and indwelt by the Holy Spirit.

So, as challenging (and exhausting) as the battles against Satan, the world system, and our own flesh can be, the wonderful knowledge of God’s steadfast presence emboldens, empowers, and enables us to fight on. And if you’re thinking (as I do too often), “But I’m in pain (emotional, physical, mental), I’m getting pummeled, and I sure feel like I’m fighting alone!” This is a lie. The truth is, indeed, wonderful. So, let’s review.

We can start with David’s beautifully graphic description in Psalm 139 of God’s presence. “You have encircled me behind and in front, and placed Your hand upon me” (v 5). This blows David’s mind (v6)—as it should ours. Then he continues by reminding himself (and us) that we cannot outrun, hide from, or be isolated from God’s presence. His hand is there to lead (v10). And when it seems that the darkness is overwhelming us, David acknowledges that there is no darkness to God—He gives light and is Light (vs 11-12).

The Apostle Paul picks up the mantle in Romans. When we are in Christ—called, justified, redeemed by grace—who can be against us? His answer: Nothing. Not tribulation, trouble, persecution, famine, nakedness, danger, or sword. Not death, life, demons, present things, future things. Not heights, depths, or any created thing. Nothing can separate us from the love of God that is Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 8:31-39).

Friend, you’re never fighting through this dark world alone. Moreover, because God awesomely knit you together, He knows you from eternity past. His thoughts toward you and about you are precious (Psalm 139:13-18). You are His child, and in you—just as you are—He is well pleased.

Isn’t that wonderful?

“Thank You, heavenly Father, that You are Sovereign. You are always in control, even when I feel out of control. You are always with me, even when I feel alone. May I always stand firm in these truths.”

For His Glory

Julianne Winkler Smith (https://encouragedbygrace.org)
TRBC Women’s Life

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