Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | October 23, 2024

The Perfect Excuse

“You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men”. Matthew 5:13 (NIV)

Lying comfortably in the TV room watching a movie, I suddenly noticed my ironing board, which had been hidden – by me – behind the door.  In fact, I haven’t unfolded that ironing board in a long time. I used to iron virtually everything, but now I don’t iron anything.  Excuses started to pour out of my mind like cereal falling out of a box. “I am a very busy person and don’t have time to iron.” Another good one was, “Who needs an ironing board and an iron when we have the convenience of Cleaners?” I knew that ironing board had been resting behind the door; I just purposely ignored it.

Do we ever create excuses about anything in life that we may be doing, or in this case not doing? We are called to be salt and light to a world that needs the Lord.  If we don’t fulfill our responsibilities, we immediately spill out an excuse for it.  Whatever the topic,  we always come up with the perfect excuse and those excuses can create very unpleasant situations. We’re not perfect, but with God’s help we can be diligent and careful with how we handle our responsibilities.

“Lord, as I look at my life, I can see many ways in which I could improve.  I want to live a life that reflects You, and I pray that Your Spirit guides me and leads me as I walk the path You have set before me.”

For His Glory

Luska Natali
TRBC Women’s Life

 

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Posted in Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Living, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | October 22, 2024

Malnourished

“If anyone teaches a different doctrine and does not agree with the sound words of our Lord Jesus Christ and the teaching that accords with godliness, he is puffed up with conceit and understands nothing. He has an unhealthy craving for controversy and for quarrels about words, which produce envy, dissension, slander, evil suspicions.” 1 Timothy 6:3-4

By and large, U.S. citizens have more access to food than most people around the world. There are grocery stores, specialty stores, and/or convenience stores within a stone’s throw of most of us—not to mention fast-food restaurants on every other (sometimes every) corner. Our country has a robust “food stamp” program (SNAP), spending over $112 billion per year1, and public schools serve on average 42 million2 meals per school day. And yet, according to the CDC, over 40% of adults and 20% of children are obese. (Not to mention that over 60% of Americans have a food-related chronic disease, despite the $4.3 trillion spend on U.S. healthcare.)

There is ample food being eaten, yet we are severely malnourished. The food is made to taste delicious, but it is, in fact, ultimately poisoning us to death.

Similarly, as you drive through U.S. cities and even small towns, there are churches of every denomination (and non) dotting the main streets. There are big fancy churches, quaint high-steepled chapels, and congregations that meet in converted strip-mall spaces. And yet—even among self-proclaiming “evangelicals”—almost half say that Jesus was a great teacher, but He was not God3. And although a whopping 70% of the U.S. population claims to be “Christian”, only 9% say they have a Biblical worldview, and 58% believe that if a person is good enough or does enough good things, they can earn their way into Heaven.4.

There is ample “faith food” being eaten (online, via podcasts, and in buildings), yet we are severely malnourished. Christians are being served up tasty morsels by pulpit chefs—food that tastes sweet when being consumed but has no Biblical value. We are being bloated with empty calories of cultural lies, while we’re starved of the sustenance of the Gospel—ultimately poisoning us to death.

What about you, friend? What faith food are you consuming? Is it the pure, undefiled Word of God? Or are your itching ears being scratched with Sunday-morning Ted Talks and feel-good gatherings from which you walk away with a confident “I’m-in-control” attitude (2 Timothy 4:3-4)? There is so much delicious spiritual junk food out there. It’s hard today to stand firm on Truth—and it will get harder. But we must (Ephesians 6:10-20).

So, what does a healthy Christian diet consist of, one that nourishes our spirit? Our Bibles have all the right recipes! It’s imperative that believers know God’s Word and its power (Proverbs 30:5; Psalm 119; 2 Timothy 3:16; Hebrews 4:12), so we can recognize the lies (from YouTube and church’s pulpit). We must meet together so we’re not that straggler ripe for the enemy’s attack (Hebrews 10:24-25). We must recognize that all the little-g gods of our life will never fill the God-shaped hole in our soul. And that it’s only through the work of Jesus—not our own—that we are reconciled with God, made righteous in His sight, and have the hope of Heaven (Romans 5; Colossians 1:19-20; Ephesians 2:1-10). And we must daily surrender to the Holy Spirit, acknowledging that we are not, in fact, God (1 Corinthians 2:1-16).

Although there is constant controversy and contradiction in dietary recommendations that can be overwhelming, spiritual nutrition is simple and undisputed: Worship in a church that stands firmly on God’s Word (all of it—no additions or redactions). Read the Bible for yourself, every day. Yield to the Holy Spirit living in you. Stay connected with fellow believers. So, let’s step out in Truth and be nourished.

“Lord, may we walk in Your Truth, being fully satisfied with Your glorious food for our souls.”

For His Glory

Julianne Winkler Smith
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Faith, Spiritual Growth, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | October 21, 2024

A Journey With A Great Destination

“Enoch walked with God, and he was not, for God took him.”  Genesis 5:24 (ESV)

Crisp autumn mornings and evenings are the best time to grab some outdoor time and get our steps in for the day. So, is there really something magical about hitting the 10,000 steps each day? While the exact number of steps varies research does show a wide range of benefits. Brisk walking improves our cardiorespiratory fitness, muscular strength and overall mental health.  And while we’re getting into a consistent stride, we are improving the way our body uses oxygen which is essential in helping us maintain a strong heart. As we age, we desperately need to maintain strong bones and muscles – gotta keep that body moving.

While the physical benefits are amazing, walking is a great way to relieve stress and reset our minds. Nothing better than a brisk walk to clear our thoughts, elevate our mood and cultivate a refreshed mindset.

Walking in the Old and New Testament most often referred to as “halak” indicated a journey with a destination. Yet counting steps isn’t the type of walking journey God was interested in; He was referring to a person’s life and behavior that aligned with His image. From the very beginning of creation, God initiated this beautiful invitation. He desired to walk in close fellowship with man developing an ongoing vibrant relationship – a journey of faith like no other – a total transformation of the created to reflect their Creator.

Right in the middle of a long list of genealogies in Genesis 5, we find one who walked with God. Despite the prevailing darkness of sin which erupted quickly in Genesis,   Enoch intentionally chose to be different – to live a righteous life that was pleasing to God (Hebrews 11). While the generations before him died and the ones after him eventually died, Enoch walked with God and was spared from death – God miraculously took him home. Along with the prophet Elijah (2 Kings 2), these two were the only ones God whisked away to heaven never to taste death.

Wouldn’t it be incredible if we were described as women who walked with God? What if our relationship with Him was so intertwined that people only saw our God in us rather than seeing us. Despite the prevailing darkness in our world today, what does this walking with God look like?

It all begins with entering into an intimate relationship with God through faith in His Son (Hebrews 10:22). When our heart longs to please Him, we will spend time in God’s word and seek to be doers of His word and not just hearers. We will live our days prioritizing faithfulness to His commands. We will enjoy sweet ongoing conversations with our God. We will confess sin quickly so there are no hindrances to our relationship. We will seek with our whole heart to avoid wrong and walk in His ways (Psalm 119:2-3) in total agreement with God about our choices. We will actively seek to eliminate anything that does not enhance our walk with Him (Hebrews 12:2). Our desires will be in alignment with His (Galatians 2:20) – totally in sync. Glorifying God in all that we do regardless of the cost will always serve us well.

Sound impossible? It is if we rely on self. But if we lean into the power and guidance of the Holy Spirit living within us, we can be women who passionately walk with God. And for those moments when we find ourselves out of sync with Him, we can quickly confess and seek His forgiveness. Oh the beauty of grace showered upon us in those moments – a relationship restored – a journey with a destination of pleasing God all of our days.

“Father, there is no relationship that satisfies like the one we can have with You. Help us to live our lives in a way that shines bright of Your love and truth even in a world characterized by darkness.”

 

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | October 18, 2024

Breaking Patterns That Don’t Serve Us Well

“For God does not show favoritism.” Romans 2:11 (NIV)

Sandy beaches and cool breezes. Starry skies and late night walks. Hallmark movies (and yes, I know they’re predictable) and anything chocolate. These are a few of my favorite things. Bet you’ve got a list too! We love our faves. Why? Because we find comfort, pleasure, stability and joy in our faves. Even if it is only temporary.

Having favorites over what we like to eat, do and watch isn’t a bad thing – truth be told – we all have them and that’s the nature of our individual preferences. But favorites with people doesn’t exactly serve us well. Growing up I witnessed this first hand – when the choosing of favorites created competition and comparisons. Snapshots still vivid in my memory bank. Trigger points I witness with others reigniting those feelings of “less than” or “not enough.”

Scripture unfolds the riveting story of those choosing favorites. Issac loved Esau; Rebekah loved Jacob (Genesis 25:28). Parents who desperately wanted a child allowing the double blessing to divide their home. Interesting how generational wrongs tend to repeat the pattern if not broken. Jacob loved his son, Joseph more than the other eleven (Genesis 37:3). Heartache, suffering, lies and deception followed all because of picking favorites, loving one over the other. Family dynamics totally wounded and destroyed.

Despite our tendency to choose favorite, God doesn’t. There is no secret list inside the pearly gates before the throne of God dictating His favorite ones. God so loved this world – everyone in the world – that He gave His only Son to die on the cross for All the world. Not just an exclusive offer or select few. There is no favoritism when it comes to our Holy God. No one is excluded from His invitation.

Regardless of what this world offers us, favorite or not, God loves us immensely. His love is wide and deep enough to wrap His arms around us All. We are treated equally (Romans 2:11) and God doesn’t entertain bribes (Deuteronomy 10:17). The perfect place where stability, joy and belonging thrive.

So where does that leave us in the midst of all our faves? As imitators of our Father, we strive to love others the way He loves us (Ephesians 5:1). We welcome all to His table just as He welcomed us. We set the table with love and embrace differences. We resist the urge to think “less than” or “not enough” because we’re breaking the patterns that don’t serve us well.

“Father, You have set the example for us – love always wins; favoritism always wounds. Forgive us for those moments when we allow our preferences to prohibit us from loving All.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

 

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Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | October 17, 2024

Can There Be Hope In Tragedy? (Part 2)

“Your rod and Your staff protect and comfort me.”  Psalm 23:4b (NLT)

Yesterday we saw that when an unexplainable tragedy occurs, it forces us to decide if we will continue to trust the heart of God or if we will take life into our own hands and decide we know better. This choice determines the trajectory of our life, so it is not to be taken lightly. This choice may not come without blood, sweat and tears as we wrestle with the Almighty begging Him for clarity, which we may never see. But it is a battle worth fighting.

Psalm 23:4b tells us that His rod and His staff protect and comfort us. A shepherd would have been equipped with both at all times. The rod was used to count the sheep, but also to keep wild animals away, in other words, to protect his sheep.

Interestingly enough, the staff was only used if you were a shepherd. The staff would not work for any other animal-it was the trademark tool for the shepherd. It was used to redirect the sheep if needed, but mostly to keep the sheep close to the shepherd and then to save the sheep if they got in a difficult position, particularly if they ran away from the shepherd.

Isn’t it fascinating that God wanted these two tools in the Psalm we recognize the most for comfort and care? He wants us to know that He is the Great Shepherd and He will protect us, redirect us, keep us close to Him, and bring us back to Him, if we should go astray. His heart is for us, to love us, and His desire is to walk with us all the days of our lives. Psalm 23:6 states it this way, “Surely Your goodness and  unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life.”

There are no guarantees in this life, and I am sure by now you have noticed that tragedies and unthinkable pain happen to both those who walk with Jesus and those who do not. The difference is whether we choose to trust the heart of the Shepherd, all the while knowing that this world is not our home and this pain will not last forever because we will “live in the house of the Lord forever”  (Psalm 23:6b). There is more to this life than meets the eye.

We can trust Him because He went through the unthinkable so that we would not ever have to walk alone.

“Lord, God, help us to cling tightly to You as the waves of pain wash over us. Thank you for being our Shepherd and always giving us Hope in Jesus.”

For His Glory

Terrie Tollerson
TRBC Women’s Life

 

 

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Hope, Spiritual Living

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

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