Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | July 5, 2024

Who’s Really Watching Us

“You (God) know when I sit down and when I rise up; You discern my thoughts from afar.  You search out my path and my lying down and are acquainted with all my ways.” Psalm 139:2-3 (ESV)

If you’re an avid people watcher, you simply enjoy sitting in the Food Court at the mall and observing people who go by.  Perhaps wondering what they are buying, who they are shopping with or the dynamics of their conversation.  But people watching isn’t limited to malls – parks, hospital waiting rooms – anywhere there’s people interacting with life, we can be people entertained.

What’s really intriguing to me is when people are on Zoom meetings and forget their camera is on recording their every move.  I’ve watched people play with their glasses, attempt to fluff their hair, and multi-task.  But the funniest is when they get up and walk out of the meeting as if we didn’t notice.  Or better yet, exhibiting crazy deep thought facial expressions which turn the most boring meetings into quite a circus.  Wish I could say I never fell prey to any of the funniest moments on Zoom, but I’ve had my share and you probably have too.

Keeping it real here but we simply forget the camera is on us.  Sounds a lot like the way we view our lives.  The little white lie which never hurt anyone.  The compromises we slide into when we think no one is looking. The thoughts we’d never speak.  The motives projected covering up our real agenda. The tweets and posts which make us seem like “sweet Bible study girls” when we know the truth that happens when no one else is looking.

When life is hard or filled with injustices, we love and cling to the God who sees all.  However, when we are choosing things other than right living, we attempt to hide what we don’t want Him or others to see. One thing we can guarantee is whatever is hidden always rises to the surface eventually.

Truth is our lives are under a proverbial lens – our God sees all.  We can hide from others, but we can’t hide from Him. It’s our natural tendency to seek cover (Genesis 3:8).  Adam and Eve realized quick that hiding wasn’t an option, but forgiveness was.  While there are definite consequences for our actions, God’s desire is for restoration and redemption.  Romans 8:1 reminds us there is no condemnation in Christ Jesus.  His death on the cross covers all our past, present and future sins; however, our goal should never be to step outside the realms of His will.

Every day is an opportunity to seek right living…doing the things which please our God.  Honoring Him with our choices even when we know others are not looking.  Walking in the freedom found in a life disciplined and obedient to the word of God.

“Father, we will never achieve perfection on this earth, but we can strive to keep a short account of sin and walk blamelessly in step with You.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | July 4, 2024

Son of God, the Freedom Giver

“Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” John 8:32 (NIV).

Have you ever been in a situation where you are peacefully enjoying yourself and then you get ganged upon by people who want to prove you are not who you profess to be and accuse you of lying about the core of your very being?

This is exactly what happened to Jesus one day when a group of Pharisees wanted to ridicule Him before the community and prove that He was a fake. What they did not know, however, is that truth is the basis for everything God does.

Pharisees were known for being attention seekers. They had book knowledge and tried to persuade others to what they knew as truth. So, there Jesus was, surrounded by Pharisees who professed to be the children of Abraham and to have come from God. Yet, those men did not recognize Jesus as being God’s Son.

We learn from this passage in John chapter 8 that sometimes people do not want to know the truth. They will stick to their knowledge and beliefs and rebuke any new knowledge imparted to them, even if that is the truth that comes from God.

The Pharisees on that day were ready to stone Jesus for telling the truth and for saying He was the Son of God. They did not want to acknowledge Jesus as the Son of God or admit that they had not known God truly up to that day.

Those people missed out on the opportunity to receive freedom and to know God in a deeper way. They chose their own ways and beliefs. They chose their own doom.

Jesus is the freedom giver. His desire is to be the way that leads us to the Father. He is always ready to bless us and to lead us on our path to experience life and truth. God’s love is in His Son and His Son came to earth so we could receive freedom from sin.

May the love of the Father through His Son surround you today.

“Dear Jesus: Thank You for mirroring the Father to us on this earth. Thank You for loving us and giving us freedom.”

For His Glory

Luska Natali
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Faith, Hope, Spiritual Growth

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | July 3, 2024

God Is Good

“Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good!  For His mercy endures forever.” Psalms 118:1 (NKJV)

From the day after the twin towers fell, 225 deaths have occurred in the United States from violent extremists and the numbers are growing.  Home-grown extremists, the journals report. Violence fueled by anger, tradition and illness, I suspect.  Likely only to intensify and move closer to our own backyards.  In God we trust, so in the midst of such anxiety, division and destruction, does He care?  Is He good?

We all face events in our lives that cause us to wonder why.  Some reach national media attention while most never leave our hearts.  A loved one opts to take the easy road and terminates a dear friendship.  A child’s heart seems cold and cares little about how actions will affect his future.  A doctor’s diagnosis is imminent and you know your life will take a path not wanted or chosen.  The doom of uncertainty and rejection can invade our lives so that no glimmer of hope, promise or peace can break forth from the darkness of despair.

Theologians are uncertain as to the writer of our key verse today from Psalms 118.  Speculation points towards the penned words of David as he successfully skirted Saul’s pursuit and became King.  Other researchers theorize the writing occurred after the rebuilding of God’s holy temple or perhaps the Israelites return from exile.  Regardless of the origin, the children of God had persevered through the trial, learned to depend on God, to hear His voice and trust in His divine care.  The resulting cry was in the goodness of God and His mercy that lasts forever.

To God I must cling; to His perfect character, to the promises as evidenced in His Word when life’s circumstances seem to overtake all logic.   With Jesus’ death and resurrection, we know how it all will end.  Victory.  All of creation will conclude in unison.  Victory.  God sees the ending from the beginning for the situation with which I struggle today.  Victory.  God’s sole purpose in anything that touches my life is that I might know Him more fully, trust Him completely and surrender to the One who created me, sustains me and loves me.  Nothing that touches my life does so without His approval.  All things are intended to bring me closer to my Father.  And that is good!

“Father, the world brings terror to our doorstep.  May we trust that You are good.  May we see and experience Your mercy.”

For His Glory

Kathryn Hayman
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Faith, Hope, Spiritual Growth

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | July 2, 2024

On The List

“Indeed, all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.” 2 Timothy 3:12

Very recently in Scottland, new legislation has gone into effect. “The Hate Crime and Public Order (Scotland) Act” makes it an offense to stir up hatred with threatening or abusive behavior based on characteristics including age, disability, religion, sexual orientation and transgender identity”1. The legislation also creates a new offense of “possessing inflammatory material” 2, and in the eyes of the law, the “insulting” action has to only be “likely”—not actually “intended”3. There is an interesting “protective” free-speech caveat: a specific guarantee that people can still “ridicule or insult” religion.4 (Um, ok.) One of the pastors at my church who goes frequently to Scotland for ministry, said that over 400 Scottish pastors are now on a watch list for this “hate crime” legislation because of the truths contained in God’s Word.

Why make a big deal out of this law way across the ocean? Well, there are two reasons: 1) freedom of speech in our nation is being rapidly chipped away, and 2) the Gospel of Jesus Christ—and Jesus Himself—is offensive (1 Corinthians 1:18; 1 Peter 2:4-8). And it’s not just Scotland. In fact, there is more martyrdom around the world for the Gospel today than there has been at any other time in human history. According to a recent report from Open Doors, more than 13 Christians are killed each day for their faith. That is shocking enough…but simply for following Jesus:

  • 4,125 Christians were detained without trial, arrested, sentenced, or imprisoned.
  • 3,906 believers were abducted.
  • More than 3,200 Christians were raped, sexually harassed, or forced to marry non-Christians.
  • 42,849 followers of Jesus were physically or mentally abused.
  • Nearly 300,000 Christians were forced to leave their homes, go into hiding, or flee their country of origin.

And these numbers are likely underreported. Let that sink in.

This persecution may not be on our own doorstep just yet. But it’s coming. Fast. So, my question to you—and me—is this: Are we willing to be “on the list”? Are we ready to stand firm in the face of persecution and threats to our own safety, family, and life? These warnings are not new. The Bible is full of exhortations to expect trouble and hatred (Matthew 10:22; 1 Peter 4:12-14; 1 John 3:13)—and to be watchful and stand firm (1 Peter 4:19; 1 Corinthians 16:13; James 1:12). But we’re also reminded that, despite our daily—and coming—trouble in this world, Jesus has already overcome the world (John 16:33). He is Sovereign. He is King. And He’s coming back to make everything right (Matthew 16:27; Acts 1:11; Revelation 1:7). So, until then, friend, let us stand on the Rock that is our God, preparing for the promise of persecution.

“Lord, You promise You’re coming soon. Come, Lord Jesus, come! Until then, give me the strength and grace to persevere what the world and the enemy intend for evil, but You intend for good—and for Your glory.”

 

For His Glory

Julianne Winkler Smith
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Faith, Freedom, Hope, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | July 1, 2024

The Sweet Aroma Of Confession

“…But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.”  I Corinthians 6:11 (ESV)

I’m totally a fan of having my toes out, free and unencumbered. My fave shoes are my Croc sandals or just about anything that isn’t closed in. Even when the chill of October hits, you will find me still running around town in those crocs – toes totally exposed.

Now if you’re right there with me on my toes and feet freedom then you also know the effects of having them bare.  Dry and cracked heels define mine if I don’t take time for some in-home spa moments. You will often find me on Saturday nights enjoying a hot foot soak infused with lavender and eucalyptus. Even the aroma soothes my entire body. And the finishing touch is exfoliating all that dead, yucky skin away before I lather those toes with my fave lotion. It’s the final touch that makes all the difference.

Don’t know about you but I often need a deep exfoliating of my whole self not just the toes. Kind of sounds like Peter doesn’t it when Jesus was washing the disciples’ feet? Peter’s initial resistance to Jesus washing his feet faded when Jesus countered, “If I do not wash you, you have no share with me.”  Peter’s response was classic – not just my feet Lord, my hands and my head (John 13:9).

We want it all cleansed, don’t we? Some commentaries interpret hands as symbolizing our decisions and sins against other people, and the head representing our thoughts and sins committed in our minds. Jesus used this imagery to imply that He is the water and His work in the believer’s life is cleansing (John 15:3).

Considering these thoughts, I know my whole self needs deep exfoliation – a removal of those dead to sin areas of me.  And Jesus did just that when I confessed my sins and invited Him into my life – washed in the precious blood of the Lamb. Clothed in His righteousness – though our sins were like scarlet, we became white as snow (Isaiah 1:18). It truly is the most beautiful cleansing we could ever imagine.

As we journey through this fallen world, the dirt and grime attempts to take up residency in us and silence the voice of God.  Exactly why it is crucial to keep a short account of sin – in simpler terms, we need to confess and repent quickly so sin doesn’t have a chance of sticking to us. Sin that lingers and clings never serves us well. Our hearts become hard and resistant just like our calloused heels. Compromises become our mode of thinking – justifying what we know displeases our God. Dismissal becomes our go to response rather than heeding the leading of the Holy Spirit.

Sweet friends, we don’t want to excuse away the exfoliating of our souls, hearts and minds.  Each day, we need to saturate our minds with the word of God. Each morning when we rise, we need to surrender our day to God and seek His help in glorifying Him through what we think, see, say and do. And as we lay our heads to rest, I can’t think of a better way to end our day than searching our hearts and confessing any sin attempting to steal our freedom.

The sweet aroma of a heartfelt confession is welcomed and cherished in the presence of our God. And He, full of grace and mercy will exfoliate all that dead, yuckiness away. It’s His touch that makes all the difference.

“Father, thank You for Your grace that covers over all of me.  Your kindness draws me to Your truth and sets my spirit free – washed in Your precious blood.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Faith, Gratitude, Hope, Mercy

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | June 28, 2024

Why Asking Serves Us Well

“The LORD is my strength and my shield; in Him my heart trusts, and I am helped; my heart exults, and with my song, I give thanks to Him.” Psalm 28:7 (ESV)

Asking has never been my go to. Raising my hand in class rarely happened. Unfortunately, I tend to be a figure it out for yourself kind of person, but it doesn’t always serve me well. Time can evaporate quickly when we’re spinning our wheels relying solely on ourselves to get it done. Independence is overrated when we struggle and give up because we’re too afraid, too proud or just don’t want to ask for help.

Asking questions births solutions. Opening the door for wisdom to grow and knowledge to flourish, we gain confidence to accomplish more than we ever imagined. Asking for help resolves overwhelming challenges. Inviting others into our circle and working together, we experience deeper relationships. Asking empowers and liberates us – now that’s inviting. Yes, asking’s benefits far outweigh any misconceptions we have that hold us back from leaning on self alone.

Love the way God is the instigator of questions. Throughout scripture, He asks questions inviting deep thought-provoking introspection. Choosing to answer our questions with questions. Birthing in us a desire to seek His wisdom. God’s questions move us from simply wanting a response to uncovering the beauty of His divine character and the importance of leaning on Him. No question is beyond His reply. No question is too big for our God. No request is criticized, mocked or ignored. God delights in leading us to truth and greater dependence on Him.

So, sweet friends let’s deny our instincts to rely on ourselves. Let’s purposefully choose to seek help and ask tough questions. Let’s resist the urge to discredit the wisdom of those God has strategically placed in our circle. Let’s forego the need to do it all ourselves and forsake the help sitting in front of us. Let’s lay down pride. Let’s release fears. Let’s embrace help and give help. Let’s lean on God’s character and rely on His provision even if it requires welcoming others into our circle.

“Father, You know exactly what we need. You provide help and answers in ways we could never have imagined. Praising You for the beauty of asking that unveils Your divine provision.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

 

 

 

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Posted in Faith, Hope, Spiritual Growth

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | June 27, 2024

Leaving Egypt Behind

“But Moses told the people, “Don’t be afraid. Just stand where you are and watch the Lord rescue you. The Egyptians that you see today will never be seen again. The Lord himself will fight for you. You won’t have to lift a finger in your defense!” Exodus 14:13-14 (NLT)

Do you have an “Egyptian” in your life? An Egyptian can be different things such as; disease, addiction, lack, a bad habit or doubt, etc. that keep us in bondage and slavery. January 2011 the Lord had me go on the Daniel Fast two times…consecutively. However, in His grace and mercy, He did not just tell me to go fast. No…He gave me these two verses full of His promises as encouragement to not be afraid. He would rescue and fight for me, and I would never see that particular “Egyptian” again.

God is calling us all out of Egypt! For 400 hundred years, the Israelites were in bondage as slaves to Pharaoh. However, they were unaware that God was equipping and preparing Moses for their deliverance. Just like the Israelite slaves under the harsh treatment of whip carrying taskmasters, we also may be living a life of anguish, pain and suffering. But be looking…our Deliverer is on His way!

Deliverance may require a journey. Are we ready to take the trip? A journey that will lead us to the Promise Land – a rich, abundant life without bondage and slavery. Free because of Christ! Put on your traveling shoes and say to God, “I’m ready…let’s go.” He has been preparing you for the journey. Take the first step of faith saying, “I trust you Lord.” It may require getting your toes wet, but God will part any sea in your way.

“Father, in your timing You will bring us through on dry ground. Delivered and free, we will stand in the land of milk and honey!”

For His Glory

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

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Freedom, Hope

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | June 26, 2024

No More Pretending

“Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life. “ Psalm 139:23-24 (NLT)

My 8 year-old loves to dress up. When my sister gave him a mustache tattoo from a Grad night goody bag, he wore it proudly all day.

He loved to pretend that it was a real mustache … but let’s face it; he wasn’t fooling anyone. Anyone could see that he was still an 8 year-old boy.

I have to admit that even I like to pretend once in a while. I like to dress up for a fun costume party, to wear silly outfits with my kids, or to act sophisticated in a formal dress on a date with my husband. (Yes, I have to pretend to be sophisticated.)

I believe these are all appropriate ways for an adult to pretend. The danger comes when I pretend with God. I may be able to fool my friends and acquaintances–acting like I have it all together. I may say the right things, quote the right verses, sing the right songs, know all of the Bible stories…but I cannot fool God.

Psalm 139 tells me that God sees me for who I am, He knows my every action and behavior, He discerns my thoughts (verses 1-4 and 13-18). This would be incredibly overwhelming and downright scary if I left out verse 5: “You go before me and follow me. You place your hand of blessing on my head.”

In verse 24, at the end of the chapter, the psalmist comes to the conclusion of the matter: “Point out anything in me that offends you…” (verse 24a). This request leads to the greatest reward of all: “and lead me along the path of everlasting life.” (verse 24b)

Realizing that God knows me so well (better than I know myself), I should want to be honest with God so that He can lead me to repentance. I mean, who doesn’t want everlasting life, right?

While playing dress-up is fun on occasion, let’s stop pretending with God. He can see through our mask anyway.

“God, show me when I am not being real with You and others. Lead me to repentance and everlasting life.”

For His Glory

Tammy Randlett (http://staletoast.com)
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Attitude, Encouragement, Faith, Gratitude, Hope

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | June 25, 2024

Family Reunion

“After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands.  And they cried out in a loud voice: “Salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb.”  Revelation 7:9-10

Family. It can be hard. Sure, we all know people whose immediate and extended families are super tight—they spend as much time as possible together, even live in the same area or neighborhood. That’s so beautiful. But more often than not, those bonds are frayed. Divorce, long-time hurt, unforgiveness, rivalry, and bitterness—sometimes just geographical distance—break apart family trees as if composed entirely of deadwood.

Then there is our national culture—divisive much? I realize that every generation makes this claim, but in my 50-some years of life, I’ve never experienced such vitriol among people groups. Rage and lawlessness are in vogue. And the America-hatred sentiment being spewed from every corner of our nation is astounding. “United we stand” seems to be a forgotten platitude of the past.

And when you zoom out to the globe in its entirety, well…Jesus’ warning of “wars and rumors of war—nations rising against nation” comes right to mind (Matthew 24:6-8). There are highly publicized battles that are streamed to our screens. But the tumult extends in every direction, with at least 13 civil wars being fought at this moment around the world.

Finally, even the Church—people and entities claiming to be surrendered followers of Jesus Christ—is skirmishing. We are forgetting the oneness we have in Jesus (Galatians 3:28) and quarreling about all levels of nonessentials, from rapture timeframes to carpet colors. (Now, there are recent splits occurring that involve true apostasy, with some “Christian” churches redacting or adding to God’s Word—but that’s not what I’m talking about here.)

So, why am I setting such a dark stage with all the above observations? Because there is Light that shines into this blackness! There is truth, grace, and hope that causes the darkness to flee, revealing the God-intended glory of unity. This is the power and majesty of Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior! As I served on a mission trip in Poland last week, I was privileged to get a real-life glimpse of what John witnessed and wrote about in Revelation 7:9-10 (above). Although I still haven’t processed the full impact of this experience, I can share this much: The singular focus on the Lord and His glory has the power to dissolve fissures of disunity at every level. And I saw this power in real time.

The power to heal marital wounds. To tightly bond with local church members who had never met and, to the outsider, seemed to have absolutely nothing in common. This local “church family” quickly and easily extended to others from multiple denominal congregations from around the US. No “us-them” differences…just glorifying God and magnifying His Son. This love of Jesus, pouring into and then through His people on mission in this one area of Poland, transcended language barriers and crossed thousands of miles.

This all-too-short trip was a powerful celebration of the One who rescues us from the ultimate darkness (Colossians 1:13; John 8:12; Ephesians 5:8). It was over 150 people from different countries, states, ages, and walks of life—in tandem—responding to the call to “Send me” (Isaiah 6:8). It was a glorious family reunion that was merely a dim reflection of what is to one day come.

“Lord, for those who long to taste and see the goodness of the Lord, to experience a pure and undefiled unity that they don’t believe is possible…stir their spirit to “go into the world and proclaim the gospel” (Mark 16:15), that they may shine light into darkness—whether across the globe or in their neighborhood.

 

For His Glory

 

Julianne Winkler Smith
TRBC Women’s Life

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

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | June 24, 2024

Why Dry Stunts Our Growth

“O God, you are my God; earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you; my flesh faints for you, as in a dry and weary land where there is no water.” Psalm 63:1 (ESV)

Our once beautiful green grass is now a hue of brown and crunches when we walk across the yard. While south Florida has been plummeted with rain, we haven’t seen a good soaking in a long time.  No lawn mowing is required. I’ve been faithfully watering all my flowers every night and it seems like they absorb the water faster and faster. The temps are hot and humid – no rain in sight.

As I looked across the yard yesterday, I couldn’t help but think of those moments when our souls become dry. Without the refreshing rain of God’s word nourishing our souls, we too become dry, brittle and crunchy. Growth is definitely stunted when we leave out studying, meditating on and obeying the word of God. Our attitudes are the quickest to reflect our lack. We exhibit a short fuse – one ready to pounce when our souls are tired, weary and empty. Poor decisions follow when we leave out the wisdom of our God. Ugly negative thoughts take up residence in our minds when we pivot away from the vital truths of God’s word.  We easily become confused, disillusioned and discouraged when “we” are our only source of nourishment. Nothing we choose will satisfy like our God.

Like a quiet gentle soaking rain welcomed on dry grass, we need a daily infusion of God’s word to penetrate deep into our hearts not just above the surface. Sometimes His word is the encouragement we need to keep pressing on. Other times His word is the storehouse of wisdom needed for the challenges we don’t even know are ahead. Sometimes His word is a gentle rebuke calling us away from sin that seeks to slay us and consequences we’d rather avoid. All pivoting us back to the heart of God who loves us and longs for us to reflect His image in our world.

Sweet friends, we don’t want dry, brittle and crunchy to define us – there’s already too much of that in our world today. The carefree days of summer are here – the perfect time to continue nourishing our souls with the presence and praise of our God. Let’s seize every opportunity to flourish and radiate the beauty found in those whose faces shine from being in the presence of our God.

“Father, create a deep thirst within me for You alone. Draw my heart closer to You and fill my heart, mind and soul with Your wisdom, grace, truth and love.”

 

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Encouragement, Hope, Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Living

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