Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | August 8, 2024

Divine Blessings

 

“Jonadab the son of Rechab shall not lack a man to stand before Me always.” Jeremiah 35:19b (NASB)

In the book of Jeremiah there is a story told of a godly man named Jonadab, who taught his children to live in holiness and purity. His children were so affected by his example and teachings that they boldly refused to compromise or give into temptation. In fact, their unwavering commitment to their father’s standard was so impressive that God presented this family before the nation of Israel as an object lesson on obedience. Then, in recognition of their uncompromising stance, God decided to bless this family.

To my surprise, however, God did not offer wealth, health or prominence to Jonadab or his crew. Actually, He never mentioned any temporal rewards at all. His blessing was simply this: Jonadab would always have descendants dwelling in the presence of God. On the surface it seems as though God looked past all the “good stuff” when digging through His proverbial “bag of blessings,” but God did not shortchange Jonadab. Instead, He chose to give Jonadab and his children something more valuable than gold, more lasting than health and more impactful than power and prominence. He offered them Himself…and the gift of worshipping and serving Him!

As a mom, I cannot imagine a better gift I would want for my children than God’s presence. Earthly treasures are fleeting, but if my children could dwell in God’s presence, then they would experience the very essence of their eternal design and purpose. And what treasure on earth can compare to that?

“Lord, draw us to You today that we would not only know about You, but that we would know how to worship You and dwell in Your presence? Help us set time with You above all other earthly treasures.”

For His Glory

Claudia Dempsey
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Encouragement, Hope, Worship

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | August 6, 2024

Let’s Be Weirdos

“If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, because of this the world hates you.” John 15:19

You may not follow the news, but with legacy media there are waves of party-line mantras. It’s like the talking heads of the standard channels are given the same script from which to read. And it all becomes way too reminiscent of George Orwell’s “1984” to believe. Most recently, if you’ve been paying attention—which in many ways, I kinda hope you’re not—you’ve been bombarded with a word in the mainstream media that you probably haven’t heard used this much since you were in the 8th grade: weird. It’s more of the same name-calling-fest that one side loves to use against the other…but this one is just plain, well, weird.

Anyway, it got me thinking about the spiritual parallels—especially as I’m in the midst of studying 1 Peter. In the first few chapters, Peter reminds us of who we are in Christ, thanks to the grace and mercy of our Lord and His payment on our behalf. He warns us of trials we’ll face in this world and gives us direction on godly attitudes toward the government, our spouse, employers, and our church family. Peter is also very clear on how believers are to walk through this dark world with our eyes set on Christ. In 1 Peter 2:11-12, he exhorts us to live as foreigners, as strangers, not giving in to all the fleshly lusts the world dangles in our face as “good”. And, friend, Peter makes it clear: Because we live differently, we will be slandered. For not living like the culture, we’ll be called “weirdos.”

This isn’t just for all those Christians who grew up in the church, were homeschooled, and never left the proverbial porch of the Father’s house. Peter notes that this name-calling and mocking will also be directed at us Christians who spent some time in the pigsty…those of us who spent sufficient time pursuing indecent behavior, lusts, drunkenness, carousing, drinking parties, and wanton idolatries. For me, every one of those boxes was checked. So, when I surrendered to Jesus as Savior and Lord, and my life was radically transformed, Peter’s warning about how my friends (and even some family) would react to me: they were surprised (and even uneasy) that I no longer wanted to join them in the same excesses, and they slandered me (1 Peter 4:4). I became the weirdo.

Throughout the New Testament, from the words of Jesus to the letters from Paul, John, and James, believers are reminded that we are not of this world (John 15:19). Our citizenship is in heaven (Philippians 3:20), and we are to represent our King and country (2 Corinthians 5:20)…and we’re to be ambassadors when we’re being persecuted or even in chains (Ephesians 6:19-20). This world, which is temporarily under the general management of our enemy, Satan, has nothing to offer but the desires of the flesh, the desires of the eyes, and the pride of life—none of which is of God (1 John 2:15-17). In fact, James gets right to the point (gotta love James’s style): You adulterous people! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Therefore, whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God (James 4:4). Yikes.

If you are a follower of Jesus Christ, you are not an enemy of God—you are His beloved child and a fellow heir with Christ (John 1:12; Romans 8:17). Instead of being a friend to this world, you are called His friend (John 15:15). When we are crucified with Christ, we are a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17), a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation—called out of darkness into His marvelous light (1 Peter 2:9). We are God’s masterpiece (Ephesians 2:10), and Christ lives in us (Galatians 2:20)!

The world is ever-increasingly belligerent and intolerant of Jesus and His followers (Did you catch the opening of the 2024 Olympics?). The divide is wider than I’ve seen in my lifetime. But we know who we are in Christ. We have a confident hope for our future. We are called to be set apart from this dark world. So, what do you say? Let’s be weirdos.

“Lord, thank You for rescuing me from the darkness of this world, for defeating the enemy so I can live from a place of victory. Empower me to live as a stranger in this world—a weirdo—as I walk toward my heavenly home.”

 

For His Glory

Julianne Winkler Smith (Encouragedbygrace.org)
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Hope, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | August 5, 2024

When The Storm Hits

“Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.”  James 1:2-3 (ESV)

Chilling on the beach is one of my fave things to do. Sunshine and cool breezes – who could ask for more, right? First day out, I grabbed all my stuff and soaked in some Vitamin D.  And right around lunch time, dark clouds moved in quickly and raindrops danced on the sand. Best part, I was already inside and the storm moved out within a few moments. I always find It interesting how a storm can pop up out of nowhere at the beach and either move out to sea or deposit a quick shower.

Wouldn’t it be amazing if the storms of life moved out that fast? We tend to dread the signs of hard seasons. We even try our best to avoid challenging situations. Regardless, we all know storms are not always predictable nor are they fast moving. Too often, we are faced with storms definitely not of our choosing.  Rarely can we impact the duration and downpour effect a storm has on our lives.

So, what’s a girl to do when those unpredictable storms hit hard and long?

Just like we run for cover when the rain begins, we must run toward the covering of our God and rest in the shelter of the Almighty. Prioritizing intentional periods of prayer, solitude and reading God’s word keeps us pivoted in the right direction. We all know that trials tend to zero our focus on self. You got it –  sympathy, pity and violins playing in the background – nobody’s got it as bad as we do, right? This is exactly where we don’t want to land. Yes, we have to give voice to the emotions of all we are experiencing yet we don’t have to allow fear to reign in our responses. By running to our God and seeking His help, wisdom and strength, we can avoid the pitfalls of simply reacting and dwelling on getting out of the storm.

James, the brother of Jesus, challenges us to embrace our storms with joy. Doesn’t quite sound like the way we would think to react; I typically am not jumping for joy in the face of challenges. Yet James isn’t referring to happy emotions; he is talking about an inner state of joy chosen by those who allow the Spirit to fill them (Galatians 5:22-23).

No two storms are alike, and our trials will vary in length and type. Some will be unpredictable  and others we will see coming in the distance. Yet the end result is always aimed at testing our faith – who and what we truly believe. Producing steadfastness, an inner fortitude fueled by the Holy Spirit, enables us to stand strong even in hard places. It’s the refining of our inner person resulting in spiritual maturity, integrity, devotion and godliness. Bottom line, even the longest and hardest of storms popping up on our radar path has the potential to perfect and complete us.

Sweet friends, if you’re in the storm allow the joy of the Lord to be your strength. Press in, hold on and gain valuable lessons from the One who holds it all together.

“Father, we can trust You to carry us through the storms of life. Help us to choose joy and stand strong totally dependent on You.”

For His Glory

 

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Hope, Spiritual Growth

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | August 2, 2024

Best Solution Ever

“Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” I Peter 5:8 (ESV)

Out my kitchen window, I watched her staring, fixed and motionless. Her head was perfectly perched. I couldn’t quite figure it out. Mesmerized, this grey kitty had never been so still. And then if on cue, she slumped down and slithered around my bush – her target was a tiny bird who barely escaped her grasp.

Needless to say, this picture while ever so true, set my mind to racing. This strategic prowling and fixed gaze so mimics exactly how Satan operates. Watching and waiting for just the perfect time to devour us, he creeps up on us when we least expect it.

The sweet little bird in the bush was totally clueless about the impending danger lurking around the corner. And haven’t we all found ourselves there – unaware our enemy, Satan, is strategically setting us up for failure. We buy into his lies. We entertain his compromises. We settle for less. We lower our standards. We allow counterfeits to steal away our focus. The list is limitless. A distracted and undisciplined mind never serves us well, and Satan loves to watch us self-destruct.

Temptation will always rise to the surface disguised as “it’s really not that bad” or “everyone else is doing it.” Our days are filled with moments when Satan can discredit and divide families and friends. The hectic schedule. The unperfect gift. The wounded heart forgotten. The wayward child pulling parents apart. The office party we should have avoided. The conversation that left us discouraged, defeated and alone. The response we desperately long to reverse.

As the bird in the bush confidently flew to higher ground, I was reminded we too need to flee the presence of our enemy and keep our eyes focused on God. He has providentially given us everything we need to triumph over Satan. We are mighty conquerors through Christ Jesus; there’s no room for wimpy choices or lame excuses. We are equipped, dressed and positioned for victory clothed in the mighty armor of our God. (Ephesians 6:10-20).

Preparation + awareness will equip us for the attacks of our enemy. Like a moving target, Satan seeks to kill, steal and destroy us, but Christ came so we may have the abundant life. Choose today to resist and God promises he (Satan) will leave. Best solution ever to trust in His battle plan rather than our own.

“Father, You are fully aware of Satan’s game plan – teach us to cling to Your truth and boldly confront His lies.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

 

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Posted in Faith, Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Living, Success, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | August 1, 2024

God’s Perfect Plan

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11(NIV)

 Do we truly believe God has a plan for our lives? Do we stay out of the way and let His plan unfold? Often we say the words but don’t feel them or mean them, so let’s take a closer look.

“I know the plans I have for you”-Only God knows what plans have been made for us. He doesn’t run the same mold through a machine, but rather lovingly created us uniquely with a purpose at conception. Our life purpose is the design plan God uses for each of us. He knows what we will encounter and puts into us what we need to get through every situation.

“Plans to prosper you”- Our version of prosper isn’t always in line with God’s version. God gives us what we need to make a living to take care of our needs. Sometimes being prosperous isn’t about monetary things; it’s about things that make memories, moments, and ministry.

“Not to harm you”-  When the trials of life hit, it’s no surprise to God.  He has a built in plan for growth as we navigate through the storm.

“To give you hope and a future”- Our hope and future is our eternal life in heaven; earth isn’t our final destination. This is not going to be a perfect world because it’s not our home. God has prepared a place for us in heaven; we have to let him take the lead in guiding us there.

“Heavenly Father, We are so thankful that You have a plan for our lives. No matter what is going on, You are never changing and neither is Your plan for us. Help us to see when we are trying to lead rather than following.”

For His Glory

Katrina Redman
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Encouragement, Hope, Spiritual Growth

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | July 31, 2024

Believing Together

“And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should.” Colossians 4:3-4 (NIV)

The Bible constantly reminds us to pray, to cry out to God, to seek His face. Prayer is very much like a key that can open doors, even when nothing else seems to work. The apostle Paul knew that, and he was not afraid to let others know.

Paul also had a stirring desire to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ, the message of redemption that he came to know in a very upclose and personal way, and he wanted to share that message with as many as would lend him an ear. And as he would travel and profess the Lord in public locations, many times he would be considered a nuisance and ultimately end up in jail.

When Paul found himself in prison, instead of feeling sorry for himself and giving way to depression and discouragement, he set out to write letters to the churches.  He encouraged, exhorted, and disciplined them, as well as reminded them of the importance of remaining focused on God as well as practicing prayer for one another.
The book of Colossians does a great job of showing the paternalistic characteristics of Paul, a father (in faith) to so many.  He would not stop, even in a very uncomfortable jail cell, his work of evangelizing the lost and encouraging the ones who had already found the Lord but were in danger of straying away.

Because Paul knew what prayer could do, he specifically asked the Colossians to pray so doors for the Gospel message to be disseminated through him, even from his jail cell, could be opened.

Sister, the Lord is always at work. If you feel like you are in a situation that seems unsolvable, unite your faith with others who believe as you do, and ask the Lord to work in your favor. Whatever we commit to Him that is in His plan for us, He will do!
 

“Father God, we believe in Your power to do the impossible. Yours is the key.”

For His Glory

 

Luska Natali
TRBC Women’s Life

 

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Posted in Faith, Prayer, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | July 30, 2024

God Glorifying Goals

“Whoever speaks is to do so as one who is speaking actual words of God; whoever serves is to do so as one who is serving by the strength which God supplies; so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belongs the glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.” 1 Peter 4:11

Goals. We’ve all got them. Maybe you’re starting on a career path and have that metaphorical “corner office” in view. Or perhaps your current season is about how you can strategically exit the workforce sooner than later to put your time and energy into grandkids and travel. Some aspirations are physical—weight loss, eating better, race prep. Others are more nebulous: be kinder, serve at church more, pray more fervently. Sometimes, goal setting is much more granular: a work project complete, laundry folded, a whole book read, or ensuring you and your children make it through the day without too much screaming, crying, or blood (wait, maybe that was just me).

At any and all levels, goals are good. But did you know that—for believers—every goal in this life is meant to be undergirded by one primary purpose? We are to glorify God in all things! All things. From our eating (1 Corinthians 10:31) to our suffering (1 Peter 4:16). Let’s explore God’s Word to discover how every goal must be a God-glorifying goal.

Let’s glorify God…

  • In our words and actions (Colossians 3:17; 1 Peter 4:11; 2:12)
  • In our service to others (Matthew 5:16; 1 Peter 4:11)
  • In our eating and drinking (1 Corinthians 10:31)
  • In the way we use our body (1 Corinthians 6:20)
  • In our work (Colossians 3:23)
  • In our giving (2 Corinthians 9:13; Hebrews 13:15-16)
  • In observing creation (Psalm 19:1; Psalm 115:1; Romans 11:36; Revelation 4:11)
  • In seeing other image-bearers of God—including the one in the mirror (Isaiah 43:7; John 13:34-35)
  • In our blessings (Psalm 86:12; Philippians 4:19; James 1:7)
  • In our suffering and trials (Psalm 50: 15; 1 Peter 4:16; James 5:13)
  • In the fruit we bear through the power of the Holy Spirit (John 15:8; Ephesians 3:20-21; Philippians 1:11)
  • In our rescue and the amazing grace of our salvation (2 Timothy 4:18; Revelation 1:4-6)
  • In knowing the Lamb who was slain on our behalf (2 Peter 3:18; Revelation 5:12-13)
  • In God’s coming judgment (Revelation 11:13; 14:7)

So, friend, what are your plans, desires, and ambitions—for this year, this day, this hour? Whatever they are, at its ultimate achievement, will it be God-glorifying? Worth a gut-check, don’t you think? Also, the really cool thing is that placing God’s glory at the center—the foundation—of our goals gives us a deep and beautiful motivation to bring them to fruition. Doing all things for God’s glory may not make said goals easier…but we can step into each of them with a newfound joy of bringing delight and exaltation to our Maker and Redeemer.

“Lord, please forgive me for grieving You in my pursuits of self or things of this world. May all my thoughts, words, and actions bring glory to You!”

For Your Glory

Julianne Winkler Smith
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Encouragement, Hope, Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Living, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | July 29, 2024

Halfway or Total Surrender

“Blessed are those who keep his testimonies, who seek him with their whole heart,” Psalm 119:2 (ESV)

A drenching, rainy Saturday kept me inside doing the things I had put off all summer. Necessary things I’d dismissed for the sake of being outside absorbing some warm sunshine. Chores I had moved down the list because I’d rather enjoy some chill time and a great read. Yet this day, this weekend, the rains poured.

Ever the list maker, I was moving at a fast speed to get the most accomplished and almost missed it. I just happened to look out my kitchen window when the big, orange FedEx truck rolled into our driveway. Just as the downpour really began to pour down, I grabbed my umbrella and met this bigger than life dude to get our package. With rain dripping off his face, he said, “Thanks for meeting me halfway – have a great day.”

Halfway  – a phrase stuck in my mind. How many things do we undertake in a given day that fall into this category of halfway? It serves us well in the aftermath of disagreements – the perfect compromise each one meeting the other halfway.  A grand gesture when meeting someone for dinner choosing a location convenient to both. Halfway isn’t half bad unless you were created to go all the way.

Sweet friends, we can shortchange spiritual growth when we choose to go halfway. You got it, simply doing enough to get by, checking off our list and meeting our standards. When a task is not what we feel we should be doing, we are tempted to complete it halfway since it was obviously below our pay grade. If serving in the soup kitchen garners no accolades, we might choose to skimp, serve halfheartedly. After all, no one is watching, right?

Don’t know about you, but I’m so thankful our God doesn’t do anything halfway. Every word He spoke in creation was good and when He got to us, well that was very good!!!  And we the very ones formed in His image have often settled for less. Regardless, God pursues us wholeheartedly. He never gives up. The work He began in us, He promises to bring to completion. The moments when we run as far away as we can from Him, God chooses to pursue us with an everlasting love. He doesn’t stop simply because we aren’t moving towards Him. God’s love never ceases even when we dismiss His presence.

Flip through the pages of the New Testament and we’ll find that Jesus (Son of God) perfectly exemplifies His Father’s heart. When faced with temptation in the wilderness. Jesus went all the way defying Satan’s plan. When the crowds ridiculed and questioned His authority, Jesus never cowered but stood steadfast on the truth of God’s word. As the hardest moments of His time on earth drew near, Jesus went all the way to the cross laying down His life to redeem our souls. And on Easter morning, the empty tomb unveiled our Risen Savior who went all the way just for you and me.

What is God asking us to do today? Are we tempted to minimize the journey and only go halfway or are we all in totally surrendered to the Father’s plan? The choice is up to us. Halfway can birth regret, yet all the way invites an amazing journey we will never forget.

“Father, the temptation is to do just enough, to love just enough to obey just enough and to settle for less. Help us to wholeheartedly serve and obey You regardless of who is watching.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

 

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Posted in Encouragement, Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | July 26, 2024

Avoiding Repeat…Offering A New Song

“He put a new song in my mouth a song of praise to our God. Many will see and fear and put their trust in the Lord.” Psalm 40:3 (ESV)

I could recite those words perfectly. Why? They had been blaring out my car stereo for weeks. Ever been there when your fave song hits the air? Yes, I can totally surround my ears with the sound of the same – familiar fits for quite a while but eventually, I’m ready for another beat.

Wonder if the song we’ve been singing to God needs a refreshing uplift? Easy to zone into the same “Woe is me” tune. Don’t even have to concentrate to blare out the “Why me, Lord” discourse. And what about those moments when we stay on repeat for days, weeks, or months settling for “What’s in it for me” or “Do You really love me?” An old song left in the past, lost in the present or overwhelmed by the future – not exactly what God longs to hear.

Psalm 40 echoes sweet words from a shepherd boy who became King. David’s heart of worship desired to offer God a new song not simply a repeat. Lyrics richly embedded in thankfulness and gratitude. Rhythmic beats from a heart of devotion. Tunes God hadn’t heard before but definitely ones He passionately loved.

So what’s the song we’ve been singing? Are we stuck on repeat totally satisfied with the melody flowing from our hearts? Don’t know about you, but I can hum that “Woe is me” tune nonstop. And when life gets tough, challenging and hard, we are definitely tempted to resound “Do You really love me?”

What’s a girl to do?

Cultivating a heart of gratitude and contentment with our God’s sovereign plan naturally orchestrates the most glorious song. The One who loves to hear our voice equally loves new. Flourishing, growing, deepening our relationship with Him guarantees our song won’t be the same old tune we’ve sung time and time again. Newness is His signature trademark – stagnant repeat isn’t. With our eyes fixed on the inexhaustible character of our God, our song will ignite our deepest melody. And for those who are blessed to hear about our incredible God, they will desire to know the One whose praise is forever on our lips.

“Father, I’m coming back to a heart of worship – bringing a new song I’ve never sung before and it’s all about You.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

 

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Posted in Attitude, Encouragement, Faith, Gratitude, Hope, Worship

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | July 25, 2024

A Promise Kept

“I have placed my rainbow in the clouds. It is the sign of my permanent promise to you and to all the earth.” Genesis 9:13 (NLT)

Remember as little children peering up to an expansive baby blue sky on a beautiful, clear day and playing “cloud Pictionary?” Pointing out a particular cloud and tracing it with our finger showing our friends how that specific cloud looked like an animal, shape or thing. Dismayed when your friend couldn’t make out the same characteristics your eyes had discovered.

Huge, fluffy, white puffs of “cotton candy” floating in the sky on a canvas of the prettiest blue. Clouds intrigue me! The other day as I was driving, I couldn’t wait for a red light so I could stop and take in their beauty. It seemed the clouds were at the tips of my fingers, as if I could have plucked one right out of the sky. However, clouds are not always pleasant shapes of white fluff, but dark menacing masses of condensed water vapor ready to release thousands of gallons of water with a clap of thunder and a streak of lightening. Clouds usually tell if a storm is on the horizon when they cast dark shadows on the earth and hide the sun.

Unfortunately, we will experience storms of life, but as with storms of nature after the fury passes be looking for that spectacular rainbow following the storm God has brought us through. A glorious, breathtaking visual covenant adorning the skyline. An arch of seven colors caused by rays of light from the once hidden sun dancing off water droplets decorating the sky. A spectrum of color displaying the permanent promise from God. A promissory note stretched across the wide blue yonder illuminating the words “I promise.”

A prominent exhibit for the whole world to see. A reminder to all creation that God is a Promise Keeper. To see a rainbow, you have to experience the storm and when the storms of life rage; God is our calm in the eye of the storm. We can be confident just beyond the turbulence of life there is a rainbow colored with His love and His promises.

For His Glory

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

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Posted in Encouragement, Gratitude, Hope, Spiritual Growth

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