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

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | September 2, 2024

Why Unity Is Crucial

“And all who believed were together and had all things in common.”  Acts 2:44 (ESV

Don’t know if your vacation is like ours, but the fridge is the happening place. As our group starts to arrive at our beach destination, the once empty fridge  is filled to overflowing. Community food it’s deemed – whether you brought it or not we share it all.  No this is mine and that is yours. We gladly share because it all belongs to all of us.

Wouldn’t it be absolutely wonderful if our world resembled the same mindset every day. Instead of clinging and claiming our stuff only, we’d be more other focused. Rather than seek what serves us best, we’d have a perspective of what serves us all better.

The followers of Jesus who comprised the early church, did this so well. All who placed their faith and trust in Jesus received the gift of the Holy Spirit. Their lives were forever changed, and what exactly did that look like?

  • The spiritual fruit produced in them was evident to all by their actions towards one another.
  • Their hearts were eager to learn pivotal truths from the word of God.
  • They desired to obey and grow in their faith.
  • Fellowship (community) quickly developed.
  • Believers worshipped together, broke bread together and prayed together.
  • Unity tied the knot and empowered them to live out their faith with one another all for the glory of God.

No “me” agenda defined this group of early followers. Those who had plenty willingly shared with those who were in need (Acts 2:45).  An attitude of thankfulness, gratitude and joy characterized their mindset and was reflected in their actions (Acts 2:47). And the beauty unfolded as they shared and demonstrated their faith with others – day by day souls were saved.

Sweet friends, we could really learn a lot by meditating on, praying over and exemplifying the early church in our world today. Disunity often defines us, especially as we approach an election year. Social media offers anyone a platform; we can choose to glorify self and our personal convictions or we can choose to glorify God and draw others to Him. Satan loves division and “self-focus” rather than “other focus.”  Speaking God’s truth with love, gentleness and grace always serves us and others well. How we love others will either draw them in or drive them away (John 13:34-35).

2024 church how are we doing? Do we eagerly seek out opportunities to gather together to learn, grow and worship together? Is our obedience dependent on what works for us or what God commands? Would we rather do life solo or experience the beauty of fellowship designed by our Creator God? What spiritual fruit is exhibited in our lives and evident to all?

Definitely thought provoking and convicting. Regardless of our answers to the above, we can all choose this day to pattern our lives after the early followers of Jesus. To be completely sold out to loving Him, obeying Him and surrendering our lives to the control of the Holy Spirit.

“Father, when we are tempted to be “self-consumed” remind us that You desire for us to be surrendered to the leading of the Holy Spirit who unifies the body of Christ.”

For His Glory

 

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | August 30, 2024

Avoiding The Sting of Regret

“My Father is glorified by this; that you produce much fruit and prove to be my disciples.” John 15:8 (HCSB)

Ever found yourself thrust into a pivot place of leadership? Perhaps we never desired nor envisioned this spot. Yet, we found ourselves left in charge because no one else would pick up the mantel. It’s an intimidating place to be, full of possibilities when we are totally out of our comfort zone.

Missing those opportunities to step out of the box have always left me with lots of what ifs and regrets. It is so easy to disqualify ourselves and sit this one out rather than trust the One who orchestrated this chapter of our life. Releasing the possibility of being stretched is comforting in the moment, until we look back and wonder “if only.”

Love the way scripture reminds us that great leaders didn’t always feel qualified to do the job. Love the call on Moses’ life to lead the Israelites into freedom (Exodus 3:11). Thankful for words recorded that reveal his doubts, fears and longing to resist. Compelled by Esther’s courage and strength to rise up and plead for the lives of her people (Esther 4:14). Intrigued with her wisdom, discernment and dependence on God. Challenged by David’s fearless and passionate desire to stand against Goliath who ridiculed his God. Convicted by his respect of a king who sought to take his own life (I Samuel 18:12). Despite who they thought they were not, these and many more chose to seize the opportunity, pick up the mantel and step out into the unknown.

Wonder what God is asking us to do? Is He desiring a season of stretching, depending and trusting that will significantly move us away from comfort? Is He offering us something we never desired or imagined would be possible? Don’t know about you sweet friend, but I don’t want to miss His callings. I don’t want to ignore His voice or excuse away my weaknesses. The land of regret is definitely not my happy place.

So, let’s lean in and linger longer. Tuning our ears to hear His voice takes practice – daily practice. It means quieting our voice so we can hear what He is saying. And then obeying even if it means we don’t feel qualified and we’re swimming in fear. Whatever God asks us to do, He has already equipped us to pursue. Let’s not cherish the land of regret simply because we’re zeroing in on us instead of Him.

“Sweet Jesus, You promise to complete Your work in each of us. Help us to boldly pursue Your calling on our lives and enjoy the thrill of obedience rather than the sting of regret.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

 

 

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | August 29, 2024

Train Them Well

feb-23“I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will guide you with My eye.”  Psalm 32:8 (NIV)

For the mommas out there: do you remember the first time your child climbed on the school bus to make the seemingly longest-trip-ever without you? If you were anything like me, you probably stood there watching your baby climb the steps and find her seat before the bus slowly took off. You tried to be brave enough to not run after that bus screaming for it to stop, while tears streamed down your face. And guess what? Your child was fine! She was not crying or scared because you prepared her for that day, by telling her the positive, fun and rewarding attributes of being in school, which included making new friends.

As I dust off the cobwebs from memories from nearly 30 years ago, I remember my son arriving at home at the end of the day waving a colorful red paper folder.  It would be filled with pictures he had colored at school, numbers he had traced, a personalized bus-shaped tag containing his bus number, to be used each time he climbed on the school bus, and a note from his teacher. He was overjoyed. Ecstatic. And he was absolutely excited about getting back on that school bus and heading back to his classroom, where his desk also displayed his name. I cried again (yes, you bet!). Our minds are so fruitful! From my baby’s report of how his FIRST day of school went, I could already envision his graduation day eighteen years later; my baby, the scholar!

The Lord promises to guide us and to teach us in the way we should go, and we are spurred on to train our children on the right path. If we do that – instruct them, train them in the way they should go – we have positioned them to be all right. And though our physical eyes may not always see where they plant their feet, our hearts will always be connected.

 

“Lord, may we never wander away from Your instruction or from Your path. And Father, please equip us to be good teachers and role models to our children.”

For His Glory

Luska Natali
TRBC Women’s Life

 

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | August 28, 2024

My Friend, You are Seen & You Are Known

“Then she (Hagar) called the name of the Lord who spoke to her, You-Are-the-God-Who-Sees; for she said, “Have I also here seen Him who sees me?”  Genesis 16:13 (NJKV)

You may have heard of Abraham, the Father of Israel. He was married to Sarah, and Sarah had a slave from Egypt, named Hagar. As the story goes, God promised Abraham a son, an heir to his fortune and one that would bring about the nation of Israel. Abraham and Sarah waited…and waited…and waited. No son came and they were getting older. Sarah came up with a grand plan. She decided she would give Hagar, her slave, to her husband and she would act as a surrogate and have a baby for them. Which is exactly what ended up happening and Hagar did conceive.

After Hagar confirmed she was expecting, that pointed to the fact that Abraham could have children and Sarah could not. Hagar gloated, “looked down on her mistress” (Genesis 16:4 Message) and did not treat Sarah kindly. Sarah complained to Abraham and Abraham told Sarah to do what she wanted with Hagar. Scripture tells us that Sarah retaliated and treated Hagar with harshness. According to the Message, Genesis 16:6 states that, “Sarai was abusive to Hagar and Hagar ran away.”

Let’s pause and take a look at Hagar. She was an Egyptian slave, now living in the land of Canaan. She would have been bought or bartered for. She had no say in her own life. She was forced to sleep with an 84 year old man, and found herself pregnant and being mistreated. She had no power, no status, and nobody in her corner.

Genesis 16:7 states that after Hagar ran away, “The angel of the Lord found Hagar…. The angel said to her, “Hagar, Sarai’s servant, where have you come from and where are you going?”

Notice the angel of God called her by name. He saw her, He knew her despair and pain, and He spoke to her with kindness. Genesis 16:13 tells us that she answered God by name, praying to the God who spoke to her, “You’re the God who sees me! Yes, He saw me, and then I saw Him!”

Hagar was the first person to be visited by an angel, the only person to give God a name, and the first single mom (mentioned in scripture). And God saw her right where she was.

“My Heavenly Father, please help me not to accept the lies of this world, that I am unimportant or not known. Please help me to truly believe that You, The Only True God, created me, sees me, and knows me by name and rest in the fact that You adore me as Your precious creation.”

 

For His Glory

Terrie Tollerson
TRBC Women’s Life

 

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | August 27, 2024

Losing Heart

“Therefore, we do not lose heart, but though our outer person is decaying, yet our inner person is being renewed day by day. For our momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison, while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal.” 2 Corinthians 4:16-18

In meditating on these verses from the Apostle Paul in his second letter to the Corinthians, I just love the way it speaks to those of us for whom “outer decay” is a real thing. As my fifth decade marches on (much to my chagrin), it’s actually easier to focus on my daily spiritual renewal—my sanctification journey toward home. When I reluctantly catch my reflection that does not match what my brain thinks I should see, the confident hope of my perfect heavenly body springs up. I can also look around at the utter madness of our clown world, where right is wrong, up is down, and brokenness seems to be the norm, and I know with certainty that all this is temporal. Eternal sin-free bliss awaits for those of us whose Savior and Lord is Jesus.

But in the past 48 hours of writing this, Paul’s words have been twisted for me in a way that—I hope and pray—will further deepen my faith. Especially as I anchor myself in the other promises of God written in His Word. Let me explain.

See, one of the persistent vulnerabilities through my life has been my weight/food/body. Throughout various seasons of the past, oh 40 years, I’ve been obsessed with eating “right” (i.e., to lose weight) and extremely rigid about exercise, and my day can be made or utterly ruined over the number on the scale. No matter what my husband says, my mirrors all shout, “You’re such a cow.” Again, I say all this to be really real.

When I surrendered to Jesus at age 30, He freed me from so much—many things markedly changed immediately, and other transformational refinements happened (and continue to) over time. Including this body dysmorphic, food/exercise idolatry of mine. I have had seasons of rest from this battle—usually when the Lord forces my hand (or a leg) with a reminder that He alone deserves the throne of my life. But the world, my own sinful flesh, and Satan find ways to hiss in my ear about it all…incessantly whispering that the outer-self matters, regardless of one’s inner sanctification or closeness to the Lord. So, like all of us, whatever our distinctive battlefront may be, I fight. I study God’s Word, I stay connected with my church family, and I serve.

But, given a recent (and truly ironic) diagnosis and lifelong pivot I’m facing, I sit here now losing heart. To Paul’s words in 2 Corinthians 4:16, I shake my head in doubt and discouragement. All my efforts to take care of my bodily health—no sugar, no processed foods, no alcohol, no smoking, etc.—have been revealed as irrelevant in many ways. See, my interior is literally decaying. There are immediate, short-term treatments I must do (which have their own additional problems), and then there will be long-term life-altering changes for me (which I cannot wrap my head around right now). Praise the Lord, these are not life-threatening—and I know those same scans could have found cancer but did not…however, in my decades-long battle-of-the-body, this new war zone seems paralyzing. Satan is pointing at my health disciplines with mocking laughter and condemnation. Much like Satan’s words to Eve in the Garden, “Did God really say…?”, as well as his maniacal effort to tempt Jesus in the desert by twisting Scripture (which Jesus wrote!), he’s pointing to God’s promises and hissing, “See, Julianne, God’s lying about your ‘inner person being renewed’—you’re decaying outside and inside! And the verses may say that your affliction is ‘light and momentary’, but you’re in pain now, and the suffering is just going to continue! Ha!” It’s so easy to listen and believe the lies, to give into despair. To lose heart.

So, I’m dragging this into the light. Right now. And, sweet friend, whatever Satan, this broken world, or your own fleshly patterns are dogging you about, join me in the confrontation—drag it into the light too. Let’s take out our Sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God (Ephesians 6:17), and start an offensive attack (I Peter 1:6-7, Romans 5:3-5, Isaiah 43:1-3 and Isaiah 26:3).

“Lord, You are always good, regardless of my circumstances. I cling to Your steadfast promises. I run into the shelter of Your love. And I grab the Truths of Your Word and fight…strengthen me in this battle. “

 For His Glory

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

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