Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | July 10, 2024

Always Safe In His Embrace

“He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.” Psalm 91:1 (NIV)

The first two verses in Psalm 91 always make me think of God as someone in whose arms we can always find solace for hard times; the One who wipes our tears away and soothes all our fears. He is our refugee, our fortress, our constant help in times of trouble. No matter what we are faced with, God is there.

In Isaiah 40, God is depicted as a shepherd who gathers His lambs in His arms and carries them close to His heart. Can you envision this picture in your mind? Getting that close to someone else and placing your head on his or her heart; being able to hear that heart beating! Friend, this action would mean that you are very dear to that individual. People don’t allow just anybody to come that close unless they wish to show them that they are loved.

There was a disciple of Jesus who was known for being His beloved. That disciple was named John, and he was known for reclining his head on Jesus’ chest, even though the moment when that happened was not the best one for the Lord. At that moment, Jesus already knew that after sharing that meal with His disciples, He would be betrayed by one of them – by someone He had trusted. Yet, even with all the thoughts that could be haunting His head at that moment, Jesus allowed for His disciple to lean against Him and feel safe and loved.

In this day and age, a “I-Love-You” special moment can be experienced even from afar. Sometimes, it is not feasible for us to actually be with someone during his or her time of need, to physically hold him or her in our embrace. Nonetheless, by staying near through prayer and communication (e.g. phone call, text, mail, etc.) we may bring into others’ hearts a sense of security that they otherwise would not feel. Our loving gesture may feel, to them, just like leaning against their Father’s heart, safely into His embrace.

“Use us, Lord, to spread Your love to others, leading them into Your arms.”

For His Glory

Luska Natali
TRBC Women’s Life

 

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Posted in Encouragement, Hope, Love

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | July 9, 2024

Sermon To Self

“You will make known to me the way of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; In Your right hand there are pleasures forever.” Psalm 16:11

Do you ever send yourself an email or a note on your phone to ensure you remember some idea, to-do, or appointment—or is that just my own aging mind that needs this life hack? Well, lately I’ve needed a bit of reminding on some spiritual stuff, so I thought I’d share this “note to self” with you.

This particular sermonette-to-self is about choosing joy. In the ESV translation of the Bible, “joy”, “rejoice”, or “joyful” appear over 400 times. Joy is not “happy”—happy is about happenings. Joy transcends our circumstances. As believers, we are empowered by the Holy Spirit (not our strength) to experience joy in and in spite of pain and suffering. So, let’s begin with reminders from God’s Word of some joy-filled truths:

  • Psalm 5:11 – “But let all who take refuge in You rejoice; let them ever sing for joy, and spread Your protection over them, that those who love Your name may exult in You.”
  • Nehemiah 8:10 – “Do not be grieved, for the joy of Lord is your strength.”
  • John 15:11 – “These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.”
  • I Peter 1:8-9 – “Though you have not seen Him, you love Him. Though you do not now see Him, you believe in Him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.”
  • Romans 15:13 – “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you abound in hope.”

Friend, joy is commanded throughout the Old Testament [Be glad in the Lord, and rejoice, O righteous, and shout for joy, all you upright in heart! (Psalm 32:11)] and the New Testament [Rejoice in the Lord always, again I will say, rejoice” (Philippians 4:4)]. We’re to count suffering for the Lord as joy (James 1:2-3). Like Jesus, we’re to endure the distress, grief, and sorrow of this life for the joy before us (Hebrews 12:2). We’re to share joy with others by rejoicing with those who rejoice (Romans 12:15). And we’re to know that God finds joy in us (Zephaniah 3:17)—that truth alone is a mic drop.

But the most powerful motivation for choosing joy is our salvation—we were dead and now we’re alive in Christ! We can rejoice in the now because of God’s grace toward us in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us (Romans 5:8). And we rejoice in the hope of our glorified future in heaven. In the madness of this world, the battle against the sinful desires of our flesh, and the constant lies of the enemy, we must hold fast to the fact that Jesus is victorious over it all. And, although the battle is constant, we’re fighting from that victory—not for it. So, circling back to Psalm 16, we find our “how” to joy: “In God’s presence is the fullness joy; in Your right hand there are pleasures forever.” We must abide in the Lord, keeping our eyes on Him—and on the One to His right…the exalted Christ.

The current cultural divisiveness, political vitriol, and economic stresses can make embracing joy a challenge (especially if you consume the news or social media). So, it’s absolutely vital that you and I remind ourselves—every single day—that the Lord has created us to be joyful in all circumstances. And He’s given us the indwelt power of the Holy Spirit to make that a reality.

“Lord, may I keep my eyes upon Your heavenly throne, upon Jesus who has given me joy unspeakable through His victory over sin and death. In Your amazing grace and truth, may I always choose joy.”

For His Glory

Julianne Winkler Smith
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Encouragement, Hope, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | July 8, 2024

God’s Unchanging Character

“Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice!” I Chronicles 16:10 (ESV)

We, sweet friends, are choosers.  Getting what we want reigns high most days.  We want options, variety and the right to decide which one works best for us today – not tomorrow – just simply today. And there are lots of things we get to choose, right?  Shoes are a girl’s best friend, especially when they come in lots of colors, styles (heels, flats) ease or just look pretty (comfort out the window).  If we’re hiking, we will definitely forego the heels.  If we are going to a wedding, we will definitely trump comfort.  I think you get the idea…choosers are selective, even manipulative in getting what they want.

Real question here is what happens when we don’t get what we want?  Yes, we’ve all landed there, haven’t we?  Sometimes, we will avoid the obvious, not our choice, and keep searching for something else to satisfy.  Other times, we get frustrated and whine for days.  Sometimes, we kick and scream demanding what we want – that isn’t pretty – but we’ve done it.

While our choice of shoes, coffee or clothes aren’t game changers, God’s character is uncompromising.  All too often, we land in this place of choosing what version of God serves us well in the moment.  We love God’s grace in the aftermath of wrong actions.  We gravitate towards God’s patience and long suffering when we fail to obey Him.  We cherish His peace despite the chaos we’ve created for ourselves and others.  And when someone else wrongs us, oh yes, we claim God’s holiness and justice.

One glaring, big problem here – we can’t be choosers when it comes to God’s character.  We can’t simply decide He’s holy but doesn’t judge sin. We can’t regulate His grace to excuse our wrong actions.  We can’t pick a version of God that fits our agenda or our present circumstances.  God isn’t one dimensional – He is all dimensional. His character is flawless, perfect and all encompassing.  God is faithful, trustworthy, just, fair, righteous, loving, holy, long-suffering, grace-filled, all knowing, all seeing, all powerful ….and that sweet friends is just a little of who our God is. Perfectly in balance, He acts in the culmination of all aspects of His character to fulfill His purposes and agenda.

Choosers will wrestle here because we’d rather welcome the God who rescues, redeems and restores than the One who disciplines, corrects and allows consequences.  Yet out of the depths of God’s great love, He chooses exactly what is required to birth growth and transformation in us.  We can totally trust God to be and act consistent with His character at all times.

From Genesis to Revelation, we see the steadfast, unmovable character of God unfold page by page. He is the same God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob as He is today – nothing has changed.  So in those moments when our chooser mentality rises to the surface and we’re hand picking an aspect of God’s character to fit our agenda, let’s remember He encompasses it all perfectly.  Our God knows what is best and what will serve us well so we can glorify His name.

“Father help us to read Your word with a fresh lens of seeing Your character and the way You interact with all people. Teach us to have a balanced view of who You are and not selectively choose what suits us at the moment.”

 

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Hope, Spiritual Living

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

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