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“Lead me in your truth and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; for you I wait all the day long.” Psalm 25:5 (ESV)

How could tweaking my workout create such pain? I’m an avid fan of exercise and yes, it’s a daily part of my routine. But several months ago, I decided to forego some squats and lunges for more cardio which I love. Heading into Spring, I opted to carve in more time for those hated squats and lunges. End result, my legs don’t want to bend.  The very thought of reaching to pick up something off the floor, like my dropped keys, makes me cringe. Lesson learned keep up those squats – the payoff is absolutely worth it.

The giving up of something in exchange for more desired things can serve us well. Yet there are many times when our exclusion of what we don’t want to do doesn’t’ serve us well. I’m a spring/summer girl at heart so warm weather calls me to any outdoor activities. And with Bible Study finished for the semester it can be easy to read a few verses and say a short prayer. Our minds can ease into vacation mode with the promise of getting back on track when September rolls around.

Sounds like a plan yes? One major problem. Shortchanging our time with God eventually shows up negatively in our thoughts, actions and words. No legalistic routine shaming here. Just simple truth. When I breeze in for a few verses, I miss beautiful moments savoring God’s word. Learning more about His character and how to reflect His image requires time, study and reflection. And the testimony of people sprinkled throughout the pages of scripture teaches us pivotal life lessons. It’s the very essence of spiritual growth my soul needs in a world filled with compromises and excuses.

Best plan of action is to come up with a plan – one that is guaranteed to invigorate our souls and alleviate excuses. Here’s a few ideas:

1. Enjoy prayer walks through your neighborhood or at a park.
2. Gather with one or two friends weekly to study scripture or simply share what God is teaching you
3. Choose a book of the Bible to read – one you haven’t focused on before.
4. Take advantage of podcasts from trusted teachers
5. Grab your Bible, pen and paper and head outdoors for your study time
6. Steal away some alone time on vacation and breathe in deep of God’s goodness, gentleness and faithfulness – jot your gratitude down in a journal
7. Write out and unpack a scripture verse every day
8. Zero in on Sunday’s sermon – dive in and allow God to unveil deep truths
9. Saturate your day with worship music and allow God’s Spirit to fill your soul
10. Fall in love with Jesus all over again, love God’s word and cherish time in His presence

What an incredible summer we have to flourish, stretch and grow as we put into practice incredible truths from God’s word. Amazing moments to listen intently and obey God’s gentle voice as He leads us – the payoff is absolutely worth it.

“Father what a gift to be able to draw near as You refresh our souls and teach us how to be more like You. Make this summer one we will never forget. Ignite a love in our hearts for You that will never grow cold.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

“Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.” Colossians 4:6

If you Google the origins of “salty talk”, you’ll be led to the 1800s and the crass language of sailors in that day. This seafaring definition even evolved from crude speech to angry outbursts. In today’s current slang, someone is “salty” when they verbally react with some mix of anger, resentment, bitterness, or irritation.

But the true root of “salty” speech goes back to the first century—and its definition was entirely different. Jesus Himself urges us to be salt and light (Matthew 5:13-16), to live in a way that represents the Lord and points others to God’s glory. It is the Apostle Paul, however, who focuses on our words, exhorting us to use salty talk. (Well, to be fair, it was almost 1000 years prior to that when the Psalmists and King Solomon wrote a lot about the ways we should and shouldn’t talk—see Psalm 141:3; 12:3-4; 34:13 and Proverbs 8:13, 21; 15:1 just to start—but it was Paul who coined the “salty” expression.)

So, what does it mean to be gracious and season our speech with salt (Colossians 4:6)? Well, we know that salt purifies, prevents corruption, and adds pleasant flavors. These aspects set a solid foundation. In his letter to the Ephesians, Paul actually gives us some specific applications. First, we’re to speak truth in love—just like Jesus. And the more we grasp and practice love-plus-truth communication, the more we become like Him (Ephesians 4:15). And we need to edify, or build up, others—no need for dishonest, demeaning, or undignified talk (v29). Our words must also be kind, tender, and forgiving (again, reflecting Christ), while we avoid bitter, angry, and disparaging talk (vs 31-32).

The way Paul equates “salt” with “grace” is truly the best indication of how we, as believers, must use our words. It is by grace, through faith in Christ, that we are saved—getting what we don’t deserve because God loves us so much. And we’re called to love others like God loves us (John 13:34)…with outrageous grace! Sometimes it’s hard to speak truth, life, and grace. For sure. But salting our words is a simple and profound way to extend grace to others (yes, even when it’s undeserved…kind of like when God extended His grace to us).

So, although our culture defines “salty talk” according to the darkness, bitterness, and clamor of this earth, let’s take back Paul’s original meaning…and flavor our world with grace.

“Lord, my words matter. A lot. May my words be salty in a way to please You and give You glory…most importantly, pointing others to Your amazing grace.”

For His Glory

Julianne Winkler Smith
TRBC Women’s Life

“Many women have done excellently, but you surpass them all. Give her of the fruit of her hands and let her works praise her in the gates.” Proverbs 31:29,31 (ESV)

It simply started as a tiny little shoot – actually an infant rose – spreading roots deep into the soil. Now this wasn’t just an ordinary flower beginning to flourish and grow. My mom started the process from her own rose bush and now several years later mine is blooming in abundance. Every time, I come down our sidewalk, I smell the deep aroma and see the beauty of all those buds opening. Sweet reminder of my Mom’s fragrant love for her children and grandchildren. She has the biggest heart ever. Grateful and blessed by the legacy of a godly mother.

Amazing how quickly time evolves, and we find ourselves mothers, grandmothers or spiritual mentors. Whether we have physical children or not, God created us to nurture the lives of others. I have three children: two in Heaven and one on earth. My dreams of a large family looks totally different than I ever imagined. Perhaps yours does too. However, some of the greatest blessings of my life have been the spiritual children God has brought into my path. Hugs, encouragement, prayers and a cherished season of celebrating their growth. Wouldn’t trade a moment with any of them.

Spiritual motherhood is an incredible blessing – a cherished trusting of ones who need guidance, grace and love. An entrusting of dear ones our Lord loves ever so much. An opportunity to sow deep roots of God’s truth and faithfulness encouraging an abundance of growth beyond our comprehension. A chance of a lifetime to pour into those the things God is teaching us. A sweet remembrance of where we have been and how God divinely orchestrated these moments in our life – a fragrant offering.

Who are you nurturing in this season of your life? Maybe little ones gather at your feet and cling tight everywhere you go. Drink deep of those moments. Perhaps your arms are empty longing for just one to hold. Lean into our Savior and realize the beauty of His filling. Regardless of where you are dear friend never forget God desires to use your life in a powerful way to birth His purposes in those who enter our lives.

“Father, You are the Giver of life, the Ordainer of our days and the One who knows exactly what we need. Praising You for transforming empty to full. Praising You for transform lives right before our eyes.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life