Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | April 24, 2024

When Appearances Are Deceiving

“He looked David over and saw that he was only a boy, ruddy and handsome, and he despised him.” 1 Samuel 17:42 (NIV)

“Don’t judge a book by its cover.” I cannot say how many times I have heard this saying, but I am sure it has been many. Yet, sometimes I have done exactly what it says not to do. Isn’t it how things are, though? We look at something – or someone – that is placed in front of us and we are quick to cast our judgment, in spite of not being a connoisseur of the subject in its fullness. We simply place ourselves on the throne of our own glory, point out our prideful scepter, and vomit our words as if we were the most important and the most knowledgeable member of the royalty from the kingdom of nowhere.

I have a good example of what being judgmental can do to a person – or a people. When the Philistines and the Israelites assembled for battle around the Valley of Elah, King Saul gathered the most valiant warriors in Israel to fight the Philistines. There was a small detail though. No, I need to rephrase that, because that “detail” was anything but “small.” That detail had a name: Goliath.

Goliath was a warrior for the Philistines, and he was a man of great height – almost a giant. His armor was made of bronze and was very heavy and secure. Besides dressing in strong armor, Goliath was also dressed in hate, pride, and arrogance. So, when shepherd boy David showed up wearing his shepherd clothes and holding just a sling and five river stones in his hand, that giant and his fellow men mocked him. Goliath assumed that the battle was already over, because, in his view, there was no way on earth that young David could defeat him without a “real” weapon.

Friends, the outcome in this story was not what people would’ve imagined, wouldn’t you agree? We all know what happened to that warrior. It only took one small pebble to hit him between the eyes, and he was a goner, a dead giant, and a carcass in a field. David was just a boy, but he was fighting for the One who can do all things, fight our battles for us, and who will never leave or forsake us. Definitely an exciting “book!”

“God, help us to see others as You see them. Strip us from our pride, Lord.”

For His Glory

Luska Natali
TRBC Women’s Life

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | April 23, 2024

Dress For Success

“So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience; bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so must you do also. In addition to all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity.” Colossians 3:12-14

Showing my Gen X colors here, but there was a time when “dress for success” was a thing. Going to work meant putting on a suit and tie or fitted skirt and crisp blouse. The idea was that you dressed sharp to display a positive attitude of competence and ambition. We dressed for the position we wanted, staying goal-focused in thought, word, and action. You could say that, generally, the workforce dressed to reflect their professional calling and personal aspirations.

As the Apostle Paul exhorts believers, he’s very adamant that we dress for success—taking off the offensive clothes that reek of our old sin-loving self and former ways to put on ones that reflect our new identity in Christ. See, we’re made new in our salvation, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness (Ephesians 4:17-24), so we can’t possibly put on Christ (Galatians 3:27) when we’re still wrapped up in filthiness.

What clothing items do we need to remove, exactly? According to Paul’s respective letters to the Colossians (chapter 3) and Ephesians (chapter 4), these include: lying, stealing, obscene talk, bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, slander, and malice. (Um, ouch.) Once we put those clothes in the trash (don’t even think about donating them!), what is Paul’s “what-to-wear” wardrobe advice?

We are to put on truth, compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, forgiveness, patience. And you know how every outfit needs that one element that pulls it all together—a great jacket, for instance? Paul has similar instructions for our Christlike ensemble: “And above all these, put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony (Colossians 3:14).

Friend, this wardrobe transformation can be tough, as those old familiar clothes can be really comfy (even though they offend others). And it’s tempting to pull an item or two out of the garbage. But when we surrender our lives to Jesus, we get our own personal shopper, so to speak—the Holy Spirit residing in us, who gladly empowers us to dress in accordance with who we are in Christ (not were). Will we be perfect this side of heaven? Nope. But we can clothe ourselves in a way that reflects our true calling, our ultimate glorious ambition. Every single day let’s wake up and dress for success.

“Heavenly Father, thank You for making me new in Christ, holy and beloved! May I daily put on a wardrobe that reflects Your love, forgiveness, and grace.”

For His Glory

Julianne Winkler Smith
TRBC Women’s Life

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | April 22, 2024

Words of Life

“I will proclaim the name of the Lord, Oh, praise the greatness of our God!”  Deuteronomy 32:3 (ESV)

Nothing touches the soul quite like music.  The rhythmic beat of joy keeps us on our feet.  Glorious words of adoration and worship propelling lifted hands high in awe and wonder of our God. Lyrics echo from our lips spontaneously after we hit replay over and over again – embedded in our hearts and minds.

While music engages us it can also serve as great teachers reminding us of God’s faithfulness and truths from His word.  And my fave is to hear the story behind a song – what compelled the writer to compose such impactful lyrics.

Deuteronomy 31 invites us into a pivotal backstory when God gave Moses a song to write down for the Children of Israel.  Moses’ death was drawing near, and the words God gave him were to testify against the Israelites. Knowing the hearts of His people, God was fully aware of their tendency to follow after other gods.   He knew once they stepped foot into the abundance of the Promised Land, they would reject the one true God.

Wow, not exactly the song we’d long to hear right?  Yet Moses gathered the people and recited the words from beginning to end.  We can find God’s lyrics in Deuteronomy 32.  The opening stanzas rehearse the faithfulness and glory of God’s character.  However, the preceding verses unpack the heartbreak of a people who would forget their Creator and pursue lesser gods.  The devastation, wounding and utter demise would follow the Israelites if they didn’t forsake all others and return to God.

When Moses concluded God’s song, I would picture a holy hush over the land. I would imagine stillness as Moses spoke, “Take heart all the words I have solemnly declared to you this day so that you may command your children to obey carefully all the words of this law.”  No idle lyrics – just a profound caution  – God’s words of life.

The Israelites beginning as God’s chosen people didn’t prevent them from choosing disobedience and the pricetag God detailed would be high.  The same is true for us today.  God’s character is unchanging.  His holiness can’t excuse sin.  His righteousness demands justice.  Like the Israelites, we often cling to our God in moments of despair and hardship yet abandon Him when our life is full. We seek other pleasures and dismiss the safety of His laws which form a shield of protection around us.

If God were writing a song today, I wonder what His lyrics would convey about our tendencies to slip into sin and lose sight of His glory.  Would we hit replay over and over again so we wouldn’t forget His truths or would we simply switch to another song better suited to what we want to hear?

Sweet friends, we too would be wise to heed the wisdom of God’s song.  Remembering His character and integrity.  Shouting aloud the glories and wonder of His name so our enemies would cower in fear.  There is no god like our God and He longs for us to cherish His words.  Transforming words intended to birth life instead of death.  What will we choose?

“Father, You lovingly instruct us and warn us of the dangers of pursuing lesser gods which will never serve us well.  May the song of Your heart ever remind us of Your deep abiding love which seeks to position us for Your best.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | April 19, 2024

Why Just A Sliver Really Matters

“Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin! Psalm 51:2 (ESV)

Just one step out of the shower and I felt extreme pain in my heel. Immediately lifting my right foot off the floor, the pain ceased. So I attempted to walk again, but the pain returned the exact moment I placed my foot on the floor. Maneuvering to the edge of the tub, I examined my heel and felt a sliver of something sharp penetrating my heel. It was so tiny; I couldn’t even get a grasp on it to pull it out.

My first thought was, I need to wake up my husband (who had gotten home early morning from traveling). He could definitely help me, so I could finish getting ready for work. But I just didn’t have the heart to do that so I came up with Plan B.  Hobbling over to the sink, I brushed my teeth, dried my hair and put on my face – all while balancing on one foot. While this was quite an accomplishment let me just say it was tricky.  My balance was off as I swayed back and forth, and my one foot on the floor was tired of carrying all my weight. Plan B wasn’t working out too well in the long term.

As a last resort, I sat back down and tried once again to pull this shiny sliver of something out of my heel.  With breathless prayers and determination, I finally pulled out a sharp piece of metal. How could something so tiny create so much pain?

Ignoring even a sliver of a foreign substance can create devastating consequences. My imbalance could have caused me to fall. I definitely couldn’t have managed my entire day hobbling on one foot. Enduring the pain would have caused the metal to lodge further into my heel which could have led to an infection.

Sweet friends isn’t this the way of sin – just a tiny sliver of wrong creates a lot of pain and regret. Our choices big or small carry consequences and it’s not just regulated to us. Those we love are greatly impacted by our indulgence of even a sliver of compromises left unchecked. And the more we hobble around bearing the weight of our sin, the higher the consequences and the easier it is to give in to temptation.

Reality is no Plan B will work – we have to default to God’s Plan A:  Confess, Repent & Turn. Our God full of love, grace and mercy longs for us to pluck out the sliver quickly. To dislodge what is hindering our walk – the real walk revealing our actions and not just our talk. He wants us to examine our hearts and then seek His examination to reveal even a sliver of wrong thinking. Unchecked and undetected sin never resolves itself. We have to be intentional because even a sliver really matters.

Simply put, we get to choose – you and I can quickly pluck out the sliver or reap the consequences.

Don’t know about you, but I would much rather avoid pain than nurse it. I’d rather avoid the consequences than endure the fruit of my poor choices. And when it comes to those I love, I’d much rather honor God than create heartache for others.

“Father, search our hearts and show us if even a sliver of sin is sitting at our door. Helping us to confession, repent and turn quickly so we can walk in Your grace and forgiveness.”

 

For His Glory

 

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

 

Join us for In Beauty and Glory Conference this Friday (April 19) night at TRBC. No registration fee – just click on the link so we know you are coming. Excited to share this night with each of you – feel free to tell your friends – you don’t want to miss it.
Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | April 18, 2024

Loves Warning

“I (Jesus) have told you these things to keep you from stumbling.” John 16:1 (CSB)

At a resort that I managed in the tourist area of Central Florida, there was a large common area bordered by timeshare condominiums. We had a large pool, a shuffleboard court, and a children’s playground area. There was also a grassy area under a spreading oak tree with two picnic tables. The head of maintenance was skilled at construction, so I asked him to build a brick barbecue pit with a gas grill. It was a big, beautiful grill where families could have outdoor picnics, and it was popular with the guests. To be safe, I had a red plastic sign attached with instructions for using the grill, should someone inexperienced not know how to use it properly.

It was a big hit until the day a guest came into my office with very pink skin and his eyebrows singed off. I was horrified. It was hard to make out his explanation since he couldn’t emphasize enough that it was all my fault. He had gone outside to the grill to cook his burgers the evening before. He had trouble getting it lit, so he left the gas on while he walked back to his apartment, got a newspaper (the gas was still on), rolled it up, walked back to the grill, and lit a match to the paper. There was a huge WHOOSH. His eyebrows were gone, and his skin looked sunburned.

If you know anything about gas grills, you know enough not to leave the gas on for several minutes while you go do something else. The gas hangs in the air until it dissipates or ignites out of control. It was a blessing that no other guests were injured.

So now the guest was blaming me and the resort. I asked if he had seen the sign with written instructions. He said yes, but it didn’t say “Warning” at the top. He told me if it had said “Warning,” he would have read it.

Is that how some of us treat the Bible? It doesn’t say “Warning” in big letters, so we don’t take it seriously. We think it’s a book of suggestions. What a tragedy when we ignore the truths inside and our lives suffer. What a tragedy when we ignore the truths inside and create suffering in the lives of those around us. Singed eyebrows are nothing in comparison to the grief we create.

The Bible is much more than a list of “Thou shalt nots.” It contains warnings, certainly, but it is more. It is also a message from a faithful God who loves us and wants the very best for us. The warnings, wisdom, and guidance inside are ignored at our peril.

“Heavenly Father, thank You for Your written Word, which You crafted perfectly over centuries to show us the way to You. Help us to delve into it seriously and, through its words, keep from stumbling.

For His Glory

Cherie Harbridge Williams (www.cherieharbridgewilliams.com)
TRBC Women’s Life

Join us for In Beauty and Glory Conference this Friday (April 19) night at TRBC. No registration fee – just click on the link so we know you are coming. Excited to share this night with each of you – feel free to tell your friends – you don’t want to miss it.

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | April 16, 2024

Why Release Is Good

“The God of Israel says:  There are devoted things among you, Israel. You cannot stand against your enemies until you remove them.”  Joshua 7:13b

Discarding things is not usually our fave bend.  We hold on because we might need it.  We resist discarding because someone else may need it. We hold on tight to things that bring us comfort and security.  We desire (covet) what others have and strive to get it. Yet the release of some things can be exactly what God requires.

The Children of Israel landed here when they went up against the people of Ai (Amorites) who chased the Israelites and struck them down.  The hearts of the people melted in fear, and Joshua tore his clothes and fell facedown before the ark of the covenant.  Questions flowed from their lips:  “Why did God bring them across the Jordan only to be destroyed?”

The real problem wasn’t God allowing them to be defeated, rather sin was in the camp.  One of the Israelites  (Achan) coveted and held onto “devoted things” (plunder) from one of their defeated enemies. He saw, desired and took a beautiful robe from Babylonia, 200 shekels of silver and a wedge of gold. What was commanded to be destroyed (the forbidden plunder), Achan took and hid in the ground inside his tent.  Achan’s desiring and coveting was in direct disobedience to God’s command (Exodus 20:17).  He was trusting, clinging and holding on to what didn’t serve him or his fellow Israelites well.

Wonder what things we cling to that don’t serve us well?  Are we afraid to release them because our dependence, comfort and security are wrapped up in them rather than God?  Are we refusing to admit that some things have elevated their status above our worship of God? What might our idols resemble:  work, ministry, food, exercise, unforgiveness, jealousy – basically anything that consumes our focus?  And what about those things we see, desire and covet which God has clearly forbidden?

While we aren’t facing a literal army against us – we do face spiritual battles on a daily basis.  And if we find ourselves not winning those battles then we need to consider whether we are trusting and holding on to something else other than God.   Relying on self versus trusting God elevates self above our Creator.  Sometimes, we turn to visible tangible people rather than seeking God first.  And yes, we too land in the pit of attempting to hide our sin; however, the holiness of our God can’t dismiss sin in the hearts of His people. Achan’s coveting ultimately destroyed himself and his family. Unconfessed sin in our lives will do the same.

Our God is a jealous God, the right kind of jealousy that desires what is best for His daughters. Just as God desired for the Israelites to win, He wants us to be victorious.  The critical key – get rid of anything that rises above our love, obedience and devotion to God. Release what our eyes see and desire so we can walk in obedience and align our devotion to Him alone.

“Father, there are so many things we cling to other than you.  Help us to consider what things we need to release, confess and avoid so we can be prepared for battle and be victorious against our enemy.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

Join us for In Beauty and Glory Conference this Friday (April 19) night at TRBC. No registration fee – just click on the link so we know you are coming. Excited to share this night with each of you – feel free to tell your friends – you don’t want to miss it.
Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | April 15, 2024

Sweet Relief

“…having canceled the certificate of debt consisting of decrees against us, which was hostile to us; and He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross.” Colossians 2:14

Ah, tax season. Fun times. How do you play the tax game all year? Do you keep everything you can each payday in hopes of breaking even (or not owing too much) on April 15? Or do you let the government take bigger chunks with each check in anticipation of a fat return each Spring? (Well, not so much this year, I’m afraid.) Some of us just put our heads down and pay what we’re told, not thinking much about taxes (it’s just something that’s sure…like death, right?). Others of us know a lot, keeping up with our accountants—maybe even having thoughts about what a better/fairer plan for the IRS might be…like a flat tax for all. No matter what you pay or how you pay (from paychecks, purchases, or property), the fact of the matter is that we all owe.

Shifting from fiscal to spiritual, it’s also a fact that we all owe.

And friend, spiritually speaking, it’s a flat tax, so to speak: Everyone has the same debt and penalty coming—the debt of sin with a penalty of death (Romans 6:23). And no matter what games we play through our lives, we can’t decrease what is owed. Not by good works, big giving, or spotless church attendance. The balance sheet will never be in our favor—we cannot eradicate our debt by our own efforts.

Praise be to God, our debt has been canceled—paid in full when it was nailed to the cross (Colossians 2:14)! Jesus lived the perfect life we could not, dying the death we deserve as a penalty, and defeating death by rising from the dead three days later. If you’ve ever paid off a huge financial debt, you’ve experienced the relief and freedom that results…this is like that, only infinitely better! Because our spiritual debt is removed, it no longer impedes our life or sets the path to a bleak eternal future.

To take our (slightly flawed) tax analogy further…think about those years that you finished prepping your taxes to find out that not only is there nothing due from you, but you’re getting a huge refund! It feels like a lavish gift, doesn’t it (even though it’s your own money, sigh)? Believing that Jesus’ work on the cross counted for you and surrendering to Him as Savior and Lord not only pays the full debt you owe, but you are also given an inheritance in God’s kingdom (Colossians 1:12, 22; 1 Peter 1:3-4). The righteousness of Christ—His perfection and holiness—is credited to you (Romans 3:21-22, 4:5; 2 Corinthians 5:21; Philippians 3:9). Think about this…not only is your debt paid in full, you walk away infinitely wealthy, inheriting the eternal riches and glory of heaven! It’s kind of like your tax refund being a blank government check—giving you access to the US Treasury printing presses.

The weight of our sin debt is heavy. In fact, we cannot carry it, and we’ll never, ever be able to pay it. But God made a way. Jesus can take away your heavy burden of sin—and its penalty. It costs you nothing because it is a lavish gift of grace. So, this tax season, if you have not done it, hand over your certificate of debt to the Lord Jesus Christ. Be free of the penalty and bask in a glorious eternal inheritance.

“Heavenly Father, thank You for sending Your Son to live the life I cannot and pay the debt I owe. Thank You that through Jesus I have been set free, not having to be weighed down by my sin any longer (Galatians 5:1; John 8:36; 2 Corinthians 3:17).”

For His Glory

Julianne Winkler Smith
TRBC Women’s Life

 

Join us for In Beauty and Glory Conference this Friday (April 19) night at TRBC. No registration fee – just click on the link so we know you are coming. Excited to share this night with each of you – feel free to tell your friends – you don’t want to miss it.
Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | April 12, 2024

When The Enemy Strikes

“Pray at all times in the Spirit with every prayer and request, and stay alert in this with all perseverance and intercession for all the saints.” Ephesians 6:18 (HCSB)

Never been fond of a fight- I‘ve always been a peacekeeper. Never enjoyed a confrontation or argument; I’d much rather settle. I’m a go with the flow kinda girl. But there are some things you just can’t give up.

When the enemy strikes, he comes with a raging force and we can’t give up the fight. Brave girls push through, cling to and raise their sword (God’s word). Wise women recognize that the real enemy is not the one stirring up trouble. Satan loves to divide and conquer. If he can get a wedge of discontent in the mix he will use it, grow it, nurture it and enlarge it.

God’s word reminds us that Satan is the great deceiver and father of lies (John 8:48), so wonder why we buy into and get led astray so easily.

Perhaps our exhaustion and busyness pull us away from our defense line (prayer) and opens us up to attack. Perhaps we slowly drift away from the truth (God’s word)– little compromises along the way. Maybe we just simply allow our emotions and thoughts to run freely without guarding our minds. Could it be that we lose sight of all that God has done, His power, strength and faithfulness? Whatever leaves us vulnerable, exposed and unprotected will not serve us well.

Let’s not give up the fight. When the enemy sneaks in, let’s partner together in prayer. Let’s cling to God’s truths and remind each other of who He is – our mighty warrior! Let’s forego the visible battle and determine to eliminate the invisible enemy. Let’s stay alert to Satan’s tactics and persevere in taking our stand against him. And in all things let’s praise the name of Jesus and we will watch the enemy slither away.

“Father, You have equipped us for battle. You have given us everything we need to be victorious. Help us to be ready to defeat the enemy in Your strength at all times.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

 

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | April 11, 2024

United In Our Diversity

“How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!” Psalm 133:1 (NIV)

Today I watched a video that someone had forwarded to me via social media, and it warmed my soul. The song played in the background was a song by a famous Brazilian singer, Roberto Carlos, whose words spoke of things that he wished he could do (basically, speaking of impossible, wishful things) and the video was a collage of photos of animals spending time together, snuggling one another.

The interesting detail about this photo collage was the fact that the animals were not animals of the same kind. There were baby birds being cuddled by cats, zebras being hugged by elephants, puppies being snuggled by horses, and so on. The vast collection of photos displayed great diversity and unity intertwined in each shot. Those animals, however big or small, did not look at one another’s size, color, shape or communication sound; they simply displayed their loved for them.

As I looked at each photo, I smiled and thought to myself, “Wow, what if we, humans, could be kind and loving towards others as these animals, by loving unconditionally, in spite of one another’s differences?”

The scenes in the video I mentioned were scenes that we often only enjoy in the pages of a book, in stories written by authors who wished for those things when they penned the stories for their reading audiences. Stories of love, peace and unity!

The great Author of Life, the Sovereign Lord, had similar wishes for His creation. When God created humanity, He hoped that there would be unity amidst the diversity that He had created. I believe the best way for us to show God that what He created is worth the praises of a best seller, is to live our lives practicing love and kindness towards our fellow man.

“Dear Lord, thank You for creating us and for modeling love to us. Because You love us, we, too, can love others.”

 

For His Glory

Luska Natali
TRBC Women’s Life

 

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | April 10, 2024

All Things New

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation.” (2 Corinthians 5:17, ESV)

Spring is finally here. One clear sign of this, is the bulbs my husband and I planted last fall are starting to sprout through the dirt. Once the flowers start blooming in spring, I always look forward to the butterflies that come and visit.

When you look at the beautifully intricate designs of the wings of a butterfly, you would never imagine that it was once a twelve-legged tree crawling caterpillar, unless you read about it in your science class.

Once the caterpillar has reached a level of maturity, they attach themselves to a suitable place and hang upside down in a “J” shape. Spinning themselves into a silky cocoon for protection during their metamorphosis.

Before the body of the butterfly can begin formation, the body of the caterpillar must die. Their DNA tells the enzymes and hormones exactly what to do and when. Once their transformation is complete, a butterfly will have to fight its way out of the hard outer case that’s been protecting it the whole time. As the butterfly beats its wings against the shell, it develops muscles needed for survival. The struggle strengthens their wings for flight. Helping the butterfly out of the chrysalis will prevent it from ever flying.

As a human race, we’re all born as sinners headed for hell. Yet we don’t have to stay in that lowly state. Our metamorphosis begins with choosing to surrender our lives to the shape and design that Jesus desires. He may turn our world upside down in the process. Removing people, and things as needed to transform us into His shape. Because everything we need to survive is supplied to us through the DNA of the Holy Spirit. Which we receive when we accept Jesus as our Savior.

Butterflies and caterpillars don’t just look different – they behave differently too. Once a butterfly emerges, it no longer crawls on the ground. Science believes they may remember what they learned as a caterpillar – but they no longer live as a caterpillar. Their neural wiring is changed during metamorphosis.

When we transform from a sinner to an individual saved by grace – we should not only act but think differently also. We may remember our former lives of sin (the mistakes made) but through the Holy Spirit, we should no longer live in the bondage of those regrets. Unlike the butterfly, our spiritual wings of faith may be weak in the beginning. But they will get stronger every time we take our thoughts captive and chose to live and walk in truth – instead of our feelings.

Being a new creation in Christ means allowing our minds to be rewired from unhealthy thoughts to a life of victory. (Colossians 3:15)

“Father thank you for the beautiful transformation of salvation that you offer us through your son Jesus.”

 

For His Glory

Laura Holmes   (www.ephraimministries.org)
TRBC Women’s Life

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