Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | May 28, 2024

The 3 P’s of Salvation

“And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters; and these whom He predestined, He also called; and these whom He called, He also justified; and these whom He justified, He also glorified.” Romans 8: 28-30

You’ve probably heard of the “3 Rs of learning” (well, if you’re over 40, that is). “Reading, writing, and arithmetic”—or “reading, ‘riting, and ‘rithmatic”. (Yeah, I know, it seems a bit ironic, doesn’t it?) The concept of these education must-haves originated with St. Augustine in one of his writings from the fourth century. But the mispronunciation of this education triplet is thought to have been coined in a speech by Sir William Curtis about 1807.

When it comes to salvation for believers, there aren’t 3Rs, but there are 3 Ps. In theological language, the three aspects of salvation include justification, sanctification, and glorification. But I wanted to pull a Sir William and give it a simpler—yet scripturally sound—alliterative twist. I’m calling them: payment, process, and perfection.

  1. At the very moment we surrender to Jesus as Lord and Savior, accepting what He did on our behalf, the payment we owe to God is paid in full. Our sin is nailed to the cross of Calvary, and we are made righteous in God’s sight, clothed with Christ’s righteousness (Galatians 3:27; 2 Corinthians 5:21). We are forgiven, made new, sealed with the Holy Spirit, and heaven bound. In an instant, you and I are justified…and because of Jesus, God looks upon us “just-as-if-I’d” never sinned. And it’s one and done.
  1. This is sanctification. It’s a journey from that moment of salvation until we are in the presence of the Lord. And it’s not easy. Although we are brought from spiritual death to life at our moment of surrender, we’re still living in this fallen world, in this body of flesh. And the path onward is hard. It takes work, practice, and perseverance. Do not misunderstand, friend, we do not work, practice, and persevere to earn our salvation! We put in the effort to become more like Jesus day by day. We run toward the goal with steadfastness and joy. Sometimes we step off course, but we turn our eyes back to the cross and keep going. Switching analogies here to bring the point home…like a sculptor at work, the Holy Spirit and God’s Word chisel us to create the masterpiece we were meant to be (2 Peter 1:10; 2 Corinthians 3:18).
  1. When are we fully transformed into that masterpiece? When we slough off this body of death and step into the presence of Jesus—this is glorification. And how do we know we will be perfected one day? Because it’s promised to us! The Apostle Paul says, “For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will complete it until the day of Christ Jesus” (Philippians 1:6). Not only will we have a new physical body (praise the Lord), but the very presence of sin will be gone (Revelation 21:27)! Today, as we walk through the world, it’s like living under the bottom of a tapestry. There are messy knots and broken threads that seem useless. But once in heaven, our perspective shifts to the top of the tapestry. We will see how every stitch has been purposeful…how every seemingly chaotic color scheme below actually fits into a meticulous design. On that day, we will know fully and see the perfected beauty of it all (1 Corinthians 13:12).

“Lord, thank You for salvation, for paying the debt I owe but could never pay on my own. Thank you for the Holy Spirit working in me to transform my life daily to be more like Jesus. And thank You that one day I will be in Your presence forever and completely free from the very presence of sin.”

For His Glory

Julianne Winkler Smith
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Hope, Mercy, Spiritual Growth

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | May 27, 2024

An Adoring Fan of Soft Hearts

“This I say therefore and testify in the Lord, that you no longer walk as the rest of the Gentiles also walk, in the futility of their mind, being darkened in their understanding, alienated from the life of God,  because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the hardening of their hearts; who having become callous gave themselves up to lust, to work all uncleanness with greediness.” Ephesians 4:17-19 (ESV)

Have to admit nothing is better than a gooey, soft cookie fresh out of the oven.  Totally can feel it melting in my mouth right now.  The perfect combination of butter, brown sugar, chocolate chips, etc. – I think you get the picture. Wonder how many times we’ve baked these delicacies and a few days later reached for just one more only to be greeted with a hard, crusty mess. Yes, it has happened more times than I dare admit. Not a fan of crispy cookies – soft is always best.

Absolutely nothing sweeter to our Jesus than a soft heart.  Why?  Soft is tender. Soft is moldable and willing to be changed.  Soft is teachable and excited to learn.  Soft hearts welcome the truth of God’s word and allows it to be planted deep into our souls.  Soft hearts seek God’s searching so sin can be confessed rather than hidden. Soft is the perfect soil for humility, growth and transformation.

Total opposite happens when our hearts become hard and calloused (Matthew 13:14-15).  Just like a callous develops over time from repetitive pressure on the skin, our hearts harden when the pressures of unconfessed sin form a thick barrier between ourselves and God.  When we rebel against God and follow after our desires, we grieve the Spirit and the heart of God. Repeatedly quenching the Spirit of God within us by resisting God’s transformative work in us, we land in a deep pit of regret and consequences.

What feeds this hardening of our hearts?  Disillusionment when God’s answers to prayer are not aligned with our solutions.  Wounds of the heart entertaining bitterness and unforgiveness.  Allowing isolation to be our companion rather than interacting with a godly community. Resisting the urge to seek God’s wisdom and lean on Him, we land in a web of pride screaming independence. Refusing to receive and refusing to serve others fosters a hardened heart sabotaging compassion and unity within the body of Christ.

Probably none of us would intentionally purpose to cultivate a hard heart, yet we often land in this space.  Best solution is to follow the advice of novice bakers.  When cookies become hard simply add a slice of bread and seal in a tight bag.  The cookies suck up the bread’s moisture making it nice and soft again.  When our minds absorb the daily bread of God’s word our hearts melt into softness. God’s truth stands firm, unmoveable and unchangeable. God’s faithful, just and holy character stirs within us creating a desire for change.  By inviting Him to search and unveil our hearts confession of our sins quickly rises to the surface followed by genuine repentance.

Sweet friends let’s keep our hearts teachable and moldable by our loving God because He’s an adoring fan of soft hearts.

“Father, open our eyes to see what needs to be changed and keep us from quenching the work of Your Spirit within us.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Faith, Hope, Spiritual Growth

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | May 24, 2024

When Shallow Defines Us

“Seek the LORD and His strength; seek His presence continually!” I Chronicles 16:11 (ESV)

We scroll through our Facebook feed and see lots of familiar faces – friends we call them. We share Tweets and comment on Instagram of those we follow. Lots of people compose our tribe, but how well do they really know us? How well do we really know them? Good question – one we probably don’t even consider since we’re perfectly fine with our shallow status.

Lacking in-depth of knowledge, thought or feeling that’s how Webster defines shallow. A surface knowing of those who check in and out of our feeds catching a glimpse of the highlights of our perfect and sometimes very personal moments.

Sad reality – our okayness with shallow isn’t just regulated to posts or tweets. Could it be our shallowness with others leaks over into our relationship with God? So easy to regulate God to certain areas of our lives. When busy consumes us so simple to grab grace and push God aside until another day. Skimming over His words rather than diving deep seems to be acceptable. Choosing to spend our time on other pursuits instead of passionately pursuing our Creator appears optional. Relying on the rehearsed description of God’s character as defined by others seems like enough.

Real problem here – God is a personal God. He knows each of His children intimately. Every hair on our head, God has numbered (Psalm 139). Not a single detail about us goes unnoticed. He has witnessed every single day of our life and longs for us to pursue Him the way He pursues us. Shallow isn’t part of God’s DNA; He has the inside scoop on everything related to us. If One could know all, doesn’t it make sense that all should seek to know One?

Bottom line shallow just doesn’t cut it in our relationship with God. Scripture warns us of the danger of false teachers masquerading as truth (2 Peter 2). Our greatest protection is anchored in a deep knowledge of God’s word. Casual feelings and careless emotions tend to leave us unstable, but an abiding love for God stabilizes our actions. As we develop an ongoing understanding of who God is and the way He relates to His people, we gain clarity in living the life which glorifies Him. Fruit in abundance will be the direct result of those who don’t settle for shallow.

“Sweet Jesus, ignite within us a deep, burning passion to know You, love You and obey You – best relationship ever.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

 

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Spiritual Growth

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | May 23, 2024

The Perfect Covenant

cb devo apr 2

“But our High Priest offered himself to God as a single sacrifice for sins, good for all time..” Hebrews 10:12a (NLT)

 During the time before Jesus’ death, burial and resurrection, people in the Old Testament had to prepare their households to travel usually in large caravans for long distances to the tabernacle. This was a once a year, every year journey where they offered their sin offerings to the High Priest. Imagine this journey with a few unhappy toddlers traveling on camels or donkeys in the middle of the hot desert.

 The High Priest and wealthy brought bulls without blemish as their offering. The middle class brought goats, the poor brought two turtledoves or pigeons and in extreme cases of poverty two quarts of choice flour was acceptable. The priests offered the same sacrifices year in and year out. Every year without fail this journey had to happen so the sins of the people could be atoned for, but it never made a dent in the sin problem.

However, God in His gracious mercy saw a better way. A better covenant, a perfect promise. He sent His only son, Jesus to be our High Priest once and for all. The one single sacrifice needed forever! Jesus became our blood sacrifice. He became the blood of bulls, goats and fowl. Now when we sin, God looks past our sin to His Son’s shed blood and says you are forgiven. A new covenant, not chiseled in stone, but written with the precious blood of the Lamb that forever wipes the slate clean of our sins.

 “Father, because of Jesus’ finished work on the cross at Calvary, there is no longer any need for any other sacrifices. We are forgiven and Jesus’ work is finished! Hallelujah!”

 

For His Glory

Kim Lacey Schock
TRBC Women’s Life

 

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Posted in Faith, Gratitude, Hope

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | May 21, 2024

Make A Reputation For Yourself

“And they were glorifying God because of me.” Galatians 1:24

Let’s face it, people talk about other people. We gush over celebrities, comment on who’s doing what around us (and how they’re doing it), and we express disdain when we witness someone doing what we call evil. And although gossiping is clearly defined as a sin in God’s eyes (Psalm 101:5; Romans 1:29; 1 Timothy 5:13), we Christians are guilty of doing it…even sometimes under the guise of a “prayer request” on behalf of another.

Yep, people talk. But we’re not going to address the negatives of using our tongue for slander and gossip—not this time, anyway. The fact is that every word we utter and every action we take combine to establish our reputation. This is true whether it’s a one-off interaction with someone at Walmart, or within a decades-long friendship. But we’re not even going to dive into how we must be motivated by what God, not other people, thinks of us—this, too, is a whole other sermonette (Galatians 1:10). Instead, let’s look at what people are saying about us…or rather, what they say about God because of us.

As followers of Jesus Christ, we are called to be salt and light (Matthew 5:13-16; Ephesians 5:8). And by doing so, in word and action, we are to glorify God. Eating, drinking, working—everything! All for God’s glory (1 Corinthians 6:20; 10:31)! But as Jesus clearly states in Matthew’s gospel (5:16): We shine before others so that they give glory to our Father in heaven. Or, as the Apostle shoots it straight: “And they were glorifying God because of me” (Galatians 1:24).

This is what the Christian life is all about, isn’t it? Giving God glory. But it’s also about ensuring that you and I live life so that others will glorify God because of us—our words, actions, and attitudes. So, let’s search ourselves, shall we? In the past week (or day even), how have we been responding to challenges, pain, and disappointment? How have our interactions with others gone, especially with those whom we disagree (or drive differently from)? Attitude check: Have we been complaining, arguing, griping? And, yes, how have we been wagging our tongues about others?

There’s so much division and anger and hatred fomenting today. Lies, fake news, social media vitriol. Not to mention, a whole lot of self-glorification. But, friend, within this darkness lies ample opportunity to shine. To do all things, always and only, for the pleasure of God and to magnify His glory…and to invite others to do the same. Because it just takes a tiny spark of light to chase away the darkness.

So, let’s commit to making a reputation for ourselves. To give off a sweet-smelling aroma and the warm light of love and grace, so that we leave people talking. Not talking about us, though…instead, let’s leave them amazed at the loving, grace-giving Lord we serve.

“Lord, I will not fear (or care about) what people have to say about me—You are my Audience of One. And may I walk closely enough to you in this life that, like the Apostle Paul, others glorify you because of me.”

For His Glory

Julianne Winkler Smith
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | May 20, 2024

Flourish, Stretch & Grow

“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

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Posted in Encouragement, Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | May 17, 2024

Authentic Worship

“Then Job arose and tore his robe and shaved his head and fell on the ground and worshiped.” Job 1:20 (ESV)

Ever experienced the amazing sweetness of sacrificial worship? It’s the kind that flows from an aching, broken heart that chooses to still praise God. It’s the overflow from those who don’t need blessings, gifts, and yes answers to fuel their praise. It’s the sweet rhythm of souls eager to lay down all that is left at the feet of Jesus and lift empty hands in praise.

Several years ago, Hurricane Matthew birthed some of those moments. Hundreds of miles away from the US, the country of Haiti was devastated by this storm. With the death toll rising daily to over 1,000, Haiti is one of the most impoverished countries in our world. The 145 mile per hour wind whipped through their villages and left over 1.4 million people in desperate need of help.

Despite the loss of family members and homes, survivors of the hurricane got up on Sunday morning and put on their best clothes. They walked among the devastation and gathered at churches where roofs were gone and walls were shattered. Some Haitians were even found setting up an altar and praying outside of their crumbled sanctuaries. I would have loved to hear their voices praising God. Sweet, powerful and authentic worship not dependent on what they had but rather enlarged by their losses. I’ve read the news article over and over again and each time I am captivated by the depth of their love for God.

Sunday, I got up and rode to church; I didn’t have to walk. I took a hot shower, washed my hair and put on my face – did I mention I had water? I rummaged through my closet and grabbed a new dress from among many. I ate a delish breakfast with my sweet husband – no one was missing from our table. My life was full and not empty. I sat among others in our beautiful church with stage lighting and great acoustics and wondered if God loved hearing my voice? Was my worship real or was it dependent on the ease of my life? Would I be there lifting my hands and voice if all I had were stripped away?

Deep in my heart, I pray that I will be that real, authentic worshipper. That I will not offer Him anything that did not cost me something. That I will forever recall God’s faithfulness and love Him for who He is and not for what I have.

“Father, in the depth of great loss our worship unveils what we really worship. I want to be that woman who stands with hands full or empty praising You – blessed be the name of the Lord!”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Gratitude, Worship

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | May 16, 2024

Rest In Him

“Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” (Matthew 11:29 NIV)

God doesn’t waste anything, and so I began to write. My journey had taken me to a two-year time out. Life had fallen apart and just when I thought it could get no worse, it did. In the midst of this, it was as though God knew the heart of His daughter, had orchestrated her return and was providing every resource to clean her up and reflect His glory once again. What’s a girl to do but to put pen to paper and let others know what He taught her, how He healed her with the hopes to encourage others to draw close to Him when life withdraws its kindness. And so with list in hand, in strategic format, I have written. Sharing with others spiritual lessons taught to me. With each stroke remembering who shared with me her wisdom, the one who confronted my misguided mind or the author long ago with Jesus.

With learnings in hand, I move forward. It doesn’t take long to be inundated with pressure. Pressures that come from all sides in an attempt to extinguish the Spirit at work. Rejection, my constant companion it seems, returns to visit. I scurry to recite the lessons learned, and return to prayer for comfort. At the end of worship, repentance and surrender, one word is heard: rest. The Lord encouraging me to rest in Him. To allow Him to hold my heart, keep it in one piece. In His hands it is sheltered, protected, healthy. I quiet myself as He works all things for His good. Trust that which is and that which isn’t. Only as Solomon found rest from the battle could a temple for the Name of the Lord be built. With the Lord’s presence comes rest; we learn as Moses is unwilling to move without the Lord’s presence to accompany. The world works in a frenzy to heal and restore but the Lord says rest.

Rest knowing that I am His daughter. His beloved. Chosen. Forgiven. Redeemed. He paid the ultimate price to have me. Nothing and no one can take me from His embrace. May this fury and fire that taunts my freedom serve to refine this creation in the now. But as for eternity, may what defines me be His love and the masterpiece He has formed through sanctification.

“Father, for complete healing and wholeness, may I rest in You, safe in the center of the storm.”

For His Glory

Kathryn Hayman
TRBC Women’s Life

 

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Hope, Spiritual Growth

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | May 15, 2024

Time For An Update

“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” Romans 12:2 (NIV)

We live in the technology age. Technology is an amazing invention, as it has enabled us to do an array of tasks without having to use paper and pen to accomplish them.

We now even conduct business meetings, church gatherings, training classes, and family reunions online, all with the pressing of buttons. One no longer needs to physically go to restaurants to order food, to the bank to deposit checks, or to the store to buy groceries, medicine, or clothing. We can even get ourselves from any location to another by using a map from a device called a global positioning system, or GPS.

This would sound almost too perfect if I didn’t have to throw in a spoiler. In order for any of these things to work smoothly, for any of the devices to work without problems, we must perform regular updates on them. Computer programs must be updated; smartphones must be updated; if you like talking to Siri or Alexa, or if you like to stay current on what is going on with the highways as you plan a trip, you must subject your devices to updates so they stay current. And trust me, you don’t want an old version of something digital, because it will get you stuck in the middle of something important when you least expect it.

Friend, your mind is no different. Your spiritual life is no different. In order for you to know how to face the troubles that come your way – and they will, you must constantly work on the renewal of your mind, by praying regularly, studying the Word regularly, and ensuring that your soul is fed, just as you feed your physical body to keep it healthy.

Jesus spent time teaching the people because He knew how important it was for them to hear what He had to say. The Bible has all the instructions we need to live a healthy life, and as we study it and pray, the Spirit will renew our minds to the highest version: heaven.

“Thank You, Father, for the Holy Spirit, who empowers us.”

For His Glory

 

Luska Natali
TRBC Women’s Life

 

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Posted in Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | May 14, 2024

Salty Talk

“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

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Posted in Encouragement, Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Living

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