Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | March 12, 2024

Beautiful Feet

“How then will they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in Him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!” Romans 10:14-15

My feet are not pretty. Thanks to the titanium hardware and pins in both feet that permanently align my first and second metatarsals, at least my bone structure isn’t scary to look at anymore. And because I’m not a mani-pedi kinda of gal, my toenails are rarely perfectly shaped and popping with bright colors. (I’ll let you in on a little secret: In my oh-so-low-maintenance way, I tend to paint my toenails before some fancy event where open-toed shoes are a must…then I’ll repaint them after that color has completely grown out. Insert your eye roll here.)

The Bible’s definition of beautiful feet is a bit different—it’s not about heel scrubs, colored gels, or even little fishies nibbling dead skin (yes, this is a thing). According to the Prophet Isaiah (52:7) and quoted again by the Apostle Paul in his letter to the Romans (10:15), “Beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news.” Beautiful feet carry the gospel message of saving grace to a lost and broken world. And as believers, we are called to tell the world about Jesus, making disciples and teaching all the nations what Jesus commanded (Matthew 28:16-18; Mark 16:15; Acts 1:8).

So, as vital as it is for believers to live out our faith in demonstration of who we are in Christ, being salt and light in the ever-deepening darkness around us, we can’t stop there. We have to open our mouths and speak the words of salvation so the Holy Spirit can do His thing—bringing the walking dead to life. But this can be intimidating and downright scary. What if we say the wrong thing? What if we’re confronted with arguments that we can’t effectively counter or are asked a question we don’t know the answer to? What if we’re mocked?

There is so much to say about our role in spreading the good news of Jesus, why it’s so important to be obedient in this, how it’s our job to speak truth and life but not our responsibility to do the saving, and what tactics are best to evangelize. And there’s a lot written about these topics by many brilliant theologians and apologists. What I’d like to do here is simply challenge you—and me—to open our mouths. Mostly me. I love Jesus! I can’t get enough of studying His Word. Because I was dead and have been made alive in Christ (Ephesians 2:1-10), I want others to know and believe! That said, I can be a great big scaredy-cat in sharing the gospel when I’m not sitting safely behind my keyboard.

So, here’s a challenge I was recently given that I’m also setting before you, dear friend: Write down a 30-second (or one-minute for those of us with more verbosity) gospel presentation. And step two: Practice it—with your spouse, a friend, or the mirror. Let’s be ready to give a reason for the hope we have in Christ Jesus (1 Peter 3:15). In other words, let’s file down and moisturize our rough heels, choose a bright nail color (or a clear coat, for you guys), and step out in faith with beautiful feet—sharing the good news of Jesus with those around us.

“Lord, I am not ashamed of the gospel (Romans 1:16)! Forgive me for not telling others about Jesus when the opportunity has come. May I be prepared and have the courage to open my mouth, allowing the Holy Spirit to bring the dead to life.”

For His Glory

 

Julianne Winkler Smith
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Faith, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | March 11, 2024

The Most Important Day

“But to all who did receive Him, who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God.”  John 1:12 (ESV)

It was unlike any day I’d ever known – first breath, first cry from my quivering lips.  An introduction outside the comfort and security of my mommy’s womb into a world brighter  than I could have ever imagined.  My arrival left me helpless and dependent – definitely not the state I love to find myself in.  Gravitating toward the voice I’d heard in my fetal position, I found comfort and calm nestled in my mommy’s arms.

March 11 is the celebration of the moment God birthed me into this world and now my candles are blazing that luscious chocolate-drenched cake!!!  Birthdays come ever so fast. The calendar flips to January and it starts all over again in the blink of an eye.  Where did all those days go…..from firsts to lasts our life unfolds. Pivotal moments when choices are made, victories enjoyed and sorrows mourned cultivate deep growth. Creating a lifetime of memories.

Yet, sweet friends the best day ever is the one when we first realized how much we needed Jesus.   I remember it well….my six year old self slowly raising tiny fingers…declaring I wanted to invite Jesus into my heart.  Beautiful moment.

Interesting how quickly the enemy slips in creating doubt, “Was I really His?”  “Did Jesus save me or was I too young to know what I was doing?”  Strategic attacks aimed to discredit the rebirthing of my soul.  And those doubts would slay me into my early adult years, until the exhaustion of wrestling found me face down at His feet.  Desperately searching and seeking, I settled my doubts and never again would I question Jesus’ saving of my soul.

Helplessly lost in this journey called life, we long for the comfort and security found in drawing close to Jesus.  Our souls hunger and thirst for the voice of our Creator God – the very One whose image we are to reflect.  Our only comfort and peace is found nestled in the arms of One who gave His life so that we could experience eternal life in the presence of God.

Life is fleeting (James 4:14), a mist appearing for a short time and then vanishing away.  Yes, friends those candles multiply fast and our days evaporate quickly.  But the sweetest days are yet to come when we step into God’s presence and see Him face to face.  Endless days of worshipping at His feet.  Goodness and mercy following us from the moment we  invited Jesus into our life.  For those who place their faith and trust in God,  this earth is the worst we will ever know.

Yes, I’ll blow out those candles despite how many and remember the Giver of my life, the Redeemer of my soul, and the Restorer of all the enemy sought to take.  I’ll reflect not only on the moment I took my first breath, but the moment I released doubt and fully trusted in my God.

What about you dear friend?  How will you celebrate another year?  When you blow out those candles will it be a celebration of you or a celebration of remembrance of a life reborn?

“Sweet Jesus thank You for the gift of salvation.  Praising You for the moment I met You and my life was forever changed – what a glorious day!”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Faith, Hope

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | March 8, 2024

At His Table

“How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth!” Psalm 119:103 (ESV)

Love gathering with friends and savoring all the delish food cooked on the grill. Who wouldn’t want to gather at the table to sample all those homemade sides and churned ice cream? Greatest compliment ever is when someone says, “Text me that recipe.”  Bet no one wants to hear, “What store did you get that at?”  Keeping it real here friends – arriving with my store-bought goods when everyone else fills the table with grandma’s famous recipe isn’t my fave thing to do.

When it comes to God’s table – what am I bringing? Do I bring an open mind? Am I stopping in for a brief visit? Am I seeking deep truths or am I settling for a routine? Do I leave others desiring more of Jesus?

It’s easy to slide up to the table, soak in what others are sharing and then move on to the next thing on our list. Not exactly a recipe that serves us well. Failing to go deep, to seek and search out God’s truths positions us to settle for less.

What robs us of the most important relationship in our life? What keeps us from engaging with others as we study and live out critical truths?

Don’t know about you, but often we feel inadequate and uneducated. Past sins or lack of knowledge convince us we don’t deserve a seat. Intimidated, we slink back. Worst yet is we’re so busy – no time in our schedule, so we glance and grab the easiest scripture marking it off our list.

Regardless, there’s a place for everyone at God’s table. For the one who is weary and tired, you can find rest. For the one who struggles constantly, you can find love and mercy. For the one who has just embarked on their faith journey, He’s been waiting for you to draw close. For the one who is running further and further away, you can find exactly what you need. For the one who’s hungry for more, God will quench their hunger and thirst. For the one whose appetite has settled for less, He will truly satisfy. For the one who has been absent for a long time, His arms are open wide. For the one who feels unworthy, He clothes in righteousness. For the one who thinks they know it all, He illuminates mystery. For the one who’s never met Jesus, there’s always room for one more.

When it comes to God’s table all are welcome. So let’s make sure we come desiring to go deeper. Let’s prepare our heart, mind and soul to receive and be transformed feasting on the truths of His word. Let’s make sure we engage with others sharing truths we would have otherwise missed. Greatest compliment ever is when someone says, “I want the Jesus you know.”

“Father, thank you for inviting us to Your table – to engage with You and grow in our faith as we do life together.”

 

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

 

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

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | March 7, 2024

When Crying Is Not A Sign Of Weakness

“Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness.”  Lamentations 3:22-23 (NIV)

Life is not a bowl of cherries – as a matter of fact, life sometimes has a bitter taste, especially if we only pay attention to our troubles and tribulations. We are, oftentimes, too focused on them and all we seem to have the strength to do is cry. We cry and we ask why, and we forget to show gratitude to God for all the things He does for us, big or small.

The prophet Jeremiah wrote the book of Lamentations at a time when the people needed to be reminded that God is faithful. They had been captured by the Babylonians, suffered a lot of hard times and they needed comfort. They needed God’s intervention, even if they acted like they didn’t.

Jeremiah knew the people had issues with trust because of what they had been through; he knew they suffered from apathy. He also knew his own words and advice would not always be heard and taken to heart because his people were so focused on their own suffering and hardship.

Our time spent with God is the source of our strength. Jeremiah literally felt the pain of his people and he prayed and cried out to God, interceding for them. He became known as the weeping prophet because he was often seen crying out to God for those around him. And Jeremiah knew what God was able to do because he knew God hears the sincere prayer of our hearts and that our cry is not in vain.

I have experienced heartache and disappointment in my lifetime. During my troubles, I learned to cry out to God and to seek Him to help me overcome the pain and disarray that had entered my life and heart. And you know what? He NEVER disappointed. Not me, not anyone. Why? Because our God is faithful; and because our God cares; and He hears our cry.

“Lord, we don’t always say the right things, but we know that if we cry out to You, You hear us. Hallowed be Your name, dear Lord.”

For His Glory

Luska Natali
TRBC Women’s Life

 

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

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | March 6, 2024

For God’s Glory

“Surely His salvation is near to those who fear Him, that glory may dwell in our land.” Psalms 85:9 (NKJV)

The sun’s rays – body relaxed and accepting, welcoming the beams that distribute vitamins to my skin and serotonin to my brain. Eventually, I have a sheen to my skin previously unseen. In fact, wait too long, and searing pain meets crimson. I may absorb warmth, energy, health and color from the sun, but I remain clear as to the source of these changes:  the sun. I contributed nothing to the sun’s power but have the advantage of being its recipient of goodness.

As followers of Jesus Christ, through the process of sanctification, our very selves are being transformed. We must remain aware of the source of these changes:  God. Our once hardened hearts become gentle and compassion flows from our lives. Our thoughts are challenged as God’s perfect love repeatedly reveals that His ways are markedly different than those of the world. Comparison, envy and anger are replaced with love, patience and joy. Before long, our entire being takes on a different hue. The radiance of Christ in us is inescapable.

Having been with the Lord on Mount Sinai, Moses veiled his radiant face and in response dedicated Israel to God. The glory of the Lord filled the temple as Solomon praised the Lord for the fulfillment of His promises to His people. Paul implored followers to give all glory to God, to do all things to the glory of God, the Father of glory.

The Holy Spirit resides in us to glorify Jesus. Do we take His glory and hold onto it as though it were our own? May we always cherish the changes that You work in us, Lord. These changes show that we have been adopted into the family of God. You are pleased to call us Your daughter. It is Your pleasure to use our gifts, abilities and character to draw all people to salvation through Jesus. But, may we never try to take Your glory.

“Father, may we not forget that it’s Your Glory. May we abide in Your love so that we radiate Your beauty to a world that without Jesus Christ is without hope and a future.”

For His Glory,

Kathryn Hayman
TRBC Women’s Life

 

 

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Hope

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | March 5, 2024

Fighting Pirates

“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.”  John 10:10

Are you a “cruiser”? My husband and I just went on our first one it was the first weeklong vacation the two of us have taken in our 30 years of marriage. You can imagine how excited we were to get away together…and away from work, to-do lists, daily decisions, etc. Since booking it in November, we anticipated a mix of relaxation, adventure, and intimacy with one another and with the Lord.

Unfortunately, the pirates started attacking even before we stepped foot on the ship.

It would sound almost comical if I recounted the numerous cannonballs shot our way just within the 48 hours before we departed (physical, financial, digital, etc.)…you’d laugh only so you wouldn’t cry. (I, however, did plenty of crying.) Moreover, I know many of you can relate with those “when it rains, it pours” seasons of life—and often, those “seasons” occur over a matter of days. Suffice it to say, that we almost did not go on the trip at all, but decided that we would, albeit with a shift of expectations due to one particular battle injury.

Again, I’ll spare you the details, but it took a couple days of swashbuckling pirates before we could put down our swords and relax a bit. We had to identify the enemy’s plans of attack and his efforts to spoil our time together celebrating our marriage. (He’s not a big fan of marriage. Pirates much prefer drunkenness, licentiousness, hostility, and gluttony, all of which were ubiquitous aboard the ship.)

But the weather was perfect, I read three novels and started a fourth, and we enjoyed new foods, impressive shows, and fun entertainment. Despite a few combat wounds, the pirates were unable to destroy the joy of our vacay.

That is, until we finally arrived home, exhausted from a five-hour drive on little sleep and no food. With the trip over, our guard was down…and our enemy saw an opening for one final assault. And he went in for the kill. Because that’s what the pirate of our soul does—he comes to steal, kill, and destroy everything that the Lord created to be good (John 10:10). What should have been a homecoming of reciting the joys of an almost-thwarted vacation turned into a vicious fight of epic proportions. Reflecting back, I can see it clearly: that devious snake chose the perfect grenade crafted from 30 years of careful observation, pulled the pin, and tossed it between us at just the right moment. Bloodied, battered, and exhausted after letting the enemy get a foothold with his lies and accusations, we grasped for Truth and did not go to bed in our anger (Ephesians 4: 25-27). As I write this, it’s a new dawn. And I’m trusting in the Lord’s new mercies—as well as my husband’s and my own.

So, what’s the spiritual point in my true confession saga? Friend, our enemy’s time is short. He is getting more desperate to prevent the lost and blind from being saved…but he’s also doing his best to minimize the effectiveness of those of us fighting for the Lord. And what better way than turning us against each other? Let’s all be aware of the pirating efforts around us—the condemnation, the twisting of truth, the robbing of peace and joy. Be sure you face each day with your full armor in place (Ephesians 6:10-17). And never, ever drop your shield or your sword…the pirates are real.

“Lord, forgive me for giving the enemy a foothold. You’ve equipped me with everything I need for victory—including the very power of the Holy Spirit within me. Don’t let me be blinded by lies and forget that I’m fighting a battle that You’ve already won.”

For His Glory

Julianne Winkler Smith
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Freedom, Hope, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | March 4, 2024

Our Great I Am

“You must obey my laws and be careful to follow my decrees.  I am the Lord your God.  Keep my decrees and laws for the person who obeys them will live by them. I am the Lord.”  Leviticus 18:4 (ESV)

I will readily admit there are some passages and books of the Bible that are harder to read and understand.  The past two weeks, I’ve been in Leviticus – you got it the book of laws, sacrifices, and all kinds of instructions about animal fats and burnt offerings.

Definitely not my fave to read; however, I have loved reading it from the lens of God’s love for His people.  Rather than view all those weird, lengthy and too much detailed instructions as boring (and not applicable today), I have gained a deeper and renewed sense of God’s love for His people.  For instance most of the guidelines for unclean and clean foods to consume protected the people both physically and spiritually.  Also they had no means to truly preserve food so leftovers were at a minimum.  And passages where I felt like God was cruel to make people leave the camp because of skin diseases, etc. (basic quarantine), these were all for their protection so everyone wasn’t infected.

One commentary even detailed God’s deep love for women and their time of the month.  They were declared unclean due to the issue of blood not because they were women.  Yet because of those seven days of being declared unclean, they couldn’t touch anything – which means they didn’t do housework, they didn’t clean or cook – they had total rest.  They didn’t travel by foot in the heat to the temple – they stayed at home.  Now that’s the tenderness of our God to know that women need extra care during those times of the month.

Yet my fave statement throughout Leviticus was God’s reminder “I am.”  He declares He is the great I am 90 times in Leviticus which is the most declaration in any book of the Bible other than the book of John where He declares “I am” 98 times.  Constantly, He was reminding the Children of Israel of his might and power as “Elohim,” the One who delivered them out of Egypt.

When I couple I AM with God’s deep love then I see how his passion for His people is beyond comprehension and it brings clarity and understanding to all those restrictions in Leviticus.  Bottom line our God – the Great I AM is always operating out of a place of love and devotion for His creation.  What we can’t understand and at times may seem even unreasonable is for our protection and for the ultimate glory of our God.

Thought For The Day – Do I view God’s restrictions as burdensome, heavy and unnecessary or do I see them as His divine loving protection poured out for my good?

“Sweet Jesus thank you for giving us Your word to teach us about how you love and care for your people.  We are so blessed to be living under Your grace and forgiveness – surrounded by the Great I Am.”

For His Glory

 

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

 

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Posted in Faith, Love, Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | March 1, 2024

Why Capture Really Does Matter

“For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace.” Romans 8:6 (ESV)

Taking the perfect picture has never been my talent. While I might have an eye for the best shot, my photos definitely don’t reflect any expertise. Don’t really know how I do it so imperfectly every time. Probably why selfies weren’t on my radar until I discovered this cool feature on my smartphone. Who knew you could simply say “Capture” and your phone would take the picture for you? No hitting a button. No trying to keep my hand out of the lens area. By changing the setting on my phone’s camera, my lack of photography skills has been revolutionized.

Wouldn’t it be wonderful if capturing our thoughts was as simple as capturing the perfect pose?

Neuroscientists believe we have 60,000 – 80,000 random thoughts in a day. Our mind is constantly going; the only time our brain waves go to zero is if we are brain dead. From the moment we stretch and get out of bed, we realize our mind is soaring. For some of us it might be remembering our endless list of things we have to get done. For others it may be deep thoughts trying to unpack relationship issues. For some, the first thoughts we recognize in our morning could be fragments of a dream we had. And all these bombard us before we even hit the shower. No wonder we feel mentally challenged.

Positive thoughts centered on God’s word energize us, lift us up and encourage us. Filling our minds with the truth of what God says about us and our challenges. Focusing on His promises positions us to face even the hardest places with courage and boldness. These are thoughts we want to entertain moment by moment.

Sweet friends let’s keep it real here – positive thoughts are not what we get so lost in  – it’s our negative thoughts. It’s a daily struggle to short-circuit thousands of thoughts creeping in and stealing our joy. And the more we entertain unhealthy thoughts, the easier it is for our minds to settle there drowning out the positive. Creating pathways – grooves and ruts – which makes it easier for our minds to go in the same direction moment by moment.

God’s word reminds us in 2 Corinthians to take every thought captive, to seize our thoughts and ensure they are glorifying Him. Just like it took action on my part to program my phone to recognize “capture” when I wanted to snap a photo, we must take action to “capture” our thoughts. If we want our thoughts to serve us well, then we must be intentional in extinguishing negative and unhealthy chatter in our brains.

Speaking God’s truth out loud in the face of unwanted thoughts forces our minds to zero in on every word, thus ending the noise attempting to slay us. Coming up with a game plan in advance postures us for victory.  The past few weeks, I’ve mentally shouted “capture” at the slightest hint of a wrong thought. And my voice was constantly on repeat; however, I am finding I don’t easily entertain those negative thoughts to self like I used to. I’m finally taking captive what wasn’t serving me well.

Capture never sounded more beautiful….the perfect way to keep our thoughts aligned with God’s.

“Father, You have equipped us with minds capable of creativity, innovation and cultivating deep truths. Help us to actively capture any thoughts which don’t glorify you or serve us well.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

 

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Posted in Encouragement, Freedom, Hope, Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | February 29, 2024

When The Going Gets Tough

“But Ruth replied, Don’t urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God. Where you die I will die, and there I will be buried. May the Lord deal with me, be it ever so severely, if anything but death separates you and me.” Ruth 1:16-17 (NIV)

When all you have is stripped from you, like Naomi, it’s easy to turn bitter and think God has forgotten you or has decided to punish you. After losing her husband and two sons, Naomi left the country of Moab and returned to her people. She had two Moabite daughters-in-law, and she told them to go back to their people. One of the daughters-in-law, Ruth, saw Naomi as her own family.  She wasn’t about to leave her; Ruth was going to be stuck on her like a Band-Aid.

Today a lot of things are disposable and the things that used to be valued are mere trial-and-error opportunities. If Naomi lived today chances are her daughters-in-law wouldn’t consider following her to the next town. Women are often abandoned by husbands who vowed to love and protect them, children are left in orphanages by their parents and the love that once seemed to be stronger than death simply disappears.  Too often, we are no longer setting our roots on the Rock, on the One who can help us, but rather on utopian realities that do nothing but devastate our faith. If we wish to be blessed like Ruth, we must deny self and follow after God regardless the cost.

 “Father, one young woman with such a strong faith and love that allowed her to leave father and mother and follow her mother-in-law to a new country shows us that You honor our faithfulness. Please help us to have faith like Ruth.”

For His Glory

Luska Natali
TRBC Women’s Life

 

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Hope

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | February 28, 2024

Walk Worthy

“And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God.” (Colossians 1:9-10, ESV)

 My husband and I were enjoying a nice stroll along the beach.  Watching the waves crash against the shore, walking hand in hand as the wind blew through our hair.  Unfortunately, the sand started becoming harder for me to navigate.  Over 30 years ago, I was in a serious car accident that crushed my left knee and ankle – making my left side a little weaker with age.  Due to this previous injury, I soon found it hard to walk upright in the sand at times.  I decided to step back and walk behind him. Allowing him to go before me meant he did the hard work.  He laid the footprints and all I had to do was step into them.  When I walked in his footsteps, I was able to walk upright without any problems.  After 34 years together, it was easy for me to trust my husband to lead me on a safe path (I know his character).

Our spiritual walk is based on our knowledge of God and our understanding of His will.

Paul wanted the church at Colosse to be taught in the things of God.  As a Christian our first responsibility is to know God, what he requires of us (and what he doesn’t).

There were a lot of false teachings being spread throughout the town. The power of darkness was lulling those early Christians to sleep.  They were no longer focusing on Christ and the power of his walk.  They were falling prey to false beliefs – other paths to God.  No longer walking worthy of the sacrifice Christ had made on the cross. Resulting in their inability to bear fruit.

Walking in a manner worthy means we will make life decisions that line up with the Word of God.  We will be able to navigate life when the path before us becomes difficult.  Instead of becoming overwhelmed and going in the direction of our feelings, we will look to Him and walk in His footsteps. When we know His character, we will know that we can trust Him to lead us – even if we can’t clearly see the path before us.

When we have experienced a genuine relationship with Jesus, we will be better equipped to stay away from the other attractive paths, no matter how they may be packaged.

The only way we can bear good fruit (and thus fully please God) is by staying connected to Jesus at ALL times. (John 15:7-8)

“Father, help us to grow in the knowledge of your Word so we can walk worthy in Christ.”

For His Glory

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

 

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

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