Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | July 2, 2024

On The List

“Indeed, all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.” 2 Timothy 3:12

Very recently in Scottland, new legislation has gone into effect. “The Hate Crime and Public Order (Scotland) Act” makes it an offense to stir up hatred with threatening or abusive behavior based on characteristics including age, disability, religion, sexual orientation and transgender identity”1. The legislation also creates a new offense of “possessing inflammatory material” 2, and in the eyes of the law, the “insulting” action has to only be “likely”—not actually “intended”3. There is an interesting “protective” free-speech caveat: a specific guarantee that people can still “ridicule or insult” religion.4 (Um, ok.) One of the pastors at my church who goes frequently to Scotland for ministry, said that over 400 Scottish pastors are now on a watch list for this “hate crime” legislation because of the truths contained in God’s Word.

Why make a big deal out of this law way across the ocean? Well, there are two reasons: 1) freedom of speech in our nation is being rapidly chipped away, and 2) the Gospel of Jesus Christ—and Jesus Himself—is offensive (1 Corinthians 1:18; 1 Peter 2:4-8). And it’s not just Scotland. In fact, there is more martyrdom around the world for the Gospel today than there has been at any other time in human history. According to a recent report from Open Doors, more than 13 Christians are killed each day for their faith. That is shocking enough…but simply for following Jesus:

  • 4,125 Christians were detained without trial, arrested, sentenced, or imprisoned.
  • 3,906 believers were abducted.
  • More than 3,200 Christians were raped, sexually harassed, or forced to marry non-Christians.
  • 42,849 followers of Jesus were physically or mentally abused.
  • Nearly 300,000 Christians were forced to leave their homes, go into hiding, or flee their country of origin.

And these numbers are likely underreported. Let that sink in.

This persecution may not be on our own doorstep just yet. But it’s coming. Fast. So, my question to you—and me—is this: Are we willing to be “on the list”? Are we ready to stand firm in the face of persecution and threats to our own safety, family, and life? These warnings are not new. The Bible is full of exhortations to expect trouble and hatred (Matthew 10:22; 1 Peter 4:12-14; 1 John 3:13)—and to be watchful and stand firm (1 Peter 4:19; 1 Corinthians 16:13; James 1:12). But we’re also reminded that, despite our daily—and coming—trouble in this world, Jesus has already overcome the world (John 16:33). He is Sovereign. He is King. And He’s coming back to make everything right (Matthew 16:27; Acts 1:11; Revelation 1:7). So, until then, friend, let us stand on the Rock that is our God, preparing for the promise of persecution.

“Lord, You promise You’re coming soon. Come, Lord Jesus, come! Until then, give me the strength and grace to persevere what the world and the enemy intend for evil, but You intend for good—and for Your glory.”

 

For His Glory

Julianne Winkler Smith
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Faith, Freedom, Hope, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | July 1, 2024

The Sweet Aroma Of Confession

“…But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.”  I Corinthians 6:11 (ESV)

I’m totally a fan of having my toes out, free and unencumbered. My fave shoes are my Croc sandals or just about anything that isn’t closed in. Even when the chill of October hits, you will find me still running around town in those crocs – toes totally exposed.

Now if you’re right there with me on my toes and feet freedom then you also know the effects of having them bare.  Dry and cracked heels define mine if I don’t take time for some in-home spa moments. You will often find me on Saturday nights enjoying a hot foot soak infused with lavender and eucalyptus. Even the aroma soothes my entire body. And the finishing touch is exfoliating all that dead, yucky skin away before I lather those toes with my fave lotion. It’s the final touch that makes all the difference.

Don’t know about you but I often need a deep exfoliating of my whole self not just the toes. Kind of sounds like Peter doesn’t it when Jesus was washing the disciples’ feet? Peter’s initial resistance to Jesus washing his feet faded when Jesus countered, “If I do not wash you, you have no share with me.”  Peter’s response was classic – not just my feet Lord, my hands and my head (John 13:9).

We want it all cleansed, don’t we? Some commentaries interpret hands as symbolizing our decisions and sins against other people, and the head representing our thoughts and sins committed in our minds. Jesus used this imagery to imply that He is the water and His work in the believer’s life is cleansing (John 15:3).

Considering these thoughts, I know my whole self needs deep exfoliation – a removal of those dead to sin areas of me.  And Jesus did just that when I confessed my sins and invited Him into my life – washed in the precious blood of the Lamb. Clothed in His righteousness – though our sins were like scarlet, we became white as snow (Isaiah 1:18). It truly is the most beautiful cleansing we could ever imagine.

As we journey through this fallen world, the dirt and grime attempts to take up residency in us and silence the voice of God.  Exactly why it is crucial to keep a short account of sin – in simpler terms, we need to confess and repent quickly so sin doesn’t have a chance of sticking to us. Sin that lingers and clings never serves us well. Our hearts become hard and resistant just like our calloused heels. Compromises become our mode of thinking – justifying what we know displeases our God. Dismissal becomes our go to response rather than heeding the leading of the Holy Spirit.

Sweet friends, we don’t want to excuse away the exfoliating of our souls, hearts and minds.  Each day, we need to saturate our minds with the word of God. Each morning when we rise, we need to surrender our day to God and seek His help in glorifying Him through what we think, see, say and do. And as we lay our heads to rest, I can’t think of a better way to end our day than searching our hearts and confessing any sin attempting to steal our freedom.

The sweet aroma of a heartfelt confession is welcomed and cherished in the presence of our God. And He, full of grace and mercy will exfoliate all that dead, yuckiness away. It’s His touch that makes all the difference.

“Father, thank You for Your grace that covers over all of me.  Your kindness draws me to Your truth and sets my spirit free – washed in Your precious blood.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Faith, Gratitude, Hope, Mercy

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | June 27, 2024

Leaving Egypt Behind

“But Moses told the people, “Don’t be afraid. Just stand where you are and watch the Lord rescue you. The Egyptians that you see today will never be seen again. The Lord himself will fight for you. You won’t have to lift a finger in your defense!” Exodus 14:13-14 (NLT)

Do you have an “Egyptian” in your life? An Egyptian can be different things such as; disease, addiction, lack, a bad habit or doubt, etc. that keep us in bondage and slavery. January 2011 the Lord had me go on the Daniel Fast two times…consecutively. However, in His grace and mercy, He did not just tell me to go fast. No…He gave me these two verses full of His promises as encouragement to not be afraid. He would rescue and fight for me, and I would never see that particular “Egyptian” again.

God is calling us all out of Egypt! For 400 hundred years, the Israelites were in bondage as slaves to Pharaoh. However, they were unaware that God was equipping and preparing Moses for their deliverance. Just like the Israelite slaves under the harsh treatment of whip carrying taskmasters, we also may be living a life of anguish, pain and suffering. But be looking…our Deliverer is on His way!

Deliverance may require a journey. Are we ready to take the trip? A journey that will lead us to the Promise Land – a rich, abundant life without bondage and slavery. Free because of Christ! Put on your traveling shoes and say to God, “I’m ready…let’s go.” He has been preparing you for the journey. Take the first step of faith saying, “I trust you Lord.” It may require getting your toes wet, but God will part any sea in your way.

“Father, in your timing You will bring us through on dry ground. Delivered and free, we will stand in the land of milk and honey!”

For His Glory

Kim Lacey Schock(www.kimlaceyshock.com)
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Freedom, Hope

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | June 26, 2024

No More Pretending

“Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life. “ Psalm 139:23-24 (NLT)

My 8 year-old loves to dress up. When my sister gave him a mustache tattoo from a Grad night goody bag, he wore it proudly all day.

He loved to pretend that it was a real mustache … but let’s face it; he wasn’t fooling anyone. Anyone could see that he was still an 8 year-old boy.

I have to admit that even I like to pretend once in a while. I like to dress up for a fun costume party, to wear silly outfits with my kids, or to act sophisticated in a formal dress on a date with my husband. (Yes, I have to pretend to be sophisticated.)

I believe these are all appropriate ways for an adult to pretend. The danger comes when I pretend with God. I may be able to fool my friends and acquaintances–acting like I have it all together. I may say the right things, quote the right verses, sing the right songs, know all of the Bible stories…but I cannot fool God.

Psalm 139 tells me that God sees me for who I am, He knows my every action and behavior, He discerns my thoughts (verses 1-4 and 13-18). This would be incredibly overwhelming and downright scary if I left out verse 5: “You go before me and follow me. You place your hand of blessing on my head.”

In verse 24, at the end of the chapter, the psalmist comes to the conclusion of the matter: “Point out anything in me that offends you…” (verse 24a). This request leads to the greatest reward of all: “and lead me along the path of everlasting life.” (verse 24b)

Realizing that God knows me so well (better than I know myself), I should want to be honest with God so that He can lead me to repentance. I mean, who doesn’t want everlasting life, right?

While playing dress-up is fun on occasion, let’s stop pretending with God. He can see through our mask anyway.

“God, show me when I am not being real with You and others. Lead me to repentance and everlasting life.”

For His Glory

Tammy Randlett (http://staletoast.com)
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Attitude, Encouragement, Faith, Gratitude, Hope

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | June 25, 2024

Family Reunion

“After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands.  And they cried out in a loud voice: “Salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb.”  Revelation 7:9-10

Family. It can be hard. Sure, we all know people whose immediate and extended families are super tight—they spend as much time as possible together, even live in the same area or neighborhood. That’s so beautiful. But more often than not, those bonds are frayed. Divorce, long-time hurt, unforgiveness, rivalry, and bitterness—sometimes just geographical distance—break apart family trees as if composed entirely of deadwood.

Then there is our national culture—divisive much? I realize that every generation makes this claim, but in my 50-some years of life, I’ve never experienced such vitriol among people groups. Rage and lawlessness are in vogue. And the America-hatred sentiment being spewed from every corner of our nation is astounding. “United we stand” seems to be a forgotten platitude of the past.

And when you zoom out to the globe in its entirety, well…Jesus’ warning of “wars and rumors of war—nations rising against nation” comes right to mind (Matthew 24:6-8). There are highly publicized battles that are streamed to our screens. But the tumult extends in every direction, with at least 13 civil wars being fought at this moment around the world.

Finally, even the Church—people and entities claiming to be surrendered followers of Jesus Christ—is skirmishing. We are forgetting the oneness we have in Jesus (Galatians 3:28) and quarreling about all levels of nonessentials, from rapture timeframes to carpet colors. (Now, there are recent splits occurring that involve true apostasy, with some “Christian” churches redacting or adding to God’s Word—but that’s not what I’m talking about here.)

So, why am I setting such a dark stage with all the above observations? Because there is Light that shines into this blackness! There is truth, grace, and hope that causes the darkness to flee, revealing the God-intended glory of unity. This is the power and majesty of Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior! As I served on a mission trip in Poland last week, I was privileged to get a real-life glimpse of what John witnessed and wrote about in Revelation 7:9-10 (above). Although I still haven’t processed the full impact of this experience, I can share this much: The singular focus on the Lord and His glory has the power to dissolve fissures of disunity at every level. And I saw this power in real time.

The power to heal marital wounds. To tightly bond with local church members who had never met and, to the outsider, seemed to have absolutely nothing in common. This local “church family” quickly and easily extended to others from multiple denominal congregations from around the US. No “us-them” differences…just glorifying God and magnifying His Son. This love of Jesus, pouring into and then through His people on mission in this one area of Poland, transcended language barriers and crossed thousands of miles.

This all-too-short trip was a powerful celebration of the One who rescues us from the ultimate darkness (Colossians 1:13; John 8:12; Ephesians 5:8). It was over 150 people from different countries, states, ages, and walks of life—in tandem—responding to the call to “Send me” (Isaiah 6:8). It was a glorious family reunion that was merely a dim reflection of what is to one day come.

“Lord, for those who long to taste and see the goodness of the Lord, to experience a pure and undefiled unity that they don’t believe is possible…stir their spirit to “go into the world and proclaim the gospel” (Mark 16:15), that they may shine light into darkness—whether across the globe or in their neighborhood.

 

For His Glory

 

Julianne Winkler Smith
TRBC Women’s Life

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

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | June 24, 2024

Why Dry Stunts Our Growth

“O God, you are my God; earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you; my flesh faints for you, as in a dry and weary land where there is no water.” Psalm 63:1 (ESV)

Our once beautiful green grass is now a hue of brown and crunches when we walk across the yard. While south Florida has been plummeted with rain, we haven’t seen a good soaking in a long time.  No lawn mowing is required. I’ve been faithfully watering all my flowers every night and it seems like they absorb the water faster and faster. The temps are hot and humid – no rain in sight.

As I looked across the yard yesterday, I couldn’t help but think of those moments when our souls become dry. Without the refreshing rain of God’s word nourishing our souls, we too become dry, brittle and crunchy. Growth is definitely stunted when we leave out studying, meditating on and obeying the word of God. Our attitudes are the quickest to reflect our lack. We exhibit a short fuse – one ready to pounce when our souls are tired, weary and empty. Poor decisions follow when we leave out the wisdom of our God. Ugly negative thoughts take up residence in our minds when we pivot away from the vital truths of God’s word.  We easily become confused, disillusioned and discouraged when “we” are our only source of nourishment. Nothing we choose will satisfy like our God.

Like a quiet gentle soaking rain welcomed on dry grass, we need a daily infusion of God’s word to penetrate deep into our hearts not just above the surface. Sometimes His word is the encouragement we need to keep pressing on. Other times His word is the storehouse of wisdom needed for the challenges we don’t even know are ahead. Sometimes His word is a gentle rebuke calling us away from sin that seeks to slay us and consequences we’d rather avoid. All pivoting us back to the heart of God who loves us and longs for us to reflect His image in our world.

Sweet friends, we don’t want dry, brittle and crunchy to define us – there’s already too much of that in our world today. The carefree days of summer are here – the perfect time to continue nourishing our souls with the presence and praise of our God. Let’s seize every opportunity to flourish and radiate the beauty found in those whose faces shine from being in the presence of our God.

“Father, create a deep thirst within me for You alone. Draw my heart closer to You and fill my heart, mind and soul with Your wisdom, grace, truth and love.”

 

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Encouragement, Hope, Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | June 21, 2024

Abundantly Pruned

 “Every branch in me that does not bear fruit He takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit.” John 15:2-3 (ESV)

Warm sunshine on a Sunday afternoon sent me outside to prune my ever-growing rose bush.  And what a job it was.  I had no idea how strategic I needed to be in order to ensure the best shaping of all those branches for next Spring’s blooming.  Not only did I need to concentrate, but I also needed to be precise in what I cut.

As I got up close and entangled in all those branches from my rose bush, I was able to see things I would have otherwise overlooked. Nestled in the far back of the bush were a lot of dead branches.  Ones that would never produce those lavish, fragrant roses I love.  By the time I finished, my bush looked like a hot mess.  My arms had several scratches, and my allergies were totally irritated.  Never knew pruning could be such hard work for the pruner.

Sound familiar?

We’ve probably all read the story of the true vine (John 15) – Jesus who is our true vine.  The one we need to stay connected to and the one who empowers us branches to bear fruit. He alone is our direct connection to God and without Him, we can do absolutely nothing.  And His Father (God) is the vinedresser. The one who cultivates and prunes our branches with one goal in mind.  Not to inflict pain, although pruning usually involves discomfort.   God’s delight, His glory, is found when we bear much fruit.

Keeping it real here but I usually tend to focus on me, the branch, in this scenario.  I’m the one with all the cutting away of things I’ve cherished.  Even though it didn’t serve me well, it was ever so hard to see those things go.  I’m the one whose fruit was painfully pruned so I could bear much more fruit.  I loved the fruit I bore – I really didn’t want more…..comfortable with self.

Making it all about me was never God’s intent.

When I remove my eyes from me and see me from God’s perspective – the story takes a drastic turn.  Wonder what it feels like to God, my Father, who longs for me to glorify Him when I settle for less?  While I may think He enjoys all that cutting and pruning, I’m sure it grieves His heart to see my pain. Yet God knows what truly serves me best….we will thrive when we are heavily pruned.  End result, the removing surrendered in God’s hands sets the stage for abundant fruit.

Sweet friends, instead of resisting pruning let’s choose to welcome the removal of all things stunting our growth.  Let’s embrace God’s strategic plans for fruit in abundance.  Let’s not focus on “us” but rather glimpse the heart of our God who loves us so much He can’t leave us the same.

“Father, while I may not enjoy the cutting away and pruning of my heart, I know I can trust You to cultivate within me a life that truly glorifies You.”
For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Encouragement, Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | June 19, 2024

Beauty In Surrender

“Therefore, we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.” 2 Cor. 4:16 (NIV)

There’s nothing like a long bike or jeep ride down a scenic trail in the fall to calm the soul. My husband and I enjoy taking the top off our jeep and riding through the mountains as we take in the breathtakingly scenic views of color. I always come back from one of those rides feeling peaceful and hopeful.

What we see as beautiful is really the dying process of the changing leaf, which results in vibrant colors. The leaf is giving everything it has to the tree; it is surrendering its life in that season. As the leaf dies it will show off every color that was put in it before it dies, as long as it’s connected to the tree. And in a different season new life will appear where the dying leaves once were.

As believers, we can display the same beautiful colors with our faith.

It’s no secret that life can be cruel. It can shatter our hearts in a moment and leave us gasping for breath – unsure of what will come at us next. One minute our life is planned out for us and in the next minute – everything is gone. The landscape can change so drastically that there’s nothing left to go back to.

There will be times when we have to surrender our dreams and the way we “thought” life would be. Surrender is not giving up. It’s just accepting a purpose and plan beyond our own individual understanding – and acknowledging God’s will. Even though we may think (and feel) the brokenness will kill us, surrendering our lives to God’s greater plan will bring about a peace (and hope) that renews us daily.

If we hold onto our faith and keep taking the next step, one day at a time, sometimes even one minute at a time; our most painful seasons can become beautiful.

Just like the leaf, God put a lot of beautiful things in us when He formed us in our mother’s womb. Others are watching us in our journey, and when we allow the light of God to shine through us, our colors show off in the way we live. In our daily actions of showing love, comfort and hope to others. Even though our own lives aren’t what we had planned. The simple truth is peace and pain can co-exist in a person’s life.

If we don’t let go of our hope in Him, He will breathe new life into us and allow every beautiful thing in us to make a magnificent display for His Kingdom.

“Father help us to hold onto You today no matter how much life hurts. Help us to surrender our dreams into Your safe hands. For we know that You will renew us and allow us to display our colors for Your greater purpose.”

For His Glory

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

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Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | June 18, 2024

An Asterisk Life

“If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.” John 14:15

I was listening to an amazing and very heady Christian podcast called “Just Thinking”—it’s very intellectually demanding and spirit-inspiring, not the kind you can casually listen to at the gym. Anyway, the topic was indwelling sin in believers, and at one point one of the hosts made an off-the-cuff comment that struck me as incredibly profound. He said that with regard to obedience to God, Christians have a tendency to live with some asterisks—exceptions made for them. Mic drop. He didn’t dwell on the topic…but I did.

As a professional writer, much of my work is very technical (writing marketing material for a global computer company, a data analytics company, and others). And pretty much every piece I write in this genre includes an asterisk statement or two. You know, you read the sentence, see the “*” and look down to the bottom of the page for an explanation. Usually, it’s denoting that the sentence you just read is sometimes true, but there are caveats when it’s not true or is not relevant or applicable.

When it comes to living according to God’s Word, do we live a life with asterisks? Do we read in Matthew 5:43-48, “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,” and see an asterisk for ourselves? We may think, “Sure, Jesus said that to His audience, but that’s not applicable to me. He didn’t mean my neighbor/boss/government leader…that guy doesn’t deserve my love or prayers!” Or perhaps you know well that the Bible admonishes us to flee sexual immorality and that sex is designed only between a husband and wife (Hebrews 13:4; 1 Corinthians 6:1-20; 1 Thessalonians 4:3-4). But c’mon (insert asterisk here), that’s so irrelevant today. You live with your boyfriend because it’s financially wise—and he said he’s going to propose at some point. And (this one’s a real stinger, friend) God’s Word is very clear about us not fearing or being anxious (Philippians 4:6-7; Joshua 1:9; 2 Timothy 1:7; Deuteronomy 31:6; Romans 8:15). Asterisk living says, “Yeah, but THIS situation is different—there are so many things to worry about! I’m so afraid!”

As Christians, we are called to be holy and set apart (1 Peter 1:15-16). We are to pursue righteousness—after all, we have been made righteous through Jesus Christ (2 Corinthians 5:21)! We cannot pursue or even tolerate sin (Ephesians 4:17-32). Don’t get me wrong, we will sin—we cannot be perfectly holy and righteous as long as we are in this fallen world with this fallen body. But we must constantly walk in the direction of holiness, aligned with God’s Word and His will. And when we do mess up, we know it, we’re convicted, we ask forgiveness, and we repent (turn the other way). This is sanctification. We cannot, however, intentionally insert an asterisk here and there because we choose to disobey—because we believe that commandment or directive is not true, not relevant, or not applicable for us.

Friend, our holiness—our set-apartness—is when our light shines and we draw others to Jesus. Conversely, asterisk living makes us look more and more like the world. And if Christianity is just like the world, why would anyone want to give their life to Jesus?

“Father, help me live each day in accordance with Your Word, not making exceptions or excuses for my sin.”

For His Glory

Julianne Winkler Smith
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Faith, Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Living, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | June 17, 2024

Seeds of Gratitude

“Blessed are the people to whom such blessings fall! Blessed are the people whose God is the Lord!” Psalm 144:15 (ESV)

The coolness of spring and the heat of summer mingled together this past week.  Oh, how I loved the refreshing early morning cool breezes and late night moments on the patio.  Perfect weather.  But, by Thursday perfection had slipped out the window and the humidity was daunting. To make matters worse, the air conditioning in my car wasn’t working.  Definitely not my fave way to commute, especially in the heat of the day.

While I was sweating on my way home, I couldn’t help but reflect on how easy it is to take so many seemingly insignificant things for granted.  Running water is always on tap in my home.  One simple flush allows me to take care of business without having to go outside.  A roof over my head and food in the pantry – wow we are blessed indeed.  Yet all these daily luxuries often go unnoticed, dismissed.  Why?  We simply forget the convenience and joy of having so much at our fingertips.

Unfortunately, we can land in this same place in our relationship with God.  There are churches around almost every corner in our city.  I have stacks of Bibles on my desk.  Inspiring podcasts are readily available.  My church offers multiple varieties of studies and life groups to suit the needs of everyone – no one is excluded.  Spiritual luxuries which we often take for granted.

Several years ago, a dear friend moved to a larger, more prominent city.  As she settled into her new environment, my friend greatly missed her church family and circle of godly friends.  Despite the city’s offerings of more places to shop and eat than you could dare imagine, the feeding of her soul was missing.  Sad reality, we often don’t miss what we are blessed with until it is no longer there.

Sweet friends, we can easily find ourselves drawn to critique, grumbling and complaining versus expressing gratitude and being thankful.  Inconveniences and preferences can fuel those thoughts propelling us down a negative trail. And once we embark on that journey, discontent will quickly rise to the surface.

So how do we avoid this trap?   Gratitude is crucial as we maneuver through life.  When we recognize how blessed we are to simply open our Bibles and freely attend church, we will replace complacency with true worship and overflowing joy. A critique of our pastor’s Sunday sermon will fade. When we acknowledge how God has blessed our life with family who love us and godly friends who inspire us, we will view each day through a different lens.  Unity will become our goal versus division and dissension.

Cultivating daily gratitude births a genuine recognition of how the hand of God guides and strengthens us.  Even acknowledging the mundane and uneventful moments as joyful gifts can plant seeds deep in our souls.  And when those hard times rise to the surface, which they will, our decision to embrace gratitude and cling to God’s truth will sustain us.  Like a wildfire in a dry land, the release of negativity can foster joy and gratitude in others as well.

Practice develops consistency – so let’s purposefully choose to practice gratitude this week by jotting down anything and everything that sparks gratitude in our hearts.  When the temptation sparks to critique, grumble or complain, let’s intentionally choose to see the goodness of our God over the disappointments of our circumstances. A grateful, contented heart always serves us well.

“Father, the sheer joy of Your presence in our lives generates abundant gratitude.  Teach us to see Your goodness sprinkled across every day and empower us to rise above the enemy’s attempts to steal our joy.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Encouragement, Gratitude, Hope, Worship

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