Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | November 29, 2023

No Going Back

“The righteous keep moving forward, and those with clean hands become stronger and stronger.” Job 17:9 (NLT)

The Israelites spent over 400 years in Egypt before the Exodus.  They started out welcomed as the family of Joseph. But as government rulers changed, so did their status. Once free men, they became slaves with no control of any aspect of their lives. Everything was dictated to them. Their children could be taken from them in a moment and sold and they could do nothing about it. It was the “normal” that they lived with.

Understanding that makes it even harder to fathom how only two months after gaining their freedom they started complaining to Moses. They wanted to go back to Egypt – back to their normal. They were so far out of their comfort zones that they missed the bigger picture of what God was doing in their lives.

Despite the fact they were beaten, half-starved and made to endure inhumane work and life conditions, they had developed a routine of “normalcy” to adapt to the abuse over the generations. When they were taken out of their comfort zone – the fear of the unknown was too much for them. They didn’t want change – even though that change meant a new way of life for them and their children.

In my profession, I spend a lot of time talking with people. One common theme I hear a lot is the desire “to go back to normal.”  A wish to return to pre-pandemic life. No masks. No social distancing. I’m an extrovert – I love people and I’m a hugger. I can relate to their sentiments.

While there’s nothing wrong with wanting to be able to connect with friends and family without fear of a virus – the truth is nowhere in the Bible do we ever read that going backward resulted in something good.

There is a purpose for every season in our lives. And my own experience has taught me that when God moves us into another season; He very seldom lets us go back and pick and choose the things we want to take with us. This world is not our home. And until we either leave this life through rapture or the grave – things will continue to change.

In Job 17:9 we read that “the righteous keep moving forward, and those with clean hands become stronger and stronger.” (NLT)

Our lives before the pandemic might not have been as horrific as the Israelites. But perhaps God was trying to get our attention – to get us out of our “comfort zones.”  To get us out of the “normal” of full schedules overloaded with no time to read the Word of God or pray.

“Father help us to not be like the Israelites and miss the bigger picture. Open our eyes to see that we must keep moving forward adapting to the changes of the season – fully trusting in the fact that you are our El Shaddai.”

 For His Glory

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

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | November 27, 2023

The Beauty of Three

“Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me.  But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”  Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.”  2 Corinthians 12:8-9 (ESV)

Ever lived a chapter you wished was not a part of your story?  Oh yes, we could probably compose our book entitled, “What I didn’t want to happen,” couldn’t we?  The diagnosis we never dreamed would color our lives.  The relationships we thought would last forever walking out the door.  The losses outweighing the gains.  And then there are those moments when we are faced with hard decisions – choices we don’t want to make – deciding between obedience and pursuing our path.  Yes, lots of chapters we truly wished were not part of our story.  Yet, sweet friend it is those very unwanted chapters that shape us into one who discovers true beauty amidst the disappointments.

Unwanted chapters are not just unique to us, they also comprise the lives of those we read about in God’s Word.  The Apostle Paul was one who knew the heaviness of those chapters well.  No one would desire shipwrecks, beatings, stonings and dangerous encounters (2 Corinthians 11:16-30).  And if that wasn’t enough to halt your reading, Paul pleaded three times for God to remove the thorn in his flesh – one that tormented and harassed him (2 Corinthians 12:7).  The beauty of three positioned to keep Paul humble and dependent on the strength of His God.

Flip back to Matthew 26 and we witness another three as Jesus agonized in the garden of Gethsemane.  Crying out to His Father, Jesus asked if this cup (this chapter) could pass from Him.  One He came to fulfill, yet one Jesus cried out to His Father if possible to not write. Yet totally surrendered to God’s plan, Jesus drank from that cup dying on the cross for our sins – taking our place.  The beauty of His surrender to three gave us an opportunity to have an intimate personal relationship with our Heavenly Father and spend eternity in HIs presence.

What will we do with the chapters we don’t want to write?  Will we press through and allow God to transform our weakness into His strength?  Will we surrender to His plan versus our own?  Will we embrace the story God is writing or attempt to create our own? How we handle those moments when God’s answer is different from ours is pivotal.

Keeping it real here – I have often resisted and it never served me well.  Surrender exemplified by Jesus and Paul is our best choice.  We can completely trust our God to teach us, shape us, mold us and bring glory to His name through those chapters we don’t want to experience. The unfolding of each page births deep growth and an opportunity to share our stories (testimonies) with others.  Just as we are inspired by Jesus and Paul’s response, we too can set a godly example for others.  Best win ever.

“Father, thank You for using all the chapters of our lives to deepen our relationship with You.  Help us to surrender to Your plan and share our stories with others.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

 

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | November 21, 2023

Grounded, Growing & Grateful

“Therefore, as you have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, having been firmly rooted and now being built up in Him and established in your faith, just as you were instructed, and overflowing with gratitude.” 2 Colossians 2:6-7

Accepting Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior is a one-and-done decision. Once saved, always saved—no one can pluck you from His hand (John 10:28-30). That being said, in response to the Great Exchange (your sin for His righteousness), you are called to live life differently. To walk worthy of this new relationship with God (Eph 4:1; Col 1:10; 1 Thessalonians 2:12)—and to do so with a “fruity” attitude of love empowered by the Holy Spirit (see Galatians 5:22-23).

But how can we walk in Jesus? That’s a very tall order (Jesus being perfect and all). But there are a few important things the Apostle Paul mentions in his letter to the Colossians that instruct us about moving forward in the right direction.

  1. We are “firmly rooted” in Christ. The Greek grammar is very encouraging here. The word for “having been firmly rooted” is errizonmenoi, which is a perfect tense participle. (Huh?) It means that this rooting takes place at the moment of salvation! It’s as if you’re a small bush that has been dug up—roots and all—out of your sinful life to be placed in a luscious greenhouse (new life), where, the moment you’re replanted, your roots are instantly being nourished for growth. And your fruit is on its way. Don’t get me wrong…we are given a new nature with the Holy Spirit living in us, but we’re still stuck in our fallen flesh and living in a dark world run by one whose sole purpose is to destroy us. So we must abide in Jesus, yielded to the Holy Spirit at all times to feed those roots (John 15:1-27)!
  2. As we walk, we are being built up in Him. Here, the Greek for “being built up” is epoikodomoumenoi, which is—stay with me here—a present tense participle. This indicates continuous action! From a solid foundation of our salvation, we grow to be more like Jesus by (a) studying the Word of God (b) living out the grace, truth, and love we’ve been shown, and (c) being in community with other brothers and sisters in faith. Grounded and growing, we are established in our faith.
  3. Because of our new roots, deepening daily through our Source, and our ongoing transformation to live in the reality of our righteousness in Christ, we are to overflow with gratitude. Thankfulness is truly a choice. Our salvation alone is reason enough to daily burst out in song! Beyond that, we can start with the breath in our lungs and work our way through the multitude of blessings we’ve been given, along with the daily miracles we experience.

Friend, our walk with the Lord won’t be easy—that’s a promise right from His mouth. But moving in the direction of obedience is the call on our lives. We do that through the power of the Holy Spirit living in us, along with knowing and living by the Truth of God’s Word. So, stay rooted, take in nourishment to thrive, and be sure to feed your growth with plenty of gratitude.

“Thank You, Lord, for trading my unrighteousness for Your perfect righteousness, establishing me in faith. May I live as a worthy ambassador of Your Kingdom…and give thanks all along the way.”

 

For His Glory

 

Julianne Winkler Smith
TRBC Women’s Life

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | November 16, 2023

Blessed Obedience

“Bring all the tithes into the storehouse so there will be enough food in my Temple. If you do, says the Lord Almighty, “I will open the windows of heaven for you. I will pour out a blessing so great you won’t have enough room to take it in! Try it! Let me prove it to you!” Malachi 3:10 (NLT)

God is a gracious God and if you are not a tither it is never too late to begin. Phew! Thank goodness God does not look at our arrearages, He meets us right where we are in our first steps of obedience. So let’s not miss the blessings specifically attached to tithing. At the same time, He is a God of justice, order and principle. God has a special blessing in store for the tither.

Ten percent of the increase no matter the amount is equal at the feet of Jesus. If you make $10 a week then your tithe is $1. If your neighbor makes $1000 a week then their tithe is $100. The tithe may be more or less than your neighbor’s, but the obedience of giving the tithe is the same. I learned many years ago that God owns the cattle on a thousand hills, and He doesn’t need our money He wants our obedience.

God says, “I WILL open the windows of heaven for YOU.”  “I will” is a promise. He continues and says, “I WILL (another promise) pour out a great blessing.” “A” blessing…meaning it’s only going to take “one blessing” to overtake you. The King James version of the Bible has 31,102 verses and this is the only verse that God specifically says to test Him (exclamation point)! Meaning God feels strongly about His statement. Then He says, “Let me prove it to you (exclamation point)!” Another feel strongly statement.

God tells us to test Him! and try Him! because He wants to prove it! His promise to us. Be a tither and put God to the test.

“Father, we can never out give your love and blessings – teach us to be cheerful, obedient givers.”

For His Glory

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

 

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | November 15, 2023

Disappointment’s Hope

“When He (Jesus) was at the table with them, He took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them. Then their eyes were opened and they recognized Him.” (Luke 24:30&31a NIV)

Another opportunity to respond to a situation with grace, maturity and acceptance, and I …. crumble. Oh, to anyone looking on, I took the news rather well. Said little, maintained stoic facial composure and continued doing what I had always done. But, inside and alone, hours spent trying to understand the mysterious sting felt. I swore I wouldn’t let this get to me again. And yet, here it is. Present day event that uncovers past tense wounding. The hidden places of my soul that are bruised yet again.

In these moments, I must choose. I can allow the puss to spread and infect my attitude towards other areas. Sidetracked with self, a root of bitterness forms without even trying. In time, walls of isolation develop and anger mounts. Forgiveness not even the slightest consideration. Disappointment appears to win.

How disappointed were Cleopas and his companion? In chapter 24 of Luke, we follow the story. Jesus of Nazareth, the one who was to redeem Israel, had been crucified. Sure, these men had heard rumors of angels and a missing body, but without seeing Jesus they didn’t believe He was alive. The miracle in the moment was not seen. Nor did these men recall the Scriptures of promise or the character of their God. Disappointment and unfulfilled expectations flooded their reality.

Then Jesus revealed Himself.

In our moments of disappointment do we allow Jesus to reveal Himself? The Word of God displays the mind of Christ. God’s covenant of love is written on our hearts. The Holy Spirit is close at hand to comfort. I must surrender my self-will to God and trust His sovereignty in all situations. Determined to respond in a way pleasing to Christ, I allow God to hallow the cavity of infection and fill it with the healing power of the Holy Spirit. When disappointment reveals my heart, may it expose my love for an Almighty God who wants only the best for me. And so, I repent for the root of bitterness and replace it with a spirit of trust.

“Father, it is so easy to get caught up in self, in position, in esteem and miss the mark on what really matters. In those moments, thank you for lovingly revealing Yourself, Your Truth and Your Ways.”

For His Glory

Kathryn Hayman
TRBC Women’s Life

 

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | November 14, 2023

Biblical Accounting

“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.” 1 Corinthians 13:4-5

Accounting. You either love it or hate it. Some of us get giddy at the thought of a balanced tally on a piece of paper or computer screen—P&L statement, budget spreadsheet, etc. (in the last century, I would have used “balanced checkbook”—but lots of you would be like, “Huh?”). Others of us avoid those things like the plague and thank the Lord for CPAs.

Biblical accounting, however, is super simple. Don’t get me wrong, though. It is simple, but it’s not easy. In fact, it’s impossible in our own human effort.

Throughout God’s Word, we—as believers—are called to love others, especially our brothers and sisters in Christ (Romans 12:10). And it is by our love for the world’s people that they will know we are Christians (John 13:34-35). The book-and-chapter go-to that defines love for us was written in a letter from the Apostle Paul to the Corinthian church. And if you’ve attended a few weddings (or had one), you’re likely familiar with 1 Corinthians 13, as this “love chapter” is used to set the bar on self-sacrificing, other-elevating, God-glorifying love. In the midst of this chapter, within verse 5, accounting principles come into play.

The Lord, through Paul, tells us that love “keeps no record of wrongs” (NIV) or, as the Legacy Standard Bible translates it, love “does not take into account a wrong suffered.” So, what does this mean, exactly? Whether you’re a CPA or spreadsheet-phobic, it means we’re not to keep a tally of those hurts, wrongs, and irritants done toward us by another. Some of us may be thinking, “Well, then what ammunition will I have during our next big blowout—when I need to toss the final battle-ending grenade?” (Um, well…there’s an entirely different Biblical lesson there, friend.) We are called to keep a clean slate with others, to seek the honor of others, and to not be easily angered. And all this is only possible when we are quick to forgive—and, yes, to forget.

As I mentioned before, this level of love is not humanly possible—not in our own strength and determination. Our flesh simply won’t stand for it. But, as Christians, we have a superpower (well, supernatural power)! We have the Holy Spirit living in us—the indwelling power of God to enable us to walk out the kind of love we’re commanded to have. If you look at these love verses in 1 Corinthians, the definition lines up pretty well with the fruit of the Spirit definition in Galatians (5:22-23). In other words, when we yield to the Holy Spirit, surrendering our will for His, we are able. (Again, still not easy, per se, because we’ll always have that new-creation-versus-flesh battle raging until we’re glorified in heaven.)

And not only do we have the Helper to help us love sans accounting, but we also have an inspiring Model to follow. Because of God’s love for us, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us (Romans 5:8). When we repent, accept this grace gift, and surrender our lives to Jesus as Lord and Savior, our sins—yesterday’s, today’s, and tomorrow’s—are forgiven (Acts 3:19; 1 John 1:9). And they are forgotten (Isaiah 43:25; Psalm 103:12). Because we’re wrapped in the righteousness of Christ, this is what God sees when He looks at us. In fact, when we bring up some “big sin” from our past to ask the Lord’s forgiveness once again, He looks at us and says, “What sin?” Friend, we are the recipients of love-without-accounting.

What’s the bottom line? (See what I did there?) We are to love in a way that keeps no record of wrongs because that’s how we are loved by our heavenly Father. We love because He first loved us (1 John 4:19). We forgive as we’ve been forgiven (Colossians 3:13; Ephesians 4:32). So, today, let the Holy Spirit have His way, and throw away that balance sheet.

“Lord, may I walk in love toward others that reflects the love and forgiveness You give to me.”

 

For His Glory

Julianne Winkler Smith
TRBC Women’s Life

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | November 13, 2023

When Good Fades

“For the Lord is good; His steadfast love endures forever, and His faithfulness to all generations.” Psalm 100:5 (ESV)

It was a season of loss….yes, one of those times when good seemed to evade me.  One by one the tally on good appeared to fade.  The year was 2010. The economy took a drastic dive, and we went right along with it.  Financial losses heaped upon us to the point of losing our beautiful home.  One we had spent lots of time, energy and thought into making it our perfect place.  Yet in the Spring of 2010, we packed it all up, moved into our tiny rental and cowered at the thought of anyone knowing our loss.

My consolation in those days was the reality of a beach home we owned with a friend.  Anyone who knows me knows I absolutely adore the beach.  So from May to September, I clung to the possibility of one day retiring in that home – it was my sustaining joy during a tough season. Yet Hurricane Irene struck the Outer Banks with a vengeance and within the early days of September, our beach home crumbled into the ocean.

Where does one find good in the midst of such loss?  What does one do when all they’ve dreamed of evaporates?  Perhaps you have found yourself in that place as well. Moments when the goodness of God appears to have vanished.  Moments when questions loom large and disappointments color our days. Seasons of devastation that leave us crumbled up in a heap on the floor. Raw souls desperately attempting to find good when circumstances speak otherwise.

Keeping it real here, those first few weeks after transitioning from our large dream home to a small rental was difficult.  Good wasn’t on my lips.  Frustration, sadness and grief plagued my days.  How could God allow this to happen? We’d opened our doors to those who needed a place to stay; we’d held our home loosely in our hands.  Hospitality was our joy and pleasure to use what God had given us to serve others, and the reality staring me in the face birthed a wrestling in my soul. Would I believe the goodness of God was still surrounding us?

Day by day, I reminded myself of God’s past goodness and faithfulness.  His track record was beyond my comprehension, yet it was still foreshadowed by current losses. As I intentionally rehearsed and wrote down His goodness, I began to see how He had provided for our every need in His timing and in His way.  Sometimes through a friend, often through a stranger.  God’s hand had not been removed; He was ever-present in the midst of our untraveled paths, and His goodness was still active even if I couldn’t see it.

Sweet friends if you find yourself in the place of wondering wrestle well.  Don’t give up or allow the enemy of your soul to convince you God isn’t good and loving.  His character is perfect, unchanging and consistent.  Quickly silence the voice of the enemy by reminding yourself and others that God is still good.  Ask God to give you a renewed perspective of His good and hold on tight to the One whose love, faithfulness and goodness endures forever. Draw strength from God’s word and praise Him for the good He will birth through those difficult seasons.  Pour out the cries of your heart and watch in amazement as He pulls you close erasing the doubts.

“Father, how blessed I am to rest in the assurance of Your divine goodness. To journey through this life and experience Your abiding presence even in seasons of doubt.  To cherish Your promises and welcome the good You will use to glorify Your name.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | November 10, 2023

When The Storm Rages, God Is Our Refuge

“The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.” Psalm 18:2 (ESV)

Like a large barricade, a gathering of trees plummeted in front of my sister, Faye’s house. Her home was in the eye of Hurricane Michael as it ravaged through Panama City. Text messages flooded our phones, as she sent family “I love you” before cell service was extinguished. And when the 150 mile per hour winds ended and moved up through the north, the terrain left behind was unrecognizable. Rescue workers couldn’t even see my sister’s house because the trees had barricaded them in. Her husband and mother-in-law braving the storm with her.

Devastation everywhere, no power, military food, humid hot conditions – I think you get the picture. But nestled right in the midst of these hard places and challenges those in my sister’s home escaped safely. How could that be? Nothing short of a miracle – a sweet protection from our God. You see those trees covering up their home created a barricade to the front of the house protecting them from the raging winds. No windows were broken, and the roof didn’t collapse. They were held scared yet safely in the palm of His hands – isn’t that just like our God?

Don’t know dear one what storm you are facing or what devastation has swept over your life. Can’t say I’ve walked in your shoes, but I have worn out my own. And with each step, every movement I have found my God to be faithful and true. A mighty fortress and an indestructible shield. Despite pain, tears, and fearful moments God has proven to be my rock. Just like the barricade shielding my sister from a raging hurricane, God provided a refuge – a safe place in the eye of my personal storms. And you know what if you put your faith, hope and trust in Him, God will be your rock, deliverer and shield.

Praising God today for lives spared and for trees tumbling around to form a barrier from raging winds. Beyond belief, miraculous deliverer – that’s the One you want to cling to every day of your life.

“Father, you take my breath away at the very thought of Your hands protecting those we love. Grateful for Your divine fortress shielding us in our storms.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

 

 

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | November 9, 2023

Make A Wish or Pray A Prayer

“For nothing will be impossible with God.” Luke 1:37 (ESV)

When my youngest was 4 years old, he used to love riding around the neighborhood in a little green wagon. Every time we saw a “wishing flower”—a dandelion, I had to stop immediately. Kaden would then carefully pick the flower, make a wish, and blow the flower until he had no more breath. (If he couldn’t blow the flower clean in one breath, he would just rip the rest of the white “floaties” from the stump.) Most of the time, he wouldn’t tell me what he wished for, fearing the wish would not come true. One day, he was overcome with excitement and just had to tell me. Kaden said, “Mommy, do you know what I wished for? That Mickey Mouse would be alive again!”

Hmm… I wasn’t sure what to say to that so I just smiled and started pulling the wagon along again. What 4-year-old wouldn’t want to play with a “real live” Mickey?

Later that day, I was reading my Bible when I came across this verse: “For nothing will be impossible with God.” (Luke 1:37)

I certainly don’t think God would bring Mickey Mouse back to life, especially since he was never alive in the first place, but it did get me thinking. How often do we rely on wishful thinking when we could rely on Jehovah-Jireh? Jehovah-Jireh is a name for God which means “the Lord will provide.” God is called by this name in Genesis 22:14. God tested the faith of Abraham by asking him to sacrifice his son Isaac, but God provided a ram instead. God presented a picture of the sacrifice His Son would make for us. Jehovah Jireh provides our salvation through the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ. Will we trust Him with our day-to-day needs? No matter what our circumstances … no matter what our needs… where will we go for provision?

I am so grateful that I serve an all-powerful God who provides for my every need—physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually–instead of placing my fate in the hands of a “wishing flower.” Nothing is impossible with God, our Provider.

“I place my trust in You, Jehovah-Jireh, for my salvation as well as my every need. Thank You for Your provision.”

For His Glory

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

 

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | November 8, 2023

Absolutely Fearless

“Remain alert. Keep standing firm in your faith. Keep on being courageous and strong.” 1 Corinthians 16:13 (NIV)

I have been in Indiana for the past two weeks now and sharing a home with my middle son, Andre, and his three boys. The house has a nice backyard with lots of trees, and right in the middle of it sits the biggest and tallest pine tree I have ever seen in my life – a green monster, towering way beyond the height of our house and all the other trees in the yard.

When I first moved into this house, I walked to the backyard and wondered how in the world that pine tree had gotten so tall and wide. Yet, not in my wildest dreams did I ever imagine that just two days later I would be calling out to two of my grandsons to get down from the top of that tree. I swear those boys are absolutely fearless!

Since the day my grandsons climbed to the top of the pine tree, I have pondered how I sometimes get discouraged from proceeding into something that seems too large for me to tackle. Have you ever felt like that in your own life experiences? Perhaps you are fearful of endeavoring in a new venture such as pursuing a degree or perhaps you are frightened by a new job or ministry responsibility. Perhaps you are scared to try to start the family you have always dreamed of having because the cost of having a family extends beyond what your household income would allow.

I often pray and ask the Lord to give me boldness. Yes, boldness, but not just any boldness. I ask that He grants me Holy Ghost boldness, cross-originated boldness, the type of boldness that comes from Him and that can overcome any fear that gets in my way. Child-like boldness, the kind exercised by my 7-and-8-year-old grandsons who looked at the green monster in the backyard and didn’t even waver about being able to reach its top.

Friend, I pray that whatever it is that is keeping you from conquering your fear today will fall down when you believe you can overcome that fear by the name of Jesus, the name above every name, and at Whose name all will bow down, including your fear.

“Heavenly Father, You are our source; You are our refuge, our mighty fortress, our salvation. Nothing can withstand Your command. Calm our fears, oh Lord.”

For His Glory

Luska Natali
TRBC Women’s Life

 

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