Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | February 9, 2024

Why Slippage Doesn’t Serve Us Well

“Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. James 4:8a(ESV)

Exercising is one of those things I just love to do. Rarely do I miss a beat. Lunchtime at the gym has been my norm for years and energizes my afternoon. So one would think I never miss a workout. Not the case. When sickness pops in to visit exercise is definitely not doable. And the tiredness that follows can keep us out of the gym for weeks.

When our bodies are used to exercising there is this weird dynamic that takes place when we halt. It takes about two – three  weeks (depending on your fitness level) of no use for our muscles to atrophy – in other words, they start to shrink. Lack of use causes our bodies to break the muscles down decreasing them in size and strength. Malnutrition, a sedentary lifestyle or sitting at a desk all day can fuel this process. Not exactly where we want to land. Good news is we can recover by resuming exercise and eating a healthy diet. It may take a little longer to rebuild those muscles, but it is absolutely doable.

Sound familiar –  whether you exercise or not, we all can easily get off track with what’s truly important for our physical and spiritual health. Warm weather, fun activities, weekends traveling – I’m sure we’ve all been there when prioritizing time with God slid to the bottom of the list. And if we’re keeping it real here, we’ve even allowed God to not make the list at all.  Crazy thing is slippage happens without a lot of effort and maybe that’s the real point – our efforts took a short break which slowly evolved into a prolonged absence. Not exactly where we planned to land.

What happens when those spiritual muscles are weakened?

  • We are vulnerable to the enemy’s attacks
  • Our tendency is to rely on self versus turning to God
  • Self-control quickly slides out the window
  • Doubts resurface
  • Excuses multiply

I think we all get the picture – dismissing our connection with God never serves us well.  It leaves us feeling empty even if our life is swirling with the fullness of distractions and activity. We simply can’t satisfy the longing in our souls with anything except God. Good news is we can recover by simply drawing our hearts back to God.

Even if life is totally out of control, we can avoid the disconnect by:

  • Seizing moments to focus our thoughts on God
  • Breathing prayers throughout our day
  • Meditating on one verse – allowing God’s Word to saturate our thoughts
  • Listening to worship music as we clean, work, travel, etc.
  • Listening to an inspirational podcast while doing dishes, laundry or waiting in the carpool line

Simple little ways to ensure slippage in this season doesn’t create disconnect in the future. God is always near, eager and ready to connect with us. The daily choice is up to us.

“Father, even in the midst of crazy busy and lots of challenges help us to keep our hearts connected and aligned with Yours.”

 

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

 

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Posted in Encouragement, Hope, Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | February 8, 2024

Wonders & Miracles

“And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of His return is drawing near.” Hebrews 10:25 (NLT)

Three years of sobriety are celebrated. Cancer pounded at her front door except no one let it in. Smiles across the room speak to love, once severed and broken, yet fully restored. The oneness that was once division and bound to be a statistic.

The miraculous. We read of it in books. First to stand in line at the movies to gaze upon it. Drawn by the mystery that such miracles would come to us. But they are too far off. Only the fortunate receive the prize and clearly fortune has not befallen us. The crowd exits the theatre, each to his own, and staring at the answer but not seeing it.

Community has been woven into God’s design from the beginning. God the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit are community. Passover was the start of seven feasts given to the Jewish nation. In gathering at the temple, they made sacrifices, acknowledged God’s ownership of the land and celebrated the harvests provided by God. Acts depicts the New Testament church. Believers devoted themselves to teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and prayer. Disciples journeyed in pairs. In community, wonders and miracles were seen and the saving grace of Jesus became commonplace.

And today, where social media has redefined relationships, we replace gathering and community with the latest feed or meme. A group text discloses all but the heart of the soul. In contrast, over coffee and conversation, it is community that affords us the opportunity to reveal our tender and broken places. We share how God has faithfully and wonderfully restored the places of hurt that only love can heal. The older encourages the younger; tears fall and prayers are raised. Even correction finds its place. In vulnerability and authenticity, we share our hearts, entrust our trials and treasures to another and reveal the beauty of a Savior’s plan of relationship with each other and with Him.

As in Biblical times, we see the wonders and miracles that God bestows on His children. Daily, our faith is renewed, not by stories on the nightly news or far-away places, but by the moments of awe that we experience first-hand.

“Father, may we not forsake the community to which You’ve called us. May we risk self to uncover substance.”

For His Glory

Kathryn Hayman
TRBC Women’s Life

 

 

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Posted in Encouragement, Hope, Spiritual Living, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | February 7, 2024

Not Be Outwitted

“Now if anyone has caused pain, he has caused it not to me, but in some measure – not to put it too severely – to all of you. For such a one, this punishment by the majority is enough, so you should rather turn to forgive and comfort him or he may be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow. So I beg you to reaffirm your love for him. For this is why I wrote, that I might test you and know whether you are obedient in everything.  Anyone whom you forgive, I also forgive.  Indeed what I have forgiven, if I have forgiven anything, has been for your sake in the presence of Christ, so that we would not be outwitted by Satan; for we are not ignorant of his designs.” (2 Corinthians 2:5-11)

“She’s so phony.  I just can’t stand to be around her. You just don’t know what she’s done.”  Her face was blood red as tears streamed down. Her fists were tightly clenched as she shook them in the air. “I just can’t go back there again and be around her.”

Ever been betrayed or hurt by someone?  It can be devastating.  Most of the time our initial reaction is to protect ourselves by completely pulling away from them and others. Isolation feels like the “safe” thing to do.

But in doing that we’re playing into the enemy’s hand.

Our true enemy is Satan, not the person who offended you.  When we allow Satan to outwit us with his strategies, he takes things that belong to us in Jesus, things like peace, joy, fellowship, a sense of forgiveness and victory.

Satan looks to take advantage of our mistakes, as a church and individuals. He uses it to cause division with each other and distance in our personal relationship with Christ. It becomes a hindrance in our ability to reach others with the gospel.

When we choose to hold onto a grudge, we’re basically saying that the pain this person caused us is greater than what Christ has done for us.  We’re elevating it into a position of authority in our lives.

Satan’s strategy against Paul was simply to make him so stressed out and upset over the Corinthian Christians that he lost peace and was less effective in ministry.

Paul was upset over other believers. He was encouraging them to forgive a fellow believer who had made a mistake.

If we don’t deal with these emotions in a Christ like manner, we will keep them. We will feed them, and they will grow.  And they will lead us in the wrong direction, which will not only hurt ourselves but others – which is what Paul was stressing.

Don’t elevate the offense – elevate Christ. Mercy always triumphs!

“Father help us to see those who have hurt us the way You see them.  Help us to offer forgiveness and keep us from being outwitted by the schemes of Satan.”

For His Glory,

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

 

 

 

 

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Posted in Attitude, Encouragement, Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | February 6, 2024

Holy Headgear

“Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist on the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. … And take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” Ephesians 6:13, 17

Time for an embarrassing confession. (You can laugh out loud, roll your eyes, or totally identify. And, whatever your eschatological take, I only share this to help make a spiritual point from this Biblical text.) A few weeks back I was waiting for a friend’s arrival for tea at 6 am on a Friday. My hubby was out of town, so I prepared our hot beverages in anticipation of the visit with my sister in Christ. But she didn’t show. After about 15 minutes, I started texting…no response. So, I texted her husband to see if she overslept…no response (and I know he’s up early as well). Did my mind go to, “Oh, it’s a Friday, maybe everyone is moving slowly this morning. No biggie”?

Uh, nope. Where did my mind go? Well, (here’s the embarrassing part) my thoughts leaped right to a panicked conclusion: The rapture has happened, and I am still here! My heart started racing, I started calling out to the Lord…and I texted another sweet sister, who I know heads out to work at o’dark-thirty. Guess what? No response. Full-on anxiety attack ensues—and I, dear friend, do NOT panic or worry easily. “Could it be?” I wondered. “Could I really have missed being called Home?” I ran through all the reasons for soul security: My radically changed life from Day 1 of surrender, my obedience through the years, the supernatural forgiveness I’ve extended, the fruit-bearing journey of sanctification I’ve been on for 25 years…what have I missed? How could it be? I lamented, “I’m just a big faker—I’ve been fooling myself.”

Well, my friends all texted back within minutes. Eternal-hell crisis averted. But then I landed on the truth, thinking, “Oh, Satan, you little piece of skubalon! Your tricky lies and threatening condemnation got me there for a bit—I’m sure you and your minions had a good laugh! But you know what, loser? I have the last laugh, because Jesus wins, and you’re gonna suffer for eternity!” Praise the Lord!

I share this early-morning saga with you as a mutual reminder of the Apostle Paul’s exhortation in Ephesians 6:10-17. Paul urges us to “be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might.” And then he gives us the tools to achieve this stance. There are a ton of commentaries and sermons on the armor of God, so (per my story above) let’s focus on verse 17a: the helmet of salvation. See, Paul isn’t just talking about the fact that our salvation, in and of itself, helps us stand against the schemes of the devil—it is the assurance of our salvation! The enemy will do his level best to discourage us through doubt, fear, and condemnation—to hiss in our ears lies like, “Are you kidding me? How can you be saved? Look at how you talked to that customer service rep yesterday!” Or “Don’t forget about all that sinning you used to do!” Or “You don’t read your Bible daily or pray very often—if you were saved, you’d do a lot better!” All lies!!! Lying is Satan’s first language, and he is very proficient.

Friend, every day we must put on the helmet of salvation—the assurance that once we surrender to Jesus as Lord and Savior, accepting the Great Exchange that takes us from death to life (Ephesians 2:1-10), that the “It is finished” means just that. Our sins (past, present, and future) are paid in full. When that transformative transaction was made, it was a one-and-done. No matter what our walk toward Heaven looks like (our sanctification process)—and it will be very different for all of us—we are in fact walking Home. And reminding ourselves of this Truth is a key element to defeating the enemy’s tactics in our life.

The full armor is vital because our enemy is wicked and powerful. And if we don’t protect our minds with the holy helmet of salvation assurance, we leave ourselves wide open for attack. Guarding our thoughts sets the foundation for a victorious battle (1 Thessalonians 5:8; Philippians 4:4-9). Our inheritance is imperishable, undefiled, and reserved for us (1 Peter 1:3-9). So, whether you envision a cowboy hat, baseball cap, beret, or beanie, cover your head with the confident hope of your salvation. And get ready for the fight.

“Lord, may I be prepared daily for the battles of this world with the armor You’ve provided, starting with joy—and assurance—of my salvation.”

For His Glory

Julianne Winkler Smith (encouraged by grace)
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Freedom, Hope

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | February 5, 2024

The Quick Fix

“A healthy tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a diseased tree bear good fruit.” Matthew 7:18

This past week marks the first time I have placed my “pickleball” knee on the floor.  Yes you got it – bending down on that knee has not happened since my November tangling in the net.  I can also go down steps like a normal person; no longer sidestepping. It feels ever so great to get my knee back without pain.  Three months of bending on one knee, maneuvering steps sideways and feeling that tinge of pain is finally over. Definitely wearing knee pads when I hit the court again.

Now when I had my little injury, I assumed it would take about a week to heal but I was so wrong.  Deep bone bruises don’t go away that fast even when we want them to.  Reminds me of other areas in our lives where we aim and count on the quick fix. But reality is healing requires hard work and takes time. Ever so easy to carry over into another year those areas of our lives, which we know need some tender attentive soul work.  The quick fix is totally overrated and simply doesn’t yield lasting results just temporary illusions that keep rising to the surface bubbling over and impacting others in our path. You can’t squash and push down wounds of the soul without hurting others. If we choose to forego true healing then we will continue to go through life limping and in pain.

True healing takes quiet reflection, sometimes confession, always prayer and often the support of loving counsel.  Doing the hard work over time and making consistent steps to move toward a healthier soul so our choices reflect the freedom God desires for our lives serves us well.  Gathering at the feet of Jesus and allowing Him to soothe the ache in our heart births deep healing one day at a time. Clinging to His words and allowing powerful truths to settle over our minds and souls rejuvenates our spirit. Walking in community with other believers encourages, challenges and invites us to be authentic in our struggles versus wearing a mask of deception. And finally welcoming the amazing grace of our loving Father positions us to move forward with Him in redeeming our story versus being paralyzed with guilt and shame.

Best solution is to embrace 2024 as the year we do some deep soul searching and then move in agreement with God over those areas of our lives that need His healing touch. Settling for the quick fix will leave us with regrets, but true healing produces fruitful abundance.  Visible evidence of God’s redemptive work in our lives. It’s a commitment guaranteed to serve us well all of our days.

“Father thank You for bringing to our attention those areas of our lives that need healing.  Help us to take consistent steps in moving towards a healthier version of ourselves than we had last year.”

 

For His Glory

 

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

 

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

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | February 2, 2024

Why Unbelief Stunts Growth

“He (Abraham) did not waver at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strengthened in faith, giving glory to God, and being fully convinced that what He (God) had promised He was also able to perform.”  Romans 4:20-21 (ESV)

Growing up, I was an avid doubter. Too many promises broken deflated my childlike faith. So even though I clearly remembered the day I asked Jesus into my heart at age six, doubts overwhelmed me. They plagued me until I was in my 20s. I was working at LU and sitting in convo, and the speaker gave a powerful message about belief and doubts – I sealed that deal on that day. Never again did I ever doubt God’s love or promises for me.

Doubt is a short word with enormous impact. Webster defines doubt as questioning the truth. Ouch, that stings – doubt pits us against the truth of God. It demonstrates our lack of confidence in the One who has proven His character throughout the pages of scripture. It creates hesitation in obedience because we are distrusting, questioning and suspicious. I would never park myself in this camp, yet I lived there all through my childhood into my early 20s. Consistently unsure if what God said was true. When we fail to take God at His word or fail to trust in His promises, ultimately we are sabotaging our spiritual growth. One can’t grow if one doesn’t trust or believe the truth of who God is, His character and His actions.

I love the reminder in Romans 4 of how Abraham didn’t waver on the promises of God. The fact that He chose to believe what he couldn’t see kept him in a posture for growth one step at a time. Abraham’s journey wasn’t easy. He left his homeland to follow God to a place he’d never been (Genesis 12:1). Abraham clung to the promise of an heir even in his old age when the possibility diminished (Genesis 17:1-8). And when the climb up a difficult mountain loomed large, He trusted God to provide the perfect sacrifice (Genesis 22:1-2).

I would love to sit down with Abraham and ask him about all the things he learned while waiting for God’s promises to be fulfilled. Guess that will have to wait until heaven. But for now, our faith journey is our journey destined to draw us closer to God and transform us from the inside out. Developing us each step of the way. Strengthening our faith. Giving us an opportunity to resist the doubter within us and lean on God’s truth thereby bringing glory to God even in the waiting.

“Father, You long for us to trust You completely – leaning on Your understanding and not our own. Taking steps of faith one day at a time. Holding tight to Your promises. Honoring You in the wait. May we glorify Your name even when doubts attempt to derail us.”

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 | February 1, 2024

I’m Listening Lord

“Here I am; you called me.” 1 Samuel 3:4; 6; 8 (NIV)

Is there anything more annoying than calling someone and having them not respond, especially if they are visibly in a space where you know they can hear you?

When I was a child, my mom often would call my siblings and me – let me rephrase that – she would yell out our name ONE time – and expect us to appear in front of her without her needing to shout again. It was not sufficient to just respond. We had to physically go into her presence. If we failed to get there in a timely fashion, there’d be consequences, usually an unpleasant encounter with a leather belt we all learned to detest. Though Mom’s approach to communication was not the best one around, all of us learned the importance of responding immediately as someone would call us.

In 1 Samuel 3, the young Samuel is asleep in the house of the Lord, as Eli, the prophet, lies near him, and the Lord calls out to him. Not knowing that it was the Lord calling him, Samuel repeatedly went to Eli and answered, “Here I am; you called me.”  The lad was responding, just not to the right person. Eventually, he got to hear from the Lord, because he didn’t get frustrated and give up on responding.

I still remember how I really disliked having my name yelled out. I also disliked that I had to drop everything at the sound of my name being called and run to my mother to find out what she needed. While that approach was my least favorite one, it did make me very attentive to a call and the importance of answering as soon as the call was made.

Sometimes we miss out on opportunities because we suppress the voice that is calling us, and that may be exactly how God is trying to call us or tell us something. Failing to respond will not involve punishment, simply a missed opportunity to collaborate with our Maker on the plan that He has for us. Don’t miss out on His call. Be attentive to His voice and when you hear it, answer it.

“Dear Lord, thank You for knowing us by name and calling us when You have a plan that involves our participation. May our ears always be alert to listen.”

 For His Glory

 

Luska Natali
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Faith, Spiritual Growth

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | January 31, 2024

Peace In Confusion

“And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:7  (NIV)

It had been years since I traveled by plane, but last weekend, I flew nine hundred miles to help celebrate my younger sister’s seventieth birthday with other family members. We had a great time. My return trip was late in the evening two days later and involved a layover between flights.

As we hurtled through the air at 28,000 feet, I enjoyed solitude in the darkened cabin. The seats beside me were unoccupied. It was an opportunity to read scripture on my iPhone and spend some time in prayer. God’s Spirit seemed especially near as the plane arrived without incident at the layover city. That was when I discovered the next leg of the flight was overbooked, and I had been placed on standby, even though I had a confirmed reservation.

I am a woman of long experience. Others have described me as elderly, but I’m still having trouble seeing myself that way. Anyway, there I was, an older woman, traveling alone in a strange city at 10:30 at night. Already weary, I faced the prospect of spending countless hours in the airport, guarding my bags and waiting for the next flight home. I didn’t know if the airline would help me or when the next flight out would be, but I knew Who was in charge. I felt peace as I asked my heavenly Father to take over my situation.

By contrast, there was a young woman at the adjoining gate, trying to get to another city. For some reason, she, too, had been denied entrance to her plane. She was making quite a scene, screaming curses at the gate agent, describing the airline in unprintable terms, throwing her arms around and stomping. I should have been praying for her, but to confess the truth, I only stared in amazement and marveled at the difference the Holy Spirit makes in the life of the believer. I had perfect peace; she had overwhelming distress.

I hope she made it home somehow. I did. Another passenger failed to show up, so I was allowed on the plane at the last minute.

“Dear Lord, thank you for your loving care and for your promise never to leave us or forsake us. And thank you for the peace that passes understanding, that allows us to get through difficult circumstances calmly holding Your hand.”

 

For His Glory

 

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

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

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | January 30, 2024

Thermostat Living

“Do all things without grumbling or disputing, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world… “Philippians 2:14-15

I’m a cold-natured person—I always seem to be freezing. When we moved to Florida, I was so excited to bask in the year-round warmth. It didn’t even dawn on me that because it’s often hot outside, everywhere you go has the AC blasting. Thermostats are set to “brrrr”—so, no matter the month, my daily wardrobe includes a sweater. I must respond to the environment. Only in my own home do I get some control over the temperature. With power over the thermostat, I can set it on “ahhhh”.

This creates a great analogy for the Christian life: Do we respond to the various environments around us by accepting the temperature in the room that reflects worldly ways and attitudes? Or do we live like a thermostat, creating a God-glorifying environment that is noticeable to others (and may even change their behavior)?

Actually, the Bible has a lot to say about thermostat living—about creating a temperature around us that reflects and honors the Lord. First, there are words we ought to use—and not use. In Proverbs, we’re reminded that a soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger (15:1) and that gracious words are sweetness to the soul (16:24). King Solomon (the author) even warns us that death and life are in the power of the tongue (18:21). New Testament authors also share hard truths about our speech—the Apostle Paul lists for us how to talk (Colossians 4:6; Ephesians 4:29)…and how not to talk (Ephesians 5:4; Colossians 3:8; Philippians 2:14). And James spends most of chapter 3 cataloging the power of the tongue.

It’s not just our words, though. The Bible gives us solid direction on the right attitude settings for our thermostat. We’re to keep our eyes on the Lord, remembering His steadfast faithfulness and standing firm on His promises so that our glances around at this broken world do not break us. Because our thoughts inform our emotions, which produce our actions, we’re to keep our mind focused on what is honorable, right, pure, and excellent (Philippians 4:8). Throughout each day, we’re to exude the Spiritual fruit of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). We rejoice in all circumstances (even in pain, persecution, and our proverbial prisons)…letting our gentle spirit be what everyone sees (Philippians 4:4).

These exhortations make up the ideal setting (tap-tap-tap—is this thing working?). Yup, it never ceases to amaze me how often I’m just a thermometer in my life, responding in frustration or anger, saying and doing the things I hate—and not saying/doing what I know I should (Romans 7:15-20).

But we cannot strive in our own power to live the thermostat life! Praise God, we believers have the Holy Spirit living in us, available to empower us to live God’s way (when we yield to Him). And, friend, in this fallen, dark world full of broken people, we must set the temperature to “hope”! Through the grace we received in Christ Jesus, we’ve been changed, transformed from the darkness of this world to something new—to light and life! And everywhere we go, the temperature should change!

Every day (at work, in school, at the grocery store) is an opportunity to move the proverbial dial. We can set the temperature instead of setting our own attitude to match the situation around us. Are your coworkers griping? Don’t play along—shift the conversation. Waitress cranky? Sincerely ask how she’s doing—and ask how you can pray for her. Conversation heating up, with rising volume? Answer softly with a desire to understand. Getting worked up in anger or envy while scrolling through your socials? Shut ‘er down and look up in praise and thanksgiving for all the Lord has done.

Preachin’ to myself here, but I want to set the thermostat so that the way I live (my attitude, words, and actions) points others to a loving and holy God (Matthew 5:16). It’s so easy to fall right into the temperature of the room—to be part of the crowd, accepting the cold and putting on a sweater. Instead, let’s set the temp and tone for those around us. As we click the dial to “Glorify the Lord”, we’ll shift the whole environment, creating a noticeable change that just might change lives forever.

“Lord, may I consistently talk and act in a way that reflects who I am in You, setting a temperature for others that points them to You.”

 For His Glory

 

Julianne Winkler Smith (encouraged by grace series)
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Encouragement, Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | January 29, 2024

Why Contentment Serves Us Well

“Please accept the present that was brought to you (Esau)  for God has been gracious to me (Jacob)  and I have all I need.” Genesis 33:11 (NIV)

Dysfunction reigned high within the family of Issac and Rebekah – it’s a page turner from start to finish.  Two lovebirds captivated with each other from the moment their eyes met. When Isaac’s wife, Rebekah,  was faced with infertility (barren), he prayed to the Lord on her behalf (Genesis 25:21). Now that’s my kind of man, right?  Rather than seeking to manipulate the circumstances by conceiving children through the cultural standard of slave girls, Rebekah waited and Issac prayed.

God exceeded their prayers with not just one baby but twins: Jacob and Esau.  A double blessing yet one the parents allowed to divide them.  Issac favored Esau; Rebekah favored Jacob.  Favoritism and deception drove a deadly wedge.  Esau exchanged his birthright (inheritance) to Jacob to soothe his hunger.  Jacob later deceived Issac and stole the blessing intended for Esau.  Now the plot thickens. Both brothers wanted something the other one had, and the end result was bitterness on Esau’s part to the point he planned to kill Jacob.

Does it get any worse?  A family divided within their home became a family separated by distance – the family portrait would never look the same. Jacob fled to his uncle’s homeland in order to save himself from Esau’s revenge.  Rebekah would die never more to see her beloved son. Jacob would endure deceptions of his own from his uncle, and Esau would take two idolatrous wives from the Canaanites.

Fast forward twenty years and these two brothers would meet face to face.  I can hear the music intensifying as the reunion ensues.  Anticipation, fear, dread, and strategic placement all played out in Jacob’s mind.  Would his brother receive him or take his life?  Would his family be harmed?

Genesis 33 unfolds this heartwarming scene as Esau accompanied by four hundred men runs to embrace Jacob.  The one who hated was now changed, making the first move with arms wide open. Oh, wouldn’t you have loved to witness that moment – the redeeming of souls weeping – two brothers who forfeited so much finally reunited.

Absolutely love Genesis 33:9 when Esau tells Jacob to keep the gifts he brought to him. Why?  Because he already had plenty.  Jacob’s response, “God has been gracious to me and I have all I need.”  The brothers who desperately wanted something the other one had now completely satisfied with God’s provisions for them.

Sweet friends, we would be wise to be satisfied with the goodness God births in our lives even if it doesn’t match someone else’s.  Bitterness ravages a soul and propels a regretful end.  Esau’s descendants the Edomites remembered the quarrel between the brothers and with fierce hatred they warred against Israel. Envy, jealousy and strife never serve us well.

“I have all I need” is a pivotal mind shift reminding us that our Shepherd is our Provider.  When we keep our eyes focused on Him, we find we lack nothing (Psalm 23:1).  True contentment is only found in the presence of our God.

“Father, You are the giver of all things and You alone know exactly what we need and when we need it.  How blessed we are to place our trust firmly in Your care and provision.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Attitude, Faith, Gratitude, Spiritual Growth

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