Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | November 7, 2023

Won & Done

“He Himself is the sacrifice that atones for our sins—and not only our sins but the sins of all the world.” 1 John 2:2

When Jesus gave up His life on the cross, he said, “It is finished.” What was finished, exactly? The war. For individuals and the whole universe. This was the final sacrifice, patterned (but always insufficient) since the Garden of Eden to atone for the first sins of mankind. See, at the beginning of human history, war was declared. The perfection of the created world began its decay. And the perfect relationship between God and mankind was broken—sin had come on the scene, and our enemy, Satan, became our formidable foe (Genesis 3).

But when God sent His beloved Son to live the perfect life we could not live, die the death we deserved, and be resurrected in victory over sin and death, the final, once-and-for-all justification was made. The Great Exchange—His righteousness for our sin, His wounds for our healing, His death for our eternal life. Our debt was settled. And our enemy, Satan, was completely defeated.

And when we accept this gift of grace—Jesus’ work on the cross—through faith, we are made free (Galatians 5:1). We are no longer trapped by the shackles of sin, but are made alive to God in Christ Jesus (Romans 6:11). Our broken relationship with God has been reconciled through Christ, and we have peace with God. We live under grace, and our new desire is to live in the righteousness credited to us. In gratefulness—and by the power of the Holy Spirit living in us—we walk in holiness and love, reflecting Jesus and glorifying God in all things.

Until we don’t. Even though we walk in spiritual freedom, and we’re wrapped in the righteousness of Christ, we are walking through this world in an unredeemed body of flesh. And although the ultimate war is won, until we are out of this body, we will be fighting a battle between sin and holiness. We’ll keep doing things we don’t want to do and not doing things we want to do (Romans 7:14-25).

What about the world? It sure seems like Satan is winning—just watch the news for a minute. If the war has been won, why does the whole world seem embattled in darkness, with the enemy taking more and more ground on a daily basis? Because, for now, Satan is the god of this world and the world’s systems. God is Sovereign, and He has Satan on a short leash…but he (Satan) is currently loose, prowling around like a devouring lion, seeking only to kill, steal, and destroy (John 10:10; 1 Peter 5:8).

It can all seem like a real bummer. But there’s good news, Christian! Yes, as we walk toward Home in this fleshly body, we’ll be battling the desires of the flesh. But, praise God, we become more and more like Jesus along the way, when we walk according to the Holy Spirit. In the battles of our soul, we will experience greater and greater victories as we move toward the fulfillment of the Final Triumph.

Ah, what about the world, which is clearly entrenched in evil? Sadly, unlike our personal front, the global battlefield will only become bloodier and darker at the hands of our adversary as time marches onward. We’ll see glimpses of light (in fact, we believers are to be that light!), but the trajectory is decay and decline.

But Jesus is coming back. Soon. And when He does, it will be in power and great glory (Luke 21:25-28), as King of kings, Lord of lords. With eyes of fire, leading the armies of heaven, He will return for the final battle that ends the war forever. Satan will be finished (eternally suffering in fire), there will be a new heaven and new earth (perfect once again), and our sin, pain, and mourning—all gone. Our personal battles are temporary, and so is the darkness and evil of this world. So, take heart, believer, the war is almost over.

“Lord, remind me daily—through my personal battles with sin and while watching the enemy’s global battlefield—that You have already been victorious. It is done and You have won.”

 For His Glory

Julianne Winkler Smith
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Faith, Gratitude, Hope, Mercy

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | November 3, 2023

Where Our Conversation Begins

“Our Father in heaven, Your name be honored as holy.” Matthew 6:9b (HCSB)

There’s just nothing sweeter to me than the mental picture of my Dad sitting in his favorite chair doing what he always did on his day off – reading God’s word. It’s a memory that sustains me especially in this crazy world. Sometimes I can close my eyes and hear his soft voice praying over us – best gift ever.

While the frame of my Dad is warm and fuzzy, I totally realize there are many who never knew their Dad. And for some even worse is the reminder of who their Dad wasn’t or who they wish he had been. The picture of protector, provider, and defender fades in the recognition of reality.

We can easily get lost in our world if we regulate to our Heavenly Father the attributes we witnessed from our earthly Dad. We will miss much if we choose to ignore the truth that our Heavenly Father is the perfect Daddy not one caught up in a sinful world just like us. One who is caring, approachable, honest, trustworthy, faithful, merciful……the list goes on and on. The One who formed us in our mother’s womb is ever present, all knowing and divinely holy. Words can’t even come close to expressing the glories of our Heavenly Father.

Love the way Jesus teaches His disciples to pray…..reminding them who they are praying to….our Father in heaven. The ideal place where our conversation with God should begin. Simple, heart felt words demonstrating affection and reverence. Acknowledging the closeness of a Father and the vastness of His majestic name. A relationship guaranteed by the death of His Son. A deep soulful worship of the powerful name of our God. Indescribable, yet fully approachable. Accessible, yet beautiful perfection beyond our comprehension.

Still yourself away for a moment and quiet your spirit. Come confidently and boldly into His presence. Praise the amazing name of our Father – the One who is the same yesterday, today and forever. Unchanging. Untouched by the sinfulness of our world. Pure and unblemished. God’s character seals our conversation with love and mercy. Desiring to reveal to us the riches of His holiness. Let those words settle in us…we have an audience with the Creator of the universe who whispers, “Come to me, rest your soul and welcome the wonder of who I am.” Best gift ever to relish sweet moments with our Father while praising His holy name.

“Father, Your name exemplifies Your character. The very essence of Your name touches even the darkest soul. The perfect conversation starter acknowledging Your holiness.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

 

 

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Posted in Faith, Spiritual Growth

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | November 2, 2023

Giving Thanks

“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, ESV))

There are certain situations in life when we don’t find ourselves automatically expressing feelings of thanks. Situations such as: receiving a phone call from the doctor to inform you they have found a lump in your breast. Or having someone you love removed from your life because of death.

However, that is not what this verse is saying. This Bible verse is sometimes misconstrued. It doesn’t say to give thanks for all situations, but IN all situations–big difference.

In the days and weeks following my son’s death, I had people quote this scripture and remind me that I should be thankful. How does a person find the ability to be joyful, pray continually and be thankful in every situation?

It’s easy to rejoice when the news is good. When life is going the way we planned, joyful emotions can flow from us without a second thought. But in seasons of loss, our faith can be tested. Giving thanks can seem like an impossible task. Sometimes faith is simply hanging on in the dark – hanging onto our hope in Jesus until God illuminates the way. To hang on, it requires a concentrated effort to redirect our thoughts in such a way that we can think of things that fill us with a heart of gratitude. While we may not be “thankful” for the diagnosis of cancer or the unexpected death, we can be thankful Jesus is with us in the middle of our pain and heartache.

As believers, when we seek God in prayer and through His Word, we are reminded of His attributes. We are reminded of His complete love and faithfulness to us. In the process of reminding ourselves of God’s attributes, we can be drawn back into a loving fellowship and intimate communion with Him. This is the part for which we can always give “thanks.” The simple fact is everything that comes into our lives has been filtered through the hands of a loving and faithful God.

When we know Jesus, we can find joy in stressful times and even rejoice when our life is filled with sorrow. Because as believers our joy is not based on circumstances, but in God. Circumstances change in the blink of an eye, but God never does.

God honors our expressions of faith when we say ‘thank you” through tearful eyes and broken hearts. When we trust Him, He can turn our tragedies into triumphs for the Kingdom – this is His will.

“Lord, thank you for Your faithfulness to me and Your patience with me. Thank you that You are in control. No matter how much my heart breaks, no matter how much the ground underneath me shakes, You are reliable. You are sovereign and you will never leave me. For this, I can rejoice and be thankful.”

For His Glory

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

 

 

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Posted in Encouragement, Gratitude, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | November 1, 2023

A Sweet Aroma

“Do not be misled: “Bad company corrupts good character.” 1 Corinthians 15:33 (NIV)

One day, I was driving down a road when suddenly a foul smell enveloped the air. Even though my car windows were closed, I had to roll them down, because the air inside my car became almost unbreathable. I looked to both sides of the road, wondering what could cause such an awful stench, when I spotted a landfill. A giant pile of spoils, garbage, and things that were disposed of by people from the area were sent to that remote area of town to be destroyed.

Many times in life, we find ourselves in rotten situations, pretty much like a landfill. It may be gossip at work or a broken relationship, something we said and can’t take back, and so on. Sometimes we long for good counsel and all we get is bad advice that makes our situation much worse and in some instances, unsolvable.

This is why we must fill our minds and hearts with the word of God and surround ourselves with good people. People who will pray for us, encourage us, and lift us up when we can’t get up on our own. Good friends are like treasures and having good friends can make our lives so much better because they become our accountability partners. When garbage around us begins to fill our minds, they let us know and they help us to get rid of it.

Garbage and filth do not belong in our hearts. When we let God in and allow Him to push the garbage out, the smell that will fill the air around us will be a sweet aroma of praise and worship to Him. The windows of our hearts can be swung right open because His Name will keep the garbage out.

“Lord, thank You for transforming the garbage in our life and the baggage that we once carried into a sweet aroma of praise to You.”

For His Glory

Luska Natali
TRBC Women’s Life

 

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Posted in Faith, Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Living, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | October 31, 2023

Inseparable

“For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:38-39

Have you ever had a best friend—do you have one now? Someone who you’d adamantly claim is your co-pea in a pod, the cheese to your macaroni, a shelter in your storms. You’re inseparable. There’s an authenticity and transparency that simply allows you to be you—to share your deepest dreams and darkest flaws, to hold mirrors up to one another for soul-level betterment. Besties are the best, aren’t they? Until they’re not.

Sometimes there’s a drift—imperceptible at first, until suddenly you realize that person’s presence isn’t as ubiquitous in your day-to-day world. Other times it may be a geographical move. Sure, texts, calls, and even FaceTime are great…but it’s not the same, and the time/space divide grows, slowly, but surely. And sometimes, a wedge is thrown between you. It could initiate from one or the other of you (because of a thoughtless action, a cutting word, even a colossal misunderstanding). But, often, it’s discord brought on by the fallenness of the flesh, the darkness of the world, and the nefarious intent of the enemy. That deep, abiding relationship you once thought to be immovable and unbreakable is suddenly (or slowly) gone.

Whether you once had a BFF and now you don’t, or if you’re in a season of multiple besties (spouse-bestie, work-bestie, church-bestie, from-high-school-bestie), or if you’re not sure you’ve ever had that depth of relationship in your life, there is amazing news! Regardless of your circle(s) of friends or even marital status, you never have to be alone, isolated as easy prey for the world and its ruler (Satan).

When we surrender to Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior by faith, we are given a perpetual BFF—the Holy Spirit living in us (Romans 8:9; 1 Corinthians 3:16)! By making peace with God through salvation, we have the peace of God, the surety that we can walk through every storm with the Helper, Counselor, Truth-revealer. The Apostle Paul sums it up in his letter to the Romans (8:31): “If God is for us, who can be against us?” And in verse 35, “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?” And Paul had been through some serious stuff (which he summarizes in the following verses): tribulation distress, persecution, famine, nakedness, peril, and sword. But he—and we—are more than conquerors through God who loves us!

As a Christian, there is nothing that can separate us from God’s love for us in Christ Jesus our Lord. And just to drive the point home to his readers, Paul writes a pretty comprehensive list of all the things that cannot throw a wedge between us and God’s love: death (we’re secure in our salvation); life (life happens in this fallen world, but none of it is “too much”); angels or demons (we have an enemy who absolutely hates us, but he’s been defeated); rulers (we’re citizens of heaven, not of this world); the present or the future (we can be anxious for nothing and have peace that passes understanding); height nor depth (from asteroids to ants). And just in case you find any excuse loophole in all that, Paul wraps it up with, “anything else in all creation.”

The only true BFF, One who will never leave you or forsake you or decide to move on for any reason, is God. And He is an amazing package deal in terms of relationships! We get God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. (I know, the Trinity is a mind-numbing concept, but let’s just rest in the glory of our three-Person-bestie!) While a friend—or parent or spouse—may forsake us, we have Someone who will stick with us through it all. As children of God, co-heirs with Christ, Holy Spirit-indwelled, and friends of Jesus, we are inseparable from the love of God.

“Lord, if someone is reading this who is experiencing intense loneliness and isolation, reveal to them the truth: In Christ Jesus, they are inseparable from God’s love for them—never battling through this world alone. May they accept this love through Jesus right now.”

For His Glory

Julianne Winkler Smith
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Faith, Gratitude, Hope, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | October 30, 2023

Joy Unending

 

“Though you have not seen Him, you love Him. Though you do not now see Him, you believe in Him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory.” I Peter 1:8 (ESV)

“What happened?  Or better yet, who did this?  Questions echoing in the crisp autumn air.  The dissolve of my vibrant yellow and purple mums begged for an answer.  What looked absolutely breathtaking hours earlier had mysteriously transformed into ugly.  And those sweet little Bambi creatures in my yard had to be the ones devouring my plants.

Hate to admit it but I was totally wrong.  The easy target was to blame the obvious – we all know deer love chewing on mums.  No brainer here, but they aren’t the ones nibbling my blooms away.  Sitting at my kitchen counter, I glanced out my window and caught the real culprit – one big burley groundhog.  Head buried into my mums, he was enjoying his buffet at my expense.

Sound familiar – there are lots of easy targets in my path every day.  The button pusher driving me crazy, crazy.  Knowing exactly when and how to strike.  The untrained store clerk who is taking too much time ringing up my groceries.  The car in front of me driven by a road rageaholic determined to beat me to the best parking space.  All moving targets of my frustration and stealers of my joy.

No mystery here – the real culprit is not them but me.  When I allow circumstances and people to rob me of joy then my joy is misplaced.  I’m relying on others to do and be exactly what works well for me.  And I’m excusing self at the expense of blaming others – the obvious ones who are causing my frustration.

True joy is not contingent on how we feel in the moment – that sweet friend is simply “happy.” Happy is a fleeting emotion.  Lots of things and people can deter our happy.  We can be happy one moment and then frustrated within moments.  It’s a roller coaster ride for sure.  But joy that’s a steadiness of our soul dependent not on our circumstances but  a rock solid trust in the One who fills us with joy unending.

So what does God’s word say about joy:

The joy of the Lord is our strength (Nehemiah 8:10)
God’s protection produces joy (Psalm 5:11)
Joy is found in the presence of the Lord (Psalm 21:6)
We are to make a joyful noise to the Lord (Psalm 95:2)
Those who sow peace have joy (Proverbs 12:20)
A joyful heart is good medicine (Proverbs 17:22)
I will take joy in the God of my salvation (Habakkuk 3:18)
There is joy before the angels of God over one sinner who repents (Luke 15:10)
God fills us with all joy and peace (Romans 15:13)
Joy is a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22)
Our joy can be complete (I John 1:4)

Wow, I don’t know about you, but my joy tank is overflowing.  God’s word infuses us with joy reminders. When we cling to His truths, we can’t help but be filled with His inexhaustible joy.
“Father, You are the source of all joy in our lives – a joy that fills us and overflows to impact others.  May we never settle for happy, but rather choose to allow Your Spirit to produce joy fruit in abundance.”

 

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Attitude, Encouragement, Hope, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | October 27, 2023

Blinded By The Obvious

“But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peace-loving, gentle, compliant, full of mercy and good fruits, without favoritism and hypocrisy.” James 3:17 (ESV)

Nothing more embarrassing than looking in the mirror and seeing the tiny remains of food wedged between two teeth. We quickly remove the evidence, head back to our table and wonder why didn’t someone tell us. How could they sit there and not whisper, “You’ve got food in between your teeth.” That’s all it would have taken; just simply bringing it to our attention.

Sounds quite so simple, but not really. We often hold back from the food dilemma because we don’t want to embarrass someone. Really. The real truth is excusing the truth staring us square in the face and leaving our friend running for cover when the big reveal occurs.

Wonder if we ever find ourselves in places where we wish someone had simply questioned the obvious? Blinded by our own choices and excuses, we often land where we never intended. And by the time we figured it out, we wondered why no one helped us see through our mess.

Keeping it real here – it’s hard to confront. Definitely not my fave thing to do to shed light on someone else’s dark. But then haven’t we all been there when looking in the mirror unveiled more than we wanted to see? Pretty sure we’ve all rationalized and built walls to keep out the ones we need the most. Afraid to admit what’s staring us straight in the face.

There’s something so indescribably beautiful that happens when eyes are opened to the truth. Requires listening ears and soft hearts to receive the truth. Requires sweet friends who are brave enough to whisper what needs to be brought out into the light. God’s perfect plan for community and accountability (Proverbs 27:17) pushes us past embarrassment, excuses and intimidation.

Don’t know about you, but this Jesus girl is so thankful for those who shed light on my dark even when I denied it. Little seeds planted that grew to expose what needed to be changed and transformed. So let’s welcome the bringing to our attention, seek God’s guidance and choose wisely so we can avoid the pain of our obvious wrongs.

“Father, thank You for Your grace and mercy in those moments when I fail to choose well. Blessed by the ones You have placed around me that shed the light of Your wisdom into my life.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

 

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Posted in Attitude, Spiritual Living, Success, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | October 26, 2023

Removing High Places

“For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him.” 2 Chronicles 16:9a (NIV)

I have to admit, I have been totally taken by it. Maybe it’s the stories of valor; of storming the enemy confident in God who assures the victory. Perhaps it’s the justice; the integrity of God who means what He says and says and what He means. Then again, I suspect it’s the hope; that God will deliver, restore and bless His people for those who run after Him with their whole heart.

For whatever reason, I have been captivated by 2 Chronicles for a while now. As if about to burst if I don’t begin to write of it, I know that this is only the beginning. The treasures in these words are waiting, and I must examine them.

This book chronicles the events of the kings that spanned from the ever-so wise Solomon to the ever-so evil Zedekiah. Before one gets lulled by yet another endless reference to genealogies, each account lists additional information. Of relevance becomes the inclusion of Levites, law and sacrifice in one’s kingdom. Of importance is the taking down of foreign altars, high places, sacred stones, Asherah poles and incense altars, all of which were used to worship evil and lying gods. Turning one’s heart towards the Lord and living according to His precepts equated to securing His strength in battle and prosperity in acquisitions. This brings us to Jehoshaphat.

Jehoshaphat had an upbringing that most would envy. He learned to walk in the ways of the Lord from an early age. As king, he appointed men to sing and praise the Lord for His holiness. Jehoshaphat’s Judah became powerful, wealthy and favored by God. Then in 2 Chronicles 20:33, after all the successes and victories while serving the Lord, truth emerged and judgment followed. “The high places were not removed, and the people still had not set their hearts on the God of their fathers.” (NIV) High places, the areas of one’s heart not surrendered to the King of Kings and in so keeping, one becomes vulnerable to the enemy’s attacks. Jehoshaphat would align himself with Ahaziah king of Israel, a wicked king. Destruction proved imminent. All that remains is a well-written manuscript to teach and instruct the children of God.

“Father, after my devotion, seeking and service, have I left any high places in place? Holy Spirit, reveal and convict my heart, give me strength to repent and correct, so that I may be totally Yours.”

For His Glory

Kathryn Hayman
TRBC Women’s Life

 

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Posted in Faith, Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Living, Success, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | October 25, 2023

With My Own Eyes

“Then the Lord answered Job from the whirlwind: Who is this that questions my wisdom with such ignorant words? Brace yourself like a man, because I have some questions for you, and you must answer them.” Job 38:1-3 (NLT)

Job has been my jam lately! Moving my finger from one word to the next as I follow the emotional story that unfolds with each passing sentence, I experience Job’s loss of family, loss of wealth, and emotional torment. Any other person going through all Job was going through would curse God’s name but Job refrains. Instead, he cries out and in Job 38 we come face to face with the Lord’s challenge to Job.

“Then the Lord answered Job from the whirlwind: Who is this that questions my wisdom with such ignorant words? Brace yourself like a man, because I have some questions for you, and you must answer them.”

I thought these were some tough words of correction for Job. A posture of how dare you question me; how dare you act like you know better. But the more I read over these sentences in the light of God’s character, I wondered if it was God’s way of nudging Job to look further, maybe even deeper than he was willing to look before. To be reminded of the God that was on His side and the power that was at work. When we are in the thick of it, our vision tends to take on an audience of one and we lose sight of all that might be in play. The idea that God is for us dims in the background as we grapple to try and understand or make sense of our circumstances.

Through the next chapters of Job, God changes Job’s focus and reminds him of who God is. He is the elaborate Creator, the giver of life, the sole sustainer of His creation, even the minutiae in the details. God used these chapters to paint an undeniable picture, and Job finds himself repeating God’s words in chapter 42, verse 3, “You asked, ‘Who is this that questions my wisdom with such ignorance?” But Job’s answer this time to that question is SO good, “It is I – and I was talking about things I knew nothing about, things far too wonderful for me. I had only heard about you before, but now I have seen you with my own eyes.”

This might be a “brace yourself like a man” season you are in with God right now, and He is challenging and deepening your perspective of Him. Maybe you sense He is gently nudging you in another direction, maybe you are in the waiting game, or even in a deep season of loss. Approach God expectant and thankful for the opportunity to see and experience Him each day with renewed eyes. He will reveal Himself to you, just as He did for Job.

“Lord, we know how difficult seasons in life can be and that we need to be reminded of who You are. Thank You for Your patience in waiting to hear the words, “I had only heard about you before, but now I have seen you with my own eyes.”

For His Glory

Rebecca Mahle
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Hope

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | October 24, 2023

Walking Home

“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.” Colossians 3:16

As the Body of Christ, Christians are meant to complement each other in doing Kingdom-growing work. To the unbelieving world, we’re to demonstrate the grace and mercy that has been extended to us by the Lord, so that they’ll see how different we are and glorify God (Matthew 5:16). So, may we live this way—even as the cultural current gets stronger, and swimming upstream gets harder and harder.

But what about within the family of believers? Well, throughout the New Testament, Jesus and His Apostles call us repeatedly (over 50 times) to the “one anothers” of doing life together as Christians. These commandments establish how we’re to behave under the lordship of Christ because they reflect the pattern of Christ. We are, first and foremost, to love one another (John 13:35; Romans 13:8; 1 Peter 1:22; 1 John 3:11). Another biggie is for us to get along—to live in unity (Romans 15:5-7; Ephesians 4). After all, if we’re always fighting and quarreling and backbiting each other, why on earth would an unbeliever look at us and think, “Yeah, I definitely want to follow Jesus since that’s what it looks like!”

Although there is plenty to read (in the Word and about the Word) regarding how the Church should treat one another, I recently heard a simple, yet profound, statement that beautifully summed up a why for all those one anothers: We’re all just walking each other home. (I know, right?!)

Now, I get that “walking someone home” isn’t as much of a thing as it used to be (for a million reasons I won’t go into here). But everyone can understand the rationale for doing so: It’s dark outside; there are entities lurking about that want to cause harm; and walking alone could be dangerous. So, having another alongside you as you journey home brings safety, comfort, encouragement, support.

This is a goosebump concept for Christ-followers, is it not? From the moment we surrender to Jesus, we’re on our way Home—stepping in the direction of obedience to Him, becoming more like Him, until we are ultimately glorified with Him. And, friend, the world through which we are walking is dark (getting darker by the day). We have a very real enemy whose sole purpose is to kill, steal, and destroy (John 10:10a). It’s a dangerous place—especially if we try to go it alone! (Like that weak gazelle that lags behind the pack, we become easy pickings for our predator when we choose isolation from the family of believers.) But God created us for community, to walk in love and unity through this world toward eternity…to support, encourage, comfort, and provide safety for one another. Plus, although the road is narrow, there’s always room for one more—so invite as many people as you can to join you on the walk!

It’s dark out. And we don’t belong here—in fact, this world hates us (John 15:19). But praise the Lord, we’re on our way home…so lock arms with your brothers and sisters in Christ. And let’s walk home.

“Good and gracious heavenly Father, may I recognize the Truth that this world is not my home—but I’m on my way. And as I walk in obedience and love, may I embrace my family of believers, so I’ll never journey alone.”

For His Glory

Julianne Winkler Smith
TRBC Women’s Life

 

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Hope, Spiritual Living

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