Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | October 23, 2023

Why Obedience Serves Us Well

“Be careful to obey all these words that I command you, that it may go well with you and with your children after you forever, when you do what is good and right in the sight of the Lord your God.” Deuteronomy 12:28 (ESV)

When it comes to getting things done, we want someone with a track record of great follow through.  We want to know the tasks won’t require our intervention.  If we pass our list on, we want assurance everything will get accomplished.  Definitely defines me as a very task oriented person.  Yet there is nothing worse than releasing control only to find someone didn’t follow through.

There is a big difference between follow through and obedience.  Follow through states I will get it done in my own timing, you don’t have to worry.  Obedience, however, is submission to another’s authority.  And when it comes to obeying God, time is of the essence. If we’re totally honest with ourselves, follow through is really disobedience if we’re not obeying immediately what God is asking us to do.

Preaching to self here. How long should God wait for us to do what He has clearly spoken into our lives?  We love the patient, longsuffering characteristics of our God.  We love that He doesn’t give up on us even in our disobedience.  Yet, we miss the joy found in obeying not on our timetable but according to His timing.

The Greek word for obedience is hupakoe’ which simply means to hear what someone in authority is requesting and then act upon it.  Keywords are hear and acts.  When it comes to obedience, we have to make sure we are listening intently to what God is saying.   If we are listening to the popular opinion of everyone around us then we will most likely be drowning out the one voice that is guaranteed to guide us  – the voice of our wise and loving God.  And when He speaks, sweet friends we need to be ready to act.  Yes, put into place.  Do the thing. Move with Him.  Don’t look back. Don’t drag our feet.

Keeping it real here  – delayed obedience is still disobedience. The reality of our submission and willingness to trust our God is evident in our actions.  So many times, I have lifted up a lot of excuses:

I will do it later
I’m too busy
I can’t do this
What if I fail
Are you sure God

Yes questions and statements lifting our preferences above our almighty God.  Embracing fear and reluctance versus sweet obedience.  Not where we want to land.  In the words of one of my fave children’s songs, “Obedience is the very best way to show that you believe.  Doing exactly what the Lord commands and doing it faithfully.” Can’t think of a better way to sum up how God views obedience – a resounding yes to whatever He asks with joy blesses His heart.

What’s God asking us to do that we are resisting?  Let’s be courageous and bold women who demonstrate their confidence and trust in the One who knows exactly what we should be doing. Glorifying God with our hearing and actions – it’s a win-win solution.

“Father tune our ears to hear Your voice leading and guiding us.  Help us to obey immediately and reap the blessings found in trusting You completely.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Spiritual Living, Success, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | October 20, 2023

When Quick Isn’t The Right Fix

“Nothing is covered up that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known.” Luke 12:2 (ESV)

Trying to get out of town for vacation can be tricky. We know for weeks in advance, and we determine this year it’s gonna be a breeze. So Friday arrives and we cram as much as we can into a late night. Felt good when our heads hit the pillow. Alarm sounds at 4:00 am and we’re up like a jet taking off a runway – no hesitancy in our step And we’re off…. Or so we thought.

Despite all our packing, planning, and doing until the late night hours, my husband and I didn’t calculate on having a drainage issue – water backed up in our tub, toilet wouldn’t flush – I think you get the picture. Seven hours later, we finally get on the road for vacation. Paid $500 to have the septic drained and spent another $100 at Lowe’s because the real problem wasn’t the septic it was inside the house.

Ever attempt to quickly resolve or fix a problem so you could just move on? We’ve probably all been there. We treat what appears to be the issue because diving in deep would dig up more than we want to face at the moment. Or perhaps we’ve been in denial for so long we really don’t know the root of the problem. Even worse, we grow apathetic to the fact there is an actual problem that needs resolving.

Quick fixes often camouflage what is buried below the surface. It takes intentional time – alone time – reflect time – note to self: take the time. When we chisel away at those things that keep rising up to the surface, we remove the chance that they can negatively impact our lives. Real healing and growth flourishes when we release excuses and diffuse the thing that keeps pulling us down. And if we find ourselves stuck or blind sighted to our own issues remember God has created us for community. Don’t settle for less than total resolution. Seek Godly counsel. Develop accountability with a mature believer who can pray for you and give you insight that aligns with God’s word.

Got issues – we all have them. So let’s determine to not allow our issues to go unchecked. Let’s be brave, bold and courageous women who resist the urge to gloss over what God knows needs our attention.

“Father, we thank You for Your light that guides us to truth. Help us to avoid the quick fix and embrace Your total resolution of those things that defeat us.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

 

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Spiritual Growth

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | October 18, 2023

The Lord Is For Me

“The Lord is for me, so I will have no fear.  What can mere people do to me? Yes, the Lord is for me; he will help me.  I will look in triumph at those who hate me.  It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in people.  It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in princes.” Psalms 118:6-8 (NLT)

Well, that door closed or was rather slammed shut.  My husband had worked hard to get his foot in the door for a particular job, and not a month later that door was slammed shut.  Before he could even feel the aftershocks of the door swooshing closed, the self-doubt, discouragement, embarrassment, and defeat were all self-mounted on his shoulders, encased and ready to paralyze him.

On deck to follow, the questions. God, why?  Why did I even get this position if only to take it away a few weeks later?  Why have that specific person as my supervisor? Why put me with that co-worker? Why have me waste my time?

It was so glaringly evident that God was a part of this, but what do you do with all the doubts swirling around inside your mind?  How do you reconcile it with what you know of Him?  If you are anything like me, you scour the scriptures.  The chapter and verses I kept coming back to were Psalm 118:6-8:

“The Lord is for me, so I will have no fear.  What can mere people do to me? Yes, the Lord is for me; he will help me.  I will look in triumph at those who hate me.  It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in people.  It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in princes.”

People are imperfect creatures and as we can see from the verses before us, people will fail us. They will make decisions and treat us in a way that we can no longer trust. There will be those who won’t celebrate your successes, and who won’t see your weaknesses as something to build upon.  There will be those who see your perspective as different and irrelevant.  So. Be. It.  God is 100% solid with who you are because He knows who you will be and He is continuously refining, not defining, you!  Ultimately, God is for you and it is His authority that you can trust!

“Lord, thank you for seeing me today. Thank you for continually working in me so I can put my trust in You, today and every day!”

For His Glory

 

Rebecca Mahle
TRBC Women’s Life

 

 

 

 

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Hope, Spiritual Growth

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | October 17, 2023

Three-Legged Race

“If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit.” Galatians 5:25

As believers, you and I know well the unending battle between the flesh (our sinful desires) and the Holy Spirit living in us. (I say “unending”, but praise the Lord, this war will cease completely upon our face-to-face meeting with Jesus in Glory.) Even the Apostle Paul—who led the way for the whole world to know Christ—struggled with this sanctification dilemma. He talks in Romans 7:14-20 that he doesn’t do the good he wants to do (by the Spirit), and he does the evil he doesn’t want to do. He even likens this conflict to walking around with a corpse strapped to him. So, friends, we are not alone in this frustration!

As a gentle reminder, when we surrender our lives to Jesus Christ, putting our trust in what He accomplished by His death and resurrection on our behalf, the Holy Spirit comes to live in us. Jesus promised this (John 16:7). We receive the Holy Spirit—the third Person of the Trinity—at salvation. He is an internal counselor, guide, teacher, and intercessor—our Helper to walk our walk of faith. And when we yield to Him, we can be confident that we’re moving in the right direction.

Ah, but even so, that pesky corpse hanging around us (along with the world and the enemy) also pulls on us too leading us to thoughts, words, and actions that lead the wrong way. So, what can we do for daily victories—gaining ground as we move onward toward our heavenly home? Well, we can take some cues from our mentor, Paul. “But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh” (Galatians 5:16).

I’m not sure if this is still a thing in elementary schools and summer camps, but we used to do an event called three-legged race, where two people would tie one of their legs to the other person’s (making three legs), and race others to the finish line. Lots of falls and hilarity would ensue. (Come to think of it, this “dangerous” field day game probably has gone the way of 15-foot monkey bars and those merry-go-broken-arm things on the playground.) Anyway, it dawned on me that walking in the Spirit can be likened to being in a perpetual three-legged race with Him. See, when your leg is tied to another person’s leg you cannot go one direction while they go another. And the key to success is to get into—and stay in—step, creating a rhythm of sorts. If you try to move faster or slower than the other, a fall will shortly follow.

I like to think that Paul would approve of this loose analogy, as he goes on to say in Galatians 5:25 that we’re to “keep in step with the Spirit.”  We have the Holy Spirit in us—not just tied to us by a flimsy bandana! We’re designed to stay aligned with Him (His movements, His direction, His pace) moment by moment by moment. So, we must yield to Him, listening for Him as we keep our eyes and minds focused on the Lord. And the cool thing is, the more we listen, yield, and align with the Holy Spirit, the more natural this pacing-life-with-God becomes.

If we want to run this three-legged race of life with greater confidence (and fewer falls to the fleshy sinful desires), know that we have the perfect partner in the Holy Spirit. Just yield.

“Lord, thank You for giving me the Holy Spirit to live in me, guiding me from salvation to glory. May I yield moment by moment, listening and acting on His direction.”

For His Glory

Julianne Winkler Smith
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | October 13, 2023

A Different Light

“So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it.” Hebrews 4:6 (NLT)

What do we do when someone is getting under our skin? Like they’re driving us crazy, and yet we sit there with our smile pasted on while our body is cringing in their presence. Usually it happens with someone we constantly have to connect with – a co-worker, family member or perhaps a close friend. Whether they realize it or not, they’re pushing our buttons.

Desperately trying to avoid an emotional outburst, we find ourselves hiding behind our feelings. And the closer the person is to us, the quicker we start stirring up our minds with negativity – building a list of all their wrongs. We see them in a different light or shall I say a different darkness.

When our thinking chooses to maximize someone’s weakness, we lose sight of their strengths and our actions start to follow our thinking. Patience and grace slip under the table when we encounter this person. Responses will eventually spew out of our mouths and reactions follow leaving little for God to find pleasure in.

Wonder what would have happened if instead of scrutinizing them, we got down on our knees and began to pray? Wonder if our patience level would have increased or better yet we might have gained wisdom in uncovering why they were getting under our skin?  And perhaps the issue is really us and not them.  Without prayer, we would probably never draw that conclusion.

Prayer has an incredible way of illuminating the truth and supplying us with God’s grace. When we bring all our relationships to Him, He reveals the true value of their soul. Gently, He reminds us that this one was worthy of the cross – shouldn’t we see them that way too?

“Father, help me to love others by choosing to focus on their strengths while leaving their weaknesses in Your hands.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Posted in Attitude, Encouragement, Mercy, Prayer, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | October 12, 2023

Choosing Joy

“Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.” Psalm 30:5b (KJV)

It was finally here!!! Displaying the power of an incomprehensible God –millions of distinct snowflakes had magnificently transformed typical landscapes into gorgeous, snow-blanketed masterpieces!   Building snowmen, sleigh rides, snowball fights, and homemade snow cream would become a reality for every excited snow lover!

During my devotions that morning, I noticed one distant bird joyfully singing a sweet melody praising his Creator.   Truthfully, my mind questioned if the bird pondered during the long, snowy, cold night if finding his food would be challenging the next morning.   Although it may have necessitated harder work, he discovered God’s provision was exactly what he needed!

How often do believers doubt God’s provision allowing worry to dominate sleepless nights?  Why does the challenge of completely trusting Him frighten us?  And, why do we hesitate to be the one who praises Him regardless?

God’s Word teaches in Matthew 6:26 that we are more valuable to God than the birds of the air; therefore, we can be assured God is going to meet our needs every morning – whatever they may be.   Facing some horrific, personal circumstances, the Lord recently challenged my heart to daily choose joy.  Like the bird it might require a little more effort, but finding joy must be intentional – focusing on God’s sovereignty.  Making this choice assures God’s child though he grieves, the joy of the Lord is his stronghold (Nehemiah 8:10) and – weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning. (Psalm 30:5b).  This transformation will be His joyful, gorgeous masterpiece as well!

“Dear Father, please help me to determine in my heart to intentionally choose joy despite the circumstances life may bring.”

For His Glory

Patsy Sanders
TRBC Women’s Life

 

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Hope

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | October 11, 2023

Listen To The Science

“Great are the works of the Lord, studied by all who delight in them.” Psalm 111:2 (ESV)

“The odds are not in his favor that he will survive this. The science just doesn’t support it.” 

Those were the words I heard years ago in an ER room as doctors shared that I should prepare myself because someone I loved was close to death.

Thankfully, God intervened. Science didn’t have the final say, my loved one survived.

When we think of science, we think numbers, formulas, data – irrefutable facts.  We erroneously think that science is free from political or religious influence. That is not correct. All science (data) has an interpreter. As with anything else, their worldview can play a role in how they translate the data.

Everything we hear throughout the day whether it’s the radio, the TV, a podcast or a conversation with a co-worker – has been filtered through the presenter’s worldview. People are voted into positions of authority based on those worldviews. Laws are made with the influence of worldviews.

I could cite a lengthy list of scientific contradictions. But here’s one for thought:

Science interpreted through the worldview of Christianity tells us:

  • once a woman’s egg fertilized by a man’s sperm is implanted in the uterus it’s a human life

However, that same science interpreted through a secular worldview tells us:

  • a fertilized egg is just a fetus with no value outside of the mother’s womb

Every Christian should be a scientist when it pertains to the “data” that comes into their minds and the homes of their families. We should be collecting, analyzing and inspecting it thoroughly through the microscopic lens of the Bible. Since everything was created by God, it should be inspected through His worldview instead of mankind. (Genesis 2:4-25)

What started in society as “listen to the science” has become “believe the science.” It’s the new mantra being thrown around by the media and politicians. People wield it like it’s an idol that justifies living in fear and denying God’s power in our lives. Paul warns us about worshiping the creation more than the creator. (Romans 1:18-25)

God gave us the ability to study the stars, our bodies and create huge advances in technology and medical procedures. (Hebrews 11:3) Used the right way these advances can help improve life. But science (the creation) does not have the final say over its’ Creator (God).

As we listen to the science, we should sift it through the truth of God’s Word – praying and seeking His guidance for how this information should be interpreted (especially when it contradicts God). While we may listen to it and consider its’ validity, we should always trust (obey) the Creator over anything else.

“Father, help us to not be misguided by the seemingly “new” discoveries of science. You are still on the throne. Teach us to trust you the Creator more than we trust your creation (science).

For His Glory

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

 

 

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Spiritual Growth, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | October 10, 2023

Showing Signs

“Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you will abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13

We often talk about different ways we and others “show signs” that signify…well, something. For example, we use this expression to identify negative (and sometimes scary) things, like showing signs of flu (fever, aches, etc.) or even of serious disease. When babies are developing, parents may identify signs of autism or physical delays. And as loved ones age, they may show signs of dementia. Of course, there are also outward signs that indicate positive and joyful things. We show signs of healing when medicine—or miracles—are working. Pregnant women are said to “show” when a baby creates the beginning of that precious bump. And through a growing consistency of wise decision making, a teenager shows signs of maturing.

Then there is the set of more subtle signs people show—or throw, as the case might be—that identify them with a certain cultural group. These hand gestures can connect a person with a particular gang or reveal a desire for peace. There are also hand gestures that connote “rock on”, “OK” and “I’m not very happy with you right now” (often seen associated with driving).

Outward signs give other people a glimpse into our lives—how we are and even who we are.

The question to believers is this: Are we showing signs of our identity in Christ? See, at the point of surrender to Jesus as our Lord and Savior, everything changes. We change. We’re made new (2 Corinthians 5:17). We become children of God (John 1:12). We are citizens of heaven, and this world is not our home (Philippians 3:20-21). And as a sign to us of this grace-given transformation, God gives us the Holy Spirit to live in us, empowering us to walk according to our new identity.

So, again, I ask: Are you showing signs of who you are as a blood-bought believer? Am I? Do our lives reflect the righteousness that now defines us? Are we daily walking in obedience to the Word in the direction of holiness? Do others know we are Christ-followers by the way we love them (John 13:35)? And, as someone once asked, “If you were on trial for being a Christian, would there be enough evidence to convict you?” Or are we living the same as the world lives, feet up, flowing with the current of the culture?

Friend, if your words and actions show no signs of new life in Christ—if it’s impossible for others to see how you’re different from this dark world—you must seriously assess your professed faith. See, even the demons believe, but they are not surrendered to Jesus as Lord and Savior (James 4:19). A changed life in Jesus will show signs of change.

The days are dark, culture is divided, and people are hurting—they need to see signs of hope. And that hope is only found in the Good News of Jesus. But how will they see the signs if we don’t show (and tell) them?

“Lord, may my life in Christ be a sign of hope to others, a shining light in the deepening darkness—and may I be prepared to give the reason for my hope (1 Peter 3:15)!”

For His Glory

Julianne Winkler Smith
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Living, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | October 9, 2023

The One Who Acts On Our Behalf

“But God remembered Noah and all the beasts and all the livestock that were with him on the ark.  And God made a wind blow over the earth and the waters subsided.” Genesis 8:1 (ESV)

Interesting how those images of childhood Sunday School evoke deep memories of our fave Bible stories.  Loved watching all those animals marching two by two so cute.  And then the rains came, the floods rose, the dove went out, the land returned and the rainbow filled the sky.

Our view is quick, short and much less intense than the reality of life on the ark. We move through the story in fast forward mode hitting the highlights and landing on the happily ever after.  Isn’t that how we want all stories to unfold?

Reality is Noah, his family and all those animals were on the ark a lot longer than two Sundays  – the global flood is estimated to have lasted over a year.  A long time to be together…a long time to be inside…a long time to endure yet kept perfectly safe.

Month after month, I would have entertained the thought has God forgotten us.  How much longer must we be in this ark?  Perhaps Noah felt the same; we really don’t know since the scriptures don’t give us a peek into the conversations on the ark.  Regardless I love Genesis 8  – no sweeter words than God remembered Noah, all the beasts and all the livestock on the ark.  Now that word remembered might cause us to think God had temporarily forgotten those floating through the waters on the big ark.  Nothing is further from the truth.  In the Hebrew remembered is “zakhar” which conveys turning one’s attention to or thinking about.  Now that God’s purposes for the flood were accomplished, He turned His focus back to those He saved.

What a beautiful reminder, our God is fully aware of all things and is in control of all things.  Not only did He turn his attention toward His creation He had redeemed, God moved on their behalf.  He made a wind blow over the earth resulting in the flood waters receding.  Bottom line, He took action so leaving the ark was guaranteed.

We might be in the worst storm of our lives, being knocked around in the waves of despair and fear, wondering if God is still there.  Could be disappointment has us drowning in sorrow.  Perhaps we feel rejected, uninvited, cast aside and isolated.  Maybe we find ourselves overcome by the circumstances surrounding us.  Rest assured sweet friend, our God has not forgotten us. He hasn’t moved on and left us to handle life on our own.  God is in total control even though the world around us seems out of control, and He is fully aware of everything touching our lives and will take action to guarantee what will serve us best.

“Father, nothing touches our lives that hasn’t been sifted through Your hands.  We can wait and trust in total confidence that You will act on our behalf.”

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 | October 6, 2023

When You Feel Left Behind – Hold On Tight To Him

“Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:13-14 (ESV)

I’m not the best gardener. Watering my flowers gets pushed further down my list than I would dare admit. Wilting in the hot, humid air describes them most days because I just simply get distracted and forget to water them. But despite my neglect, they somehow survived. And to my great surprise, I found a new flowering plant springing up amongst the weeds of an old window box. Not really sure what it is and I’m positive I didn’t water, nurture or plant it. It simply appeared in mid-summer – a beautiful shade of bright pink – my sweet late bloomer.

Wonder how many times we shortchange growth for our “late bloomer” moments? Ever stifled the gifts, callings and purposes God has for us because we should have done it sooner? It’s so easy to think we should have achieved, accomplished or surpassed where we are. We glimpse those around us running full speed ahead and become overwhelmed at our lack of progress. Sadly those words settle in and deprive us of moving forward, stretching and reaching. Lingering in the land of what ifs never serves us well.

Wouldn’t you rather bloom late than never bloom at all? Even if we appear behind schedule to others watching our arrival, wouldn’t we rather keep pressing toward the prize? God is more impressed with our obedience than He is with someone else’s timetable. His plans are unique and strategic. He knows the paths our lives will take and the story that will unfold from start to finish. Unlike me, He is the Master Gardener who won’t neglect His late bloomers.

So sweet friend in case you’re feeling left behind or cast aside – hold on tight to the One who knows exactly the moment for His glory to shine through. Don’t give up or step aside. Don’t listen to the voice of defeat or regret. Instead lean in close and wait for His timing. And just when we may think we’ve missed the mark, God will burst forth our greatest growth if we stay in step with Him.

“Father, You are forever cheering us on – not zeroing in on where we might have been – but completely in awe of where we are going with You.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

 

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

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