Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | October 5, 2023

When Appearances Are Deceiving

“He looked David over and saw that he was only a boy, ruddy and handsome, and he despised him.” 1 Samuel 17:42 (NIV)

“Don’t judge a book by its cover.” I cannot say how many times I have heard this saying, but I am sure it has been many. Yet, sometimes I have done exactly what it says not to do. Isn’t it how things are, though? We look at something – or someone – that is placed in front of us and we are quick to cast our judgment, despite not being a connoisseur of the subject in its fullness. We simply place ourselves on the throne of our own glory, point out our prideful scepter, and vomit our words as if we were the most important and the most knowledgeable member of the royalty from the kingdom of nowhere.

I have a good example of what being judgmental can do to a person – or a people. When the Philistines and the Israelites assembled for battle around the Valley of Elah, King Saul gathered the most valiant warriors in Israel to fight the Philistines. There was a small detail though. No, I need to rephrase that, because that “detail” was anything but “small.” That detail had a name: Goliath.

Goliath was a warrior for the Philistines, and he was a man of great height – almost a giant. His armor was made of bronze and was very heavy and secure. Besides dressing in strong armor, Goliath was also dressed in hate, pride, and arrogance. So, when shepherd boy David showed up wearing his shepherd clothes and holding just a sling and five river stones in his hand, that giant and his fellow men mocked him. Goliath assumed that the battle was already over, because, in his view, there was no way on earth that young David could defeat him without a “real” weapon.

Friends, the outcome in this story was not what people would’ve imagined, wouldn’t you agree? We all know what happened to that warrior. It only took one small pebble to hit him between the eyes, and he was a goner, a dead giant, and a carcass in a field. David was just a boy, but he was fighting for the One who can do all things, fight our battles for us, and who will never leave or forsake us. Definitely an exciting “book!”

“God, help us to see others as You see them. Strip us of our pride, Lord.”

For His Glory

Luska Natali
TRBC Women’s Life

 

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

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | October 4, 2023

Lavished With Abundance

“And I will be your Father, and you will be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty.” 2 Corinthians 6:18 (NLT)

A princess is the daughter of a sovereign head of state such as: a king, queen or emperor. Most of us have seen, read or heard a story of how royalty live. To the average person it’s hard to fathom the lavish lifestyles of the ultra-rich. The children, heirs better known as prince and princess, born into extravagant lifestyles of affluence is mind boggling. Lavished with an abundance of property, riches, wealth and all the excess of material goods money can buy.

Have you ever stopped to wonder, we too are princesses? We are the daughters of the Ultimate figure of royalty. The King of the universe, who sits on His throne.

You may be thinking, “I don’t live like a princess” with all the attributes derived from a natural perspective in a tangible way. However, if we know and understand our Father in heaven is truly our Daddy; then why don’t we view ourselves as His daughters, His heirs…His princesses? We have a Father, who spoke the world into existence. All creation bows at His command. He tells the oceans where to stop, the rains when to fall, the winds when to blow, the sun when to shine and the moon where to hide. Our Father owns the cattle on a thousand hills (Ps. 50:10) and everything in between. It’s by the grace of God, who gives the ability to produce wealth (Duet. 8:18). If He gives the heathen of this world the ability to obtain wealth, why wouldn’t He do the same for His children?

It’s time to believe big, trust big and dream big! Several years ago, I coined the phrase, “If you believe God is small He has no reason to prove otherwise. However, if you believe God is big…He’ll show you just how big He is.” With simple “child-like” faith trusting and believing God and standing on His word. I have found in my own life God will meet you exactly where you are believing Him and adding in His word as “back up”; and He has no other choice but to show up. He will never, ever disappoint in His perfect timing.

“Lord, we believe You are our Father. Therefore, each of Your daughters has an inheritance fit for a princess because we are the heirs to all You have to offer.”

For His Glory

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

 

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Gratitude

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | October 3, 2023

Anxious Or Thankful – Not Both

“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7

Are you a worrier? Or maybe you have an anxious child? Although worry has always been part of the human experience (well, since the Fall in the Garden), our current digital lives have certainly escalated its breadth and intensity. Social media, in particular, has generated whole new levels of angst, including FOMO (fear of missing out) and FOBO (fear of better options), which can paralyze decision-making at every level—from a simple social outing to job pursuits to marriage.

There have been numerous neurological studies about worry and anxiety that show worrying is like a well-worn path. The more we travel down that road, the wider, more familiar, and more natural that path becomes. It’s like when you have to run to the grocery store: you get in your car and drive your usual route without thinking—you just arrive, barely aware of the lefts and rights you took to get there. The more we worry, the more we’ll go down the path of worry.

So, what can we do to break the anxious-thinking pattern? Well, according to scientific research, our brains cannot simultaneously be anxious and thankful. In other words, worry and gratitude are mutually exclusive—they are incompatible. In fact, consistent gratitude not only reduces anxiety and depression, it also improves sleep quality, reduces pain, and releases negative emotions. Thankfulness brings peace.

But as is the case with many “recent scientific discoveries” related to biology, ecology, archeology, etc., God already told us that thousands of years ago. From Proverbs and Psalms through the gospels and epistles, the Bible directs us not to worry—and why. It’s Paul in his letter to the Philippians, though, that specifies how to combat anxiety: “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7). Pray and be thankful, and peace will replace worry—they can’t exist at the same time.

So, let’s embrace thankfulness and forge some new mental pathways, shall we? Feeling worried? Going down the path of FOMO or FOBO? Stop and be grateful! Focus on the blessings, gifts, and positive aspects of the situation—and your life in general. Paving the road to peace may initially be challenging, especially if your habitual route is oft-traveled anxiety. But start casting your cares on Jesus (1 Peter 5:7) and be thankful in all things (1 Thessalonians 5:18)…and let gratitude become your new groove.

“Lord, may I cast my anxieties on You, choosing to be grateful in all things, to experience the peace of God that guards my heart and mind.”

For His Glory

Julianne Winkler Smith
TRBC Women’s Life

 

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Gratitude, Hope

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | October 2, 2023

When The Enemy Attacks

“Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation; the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.”  Matthew 26:41 (ESV)

Driving in the early dawn or near dusk can be quite tricky this time of year.  Why? Bambi and all her friends love to run across the road. It’s not just fall – it’s deer season.  And we know what that means don’t we?  Whether we’re driving down country roads or maneuvering through the city, we have to keep our eyes alert for those four-legged beauties racing towards our car.  Don’t even have to explain how damaging a hit can be – we’ve probably all been there.

Keeping one’s eyes on the road and being aware of our surroundings is crucial to avoid a hit.  Distractions absolutely won’t serve us well – being strategic, intentional and alert is the best solution.

Awareness is priceless and it isn’t just regulated to driving. Every day we are bombarded with beautifully disguised temptations.  Tricky encounters which usually strike when we least suspect.  Compromises that sound inviting without the consequences.  Excuses lingering in the quiet stillness of the shadow of another day….a pivotal choice left up to us.  Images from the “old us” enticing the “new us” to entertain a little indulgence at the expense of God’s sweet grace. Definitely not the place to land.

Regardless of how far we are along in our faith journey, we have to keep our eyes alert.  New believers or seasoned saints, we all are moving targets for the attacks of the enemy.  And sweet friends, I don’t have to explain how damaging a hit can be – we’ve probably all been there.

Matthew 24 reveals two incredible weapons that are guaranteed to serve us well in the battle – watch and pray.  Both options require action on our part.  Both enlisting the help of the Holy Spirit to illuminate our eyes to danger and strengthening us to boldly come to the throne of God admitting our weakness.

You might wonder why we can’t just depend on self.  Well, we could all write that book couldn’t we?   The enemy loves to convince us we’ve got it all covered.  This little temptation is really insignificant in the scope of all things.  Everyone else is doing it.  No one is getting caught.  The pleasure is worth the moment.  Sweet enticing words straight from the lips of one who strategically desires to devour, defeat and slay us.

Not buying that line, are we?  We all face temptations, but the key is what we do with those moments.  Are we alert, awake and fully aware of “our” triggers to cave?  Are we intentional, strategic and purposeful in seeking the help of the Holy Spirit?  Are we bowed before the throne of God desiring holiness versus a cheap temporary pleasure?

Actively resisting the enemy’s schemes will always position us for God’s best.  It’s the perfect place to land admitting our weakness yet being empowered with God’s mighty strength.

“Father, You have given us the tools to be victorious over temptation. Thank You for protecting us, delivering us and sheltering us.  We are more than conquerors in Your strength.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Faith, Prayer, Spiritual Living, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | September 29, 2023

Where Do We Place Our Faith

“Therefore, since we have been made right in God’s sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us.” Romans 5:1 (NLT)

I grew up figure skating. I loved the feeling of cold air on my face as I whirled around the rink. The blade slicing through the ice during a deep edge was my favorite sound. Experimenting with new positions in a spin was how I chose to spend the majority of my time. My coach preferred that I practice my jumps, so I did my best to stay out of her line of sight while I continued practicing spins.

Launching myself off an edge or toepick into the air was scary. Anything could happen, including falling hard. Whenever it was time to learn a new jump, my coach would explain what she wanted me to do and then fully expected me to execute the jump. Right at the moment of takeoff, my fear would sabotage the jump, preventing me from getting the height needed to complete the rotations. No matter how much she yelled, flailed her arms, or stomped her feet, I could not make myself jump high enough.

Finally, my coach would bring out the jump harness. Working on a pulley, she would pull the rope at the point of takeoff, assisting me in getting the height I needed. I trusted my coach to lift me at just the right moment. Eventually, my confidence grew as my body learned the muscle memory required to perform the jump without her assistance.

Our key verse speaks of much more than faith in another person to assist us in a difficult jump or to help us accomplish a goal.

We have been declared righteous by placing our faith in God alone who has the power to save us. This “peace with God” is not merely a temporary feeling, a sense of happiness dependent on favorable circumstances. Our righteous standing before God creates a permanent sense of harmony and a lasting peace of mind.

We have all sinned. Our sin separates us from God, but faith in Christ as our Savior frees us from the penalty of sin (Romans 3:23-24 NLT). Because of what Jesus has done for us, we now have reconciliation with God.

Who can you share this Good News of faith in Christ with today?

“Lord, thank You for the sacrifice of Jesus, paying the penalty for our sins so that we can be made right in Your sight by faith. Give us boldness to share the Good News with others.”

For His Glory

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

 

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Posted in Faith, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | September 28, 2023

Where Peace Reigns

“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace.  And be thankful.”  Colossians 3:15

Whenever I read about peace in the Bible, I often think of the hymn called “It Is Well With My Soul.”  You have probably heard its familiar lyrics before:

When peace like a river attendeth my way
When sorrows like sea billows roll
Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say
It is well, it is well with my soul

 Horatio Spafford, a lawyer and a businessman, wrote this hymn after enduring unfathomable loss.  In 1871, the Great Fire of Chicago destroyed his real estate investments, leaving him with a large amount of debt.

Two years later, the family decided to take a trip to Europe on one of the nicest passenger ships afloat at the time, the Ville du Havre.  Just before the ship was set to sail, Horatio received news that required him to stay back for work.  His wife and children went ahead, and it was decided he would join them as soon as he was able.

About seven days into the trip, the Ville du Havre collided with a cargo vessel, causing catastrophic damage.  It took only twelve minutes for the luxurious ship to sink.  Over two hundred people lost their lives that day, including all four of the Spafford daughters.

After learning the news about his family, Horatio left on a ship for England to join his wife, who was rescued alive.  He penned the lyrics to “It Is Well” when he passed the site of the horrific tragedy.  The hymn’s message is poignant, especially coming from someone who has endured much sadness: whatever happens in life, God has taught me to find peace.

How do we get to a place of peace, where we can say it is well with our soul, during good times and bad?  Colossians 3:15 tells us to “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts.”  When we trust Christ as our personal Savior, we have peace because we know He has triumphed over sin and death.  In addition, we are given the gift of the Holy Spirit at salvation.  The Spirit gives us the ability to bear fruit- including peace- as we allow Christ to work in our hearts (see Galatians 5:22-23).

The second sentence of Colossians 3:15 contains only three words, but in those three words lay another key to everlasting peace: thankfulness.  When we choose to focus on our blessings instead of our hardships, a wonderful, transforming thing happens in our hearts and minds: our view of God becomes bigger, and our view of our problems becomes smaller.  Peace is able to take its rightful place in our souls when we focus on our blessings instead of our hardships.

Everlasting peace isn’t something we feel in a fleeting moment or something based on our feelings and circumstances.  Instead, this kind of peace is a lifestyle, a daily choice to rest in Jesus and his faithfulness, no matter what comes our way.  Even when life is incredibly difficult, we can find something for which to be thankful if we try.

“Lord, may we learn to cultivate the habit of choosing thankfulness and peace every day.  Thank You for Your peace-giving gifts of salvation and the Holy Spirit!

 For His Glory

 Aubrey Carrales
TRBC Women’s Life

 

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Hope, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | September 26, 2023

More Lessons From My Rescue Dog

“Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.” James 4:8a

My incredibly adorable dog Caroline has truly been a gift to me. She has brought immense joy to our home—and she’s taught me a lot, especially about being thankful. Caroline also rarely leaves my side. The first thing she does when she wakes up (after sneezing and rolling around like a goofball) is look for me. While I sit at my desk in my home office hour after hour, she is lying right next to me. If I’m on the couch in the evening, she’s at my feet. (She used to be on the couch with me, but I’ve recently banned that practice with our new furniture—much to my husband’s chagrin.) And when I walk to the bathroom, she follows, nudging the door open, when possible, to be sure she can see me. In the kitchen making lunch? She’s underfoot. She loves me (in the ways a dog can), stays close to me, keeps her eyes on me (when she’s not snoozing), and gets a little panicked if she can’t find me. My husband has taken to mimicking a could-be Caroline voice saying, “Mommy, mommy! I only need mommy!”

Recently, as I’ve been focusing on abiding more closely in the Lord, another lesson from Caroline bubbled up in my mind and spirit, connecting her clinginess to me with my own relationship with Jesus. So, I started asking myself some essential questions—let’s consider this together, shall we?

  1. As soon as I open my eyes in the morning, do I seek the Lord?
  2. While working and in meetings throughout the day, am I staying in God’s presence so He can influence every thought, word, and action?
  3. Do I consider Jesus sitting next to me on the couch as I hit play on that Netflix series?
  4. Is God my refuge—my safe place—so that I know “the nearness of God is good for me” (Psalm 73:28)?
  5. Would I panic if I found myself out of God’s presence—and do I immediately focus on setting my eyes on Him? And are we calmed in His presence?

Wow. If I clung to the Lord in the same way Caroline clings to me—oh, the sweet contentment and joy! So, let’s be like my rescue dog! Grateful every moment for being saved from darkness and death into glorious light and life (Ephesians 2:1-10; Colossians 3:15; James 1:17). Keeping our eyes on the One who is sovereign over our lives (Psalm 103:9; Romans 8:28). Being calmed and quieted by His love (Zephaniah 3:17). Drawing near to God to experience His nearness to us (James 4:8a).

As Christians in the New Covenant, God is near—in fact, He dwells in us (John 14:23; 1 Corinthians 6:19-20)! Can’t be much closer than that! But we must choose to abide, to surrender to the Lord’s presence and power in our lives. We must keep our eyes on Him at all times. Just like Caroline.

“Lord, may I always abide in Your presence, knowing that my peace, hope, confidence, and every good gift comes only from You.”

For His Glory

Julianne Winkler Smith
TRBC Women’s Life

 

 

 

 

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Posted in Encouragement, Hope, Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | September 25, 2023

The Beauty of Evidence

“We all, with unveiled faces, are looking as in a mirror at the glory of the Lord and are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory; this is from the Lord who is the Spirit.”  2 Corinthians 3:18 (HCSB)

We’re transitioning ….yes it’s that time of the year when the temps are cooling down.  One only has to gaze out the window to see the gradual leaving of green. Crisp early mornings greet me as I head to work. Football fans are cheering in the stands.  Pumpkin spice everything is in the air.  Yes, we’re transitioning and this summer girl is ever so resistant.

Regardless of my desire for summer to stay forever, I do love the colorful display of God’s creative work in autumn.  His glorious handiwork from gorgeous sunrises to harvest moons all evidence that things are about to change. Transitions can be beautiful, stunning and yes pivotal.

Isn’t that exactly how God desires to work in our lives too?  One decision to follow Jesus, to trust in Him with all our heart and to lean into His wisdom starts an incredible journey of transitions within us.  Leaving what once was behind, we press on in agreement with God’s plan to transform us into His image.  To be reflectors of Him to our world.  To draw others in because they see the joy bursting forth.  To conduct our lives in a way that glorifies our Father and chisels away the old us making way for the new.

Sounds amazing doesn’t it?  But let’s keep it real here – transitions are hard.  We get used to the old us.  We default back to our habits that didn’t serve us well.  We resist change ever so easily.  We relish familiar and long for ease not the hard work of pivoting towards a new way of thinking and doing. Bottom line we’re comfortable with us, yet we want the benefits of faith in Jesus.

Webster defines this state of transition as changing, shifting or connecting pieces.  I love that right in the midst of change and shift, we are connecting ourselves as one with Jesus.  We are surrendering our plans, character, and pursuits for a grander journey.  One that yes, will involve sacrifice yet the outcome will be far more glorious than we ever imagined.

Our world should see the evidence from within us of what we say we believe.  A definitive pivot of us bursting forth with the fruit of God’s Spirit reigning in our lives.  Releasing our grip and opening our hands to welcome His transforming work in us.  And the best part, we don’t have to do this solo.  The Holy Spirit is our guide, conviction, power and strength.  Together, we can realign our will to God’s and fully reflect His grace, truth and love.

Sweet friends, how’s our transition going?  Are we simply seeking the benefits of salvation or are we cooperating with God’s redemptive work in us?  Gently, lovingly and full of mercy, God zeros in on any evidence of the old us and leads us step by step until the pivot becomes a beautiful reality.

“Father, every day You cultivate growth opportunities that hold the potential to transform us to be more and more like You. Help us to embrace Your work in us and glorify Your name.

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Hope, Spiritual Growth

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | September 22, 2023

It All Belongs To God

“For in a severe test of affliction, their abundance of joy and their extreme poverty have overflowed in a wealth of generosity on their part.” 2 Corinthians 8:1-2 (ESV)

For most of my life, it seems that the Lord was always “testing” me to give out of my leanness.

Going back about thirty years – I can remember times I would literally have five dollars left for gas in my vehicle for the whole week. After being obedient in paying tithes. And giving to others as the Lord led. I would often find myself laying my hands on my car at the beginning of the week.  Asking the Lord to bless those five dollars and to make it last in my gas tank until the next payday.

In those years, I drove a white two-door Honda.  It didn’t have heat for the winter or air for the summer. It did have a hole in the floorboard in the back.  One in which my son lost a flip-flop through on the way to church.  Instead of driving a car with a payment, we chose to get a car that we could pay cash for.

I got laughed at a lot about my old clunker of a car in those days.  But we were at church every Sunday morning/night, every Wednesday night and pretty much anytime something was going on.  It looked rough but it provided the need.

One summer, I remember the Lord placing this burden on my heart for some children.  I was burdened with the task of ensuring they went to the church’s summer camp.  Even if we could come up with the money to pay for them, transportation was a whole other thing.  Our little church didn’t have a bus.

Not wanting to miss out on the privilege of giving to others; we rented an SUV for the month so my husband could easily transport all the kids to the various camps throughout the month and back home. My husband took off a month (without pay) so he could work at the campground.  Memories that are worth more than gold to him now.

We looked so foolish to many people back then. We were living without certain things that people said you needed to make you happy.  Yet God’s grace overflowed into our lives with joy that had nothing to do with material possessions.

People have often asked me how I could so easily trust the Lord with some of the painful valleys I’ve had to walk through in recent years. I think back to those years.  We gave our time and what little money we had as God led.  He was growing my faith all those years ago, and as a result of me trusting Him then, I am now “rich in faith” (James 2:5)

“Father, it all belongs to You.  Thank You for blessing us in abundant ways when we give to others.”

For His Glory,

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

 

 

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Posted in Faith, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | September 21, 2023

All In!!

Psalms 86:12 says, “I will praise you, Lord my God, with all my heart; I will glorify your name forever.” Psalms 86:12 (NIV)

Psalms 86:12 says, “I will praise you, Lord my God, with all my heart; I will glorify your name forever.” The word that stood out to me the most in this verse is the word, all. It is the most unassuming word especially, when it’s combined with other words like praise, glorify, and forever. I think I was struck by the fact that it was included in the first place. The verse would still make sense even if it wasn’t there. It felt like it was intentional, and the older I get, the more I realize how intentional God is. God desires us to praise Him with all of our hearts, not a portion or a fraction, but every single fiber of our heart!

I saw this lived out the other day when I was baking with my kids. We were making one of our favorite recipes, and we had all the ingredients laid out all over the kitchen island. The kids had gotten out the measuring spoons and cups, and our mixing bowls were ready to go. I was mostly observing because this was something my kids had made many times before. I watched as they followed the recipe, measured the ingredients and added it all to the bowl. There was one point though when my son added the measured amount of flour and then was quickly moving on to the next thing to add. I noticed that he did not get all of the flour out of the measuring cup. I reminded him that he should empty that completely in the bowl before moving on and he looked at me with his eight-year-old eyes that said, “Mom, it’s not a big deal if it’s not all of it” but he went back and added it anyway. I know that if you don’t use ‘all’ of something, it will affect the outcome of the product.

Right there, is why I think Psalms 86 included the word all. God desires us to praise Him with all of our heart, not just a bit of it or even flippantly. Doing something halfway affects the outcome of the product, and He loves us so much that HE wants us to experience the fullness of complete praise, complete worship, with our whole heart. He knows the beauty and the peace we will find in that moment and how ultimately it will end up blessing us as we experience it, just as much as it blesses Him to hear it. Let’s be ALL in today!

“We pray that we are all in today and that we can praise You with all our heart. We lay anything that might be standing in the way of that at Your feet today, Lord. Amen!”

For His Glory

Rebecca Mahle
TRBC Women’s Life

 

 

 

 

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Posted in Attitude, Encouragement, Gratitude, Hope, Worship

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