Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | August 15, 2023

Staying Sane

“Therefore, prepare your minds for action, keep sober in spirit, set your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. “ 1 Peter 1:13

The world is insane. It’s Clownworld—not like a funny clown, but those terrifying ones. I have no social media and I try not to watch any news. But when I go to the gym each morning, all the cardio machines are facing an end-to-end row of huge TVs, which endlessly assault the eyes (and ears if you plug in) with lie after lie after lie. (Don’t care which channel you choose—from the plethora of “news” channels to the “innocent” HGTV and “harmless” TLC.) Although my headphones are filling my ears with a sermon or podcast, with my head down or eyes closed, I can’t help but glance up and around. No matter the TV in question, there are literal lies (of commission)—straight-out falsehoods being peddled as truth. Lies of omission, where the talking heads leave out 95% of a story to hype an alarming headline. And there’s all the gaslighting…this is a term that describes when someone accuses another of some malicious activity that they are actually doing—usually to incite doubt and insanity. Narratives are pushed—hard. Social, cultural, and political. There are shows that “normalize” (and celebrate) children being mutilated in the name of activism. Drunkenness and serial hookups are glamorized. Even our favorite home makeover shows are spun with fabrications (even if we don’t want to admit it). Newscasters are the worst, especially with the current penchant for the love of crisis. Everything is a threat and a crisis.

Even our sources of seemingly innocuous info are feeding us lies and fear and crisis. Case in point: It’s August in Florida, so it’s hot—no shocker there. But apparently, I should be melting, because at 9 pm last night, I walked out to the porch to a pleasant evening of about 85 degrees. But when my hubby opened his weather app, it trumpeted to him, “Warning! Warning! Real feel is 116 degrees! Heat advisory! Go inside or you’ll die!” (OK, maybe it didn’t say that last part.) But seriously. I was STANDING OUTSIDE. It did NOT “really feel” like 116 degrees.

This kind of craziness is not new. In about 740 BC, the prophet Isaiah warned about it: “Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter! Woe to those…who acquit the guilty for a bribe and deprive the innocent of his right!” (CNN per Isaiah 5:20-23) And in the New Testament, Paul wrote to Timothy about what the world has to offer: “For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, slanderers, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy, unloving, irreconcilable, malicious gossips, without self-control, brutal, haters of good, treacherous, reckless, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God” (2 Timothy 3: 1-5).

So, how do we, as followers of Jesus Christ, live in this world without succumbing to all the insanity? The Bible has a lot of instruction for this—in all 66 books. Here are just a few ways: We must be in the world, but not of it (John 17:14-15). Because we belong to a Holy God, we are to “be holy as He is holy” (1 Peter 1:13-16). We cannot conform to the cultural patterns of this world, but we’re to transform our lives by renewing our minds through God’s Word (Romans 12:2). We must stay surrendered daily to Jesus as the Way, the Truth, and the Life (John 14:6). And we’re to unreservedly live for our perfected future—keeping our eyes focused on our ultimate destination when we are present with the Lord without the enemy, the world, or our fleshly desires hindering us (Colossians 3:1-4).

Now, more than ever, we have to keep our eyes, minds, and hearts on the Lord. The alternative is just plain crazy.

“Lord, as the world continues to get darker, help me stay focused on You and Your Word, looking ahead in confident hope.”

For His Glory

Julianne Winkler Smith
TRBC Women’s Life

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | August 14, 2023

God’s Loving Transformation

“And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.” Philippians 1:6 (ESV)

It’s getting darker earlier.  The traffic is picking up.  College students are descending on our mid-size town.  Parents are busy shopping for paper, pens, shoes, clothes, etc.  The signs are evident back to school is just around the corner.  And right along with schools and colleges starting is the transition away from summer to fall.

Change is inevitable even if we don’t want it to happen.  Whether it’s a changing of seasons or the transitioning from carefree days to hectic school schedules, our resistance to change doesn’t serve us well.  Even in the most complicated and difficult transitions, God can birth the most unexpected beauty.

Without the scorching heat of summer, we would miss evenings swimming.  Without the climax of fall, we wouldn’t see the handiwork of God displayed in vibrant orange and yellow.  Without the frigid temps in winter, we would miss the snowy white landscape making all things shine in the moonlight.  Without the burst of spring, we would forget how warm the sun feels against our skin and the brilliance of new life birthed all around us.

Kind of puts a new spin on change doesn’t it?  I’m definitely a summer / spring fan, but I also love looking across a white blanketed field and watching the moonlight dance.  There is a joy to be found in change; I just simply have to adjust my gaze.

Keeping it real here  – while I can embrace some changes, I also resist others.  When it comes to attitudes, habits or character flaws that desperately need adjusting, I can easily dismiss them as being too hard.  However, when I look in the mirror of God’s word and see how His transformation of my life serves me well, I’m faced with some tough decisions. Stay the same or embrace His change.  Staying the same will rob me of the potential to glorify God with my life.  Embracing His changes will position me to reflect His image to my world.  God’s plan serves me well even if I don’t see it in the moment.

David Guzik puts it this way: “God’s love is a transforming love. It meets us right where we are at, but when we receive this love it always takes us where we should be going.  The love of God that saves my soul will also change my life.”

Wow – God’s love not only accepts us despite our sin-filled lives, but He carves out a plan to keep us on the right path.  His loving kindness, forgiveness and grace washes over all our sins and transforms us from the inside out. Now that’s the best change ever.  Unforced yet strategic in cultivating the best in us. Whether we like change or not, we can trust God’s transforming work in our lives.

Transformation is an evolving process.  God who began a good work in us will complete His work in us until we see Him face to face. He will never give up or abandon us. He will always provide the right opportunity for change to evolve.  With a surrendered and cooperative heart, we will rejoice in His glory displayed in us.

“Father, help us to welcome Your work in our hearts and embrace any changes so we are true reflectors of You to our world.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | August 11, 2023

Count It All Joy

“Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” James 1:2-4

I don’t know about you, but joy isn’t typically my ”go-to” emotion when I find myself in trying circumstances. But, over the years trial after trial has confirmed that hardships are fertile ground for growth. I have also seen that this growth—being complete, lacking in nothing—isn’t guaranteed, it is merely one possible outcome. So what differentiates suffering that produces growth from trials that are just trials?

James points out several things that lead to the trials that produce joy. First, he says that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. In order for your faith to be tested, you must have faith. So without faith, trials can’t produce spiritual growth. Second, you must steadfastly cling to that faith. Recently while studying this passage in a group, someone pointed out the word “let” and that changed everything about how I read this passage. We are not passive in the process of maturing through trials. We must choose to let or allow our steadfast faith to have its full effect.

What does this process of “letting” steadfastness have its full effect look like? I am predisposed to grumble when I find myself in unfavorable circumstances. So, for me, this often looks like trusting God enough to accept that He is in control of the trials that come into my life and based on that, holding my tongue and quieting my grumbling thoughts. Accepting that God is allowing this trial for His glory and my ultimate good. Lingering on that word “let” and recognizing that whatever this “letting” looks like for you, it is hard but fruitful work.

So, let’s trust God when we cannot see what He is doing. Trust God when we feel like He is not even there. Unwavering faith; steadfastness that leads to joy. The contentment we have when we, in Christ, are lacking in nothing. Because He is our everything.

“Lord, thank you for the trials You allow into our lives. Help us to “let” them produce the growth you desire to see in us.”

For His Glory

Ann Skalaski
TRBC Women’s Life

 

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | August 10, 2023

Divine Protection

“Even when you are chased by those who seek your life, you are safe in the care of the Lord your God, secure in his treasure pouch!” 1 Samuel 25:29 (NLT)

Many years ago, I left a friend’s house and my daughter had fallen asleep in the back seat as I drove home. It was around nine o’clock and dark on a semi-desolate stretch of road. However, I knew the road well. As I was approaching a sharp curve, I heard a voice say, “slow down!” I immediately came to an almost stop moving ever so slightly. Then I saw it, car lights coming around the curve on my side of the road at a dangerously high rate of speed. By now, I am stopped. The car was aimed right at my driver’s side. The headlights glared within inches of my eyes. I just knew I was going to be T-boned and it was going to be catastrophic if not fatal. I heard the “clip.” I knew I had been hit, but where? It all happened so fast. I pulled into a driveway to inspect what caused the noise. After several attempts looking for some kind of evidence of both cars colliding – I saw it! Under the driver’s side mirror was a black streak! I knew that I knew God had supernaturally protected me and my daughter from a life threatening crash.

Like the true story I’ve just described when I knew God supernaturally intervened, I wonder how many times in our lives the Lord protected us from situations that sought our lives and we were unaware? The verse doesn’t say “if” it says “when.” The devil has a self-imposed relentless mandate to seek and devour.

That night many years ago is etched vividly in my memory, I stand in awe of our powerful Father who at a moment’s notice is mighty to save us from the devil’s attempted destruction.

“Father thank you for protecting and securing us as priceless gems in Your treasure pouch!”

For His Glory

Kim Lacey Schock
TRBC Women’s Life

 

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | August 8, 2023

Following Blindly

“Now He (Jesus) also spoke a parable to them: “A person who is blind cannot guide another who is blind, can he? Will they, not both fall into a pit?” Luke 6:39

I gave up social media a long time ago (a very odd choice for someone who spends the work week doing marketing activities). Sure, I miss out on photos and news posted by friends and family, but I’m also not being force-fed a bunch of garbage on the daily—taking up the space in my mind that should be focusing on all things true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, commendable, excellent, and praiseworthy (Philippians 4:8). Plus, that visceral, addictive need to check for likes/reactions/posts is just not on my radar anymore. (If you find yourself waking up and reaching for your phone, glancing at every notification even when you’re in a conversation, and being distracted by said pings while driving, you may want to consider a social media hiatus. Just saying.) It’s been almost four years for me…and I can say, I’m definitely a lot happier.

So, in that regard, I don’t “follow” people anymore. And as I was reading Luke’s gospel, a brief statement from Jesus got me thinking about the whole idea of following—whether it’s social media, podcasts, books, or pulpits. His message in chapter 6, verse 39 was clear: If someone who is blind to Truth follows someone else who is blind to Truth, it won’t end well for either of them. (He was referring to the Pharisees because He actually calls them “blind guides” to His disciples in Matthew 15:14—and to their faces in Matthew 23.) The parable in Luke 6 was part of a longer message from Jesus about what it means to call Him Lord, which held all kinds of counterculture (and counter-religious) exhortations that were likely very shocking to His listeners. He was redefining what it means to love others. He stated plainly what it looks like to love others (even our enemies) like God loves us, and he warned us not to take on the judgmental attitude of religiosity. And following Him, He said, meant doing what He said—which sets your life on a solid foundation (vs 46-49).

For us today, three significant “following” considerations come out of this:

  1. We must discern if the people and things we follow are blind. Is it Truth, solidly based on God’s Word? Are the messages that spring from those sources for our good and God’s glory? If the people we admire and follow (from influencers to pastors) are blind to Biblical Truth, we’re headed for a great fall.
  2. We’ve got to know the Truth for ourselves, so we’re not blind! Stating the obvious, a blind person doesn’t know they’re following another blind person. We’ve got to know Truth by knowing God’s Word to recognize that we’re following lies.
  3. If we’re following Jesus, we’ll always be going in the right direction. Of all the people and things of this world (even pastors and theologians), we have to start by following the only One who’ll never lead us astray—Jesus. Being a follower of Jesus keeps us moving in His direction. Through the indwelling power of the Holy Spirit, we walk with the Lord in the direction of holiness and righteousness in response to our salvation.

It’s so tempting to follow hard after the popular blind guides of today’s culture. The road is wide and filled with enticing, shiny things. But it only leads to the pit. Following Jesus is a much narrower path and requires trudging through crowds moving in the opposite direction. But this leads to true satisfaction, joy, and life. As my pastor often says, “You can’t be a follower of someone and stand still.” So, friend, who/what are you following—and where’s it leading you?

“Jesus, help me abandon chasing after the things of this world that promise life but only lead to destruction—and may I follow hard after You.”

For His Glory

Julianne Winkler Smith
TRBC Women’s Life

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | August 7, 2023

Best Way To Fish

“And He (Jesus) said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” Matthew 4:19 (ESV)

From shore, the weathered pier appeared to sway and vibrate as the waves crashed around it.  Yet the unstableness of the pier didn’t deter the fishermen from hanging out from early dawn to past midnight. Didn’t matter what age or gender, those feet moving across the planks had one thing in mind and that was fishing.

While I know absolutely nothing about fishing, I do know one thing – those people on the pier were willing to endure sweltering heat and humidity for the chance to bring home a catch.  Why?  Because the pier attracts fish in greater numbers; it’s the perfect place for fish to hide and feed.

If ordinary people can endure the elements for the chance at a catch couldn’t we do the same?

Walking by the Sea of Galilee, Jesus saw two brothers, Simon Peter and Andrew. What were these two fishermen doing?  Casting their net into the sea hoping to bring a big catch home.  And then Jesus offered them the greatest invitation ever, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.”  Their resounding yes changed their lives and the rest of the world forever.

As followers of Jesus, we have been extended the same invitation to share the gospel with our world.  To be committed, dedicated and persevering fishers of men.   To go and make disciples of all nations. To share our God story undeterred by the obstacles in our path.  To endure the elements with a strategic focus to bring others to Jesus. To rid ourselves of excuses and stay the course.

Keeping it real here –  we are the diligent sowers and He is the reaper.  In His kindness, Jesus draws others to Himself and to repentance. We don’t need to intimidate or harass people to follow Jesus. But we do need to seize every opportunity to present the gospel in a way that attracts others to accept Jesus as their Savior.

How do we do that?  By sharing our God story, we help others to see the tangible, visible side of our faith. No one’s story is the same as your story and no one can tell your story like you. When we make a personal connection with someone about our faith we are sowing seeds.  When we treat others with love and respect, even though they are different from us, we are sowing seeds.  When we lay aside judgment and meet people where they are offering them a freedom that can only be found in Jesus, we are planting seeds. When we welcome questions and stick to the truth of God’s word, not our personal agendas, we are sowing seeds. In other words, we provide the perfect environment to attract the lost and purposefully pray their eyes would be open to the grace, forgiveness and love of our God.

Sounds like we know more about fishing than we thought.  God has equipped us with everything we need to make a difference in our world and bring to our Heavenly home an abundant catch. By following Jesus, we will automatically default to fishing for the hearts and souls of those He brings into our path.

“Father, help us to release our fears and boldy share our God story with others.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | August 4, 2023

You Can Do This

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.’ Philippians 4:13 (KJV)

When I was a kid, there were no programs in schools aimed at helping people with disabilities to fit in. I didn’t, however, see my friends through the lens of handicap or disability. To me, they were friends and, in my mind, they could achieve anything they wanted.

I remember the first day a beautiful brunette walked through the doors of my 6th grade class. She was a little older than the kids in her class and was returning to school after a long hiatus, explained her mother to the teacher, as all of us curious cats listened in. She walked very slowly, and no one really noticed she walked with a limp.

All was going really well in class and Marina – that was her name – was catching up with the rest of the class without much toil. Because she was fully developed physically, some of the girls in our class would turn their eyes when she walked in and said she probably belonged in high school instead. As for me, I was interested in knowing why my new friend had requested to not participate in Physical Education (PE) class.

The girl had a case of polio when she was a baby and one of her legs did not fully develop – thus the limp – as she literally had to drag the smaller limb as she walked. But she was not only beautiful; she was also determined. So, the first chance I got, I talked her into going to PE with me one day.

On that particular day, our teacher gave us mild activities so that Marina could fit in with the rest of the class. And to my heart’s delight, and our teacher’s pride, a large group of us stood clapping when it was Marina’s turn to do the activity. We chanted happily, “You can do this! You can do this!” as our classmate made her way through the crossing line. She finished her race with a huge smile on her face.

I don’t know what you’re dealing with today, but whatever it is, I want to tell you that through Christ, you can do it; through Christ, you can overcome. Through Christ, you are victorious!

“Father, we are victorious through You and through You, we can do all things. Amen.”

 

For His Glory

Luska Natali
TRBC Women’s Life

 

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | August 3, 2023

Killing The Ants

“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” Romans 12:2 (ESV)

There are many aspects of summer that I love – one of those is being outdoors more.  I mean is it really summer without a cookout on the weekends?  But as much as I love enjoying a meal outdoors with family and friends, there is one thing that can put a damper on it – ants.

Ants have a knack for finding food – any sugary substance left around will attract them.  And where there’s one, there are dozens more.  Individually they seem small and insignificant. But ants work as a team using their combined strength to move things around.

In the mental health field, ANTS is the acronym for Automatic Negative Thoughts. Much like ants at a picnic, they infest your mind and spirit and ruin your day.

When positive thoughts are generated, when you’re feeling happy or optimistic, cortisol decreases.  The brain produces serotonin.  A person typically feels calmer, less anxious and more emotionally stable when serotonin levels are normal.

The biggest battleground we face as humans is within our minds. Paul was trying to teach the importance of this concept to the church in Rome.

We cannot live by how we feel.  Negativity and cultural influence will try to conform us to ungodliness.

You don’t have to believe every thought that goes through your head.  Our thoughts do not always tell us the truth – sometimes they lie!

Much like ants at a cookout so are the ANTS in our mind. When one negative thought pops up, dozens more follow. While Satan is not all knowing, he is observant.  Our adversary has been watching us for years.  He knows our vulnerabilities and insecurities. He knows our past hurts.  He uses it all to work together influencing our thoughts (like the ants at the cookout) to carry us away in emotions.

The best way to get rid of ants–is to remove the source that is feeding them.

When you focus on the truth of God’s Word instead of your feelings about the ANT running through your mind – you take away their power over you.  That’s how you renew your mind.

As Christians, we must think differently if we’re going to reach others for the Kingdom of God.

You can be saved and assured of eternity in heaven. But if you don’t transform your thinking away from automatic negative thoughts of your past/culture you will not live a life that will influence others for the gospel.

There will always be bad days, even for Christians.  But a person who is constantly renewing their mind – will not stay stuck in negativity.

“Father, teach us Lord to value your truth more than we value our thoughts and feelings. Help us to renew our minds daily.”

 

For His Glory

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

 

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | August 2, 2023

Staying Useful In The Kingdom

“Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me, my God, till I declare your power to the next generation, your mighty acts to all who are to come.”   Psalm 71:18 (NIV)

You’ll probably agree that there are junctures in each person’s life where they are at a crossroads. I always thought the crossroads syndrome was a problem for the young, but I’m finding that this can happen at any age.

I’ve been active in the business community for many years, but my last client is closing his doors this week. I’m at the age where outside employment isn’t practical. Like many people transitioning to unemployment, I am tempted to think I have lost my usefulness. So here I am at the crossroads. What do I do now?

Since I am of retirement age, you may wonder what my problem is. Isn’t this stage of life referred to as the “Golden Years?” Here’s a little-known secret: retirement is highly over-rated. People always need to be useful.

Years ago, my grandfather passed away, leaving Grandma to live alone at the age of eighty-five, unable to get to church or the grocery without help, unable to tell children’s stories as she had for years in Sunday School. She believed no one needed her.

When she complained of being useless, I was surprised, being as young as I was back then. I said, “Grandma, now you have the luxury of time. You can pray. Pray for the young mothers so distracted by their children’s demands that they can’t carve out uninterrupted time to pray. Pray for us, your family. Pray for your church and our elected leaders. Pray for world events.”

She looked at me curiously as I made my suggestions. I hope she thought about that and took action. She was a wonderful, godly lady. She lived alone and took care of herself until she was ninety-five. So let me take my own advice. Let me pray in these later years. And like the psalmist, let me continue to proclaim His might. I may have a broad audience if I write, or it may be only one person at a time. Whoever it is, let me proclaim His might to the generation that follows me and His power to all those who come. Then I will never need to fear being useless.

“Dear Father, thank You for giving us access to You through prayer and thank You that we can be effective as praying people of any age. Teach us to pray more faithfully and proclaim your power to the generation behind us.”

 

For His Glory

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

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | August 1, 2023

Who Knows

“People are to call on God vehemently, and they are to turn, each one from his evil way, and from the violence which is in their hands. Who knows, God may turn and relent, and turn from His burning anger so that we will not perish.”  Jonah 8b-9

I’ve got some mind-blowing news for you: You’re not God. Neither am I.

But we try to be sometimes, don’t we? Sure, as followers of Jesus, we may surrender certain parts of our lives to the Lord…but too often, we hold tight to other parts (struggles/difficulties). We say to ourselves, “I’ve got this under control—I can figure it out.”

At other times, we do relinquish control to God, mostly because there’s no particular action we can take to change the situation or solve the problem we’re battling—we start in that place of helplessness. So, we pray like crazy…and we ask our brothers and sisters in Christ to do the same. After all, Jesus Himself said to keep on knocking (Matthew 7:7-11)! We trust, we believe, we have faith—we know that God is Sovereign over everything. We look back on all the miracles He’s done in our lives, all the answered prayers, and we rest in quiet confidence. For a minute. Then, when things don’t change for the “better” in our preconceived timeline, we frantically assess the situation again and think, “OK, prayer is good, but what else can I be doing? Maybe not enough people are praying. Maybe I don’t have ‘enough faith’—maybe God doesn’t understand how I need this thing to go.”

Friend, God is Sovereign. He created the world and everything in it. He knit you together in your mother’s womb and breathed His Spirit in you. And, yes, we live in a broken and fallen and very dark world. A world with cancer, natural disaster, prodigals, and death. But God is not only Sovereign, He WINS. And as believers, we live from that victory, not working for it. Yes, we pray! We must! But in the model prayer that Jesus Himself taught us (Matthew 6:5-15), there’s a key phrase: Thy will be done.

God’s will—not ours—is always the best thing. And it’s always for His glory and our good. Even when it doesn’t feel that way or we can’t comprehend all the “whys” in our tiny brains. Most importantly, we cannot base our trust and faith on circumstances or outcomes—those conditions we place on God: “God, if you heal him, I’ll believe!” Our trust and faith—and our eyes—must stay on the Perfect One. No matter what. Take it from three boys who worshipped the Lord, refusing to bow down to a statue of the king’s image. They could have easily avoided punishment by simply putting their faces on the ground—even if in their heads they were worshipping the One True God. But they didn’t. Even when the king threatened to throw them in a fiery furnace if they didn’t comply, they answered in a way that is a key lesson for us all: “God is able to rescue us. But even if He doesn’t, we’ll still worship Him.” (Daniel 3:8-25).

We even have this example from the evil, torturous, horrendous king of Nineveh—a king and people who did unspeakable things to every enemy nation. When the prophet Jonah told the city to turn to God or they’d be burned up, they believed! But what’s really striking is the faith response given by the king—a response based on Who God is, not the city’s circumstances or outcome: He told the people to repent from their evil ways…then he said, “Who knows, God may not destroy us” (Jonah 3).

This is faith. God is God, we are not. We trust Him and His will. We obey, and we pray. And even if things don’t go as we’d want them, when we want, we still trust, obey, and pray. After all, who knows? Well, God does.

“Lord, let me trust You at all times, regardless of what my eyes see and my mind perceives. You are God.”

For His Glory

Julianne Winkler Smith
TRBC Women’s Life

 

 

 

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