Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | February 5, 2024

The Quick Fix

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

For His Glory

 

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

 

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

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | February 2, 2024

Why Unbelief Stunts Growth

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

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

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

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

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

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

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | February 1, 2024

I’m Listening Lord

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 For His Glory

 

Luska Natali
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Faith, Spiritual Growth

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | January 31, 2024

Peace In Confusion

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

For His Glory

 

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

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

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | January 30, 2024

Thermostat Living

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 For His Glory

 

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

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Posted in Encouragement, Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | January 29, 2024

Why Contentment Serves Us Well

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Attitude, Faith, Gratitude, Spiritual Growth

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | January 26, 2024

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.

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 Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Living, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | January 25, 2024

He Will Never Let Go

“Even there your hand shall lead me, and your right hand shall hold me.” Psalm 139:10 (ESV)

Grasping her tiny hand jolted the ‘mama bear’ instinct into gear! Protection was my main objective because I could see what she couldn’t, danger looming in the distance. Grownups just have insightfulness little ones don’t. It comes with maturity.

Growing up is hard, isn’t it? I find some areas still need attention even after all these years! Growing involves learning – not necessarily being ‘instructed’ by someone but oftentimes learning from the mistakes we make along the way.

I love a quote from a little girl when asked what was one of the most important things she had learned so far in life. Her answer: ‘Remember you’re never too old to hold your father’s hand.’

Maturity produces independence of parents and sometimes of God. We become self-sufficient – feeling we are capable of taking care of all our problems. This independence often affects all areas of our lives, even the spiritual. We lose contact with our heavenly Father because we don’t feel we need him. However, at some point, we will become keenly aware we can’t handle everything. We begin craving encouragement and support.

When this occurs, we are reminded of how much we need our heavenly Father. We are never too old to hold our ‘Father’s’ hand. In fact, we see the necessity of holding on to our Father’s hand even when things are not out of control.

As Job was reminded ‘If you would prepare your heart, and stretch out your hands toward him’ (Job. 11:13). Remember to reach out for His unchanging hand He’ll never let go!! Sometimes, I have to work at remembering this, how about you?

“Lord, remind me of how much I need to hold Your mighty hand.”

For His Glory

Patsy Sanders
TRBC Women’s Life

 

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Posted in Faith, Hope

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | January 24, 2024

Look Back & Remember

“Remember the things I have done in the past. For I alone am God! I am God, and there is none like me.” Isaiah 46:9 (NLT)

“We’re still the worst, but I think we’re getting better.” This is the nearly identical quote I hear every night after swim team practice. My two sons have loved the water from a very young age, but have only just tackled the swim team. They have worked diligently to develop better techniques in their strokes and dives, as well as a higher level of endurance, but they are newbies in a pool full of veteran swimmers.

Two months into preseason swim, our family traveled out of town, staying at a hotel with a pool. “Let’s see what you’ve been learning at practice,” I suggested in order to get their blood moving in the chilly pool water. Kaden took off, performing flip turns and strokes he had not even known existed two months before. Not to be outperformed, Josiah showed off his strokes and flip turns. I was thoroughly impressed. I reminded them of where they were two months ago—struggling to dive properly, possessing no speed or endurance. What a difference two months has made!

Satisfied grins showed me that my words had penetrated, increasing their confidence in their abilities. They needed an outside observer to point out the difference in their past and present abilities. The repetition of daily practice kept them from noticing improvements.

Our daily struggles can feel that way. Same old, same old. Taking a step back may be just the encouragement we need. Looking back at old journal entries to remind us of the incredible work God has already done in our lives can give us the strength we need to trust God with our current circumstances. Seeking the honest observations of a trusted friend can help us to be reminded of where we were just a few months or years before–far less mature than today. Asking God to remove the blinders caused by worry and stress so we can clearly see all that He has done in our lives may be just the confidence-builder we need.

He alone is God. There is no other like Him. He can do immeasurably more than what we may think or imagine. “Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.” (Ephesians 3:20 NLT)

Let’s take the time to look back and remember the amazing work God has done in our lives.

“Lord, You alone are God and there is none like You! Thank You for Your grace and mercy in working in our lives.”

For His Glory

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

 

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Posted in Encouragement, Love, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | January 19, 2024

Living In His Strength

“Abide in me, and I in you.  As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches, Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.”   (John 15:4-5, ESV)

Plants that climb typically start by creeping along the ground until they reach a stem.  Upon contact with something, a chemical change is triggered in the plant that stimulates a behavioral change.  The plant then starts to grow upwards against gravity.  Wrapping themselves in a spiral around the object they come in contact with.  Ultimately, investing most of their energy into climbing and growing.

Someone skilled in pruning will need to control the vine to ensure it concentrates more energy into producing fruit (grapes) instead of just surviving.

When a vine’s pruning has been neglected, old woody growth develops.  Sometimes requiring a saw to cut through it.

Life got extremely hard for the disciples after Jesus’ death and resurrection. Yet they continued to endure without yielding to the pressures of this world.  We are the result of the fruit that they bore because they chose to continue to “abide” in Christ.

As Christians, the world will constantly try to pull us down – but once we have had contact with Jesus, the Holy Spirit will trigger a change in us to move upward – from glory to glory.   (2 Corinthians 3:18)

If we are connected to our source of strength (Jesus) then we will be able to go against the weight of this world. (Hebrew 12:1,2) Much like a developing vine, we may want to pursue other things (survival and growth).  Just like a plant, a person can easily be sent into shock when pruning occurs.  Spiritual pruning from God may allow seasons of devastation. Loss of jobs and people that we love.  By staying connected to Jesus, he can take that season of brokenness and redirect our thoughts and energy – making us more productive for the Kingdom. As He applies the needed salve for our hurting hearts (wounds) to heal.

The decisions we make every day will bring us closer to Jesus or create distance.  Abiding will mean remaining stable in our commitment to Christ.  Not perfect but consistently reaching out to him for guidance. Prioritizing our time as we juggle between winning souls for the Kingdom and earning a living. We will have to live in his strength.  Just like the vine, we will have to wrap ourselves deeply around the gospel to endure the hardships of life.   (Psalm 104:2)

“Father help us to be aware of the counterfeit sources of energy and strength that we may seek to bear fruit.  Help us to continue to share the gospel despite the rejection and persecution we may face.  Allow us to bear fruit for Your Kingdom.”

For His Glory,

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

 

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

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