Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | December 18, 2023

Sweet Refuge

“Great is our Lord and abundant in power; His understanding is beyond measure.” Psalm 147:5 (ESV)

“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” Psalm 46:1 (ESV)

Red, green, blue, gold, silver – every color you can imagine adorns our trees each Christmas, and there’s nothing more beautiful than those handmade ornaments.  Memories of our childhood.  Favorites made in school.  Sentimental decorations dangling on lit up branches that transport us from Christmas present to Christmas past.  Sweet reflections.

Just hung my newest treasure on those limbs tonight – a promise of presence – God’s unmoveable presence.  Silver embossed scripture reminds me “God is within her, she will not fall” (Psalm 46:5a).  Unlike all the things around the psalmist, he could find his strength and refuge in our Mighty God.  The instability in his world had the propensity to cultivate fear, but he sings of the presence, power and safety found in God.

Music connects to our souls in a unique way – one that settles in our thoughts and brings to remembrance words we would have otherwise forgotten.  Love the psalmist’s song recounting God as his protector and source of stability.  A confident trust in our God.  Words to be sung especially in times when fear shows up.

Psalm 46 boldly declares “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” This refuge (Machaseh in the Hebrew) shows up repeatedly in the Psalms.  A theme resonating with promise and defining God as our safe retreat and place of healing/renewal. A call to not fear even in the shakeable scattering of everything surrounding us.  At the very voice of God all else melts and is dismissed.

Wow, I don’t know about you but I need those words. We need them to resonate deep in our souls.  To echo the faithfulness and presence of One who is ultimately totally in control of all things even if we don’t see it.  Our God is all powerful – nothing is too hard for Him – He has no limits. He is our ever-present help, refuge and stability.

Not sure what’s surrounding your life as we head towards the end of 2023, but I do know that nothing is beyond His sovereignty.  We can fully trust the heart of the One who resides within us – the One who lovingly chose to orchestrate the entrance of His Only Son into our sin-filled world that first Christmas morn.  The One who divinely covers us under His protective wing.  The One true God who isn’t limited by time or place.  The One who heals, restores and renews.

Sweet friend embrace Machaseh – the refuge of our God – the One we can count on to be our safe place. A forever welcoming of His presence.  A clinging to the truth of all He is and provider of all we need. Rest dear one and cherish God’s peace, power and refuge this Christmas.

“Father, Your presence surrounds us calming our deepest fears and reminding us of Your Mighty power.  May we cling to Your promises and dismiss the noise around us.”

For Your Glory

 

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Faith, Gratitude, Hope

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | December 15, 2023

Jesus’ Gift

“But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid.  I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.” (Luke 2:10)

“Christmas comes but once a year, but when it comes it brings good cheer” reveals my Google search when digging for descriptors of Christmas.  This 19th century nursery rhyme delighted children, no doubt, who anticipated a candy stick and home-made toy to mark the celebration.  In the same Google search, another site identifies that 45% of North Americans who were surveyed dread the holiday season.  Less than two centuries later, as we count down to Christmas, our anxiety increases while our bank balances decrease.  The complexities of the season mask the simple gift presented to the world in Bethlehem.

Angels heralded the arrival of Jesus.  The shepherds gathered to welcome the Lamb of God.  Gifts of one’s heart were given.  Word spread to all and all were amazed; including King Herod, the chief priests and teachers of the law.  Theologians speculate the Magi bearing gifts of gold, incense and myrrh did not present themselves to Jesus until he was two years of age.  Gifts given as a symbol of submission from earth’s royalty to the King of all kings.  And we focus on the tangible gifts.

In this world that highlights the bling regardless of the cost to the soul, may I focus on submission and not the tangible.  May I be thankful for that which draws my attention to the miraculous in Christmas and decidedly steadfast on the Savior and what He came to bring.  Jesus, the fulfillment of Old Testament law and prophesy, able to save me from my sins, restore my soul from destruction, giving life its purpose and power through the Holy Spirit.  All of these availed through my acceptance of Jesus’ gift; Himself.

During this Christmas season, may we come together with those from far and wide and herald Jesus’ arrival.  With the millions of saints that have gone before us, may we, in loud voices declare, “Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord!  Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!” (Luke 19:38). May our evaluation as to whether this was a good Christmas be that at its conclusion there would be more of Jesus evidenced in us and less of the ways of the world.  With this good news, I venture to say that our resulting great joy would leave us anticipating next year’s Christmas.

“Jesus, forgive us when our focus at Christmas becomes things rather than You.  Thank you for the gift of abundant life that you’ve given to us.  May we share that gift with others.”

For His Glory

Kathryn Hayman
TRBC Women’s Life

 

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Posted in Hope, Spiritual Living, Worship

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | December 14, 2023

More Than Enough

“Simeon was there. He took the child in his arms and praised God, saying, ‘Sovereign Lord, now let your servant die in peace, as you have promised. I have seen your salvation…’” Luke 2:28-30a (NLT)

Have you ever wanted something so much that it consumed your thoughts? When I was young, my friend had a Cabbage Patch doll. I wanted my own Cabbage Patch doll so much I could hardly think of anything else. I studied the commercials like I would be tested on them later. I gazed at the boxed dolls at the store—that beautiful yarn hair, dimpled face, and snuggly body signed by Xavier.

Not having much money at the time, my parents bought me an imitation doll. I knew immediately she wasn’t the real thing; she had the yarn hair, but the face wasn’t dimpled and she certainly wasn’t signed by Xavier. I tried to love her, but she wasn’t quite right. I thought if I pretended to love her, eventually I would. No matter how hard I tried, the doll didn’t measure up. A few months later, I unwrapped my first Cabbage Patch doll, a Christmas gift from my aunt and uncle. I couldn’t believe my eyes. Was I dreaming? Hugging her to me, my life felt complete.

Where is that coveted doll now? She’s hibernating in a box in the garage waiting to be given to (and eventually cast aside by) a granddaughter. The gift I thought I could not live without—the doll I thought would make my life complete—was forgotten in the end.

Simeon “was eagerly waiting for the Messiah to come and rescue Israel. The Holy Spirit was upon him and had revealed to him that he would not die until he had seen the Lord’s Messiah.” (Luke 2:25b-26 NLT) Simeon wanted more than anything to see the Messiah. He waited with anticipation, having received the promise that his greatest desire would be met before he died.

Do we have the same passion as Simeon? Do we want more than anything to see the Lord? Are we anticipating Christ’s return as much as Simeon anticipated the birth which brought salvation?

“Thank You, Lord, for the salvation You provide through the birth, death, and resurrection of Christ. As we celebrate this Christmas season, may we want You more than any other gift.  Our lives are complete in You alone.”

For His Glory

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

 

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Posted in Faith, Spiritual Living, Worship

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | December 13, 2023

Beautiful Name

“For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. And the government will rest on his shoulder. These will be his royal titles: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6 (NLT)

These words were written by the Prophet Isaiah more than 700 years before the birth of Christ. Two thousand years later, here at Christmastime we still celebrate the fulfillment of prophecy by Isaiah when the Lord left His throne in heaven and came to earth as God’s Son.  Let’s focus our hearts on His beautiful name as we head into the Christmas season:

WONDERFUL: the root word in Hebrew is “pele,” which means God is a doer of wonders, miracles, marvelous things that are beyond mere human understanding (Ps. 78:12).  Pele is used in Judges 13:18 meaning incomprehensible or beyond understanding. In other words, the verse spoken by God says, “You wouldn’t understand if I told you.” When Isaiah called the promised Child pele he was referring to the divine God Himself coming in the form of a baby.

COUNSELOR: refers to perfect wisdom enabling the King to make right decisions knowing the will of God of what’s right and God’s purposes. This Counselor would not need a team of advisers. God is more than able (Is. 28:29). Wonderful Counselor is a clear statement of deity.

MIGHTY: the Hebrew root word is “gibbor,” which means hero; a doer of great, mighty acts for people who cannot do for themselves. God was the power in David’s swing against Goliath. God was the calm in Abraham as he walked up Mount Moriah.

GOD:  the simplest Hebrew word for God is “El.” El refers to the one true God, the creator, the Supreme Being. El is used in conjunction with other names like El Shaddei or God Almighty.

EVERLASTING: forever, perpetuity, no ending, but also no beginning. The God who lives forever (Is. 57:15) in the forever and inhabits eternity. Never restricted by time. God does not change, never getting older, slower or frail. He doesn’t need to mature, grow or learn. He is the way He has always been and will always be. A child born into this world; yet He’s called everlasting. This child did not come into existence when He was born. He is forever…no ending and no beginning.

FATHER: a good father is compassionate (Ps. 103:13), loving (Jer. 31:3), protective (Ps. 91:4), guider (Ps. 48:14), supportive (Ps. 54:4), encourager (Rom. 15:5). Throughout scripture God is called our Father.

PRINCE of PEACE: God’s kingdom will be one of peace…forever. It will not be established by fighting wars and no military might will be needed. God’s peace surpasses all human comprehension.

“Father, there’s no doubt this Christmas, the Child we celebrate is nothing less than You, come to earth as a human baby, to fulfill Your promises.”

For His Glory

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

 

 

 

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Posted in Faith, Hope, Worship

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | December 12, 2023

Fighting From A Place Of Victory

“I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and her offspring; He shall bruise your head and you shall bruise His heel.” Genesis 3:15

The Bible makes it very clear: If you are a child of God—a surrendered follower of Jesus Christ—you are an enemy of Satan (the devil) and all of his children (people in this world who do not follow after God). This truth was first given as part of the post-fall curse in the Garden, from verse 3:15 in Genesis. (The other aspect of this astounding verse is that it is often called the “protoevangelium”, literally “first Gospel”, because it’s the very first promise of the coming Messiah. But we’re going to focus on the enmity part here…sorry).

Since Satan’s successful temptation of Adam and Eve with its disastrous result (sin entering the world), the hate-filled battle has been on: God, who calls people to Himself with love, mercy, and grace versus Satan with his enticing hisses of pride, lust, and self-idolatry. It’s a tug-of-war for our souls. And even after we choose God and are saved by grace through faith in Jesus, the enemy will mess with us. Satan cannot do anything (and us respond accordingly) to “undo” our salvation—we didn’t “do” anything to earn it, so we can’t “do” anything to lose it. Plus, we are sealed by the Holy Spirit upon salvation. But he can cause chaos, frustration, and discouragement (not to mention sinful choices), making us less effective for the kingdom—if we let him.

During His earthly ministry, Jesus also said it plainly of His followers: Because you’re not of this world, but believe and follow Me, the world will hate you (John 15:18-19; Matthew 10:22). And following Jesus’ death, resurrection, and ascension, the writers of the Biblical epistles continued the warnings. “Don’t be surprised,” John says, “if the world hates you” (1 John 3:13). And Paul primes us to get ready for persecution if we live in Christ Jesus (2 Timothy 3:12).

But don’t be discouraged, believer! There is great news—also from the mouth of our Savior! First, we can have peace amid the enemy’s hatred and condemnation, as well as the world’s persecution. “Take heart,” Jesus tells us. “I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). Second, Jesus Himself is praying for us in this battle (John 17:14-16). Think about that! We have Jesus as our very own prayer warrior!

So, how do we handle this realization that we are hated by the world and its god/ruler, Satan? Here are three responses from God’s Word:

  1. Expect malice and persecution. Don’t be shocked when vitriol comes your way from this dark world. And don’t be surprised by the struggle to obey God’s Word when we have the world system, the devil, and our unredeemed flesh doggin’ us all the time.
  2. Don’t befriend the world. It’s so easy to get enticed into the me-centric culture, with every social media platform and TV ad telling us what we should have, do, and be for satisfaction. But “friendship with the world is hostility toward God” (James 4:4), so we must submit to God, resist the devil, and stay close to the Lord (James 4:7-8).
  3. Rejoice! (Wait, what?) Yes! Jesus says that we are blessed through persecution and insult for His sake (Matthew 5:10-12). Luke’s recounting of this sermon says that Jesus actually tells us to “rejoice and jump for joy” when we’re hated, excluded, and insulted—we’ve got a great reward waiting for us in heaven (Luke 6:22-23). The other New Testament writers, including Peter Paul, and James—who themselves experienced hatred, persecution, and martyrdom—wholeheartedly agree (see Acts 5, Romans 5 and 8, Colossians 1, 2 Corinthians 12, 1 Peter, and James 1, just to give you a few places to look).

So, friend, because of your relationship with Jesus are you feeling out of place in the world? Insulted and left out? Hated? This is a good thing! It means you’re a citizen of a better world and a follower of the One whom the world hated first. There is a battle on right now—for sure. But Jesus won the war (crushing the enemy’s head, revisiting Genesis 3:15!), and we’re fighting from a place of victory! Amen!

“Lord, You said that we’d have trouble in this world and that we’re hated because the world first hated You. Give us the strength and perseverance to keep our eyes on You and not succumb to the schemes of the enemy.”

For His Glory

Julianne Winkler Smith
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Encouragement, Spiritual Growth, Success, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | December 11, 2023

When All Hope Is Lost

“The Lord is my portion, says my soul, “Therefore, I will hope in Him.” Lamentations 3:24

Absolutely love Christmas movies…even the ones when the ending is so predictable.  Best one I’ve seen so far was “I Heard The Bells On Christmas Day.”  While I was familiar with this song, I had no idea of the story behind the song. If you’ve watched the movie, you know the storyline well, but for those who haven’t seen it, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow is the writer of this classic carol.

As the story unfolds a tragic fire in Henry’s home claims the life of his beloved wife.  No sugarcoating here – the reality of Henry’s deep grief and his wrestling with God is poignant and vivid.  As a 57 year old widowed father of six children, Henry later learns that his son has been injured in the war.  Sorrow upon sorrow, grief upon grief.    As Henry journeys through his pain, he writes the lyrics of this song reminding himself and the world that God is alive. Righteousness will prevail and despite his losses, all hope is not lost.

“Then pealed the bells more loud and deep: “God is not dead, nor does He sleep, For Christ is here; His Spirit near. Brings peace on earth, good will to men.

How does one traverse from deep sorrow to hope?  At a pivotal point in Henry’s life, his eyes lifted off his circumstances and refocused on the One who drew near to his broken heart (Psalm 34:18, Psalm 147:3).  Embracing the character of his God, Henry fully trusted God to carry him through this journey with a renewed hope – an expectation fueled with unshakeable confidence.

God’s presence (Emmanuel) feels ever so close in those moments when daily dependence draws us to Him.  God truly comforts us, guides us and carries us. It is the most wonderful time of the year when we allow Him to minister to our souls-laying down our burdens and grabbing hold of His hand. Believing, trusting and expecting God to transform our brokenness and sorrow for His divine glory.

As we move into the holiday season may we remember that His presence on that first Christmas morning really did bring peace, hope and goodwill to all.

And just in case life is weighing heavy on our hearts, here are some Hope infusers for our week ahead:

“But I will hope continually and will praise you yet more and more.” Psalm 71:14
“Let your steadfast love, O Lord, be upon us, even as we hope in you.”  Psalm 33:22
“For the needy shall not always be forgotten, and the hope of the poor shall not perish forever.” Psalm 9:18
“Behold, the eye of the Lord is on those who fear him, on those who hope in his steadfast love.” Psalm 33:18
“For you, O Lord, are my hope, my trust, O Lord, from my youth.” Psalm 71:5
“I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in His word I hope.”  Psalm 130:5
“You are my hiding place and my shield; I hope in your word.” Psalm 119:116
“Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.” Romans 12:12
“Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself, and God our Father, who loved us and gave us eternal comfort and good hope through grace, comfort your hearts and establish them in every good work and word.” 2 Thessalonians 2:16
Sweet reminders straight from the heart of our loving Heavenly Father.

 

“Father, thank You for drawing near and wrapping us up in Your everlasting Hope.  Help us to keep our eyes focused on You and rest in your sovereignty.”
For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Hope, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | December 8, 2023

Adopted Into The Family

“For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear; but you received the Spirit of sonship, and by him we cry, Abba, Father.” Romans 8:15 (NIV)

Over the years I’ve had several friends who have adopted children. Instantly, they’ve become parents of children who have not come from their same lineage and bloodline. They consciously chose to love and embrace them into their hearts and homes. Recently, I spent time with a little girl who was adopted as an infant by one of my fellow workers. The love that unites their hearts is strong and evident in their actions and words. Each time she calls out “Daddy,” my friend knows she is calling him. He is ready to answer her and see what she needs. Sweet reminder of God’s great love for us when we come to Him. Receiving us into His family, God is 100% ready to love us unconditionally, with His arms outstretched to embrace us and keep us near His sight. When we open our lips to call to Him, He hears us calling out His Abba, Father, name.

It takes a special heart and love to accept someone you did not conceive and whose past you do not know. The beauty of God’s love is that He does not care what we did before or where we came from. His love for us, His children, is strong and unending. His presence is constant.

I am so grateful I was chosen by my loving Father as His adopted daughter, and in His family I never feel different than the rest of the brood. I call out, “Daddy,” and His ears are ready for me.

“Abba, Father: You are the best Daddy that we could ever have. Your love is amazing and the assurance of Your presence is the best promise for those who come into Your family. Thank You for loving us as Your own.”

For His Glory

Luska Natali
TRBC Women’s Life

 

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Posted in Faith, Freedom, Gratitude, Hope

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | December 7, 2023

Miracles Upon Miracles

“I am the Lord, the God of all mankind. Is anything too hard for me?” Jeremiah 32:27

Have you ever considered how many miracles had to happen in order to get to the miraculous birth of Jesus?

After the fall, God provided animal coverings for Adam and Eve. Then, God spared Noah’s family and all those animal pairs in a boat, preserving both humanity and the animal kingdom. And then He spoke to a pagan from what is now modern-day Iraq and told him he would be the father of many children— God’s people, oh wait…also, he and his wife were also old people…I mean really old people. THAT was impossible. But it happened. God helped their children and grandchildren through infertility and various other trials to conquer the impossible and keep His promises to keep this family growing. He saved His people from slavery and from drowning by first saving their leader, Moses, from drowning or being killed as a baby. He gave victory to His people through the courage of a prostitute named Rahab, who would be listed in His family line one day. He rescued a widow and her mother-in-law by making that prostitute’s son her kinsman-redeemer. He brought His exiled people home from distant lands. He brought another baby to another barren elderly couple named Zechariah and Elizabeth. And then He miraculously placed His own Son in the womb of Mary— the young virgin cousin of that elderly woman, Elizabeth…both women experiencing dumbfounding miracles at both ends of the age spectrum.

God is a miracle worker. In the authorship of His story, He sees what looks impossible to us and pens more of the story than any of its characters could ever have dreamed of while tying those individual stories into the rest of His story…the rest of history. Without the first miracle, there couldn’t have been the second miracle, and the third miracle, and on and on. God’s miracles mirror the intentions of His heart: to rescue, restore, and redeem His people.

My story holds miracles and yours does, too, because it’s written by the author of miracles. The greatest miracle of any of our stories, of course, is that of resurrection. The miracle of Noah being spared in that boat is our miracle, too. The miracle of God overcoming infertility to establish His people is integral to our story, also. The miracle of Moses being spared from drowning waters and violent hands so that he could lead his people out of slavery on dry ground is woven into our own stories. The prostitute who gave away the most intimate areas of her life choosing to submit every bit of her being to the God who wanted every part of her being is our story, too. The unlikely kinsman-redeemer is a miracle for us, too. The rescue from distant lands and still being identified as God’s people and being brought home matters to each page of our stories as well. Life coming to barren places and life coming to every area of the wide-open pages of our stories are fundamental themes of our stories, too. Each of these miracles is connected to the miracles of our own lives because we are all connected, and God wants to reconnect with each of us.

The miracles keep building upon each other to point us to the greatest miracle. One day, all miracles will be finished, and we will live the miracle of a resurrected life with Him eternally in Heaven if we have accepted the gift of Jesus’ greatest miracle— overcoming sin and death through His bodily resurrection after dying on the cross.

When you consider the miracle of the virgin birth of Jesus— God’s own Son this Christmas season, consider all the miracles it took and then all the other miracles it took to give your heart the greatest miracle it’s ever known…resurrection from the death that sin brought.

“Lord, Help us to stand in awe of the miracles upon miracles You’ve done to rescue us and restore us to fellowship with You.

 

For His Glory

Emily P. Meyer (www.emilypmeyer.com)
TRBC Women’s Life

 

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Hope

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | December 6, 2023

Mess In The Manger

“And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger because there was no place for them in the inn.” (Luke 2:7)

He doesn’t love me.  He’s not listening to me.  How could He allow all this mess in my life if He loved me?  It just stinks.

My heart went out to her.  I understood exactly how she felt.  I had uttered those same words myself at times in my own journey. She was sobbing uncontrollably at all the things in her life that was going wrong.  Adamant on the fact that God must not love her, otherwise He would fix all this mess in her life.

Surely God can’t be involved in it if there’s a mess involved right? Wrong.

When we think of the Christmas story, we conjure up a perfect nativity scene with Mary and Joseph looking at baby Jesus in wide-eyed awe.

But they were in a manger.  A manger is a trough used to feed animals.

If you’ve ever been in a barn with animals, you know two things. One is to be careful where you walk.  You never know what you might step in. Two, hold your nose because the smell of the animals (and their droppings) is not pleasant.

All of us who have experienced childbirth know that you want everything perfect for your baby’s arrival.  Mary had spent hours riding on a donkey in the cold weather to get to Bethlehem. Then she had to lay on straw surrounded by animals.  There most likely wasn’t fresh towels and hot water being brought to help her during her delivery.  She was left to birth this precious gift of hope in a stinky situation. Imagine how people must have treated her, a young woman, pregnant before marriage.  I wonder if she ever felt abandoned by God.  She had been told she was going to give birth to a Savior, yet here she was in an uncomfortable place.

There was mess in the manger friends.  Because mess is a sign of life, not a lack of God’s love.  The only time a manger is clean is when there are no animals in it. (Proverbs 14:4).

Our lives may be filled with troublesome circumstances, but God can still birth beautiful things from it. Just like in the manger, we need to be careful where we walk on this earth as Satan is on the prowl “seeking whom he may devour.” (1 Peter 5:8)

We have a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus that we have an inheritance in Heaven that no mess on earth can destroy. (1 Peter 1:3-6)

When the aroma of this life makes us feel alone – we can remember another name for the birth of hope in that manger -Emmanuel, God is with us. (Mathew 1:23)

“Father help us to trust you with the mess in our lives.” 

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

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | December 5, 2023

Wedding Supper

“Let us rejoice and be glad and give the glory to Him, for the marriage of the Lamb has come and His Bride has made herself ready.”  Revelation 19:7

My niece got married this weekend—my brother’s daughter, Victoria. The venue was stunning. It was a 19th-century home-turned-winery in Buck’s County, PA, with a lovely upper room where the ceremony took place that looked over acres of vineyards. And, since it’s the Christmas season, when dusk settled, bright lights twinkled throughout the grounds as if the stars descended to nestle themselves within the trees and across the rows of sleeping vines. Another noteworthy aspect of this wedding was that all the guests were asked to wear black, which set the scene to further elevate the bride’s beauty and magnificence. (I guess this is a TicTok/Insta thing these days. And although I was initially concerned the vibe would be a bit too somber, it worked perfectly amid the venue’s white furnishing and all-white floral arrangements.)

After the couple’s “I do’s” and their jubilant exit down the center aisle as husband and wife, we all headed over to the adjacent equally historical building for the reception. And after the sweet first dances and tear-provoking speeches, it was time for the meal. (A meal, I will say, which was ridiculously delicious, as my loving, generous brother spared no expense for his eldest daughter’s Big Day.) Of course, after the food came the next-level celebrating—feet moving, hands raised, and lyrics shouted as the dance floor flooded in response to DJ-driven beats underscoring favorite songs from the past several decades.

The event was so joyful, filled with countless declarations of “I love you” and “I miss you” and “Wish we saw each other more”…I don’t get to see my family and family friends very often at all, so all of these sentiments definitely were extended from and to me.

So, as I sit on the plane back to Florida this morning thinking about last night’s party, I began pondering another wedding celebration I’m invited to—although I’m not exactly sure of the exact date. The venue, however, is sure to be stunning beyond comprehension. And I imagine being able to look around at heavenly lights as far as the eye can see, creating an enchanted ambiance for the celebration. But, contrary to my niece’s elegant all-black event, everyone present at this marriage will be dressed in white. The food? No offense to my brother’s catering choices, but this cuisine will be more scrumptious than our tastebuds have ever experienced. Dancing? Yup! Singing? For sure. But instead of pop tunes with a backbeat, we’ll be singing songs written at the dawn of creation—and others we compose on the fly! I anticipate hands in the air…not waving like we just don’t care, but rather raised in praise to the Bridegroom and His Father. Oh, and unlike the father of the bride (my bro) footing the bill for the festivities, this wedding supper was paid for in full by the Groom Himself.

For every follower of Jesus Christ—the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world—we are His bride. You and I are the redeemed, invitation in hand to the Wedding Supper of the Lamb. It will be the family reunion of reunions. Lots of “I love you” declarations. But not a single, “Miss you” or “Wish I saw you more”…because this celebration is the kickoff of an eternity with everyone at the wedding. And, oh my, what a party it will be.

Can you picture it? Will you be there? See, if you don’t have your invitation, you’ll miss out. But, friend, all you have to do is ask Jesus if you can join Him—surrender your life to Him, and He’ll welcome you into the party.

“Lord, I cannot wait to enter the Wedding Supper of the Lamb and start my heavenly life with You and the rest of Your Bride!”

For His Glory,

Julianne Winkler Smith
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Encouragement, Gratitude, Hope, Worship

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