Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | May 11, 2023

When Regrets Become Powerless

“I tell you, her sins – and they are many – have been forgiven…” Luke 7:47a (NCV)

A person on a mission is evident by their body language and tenacity. No matter what…their mind is set. Nobody or thing is going to derail their assignment…especially if it’s personal. This courageous woman (Luke 7:36-48) didn’t knock on the door; she “came in” Simon’s house and interrupted supper. She probably took a deep breath as she maneuvered her way through the crowd holding her alabaster jar. She heard the whispers knowing some of the gossip was true. Nevertheless, her eyes were fixed on the Lord as she politely said, “Excuse me, but you can’t help me…I’m here to see Jesus.” Finally reaching Him must have felt like an eternity with the snares and dares. She broke open the seal on her offering pouring out all her many sins on the head of Jesus. Falling at His feet as her tears flowed using her hair as a towel…kissing the feet of her Savior.

This woman is unnamed because we all have an alabaster jar filled with life’s oil of past mistakes and regrets. Only Jesus and you know the expense of the oil in your alabaster jar and how much was truly paid for your forgiveness. Jesus has deemed your sins powerless to berate or disqualify you. When judgement raises its ugly head just remember…your alabaster jar was broken at the feet of Jesus. It was smashed into a million little pieces, so it could never be used against you again. Your expensive perfumed oil of “Please forgive me” flowed down the head of Jesus as a declaration of repentance. He has forgiven you! Your past faults have been paid for in full.

“Thank you Father, You willingly accept our heartfelt remorse. Your love transforms our broken clay jars into beautiful vessels. Lives filled with testimonies of Your love and power to forgive. It’s humbling to think You use our Good News testimonies to impact our little worlds around us.”

For His Glory

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

 

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Hope

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | May 10, 2023

Gather Around

“One day as he saw the crowds gathering, Jesus went up on the mountainside and sat down. His disciples gathered around him, and he began to teach them.” Matthew 5:1-2 (NLT)

We stepped off the bus and the children eyed us with curiosity. As we moved through the neighborhood inviting all to a puppet show, children realized we had what they wanted: candy, small toys, and attention. They gathered around, setting aside their scavenging to see what we were about, these strangers. They followed us down one street and up the next. They held our hands and tried to communicate with us despite the language barrier. Surrounded by children whose bellies had never been full, we gave all that we had. We drew a crowd for foodstuffs and toys, but filled their hearts with the grace and love of Jesus as we presented the gospel and handed out Bibles. We applied for passports and visas, raised money for the flights, and spent vacation time for these precious ones.

Our key verses constitute the introduction to the Sermon on the Mount. The crowds gathered because Jesus alone had what they wanted. Had the people heard of Jesus’ teaching in the synagogues? Had they seen a friend healed of illness or disease? Had rumor spread of the Man who could free a demon-possessed boy? Whatever the reason the crowds gathered, God in the flesh was about to feed His people with the truth that gives life. I just love the simplicity of the verses. They gathered; He taught.

Do we gather? We gather at our kids’ school for meetings and assemblies. We gather at sporting events—professional and amateur. We gather at celebrations: birthdays, graduation, anniversary, etc. Do we gather together as believers around Jesus?

“And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.” Hebrews 10:25 (NLT)

Do we desire what Jesus offers enough to set aside our plans? Gathering at churches, small groups, Bible studies, and ministries puts us in a place to hear from God. He alone has what we want. He alone provides all that we need.

Gather around.

“Lord, may we never take advantage of the privilege we have to gather together in prayer, worship, and learning. We desire what only You can provide.”

For His Glory

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

 

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Posted in Encouragement, Hope, Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | May 9, 2023

Creation’s Praise

“The mountains and the hills will break into shouts of joy before you, And all the trees of the field will clap their hands.”  Isaiah 55:12

How often are you in the quiet—especially outdoors? Do you ever escape the constant din of the city and suburban life (cars, trucks, trains, lawn equipment, construction work)? Many of us don’t even realize that there even is an urban soundtrack until we’re not in the midst of it anymore.

But, whether it’s to the beach, the mountains, or the middle of a cornfield, we need to get away from the noise of man and take time to bask in God’s amazing creation. Now, quieting our life from the onslaught of social media, news, headphone-streamed music, etc., is vital as well—we must be still and know God (Psalm 46:10). But this is something different. This is about hushing the noise to hear the praises of Creation itself to the God who designed it all and spoke it into existence.

Start at sunrise and listen to the birds as they wake up with praise on their lips (well, beaks). Turn your attention to the trees. As the wind blows through the branches, you’ll hear the leaves applaud and cheer on their Creator. And then there’s the ocean (sans the screams of delighted children and various speakers blaring everything from country music to rap). Each wave that mounts up then crashes to the shore is a roar of acclaim to the Lord. Can you hear it?

What about the myriad flowers? Gardenias, jasmine, magnolia, roses—to name just a few. Not only do they burst forth in intricate beauty, but their distinct fragrances give testimony to God’s love and generous grace. From the hummingbird’s miraculous movements to the heavenly host throughout the universe, the Lord is being magnified through every detail of His workmanship.

The question is, do you stop to glorify Him along with Creation? Take some time today to experience the joyful worship that’s all around you…and join the chorus of praise.

Let’s pray this Psalm together in praise of our Creator God:

”Praise the Lord! Praise Him, sun and moon; Praise Him, all stars of light! Praise Him, highest heavens, And the waters that are above the heavens! They are to praise the name of the Lord, For He commanded, and they were created. Praise the Lord from the earth, Sea monsters, and all the ocean depths; Fire and hail, snow and clouds; Stormy wind, fulfilling His word; Mountains and all hills; Fruit trees and all cedars; Animals and all cattle; Crawling things and winged fowl…They are to praise the name of the Lord, For His name alone is exalted; His majesty is above earth and heaven. (Psalm 148)”

 

For His Glory,

Julianne Winkler Smith
TRBC Women’s Life

 

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Posted in Encouragement, Hope, Spiritual Living, Worship

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | May 8, 2023

Equipped To Win The Battle

“Many are my persecutors and my adversaries, but I do not swerve from your testimonies.” Psalm 119:157

My sister, Faye, is an avid lover of animals.  She has been known to bring her car to a screeching halt so a squirrel or turtle can cross the road safely.  While that may be a bit extreme, we’ve probably all swerved to miss a leaping deer or debris on the road.  Strategically attempting to avoid an accident, we deviate from our course in the name of safety.

While swerving can definitely protect us when faced with unknown obstacles in our path, it’s never the right choice when it comes to God’s truth.  Turning aside to the left or right, moving away from or fleeing what we know is true never serves us well.

Real question is how does swerve evolve, especially when we thought we were grounded?

We’ve probably all claimed our determined stance when it comes to the wisdom of God’s word. Yet, every little compromise, every rationale, every moment of peer pressure has the potential to deviate us from His truth.  And the times when we find ourselves the most vulnerable are when we are under attack.

Satan is the great accuser, and he loves to create doubt and confusion.  Why?  Because he knows the power and truth found in God’s word.  He also knows the word of God is one of our greatest weapons against him; Jesus proved that when Satan tempted Him in the wilderness.  No brainer here – if Satan can get us to swerve away from God’s truth then he knows our effectiveness to share the gospel and grow in our faith fades as well.

I personally have never felt persecution for my faith like many of our brothers and sisters in the Lord on foreign soil.  Brave, bold and courageous followers of Jesus who lay down their lives for the sake of the gospel.  Yet, I do know the influence of emotional and physical attacks which can overwhelm us. Growing up during a time when my pastor was taking a strong stand against moral decline, I often was faced with teasing and ridicule from classmates in school. End result, I would go home feeling sad and defeated because of what I believed.

Fast forward to adulthood, I’ve battled the attacks of our enemy as he uses people and situations to manipulate his plans.  Generating disunity and divisions.  Attempting to discredit the character of our God.  Twisting solid truths into seemingly convincing wiser thoughts which can land us full of confusion and doubt.

Love the Psalmist’s words “I do not swerve from your testimonies.”  Unshakeable, unmovable.  A solid place to land in the face of persecution and adversity.  When accusations seek to slay us and what we believe, we can cling to the truths of God’s word – armed for battle against our enemy.  When our souls are overwhelmed and justice appears to fade into the night, we can trust our God to fight the battle for us.  Leaning on our God, combating our enemy with His words and standing strong positions us to win. And like the Psalmist, we too can proclaim “We are not swerving from your testimonies.”

“Father, fill our hearts with Your words so we are equipped to win the battles of this world without losing our faith and trust in You.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Faith, Freedom, Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | May 5, 2023

A Strong Foundation

“The wise woman builds her house, but with her own hands the foolish one tears hers down.” Proverbs 14:1 (NIV)

A hammer and nails we will not find in our designer purse but building, constructing, reinforcing and repairing are on the agenda. Erecting a barrier, condemning the space and blocking grace are often favored rather than building a relationship. Perhaps there’s a bridge of forgiveness to be extended, but ending that relationship seems sweeter. Navigating a new design to an old pattern – wow that’s just too much work.
You see, we are great purchasers of new when old is no longer appealing. But what happens when the exchange involves people?

A little Construction 101 reminds us that a house is only as stable, strong and unshakeable as its foundation. Same principle applies in relationships. A weak foundation is easily disturbed and the crumbling underneath is devastating. If we are not careful we will tear down, cast aside and discard a priceless treasure. It takes supernatural strength to repair, re-construct, reinforce and repair lives dangling by a thread. But isn’t that where God found us? Isn’t that where God empowers us?

Relationships built upon the rock of grace reflect a strong foundation – a wise woman. I love the way Proverbs challenges us to build up our relationships, our home and our work environment. It’s the Restorer, Redeemer and Reconciler inviting us to react and live wisely. It’s the Sovereign One compelling us to weigh the cost of foolish emotions that tear down and destroy. How we long to be wise women whose houses and relationships are built daily upon the truths of God’s word.

“Father, I am so thankful that You build up my life with Your wisdom and grace. How I need You to navigate all the relationships in my life.”

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 | May 4, 2023

Knowing Your Adversary

“For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers,  against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness,  against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.” Ephesians 6:12 ( ESV)

I was caught up in the beauty of the crashing waves coming at me, completely lost in the moment.  So caught up that I forgot about the undertow.  Causing me to lose my footing and left me struggling to recover.

An undertow is when waves break along the ocean shore. Once that occurs, gravity pulls backwards and the water (and sand beneath your feet) is sucked right back into the ocean.

An undertow can be dangerous. If the water going back into the ocean is strong it can knock you down with another wave swooping in before you can recover.

I was so focused on what I could see, I forgot about what was going on underneath the surface.

That is what Paul was trying to teach the church in Ephesus that their adversary is not the people in their lives -it’s not what they can see on the surface.  It’s what is happening underneath (in the spiritual realm).

In other words, your enemy isn’t the woman from church who doesn’t speak to you in passing or smile at you the way you think she should. Most likely, that lady has her own troubles on her mind.

Our adversary is Satan and the spiritual forces of evil that do his bidding.

But to the woman who has heard messages of rejection and struggles with insecurity – the enemy knowing that is your area of weakness; will hit you harder there hoping to get a reaction.

Meaning he will feed you messages of insecurity from the past that will trigger feelings that will cause you to react in the present based on a past feeling.  Essentially pulling you backwards into a dangerous emotional undertow.

Your enemy can’t read your thoughts ladies, but he’s been studying you for years; and he knows which feelings to push to reduce you to a fit of tears and rage.

By knowing who your adversary is – you will know how to battle him.

And ladies, we are in a spiritual battle for our souls and the souls of those we love.

The best weapon against our adversary is the word of God – “living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul”. (Hebrews 4:12, ESV)

We must know the Word and speak its’ truth back to ourselves when the enemy attacks.  Understanding that feelings and behaviors are a direct result of the thoughts going through our minds.

The more you speak truth to yourself, the stronger you’ll become in managing the emotional undertows of life.

“Father thank you for the weapons of warfare you’ve given us to battle our adversary.  Teach us to use the Word to cut through the lies the enemy feeds us.”

For His Glory

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

 

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

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | May 2, 2023

Numbing Deception

“But realize this, that in the last days difficult times will come. 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 3:1-4

As I traveled on a brief trip to see my stepmom (and chilled out—literally and figuratively—during long layovers in Newark and Detroit, which were odd mid-destinations between Jacksonville and Dulles), I devoured “Fahrenheit 451” by Ray Bradbury (©1953). You likely read this short novel in high school, but probably don’t recall its profound literary connotations—and its dystopian reality certainly didn’t parallel that era as much as it does today. In fact, the intense relevance kind of messed with my head a bit, as I observe our current self-serving pleasure culture in relation to the decades-old warnings of authors like Bradbury and Orwell (see “Animal Farm” and “1984” as examples).

In this novel, society had deteriorated (or advanced, depending on one’s perspective) to passive happiness-seeking. Critical thinking—or any pondering at all—had been deemed a bad thing. The powers-that-be constantly fed people meaningless input and commercials through four-wall always-on screens and always-in earbuds (sounds eerily familiar). Over time, people didn’t want to waste time reading books, so classics and modern works were summarized to a couple of pages, then reduced to a column, then minimized to a line or two—dare I say “280 characters” in today’s vernacular. People became seemingly “well read” and informed, although it was all a delusion. But even that nugget of insight was too much for individualized evaluation, so the entire concept of books became a thing of the past (and illegal), replaced by mind-numbing input of the system.

But the spiritual implications of “Fahrenheit 451” also struck me as quite weighty. See, even the attention span of today’s Christians has deteriorated. We want to be entertained at church, told how awesome we are and how great life can be. We certainly don’t want to be convicted in any way—the darkness in our life is just fine without the light of truth shining in on it. Instead of God’s Word being taught, line by line, with context and application, Christians want good soundbites. A verse sprinkled in here or there that aligns with the pulpit Ted-talk du jour, and modern churchgoers deem themselves “well-versed” in the Bible. No thinking or pondering needed. And when God says something we don’t like, we simply toss it out as “irrelevant to modern culture”—it interferes with our happiness and pleasure, so no thanks.

Then, suddenly (but not-so-suddenly), God’s Word is completely irrelevant. So is God. Stadiums full of people are lulled into thinking all is well from the mouth of a wolf clothed in a toothy white smile.

Friend, do not be deceived. The Bible is not only as relevant today as it was when God-inspired men wrote it, it is essential. Following God’s Word is not about limiting our happiness, but rather about ensuring our safety, satisfaction, and joy. Let’s not give in to watery, meaningless Sunday messages, cutting and pasting to make the Bible reflect the world. Find a church that stands firmly on God’s Word, shedding Light into an ever-present darkness. And open your own Bible. Don’t know where to start? Genesis 1:1 is a great place: “In the beginning, God…”

“Heavenly Father, as the enemy’s time runs short, strengthen the pastors, teachers, and churches that hold fast to Your Truth, proclaiming the whole Word. Open the eyes of men and women who are being deceived from wolf-occupied pulpits.”

For His Glory

Julianne Winkler Smith
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Faith, Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Living, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | May 1, 2023

Choosing Well Even When Faced With Fear

“She (Anna) did not depart from the temple, worshiping with fasting and prayer night and day.” Luke 2:37b (ESV)

Have to admit it is easier to give up than to press through. Yes, we’ve all been there when trials, challenges and uncertainties totally left us caving into fears. Moments when the chapters we would have never written unfold right before our eyes. Tough days often leave us feeling powerless and vulnerable in the wake of the unknowns. The white flag of surrender (giving up) feels sweeter than the pursuit of victory.

What does it take for you to give up – cave in and not fight through? We all have our perceived limits of what we can endure, but in the wake of such days do we attempt to let go or hold on tight to our Mighty God?

Anna was a prophetess who enjoyed the wonder of seven years of marriage with her man. What she thought would last forever evaporated way too soon and she (now a widow) found herself faced with a decision. The same decision we often face. On the brink of sorrow, disappointment and uncertainty will we remain faithful to our God or quietly bow out?
Easy out is to allow our challenges to overwhelm us, depress us and empty us until we see no alternative. More convenient to just live in self pity recounting the good ole days rather than clamoring for hope. Perhaps we’ve all been there when life just didn’t deliver what we expected and staying the course was simply too painful.

Anna could have easily regulated herself to a grief-filled life. She could have dismissed herself in the days when mourning rushes in like a mighty wave, but she didn’t. This bold, courageous woman chose instead to hold on to her God who was greater than her sorrow. Anna spent her life devoted to her God worshipping, fasting and praying in the temple the rest of her life. And the sweetest blessing ever, she got to meet the Christ child – isn’t that just like our God to reward those who faithfully serve Him?

Lots of things can happen which could convince us things will never get better. We have a choice – we can either trust our God for the unknowns or we can simply exist caving into the fears. We can keep serving faithfully or we can give up. The choice is up to each of us – let’s choose well. Let’s claim God’s promises and zero in on His character – the Overcomer – nothing is too hard for Him!

“Father, we can get lost in the media and statistics facing us right now. Help us to act wisely, take precautions and live in victory knowing You are still in control.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Hope

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | April 28, 2023

When Repeats Can Be Scary

“The Lord is my strength and my shield; in Him my heart trusts” Psalm 28:7a (ESV)

Who doesn’t love a good repeat – you know like the happy ending we see in someone else’s life resurface in our own? Gotta admit, I thrive in the midst of familiar, but there’s not a lot of trusting going on if we’re banking on God duplicating their story in ours. Easy to get lost when we are looking for the perfect formula to solve our challenges. Crazy to limit God to only one version of resolve when we would miss out on His best for us.

Maybe you’ve found yourself there – expecting God to react, respond and do the same for you that He did for someone else. Or perhaps, you don’t want the repeat performance. You watch as marriages crumble around you and fear for your own. Similarities start to create confusing dynamics if we zero in on one person’s story and draw conclusions that repeat is about to happen. Perhaps you’re watching friends going through devastating life crisis with health, finances or prodigals and you’re sitting on the edge of your seat just waiting for repeat to knock on your door.

Our story is unique to us and unfolds one chapter at a time. No boring read. No absent characters. We are engaged in our own personal bestseller. Fear will raise its ugly head from time to time, but we don’t have to live paralyzed that a repeated event will touch our lives. While we can certainly learn from other’s experiences and gain valuable insight, we don’t have to walk on eggshells expecting the worst to resurface.

Too much is at stake for repeat performances. God has a strategic plan in place and He knows exactly how all the pieces will fit together. The outcome – well that’s a matter of trusting what we don’t see – sounds like faith to me. Rather than relying on the conclusion of another’s story, we lean in close to God’s character knowing that He loves us, fights for us, strengthens us and is fully capable of meeting all of our needs.

“Father, Your Word sustains us when fear and doubt creep in. Grateful that we are never alone regardless of what the next chapter unfolds.”

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 | April 27, 2023

Believing For My Neighbor

“Being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and giving joyful thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of his holy people in the kingdom of light.” Colossians 1:11-12 (NIV)

I am always in awe of God and the amazing things He does. Salvation is definitely one of those things, and in my view, the most important of all. Take the apostle Paul, for example. Before he encountered the risen Lord Jesus on his trip to Damascus, the man previously known as Saul was an arrogant man who utilized his authority and power to persecute Christians.

After experiencing Jesus in his life, Paul went through a 180-degree change in his life. But not only that – he wanted to make sure that he made Jesus known to all, so he set himself as a mentor and leader to others who would, in turn, become mentors and leaders themselves. What a wonderful way to describe new life in Jesus Christ!

As a leader and mentor, Paul also became an encourager of new Christians. As a follower of Christ, he endured great adversities, yet, in all his letters, Paul would encourage, motivate and incite his mentees to keep their faith, to persevere,  to keep on learning and teaching, and most of all, to keep on shining their light brighter and brighter into a world filled with darkness.

Paul’s words to the Colossians assured them they would be covered in prayer, so that they’d be strengthened with all might.   This reminder about the importance of giving thanks to the Father propelled me to remind my own mentees that they are important to God and that through prayer, they, like the Colossians, can achieve all the goodness that springs up from the Throne of God.

“Dear Jesus: thank You for being a leader and mentor to us. As Your followers, we desire to be encouragers to our neighbor, so that they, too, remain in You and experience strength and endurance throughout their lives.”

For His Glory

Luska Natali
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Faith, Prayer

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