Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | July 11, 2023

That They May See

“Let your light so shine before others, so that may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven.” Matthew 5:16

Have you seen, heard, and experienced it, particularly over the past three years—ever-expanding, like a growing mold? Apathetic indifference (at best) and narcissistic malice (at worst). In the workplace and marketplace, on campus and online. Human interactions are not what they used to be. (I’m not talking 50 years ago, mind you, just five.)

Millions of words could be written on all the “whys” of this apathy/meanness phenomenon—and they have been. So, this is not about that. What we’re going to focus on here is our call as followers of Jesus Christ to be different. In a world that’s getting darker as Satan’s time gets shorter, believers are meant to be light (Matthew 5:14-16; Ephesians 5:8; Philippians 2:15-16). What does that mean? According to Galatians 5:22-23, walking in light and truth means living a fruity life—in the fruit of the spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Pretty much the exact opposite of today’s cultural norm.

But friend, of course, it’s different from the world! Only through the power of the Holy Spirit in us can we exhibit these holy qualities—in our own power, it’s really, really hard. And to be honest, there’s usually some self-serving motivation behind it when we do. Again, another story.

So, let’s get practical. First, pick a fruit, any fruit. Then, with a yielded spirit, just do it. Not only will this simple surrender open the way to more and more Holy Spirit control in your life for your good, but it will also glorify God in a big way. And it will be blindingly bright amid the darkness around you. Plus, just as flipping on the light switch in the middle of the night tends to wake someone up from a deep sleep, so can shining your light open the eyes of the walking dead around you…opening up an opportunity for you to give a reason for your fruitiness (1 Peter 3:15).

Take kindness, for example. It always surprises me what a shock it is to others when they experience even a modicum of kindness. The other day, as my husband was returning our shopping cart to the parking lot corral, he happened to collect a few others on the way, clearing them from the various “I’ll-just-leave-mine-here” drop-offs. As he walked back to our car, the man next to us was watching him with an awe that rivaled him witnessing a rescue from a burning building. Then he said to my husband, “Man, the world needs more kind people like you.” Boom. Light on, difference made. Now, my hubby didn’t approach that guy and take him through the gospel at that moment…but he let his light shine and glorified God in the process, and who knows how it may have changed that man’s attitude/actions the rest of the day.

I have a lot of examples of this around each of the fruit—as I’m confident you do as well. (I also, sadly, have plenty of examples of exhibiting the opposite of some of those fruits, which only showed my “unsurrendered”/fleshy parts. But we’re all on that sanctification path on our way to glorified perfection—as long as we’re moving in the right direction, it’s all good!) So, let’s use each moment of living out this holy fruit like it’s a good workout: with repetition comes strength to do more. Again, it’s not our own strength we’re developing here though, it’s the strength (control) of the Holy Spirit that we are yielding to. One act of kindness may seem as insignificant as the small flicker of a match. But in a pitch-black room, even that tiny flame can show the way out of the darkness.

“Lord, I surrender fully to You today. Show me opportunities to let my light shine in this dark world. And let me yield to the Holy Spirit to empower the words and actions needed to glorify You.”

For His Glory

Julianne Winkler Smith
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Hope, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | July 10, 2023

When They Gather

“And Jesus went throughout all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom and healing every disease and every affliction.  When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.” Matthew 9:35-36

Glancing out the window, I watched them gather.  Yes, the group of two to three meeting up in their usual place.  Waiting patiently.  Sitting as if they had nowhere else to go.  And to be totally honest, this was the only place they wanted to be.  Here in this same spot, every day was where they were fed. Yes, you know it girls, the Martins feed the cats who continuously frequent our backyard.  We have no pets; I’m allergic to everything.  Yet these strays gather at the edge of our yard because they know they won’t leave empty.

Wanderers lost and roaming – we’ve probably all met a few of those who were searching for a place to gather.  Isn’t that what we all long for – a place to belong, to come together and be fed.  Spiritual, emotional and mental hunger can send us seeking relief, desperately waiting for empty to fade.  Sad reality is the gatherers (harvest) is plentiful, but the feeders (laborers) are few.  Too many things on our plate to notice those around us who are starving for God’s truth.  Too consumed with self to give a little of us to someone else.  Best excuse ever – we’re empty and have nothing to offer despite all the pretenses we are full.

Love the compassion of our sweet Jesus who never let anyone miss His gaze.  Traveling, teaching, healing and surrounded by crowds.  Jesus saw the gatherers, wanderers and strays.  Like sheep without a shepherd, He met their needs without excuse or neglect.  Those who came hungry left fed.

Wonder who we are feeding?  Are we even aware of the strays who wander into our path?  Deeper question yet is would they gather waiting patiently knowing they wouldn’t leave empty?  Excuses will always rob us of the great joy found in reflecting Jesus to our world.  Failing to fill our souls with His truth will leave us barren and unable to birth hope within someone else.  But if we intentionally keep our gaze on Jesus then He will open our eyes  and fill us to overflowing so we can help those who are desiring to be fed.

“Father, help us to not miss divine opportunities orchestrated by You for us to be a light of hope in a world hungry for Your love.  Fill us with Your truth and compassion so we can feed Your sheep.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

 

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Posted in Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | July 7, 2023

Big Dreams

“Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but it is the LORD’s purpose that prevails.” Proverbs 19:21  (NIV)

We dreamed big and envisioned our future. We could taste the sweetness of longings fulfilled. We reached and stretched to realize the ideal, but awakened to find that life was not as it was supposed to be. Those dreams were elusive – a mere distant picture clued to our mind.

Singles long for marriage. Moms desire to stay home with their children. The unsaved spouse becomes more and more difficult. That degree framed on the wall collects dust while we work for minimum wage. The divorce papers arrive, and the happily ever after dances out the door. One who is physically sick never gets well.  It feels like life isn’t as it was supposed to be.

Wonder if Paul felt that way? He’d spent his life killing Christians and ended up martyred for His faith in Christ. Wonder if that thought entered Peter’s mind? He denied Christ three times, however, his doubts and failures landed him the starring role in building Christ’s church. Wonder if Naomi felt that way? She enjoyed the fullness of life following her husband to Moab and returned home empty – childless and widowed with a Ruth tagging along. Wonder if Mary felt that way? Her baby, the one snuggling in her arms was the Savior of the world – dying for her sins and rising again.

What in this life isn’t as it was supposed to be according to us? Like Paul, Peter, Naomi and Mary embracing God’s dreams meant leaving their ideals behind. His twist on their disappointments and disillusionments involved suffering mingled with joy and grace – the transforming of all things into His good. And in the happily ever after of eternity, our life is as it was supposed to be – worshipping the One who dreamed big of us.

“Father, You make all things new, better, improved and polished – a glorious shining of Who You really are!”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

 

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Posted in Encouragement, Hope, Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | July 5, 2023

The Canceled Lien

“No one is holy like the Lord! There is no one other than you! There is no rock like our God!” 1 Samuel 2:2  (NET)

Our homeowner’s association is in the process of placing liens on the homes of owners who haven’t paid their dues for years, leaving the association lacking enough funds to care for our private roads. This isn’t being done because they’re angry at those folks, but out of a need for everyone to share the load. All of the residents in our subdivision must deal with ruts and potholes because the faithful ones who pay their dues can’t carry the entire responsibility themselves.

Unfortunately, some of the folks who are delinquent would pay if they could, but they can’t. That’s when the lien kicks in. It will be there when they sell their property, and the association will be able to collect what is legally owed from the proceeds of the sale. Once payment is made, the lien is canceled and becomes of no effect. There will be a collective sigh of relief in the neighborhood because potholes will be filled, and folks will be able to drive to their homes on a smoother surface.

There are parallels to life in this illustration. When we sin (and everyone has), in effect, Satan puts a lien on our lives. We would pay it if we could, but that’s impossible. We don’t have what it takes. So God, in the most generous act of grace ever, has made it possible to repent and ask Him for forgiveness. He steps in, and the blood of Jesus pays the debt. That lien is wiped right off the books. There is rejoicing in heaven, and we can also rejoice in our freedom because the debt we couldn’t pay has been canceled.

The analogy isn’t perfect, because we don’t have to sell anything before Jesus’ blood covers the debt. We don’t have anything to offer Him. Certain lines of the old hymn, Rock of Ages, come to mind:

“In my hand no price I bring; simply to Thy cross I cling…

Be of sin the double cure: save from wrath, and make me pure.”

“Father, what a beautiful picture of Your love and grace, more beautiful than we have the capacity to understand. Thank you for opening Your arms and inviting us to cling to the cross.”

 For His Glory

 

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

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Hope

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | July 4, 2023

Free Indeed

“Therefore, if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.” John 8:36

Freedom. As we celebrate Independence Day, we all certainly think about this concept. And no matter your political persuasion, we are in fact citizens of the freest nation on the planet—and we express our gratitude with amazing fireworks displays, from handheld sparklers to sky-brightening explosions of color. The liberty we enjoy is truly a privilege not to be taken for granted.

As Christians, we possess another kind of liberty. When we put our faith in Jesus Christ, surrendering our lives to Him, He makes us free. We are released from our bondage to sin (Galatians 3:22). See, because of the Fall, we have a sin nature—a propensity to be self-seeking and idolatrous. You may hear the sentiment that humans are “good”…but we don’t have to teach our small children to lie or be selfish, now do we? Our kids—like us—are just little sinners. (Romans 3:23). But God made a way.

When we’re set free in Christ, we certainly don’t become sinless. We just don’t want to sin anymore—we don’t pursue it. We’re no longer slaves to sin, fear, and unrighteousness. We become slaves to God, pursuing holiness as we traverse toward our heavenly destination (Romans 6:22). And through the challenges and fiery trials of this life (because they will happen), we can freely approach the throne of grace with confidence, bringing our fears, anxieties, and burdens to the Lord (Ephesians 3:12).

The question is, are we walking in our freedom? Through the tumult of work, kids, health issues, social media, etc., do we recognize that our feet are no longer stuck in the mire of despair, discouragement, and worry about our circumstances? Do we renew our minds in the reality of our liberty, and grasp on to the joy, hope, and peace promised us in God’s Word? In our freedom, do we choose to serve others and glorify God instead of serving self?

One day, we’ll no longer struggle with our sin nature—we’ll have no more sorrow or pain (Revelation 21:4). But even now, we cannot forget the truth of our liberty in Christ. It’s an attitude of freedom, despite our circumstances. An acknowledgement that we have overcome because Jesus paid for our freedom. We may perceive to have shackles around our wrists and ankles…but, friends, they are unlocked!

Americans are blessed to have our current liberties in our nation. Most cultures around the world certainly don’t share in this. But—praise God—true freedom isn’t provided by any government or legislation. The Son makes us free.

So, let me ask: Are you free indeed?

“Lord, let me never take for granted the freedom You gave me through Your sacrifice on Calvary. Help me drop my chains of sin and shame and walk with You in liberty.”

For His Glory

Julianne Winkler Smith
TRBC Women’s Life

 

 

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Posted in Faith, Freedom, Gratitude, Hope

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | July 3, 2023

Avoiding The Truth

“Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting! Psalm 139:23-24 (ESV)

What do you do when you really don’t want to do something? Doubt if any of us goes running full speed ahead with the unwanted things. As a teenager, I hated homework so I would allow my projects to pile up until I absolutely had to get them done. Lots of stressful moments all because I avoided, procrastinated and resisted carving in adequate time to accomplish the goal.

Glad I learned my lesson and released my tendencies to procrastinate or so I thought. While I am a diligent planner and organizer at some things, you might still find me dragging behind doing some “unwanted things.” Cleaning out the fridge isn’t at the top of my weekend list. Balancing my checkbook usually gets pushed aside to a “better time.”

Let’s just admit it we all procrastinate about some things – it’s just my “some things” are not always the same as your things. Regardless, operating in slow mode or delaying a task doesn’t really remove it off the list. Wonder how often we excuse away what really needs our attention so we can pursue something more exciting, fun and easy?

Whatever needs doing or dealing with won’t go away just because we choose to ignore it. Whatever we push aside for later will eventually rise back up to the surface. Especially true when it comes to dealing with the stuff God desires for us to face, deal with and work through. Dismissing the prompting of the Holy Spirit never serves us well.

Courageous women admit their lack of enthusiasm to tackle the tough stuff and press through. Brave women avoid becoming stuffers and face their issues with grace and beauty. Wise women avoid delay in dealing with “little sins” recognizing the devastating effect they have on our relationship with God.

Sweet friends what’s got us postponing the truths staring us in the face? I think we all get the picture – the procrastination game is not the way to do life. So the next time we’re tempted to put off what needs tackling lets trust God to get us through and follow His plan.

“Father, too many times we avoid the very things You keep bring up to the surface – help us to embrace Your timing and Your leading for transformation.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

 

 

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Posted in Encouragement, Hope, Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | June 30, 2023

Surviving A World Gone Mad

“Help, O Lord, for the godly are fast disappearing! The faithful have vanished from the earth!”  Psalm 12:1 NLT

What a heartfelt prayer from King David, who was genuinely fearful that Israel would not be fit to fulfill its God-given purpose, to provide the Messiah for the world. He knew that even with royal authority behind him, he could not turn the situation around himself.

Have you watched a news program recently? Have you had the same thoughts as David as he wrote the words of Psalm 12? He wasn’t the only one who despaired of the evil in his generation. Elijah thought he was the only faithful servant left after God used him to defeat the prophets of Baal. Micah also cried out, “The godly people have all disappeared; not one honest person is left on the earth.” Flip over to the New Testament, and it’s the same story. Paul told Timothy that everyone from the province of Asia had deserted him.

It is easy to think in terms of “all” and “everyone,” especially when you turn on the TV and see evidence of a world gone insane. Wrong is celebrated as right and is even put forth as normal and desirable. Citizens are killing each other as they go about their daily lives in numbers never seen before. As Christians, standing against the culture takes determination.

Paul was right when he said in 2 Timothy 3:12, “…everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution. But evil people and imposters will flourish. They will deceive others and will themselves be deceived.”

How shall we deal with all of this?

There is a Biblical recipe for the prevention of discouragement and wrong thinking. Paul writes in Philippians 4:8: “Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.” This doesn’t mean we blind ourselves to what is happening around us, only that there are higher things to allow our minds to dwell on.

You know, the faithful have not vanished from the earth. There are millions of Christians around the world. We and our small circle of friends are not the only ones left. Let us pray for one another that we will be able to think rightly and live victoriously despite the pressures of a world gone mad.

“Father, we admit our tendency to dwell on the negative and believe we are overwhelmed by evil. We know You are still in charge of world events, so we pray for Your help changing our focus and standing firm.”

For His Glory

Cherie Harbridge Williams
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Hope, Spiritual Growth

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | June 29, 2023

A Valuable & Irreplaceable Part Of The Whole

“Just as our bodies have many parts and each part has a special function, so it is with Christ’s body. We are many parts of one body, and we all belong to each other. In his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well.” Romans 12:4-6a (NLT)

It was a gorgeous day outside. My son Kaden rode his scooter up and down the driveways in our cul-de-sac with his cousins. As the afternoon wore on, fatigue combined with carelessness resulted in a heart-stopping scream. I ran outside, fearing the worst. As my eyes took in the scene, I felt my lunch threatening to make a reappearance. Limbs and scooter lay mangled at the bottom of our driveway. Gingerly holding up Kaden’s arm, I noticed one too many elbows.

With a Tarheel-blue cast to set the bone properly, Kaden tried performing his normal tasks. He was thrilled to have a pass for school for the next few weeks but struggled to brush his teeth, eat with a fork, and shower. Everything was difficult. Before the end of the first day, he was miserable and frustrated. “I never realized how much I use my right arm,” he moaned.

The Bible refers to the church as the body of Christ. Just like Kaden struggled to do everyday tasks without his right arm, our churches struggle when individual believers neglect to serve in their own unique ways. Without a valuable and irreplaceable part playing its role, the church limps along laboring to perform normal tasks.

We don’t have to be good at everything. (Did I just hear a sigh of relief?) All we need is to be connected to a local church–a body of believers that we can serve with our gifts and talents … and be served with their collective gifts and talents.

I am so thankful for our church. I’m grateful that I can rely on others in their unique giftedness as they rely on me in my unique giftedness. Are you underestimating your value to the church?

“Father, thank You for the way You have uniquely gifted each one of us. Create in us a longing to serve our churches in the way that only we can.”

For His Glory

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

 

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Posted in Gratitude, Hope, Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | June 28, 2023

Constant Change

“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” Hebrews 13:8 (ESV)

It has been said change is the only thing that is constant. No two days are ever the same – a phrase my mother left with me following the birth of our firstborn. At the time I didn’t understand but have since realized it held much wisdom.

Nearly all would agree most expected changes are welcomed but unexpected changes rock our world. I’ve experienced both – most recently, an unexpected change surfaced. Do I like it? No. Will I adjust? It will be a daily surrender. Why? Because some, not all, unexpected changes ignite unforeseen emotions – sometimes anger, sadness, panic, or fear of the unknown.

So many Biblical women handled change well. Eve’s world went from perfection to chaos, yet she persevered. Ruth, a young widow encouraged her mother-in-law by keeping a positive attitude which God blessed. Esther knew a change must happen for her people and trusted God to help her accomplish it. Hannah trusted God to take care of Samuel when she left him with Eli and his wicked sons. And Mary didn’t fall apart when the angel proclaimed she would bear the Son of God. This list could go on and on. How these characters handled change is how they handled life – looking past the present and viewing into the future.

Change will happen. Why? Because God created change. Just think of all the major changes that occurred in heaven during creation and when God sent Jesus to die for sinful man. His familiar existence was turned upside down.

How did Jesus handle change? Exactly how God the Father wants us to handle it. With a godly, submitted attitude – trusting. God never owes us an explanation but requires us to trust Him with all our heart and lean not unto our own understanding (Proverbs 3:5).

Through changes, God remains constant! He is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8). Isn’t that comforting? Whatever your challenges He can be trusted; after all, He’s got the whole world in His hand.

“Father, please help me adjust to change with the attitude of Christ.”

For His Glory

Patsy Sanders
TRBC Women’s Life

 

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Posted in Attitude, Encouragement, Faith, Spiritual Growth, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | June 27, 2023

As You A Good Steward?

“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.” 1 Peter 2:9

Outside of Christian circles, the word “steward” is not often used in today’s vernacular. Basically, it means “manager”—a steward looks after, directs, and oversees the use/distribution of goods, services, and people belonging to their boss. Within the Church, the term is a bit more common. Christians are called to be “good stewards” of what the Lord has provided. Our family, money, talents, spiritual gifts, etc., have been given to us by the Lord. And it all belongs to Him—we just manage it. He gives to us, and He takes away from us…and through it all, we are to bless and glorify Him (Job 1:21).

During church services you’ve been to, you’ve probably heard pastors calling the congregation to be “good stewards” as it specifically relates to financial giving. Again, totally makes sense: It’s all God’s money anyway, and we’re to share what we have for the sake of the gospel, the good of others, and God’s glory.

But have you ever thought about what it means to steward the single greatest gift given to us by God: our salvation? What does it even mean to steward or manage our salvation? First, salvation is, in fact, a gift given to us. It is extended to us by grace through faith. We don’t work for it, earn it, or pay for it—this way, we can’t brag about getting it through our own efforts (Ephesians 2:8-9). Next, when we surrender to Jesus as Lord and Savior, we belong to Him: We are His possession, called out of darkness into marvelous light (1 Peter 2:9). And at salvation, we’re given the power of the Holy Spirit living in us so that we can bear fruit, be light in this world, boldly proclaim truth, and battle the god of this world. (By the way, we don’t fight for victory over Satan, we fight from a place of victory!)

A family, friends, and good job is great. Talents and spiritual gifts are awesome. And money comes in pretty handy for sustaining our own life and helping others. All gifts from God. But all these can fall away (and will, actually), with salvation standing as the greatest—and eternity-altering—gift from above. So, we’re not meant to lock it up and selfishly protect it like a valuable, prized possession we could lose. Salvation IS valuable and IS prized (and we cannot lose it once it’s ours!)…but instead of turning the deadbolt and standing guard, we’re to spread it around. When we share the wealth of salvation—the truth of the gospel and the Great Exchange of Christ’s righteousness for our sin—we actually come away with more: more hope, more peace, more faith, more joy!

What about you? If you’ve accepted the amazing gift of salvation, how are you stewarding it? Are you burying it in fear of loss or persecution? Are you sitting comfortably with it, because now that you have it, you’re good to go? Or are you managing this precious gift by telling and showing others how the grace and love of God can be theirs too?

“Lord, may I be a good steward of my salvation, sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ—the hope, peace, and joy found only in Him. “

For His Glory

Julianne Winkler Smith
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Love, Spiritual Living

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