Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | October 17, 2023

Three-Legged Race

“If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit.” Galatians 5:25

As believers, you and I know well the unending battle between the flesh (our sinful desires) and the Holy Spirit living in us. (I say “unending”, but praise the Lord, this war will cease completely upon our face-to-face meeting with Jesus in Glory.) Even the Apostle Paul—who led the way for the whole world to know Christ—struggled with this sanctification dilemma. He talks in Romans 7:14-20 that he doesn’t do the good he wants to do (by the Spirit), and he does the evil he doesn’t want to do. He even likens this conflict to walking around with a corpse strapped to him. So, friends, we are not alone in this frustration!

As a gentle reminder, when we surrender our lives to Jesus Christ, putting our trust in what He accomplished by His death and resurrection on our behalf, the Holy Spirit comes to live in us. Jesus promised this (John 16:7). We receive the Holy Spirit—the third Person of the Trinity—at salvation. He is an internal counselor, guide, teacher, and intercessor—our Helper to walk our walk of faith. And when we yield to Him, we can be confident that we’re moving in the right direction.

Ah, but even so, that pesky corpse hanging around us (along with the world and the enemy) also pulls on us too leading us to thoughts, words, and actions that lead the wrong way. So, what can we do for daily victories—gaining ground as we move onward toward our heavenly home? Well, we can take some cues from our mentor, Paul. “But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh” (Galatians 5:16).

I’m not sure if this is still a thing in elementary schools and summer camps, but we used to do an event called three-legged race, where two people would tie one of their legs to the other person’s (making three legs), and race others to the finish line. Lots of falls and hilarity would ensue. (Come to think of it, this “dangerous” field day game probably has gone the way of 15-foot monkey bars and those merry-go-broken-arm things on the playground.) Anyway, it dawned on me that walking in the Spirit can be likened to being in a perpetual three-legged race with Him. See, when your leg is tied to another person’s leg you cannot go one direction while they go another. And the key to success is to get into—and stay in—step, creating a rhythm of sorts. If you try to move faster or slower than the other, a fall will shortly follow.

I like to think that Paul would approve of this loose analogy, as he goes on to say in Galatians 5:25 that we’re to “keep in step with the Spirit.”  We have the Holy Spirit in us—not just tied to us by a flimsy bandana! We’re designed to stay aligned with Him (His movements, His direction, His pace) moment by moment by moment. So, we must yield to Him, listening for Him as we keep our eyes and minds focused on the Lord. And the cool thing is, the more we listen, yield, and align with the Holy Spirit, the more natural this pacing-life-with-God becomes.

If we want to run this three-legged race of life with greater confidence (and fewer falls to the fleshy sinful desires), know that we have the perfect partner in the Holy Spirit. Just yield.

“Lord, thank You for giving me the Holy Spirit to live in me, guiding me from salvation to glory. May I yield moment by moment, listening and acting on His direction.”

For His Glory

Julianne Winkler Smith
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | October 13, 2023

A Different Light

“So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it.” Hebrews 4:6 (NLT)

What do we do when someone is getting under our skin? Like they’re driving us crazy, and yet we sit there with our smile pasted on while our body is cringing in their presence. Usually it happens with someone we constantly have to connect with – a co-worker, family member or perhaps a close friend. Whether they realize it or not, they’re pushing our buttons.

Desperately trying to avoid an emotional outburst, we find ourselves hiding behind our feelings. And the closer the person is to us, the quicker we start stirring up our minds with negativity – building a list of all their wrongs. We see them in a different light or shall I say a different darkness.

When our thinking chooses to maximize someone’s weakness, we lose sight of their strengths and our actions start to follow our thinking. Patience and grace slip under the table when we encounter this person. Responses will eventually spew out of our mouths and reactions follow leaving little for God to find pleasure in.

Wonder what would have happened if instead of scrutinizing them, we got down on our knees and began to pray? Wonder if our patience level would have increased or better yet we might have gained wisdom in uncovering why they were getting under our skin?  And perhaps the issue is really us and not them.  Without prayer, we would probably never draw that conclusion.

Prayer has an incredible way of illuminating the truth and supplying us with God’s grace. When we bring all our relationships to Him, He reveals the true value of their soul. Gently, He reminds us that this one was worthy of the cross – shouldn’t we see them that way too?

“Father, help me to love others by choosing to focus on their strengths while leaving their weaknesses in Your hands.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Posted in Attitude, Encouragement, Mercy, Prayer, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | October 12, 2023

Choosing Joy

“Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.” Psalm 30:5b (KJV)

It was finally here!!! Displaying the power of an incomprehensible God –millions of distinct snowflakes had magnificently transformed typical landscapes into gorgeous, snow-blanketed masterpieces!   Building snowmen, sleigh rides, snowball fights, and homemade snow cream would become a reality for every excited snow lover!

During my devotions that morning, I noticed one distant bird joyfully singing a sweet melody praising his Creator.   Truthfully, my mind questioned if the bird pondered during the long, snowy, cold night if finding his food would be challenging the next morning.   Although it may have necessitated harder work, he discovered God’s provision was exactly what he needed!

How often do believers doubt God’s provision allowing worry to dominate sleepless nights?  Why does the challenge of completely trusting Him frighten us?  And, why do we hesitate to be the one who praises Him regardless?

God’s Word teaches in Matthew 6:26 that we are more valuable to God than the birds of the air; therefore, we can be assured God is going to meet our needs every morning – whatever they may be.   Facing some horrific, personal circumstances, the Lord recently challenged my heart to daily choose joy.  Like the bird it might require a little more effort, but finding joy must be intentional – focusing on God’s sovereignty.  Making this choice assures God’s child though he grieves, the joy of the Lord is his stronghold (Nehemiah 8:10) and – weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning. (Psalm 30:5b).  This transformation will be His joyful, gorgeous masterpiece as well!

“Dear Father, please help me to determine in my heart to intentionally choose joy despite the circumstances life may bring.”

For His Glory

Patsy Sanders
TRBC Women’s Life

 

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Hope

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | October 11, 2023

Listen To The Science

“Great are the works of the Lord, studied by all who delight in them.” Psalm 111:2 (ESV)

“The odds are not in his favor that he will survive this. The science just doesn’t support it.” 

Those were the words I heard years ago in an ER room as doctors shared that I should prepare myself because someone I loved was close to death.

Thankfully, God intervened. Science didn’t have the final say, my loved one survived.

When we think of science, we think numbers, formulas, data – irrefutable facts.  We erroneously think that science is free from political or religious influence. That is not correct. All science (data) has an interpreter. As with anything else, their worldview can play a role in how they translate the data.

Everything we hear throughout the day whether it’s the radio, the TV, a podcast or a conversation with a co-worker – has been filtered through the presenter’s worldview. People are voted into positions of authority based on those worldviews. Laws are made with the influence of worldviews.

I could cite a lengthy list of scientific contradictions. But here’s one for thought:

Science interpreted through the worldview of Christianity tells us:

  • once a woman’s egg fertilized by a man’s sperm is implanted in the uterus it’s a human life

However, that same science interpreted through a secular worldview tells us:

  • a fertilized egg is just a fetus with no value outside of the mother’s womb

Every Christian should be a scientist when it pertains to the “data” that comes into their minds and the homes of their families. We should be collecting, analyzing and inspecting it thoroughly through the microscopic lens of the Bible. Since everything was created by God, it should be inspected through His worldview instead of mankind. (Genesis 2:4-25)

What started in society as “listen to the science” has become “believe the science.” It’s the new mantra being thrown around by the media and politicians. People wield it like it’s an idol that justifies living in fear and denying God’s power in our lives. Paul warns us about worshiping the creation more than the creator. (Romans 1:18-25)

God gave us the ability to study the stars, our bodies and create huge advances in technology and medical procedures. (Hebrews 11:3) Used the right way these advances can help improve life. But science (the creation) does not have the final say over its’ Creator (God).

As we listen to the science, we should sift it through the truth of God’s Word – praying and seeking His guidance for how this information should be interpreted (especially when it contradicts God). While we may listen to it and consider its’ validity, we should always trust (obey) the Creator over anything else.

“Father, help us to not be misguided by the seemingly “new” discoveries of science. You are still on the throne. Teach us to trust you the Creator more than we trust your creation (science).

For His Glory

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

 

 

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Spiritual Growth, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | October 10, 2023

Showing Signs

“Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you will abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13

We often talk about different ways we and others “show signs” that signify…well, something. For example, we use this expression to identify negative (and sometimes scary) things, like showing signs of flu (fever, aches, etc.) or even of serious disease. When babies are developing, parents may identify signs of autism or physical delays. And as loved ones age, they may show signs of dementia. Of course, there are also outward signs that indicate positive and joyful things. We show signs of healing when medicine—or miracles—are working. Pregnant women are said to “show” when a baby creates the beginning of that precious bump. And through a growing consistency of wise decision making, a teenager shows signs of maturing.

Then there is the set of more subtle signs people show—or throw, as the case might be—that identify them with a certain cultural group. These hand gestures can connect a person with a particular gang or reveal a desire for peace. There are also hand gestures that connote “rock on”, “OK” and “I’m not very happy with you right now” (often seen associated with driving).

Outward signs give other people a glimpse into our lives—how we are and even who we are.

The question to believers is this: Are we showing signs of our identity in Christ? See, at the point of surrender to Jesus as our Lord and Savior, everything changes. We change. We’re made new (2 Corinthians 5:17). We become children of God (John 1:12). We are citizens of heaven, and this world is not our home (Philippians 3:20-21). And as a sign to us of this grace-given transformation, God gives us the Holy Spirit to live in us, empowering us to walk according to our new identity.

So, again, I ask: Are you showing signs of who you are as a blood-bought believer? Am I? Do our lives reflect the righteousness that now defines us? Are we daily walking in obedience to the Word in the direction of holiness? Do others know we are Christ-followers by the way we love them (John 13:35)? And, as someone once asked, “If you were on trial for being a Christian, would there be enough evidence to convict you?” Or are we living the same as the world lives, feet up, flowing with the current of the culture?

Friend, if your words and actions show no signs of new life in Christ—if it’s impossible for others to see how you’re different from this dark world—you must seriously assess your professed faith. See, even the demons believe, but they are not surrendered to Jesus as Lord and Savior (James 4:19). A changed life in Jesus will show signs of change.

The days are dark, culture is divided, and people are hurting—they need to see signs of hope. And that hope is only found in the Good News of Jesus. But how will they see the signs if we don’t show (and tell) them?

“Lord, may my life in Christ be a sign of hope to others, a shining light in the deepening darkness—and may I be prepared to give the reason for my hope (1 Peter 3:15)!”

For His Glory

Julianne Winkler Smith
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Living, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | October 9, 2023

The One Who Acts On Our Behalf

“But God remembered Noah and all the beasts and all the livestock that were with him on the ark.  And God made a wind blow over the earth and the waters subsided.” Genesis 8:1 (ESV)

Interesting how those images of childhood Sunday School evoke deep memories of our fave Bible stories.  Loved watching all those animals marching two by two so cute.  And then the rains came, the floods rose, the dove went out, the land returned and the rainbow filled the sky.

Our view is quick, short and much less intense than the reality of life on the ark. We move through the story in fast forward mode hitting the highlights and landing on the happily ever after.  Isn’t that how we want all stories to unfold?

Reality is Noah, his family and all those animals were on the ark a lot longer than two Sundays  – the global flood is estimated to have lasted over a year.  A long time to be together…a long time to be inside…a long time to endure yet kept perfectly safe.

Month after month, I would have entertained the thought has God forgotten us.  How much longer must we be in this ark?  Perhaps Noah felt the same; we really don’t know since the scriptures don’t give us a peek into the conversations on the ark.  Regardless I love Genesis 8  – no sweeter words than God remembered Noah, all the beasts and all the livestock on the ark.  Now that word remembered might cause us to think God had temporarily forgotten those floating through the waters on the big ark.  Nothing is further from the truth.  In the Hebrew remembered is “zakhar” which conveys turning one’s attention to or thinking about.  Now that God’s purposes for the flood were accomplished, He turned His focus back to those He saved.

What a beautiful reminder, our God is fully aware of all things and is in control of all things.  Not only did He turn his attention toward His creation He had redeemed, God moved on their behalf.  He made a wind blow over the earth resulting in the flood waters receding.  Bottom line, He took action so leaving the ark was guaranteed.

We might be in the worst storm of our lives, being knocked around in the waves of despair and fear, wondering if God is still there.  Could be disappointment has us drowning in sorrow.  Perhaps we feel rejected, uninvited, cast aside and isolated.  Maybe we find ourselves overcome by the circumstances surrounding us.  Rest assured sweet friend, our God has not forgotten us. He hasn’t moved on and left us to handle life on our own.  God is in total control even though the world around us seems out of control, and He is fully aware of everything touching our lives and will take action to guarantee what will serve us best.

“Father, nothing touches our lives that hasn’t been sifted through Your hands.  We can wait and trust in total confidence that You will act on our behalf.”

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 | October 5, 2023

When Appearances Are Deceiving

“He looked David over and saw that he was only a boy, ruddy and handsome, and he despised him.” 1 Samuel 17:42 (NIV)

“Don’t judge a book by its cover.” I cannot say how many times I have heard this saying, but I am sure it has been many. Yet, sometimes I have done exactly what it says not to do. Isn’t it how things are, though? We look at something – or someone – that is placed in front of us and we are quick to cast our judgment, despite not being a connoisseur of the subject in its fullness. We simply place ourselves on the throne of our own glory, point out our prideful scepter, and vomit our words as if we were the most important and the most knowledgeable member of the royalty from the kingdom of nowhere.

I have a good example of what being judgmental can do to a person – or a people. When the Philistines and the Israelites assembled for battle around the Valley of Elah, King Saul gathered the most valiant warriors in Israel to fight the Philistines. There was a small detail though. No, I need to rephrase that, because that “detail” was anything but “small.” That detail had a name: Goliath.

Goliath was a warrior for the Philistines, and he was a man of great height – almost a giant. His armor was made of bronze and was very heavy and secure. Besides dressing in strong armor, Goliath was also dressed in hate, pride, and arrogance. So, when shepherd boy David showed up wearing his shepherd clothes and holding just a sling and five river stones in his hand, that giant and his fellow men mocked him. Goliath assumed that the battle was already over, because, in his view, there was no way on earth that young David could defeat him without a “real” weapon.

Friends, the outcome in this story was not what people would’ve imagined, wouldn’t you agree? We all know what happened to that warrior. It only took one small pebble to hit him between the eyes, and he was a goner, a dead giant, and a carcass in a field. David was just a boy, but he was fighting for the One who can do all things, fight our battles for us, and who will never leave or forsake us. Definitely an exciting “book!”

“God, help us to see others as You see them. Strip us of our pride, Lord.”

For His Glory

Luska Natali
TRBC Women’s Life

 

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

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | October 4, 2023

Lavished With Abundance

“And I will be your Father, and you will be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty.” 2 Corinthians 6:18 (NLT)

A princess is the daughter of a sovereign head of state such as: a king, queen or emperor. Most of us have seen, read or heard a story of how royalty live. To the average person it’s hard to fathom the lavish lifestyles of the ultra-rich. The children, heirs better known as prince and princess, born into extravagant lifestyles of affluence is mind boggling. Lavished with an abundance of property, riches, wealth and all the excess of material goods money can buy.

Have you ever stopped to wonder, we too are princesses? We are the daughters of the Ultimate figure of royalty. The King of the universe, who sits on His throne.

You may be thinking, “I don’t live like a princess” with all the attributes derived from a natural perspective in a tangible way. However, if we know and understand our Father in heaven is truly our Daddy; then why don’t we view ourselves as His daughters, His heirs…His princesses? We have a Father, who spoke the world into existence. All creation bows at His command. He tells the oceans where to stop, the rains when to fall, the winds when to blow, the sun when to shine and the moon where to hide. Our Father owns the cattle on a thousand hills (Ps. 50:10) and everything in between. It’s by the grace of God, who gives the ability to produce wealth (Duet. 8:18). If He gives the heathen of this world the ability to obtain wealth, why wouldn’t He do the same for His children?

It’s time to believe big, trust big and dream big! Several years ago, I coined the phrase, “If you believe God is small He has no reason to prove otherwise. However, if you believe God is big…He’ll show you just how big He is.” With simple “child-like” faith trusting and believing God and standing on His word. I have found in my own life God will meet you exactly where you are believing Him and adding in His word as “back up”; and He has no other choice but to show up. He will never, ever disappoint in His perfect timing.

“Lord, we believe You are our Father. Therefore, each of Your daughters has an inheritance fit for a princess because we are the heirs to all You have to offer.”

For His Glory

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

 

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Gratitude

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | October 3, 2023

Anxious Or Thankful – Not Both

“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7

Are you a worrier? Or maybe you have an anxious child? Although worry has always been part of the human experience (well, since the Fall in the Garden), our current digital lives have certainly escalated its breadth and intensity. Social media, in particular, has generated whole new levels of angst, including FOMO (fear of missing out) and FOBO (fear of better options), which can paralyze decision-making at every level—from a simple social outing to job pursuits to marriage.

There have been numerous neurological studies about worry and anxiety that show worrying is like a well-worn path. The more we travel down that road, the wider, more familiar, and more natural that path becomes. It’s like when you have to run to the grocery store: you get in your car and drive your usual route without thinking—you just arrive, barely aware of the lefts and rights you took to get there. The more we worry, the more we’ll go down the path of worry.

So, what can we do to break the anxious-thinking pattern? Well, according to scientific research, our brains cannot simultaneously be anxious and thankful. In other words, worry and gratitude are mutually exclusive—they are incompatible. In fact, consistent gratitude not only reduces anxiety and depression, it also improves sleep quality, reduces pain, and releases negative emotions. Thankfulness brings peace.

But as is the case with many “recent scientific discoveries” related to biology, ecology, archeology, etc., God already told us that thousands of years ago. From Proverbs and Psalms through the gospels and epistles, the Bible directs us not to worry—and why. It’s Paul in his letter to the Philippians, though, that specifies how to combat anxiety: “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7). Pray and be thankful, and peace will replace worry—they can’t exist at the same time.

So, let’s embrace thankfulness and forge some new mental pathways, shall we? Feeling worried? Going down the path of FOMO or FOBO? Stop and be grateful! Focus on the blessings, gifts, and positive aspects of the situation—and your life in general. Paving the road to peace may initially be challenging, especially if your habitual route is oft-traveled anxiety. But start casting your cares on Jesus (1 Peter 5:7) and be thankful in all things (1 Thessalonians 5:18)…and let gratitude become your new groove.

“Lord, may I cast my anxieties on You, choosing to be grateful in all things, to experience the peace of God that guards my heart and mind.”

For His Glory

Julianne Winkler Smith
TRBC Women’s Life

 

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Gratitude, Hope

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | October 2, 2023

When The Enemy Attacks

“Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation; the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.”  Matthew 26:41 (ESV)

Driving in the early dawn or near dusk can be quite tricky this time of year.  Why? Bambi and all her friends love to run across the road. It’s not just fall – it’s deer season.  And we know what that means don’t we?  Whether we’re driving down country roads or maneuvering through the city, we have to keep our eyes alert for those four-legged beauties racing towards our car.  Don’t even have to explain how damaging a hit can be – we’ve probably all been there.

Keeping one’s eyes on the road and being aware of our surroundings is crucial to avoid a hit.  Distractions absolutely won’t serve us well – being strategic, intentional and alert is the best solution.

Awareness is priceless and it isn’t just regulated to driving. Every day we are bombarded with beautifully disguised temptations.  Tricky encounters which usually strike when we least suspect.  Compromises that sound inviting without the consequences.  Excuses lingering in the quiet stillness of the shadow of another day….a pivotal choice left up to us.  Images from the “old us” enticing the “new us” to entertain a little indulgence at the expense of God’s sweet grace. Definitely not the place to land.

Regardless of how far we are along in our faith journey, we have to keep our eyes alert.  New believers or seasoned saints, we all are moving targets for the attacks of the enemy.  And sweet friends, I don’t have to explain how damaging a hit can be – we’ve probably all been there.

Matthew 24 reveals two incredible weapons that are guaranteed to serve us well in the battle – watch and pray.  Both options require action on our part.  Both enlisting the help of the Holy Spirit to illuminate our eyes to danger and strengthening us to boldly come to the throne of God admitting our weakness.

You might wonder why we can’t just depend on self.  Well, we could all write that book couldn’t we?   The enemy loves to convince us we’ve got it all covered.  This little temptation is really insignificant in the scope of all things.  Everyone else is doing it.  No one is getting caught.  The pleasure is worth the moment.  Sweet enticing words straight from the lips of one who strategically desires to devour, defeat and slay us.

Not buying that line, are we?  We all face temptations, but the key is what we do with those moments.  Are we alert, awake and fully aware of “our” triggers to cave?  Are we intentional, strategic and purposeful in seeking the help of the Holy Spirit?  Are we bowed before the throne of God desiring holiness versus a cheap temporary pleasure?

Actively resisting the enemy’s schemes will always position us for God’s best.  It’s the perfect place to land admitting our weakness yet being empowered with God’s mighty strength.

“Father, You have given us the tools to be victorious over temptation. Thank You for protecting us, delivering us and sheltering us.  We are more than conquerors in Your strength.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Faith, Prayer, Spiritual Living, Wisdom

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