Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | March 1, 2023

White Stones & Tattoos

“Let anyone who has ears to hear listen to what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who conquers…I will also give him a white stone, and on the stone a new name is inscribed that no one knows except the one who receives it.” Revelation 2:17  (CSB)

A new name. The first thing parents do when a child is born (and sometimes before) is name the baby, giving him an identity. After that, whenever that name is spoken in the family’s circle of friends, an image of the child’s face forms in their minds. They know who he is by his name.

When I meet someone, I first want to know their name and tell them mine. If someone uses my name when they talk to me, I feel connected, knowing I matter to them enough that they remember me. Using a name is a step toward forming a friendship, a form of intimacy humans crave.

In the Book of Revelation, Jesus sends messages to each of the seven churches in Asia. Each message tells the church what they are doing right, where they are missing the mark, and what will be the reward for the person who perseveres to the end. There are many rewards listed, each one amazing, but I want to talk about two specific rewards involving names:

Revelation 2:17 says that those who conquer will be given a white stone with their new name inscribed on it, a name no one will know except the person receiving it. What a form of intimacy with our Lord! My husband gave me a ring with a white stone when we married, and I expect I’ll receive the promised white stone when I meet Jesus. Only this symbol of intimacy will be even more wondrous – Jesus will give me a new name inscribed on the stone that only He and I will know. I wonder if it will be given to each of us as jewelry to wear with our new white clothes. Or will it be a stone we keep hidden away in a special spot where we meet with our Lord? However we receive it, I can’t imagine a more personal reward than a name that only Jesus and I know.

The second one is in Revelation 3:12: For the one who perseveres, “I will write on him the name of my God and the name of the city of my God – the new Jerusalem, which comes down out of heaven from my God – and my new name.” There’s that tattoo. He will write on His children the name of God, the name of His city, and Jesus’ new name. I have allowed myself to wonder how that inscription will appear, if perhaps it will be on our foreheads or arms where everyone can see it, maybe shimmering in a graceful, flowing font. In my flights of imagination, I see people who have been friends on earth, meeting again for the first time in heaven, saying, “You were a good-looking person on earth, but with that tattoo, you look more beautiful and complete!”

According to God’s great wisdom, we cannot know in advance. All we can do is live lives of worship and obedience, enjoying the anticipation of one day being in the presence of Jesus. There we will enter into the kind of intimacy we can never know on earth.

“Heavenly Father, we thank you for the brief glimpses You have given of what heaven will be like. We ask for the strength to persevere to the end, living lives worthy of the new names You will give us when we meet You face to face.”

 

For His Glory

 

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

 

 

Leave a Comment

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

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | February 23, 2023

Fight Fear By Renewing Your Mind

“Do not conform to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is-his good, pleasing and perfect will.” Romans 12:2

As I watched the news, anxious thoughts formed. Seeing all the suffering and hearing countless experts talk about possible future scenarios felt overwhelming. Will this ever end? Will things ever be normal again? How do I control these anxious thoughts?

Controlling anxious thoughts requires renewing your mind. That takes diligence. Diligently spending time in Scripture, where transforming truth can be found. Intentionally reframing unhealthy thoughts using that truth. And deliberately limiting exposure to the things that promote the patterns of this world—things like news channels, social media and even certain movies and television shows.

Starting each day by reading God’s Word and talking to Him helps align our hearts and minds with his perspective. As we are reminded of his goodness and his sovereignty, we can rest in our circumstances without succumbing to fear.

When anxiety-producing thoughts do come, how can we take control of them rather than letting them run amok? Try asking these questions: Why is the thought making me anxious? What possible outcome do I fear? What evidence can I find for and against that outcome? In other words, how real is the threat? Finally, what does God say about my security and my future?

When Paul encountered a storm at sea on his way to Rome, going down with the ship was certainly a potential outcome. But God had already told Paul that he would testify in Rome, so he remained confidently calm in the face of dire circumstances. Our ultimate destination is no less secure.

If you are like me and watching the news makes you more anxious, limit your exposure. Or you may find that staying informed reduces your anxiety. Either way, it is important for us to remember that not everything we hear or read apart from Scripture is true.  However much time we choose to spend engaging with news, we should balance it with time spent reading God’s Word, praying and enjoying the beauty of His creation.

Daily choices made to renew our minds. Daily practice taking every thought captive to what the Bible says is true. Daily worship leading to a life of trusting God and His perfect will.

“Lord, thank You for Your Word. Help us to put our trust in Your truth rather than what the world says so that we can look more like you and less like the world.”

For His Glory

Ann Skalaski
TRBC Women’s Life

 

Leave a Comment

Posted in Faith, Hope, Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | February 21, 2023

We All Need A Scapegoat

“Then Aaron shall lay both of his hands on the head of the live goat, and confess over it all the wrongdoings of the sons of Israel and all their unlawful acts regarding all their sins; and he shall place them on the head of the goat and send it away into the wilderness by the hand of a man who stands ready. Then the goat shall carry on itself all their wrongdoings to an isolated territory; he shall release the goat in the wilderness.” Leviticus 16:21-22

I’m not going to lie. When reading through the Bible cover to cover, getting through Leviticus and Numbers can be a tough thing—all those very detailed laws and name lists. As a believer, I know that it all points to Jesus, but sometimes I just want to skip to some action. You know, the good stuff.

But as I was spending time in the sixteenth chapter of Leviticus during my morning quiet time, I came across a seemingly nominal part of the Lord’s sacrificial laws for Israel that sent my spirit soaring. The verses above also sent me scouring the New Testament to find the Scriptural counterparts to those Old Testament instructions. This is what was made clear: We all need a scapegoat. Let me explain.

We’ve all probably heard the term, “scapegoat”— it’s defined as “a person who is blamed for the wrongdoings, mistakes, or faults of others, especially for reasons of expediency.” If you grew up with siblings, there were likely plenty of scapegoat moments. As the baby and only girl among my group of three siblings, I definitely used my brothers as scapegoats for things I did wrong…usually to get out of being punished myself. Maybe you’ve been a scapegoat at work, the one who simply had to take the blame (and consequences) for the team’s mistakes and failures.

Well, shortly after the Lord led the Israelites out of Egypt, He gave them—through Moses—very specific instructions on how to make sacrifices to the Lord for the atonement and forgiveness of their sins. These offerings happened regularly and had to be carried out exactly as God instructed. These laws, as well as lots of rules to keep them separate from (and healthier than) the pagan, self-worshipping peoples around them, were initially received with great enthusiasm, but suffice it to say, the Israelites didn’t have the best follow-through. (I can relate.)

In addition to the (very bloody) sacrificial rituals, once a year the High Priest also made atonement for the people by metaphorically placing all their sins onto a goat who would then serve to take all the blame. It would be sent into the wilderness, separating the people from their sins. This scapegoat, along with the blood offerings, would temporality satisfy the requirements of a righteous God. The key word being “temporarily.” The priests had to continually offer these sacrifices because no one could keep the Law—not one (Romans 3:10).

There is much more theological Truth in these chapters of Leviticus than I can possibly get into now. But suffice it to say that all those Old Testament sacrifices were pointing to the ultimate, once-and-for-all Sacrificial Lamb, Jesus Christ. (Check out Hebrews 10:1-18!) Jesus was the substitution for us, bearing our sin and removing it as far as the east is from the west. By His death on the cross, Jesus satisfied the holy and just requirements of God—taking on God’s full wrath. And by His resurrection, He once-and-for-all defeated sin and death, making a way—The Way—for us to be reconciled with the Father.

Friend, Jesus is our Scapegoat. He not only took the blame for every wrongdoing, fault, and mistake, He did so willingly and gladly to pardon us and justify us before God. And this offer is for everyone (1 John 2:2)! To receive this gift of grace, you just have to believe on the Lord and accept it. Are you burdened by your sins and mistakes? Cast them on Jesus—He’ll take them from you, forgive you, and set you free.

“Lord, thank You for taking on my sin—and taking on God’s full wrath to pay the penalty I owed. Thank You for freeing me from the bondage of sin and self, giving me a desire to serve and glorify You.”

For His Glory

 

Julianne Winkler Smith
TRBC Women’s Life

Leave a Comment

Posted in Faith, Gratitude

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | February 20, 2023

Yielding Our Words

“She opens her mouth with wisdom and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.” Proverbs 31:26 (ESV)

Ever let words slip carelessly and then desired to grab them back?  Oh yes, there are too many occasions for me to even count on this one.  Desperately tried to seek cover when my frustrations with a repairman gave voice to unkind words.  I genuinely thought those words were heard only by a group of co-workers.  Not exactly how it all unfolded.  The repairman was coming around the corner when he heard those remarks aimed at him. With no time or place to hide, I had to face the reality of my careless chatter.

We’ve probably all landed there – the place where words flow without even giving thought to where they will land.  Takes great restraint to hold back, bite our tongue and silence our voice. Takes discernment to know when to speak and when to remain quiet.  Takes discipline to consistently yield to the Holy Spirit’s guidance when we’d much rather say whatever we like.

God’s word has a lot to say about our tiny little tongue which can birth destruction and/or praise all in the same breath. Psalm 139:4 reminds us that even before a word is formed on our tongue, the Lord knows what we will say.  Sweet friend that’s convicting.  To realize our thoughts which usher out of our lips are fully known by our loving God should be enough to squelch any desire to spew effortlessly.

The good, bad and ugly can all proceed from our lips.  The tongue is small yet boasts of great things (James 3:5).  Described by James as a fire and a world of unrighteousness, our words can birth a path of destruction.  No human being can tame the tongue characterized as a restless evil, full of deadly poison.

Wow, I think we all get the picture.  We desperately need the help of the Holy Spirit to control our thoughts which ultimately end up flowing from our lips.  No better example than the Proverbs 31 woman who opens her mouth with wisdom, the obvious overflow of one who cherishes the word of God.  One who strategically weighs the impact of her words.   One who prayerfully speaks and by the example of her words teaches others deep lessons about kindness. Don’t know about you, but I’m feeling sweet conviction which leads to repentance.

Wonder what would happen in our world if we simply paused before a single word escaped our lips.  Wonder what others would learn from the kindness we’d exemplify if we resisted the urge to give voice to all things. Could all our conversations bring glory and praise to God rather than leaving a path of destruction?

What we can’t do ourselves, God can do. He is ready to help us reign in our tongue.  If we yield to His Spirit’s leading, we can walk in victory.  “My tongue will sing of your word, for all your commandments are right,” rings from the psalmist’s lips (Psalm 119:172).  Encouraging words to savor as we battle against our tendency to chatter carelessly. Words worthy of meditation and savoring – heeding God’s words rather than our own. Now that’s something to talk about.

“Father, my lips are swift to speak and slow to pause. Help me to yield my speech to the leading of Your Spirit and chatter kindness wherever I go.”

 

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

Leave a Comment

Posted in Encouragement, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | February 17, 2023

A Journey Worth Taking

“But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find.” Matthew 7:14 (NIV)

I could offer you a piece of chocolate cake, but you’d never know how delish it is unless you taste it. I could paint a masterpiece, but you’d never know how beautiful it was unless you saw it. I could conduct a symphony, but you’d never know how sweet the melody sounds unless you listen. I could grow a field of orchids, but you’d never know their fragrant aroma unless you smelled them. I could give you my fav blanket, but you’d never know how it comforts unless you touched it.

Taste, see, hear, smell and touch – the five senses of our lives. Without them life would be bland, colorless and yes boring. Embrace them and life is vibrant – the way God created us to experience everything He created.

Now, I can describe them all for you, but God desires that we each have a first hand encounter with Him. If you want to taste His goodness then you’ve got to trust what He offers. If you want to see His beauty then you’ve got to read His word. If you want to hear His voice then you’ve got to draw close. If you want to smell the fragrant aroma of His Praise then you’ve got to grow where you’re planted. If you want to feel the comfort He brings then you’ve got to curl up in His lap.

Five senses that transform ordinary into extraordinary. The relationship that invigorates our lives. The journey that’s worth taking – every single day. Don’t settle for someone else’s five – grab your own and experience God fully.

“Father, how awesome to know that You can be found in every part of my being. Help me to know You intimately and enjoy the fruit of sweet fellowship.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

Leave a Comment

Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | February 15, 2023

Redemption Relies On God

“Therefore let no one pass judgment on you in questions of food and drink, or with regard to a festival or a new moon or a Sabbath. These are a shadow of the things to come, but the substance belongs to Christ. Let no one disqualify you, insisting on asceticism and worship of angels, going on in detail about visions, puffed up without reason by his sensuous mind.” (Colossians 2:16-18, ESV)

 “Godly women don’t wear pants, only long dresses to the ankles are acceptable.”

“You can’t be a Christian and wear makeup.”

“A woman of God should not cut her hair.”

“I thought you were a Christian, why are you tanning your body, don’t you know that’s a sin?”

Have you ever heard statements like these? I certainly have.

You may have as well.

If you prefer not to wear makeup and never cut your hair – that’s fine.  But if you’re doing it because you think it will make God love you more – that’s legalism.  Basically, meaning you’re relying on the efforts of yourself (mankind) to earn holiness (redemption).

But redemption relies on God alone, not mankind.  He gave us a way to redeem our sins through his son, Jesus.

In Psalms 34:22 we’re reminded “The LORD redeems the life of his servants; none of those who take refuge in him will be condemned.”

Paul was stressing this point again and again to the church in Colossae.  It had only been about 60 years since the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus had taken place.  Yet people were falling back into their old patterns of thinking. Creating rituals that people had to follow.  New believers were being led to falsely believe that they had to follow along with these manmade rules of their day in order to be “saved.”

If you’ve committed sins you regret, they can all be forgiven and redeemed through the blood of Jesus.

Once you have confessed your sin to the Lord and chosen to believe in Jesus as your Savior – you are saved.  That’s it.  The problem comes when the enemy tries to attack your mind with reminders of the past.  Sometimes feelings of guilt or inferiority creep in (condemnation).

Instead of feeding those negative feelings – we should speak the truth to ourselves. Some call it “self-talk”, others may refer to it as “taking your thoughts captive” (2 Corinthians 10:5).

For example, Romans 8:1 (ESV) tells us – “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” That’s the truth of God’s Word – the final authority. If you’re feeling condemnation over a situation that you’ve given to Jesus – then that is coming from the enemy of your soul – Satan.

When we live our lives by God’s truth – He can redeem anything we’ve done wrong.

“Father thank You that we can be saved through Your son Jesus.  Teach us how to walk in the freedom that truth brings today.”

 

For His Glory

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

 

Leave a Comment

Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Hope, Love, Mercy

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | February 14, 2023

What’s Love Got To Do With It

“If you really fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself,” you are doing well.” James 2:8 (ESV)

What the world needs now is love, sweet love it’s the only thing there’s just too little of…..I remember hearing this song as a little girl.  It sounded ever so sweet.  And love at that tender age didn’t appear lacking.  Life was simple then…..when love evolved around our parents and family.

Fast forward to our teen years and young adulthood, we learned quickly the shortage of love was ever increasing.  Bullying, peer pressure, fake friendships and lost “puppy” loves left us empty and wondering what’s love got to do with it.

Want to know the secret to “real” love?  It’s found in giving.  Yes, you got it – while we are always desiring the receiving end, real love sacrificially and generously gives.  Without holding back or looking out for what’s in it for me.

“Love your neighbor as yourself,” echoes from the heart of One who demonstrates His love so beautifully.  Jesus came to serve…to give…..the perfect love which endured humiliation, suffering and death despite our tendencies to be self absorbed, and indulgent. Daily He surrounds us with His unconditional love setting the example of what love has to do with it.

When we choose to love others as self, we become their best cheerleader.  We don’t covet their achievements or seek to compare self with them.  We love selflessly seeking their best rather than choosing the preferred for self.  We guard our words.  We become intentional listeners and gracious investors in the lives of others.

So you see love has everything to do with how we imitate Jesus to our world.  A world that’s desperately searching for the “real” thing.  A world accustomed to broken flawed relationships.  A world afraid to trust or hope in the impossible. A world consumed with self and convinced everyone else is too. A world Jesus gave His life for despite our inability to love perfectly in return.

So sweet friend if you’re wondering what’s love got to do with it…then glance toward a rugged cross.  Hear the resounding pounds of nails piercing His hands.  Envision the crown of thorns crushing His head.  Glimpse the drops of blood trickling down.  Listen closely for His final words – It is finished – love defined in a way foreign to our human comprehension.

When we get even a small understanding of Jesus’ love, we realize loving our neighbor isn’t really hard. It’s simply recognizing that love has everything to do with the way we reflect Jesus to our world.

“Father, it is ever so easy to get caught up in self and desire what works best for us without regard to others.  Help us to remember Your selfless, unconditional love and choose intentionally to love our world  the way You do.”

 

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

 

Leave a Comment

Posted in Encouragement, Hope, Love, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | February 13, 2023

Defined By Scars

“But He was pierced for our offenses, He was crushed for our wrongdoings; The punishment for our peace was laid upon Him, And by His wounds we are healed.”  Isaiah 53:5

There’s a Christian pop song that was really popular a few years ago—it’s one with a powerful Biblical message and a beautiful melody, the kind you can play on repeat for hours. The song is Scars by I Am They (after you read this, take a listen here). I’m not going to ruin the musical story for you, because, like a great movie, there’s a tear-provoking lyrical twist.

I actually haven’t heard the song in a while but was reminded of it by a simple turn of phrase used by my pastor in a sermon I recently heard. And the whole concept struck my spirit in a fresh way, washing me over once again with the amazing grace and mercy of Jesus Christ.

Friend, this world is hard on us. Although we were created in the image of God, originally meant to live with Him in perfection, walking with Him in holy purity, that all changed real fast when the father of lies crept onto the scene. After sin entered the world, we were not only separated from our relationship with God, but everything (us included) started falling apart. Every one of us is born into sin, missing the mark of righteousness and falling short of the life intended for us in the Garden. And in this lifetime of selfish, flesh-satisfying decisions, we earn scars. Sometimes they’re physical, large or small and at various stages of healing, but they can be easily seen by others. Often, however, our scars are internal, invisible to casual onlookers. These unseen scars can be significantly more devastating than the visible ones. They may have come to be by our own choices—trying to satisfy that God-shaped hole in our soul in various ultimately destructive ways. And there are the deep, life-altering scars inflicted on us by others through no fault of our own.

The worst part is that we tend to define ourselves by these scars—they can easily become who we are, influencing our daily thinking, emotions, and behavior. Some people boast about their scars, whether it’s to gain sympathy or just to give credence to the anger and bitterness through which they see life.

Internal or external, our scars are born in pain. But our lives do not have to be defined by that pain or by the life we lived that may have caused those inflictions.

Jesus, fully God and fully Man, lived the perfect, holy life we could not live. And through His death on the cross made a way of reconciliation with God—exchanging His righteousness for our unrighteousness. The justice God required of us was paid in full…and through His resurrection, He was victorious over sin and death!

Friend, to this day and for eternity, Jesus Christ bears the scars of this Beautiful Exchange. And by His wounds, we are healed (Isaiah 53:5; 1 Peter 2:24). When we accept this gift of mercy (not getting what we do deserve) and grace (getting what we don’t deserve), we are made new! We are washed as white as snow (Isaiah 1:18), becoming a new creation in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17). Our sins are forgiven and cast into the sea of forgetfulness (Micah 7:19). And, although our physical scars may remain until our bodies are glorified, the internal scars no longer have to define us. Once you surrender to Jesus as Lord, it is by HIS scars you are defined. What does that mean—how does your self-definition change exactly? You become righteous, holy, royalty, a fellow heir with Christ, God’s possession, a child of God, and a friend of Jesus. And there is “now no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:1). When you accept the power found in the scars of Jesus, your scars become powerless over you.

So, by whose scars will you define yourself? If you’re tired of the labels you’ve put on yourself because of where you’ve been or what you’ve done, give them over to Jesus…accept His scars and be free in Him.

“Jesus, thank You for Your scars. Scars that forever maimed You and forever healed me.”

For His Glory

Julianne Winkler Smith
TRBC Women’s Life

Leave a Comment

Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Hope, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | February 10, 2023

Comforted To Be A Comforter

“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.” 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 (NIV)

For years, I was unable to grieve well and as a result, I was unable to comfort well. I mistakenly thought that minimizing my own suffering was admirable — when in truth, I was denying not only my need to grieve but God’s promise to comfort me in my troubles. Without experiencing God’s comfort, I was ill-equipped to comfort others. I would use the same platitudes I spoke to myself when trying to “comfort” others who were in pain. When someone is suffering, quoting Romans 8:28 can feel more like a weapon than a salve. Truth, without compassion.

We cannot enter the grief of others until we enter our own grief and receive the comfort God promises. At times, I struggle with loving myself enough to believe that I even deserve God’s comfort. And honestly, I don’t. But because of who He is—a loving, merciful and compassionate Father, He has promised to comfort us. And, God keeps His promises.

Jesus said that the greatest commandment was to “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’; and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.” (Luke 10:27-28). Loving yourself requires learning to grieve well—recognizing and not minimizing our pain and accepting the comfort God promises. Only when we love ourselves, will we be able to love others well. Only when we allow ourselves to grieve, will we be able to comfort others with the same comfort we have received from God.

“Lord, draw us to love you more—with all our hearts, souls, minds and strength. Enable us to love others and love ourselves well. Teach us to turn to you for comfort in our suffering because you promise to comfort us and so that we can be instruments of your comfort in the lives of others.”

For His Glory

Ann Skalaski
TRBC Women’s Life

 

Leave a Comment

Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Hope, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | February 8, 2023

Wise Translator

“Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders: make the most of every opportunity.” Colossians 4:5

In my junior year at my Christian high school, I made friends with the Japanese exchange student in our class. She was sweet and soft-spoken, and we enjoyed getting to know each other despite a very difficult language barrier. Fortunately, she had a digital pocket translator. One time, someone was sharing who they had a crush on in our class with her and she started laughing as she searched for the right word to describe that person. When she typed the word from her language into that little device and showed us what it said in English, it read, “praying mantis.” I still haven’t stopped laughing about that. I didn’t even know they had praying mantises in Japan!

Traditionally, the Junior class made t-shirts with the school’s theme every year as a fundraiser for our senior trip. Our class asked this friend to translate the verse for the year into her language on the front of the shirt: “See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise.” (Ephesians 5:15, NKJV) The key phrase she translated was “walk circumspectly.” In order to find the characters she could understand in her language, she had to use her pocket translator. My friend did not know the Lord, but she was in an atmosphere where the students around her had a tremendous opportunity to show Him to her.

Walking in wisdom towards outsiders and making the most of every opportunity has everything to do with walking circumspectly like that parallel verse from Ephesians 5:15 says. But what does it mean to walk circumspectly? Webster defines it like this: “careful to consider all circumstances and outcomes, prudent.” There’s a level of diplomacy even involved in walking circumspectly. Scripture teaches us that we are Christ’s ambassadors to the world (2 Corinthians 5:20). We are cautioned, certainly, in Psalm 1 not to “walk in the counsel of the wicked, stand in the way of sinners, or sit in the seat of sinners,” but here in Colossians 4:5, we are also reminded to “be wise in the way we act toward outsiders” and “make the most of every opportunity.”

Jesus made the most of every opportunity by inviting sinners to follow Him into abundant, everlasting life. Like a much better version of that pocket translator my Japanese friend held, Jesus translated His message into a language outsiders could understand. Rowdy fishermen, thieving tax collectors, prostitutes, hypocrites, and highly contagious sick people are just SOME of the outsiders Jesus welcomed inside by translating His message of repentance and hope into a language they could understand.

How are we walking in wisdom with people outside of God’s Kingdom? Are we shouting at them in a language they can’t possibly understand? Or are we asking God to give us wisdom on how to translate His message into a language they can understand without losing its meaning and integrity?

Let’s walk in wisdom with outsiders, asking God to help us translate His message into a language they can understand. He’s done it before, and He can do it now.

“Lord, help us to walk in wisdom with outsiders. Use us as living letters to translate Your message into a language those we interact with can understand.”

 For His Glory,

 

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

1 Comment

Posted in Faith, Spiritual Living, Wisdom

« Newer Posts - Older Posts »

Categories