Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | July 27, 2023

Because Sometimes, Remembering Is Easy To Forget

“I have hidden Your word in my heart that I might not sin against You.” Psalm 119:11 (NIV)

I am a somewhat organized individual and oftentimes, in order to get things done, I make lists. It is always satisfying to me when I can put a check mark beside an item on a list. Job done; completed; fulfilled and out of the way.

If I don’t make a list when I go to the grocery store, I end up coming home with various bags of unneeded items that will, most likely, sit in my cupboard for a while before getting consumed, or I will forget the very item – or items I drove to the store for, and be frustrated with myself.

Then, there is that trip we take and think we packed all we needed but did not make a list and ended up (like me on my latest trip) having to go to the local CVS Pharmacy to purchase a toothbrush. Who has never sent their children to school on their first day of classes without all their school supplies because they shopped for the supplies without the list of needed items with them?

How about important appointments? A visit to the doctor, a job interview, a music lesson, someone’s birthday party, a special dinner or anything that should have gone on your calendar, and you neglected to do so, and it fell into the land of forgetfulness. It happens to the best of us!

We forget. Period.

My point in all of this is: we all need reminders. We are all prone to be easily diverted and unless we set reminders for ourselves, we are likely to forget something important. The Bible is filled with reminders for us to stay on the path of righteousness; to do good; to help others; to be generous, and so much more.

A word with our Heavenly Father is sine qua non (absolutely indispensable) to our livelihood, but we often forget to keep our communication with Him flowing. If your Bible has been sitting idle for a few days, place it in an obvious location where you cannot miss it. Remember your source.

“Dear Lord, You never forget us, May we never forget You.”

For His Glory

Luska Natali
TRBC Women’s Life

 

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Hope

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | July 25, 2023

You Do You

“For just as the body without the spirit is dead, so also faith without works is dead.” James 2:26

The book of James, especially chapter 2, can be a real challenge for believers, often causing some confusion about the nature of salvation. But there is no contradiction from Jesus’ half-brother James as compared to other New Testament writers—or to Jesus Himself. Salvation is by grace alone through faith alone (Ephesians 2:8-9). Period. Through faith, we believe in Jesus Christ (Acts 16:31)—and we surrender to Him as Lord. This latter part is key. We don’t just believe with head knowledge and keep on living the way we want, fulfilling our desires to glorify ourselves. Even the demons believe (James 2:19). Belief also isn’t just about emotional highs, like after an awesome worship set or weekend retreat. Feelings shift like sand and do not set a solid foundation for living. Instead, our faith in Jesus changes everything—because He changes everything about our life.

With all this in mind (and heart and soul), we do! We respond to God’s grace by demonstrating our faith.

First, believers are to love one another. Jesus tells us that by showing love to one another, other people will know we are His followers (John 13:35). It’s easy to think, “Yeah, I can do that—love my family, friends, other believers.” But Jesus also commands that we love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us (Matthew 5:43-38). Ouch. This is where “loving others” transcends human capacity and requires the supernatural power of the Holy Spirit living in us via our salvation.

And we serve others. Old and New Testament alike exhort us to care for those in need. Yes, we pray. But whenever possible, we act (James 1:27). During His earthly ministry, Jesus taught in a very straightforward way that when we tangibly care for others, we are caring for Him (Matthew 25:31-46). We can’t just stand to the side as casual observers…we’ve got to get our hands dirty. The cool thing is that God gives us each spiritual gifts and unique personalities to fulfill our specific role of the Body of Christ (the Church)—so serving others will align with our passions and abilities, thereby bringing us immense joy as we serve others and glorify God (1 Peter 4:10-11).

Finally, we give generously. Everything we have—every good gift—is from God! All our money belongs to Him, we’re just His financial managers. And we’re called to be cheerful—literally, hilarious—givers (2 Corinthians 9:7). We extend generosity to others out of the generosity the Lord has lavished on us. Now, although we don’t give to receive, like some Name-it-claim-it preachers might tout, there is resulting joy and blessing to be received in the giving.

Bottom line? We are saved by grace through faith—not by doing good works. But, once surrendered to Jesus, our new reality (our freedom in Christ, our transformed nature, our unearned favor) will move us to do good. So, let’s get out there and do it.

“Lord, in our surrender to You, we are transformed. May we respond to the grace You extend by loving, serving, and giving for the good of others and Your glory.”

For His Glory

Julianne Winkler Smith
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Faith, Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | July 24, 2023

Best Way To Pack

“And this is the testimony: that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son.” I John 5:11 (ESV)

“I’m packing lite.”  Those were the words echoing from my lips as I prepared for a week away at the beach.  And so I thought I did until Saturday morning arrived, and I began loading all things into my car.  Where did all this stuff come from – definitely not lite.  As usual, there was my big bag of reads for the trip, notepad and two computer bags.  Can’t leave off my overflowing bag of multi-colored beach towels, sunscreen and earbuds.  Wouldn’t be a beach trip without my gym bag, and let’s not forget trip food. Somewhere in the mix of this were two beach chairs, a bulging suitcase, laundry detergent, etc., etc. May I remind you, I wasn’t the only one needing to squeeze all this into one vehicle.

Packing looks totally different for each of us doesn’t it?  What’s your packing lite look like?  While my essentials are unique to me, you probably have some of your own too.  Bags overflowing with shoes, beach umbrellas, and fave eats – we all love our stuff.

Ever thought about how much stuff we’ve all accumulated over the years?  Extra so we don’t run out of our faves.  Stuff filling up shelves, drawers, closets and every conceivable corner.  Preferences over what we don’t want to let out of our grasp.

One thing for sure, sweet friends, one day we will leave it all behind. No matter how much we love and cherish our stuff. No matter how good we have taken care of it or neglected it.  No matter who gave us those sentimental things. No matter how much we paid for them.  When we leave this world, we will only take one thing with us: people we told about Jesus. Kind of turns that packing lite to wanting to pack them all when we think about leaving this world behind.

So how’s our packing going?  Are we faithfully sharing our God story with others?  We may not have the most sensational story in our eyes but any soul saved by God is sensational. No two redemption stories are the same.  Each of us who has accepted Christ has a story to be shared.  An amazing retelling of all God has done for us. Endless lists of His faithfulness.  Incredible details of how God intervened and spurred us on to tremendous growth.  Quiet moments simply basking in His presence and communing with our Creator God.

Sounds like we all have a lot to say, don’t we?  So what’s holding us back?  Fear easily slips in when we start sharing our faith.  Will we say the right words?  Do we know how to answer any questions?  What if the person gets angry?  All valid concerns.  Yet God equips us with the right tools to share our faith. It’s no more complicated than sharing your fave recipe or tip for parenting.  The difference is our enemy loves to silence us, and he will use fear to intimidate us.

Best solution – build relationships with people. Earn their trust and confidently share the hope that lies within us.  Don’t be pushy.  Bathe them in prayer and seek open doors to share. Treat others with care just like you do your fave belongings you’re carefully packing for that beach trip.

Bottom line, we don’t want to travel to our fave place alone.  And we definitely don’t want to leave this world for the joys of heaven without taking those we encounter with us.  Let’s pack well….consistently sharing the truth of God’s love and our redemption story with those God brings into our path.

“Sweet Jesus thank You for writing the most beautiful story in our lives. Help us to step outside our comfort zone and share our God story with others.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Faith, Freedom, Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | July 21, 2023

A Simple Thanks

“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.”  John 13:34 (ESV)

Easy to forget we all need “a good word.” Like the maid who cleans up our room at a hotel who’s picking up all the stuff that missed the trash can. Like the cashier who’s exhausted from standing on her feet and still smiles. Like the waitress whose children miss her because she’s working two jobs to pay the rent. Like the janitor at our kid’s school who picks up discarded books yet can’t read.

Do we ever really know the story behind the lives of those who serve us? Sadly, we often just think it’s their job to do what they do. Wonder what would happen if instead of ignoring their presence or rarely acknowledging they exist, we genuinely said, “Thank you.”

Sweet lady was cleaning the locker room the other day. While I was working out, she was scrubbing floors, washing toilets, cleaning mirrors – I think you get the picture. From a distance, she simply appeared to blend right in the room. Everyone busy to get their workout down, showered and back to work. Walking right in front of her at times, walking past her as if she didn’t exist. Been guilty of that myself – too absorbed in my world to notice her.

She was just doing her job. Showing up for her 9 to 5 every day. Cleaning up after others’ mess. Wiping everything down – doing exactly what she’d done a million times. Nothing extraordinary about this morning or at least that’s what she thought. But then when she least expected it, someone said, “Thank you – you’re doing a great job – thanks so much!” And in that moment a smile graced her weary face as though she’d never heard those words. Sweetest picture ever to witness the unnoticed relishing in a moment of joy.

Jesus didn’t have that hurried step we call busy and distracted. He wasn’t consumed with self or an agenda jam packed into three years of ministry. Jesus took the time to heal the sick, embrace the broken and wash the feet of those who’d later turn their backs and run. Humility defined Jesus’ every step – the Son of God walking among us, serving the very ones He came to save. Shouldn’t we be doing the same?

“Father, You sent Your Son to this world and He left us echoing the words, “Love one another.” Help us to show Your love to our world.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

 

 

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Posted in Encouragement, Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | July 20, 2023

Aligned With God’s Divine Will

“My Father! If it is possible, let this cup of suffering be taken away from me. Yet I want your will, not mine.” Matthew 26:39 (NLT)

Hours before Jesus’ crucifixion, He was in “a place of pressing,” an olive grove called Gethsemane praying. This was the place where His human will would come into alignment with divine will.

As Jesus’ fate drew near, He was on His knees crying out to God… praying…in so much distress that He prayed the same prayer over and over. He was crushed with grief, pressed above measure, beyond strength and at the breaking point. He was under pressure, dealing with agony and the emotions leading to the final stage of a difficult death. His surrendered will became His power. His power to be beaten beyond human recognition, carrying His cross up a hill, nailed with spikes, mocked, lifted high, stretched wide, pierced in His side and die a criminal’s death. Dead…carried away to be buried in a borrowed tomb.

Darkness fell across the earth. Jesus uttered, “It is finished!” The veil tore from top to bottom in the temple that separated the Holy of Holies. All the earth shook, rocks split apart and tombs opened. The only sound was all hell rejoicing. Demons clapped and danced with glee. The devil was in a state of euphoria shouting a victory chorus.

One day, two days…then on the third day early Sunday morning! The earth quaked with a hallelujah shout…arise My Love, an angel descended from heaven and rolled the stone away. The guards shook in fear and fainted. Hell could not hold our King. Death has been defeated. Jesus folded His grave clothes as a sign He would return again one day. He stepped out of the tomb as demons watched their victory fade while the keys of death were snatched from the devil’s grip.

God’s power and promise underlined Jesus’ resurrection. Death lost its sting and the grave its victory. God had conquered the sin of the world once and for all. Standing triumphant His arms stretch out as Savior of the world.

“Father, thank you Jesus has risen from the dead and the tomb is empty!

For His Glory

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

 

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Posted in Faith, Freedom, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | July 18, 2023

My (New) Tattoo Testimony

“But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in our wrongdoings, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved).” Ephesians 2:4-5

Don’t you love a good visual aid? Maybe it’s some awesome presentation graphic that allows you to quickly grasp the lecturer’s complex point. Or those illustrated assembly instructions that show you step by step how to build your latest furniture purchase. Whether you’re the teacher (giver) or the student (receiver) of a concept, having an image to refer to helps you understand, remember, and explain it.

Since becoming a believer, and fully surrendering my life to Jesus Christ, my primary go-to scripture was Jesus’ healing encounter with the blind man (John 9). Not only was this my eye-opening, eternity-changing, gospel revolution, but it’s a clear and simple concept to share with others: I may not totally understand everything about the Christian faith, but I do know that “though I was blind, now I see” (John 9:25). So, what do I see? Well, no matter how hard I tried to fill that God-shaped hole in my soul (and heaven knows, I tried everything), my pining was for peace with God—the righting of a relationship with Him that is broken because of sin. And we can never be or do good enough to fix that! God requires perfect righteousness, and that’s impossible for us. But God sent His Son, Jesus, to live a perfect life and then die the death we deserve—paying the penalty for our sins. Then He rose again, victorious over death and sin, making a way of reconciliation with God (Romans 5:10; 2 Corinthians 2:18-20). You and I don’t have to work for or earn this saving grace—it’s a free gift! This dear friend, is the gospel.

And, because I do love a good visual aid, I got a tattoo about 15 years ago that testified to the gospel. It exclaims: “I am paid in full.” But the word is in Greek, which I thought would instigate all kinds of opportunities to share the Truth of Jesus. Yeah, doesn’t really happen. But, for me, it was a necessary permanent proclamation in stark contrast to my first tattoo, which I designed to illustrate the lie I used to believe, that all world religions were just different paths to God…who, ultimately, is inside us. (This was all well before the “COEXIST” bumper sticker was a thing.)

Over the past few years, as I’ve been diving deeper into the Apostle Paul’s epistles and other New Testament books—and as my walk with the Lord has also been deepening—my understanding of the gospel and my own story continues to solidify. Yes, I was blind, and the Lord opened my eyes to the Truth. However, the older I get in my faith, it’s also clearer that I was not just blind—I was dead (Ephesians 2:1). I was darkness—not just in darkness (Ephesians 5:8). A walking dead person in this world and destined to be eternally dead (and suffering) outside the presence of God. But when we give our lives over to Christ, we are made new—we are brought to life and to light (Ephesians 5:8; 2 Corinthians 5:17).

Now, I love me some Apostle Paul for a gazillion reasons. But I have a special affinity for his book to the Ephesians. Particularly chapter 2, verses 1-10. It not only shares the gospel (we are saved by grace through faith, not by works), but it beautifully tells of my story—and yours. We were dead, and now we’re alive in Christ! And it all hinges on one of the most beautiful phrases in the entire Bible: BUT GOD.

A new illustrative depiction started forming in my mind. It went through many iterations, and various church-notebook sketches. But then I landed on something and wasn’t able to let it go. So, now I have a fresh visual aid on my right upper arm. It is my story. It is the gospel. And it’s all because of the rich mercy and great love of God.

“Lord, whether saved at age 5 or 55, every one of us has a story like the blind man who was healed by Jesus. May we have the boldness to share Your great love, mercy, and grace with others—with or without a visual aid.”

 

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 17, 2023

Captivated By His Majesty

“I will meditate on the glorious splendor of Your majesty, And on Your wondrous works.” Psalm 145:5(ESV)

Vast.  Immeasurable. Those are words I choose to describe my view of the ocean from the seventh floor condo.  Gotta admit there is just something about the refreshing breezes, glorious sunrises and calming waves crashing on shore – a little bit of heaven on earth.  Perfect place to still my heart and center my thoughts on the beauty of our God who created us to bring Him glory.  Perfect moments to reflect on His goodness and glimpse His majesty on display.  Vast.  Immeasurable.  Just a few of the words describing our God.

For me it’s the ocean for you it might be the mountains or a glistening lake drinking in the sunshine.  Wherever we land, God’s presence is all around us.  His beauty is evidenced in the simplest of details – the veins on an autumn leaf, the sparkling stream running through a hiking trail, or the deepest of snows brushing over the skier’s boots as she heads down the slopes.  So thankful our God is not cookie cutter but is intimately personal in revealing Himself to us in the most perfect way which is unique to each of us.

Hard to cultivate words to paint the grandeur of God’s glory in us and around us.  Easy to allow His beauty in us to slip by without even noticing. We must be Intentional in prioritizing our view of God, life, surroundings and self.  Purposefully choosing to savor moments of hard places, grand adventures and easy strides to absorb God’s ever presence in all our days.

Where do you see God’s vast goodness, immeasurable power and  ever presence in your life? Adoration of our God is contagious.  Are we spilling over into our world or are we allowing our world to crowd out His majesty?

Thought provoking questions right?  Crazy busy hectic days rob us of this view of God’s wonder.  Disappointments and disillusionment are the enemy’s tools to blind our view of God’s glory.  Zeroed in on us cheats us of the grand view of God’s character and sovereignty.

Beach life is short lived, mountain vacations end and unfortunately, we can’t gaze across the lake all day.  While those environments foster stillness and reflection, the lack of inspiration isn’t reason enough to forego adoring our God.  So what’s a girl to do when her 24/7 distracts her from adoring her God whose thoughts are consumed with her?  We must be creative in cultivating moments when our minds are centered on the One who never ceases to adore us.

Silence has a beautiful way of settling chaos.  Worship music soothes the soul and lifts our eyes up to the One worthy of our praise.  Praying through the Psalms ignites our wonder and devotion in pursuing God.  Bottom line simply choosing to fall passionately in love with the One who loves us unconditionally propels our hearts to deep devotion, awe, honor and adoration.

So, sweet friend carve in margin for adoring our God.  Gaze into the beauty all around you.  Sit long and cherish deep.  Embrace the warmth of His Spirit living and breathing within you.  Rehearse the depths of His character and enjoy the peaceful calm found only in Him.  Strategically choose to soak in the amazing wonder of how God has revealed Himself to you and then share it.  Be contagious.  Spill over into your world and leave them captivated by His splendor.

“Father, words can’t begin to describe how wonderful You are.  Daily enlarge our vision of Your beauty and majesty so we can share it with those You bring into our path.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

 

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Posted in Worship

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | July 14, 2023

When The Rains Came

“The rains came down, the streams rose and the winds blew and beat against the house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock.” Matthew 7:25 (NIV)

The foolish man built his house upon the sand and when the rains came it fell with a crash. I can still remember those hand motions from Sunday School – just loved this song. But then again I was probably 4 years old the first time those words came out of my mouth. Life is pretty good for a 4 year old. Easy to sing words about rain, wind and storms crashing down when the weight of your world revolves around Sesame Street. And the foolish man, well he was beyond my little thinking just seemed like a fun part of the song to crumble to the floor, especially since we had no trouble getting back up for a re-do.

Definitely past my 4 year old self now and totally get God’s message. In life, we will experience drenching rains, rising streams and strong winds aimed at tearing us down. Doesn’t matter if we are wise or foolish – storms don’t discriminate – they will come. Difference maker is really what we are standing on when it arrives – will we crumble or will we remain firmly planted?

Blessed to watch several friends going through the storm and standing strong. One was homeless and yet never gave up hope her God would come through. One was diagnosed with a rare cancer yet trusting her God for the impossible to come true. One was helplessly watching her son struggle yet clinging to the source of her strength. Brave courageous women and my list could go on and on.

Seem unreal, unlikely – no wise women are authentic emotion filled women who have built their life upon the solid rock of our God. Yes, there have been tears along the way and moments of desperation. There are certainly days when strength is gone, hair is lost and questions rank high. There are moments when depression and wrestling settle in. But the wise woman knows her God – she has planted herself firmly in His word and promises long before the storms began.

Unexpected happens every day. We’re moving through life unaware that rain is coming. And then the wind begins to pick up. The downpour comes and beats against everything we ever knew. It’s in these moments when unexpected offers us the opportunity to lean on our Rock, who is unmoveable, unshakeable and has unmistakably proven His love for us. If our faith and trust is firmly planted in Him, we will not crumble or fall.

“Father, You have taught us well to preserve, press through and hold on tight to You. We may appear to be losing our grip, but You are cradling us in the palm of Your hands.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Faith, Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Living, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | July 12, 2023

The Breath of God

“But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.” John 14:26  (KJV)

“But I tell you I am going to do what is best for you. This is why I am going away. The Holy Spirit cannot come to help you until I leave. But after I am gone, I will send the Spirit to you.”  John 16:7  CEV)

During my worship this morning, I wished earnestly that I had been alive when Jesus was here on earth in bodily form so I could have spent time with Him and gotten to know Him. Then I read the words of Jesus in John 16:7: “The Holy Spirit cannot come to help you until I leave.” He said that it was best for us that He should leave.

Think of it: the Holy Spirit is God with us permanently. That means we are better off than the five thousand people in the crowd that Jesus taught and fed one day. We are better off than Mary, Martha, and Lazarus, who counted Jesus as a friend. We are better off than Peter when he walked toward Jesus on the water. But when Jesus was taken into heaven, everything changed. The Spirit came to live among us permanently.

In other versions of the Bible, the word for Holy Spirit is translated in different ways: Advocate, Counselor, Comforter, Helper, Companion, Intercessor, Strengthener, and Friend. If you take a peek in the Orthodox Jewish Bible, you’ll see one of my favorites, Ruach HaKodesh (breath of God). Knowing the breath of God is at work in me causes me to go to my knees in worship.

I don’t know about you, but I have always had a mental image of the Holy Spirit. Since I know that the Spirit is in me, around me, above and below me, I always thought of Him as a kind of ethereal mist surrounding me. But I am learning that the Spirit is a vibrant, energetic force, constantly working and on the move. That excites me. Even when I lack energy and don’t feel the presence of God, His Spirit is still with me, in me, and around me, proactively working, protecting, guiding, and comforting.

Hallelujah!

“Heavenly Father, we thank You for our salvation and the incredible gift of the Holy Spirit. We pray that You will give us a better understanding and appreciation for what You have done for us, in Jesus’ name.”

 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 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

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