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 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

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | June 26, 2023

When We Live Well

“One who is righteous is a guide to his neighbor.” Proverbs 12:26a (ESV)

Ever wondered if “right living” makes a difference? It’s so much easier to give in to self. To do what we feel like doing and not what we know we should do. It’s much more inviting to listen to our own justifications rather than seek the best of others first. It’s simply more fun to join the crowd than take a stand.

I think Solomon had something here don’t you? Our right living opens wide the door for us to intentionally impact and guide our neighbors.

Who are our neighbors? They’re the person we pass in the maze of cubicles at the office. They’re the ones whose driveways edge our own. They’re the soccer moms cheering with us as the team hits the field. They’re the home school co-op groups gathered at the library. They’re the patients waiting for chemo as we breeze through the door.

Our neighbors don’t necessarily have to live within feet of our front door, but they are people who cross our paths in this journey called life. And we have an incredible opportunity to influence, impact, guide and invest when we purposefully choose “right living.” We don’t even have to utter a word; our choices and reactions will speak for us.

I think we all get the picture – right living is huge for others, God and for us. When we choose to obey and live according to God’s commands, we miss out on painful consequences. When we forego the wrong decision, we release our will for His own. When we resist temptation, we avoid the guaranteed hard road. When we thirst and hunger after God’s best then we are truly blessed. When we set the right example then God is honored and glorified.

Don’t know about you but it all adds up. Choose to do things God’s way and even those watching will gain wisdom. No self promotion required. No branding or platform needed. God will use our “right living” to speak volumes, and we have no idea who is watching.

Solomon was the wisest man that lived, yet he too fell prey to bypassing right living to living for self, possessions, wealth, desires, etc. And despite his wealth, it didn’t serve him well. Let’s not make the same mistake. Let’s seek God’s wisdom and choose “right living” even when it means letting go of all we desire.

“Father this world we offer us many things – rights tainted as our own – but You alone are worthy of our devotion. Help us to listen and choose well.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

 

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | June 22, 2023

Miracle On The Appalachian Trail

“You, God, are my God, earnestly I seek you; I thirst for you, my whole being longs for you, in a dry and parched land where there is no water.” Psalm 63:1

My sister had an experience on the Appalachian Trial a couple of years ago that is a testament to the loving provision of God. Let her describe it from her point of view:

I’m an AT enthusiast and have section-hiked the whole trail, mostly solo. But I had my son Adam with me when hiking up Mount Katahdin, the final summit of the AT in Maine. He had a medical condition that allowed him to hike as long as he stayed well-hydrated.

Mount Katahdin is one of the most challenging sections of the trail. Adam and I were both doing fine but getting low on water. We tried to ration ourselves to make it last until we found more, but Adam eventually ran out. This was a serious situation. I decided to take a sip of mine, then let him drink; I would sip, and he would drink…until we completely ran out. There was no water in sight. I knew there was no cell service where we were, and even if we could get a call out, rescuers would take two or three days to reach us.

We continued climbing down and looking for water until I looked behind me and saw Adam weaving back and forth, badly dehydrated. Frightened, I told him to lie down beside the trail, and I would continue until I found water, then bring it back to him.

I left him there alone and worked my way down the trail as fast as I could, praying, praying, practically shouting at God that we needed water or my son would die. I had gone some distance when I spotted a large rock to the left of the trail. On it was written in large blue letters: WATER. A blue arrow pointed off to the left. I thanked God as I detoured in the direction of the arrow. In a few yards, I found a stream – thank God! I drank as much as possible, then filled our water bottles.

I hurried back up to Adam. I ran up the trail faster than I have ever gone up mountain terrain.  God was lifting my legs for me over the rocks. Thankfully my son was still alive but in bad shape. When I gave him water, he began to revive. After a while, he was well enough to continue the trek out of there, so we walked in the direction I had just come from. We hiked until we came to that rock, and to my astonishment, there were no blue letters on it. It took me a while to process that miracle in my mind and realize that the only explanation was that God had put those letters there for us. I was overcome with gratitude and awe. We turned to the left, found the stream again, and refilled our water bottles.

A year later, I hiked the same trail with my husband. When we came to that rock, I pointed it out to him as the rock with the big blue letters the first time I saw it. I recognized it because I had taken a picture of it after the letters disappeared. My husband and I turned off the trail to get water, and there was no stream…there was no stream.

How can you properly thank a God who wrote on a rock and made a stream flow in a dry place to save your son’s life?

“Dear Father, we thank You that You are a God of love, that You tenderly care for Your children and provide what we need. In our human inadequacy, words fail us. We stand silently in awe.”

For His Glory

Cherie Harbridge Williams (with Gail Anderson)
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Gratitude, Spiritual Living

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