Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | January 31, 2023

Are You On The Fringe

“And wherever (Jesus) entered villages, or cities, or a countryside, they were laying the sick in the marketplaces and imploring Him that they might just touch the fringe of His cloak; and all who touched it were being healed.” Mark 6:56

Although I haven’t been to a concert in more than a few years, there was a time when I was pretty fanatical about seeing my favorite bands. Of course, this was when ticket prices were reasonable, not Taylor-Swift-level ridiculous. And when my friends and I attended these concerts, getting as close as possible to our rock idols was always the goal. For us crazy fan girls, it was about getting close enough for indirect contact—a guitar pick, drumstick, a drop of sweat, or a moment of eye-to-eye connection. Then there was the screaming, begging, imploring for the rockstar to come close enough for a touch of your outstretched hand—this was the ultimate aspiration.

As Jesus was traveling around teaching and healing, He became quite the proverbial rockstar to the people. Some, like the Pharisees, consistently rejected Him, despite his clear message and miracles. Others dropped everything to follow Him, becoming sincere disciples of God incarnate (“groupies” if you will). But the majority of people in the crowds, in awe of what He was doing, just wanted some indirect contact with Jesus. In the sixth chapter of Mark’s gospel, we’re told that “wherever He entered villages, or cities, or a countryside, they were laying the sick in the marketplaces and imploring Him that they might just touch the fringe of His cloak; and all who touched it were being healed.”

The crowds were lining up, maybe even struggling for the best positioning, just to implore Jesus to come close enough for a touch. They believed in Him enough—had faith enough—to receive healing for themselves or their loved ones through indirect contact with the edge of His cloak. Were they all just caught up in the rockstar mob mentality, just in it for what they could get from Him? Or were they truly believing that Jesus was exactly who He said He was—the Way, the Truth, and the Life? We aren’t told.

We are informed (John 6:59-71) that the masses following Him around thinned quickly when the teachings of Jesus offended and challenged them. When Jesus made it clear that He is the Bread of Life and only those who believe in Him have eternal life, well, that was too much for the “fringe” crowd. They rejected Him, turning away to previous attitudes or maybe some contemporary idol (literally). These people, though temporarily demonstrating faith in Jesus, were simply not all in.

What about you? Are you following Jesus from a distance, agreeing with some of His Words (ones that align with your lifestyle)? When pain, illness, and difficulties come, do you implore Him to come near enough to heal your situation—faithful enough and grateful for what He’ll give you, but once healed, you fall back into the crowd once more? Are you on board with the Bible, until you read something that challenges or offends you? Have you actually turned away when things got too real, believing that your way and your will were better than the Lord’s?

Friend, fringe Christianity is not what Jesus wants or intended for us. He wants us fully committed to His whole Word, obedient to His will, and set apart from the world as light and salt. We are to love Him with all our heart, mind, soul, and strength (Mark 12:30). And when troubles and trials come—because they will (John 16:33)—we’re to draw even closer to Him for strength and comfort, not walk away. Jesus wants us all in. Because, after all, He went all in for us, giving everything to make a way for us to be reconciled with God. To pay the penalty we deserve for our sins, giving us His righteousness, so we can have eternal life with Him. And once we accept this gift of salvation, we have full access to God Himself through Jesus, and we have the power of the Holy Spirit living in us! Instead of mere indirect contact with Jesus, we can hang out with Him whenever we want, talk with Him, and get to know Him—in fact, we’re part of His family. So, don’t be satisfied with fringe living. Go all in.

“Lord, You long for us to let go of the world—even ourselves—and surrender all to You. May we be reminded that You gave all for us, so why would we give You anything less?”

 

For His Glory

 

Julianne Winkler Smith
TRBC Women’s Life

 

 

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Posted in Faith, Hope, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | January 30, 2023

Why Seeking Great Is Overrated

“For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve and to give His life a ransom for many.” Mark 10:45 (ESV)

Who doesn’t want the biggest slice of the pie?  Or how about the job with the corner office and window view?  And we probably all have desired the closest parking spot at our fave store, especially in the cold of winter.  We want the biggest, best, closest… you name it. Yes, we love to get the advantage, don’t we?

We might entertain that we’re the only ones who have those thoughts of desiring favor.  But reality unveils we all drift into this lane.  We see an opportunity or a choice seat and our feet move swiftly without even considering if this is God’s direction.  Keeping it real here, we don’t even consider how our pursuit of best for us might impact others.

Jesus was quick to dispel the “seeking greatness for me” mentality. Traveling from Capernaum, His disciples were arguing among themselves.  Now one would have thought the idea of greatness would not enter their minds.  Especially since Jesus had just told them about His betrayal, death and resurrection.  Instead of attempting to understand and talk through those words they had just heard, the disciples were vying for greatness.

Not exactly a pursuit worthy of those who were following the greatest servant of all time.  The Son of Man who came to this world to serve.  To lay down His life so others could experience eternity and oneness with God.  When the One who knew their hearts, thoughts and words inquired about their dispute, silence filled the room.

Sounds a little bit like us doesn’t it?  Who would ever admit their pursuit of “greatness for me” even though we know our thoughts are never hidden from God’s eyes?  Every motive unveiled.   Don’t know about you but I would probably attempt to hide from the truth just like the twelve.

Rather than send them away, Jesus draws them in close. No condemning speech – just a few words.  A simple yet profound reminder, “If anyone desires to be first, he shall be last of all and servant of all.”  In other words rather than seek best for self, one would seek best for others.  One would serve rather than seek to be served.

Sounds a lot like Jesus Himself doesn’t it? Leading by example, Jesus modeled true servanthood – the perfect picture of humility and sacrifice. He came not to seek greatness for Himself but to draw others to His Father.  He came to serve the sick, lame and blind.  And during the most difficult moments of His life, Jesus washed the feet of a betrayer and those who would flee in the face of His crucifixion.

Sweet friends the next time we’re tempted to seek greatness for ourselves let’s resist the urge for advantage.  Instead, let’s zero in on serving others – it’s the best way to reflect the heart of Jesus.

“Father, seeking great for me is overrated.  True joy is found in seeking best for others.  Only then will we realize the beauty of reflecting Your love to our world.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Faith, Spiritual Growth, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | January 27, 2023

Where Our Conversation Begins

“Our Father in heaven, Your name be honored as holy.” Matthew 6:9b (HCSB)

There’s just nothing sweeter to me than the mental picture of my Dad sitting in his favorite chair doing what he always did on his day off – reading God’s word. It’s a memory that sustains me especially in this crazy world. Sometimes I can close my eyes and hear his soft voice praying over us – best gift ever.

While the frame of my Dad is warm and fuzzy, I totally realize there are many who never knew their Dad. And for some even worse is the reminder of who their Dad wasn’t or who they wish he had been. The picture of protector, provider, and defender fades in the recognition of reality.

We can easily get lost in our world if we regulate to our Heavenly Father the attributes we witnessed from our earthly Dad. We will miss much if we choose to ignore the truth that our Heavenly Father is the perfect Daddy not one caught up in a sinful world just like us. One who is caring, approachable, honest, trustworthy, faithful, merciful……the list goes on and on. The One who formed us in our mother’s womb is ever present, all knowing and divinely holy. Words can’t even come close to expressing the glories of our Heavenly Father.

Love the way Jesus teaches His disciples to pray…..reminding them who they are praying to….our Father in heaven. The ideal place where our conversation with God should begin. Simple, heart felt words demonstrating affection and reverence. Acknowledging the closeness of a Father and the vastness of His majestic name. A relationship guaranteed by the death of His Son. A deep soulful worship of the powerful name of our God. Indescribable, yet fully approachable. Accessible, yet beautiful perfection beyond our comprehension.

Still yourself away for a moment and quiet your spirit. Come confidently and boldly into His presence. Praise the amazing name of our Father – the One who is the same yesterday, today and forever. Unchanging. Untouched by the sinfulness of our world. Pure and unblemished. God’s character seals our conversation with love and mercy. Desiring to reveal to us the riches of His holiness. Let those words settle in us…we have an audience with the Creator of the universe who whispers, “Come to me, rest your soul and welcome the wonder of who I am.” Best gift ever to relish sweet moments with our Father while praising His holy name.

“Father, Your name exemplifies Your character. The very essence of Your name touches even the darkest soul. The perfect conversation starter acknowledging Your holiness.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

 

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

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | January 26, 2023

Pressing On

“Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:13 (NIV)

In January, we celebrated the start of a new year. One thing I always loved about a new year was getting organized.  I developed a habit many years ago of using the downtime from Christmas to New Year’s to sit down with my calendar and plan out my year.  Anxiously awaiting all the wonderful things that year would bring.

Fifteen years ago when our son died, I felt like the calendar became an enemy of mine.  What at one time documented so much hope, now only held sorrow. A canvas I would have filled with their activities. Yet now the silence overwhelmed me and paralyzed me with fear.  It was a painful reminder of 365 days of emptiness ahead of me.

Paul writes in Philippians 3:13-14 “forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”

When we lose a loved one, moving forward in life seems an insurmountable task. Fear tells us that if we move forward, we are letting them go. That we will forget them. There’s this feeling of guilt that we have let them down by continuing to live. Fear says there’s no way you can live without them.

But fear is a liar.

There were many days of overwhelming sadness and years of sleepless nights. There were numerous occasions when I felt the pain would certainly kill me. But by the grace of God it didn’t.

I made a conscious decision to continue to press on toward Christ. In pressing on I had to let go of the fear that kept me paralyzed.  In the beginning it was a moment-by-moment process.

I also had to let go of my plans that once filled the calendar and surrender my future days to His plans.  Pressing on means we are picking up our cross daily.

Fifteen years later and my calendar is quite full of life these days. Downtime happens when I intentionally put it on the calendar.  All because of the wonderful opportunities God has blessed me with.

If you are facing a season of loss, I want to encourage you to press on toward Jesus.  Allow Him to bring life into those empty days.  Letting go of the fear and pressing on toward Christ is not letting go of your loved one.

“Father, remind us that until you call us home we are here to reach others for the Kingdom.  The only way we can do that is by pressing on heavenward into Christ.  Help us to not be paralyzed by our fear.”

For His Glory

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

 

 

 

 

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

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | January 25, 2023

Testing & Approving

“Do not be conformed to this present world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may test and approve what is the will of God—what is good and well-pleasing and perfect.” Romans 12:2 (NET)

Test and approve. The first image that entered my mind when reading this verse was the inside of a scientific lab where people in sterile white coats inspect the contents of test tubes, pouring one liquid into another, testing and failing, testing and failing, until – Eureka! They finally get it right and approve the result.

That’s not what we have here.

According to scholars, the word translated test and approve carries a specific meaning in the original Greek. It indicates testing with a positive outcome or testing so as to approve.

On the surface, the abundant life (in human terms) is getting harder to grasp. Prices are skyrocketing while full-time employment becomes more elusive. As a result, many employers are offering part-time work to avoid paying benefits. Anyone with understanding can’t blame them. They are struggling to survive, too.

Malachi 3:10 offers hope. In the face of the financial squeeze that many of us face today, this is a hard one, but it comes with a promise:  “Bring the entire tithe into the storehouse so that there may be food in my temple. Test me in this matter,” says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies, “to see if I will not open for you the windows of heaven and pour out blessing for you until there is no room for it all.”

Obviously, the word given to us through the prophet Malachi is that the will of God is for us to bring the entire tithe into the storehouse—the temple or the church. Some would say that we were released from the Old Testament when Jesus died and therefore are not required to tithe. But let me give you the words of Christ when he was speaking to Pharisees: “Woe to you Pharisees, because you give God a tenth of your mint, rue and all other kinds of garden herbs, but you neglect justice and the love of God. You should have practiced the latter without leaving the former undone.”  (Luke 11:42 NIV)

Jesus is saying here that they should have practiced justice and the love of God in addition to giving the tenth. If Jesus confirms the practice of tithing, how can we ignore it?

When I write a devotional, I prefer to take humorous or heart-warming stories and use them to make a point. The heartwarming story here takes place after our act of obedience: God promises to open the windows of heaven and pour out blessings that overflow our capacity to hold them. What can be more heartwarming than that? Test and approve. Test and approve.

It’s getting rough out there for many people. Even those who have tithed for years may become tempted to hold back just enough to buy a pound of hamburger or a gallon of gas. After all, wouldn’t Jesus understand? Frankly, I’m concerned that Satan will eventually tempt me personally in this area. But with God’s help, I intend to stand firm, tithing on whatever we earn as I hold up my proverbial basket to receive God’s promised blessing. I pray the same for you.

“Father, our greatest desire is to do Your will, but Satan knows an effective place to attack us is in our bank accounts. Therefore, we ask You for strength and boldness to stand firm, be obedient, and trust You to provide for our needs.”

 

For His Glory

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

 

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Hope, Spiritual Growth

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | January 24, 2023

God Loves You

“We have come to know and have believed the love which God has for us. God is love, and the one who remains in love remains in God, and God remains in him.” 1 John 4:16

If you’ve been walking with the Lord for any amount of time, you’ve probably recognized when He’s really trying to tell you something. You hear it in Sunday’s sermon, then you read it in a daily devotional and hear it on a podcast, then it comes up in conversation with a brother or sister. And you think, “Ah, I get it, Lord!”

So, when a “Providential theme” around me lately seemed to be “the love of God,” it was easy to think, “Well, of course, God loves me and others!” One of the first Bible verses most Christians (and football fans) come to know is John 3:16: “For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.” God loves the world! And He loves you and me so much that while we were yet sinners (separated enemies of God), Christ died for us (Romans 5:8). Moreover, nothing—not trouble, persecution, famine, rulers, even death—can separate us from the love of God (Romans 8:35-39).

But the other night, in talking with my husband about yet another message we heard about God’s love, the profound statement, “God loves you” was opened up in a fresh way within my spirit. And it was simply by reiterating the statement with a respective emphasis on each of the three words. Let me explain.

First, with the emphasis on “God”: GOD loves you. The Creator of heaven and earth. The Sovereign King of kings and Lord of lords. The Light, the Way, the Truth. The great I Am. The Alpha and Omega of eternity loves you. Let that sink in, friend.

Second, with the emphasis on “loves”: God LOVES you. This love is not the fleeting kind of this world, emotion-driven love that waxes and wanes depending upon the recipient’s performance or attitude. The love of God is unconditional, steadfast, and perfect. It is sacrificial. It casts out fear. As noted in Romans 8, His love is unbreakable. It’s also unreasonable, unfathomable, and unending.

Finally, with the emphasis on “you”: God loves YOU. Whether or not you’re a believer, you may be thinking to yourself, “Me? How could God love me, given the life I’ve led (or am leading)? How could the Creator of all things who loves people with perfect love possibly extend that love to me?” Oh, friend, He does. And regardless of the mess you think you are (whether you’re wallowing in a proverbial pigsty or sitting in a pew every Sunday), the Father is here with open arms ready to embrace you. In fact, as Jesus shared in the parable of the Lost Son (Luke 15:11-32), as soon as you recognize your need for this unreasonable love and turn away from your sin (repent), turning to God, He will run to you! And in that embrace, there is no rebuke, disgust, or “I told you so” over your sin. Just forgiveness and love.

God loves you. And He demonstrated His perfect love for you by sending His perfect Son, Jesus, to live a perfect life and then take the penalty for your imperfection (sin). By conquering sin and death, Jesus made a way for us to be reconciled with the Father. When we accept the Great Exchange of our filthy rags for Jesus’ righteousness—when we receive the gift of God’s love—we are forgiven and free. And the statement “God loves me” will have an entirely new meaning.

“Lord, I pray that anyone reading this who believes they are unloved or unlovable will come to truly know Your unreasonable, perfect, sacrificial love. And that they turn around and run into your open arms today.”

 For His Glory
 

Julianne Winkler Smith
TRBC Women’s Life

 

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Posted in Encouragement, Hope, Love

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | January 18, 2023

How Big Is Your Faith

“And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:19, ESV)

 “What am I going to do? Obadiah is dead.  He was a good man.  You know he served the Lord. But he didn’t leave me enough money to live on and support the boys.  I can’t pay my bills and now they’re going to take my children from me.  You must help me.”

Imagine the desperation in her voice as she pleaded with the prophet Elisha for help (2 Kings 4:1-7). The legal system in Israel does not allow a person to file for bankruptcy. She would have to give up her sons as indentured servants to her creditor as payment.

Elisha inquires about what she has of value in her house.  She responded, “nothing in the house but a jar of oil.”  Elisha gives her specific instructions to borrow vessels from everywhere.  Then once she has the vessels safely in her home, behind closed doors, she was to start pouring out what little oil she had into the vessels.

It most likely wasn’t the response she wanted to hear. But it didn’t diminish her faith.

Once the vessels were gathered, she poured out the olive oil. Imagine the fear she must have felt.

“Lord, I’m pouring out the only thing I have of value.”

As she poured from her little jar something supernatural took place.  The oil kept flowing until all the vessels were full.

In the end, she had enough jars of olive oil that she was able to sell them and pay off her debts.  It also provided enough income for her to support herself and her sons – keeping them from slavery.

In this situation, the amount of work she did in obedience determined the amount of blessing and provision she received from the miracle.  If she had only collected a small number of jars, there might not have been enough to meet her financial need.

Have you ever had a need you didn’t have the resources to meet?  And this lack was threatening to take away what little you did have? Immediately fear starts to grip us and all we can focus on is what we don’t have.  We forget that God will always meet our needs.  But He won’t always drop manna from heaven like he did for the Israelites. (Exodus 16) His desire is for us to exercise our faith.

It was her great faith in the Lord that led to freedom – a new life for her and her children.

Instead of letting fear paralyze you, let me encourage you today to seek the Lord first and then get busy growing your faith. Little is much with God.

“Father thank you for always providing for us.  Help us to remember that you will always meet our needs.  Teach us to exercise our faith as we trust in you.”

 For His Glory

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

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Hope

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | January 17, 2023

Sent

“For you were called to freedom, brothers and sisters; only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but serve one another through love. For the whole Law is fulfilled in one word, in the statement, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” Galatians 5:13-14

If you’ve been walking with Lord for any amount of time, you’ve probably had seasons of wrestling—times when the Holy Spirit is working on some attitude, situation, or direction. For me, it usually starts with that Still Small Voice (which I tend not to hear in my uber-busyness and constant “get-er-done” mode). Then, His voice gets a bit louder, and I do start wondering what He’s up to. I pray and journal but continue my “busyness as usual”—I’m hearing, but still trying to figure stuff out myself. Finally, the Lord will shout so that I’ll simply stop, shut up, and listen (and if you’ve been here, you’ll know exactly what I’m talking about).

Although I am getting better at being a Mary, my Martha still dominates (see Luke 10:38-42), so this pattern has occurred quite a bit over my 25 years of being a Christian. In fact, over the past several months, the Lord has been revealing some things to me through Bible study, quiet time, and conversations with my husband. But without (what I deemed as) clarity, I pondered, journaled, and talked…but kept on going and doing. Until I had eye surgery a couple of weeks ago, after which I could not read, be on the computer, or look at my phone for one week. (Think about this friends, how much through the day are your eyes on your phone or other screen? Yeah, now don’t do that for 7 days.)

Needless to say, the Lord had hours and hours and hours of my time and attention. The funny thing is, He wanted even more than my mere daylight hours—He wanted this time to be a crash course in listening. So, I spent much of the first five days awake through most of the nights as well. Wrestling, talking, and yes, listening. And He made it very clear to me that, although I have been doing very Good Things for Him, it’s time to Go.

It’s time for me to Do for Him in different ways. He is sending me. Not to the jungles of Africa or the sandy streets of the Middle East, but into my own city—where there is ample brokenness, poverty, and hurt. Where babies are being murdered, children are being trafficked, families are being shattered, and elderly are being forgotten. Yes, I am being called to the mission field in my own backyard. A rescue mission, to be the hands and feet of Jesus and proclaim the love, freedom, and hope of a surrendered life to Him. And I’m so excited!

What about you? If you are a follower of Jesus Christ, how is the Lord using you? How are you serving—and who are you serving? Is it only the person in the mirror? Are you going to church every Sunday (and maybe on Wednesdays) to feed on God’s Word and maybe to get a little spiritual bump, but the rest of your week is business (busyness) as usual? Maybe you’re serving your church body on Sundays, greeting or even teaching a Bible study. This is awesome! But are you also reaching out into the lost and broken world to reveal Who Jesus is through meeting practical, real needs—caring for others so they want to know the Reason behind your unreasonable love?

Friend, upon salvation, each of us is rescued—from sin, death, and eternal separation from God. While we were still sinners, enemies of God, Christ died for us (Romans 5:8). So, because He first loved us, we are to love others in the same sacrificial way (1 John 4:19). We are to serve, love, and share the Good News. Once rescued, we’re to join the rescue mission. We are all SENT. And you don’t even have to wait for your own wrestling match to …. just go!

“Lord, thank You for rescuing me! Now, help me be bold in word, action, and grace as I step out into the world to be part of Your rescue mission.”

For His Glory

Julianne Winkler Smith
TRBC Women’s Life

 

 

 

 

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Posted in Faith, Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | January 16, 2023

Why “Keep” Is Crucial

“Blessed are those who keep His testimonies, who seek Him with their whole heart.” Psalm 119:2 (ESV)

What’s your inspiration for the new year?  Are you a resolutions/goals kind of girl?  Perhaps you’re one who selects a special word as your focal point.  We’re halfway through the first month and it’s the time when people are tempted to let their yearly inspiration deflate.  Why?  Because it takes courage, discipline, hard work and consistency to row forward day by day.

Ushering in new habits isn’t easy.  We’re so accustomed to “same” us that the possibility of “new” us derails us.  Far easier to slip back into our norm than press forward.  But if we are keeping it real here, settling for anything less than our inspiration leaves us facing regret.

Several goals hit my list for 2023 so I wasn’t even thinking of or considering a special word.  Can’t say the same for God. He knew exactly where I needed to focus. He’d seen my list because we’d had a long prayer session, and it wasn’t that God didn’t approve – He just had something better in mind.

What’s my word?  “Keep.”  You got it. Right in the midst of decluttering and throwing things away, God redirects my attention to “Keep.”  Confusion was definitely written across my face until I remembered where my Bible study had taken me.  Settling into Psalm 119 for the last few weeks, I’d read the word “Keep”  twenty-six times (ESV).

When I think of “Keep,” I naturally default to saving, holding on to and definitely not throwing away.  Webster even gives us a look into the depth of “Keep” such as retain, take notice of, faithful, maintain, preserve, stay in accord and watch over – the list was endless.  All great descriptions especially since Psalm 119 zeros in on the importance of God’s word.

As much as I love Webster’s thoughts, the Hebrew for “Keep” is what mesmerized me.  “Keep” means simply to conform.  The Psalmist’s references to “Keep” were strategically placed to compel us to be doers of the word and not just hearers.  To allow God’s words to shape, mold and transform us.  Yes, we should cling to, memorize and meditate on His words, but all of that is in vain if we don’t let them change us.

2023 – another year of old me or a new year of a changed me?

I think God’s best far outweighs any goals or resolutions I could ever attain.  He knows that when my ways align with His ways then everything else will fit together.  When my heart and soul reflect His then the changing of me will be absolutely beautiful.

“Father, 2023 will unfold one day at a time offering us glorious opportunities to seize those moments to treasure, know and keep (conform to) Your words. Praising You for teaching us to welcome Your transforming work in our lives.”

 

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | January 12, 2023

Different But Equally Important

“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.” Ecclesiastes 3:1 (NIV)

I was talking to a childhood friend of mine on the phone this evening, and while reminiscing with her, we both agreed that there is definitely a time and season for everything in our lives. We laughed hard at some of my failed attempts at keeping youthful. Here between us, I’ve tried to keep up with my grandchildren by playing catch and soccer, as well as racing and climbing on playground toys.

While I do feel young and youthful, my body is no longer that of a teenager.  It has let me know by some scrapes, bruises and breaks while playing with children who were below the age of ten.

My friend and I have also decided that God does not give babies to women over a certain age group because we must bear children while our bodies are strong and able to not just carry babies to term but also deal with the needs of raising them.

I am thankful for the three sons God has given me and beyond elated for the ten grandsons I have. I am also very much aware that raising those children is a task that belongs to my sons and their spouses, who are young, strong and very capable of raising them, as I was when I raised my own.

I am at the stage called grandparenthood, to love on, to be a role model to, and to spoil (why not?) my grandchildren. I love that I can be a part of their lives, and I hope that I can positively impact their lives for Jesus. I want them to love Jesus as I do, to know Him as their Lord and Savior, and to be conduits of His love to anyone in need of it.

I want to be a woman who can be a mentor and a guide to younger generations, to encourage them and to help them to find their strength and purpose; to spur them on as they follow their path in life and become their best for the Lord.

Each life stage is an opportunity – a gift to show the world the love of God. The seasons may vary, but we remain God’s children and He will always be our Abba, our Father.

“Abba, thank You for the seasons of life and for each opportunity You give to us to shine Your light. Each stage is treasured and equally important. We are grateful.”

 

For His Glory

Luska Natali
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Encouragement, Hope, Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Living

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