Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | March 6, 2023

When We Overlook The Obvious

“Hear instruction and be wise, and do not neglect it.” Proverbs 8:33 (ESV)

Hate to admit it, but I just spent days trying to figure out why I had no audio for anything on my computer. I tried every solution possible. I increased the sound 100% yet could only hear a tiny whisper. Ready to give up, I looked over to where my Bible was on my desk and found the culprit for my sound loss…my headphones were still plugged in. Total frustration wiped out by my own laughter – how could I have overlooked the obvious?

Quite the funny story? Yes. But not so funny if we find our lack of hearing obstructed not by a device but our choice to let selective hearing reign. Bet we’ve all been there when deliberate blockage of what we needed to hear felt better than the sound of truth. Ouch! Yes, moments occur when we choose to ignore, dismiss and turn from the voice we need to heed.

Wonder what God’s been speaking into our hearts lately? Has the truth of His words stirred us toward obedience or have we denied what we didn’t want to do?

Easy to judge others’ obstructions when the finger pointed out should be pointed in. Failing to admit, we attempt to blame anyone and anything for poor choices when we’ve overlooked the obvious – silencing the voice of God removes His blessings.

Yes, we’re all about the benefits and awesomeness of hearing what aligns with our agenda. Obedience isn’t a challenge when it moves us in sync with our plans. But when what we hear seems hard, difficult and contradictory to our perceived “best,” we simply extinguish the sound.

Sweet friend if we truly want His direction, guidance and protection, we must pray for ears that hear, eyes that see and a heart that is willing to be molded towards His ultimate true best. How does our sovereign God speak? Through the unfolding of His word, through godly counsel, through life experiences – God will use whatever it takes to realign our hearing so He can open us up to the divine orchestration of His will.

Whose voice are you listening to? Is it serving you well or placing you in a posture destined for failure, regrets and consequences? Draw near to the One who is already calling your name.

“Father, it so easy to drown out Your voice – to simply unplug from the narrow way when wide seems much better. Help us to cease blocking and tune into Your truth.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

 

 

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Posted in Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | March 3, 2023

Yielded To His Wisdom

“Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives to all generously and without criticizing, and it will be given to him.” James 1:5 (HCSB)

How often do we dismiss the persistent feeling we have that something isn’t quite right? We slide back and forth between something is wrong to it’s probably nothing to worry about. Like a pendulum swinging carelessly wherever our thoughts land for the day. Eventually, we rationalize our concerns or dive in deeper to uncover whatever doesn’t feel or look right.

Takes courage to face the truth especially if that truth unveils a dreaded conclusion. No one wants to admit they’re struggling just to get up and face another day. No one wants to share the devastating loss of a job, home or finances. No one shouts through a crowd that their marriage is falling apart. No one longs to disclose their child is behind bars. No one dances for joy when the doctor reveals a cancer diagnosis.

Tough truths that confirm our nagging feeling that something isn’t right. Moments where we might be tempted to wonder if we’d paid closer attention to the warning signs would the results be the same?

When normal no longer looks or feels normal early detection is crucial. In the medical field it broadens our options and increases our chances of survival. In the emotional realm it positions us to seek help before depression and anxiety overwhelm us. And when it comes to matters of the heart and soul, early detection minimizes the aftermath of sinful actions. By confessing disobedience quickly, the barriers to God’s wisdom and blessings are removed.

God has given each of His children the gift of the Holy Spirit which leads and guides us to truth. Positioning us to heed the warning signs and proactively respond to what doesn’t seem quite right. Wisdom is ours for the taking – we just simply need to seek Him and He will show us the way to respond.

“Father, Your wisdom is without judgment and offered freely to those who come seeking Your will.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

 

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Posted in Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Living, Success, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | March 2, 2023

About Our Father’s Business

“Didn’t you know I had to be in my Father’s house?” Luke 2:49 (NIV)

I have seen many-a-t-shirt and many-a-hat with the words “Gone Fishing” printed on them. While these two words are there as a simple joke to let others know of one’s love of fishing, they also serve as a reminder to the people wearing them that they have a love for the sport. They will make time and find a way to go fishing as often as they possibly can. While I have not fished more than a handful of times, I do have a couple of passions of my own, which include, of course, writing. Give me pen and paper or a laptop, and I am a happy camper! Filling blank pages with words is something that I would not trade for just any other activity. While I can write about anything; however, I choose to use my gift of writing to tell Bible stories from my own perspective, with the intent of bringing my readers into the stories with me.

The Lord Jesus was such a wonderful role model of ministry to others; He was passionate about His Father’s business and would pass up anything else He could be doing just to be with people, teaching them, loving them, praying with them, and healing them.

We are all important parts of the body of Christ, aka His church. There are no “unimportant” persons in the church, just as there are no “unimportant” parts in the human body system. We all play a significant role in keeping the body healthy and strong. Your area of giftedness may be working with children, youth, or adults; it may be teaching, or doing “fun” things such as plays, musicals, vacation Bible school, and so forth. It may be mentoring young Christians, or leading Bible study groups. It may be praying for others or visiting those who cannot leave their homes. Whatever your area of giftedness is, wear it proudly. Do it often. Be excited about it. Hone your skills so you can do it well. We don’t need a special t-shirt, hat, or sign over our door, but our modus operandi should always reflect the love of God.

“Father God, You are so good to us. Please help us to reflect Your goodness to those around us, especially those who need to know You.”

For His Glory

Luska Natali
TRBC Women’s Life

 

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Gratitude, Hope, Spiritual Living, Success

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

 

 

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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

 

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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

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Posted in Faith, Gratitude

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

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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

 

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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

 

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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

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Hope, Spiritual Living

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