Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | November 28, 2022

When Today Looks Different

“You know when I sit down and when I get up. You know my thoughts before I think them. You know where I go and where I lie down. You know everything I do. LORD, even before I say a word, you already know it.” Psalm 139:2-4

Baby it’s cold outside! Can’t believe last week, I was enjoying my happy place – warm sunshine, beach walks and bike rides. Totally different today. Can’t seem to shake off that chill and my toes covered up in socks and boots are missing the sand. The drastic temp change has sent my body into shock.

Reality has a way of waking us up fast. Smooth sailing can quickly turn into an unexpected downhill slide. Our easy stride crashes into hurried chaos without time to prepare. Not exactly what we planned or predicted can seep in and steal away our calm. Life today can look so different than yesterday.

We’ve probably all been there – the moment when the surprise isn’t a happy one. The time when our life stands still and everyone else is moving on. The thing we dreaded the most appears out of nowhere. Baby, it’s cold inside too.

Love the sweet promises of our Jesus to never leave us or forsake us. Captivated by the way He draws near to the brokenhearted and puts a new song in our hearts. Cherish the way He collects our tears and binds our wounds. Swept away by His patience, mercy and grace when our emotions overwhelm us. Amazed by His tenderness and whispers that calm our unslept night. Adore His words pouring deep wells of truth into our souls, despite the enemy’s lies.

While today might be totally different, unrehearsed and unwanted it’s never a surprise to our God. He is fully aware of all that touches us. Our unchanging God stands with us, weeps with us, holds us and understands even when our voice can’t give words to the sorrow raging in our souls. Aren’t you glad we don’t endure this life alone? We are forever in His sight – nothing can separate us from the love of God.

Sweet friend don’t know if happy is your place right now or difficult has invited you in. But there is one thing I know for sure; our God is faithful and true. When others walk out; He comes to stay. When difficult submerges us, He is our sustaining hope. And when the storms lift and the cold moves out, He will be the first one to say, “I knew you would make it.”

“Father, You are the only one who sees all, endures all and yet loves extravagant. Love the way You journey through life with us.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

 

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Hope, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | November 23, 2022

Gratitude Births Gratitude

“They shall pour forth the fame of your abundant goodness and shall sing aloud of your righteousness.” Psalm 145:7 (ESV)

Turkey is smelling delish – can’t wait to dive in. And those sweet potatoes dressed in melted butter and cinnamon oh my. Stuffing, cranberry sauce and of course pumpkin pie decorate the table just waiting to be devoured. The picture perfect Thanksgiving meal.

Love this time of year when we gather with family and friends. Sweet prayers of gratitude and thankfulness. Laughter and joy fill the air. Football games and Friday shopping what more could a girl want?

Within a short span of 24 hours, Thanksgiving comes and goes. We slip right into the holiday bustle and gratitude – well it kind of takes second seat to all the other happenings. The pursuit of all things on sale. The Christmas party we just can’t miss. School plays and church programs fill up our calendars. And oh yes, did I forget to mention the decorating, trimming and lighting up of the whole house? Somewhere nestled in the middle of busy and frazzled emotions, we tend to allow frustration, exhaustion and overwhelmedness to short circuit our thanks.

Wonder what would happen if we held on to gratitude? You know like letting thankfulness dictate our view. Research indicates a grateful mind stimulates sensitivity to more gratefulness. In simpler terms, gratitude births gratitude – it pays itself forward. When we actively look for and diligently cultivate a view of God’s goodness it invites perspective, growth, joy and peace. When we write down those blessings, we store up treasures to be unfolded on days when gratitude fades. When we choose to see God’s hand working in us and around us, we flourish even in the hardest places. Bold, courageous thanks for moment by moment glimpses of His deep love.

2023 will invite us to make lots of resolutions and goals – a vision for our life in the 365 days ahead. Purposeful living that glorifies our God. Diving deeper into His word. Igniting our conversations with Him. And let’s not forget the power of remembrance, thankfulness and gratitude which well up within those who keep their eyes zeroed in on the goodness of our God.

“Father, tucked away in every Thanksgiving is a reminder to cultivate seeds of gratitude – the best planting ever.”

Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family as we celebrate God’s eternal blessings. Women’s Life Devotionals will resume on Monday, November 28.

 

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

 

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Hope, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | November 22, 2022

Feeling The Weight

“For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” Hebrews 4:12

As followers of Jesus Christ, we have given over our heavy yoke of sin to Him—trading our burden for His light yoke of righteousness (Galatians 5:1). This exchange is one of the many amazing joys of salvation (admitting our sin, repenting, and surrendering to the Lord).

So, as the world around us becomes darker and more evil—truly spiritually heavier—we must be intentional about what weight we’re going to carry. Even though we have relinquished our burden of sin to the Lord, and we are a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17), we are still carrying this body of sin (as the Apostle Paul beautifully describes in Romans 7). In other words, until we are in our glorified body, our new nature will be battling against our flesh. If that wasn’t enough, because we’re still in the world, we also battle against the enemy—Satan—as this world is his temporary dominion (Ephesians 6:12). He makes valiant efforts every day to keep unbelievers separated from God and believers living outside of God’s will.

The weight of the world is heavy, friend. And it’s only going to get darker and heavier—the Bible makes that very clear. (Don’t fret! We know how it all ends—we win!) In the meantime, we have a choice about which weight we carry through this life (until He takes us Home by rapture or death). What is our choice?

We can carry the weight of the world, or we can carry the weight of the Word.

Do you wake up each morning to open up your phone and check the news or see how many likes you gained overnight on your social media platforms? Or do you grab a cup of coffee or tea and open up God’s Word to learn more about Him and how you are to walk through this world as His follower? Does the political and cultural chaos and “upside-down-ness” create anxiety and anger—able to ruin your day with one headline? Or do you meditate on what the Bible has to say, experiencing conviction to realign your life or gain a deeper understanding of Truth? Do your daily conversations stir up divisiveness? Or do you speak Truth with others, reflecting the grace, mercy, and forgiveness of Jesus?

Yes, as believers, we have given our heavy yoke of sin and eternal death to Jesus…but we must all carry a weight while we are on our way to heaven. The weight of the world is depressing, dividing, anger-provoking, destructive. Yet, so many of us make a daily decision to pick it up each morning. The weight of the Word, however, is only and always for our good. Although it can be sharp and painful at times (as we all need some redirection and conviction regularly), God’s Word brings guidance, joy, peace, and hope.

Choose this day which weight you’ll carry. One is meant to destroy you, the other brings light and life (Psalm 119). So, pick up your Bible and choose freedom (John 8:32; James 1:25).

Lord, forgive me for taking my attention off of You and Your Truth to focus on the heaviness of the world. Every day, let me seek You first—and all day—carrying Your word, not the world.

For His Glory,

Julianne Winkler Smith
TRBC Women’s Life

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

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | November 18, 2022

A Promise of Protection

“He will shield you with his wings. He will shelter you with his feathers. His faithful promises are your armor and protection.” Psalm 91:4 (NLT)

A farmer was walking his farm surveying the destruction of a devastating fire. He came across the carcass of a charred chicken and kicked it with his foot. To his amazement baby chicks ran from beneath the dead chicken’s wings. They had survived the heat, smoke and flames under the protection of their mother’s wings. Can you imagine this chicken lovingly corralling her chicks under her wings for protection?

In the very same way, this chicken protected her chicks, you can be confident that your Father in heaven shields and shelters His children with His wings and feathers. Actually, it is His promise. Whenever you read the words “I will” in scripture it’s a promise from God. In this passage, God does not say “I’ll see, maybe, perhaps or I‘ll think about it.” He says, “I WILL.” So He surely will do what He promises because He does not lie.

When life situations are too hot to handle, when you can’t see past the smoke and the flames of adversity are trying to consume you – remember you are even more precious to God than baby chicks. Imagine in your head God wrapping His loving arms as a shelter around you…safe and secure. You are shielded and protected by His promise as your armor.

“Father, how sweet to draw near to You, to rest in Your arms and know that we are safe. Your faithful promises are true – we can count on You to shield and protect us.”

For His Glory

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

 

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Hope, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | November 17, 2022

Be Still & See What God Is Doing

“Now then, stand still and see this great thing the LORD is about to do before your eyes!”

1 Samuel 12:16 (NIV)

It is hard for me to stand still, sit still, or just be still. I am one of those people that tend to have two speeds: energizer bunny or asleep. It’s as if I have a battery and I just keep going until my battery dies and then I have to sleep to recharge my batteries. Not only do I physically have trouble being still, but my mind has the same problem.

When I ask someone what they are thinking, and they say “nothing” I have a hard time believing that because my mind is never off. I am constantly thinking…whether I mean to or not. You should hear some of the storylines that run through my mind. I am sure there is a blockbuster hit somewhere in there.

But, seriously, I think and think and think. Sometimes it is worry, but most often it is just wondering. Especially when I am waiting on the Lord.

What will things look like in the future?

Am I prepared?

Will I be content?

And then I read 1 Samuel 12:16 in my morning devotional, and I am reminded to be still. That the Lord is doing a great thing. That this great thing will happen before my eyes.

Listen, this verse was not written to me or about me, but I believe it applies to me. And I believe it applies to all of us at varying times in our lives. As I am waiting on the Lord to move in several areas of my life, I want to just be still and trust Him, knowing that He has a great thing waiting for me, and it will happen before my very eyes.

“Dear Lord, please help me to stand still and wait on you.”

For His Glory

Laurel Shaler (www.drlaurelshaler.com)
TRBC Women’s Life

 

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Posted in Faith, Hope, Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | November 16, 2022

Choosing To Spread Goodness

“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” Galatians 6:9 (NIV)

“What goes around comes around,” says the popular proverb. Basically, what it means is that whatever it is that we sow, one day we will also reap; thus, if we do good, good will also be done to us.

You might say to me, “doing good even when things are tough, or even when others do us wrong is not a simple thing.” And I would say to you, “you are right. But the essence of faith is to believe that all things are possible with God and that if we persevere, we will reap the fruit of our faith.”

There once was a servant who owed his master a large sum of money (check out Matthew 18:21-35), and he could not pay him back. The master was going to throw the man in jail, but he pleaded with his master for mercy and his debt was forgiven. You would think that the man would’ve learned a lesson about forgiveness, right? Well, soon after he had his debt forgiven, that man went off to try to recover a much smaller amount of money owed to him by a fellow servant, who pled with him to let him work the debt off because he did not have the money. But the man was completely cold-hearted and instead, threw his fellow servant in jail. When the master found out what he had done to his fellow servant even after the master had forgiven his debt, he threw that man in jail until he could repay the debt that had already been forgiven. That man reaped what he sowed, and in his case, it wasn’t good.

Each day that we live we are faced with a myriad of decisions, and we must ask ourselves if the decisions we make are good not just for ourselves, but for all those involved. Whether it is money-related, as with those servants in Matthew 18, or an exchange of words or actions, the truth is that sometimes we are on the giving end, but at other times, we are on the receiving end, and we must remember that each time we lower the gavel on a decision.

If what goes around comes back around, let us choose to make a full circle with some good, because we can all benefit from it.

“Father, thank You for forgiving us every day that we live, even when we deserve it the least. Amen.”

For His Glory

Luska Natali
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Encouragement, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | November 15, 2022

Intimacy With God

“Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice.”  1 Chronicles 16:10  (NIV)

Thanksgiving is just about upon us this year. Our thoughts immediately go to how long it will take to thaw that turkey, how many relatives and friends will be at our table, where we will seat the young ones, who will make the green bean casserole, and a zillion other details.

We also think of the things we are thankful for. We’re grateful for God’s salvation, provision, protection, merciful kindness, family, Christian friendships, and on and on. But there is one thing I sometimes neglect to thank Him for: the intimacy He allows me to share with Him.

Intimacy is a relationship, the closest possible fellowship and unity. One of the distinguishing features of Christianity is that it is not a religion; it is a relationship with the Creator of the Universe. Of all the other gods that people worship, the only one offering a personal walk together is our living God, the great I AM. The very thought is breathtaking!

Can you know God intimately? Yes! First, you must trust Him, and believe that Jesus died for your sins and was raised again. There is no intimacy without trust. Then, you must repent and align yourself with His will. Receive Jesus as your Savior and Lord and commit to following Him.

Now that you have a restored relationship with Him, you can begin to grow closer. It doesn’t come all at once. The longer you are with Him, the deeper it grows. Learn to listen to His voice as you converse with Him, and as you go through your daily life. Study His Word, which is a love letter to you. Recognize His hand at work around you. He is always there with you, no matter where you are. It is so worth seeking Him with all your heart. He will teach you great and unsearchable things you don’t know (Jer. 33:3) and give you experiences you could never have apart from Him. Your life will slowly be transformed.

So spend time with Him, and listen eagerly for His still, small voice as He speaks to you privately. Observe what He is doing. Share Him with others.

My prayer for you this Thanksgiving is that you will know that deep, satisfying relationship with our Lord, that it will remain alive and active and fill your heart with joy. Never let the distractions of this world cause you to neglect it.

“Father, we long for a close, intimate relationship with You. Teach us Your ways, so we may know You more deeply than we have ever known You before.”

 For His Glory

 

Cherie Harbridge Williams
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Gratitude, Spiritual Living, Worship

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | November 14, 2022

Gratitude Focusing Outward

“I (Paul) never stop giving thanks for you as I remember you in my prayers.” Ephesians 1:16 (HCSB)

Sitting in a cold, dark prison thanking Jesus characterized Paul’s life. His situation wasn’t desirable or even thinkable, but Paul kept his mind focused. And that disciplined focus turned his attention outward rather than inward. Perhaps the secret to Paul’s survival in those dark places was found in his genuine love for God and others. Maybe the thing that kept him filled with gratitude was simply reflecting on how God had used others to minister to his life.

There’s not a day that goes by….or a moment that slips away…….that someone, that includes you and me, someone needs hope. And in the bleakness of a hard, dreary day there’s nothing more profound than hearing those words, “I’m praying for you.”

Paul knew that giving thanks and remembering others in prayer would be the catalyst for survival in his own soul. God’s faithfulness was sprinkled throughout the memory of those men and women who fed him, housed him, greeted him, prayed for him….an endless list of goodness from God through ordinary people. So, despite confinement and isolation, Paul’s heart wasn’t filled with “woe is me,” but rather “how rich I am.”

Genuine gratitude has a way of repositioning our human nature to see God’s loving kindness even in the most difficult places. Giving thanks reminds us that our lives are blessed and enriched by the people in our circle. Lifting others up in prayer reminds us of the sweet fellowship we share in the body of Christ, and every time Paul mentioned a name his heart was filled to overflowing.

Don’t know about you, but I can seriously get lost in my world.  I can easily get caught up in the day to day chaos and totally ignore God’s call to reach out and encourage someone else.  I can excuse away my absorption with busyness.  I can ignore those who desperately long for just one person to acknowledge their pain and loneliness. I can zero in on my struggles and trials rather than lift up others to the Lord. And if I continue down this road, I will miss the sweetest blessing ever – the joy of blessing others and being blessed by others.

Nothing sweeter dear friends than intentionally choosing to give thanks and remembering others in prayer.  Grab your calendar…..carve in some time this November to purposefully pray for others.  List those people who have invested in and touched your life.  Lift up your heart of gratitude to God for surrounding you with amazing people who have filled your cup to overflowing.  Ask God to enlarge your tent….be the reason someone else feels blessed this holiday season.

“Father, our lives are filled with gratitude for the sweet remembrance of Your people…… awesome friends who make this journey more enjoyable – we are truly blessed!”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

 

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Posted in Encouragement, Gratitude, Prayer

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | November 11, 2022

Want To Refresh Part 3

“Come to Me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will
find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light.”  Matthew 11:28-30

In your quest for true refreshment, here is part 3…

  1. UNBURDEN YOURSELF WITH JESUS.

Friend, the weight of the world is heavy. It’s so easy to be burdened by a to-do list and the daily demands on us. To be pressed by trying to do and be “good enough”—desiring the accolades and “atta girls” from others, and even from God.

Oh, trying to carry it all ourselves…the worry, the anxiety, the must-dos, the fears, the perfection…it is not only a burdensome yoke. It will ultimately crush us.

But Jesus beckons us…

Matthew 11:28-30  “Come to Me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light.”

Jesus invites us to come to Him for rest. He wants us to surrender our heavy burdens of this world and give them over to Him.

See, we do, and we try, and we strive…to earn our way to heaven, to save ourselves. But these efforts are endless, and they are fruitless. But there is respite. A way to throw off that yoke around our neck. Jesus invites us to make a trade—a Great Exchange. Our yoke for His. Shackles for freedom.

Jesus has done the work, sweet friend. He has suffered the penalty and paid the price of our sin, making a way of reconciliation with God. He has freed us from the endless self-effort of self-salvation that, despite it all, can never be enough, because God requires perfection.

But all we have to do is accept the Exchange.

Christmas is coming. When we get a gift that really stinks, but there’s a gift receipt with it…and we go to Kohl’s or wherever, and we use that receipt to exchange the stinky gift for something that we really love and need…this is kinda like that, only a gazillion times better.

Jesus has paid for this gift of salvation—of freedom from the burden of this world and of our sins. It’s a gift of grace—it doesn’t cost you anything. But you do have to make the exchange—returning, so to speak, what you’re holding onto. You’ve got to give HIM all your efforts, the sin, the world’s lies you’ve bought into.

Acts 3:19  “Therefore repent and return, so that your sins may be wiped away, in order that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord.”

The grace of God through Jesus Christ is true refreshment. Maybe you’ve made this Great Exchange, accepting the gift of salvation…but, for whatever reason you’re still clinging to the old things as well—and it’s burdening you. Let go of that yoke—and stop trying to take it back from Him.

Or maybe you’re reading this, and you’re living under the crushing weight of a yoke, a burden that you didn’t know you could abandon. Oh, friend, you don’t have to carry it anymore. All you have to do is acknowledge that you want to make the Exchange…that you want to trade your burdens, your sin, and your unrighteousness for the freedom that Jesus offers. Give it to Him and accept the free gift of His righteousness, paid for in full, so you can be free and your soul can find rest.

Revelation 22:17  “The Spirit and the bride say, “Come.” And let the one who hears say, “Come.” And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who desires, take the water of life without cost.”

“Lord, let there be just one who, right now, will surrender their heavy-laden burden for gift of freedom in Christ. Let them surrender and come to You.”

For His Glory

Julianne Winkler Smith
TRBC Women’s Life

 

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Posted in Uncategorized

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | November 10, 2022

Want To Refresh Part 2

Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.” Matthew 4:4

Seeking true refreshment for your soul? Here is part 2 of the answer…

  1. NOURISH YOURSELF WITH GOD’S WORD.

Just as our physical body needs both water and food to survive and thrive, so does our spirit. Once we surrender to Jesus, accepting the free gift of salvation, we are made new in Him…but we’re still in this world and wrapped in this fallen, sinful body. And, friend, the world is continually force-feeding us some serious junk food…the lies of media, the perversion of culture, and the warped sense of “reality” through social media.

So, we must ingest the Truth of God on a regular basis—our daily bread. We don’t eat food just once a week, right? We need the Word every single day. Because I can guarantee that we don’t go a whole day without checking Instagram or Facebook or turning on the news—right? As we feed on those things of the world, they’re creating a famine in us—malnourishment!

But God’s Word truly nourishes—our mind, our heart, and our spirit.

Psalm 19:7-8     The law of the Lord is perfect, refreshing the soul.
The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple.
The precepts of the Lord are right, giving joy to the heart.
The commands of the Lord are radiant, giving light to the eyes.

His Word gives us life (Matthew 4:4). His Words are spirit and life (John 6:63).

Knowing and following God’s Word is the only way to navigate this world and walk in the direction of obedience toward eternity. God’s Word teaches us, corrects us, trains us and equips us (2 Timothy 3:16). Especially as the “norms” and “truths” of this world shift so quickly, and right becomes wrong and wrong is right. We have to stand firm on His Truth, or we will fall for anything. God’s Word is our light in an ever-darkening world. And, as Paul tells us in Ephesians, the Word is also our sword (our weapon) against the enemy and his hissing lies.

And as we nourish ourselves with God’s Word, spending intentional, daily time in it, we get to know the Lord better and better—and we come to a deeper and deeper understanding of His love for us. We are filled up by the Truth of who we are in Him, satisfied in this fact…and, like when you finish up an amazing meal and you’re completely happily stuffed, when we’re satiated with Truth, there’s no room for lies.

Lord, thank You for Your Word—a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path. Nourishment for my soul.

For His Glory

Julianne Winkler Smith
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Faith, Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Living

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