Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | May 16, 2023

Foolish Friends

“He who walks with the wise grows wise, but a companion of fools suffers harm.”  Proverbs 13:20

Proverbs 13:20 was one of the very first lines of scripture I memorized as a new believer—and it sets a great foundational direction for all of us who desire to follow Christ. Typically, we think to ourselves, “Yes, this is exactly what our kids need to know!” It definitely is. But this verse is also one of the many pieces of wise Biblical direction we give our kids that, sadly, they don’t necessarily follow. And, unfortunately, the second part of the Proverb—as promised—comes to pass. We simply keep praying that they’ll learn.

Let’s turn the mirror on ourselves for a minute. Sure, we can assess our friend group and choose to spend time with the “wise” among them—other believers who love Jesus and help disciple us as we sharpen them as well (Proverbs 27:17). But what about all our other “companions”? How wise or foolish are those whose words and actions bombard our eyes, ears, and mind daily through our digital media? Ouch.

As Christ followers, we have to assess all our companions—real people and those in the digital realm. The TV “friends” and “families” we watch, the podcast hosts we listen to, and even our “friends” on our social media platforms…in fact, many of us spend significantly more time with these “people” than we do with 3D human companions, so it’s vital to weigh their value to our life!

It’s easy to think that all this is harmless. “It’s just a funny meme video, all the cussing is just context.” Or “Yes, there are a lot of sex scenes, but the storyline is great.” Or “Sure, the divisiveness and vitriol is rampant, but I have to keep (social media platform name here) to keep up with my friends and family!” Even our musical companions croon (or bark) messages of sex, hatred, and drunkenness in our ears.

Our thoughts, as well as what and who feed our thoughts, inform our emotions, which generate our actions (Mark 7:20-22; Romans 8:5-7). That’s why the Bible is filled with exhortations to keep our mind on things above (Colossians 3:2), think about excellent, pure things (Philippians 4:8), and take our thoughts captive to obey Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5). And in today’s digital world, where we’re constantly plugged in—listening and watching—our “thoughts” are being fed to us relentlessly. These are our daily companions…and if we’re plugged into foolishness, we will, indeed, suffer harm.

So, let’s each turn to the Holy Spirit living in us, yielding to Him as our counselor, helper, and guide when it comes to our daily companions. When we don’t shut Him up or out, He’ll let us know when we’re hanging out with fools. And when we spend less time with them, we’ll be able to walk with the wise more often…and grow wiser. We’ll get closer to the Lord and experience much more joy each day.

“Father God, forgive me for turning my time and attention to the debased things of this world that have become the cultural norms. Help me to walk with the wise and become more like Christ each day.”

For His Glory

Julianne Winkler Smith
TRBC Women’s Life

 

 

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Posted in Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Living, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | May 15, 2023

Best Comfort Ever

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort who comforts us in all our affliction so that we will be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.” 2 Corinthians 1:3-4

What means comfort to you?  Perhaps it’s a warm fuzzy blanket.  Could it be a bowl of chocolate caramel ice cream?  Better yet maybe it’s the sound of waves crashing on the shore.   Regardless of what brings you comfort, we’ve all experienced moments when we found ourselves in desperate need of comfort.

A simple unimpressive side chair was my fave comfort spot during my single parenting journey.  Why?  It definitely wasn’t because the cushions were plush.  Nothing special about that inexpensive piece of furniture, yet it was the place where I felt comfort in abundance.  The side arms were close and when I curled up in the chair, I felt like the arms of God were holding me.  My fave place for talking to God, reading His word, pouring out my heart, sitting in silence and listening. Best comfort giver ever.  The sweet presence of my God during a difficult and lonely journey.

Pause for a moment and reflect on the comfort God has generously given to you.  Zero in on those times when desperation sent you running into His arms.  Rejoice over the moments when God’s comfort, healing and counsel allowed you to maneuver through hard places. Grab a pen and paper and write down what His comfort means to you even on a daily basis when life is simple, uncomplicated and good.

Life is challenging, yet we make it through not as lone rangers but as those who bask in the comfort and mercy of our Heavenly Father.  Stewarding the comfort God pours over us isn’t optional.  Our verse today reminds us that as recipients of His comfort, we are to then comfort others in any affliction.

Now I’ve read this verse a lot of times, but this week some keywords really caught my eye:  all and any. No matter what our situation, God is the giver of all comfort. There are no limitations or preferences.  God comforts us in the most insignificant issue to the places of our deepest desperation.  Wherever and whenever we need comfort, He exceeds our imagination.  And that word any, well it reminds us that we who have received comfort are to extend comfort to anyone in any situation.

Keeping it real here – I know that the best comforters are the ones who have walked in the shoes of the one in need of comfort.  When we have experienced loss, we have a deeper understanding of how to serve the one sinking in grief.  When we have journeyed through depression, the comfort we bring is strategic and purposeful because we know what helped us get through.  Yet sweet sisters, God’s word doesn’t lock us into those boxes.

Read today’s verse and listen to God’s plan – we are to comfort anyone in any situation. Our past experiences may not mirror someone else’s situation but that doesn’t excuse us from reaching out, praying for and comforting others. The very presence of God hovering over me in that old chair many years ago was a healing balm to my soul. Our comfort presence in the life of someone else can do the same.

“Father help us to cherish the memory of your comfort presence and then seek Your help in sharing comfort with others.”

 

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Hope, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | May 12, 2023

When Threats Surround Us

“And Hezekiah received the letter from the hand of the messengers and read it; and Hezekiah went up to the house of the Lord and spread it before the Lord.” Isaiah 37:14 (NJKV)

Ever found yourself in a place of great intimidation? Have the threats of the enemy filled your soul with overwhelming, paralyzing fear? That’s exactly where King Hezekiah landed. His enemy was coming against him and not just with force but with words. “Do not let your God in whom you trust deceive you,” echoed from the king of Assyria. His game plan was to plant a simple seed of doubt in the heart of the people of Judah. In simpler terms, ‘Hey guys your leader King Hezekiah is leading you astray. You can’t defeat us.”

Familiar tactic wouldn’t you say? We may not have a band of warriors headed our way, but Satan is alive and well seeking to devour us. Our enemy barks the same threat, “Your God can’t be trusted. He’s holding out on you. Look around you see the destruction – your God can’t protect you.”

Wow how many times have we bought into that lie? And unlike Hezekiah, we don’t go running to the feet of Jesus, we often cower in a corner as if Satan’s truth trumps our mighty God! Even worse we allow doubt, dread and hopelessness to settle in dragging us into a deep pit of despair. We run away as if we can escape the uncertainty totally disillusioned by all we once believed. And that sweet friend is how the enemy seizes control -one doubt, one lie at a time.

Love the way Hezekiah resisted the urge to believe the words haunting him. Love the way he goes immediately to the Lord and spreads it all out before the only One who can change his circumstances. Shows a girl a lot about what to do when the enemy shouts loud – run into the arms of Jesus. Take him the very words of intimidation and release them there. Leave the negativity and threats. Pour out our hearts and then watch our God move on our behalf.

Hezekiah’s God showed up in a big way annihilating the Assyrians (and when the people arose early in the morning there were corpses everywhere Isaiah 37:36). He’s got us covered too, so when the enemy deceives us with lies of defeat let’s remind him – we serve a Mighty God!

“Father, You are our powerful warrior. We can rest in Your promises and Your word. Help us to defeat the lies of the enemy and stand firmly on Your truth.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

 

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

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | May 10, 2023

Gather Around

“One day as he saw the crowds gathering, Jesus went up on the mountainside and sat down. His disciples gathered around him, and he began to teach them.” Matthew 5:1-2 (NLT)

We stepped off the bus and the children eyed us with curiosity. As we moved through the neighborhood inviting all to a puppet show, children realized we had what they wanted: candy, small toys, and attention. They gathered around, setting aside their scavenging to see what we were about, these strangers. They followed us down one street and up the next. They held our hands and tried to communicate with us despite the language barrier. Surrounded by children whose bellies had never been full, we gave all that we had. We drew a crowd for foodstuffs and toys, but filled their hearts with the grace and love of Jesus as we presented the gospel and handed out Bibles. We applied for passports and visas, raised money for the flights, and spent vacation time for these precious ones.

Our key verses constitute the introduction to the Sermon on the Mount. The crowds gathered because Jesus alone had what they wanted. Had the people heard of Jesus’ teaching in the synagogues? Had they seen a friend healed of illness or disease? Had rumor spread of the Man who could free a demon-possessed boy? Whatever the reason the crowds gathered, God in the flesh was about to feed His people with the truth that gives life. I just love the simplicity of the verses. They gathered; He taught.

Do we gather? We gather at our kids’ school for meetings and assemblies. We gather at sporting events—professional and amateur. We gather at celebrations: birthdays, graduation, anniversary, etc. Do we gather together as believers around Jesus?

“And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.” Hebrews 10:25 (NLT)

Do we desire what Jesus offers enough to set aside our plans? Gathering at churches, small groups, Bible studies, and ministries puts us in a place to hear from God. He alone has what we want. He alone provides all that we need.

Gather around.

“Lord, may we never take advantage of the privilege we have to gather together in prayer, worship, and learning. We desire what only You can provide.”

For His Glory

Tammy Randlett (http://staletoast.com)
TRBC Women’s Life

 

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Posted in Encouragement, Hope, Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | May 9, 2023

Creation’s Praise

“The mountains and the hills will break into shouts of joy before you, And all the trees of the field will clap their hands.”  Isaiah 55:12

How often are you in the quiet—especially outdoors? Do you ever escape the constant din of the city and suburban life (cars, trucks, trains, lawn equipment, construction work)? Many of us don’t even realize that there even is an urban soundtrack until we’re not in the midst of it anymore.

But, whether it’s to the beach, the mountains, or the middle of a cornfield, we need to get away from the noise of man and take time to bask in God’s amazing creation. Now, quieting our life from the onslaught of social media, news, headphone-streamed music, etc., is vital as well—we must be still and know God (Psalm 46:10). But this is something different. This is about hushing the noise to hear the praises of Creation itself to the God who designed it all and spoke it into existence.

Start at sunrise and listen to the birds as they wake up with praise on their lips (well, beaks). Turn your attention to the trees. As the wind blows through the branches, you’ll hear the leaves applaud and cheer on their Creator. And then there’s the ocean (sans the screams of delighted children and various speakers blaring everything from country music to rap). Each wave that mounts up then crashes to the shore is a roar of acclaim to the Lord. Can you hear it?

What about the myriad flowers? Gardenias, jasmine, magnolia, roses—to name just a few. Not only do they burst forth in intricate beauty, but their distinct fragrances give testimony to God’s love and generous grace. From the hummingbird’s miraculous movements to the heavenly host throughout the universe, the Lord is being magnified through every detail of His workmanship.

The question is, do you stop to glorify Him along with Creation? Take some time today to experience the joyful worship that’s all around you…and join the chorus of praise.

Let’s pray this Psalm together in praise of our Creator God:

”Praise the Lord! Praise Him, sun and moon; Praise Him, all stars of light! Praise Him, highest heavens, And the waters that are above the heavens! They are to praise the name of the Lord, For He commanded, and they were created. Praise the Lord from the earth, Sea monsters, and all the ocean depths; Fire and hail, snow and clouds; Stormy wind, fulfilling His word; Mountains and all hills; Fruit trees and all cedars; Animals and all cattle; Crawling things and winged fowl…They are to praise the name of the Lord, For His name alone is exalted; His majesty is above earth and heaven. (Psalm 148)”

 

For His Glory,

Julianne Winkler Smith
TRBC Women’s Life

 

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Posted in Encouragement, Hope, Spiritual Living, Worship

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | May 8, 2023

Equipped To Win The Battle

“Many are my persecutors and my adversaries, but I do not swerve from your testimonies.” Psalm 119:157

My sister, Faye, is an avid lover of animals.  She has been known to bring her car to a screeching halt so a squirrel or turtle can cross the road safely.  While that may be a bit extreme, we’ve probably all swerved to miss a leaping deer or debris on the road.  Strategically attempting to avoid an accident, we deviate from our course in the name of safety.

While swerving can definitely protect us when faced with unknown obstacles in our path, it’s never the right choice when it comes to God’s truth.  Turning aside to the left or right, moving away from or fleeing what we know is true never serves us well.

Real question is how does swerve evolve, especially when we thought we were grounded?

We’ve probably all claimed our determined stance when it comes to the wisdom of God’s word. Yet, every little compromise, every rationale, every moment of peer pressure has the potential to deviate us from His truth.  And the times when we find ourselves the most vulnerable are when we are under attack.

Satan is the great accuser, and he loves to create doubt and confusion.  Why?  Because he knows the power and truth found in God’s word.  He also knows the word of God is one of our greatest weapons against him; Jesus proved that when Satan tempted Him in the wilderness.  No brainer here – if Satan can get us to swerve away from God’s truth then he knows our effectiveness to share the gospel and grow in our faith fades as well.

I personally have never felt persecution for my faith like many of our brothers and sisters in the Lord on foreign soil.  Brave, bold and courageous followers of Jesus who lay down their lives for the sake of the gospel.  Yet, I do know the influence of emotional and physical attacks which can overwhelm us. Growing up during a time when my pastor was taking a strong stand against moral decline, I often was faced with teasing and ridicule from classmates in school. End result, I would go home feeling sad and defeated because of what I believed.

Fast forward to adulthood, I’ve battled the attacks of our enemy as he uses people and situations to manipulate his plans.  Generating disunity and divisions.  Attempting to discredit the character of our God.  Twisting solid truths into seemingly convincing wiser thoughts which can land us full of confusion and doubt.

Love the Psalmist’s words “I do not swerve from your testimonies.”  Unshakeable, unmovable.  A solid place to land in the face of persecution and adversity.  When accusations seek to slay us and what we believe, we can cling to the truths of God’s word – armed for battle against our enemy.  When our souls are overwhelmed and justice appears to fade into the night, we can trust our God to fight the battle for us.  Leaning on our God, combating our enemy with His words and standing strong positions us to win. And like the Psalmist, we too can proclaim “We are not swerving from your testimonies.”

“Father, fill our hearts with Your words so we are equipped to win the battles of this world without losing our faith and trust in You.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Faith, Freedom, Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | May 5, 2023

A Strong Foundation

“The wise woman builds her house, but with her own hands the foolish one tears hers down.” Proverbs 14:1 (NIV)

A hammer and nails we will not find in our designer purse but building, constructing, reinforcing and repairing are on the agenda. Erecting a barrier, condemning the space and blocking grace are often favored rather than building a relationship. Perhaps there’s a bridge of forgiveness to be extended, but ending that relationship seems sweeter. Navigating a new design to an old pattern – wow that’s just too much work.
You see, we are great purchasers of new when old is no longer appealing. But what happens when the exchange involves people?

A little Construction 101 reminds us that a house is only as stable, strong and unshakeable as its foundation. Same principle applies in relationships. A weak foundation is easily disturbed and the crumbling underneath is devastating. If we are not careful we will tear down, cast aside and discard a priceless treasure. It takes supernatural strength to repair, re-construct, reinforce and repair lives dangling by a thread. But isn’t that where God found us? Isn’t that where God empowers us?

Relationships built upon the rock of grace reflect a strong foundation – a wise woman. I love the way Proverbs challenges us to build up our relationships, our home and our work environment. It’s the Restorer, Redeemer and Reconciler inviting us to react and live wisely. It’s the Sovereign One compelling us to weigh the cost of foolish emotions that tear down and destroy. How we long to be wise women whose houses and relationships are built daily upon the truths of God’s word.

“Father, I am so thankful that You build up my life with Your wisdom and grace. How I need You to navigate all the relationships in my life.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

 

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

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | May 4, 2023

Knowing Your Adversary

“For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers,  against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness,  against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.” Ephesians 6:12 ( ESV)

I was caught up in the beauty of the crashing waves coming at me, completely lost in the moment.  So caught up that I forgot about the undertow.  Causing me to lose my footing and left me struggling to recover.

An undertow is when waves break along the ocean shore. Once that occurs, gravity pulls backwards and the water (and sand beneath your feet) is sucked right back into the ocean.

An undertow can be dangerous. If the water going back into the ocean is strong it can knock you down with another wave swooping in before you can recover.

I was so focused on what I could see, I forgot about what was going on underneath the surface.

That is what Paul was trying to teach the church in Ephesus that their adversary is not the people in their lives -it’s not what they can see on the surface.  It’s what is happening underneath (in the spiritual realm).

In other words, your enemy isn’t the woman from church who doesn’t speak to you in passing or smile at you the way you think she should. Most likely, that lady has her own troubles on her mind.

Our adversary is Satan and the spiritual forces of evil that do his bidding.

But to the woman who has heard messages of rejection and struggles with insecurity – the enemy knowing that is your area of weakness; will hit you harder there hoping to get a reaction.

Meaning he will feed you messages of insecurity from the past that will trigger feelings that will cause you to react in the present based on a past feeling.  Essentially pulling you backwards into a dangerous emotional undertow.

Your enemy can’t read your thoughts ladies, but he’s been studying you for years; and he knows which feelings to push to reduce you to a fit of tears and rage.

By knowing who your adversary is – you will know how to battle him.

And ladies, we are in a spiritual battle for our souls and the souls of those we love.

The best weapon against our adversary is the word of God – “living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul”. (Hebrews 4:12, ESV)

We must know the Word and speak its’ truth back to ourselves when the enemy attacks.  Understanding that feelings and behaviors are a direct result of the thoughts going through our minds.

The more you speak truth to yourself, the stronger you’ll become in managing the emotional undertows of life.

“Father thank you for the weapons of warfare you’ve given us to battle our adversary.  Teach us to use the Word to cut through the lies the enemy feeds us.”

For His Glory

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

 

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Posted in Faith, Freedom, Hope, Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Living, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | May 2, 2023

Numbing Deception

“But realize this, that in the last days difficult times will come. For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, slanderers, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy, unloving, irreconcilable malicious gossips, without self-control, brutal, haters of good, treacherous, reckless, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God. “ 2 Timothy 3:1-4

As I traveled on a brief trip to see my stepmom (and chilled out—literally and figuratively—during long layovers in Newark and Detroit, which were odd mid-destinations between Jacksonville and Dulles), I devoured “Fahrenheit 451” by Ray Bradbury (©1953). You likely read this short novel in high school, but probably don’t recall its profound literary connotations—and its dystopian reality certainly didn’t parallel that era as much as it does today. In fact, the intense relevance kind of messed with my head a bit, as I observe our current self-serving pleasure culture in relation to the decades-old warnings of authors like Bradbury and Orwell (see “Animal Farm” and “1984” as examples).

In this novel, society had deteriorated (or advanced, depending on one’s perspective) to passive happiness-seeking. Critical thinking—or any pondering at all—had been deemed a bad thing. The powers-that-be constantly fed people meaningless input and commercials through four-wall always-on screens and always-in earbuds (sounds eerily familiar). Over time, people didn’t want to waste time reading books, so classics and modern works were summarized to a couple of pages, then reduced to a column, then minimized to a line or two—dare I say “280 characters” in today’s vernacular. People became seemingly “well read” and informed, although it was all a delusion. But even that nugget of insight was too much for individualized evaluation, so the entire concept of books became a thing of the past (and illegal), replaced by mind-numbing input of the system.

But the spiritual implications of “Fahrenheit 451” also struck me as quite weighty. See, even the attention span of today’s Christians has deteriorated. We want to be entertained at church, told how awesome we are and how great life can be. We certainly don’t want to be convicted in any way—the darkness in our life is just fine without the light of truth shining in on it. Instead of God’s Word being taught, line by line, with context and application, Christians want good soundbites. A verse sprinkled in here or there that aligns with the pulpit Ted-talk du jour, and modern churchgoers deem themselves “well-versed” in the Bible. No thinking or pondering needed. And when God says something we don’t like, we simply toss it out as “irrelevant to modern culture”—it interferes with our happiness and pleasure, so no thanks.

Then, suddenly (but not-so-suddenly), God’s Word is completely irrelevant. So is God. Stadiums full of people are lulled into thinking all is well from the mouth of a wolf clothed in a toothy white smile.

Friend, do not be deceived. The Bible is not only as relevant today as it was when God-inspired men wrote it, it is essential. Following God’s Word is not about limiting our happiness, but rather about ensuring our safety, satisfaction, and joy. Let’s not give in to watery, meaningless Sunday messages, cutting and pasting to make the Bible reflect the world. Find a church that stands firmly on God’s Word, shedding Light into an ever-present darkness. And open your own Bible. Don’t know where to start? Genesis 1:1 is a great place: “In the beginning, God…”

“Heavenly Father, as the enemy’s time runs short, strengthen the pastors, teachers, and churches that hold fast to Your Truth, proclaiming the whole Word. Open the eyes of men and women who are being deceived from wolf-occupied pulpits.”

For His Glory

Julianne Winkler Smith
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Faith, Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Living, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | May 1, 2023

Choosing Well Even When Faced With Fear

“She (Anna) did not depart from the temple, worshiping with fasting and prayer night and day.” Luke 2:37b (ESV)

Have to admit it is easier to give up than to press through. Yes, we’ve all been there when trials, challenges and uncertainties totally left us caving into fears. Moments when the chapters we would have never written unfold right before our eyes. Tough days often leave us feeling powerless and vulnerable in the wake of the unknowns. The white flag of surrender (giving up) feels sweeter than the pursuit of victory.

What does it take for you to give up – cave in and not fight through? We all have our perceived limits of what we can endure, but in the wake of such days do we attempt to let go or hold on tight to our Mighty God?

Anna was a prophetess who enjoyed the wonder of seven years of marriage with her man. What she thought would last forever evaporated way too soon and she (now a widow) found herself faced with a decision. The same decision we often face. On the brink of sorrow, disappointment and uncertainty will we remain faithful to our God or quietly bow out?
Easy out is to allow our challenges to overwhelm us, depress us and empty us until we see no alternative. More convenient to just live in self pity recounting the good ole days rather than clamoring for hope. Perhaps we’ve all been there when life just didn’t deliver what we expected and staying the course was simply too painful.

Anna could have easily regulated herself to a grief-filled life. She could have dismissed herself in the days when mourning rushes in like a mighty wave, but she didn’t. This bold, courageous woman chose instead to hold on to her God who was greater than her sorrow. Anna spent her life devoted to her God worshipping, fasting and praying in the temple the rest of her life. And the sweetest blessing ever, she got to meet the Christ child – isn’t that just like our God to reward those who faithfully serve Him?

Lots of things can happen which could convince us things will never get better. We have a choice – we can either trust our God for the unknowns or we can simply exist caving into the fears. We can keep serving faithfully or we can give up. The choice is up to each of us – let’s choose well. Let’s claim God’s promises and zero in on His character – the Overcomer – nothing is too hard for Him!

“Father, we can get lost in the media and statistics facing us right now. Help us to act wisely, take precautions and live in victory knowing You are still in control.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Hope

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