Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | February 10, 2023

Comforted To Be A Comforter

“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.” 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 (NIV)

For years, I was unable to grieve well and as a result, I was unable to comfort well. I mistakenly thought that minimizing my own suffering was admirable — when in truth, I was denying not only my need to grieve but God’s promise to comfort me in my troubles. Without experiencing God’s comfort, I was ill-equipped to comfort others. I would use the same platitudes I spoke to myself when trying to “comfort” others who were in pain. When someone is suffering, quoting Romans 8:28 can feel more like a weapon than a salve. Truth, without compassion.

We cannot enter the grief of others until we enter our own grief and receive the comfort God promises. At times, I struggle with loving myself enough to believe that I even deserve God’s comfort. And honestly, I don’t. But because of who He is—a loving, merciful and compassionate Father, He has promised to comfort us. And, God keeps His promises.

Jesus said that the greatest commandment was to “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’; and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.” (Luke 10:27-28). Loving yourself requires learning to grieve well—recognizing and not minimizing our pain and accepting the comfort God promises. Only when we love ourselves, will we be able to love others well. Only when we allow ourselves to grieve, will we be able to comfort others with the same comfort we have received from God.

“Lord, draw us to love you more—with all our hearts, souls, minds and strength. Enable us to love others and love ourselves well. Teach us to turn to you for comfort in our suffering because you promise to comfort us and so that we can be instruments of your comfort in the lives of others.”

For His Glory

Ann Skalaski
TRBC Women’s Life

 

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Hope, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | February 8, 2023

Wise Translator

“Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders: make the most of every opportunity.” Colossians 4:5

In my junior year at my Christian high school, I made friends with the Japanese exchange student in our class. She was sweet and soft-spoken, and we enjoyed getting to know each other despite a very difficult language barrier. Fortunately, she had a digital pocket translator. One time, someone was sharing who they had a crush on in our class with her and she started laughing as she searched for the right word to describe that person. When she typed the word from her language into that little device and showed us what it said in English, it read, “praying mantis.” I still haven’t stopped laughing about that. I didn’t even know they had praying mantises in Japan!

Traditionally, the Junior class made t-shirts with the school’s theme every year as a fundraiser for our senior trip. Our class asked this friend to translate the verse for the year into her language on the front of the shirt: “See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise.” (Ephesians 5:15, NKJV) The key phrase she translated was “walk circumspectly.” In order to find the characters she could understand in her language, she had to use her pocket translator. My friend did not know the Lord, but she was in an atmosphere where the students around her had a tremendous opportunity to show Him to her.

Walking in wisdom towards outsiders and making the most of every opportunity has everything to do with walking circumspectly like that parallel verse from Ephesians 5:15 says. But what does it mean to walk circumspectly? Webster defines it like this: “careful to consider all circumstances and outcomes, prudent.” There’s a level of diplomacy even involved in walking circumspectly. Scripture teaches us that we are Christ’s ambassadors to the world (2 Corinthians 5:20). We are cautioned, certainly, in Psalm 1 not to “walk in the counsel of the wicked, stand in the way of sinners, or sit in the seat of sinners,” but here in Colossians 4:5, we are also reminded to “be wise in the way we act toward outsiders” and “make the most of every opportunity.”

Jesus made the most of every opportunity by inviting sinners to follow Him into abundant, everlasting life. Like a much better version of that pocket translator my Japanese friend held, Jesus translated His message into a language outsiders could understand. Rowdy fishermen, thieving tax collectors, prostitutes, hypocrites, and highly contagious sick people are just SOME of the outsiders Jesus welcomed inside by translating His message of repentance and hope into a language they could understand.

How are we walking in wisdom with people outside of God’s Kingdom? Are we shouting at them in a language they can’t possibly understand? Or are we asking God to give us wisdom on how to translate His message into a language they can understand without losing its meaning and integrity?

Let’s walk in wisdom with outsiders, asking God to help us translate His message into a language they can understand. He’s done it before, and He can do it now.

“Lord, help us to walk in wisdom with outsiders. Use us as living letters to translate Your message into a language those we interact with can understand.”

 For His Glory,

 

Emily P. Meyer (www.emilypmeyer.com)
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Faith, Spiritual Living, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | February 7, 2023

Good Ole Days

“So he called the name of the place Massah and Meribah, because of the contention of the children of Israel, and because they tempted the Lord, saying, “Is the Lord among us or not?” Exodus 17:7

I am once again reading through the Bible in the year in chronological order. Currently, I’m still within the chapters of Exodus, as Moses recounts the incredible saga of how the Lord delivers His people from over 400 years of bondage in the land of Egypt. But, in all transparency, this portion of the narrative never fails to convict me. Thanks to Hollywood renditions, believers and unbelievers alike are familiar with how, after 10 terrifying and deadly plagues upon Egypt, Pharoah finally relented to Moses’ plea to “let my people go”—the more than two million Israelites loaded up with their neighbors’ gold and walked away from horrific slavery and suffering.

The now-free men, women, and children are stopped at the Red Sea when Pharoah—who had changed his mind, despite the death and destruction brought on by the plagues of God—and his army gave chase. But God. The Red Sea parted, the Israelites walked through it, and then the Egyptians were all drowned when they tried to follow (Exodus 14-15). The people celebrated and wrote a song of praise…but just a few weeks later, they were grumbling to God and Moses as they walked toward the Promised Land. “Remember when we ate our fill?” they cried (Exodus 16:3). “Life was so good back in Egypt!” Um, in reality, they were beaten, terrorized, and worked to death—Pharoah even murdered all the baby Israelite baby boys to quell their population. And even after their miraculous survival of the plagues, their enriching exodus, walking on dry land through a sea, and actually being led day and night by God’s presence in a pillar of smoke and fire, respectively, they still grumbled and complained to God. Not only that, but they looked back at their bondage and mistreatment with some seriously rose-colored glasses, longing for the good ole days of enslavement.

And over the next few months, this cycle continued over and over. Despite a miracle of provision just happening, the people would grumble, gripe and complain. Then (in great patience, mercy, and love) God would miraculously show His power and provision again. Whether it was providing water from a rock, giving these non-fighters victory in battle, or raining down food from heaven, the people received mind-blowing grace from the Lord one day and forgot about it the next. What’s more astounding is that, even while being a literal walking miracle, these people turned their minds and hearts to a broken, miserable past from which they were delivered.

Cue the conviction. I read through these chapters time and time again with self-righteous mockery. The narrative in my head sounds something like, “I cannot believe those ungrateful idiots! How could they possibly experience God’s amazing provision just to turn around and gripe to Him about their circumstances? And they seriously pined for their “good ole days” of enslavement?”

Ouch. These chapters of Exodus might as well be a mirror. I was once enslaved to sin, but through the work of Jesus (not anything I did), I was set free and set off in a different direction toward the Promised Land (heaven). I am a walking miracle, having been redeemed by Christ and reconciled to God (Romans 5:10). Yet I still tend to gripe and complain. Over the past 25 years as a Christian, the Lord has shown me innumerable miracles—protection, provision, restoration, mercy…inexpressible grace. I even have the very presence of the Lord with me day and night, as the Holy Spirit lives in me! Sure, after each recognized gift of God, I am thankful, singing His praises! But then the sun rises again, and—somehow—I find myself whining about my circumstances again. What’s worse, though, are those times when I heed the hissing in my ear from the enemy: “Remember the good ole’ days, when you went out partying with your friends—wasn’t that so fun? Remember when you could talk and act however you wanted? Your money and time were all yours. You were so free back then!” Similar to the Israelites, though, my perceived “good ole days of freedom” were not so good. It consisted of pain, misery, selfishness, and enslavement to pursuing anything to fill the God-shaped hole in my soul.

The words from Exodus remind me of my own desert-wandering attitude, giving me the opportunity to repent and shift my perspective. To keep my eyes on the Lord and who He is and all He’s done for me, not on my circumstances or some glamorized version of my past. But friend, that is the beauty of the entire Bible! Each page, from Genesis to Revelation, reveals to us who Jesus is—and who we are in Him. Again, I encourage you to dive in, recognize the miracles of our gracious God (including you!), and learn from His Word how to walk not in grumbling and complaints, but in Joy and Peace.

“Lord, thank You for the reminder that we are prone to wander—in thought, word, and action. May we keep our eyes on You as we walk toward our ultimate Home.”

For His Glory

Julianne Winkler Smith
TRBC Women’s Life

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

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | February 6, 2023

Best Decision Ever

“And Elijah came near to all the people and said, How long will you go limping between two different opinions?  If the Lord is God, follow Him; but if Baal, then follow him.”  I Kings 18:21 (ESV)

Choices…choices…choices.  From the moment we wake in the morning choices begin to roll.  We make a decision to get out of bed.  Part of that choice is what time we get up.  We choose what we are going to wear to work.  We decide what’s for breakfast.  We choose to shower, brush our teeth, etc.  I think we all get the picture.  And we haven’t even left our home yet. Some of those decisions were no brainers – simple everyday tasks we perform on command.  Other choices were intentional and required thought.  Some choices are definitely easier than others, but for people who struggle to make any decisions all choices are heavy weights.

Totally landed there myself on many occasions.  One pivotal wavering moment in my early adult years could have easily landed me in a wrong direction.  One foot was in step with the world and one foot was in step with God. Needless to say, I wavered constantly. My allegiance was divided on every angle. Decisions were ever hard to make.  Why?  Because I knew the truth; I just wasn’t choosing to live it.

Sounds a lot like the Israelites who found themselves entertaining allegiance to Baal.  Dangling loosely in the world’s culture and gods versus standing firm in devotion to their God.  Elijah doesn’t sugarcoat his knowledge of their limping, double-minded opinions.  I Kings 18 unfolds the showdown of Baal versus God at Mount Carmel.  Elijah’s game plan was strategic to disclose who was the one, true God. Two bulls were slain and laid on separate altars.  “You call upon the name of your god, and I will call upon the name of the Lord and the God who answers by fire he is God,” commanded Elijah to the prophets of Baal.

Now these Baal followers probably thought the win would be a no-brainer.  Their god was known as presiding over fire. An easy feat for sure; however, despite calling on Baal to consume the altar nothing happened.  No response or fire descended from their god.  Calmly Elijah invited the people to draw near.  Purposefully, he took twelve stones (one for each of the 12 tribes of Israel) and built the altar. Placing the wood and bull strategically on the altar, Elijah instructed the altar to be doused three times in water.

“Answer me, O Lord, answer me that this people may know that you, O Lord, are God and that you have turned their hearts back,” echoed Elijah.  And God didn’t disappoint; He consumed the entire altar with fire (bull, stones, dust and water).  End result, the people fell on their faces and proclaimed the Lord is God. The limping back and forth transitioned into confident trust in the one true God.

Sweet friends, if we find ourselves attempting to cling to the world and to our God, we will be consumed with unrest.  No one can serve two masters (Matthew 6:24).  The struggle is real and one will always outweigh the other even if we never intended to move in that direction.  Let’s guard our hearts against allowing other gods to drift in and steal our allegiance.  Let’s choose today who we will serve and cling to our One True God!

“Father, help us to intentionally choose to follow hard after You.  Believing and trusting in You day by day.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Faith, Spiritual Growth, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | February 3, 2023

When Words Fall Short

“I (God) am angry with you (Eliphaz) and your two friends for you have not spoken the truth about Me, as my servant Job has.” Job 42:7b (HCSB)

We’ve probably all found ourselves in pivotal moments when we simply just didn’t know what to say. Someone we love experiences a heartbreaking loss. A family member or close friend passes away. A friend loses their job. A couple’s marriage disintegrates right before our eyes. A prodigal wanders further and further away heaping on devastating consequences. An illness or tragedy attacks those in our circle. Could be we are faced with the one whose choices haven’t served them well. All moments when we are searching for the right words and the right response.

Wonder if Job’s friends felt the same way. Devastation, heartbreak and extreme loss characterized Job’s life as Satan targeted him with blows from every angle. Within moments he lost his children, servants, livestock, and if that wasn’t enough he was stricken with boils from head to toe. Extreme losses. A man of perfect integrity (Job 1:8), Job became a moving target for Satan’s attacks. When his friends learned of his heartache, they left their homes with the intent to comfort Job.

And that sweet friends is where our story lands – after long dialogues and great dissertations, Job’s comfort is short-lived. His friends can’t explain the tragic events plaguing Job. They can’t wrap their minds around it so instead of comfort, they resort to judgment and accusations. They paint a false narrative of who God is and how He has interacted with Job’s life.

Have to be honest here – we’ve probably all landed there. When the suffering of this world seems larger than life, we attempt to come up with some way to rationalize it. We search for words to say – a way to explain what is so much higher than our own understanding. Like Job’s friends, our initial intentions are to comfort, but in the longevity of suffering, we may bend towards judgment and a misrepresentation of God. Don’t want to land in that place.

Before a single word escapes our lips, we would be wise to pray and seek God’s wisdom. Doesn’t mean He is going to give us the answer to someone’s suffering, but we can be confident He will guide us in what to say and when to say it. God will show us key scriptures to remind them of His faithfulness, promises and love for them. He will teach us how to listen deeply and allow others to give voice to their pain without fear of judgment. And sometimes the greatest gift we bring is just being present with them in the midst of their pain.

“Father, You are our ever-present help. You are faithful and true. Longsuffering and full of grace. Help us to reflect Your character to those overwhelmed by sorrow and remind them of Your great love.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Hope, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | February 2, 2023

Completely Helpless

“When we were utterly helpless, Christ came at just the right time and died for us sinners.” Romans 5:6 (NLT)

There was a time when my younger son screamed about everything. When I say scream, I mean it sounded like he was auditioning for the victim in a horror film. Granted, stepping on a Lego is painful, but there is absolutely no reason to scream when you lose your pencil or can’t get your sock on straight.

The screaming left every last nerve in my body frayed. I finally warned Kaden that if he kept screaming about everything, we might not come when he really needed us.

A couple of days later, I came in the house from getting some orange juice out of the refrigerator in the garage when I heard screaming. I was tempted to ignore the screaming and vacuum the sunroom like I planned. Something (or someone) blocked me from going about my business so I reluctantly checked on Kaden first.

I turned the corner and froze in fear. Kaden balanced precariously at the top of the stairs dangling over the banister. He was in a plank position with his belly on the banister. His feet hung over the stairs while his head fought gravity over the hard floor fifteen feet below. His strength began to fail him, tipping his feet higher and higher. He couldn’t get himself back on his feet since his palms were facing the wrong way. His arms were shaking with the effort of trying to hold on.

I raced up the stairs and pulled him away from the banister. As I held him in my arms, he cried over and over, “Thank you for saving me!”

Just as Kaden was helpless on the banister, we are helpless in our sin. Our pride and rebellion mire us in the quicksand of sin, pulling us down deeper as we struggle to break free in our own strength. We need a Savior to rescue us in our helpless state. Christ came at just the right time.

We may have trusted Christ for salvation one day in the past, but do we entrust Him with our needs each day?

“Thank You, Lord, for coming at just the right time to rescue me from my sin. I entrust You in all my helplessness with my daily needs.”

For His Glory

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

 

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Hope

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 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

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