Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | December 7, 2022

The Christmas Jammies

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future..” Jeremiah 29:11  (NIV)

When my oldest grandson was four years old, like other little boys his age, his big passion was superheroes. I  wanted to get him something for Christmas he would really like, so I looked at superhero merchandise. I found a set of pajamas with his favorite hero on the front, and a green cape behind, attached at the shoulders like any self-respecting superhero. On Christmas morning, he put on his new jammies and took me out in the backyard, into the Florida sunshine. I didn’t know his world was about to change. So out we went.

He looked up at me and asked, “Which way to Granny and Granddaddy’s house?”  I pointed in the general direction of his great-grandparents. Then my precious grandson took off running and tried to jump into the air.

The next moment is burned into my memory forever. I realized he thought the cape would allow him to fly, and he was going to visit Granny and Granddaddy. When he took that leap, it was as a sweet, innocent little boy expecting to truly fly…but reality came smacking him in the face and a more mature, wiser little boy fell back down. My heart broke as a look of disappointment and realization came across his face. Part of his childhood had just left him.

He took it like a trooper. He straightened himself up and brushed himself off. I hugged him, and we went back in the house together without a word.

Hasn’t that same thing happened to all of us, more than once? You took a ‘leap of faith’ that didn’t work out the way you expected and were forced to face an unpleasant reality. Maybe it was a failed relationship, a failed business, or a thwarted plan for the future. You may have wondered where God was.

I imagine that just as my heart grieved to see my grandson learn he couldn’t fly, the heart of God grieves to see us try something and experience failure. So He gave this promise: “I know the plans I have for you…plans to give you hope and future.” As redeemed children of the living God, we can go through failure, learn its valuable lesson, and go on with sure hope that He has a plan for our future. That was the reason God sent his Son, born in a manger, who died for us, so that we might live a joyous life of hope, even though we occasionally experience failure.

As you reflect on Him this Christmas season, remember to thank Him for that hope, that we can live flawed lives as humans, sometimes experiencing disappointment and failure, but knowing we have the ultimate victory!

“Father, this is the time of year we celebrate the shepherds and angels, Mary and Joseph, and the babe lying in the manger. We thank You for that incredible miracle, and for the hope we have in Jesus that touches each of our lives, personally and intimately.”

 For His Glory

 
Cherie Harbridge Williams
TRBC Women’s Life

 

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Hope, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | December 5, 2022

Resting In Your Promises

“Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful.” Hebrews 10:23 (ESV)

Gotta love a bargain, right? Yes, us girls want that discount. We love doorbusters, Black Friday sales and Cyber Monday. In person or online, we don’t want to miss out on the best deals. Probably the reason I rose at 4 am the day after a busy Thanksgiving. Eyes partially open, I joined my sister for one of those get in the line really early, get a special coupon and shop, shop , shop until you drop days.

Despite the chill in the air and the wait, we were excited to finally step inside the warm store and uncover our special coupon. A squeal from my sister’s lips revealed I received one of the top coupons. Like Santa on his sleigh, we dashed through the store gathering all our bargains. Our bags filled; I stepped up to the counter with a big smile gracing my face as I handed the clerk my coupon. Wow, did that smile ever fade so fast. The perceived grand coupon couldn’t be used on anything in my bag. After numerous attempts to redeem what had been given to me, we left the store disillusioned, disappointed, frustrated and yes angry.

Perhaps, you dear friend have experienced those same emotions over unfulfilled promises and misplaced truths. Ever so easy in our world to take truth at its face value, but you and I both know that’s a dangerous place to land. Empty words will always leave us doubting and longing for just an ounce of truth.

Promise keepers are few and far between, but I know of One who has never failed to deliver.  His words are faithful and true. He can be trusted. He is the only One who never leaves us disappointed, frustrated or disillusioned. When sin entered our world, He crafted the most perfect promise of redemption through His only Son.

Who is this Promise Keeper – our amazing God!!!

Before Jesus was born more than 300 prophecies were recorded in God’s word proclaiming Jesus’ birth, life, journey to the cross and His resurrection. Specific promises to His people outlined through the pages of His word. Absolute truths we can cling to. Promises we can count on. Declarations strategically placed in historical accounts leading up to Jesus’ birth. Revealed at precisely the right time – divinely orchestrated by our Heavenly Father.

Don’t know about you, but we desperately need truth in this world of misplaced promises. We need a  sure place to stand. We want a Promise Keeper who will do what He says He will do.

Sweet friends, we can trust God’s amazing redemption story unveiled from Genesis to Revelation – every promise in His word has been fulfilled or will be fulfilled for all eternity. No doubts – just complete trustworthiness from our faithful God – who could ask for more?

“Father, You are the perfect Promise Keeper. We can rest in your words and cling to Your promises.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Hope

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | December 2, 2022

Without Compromise

“The land we (Joshua and Caleb) passed through and explored is an extremely good land.” Numbers 14:7b (HCSB)

Standing strong, firm and unmovable in the face of opposition requires incredible courage. Delivering a message that contradicts with the crowd in the midst of thousands requires godly boldness. Unwavering in the promises of our God even when others doubt requires holy trust.

Joshua and Caleb met the test without compromising, shrinking back or going with the crowd. When Moses sent them with eight leaders to check out the Promised Land, these two men saw victory where the others saw defeat. The team of ten brought back the fruit of the land proclaiming God’s truth – the land was flowing in abundance. But then the report split with eight leaders filled with fear and warnings to the two who envisioned God’s deliverance. Only Joshua and Caleb were willing to look beyond what they could see. If God’s word was truthful about the good of the land then He was fully capable of handling the bad.

Easy statement to write – hard to digest. How often do we trust God for the good, visible and easy truths, yet abandon His abilities in our challenges? The enemy seemed larger than life to these leaders and often our enemies overwhelm our vision to the point that we minimize the largeness of our God. We shout His praise and faithfulness in the good, but lag and doubt when the battle gets hard.

Glorifying God, even in the face of the enemy, standing firm and strong will be the defining moment in our lives. Let’s be the one who doesn’t cave or give in – let’s prove to our world that we will not waver – God is able to do more than we ever imagined.

“Father, help us to be women who display incredible courage, godly boldness and holy trust – glorifying Your name always!”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

 

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Posted in Faith, Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Living, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | December 1, 2022

Holiday Pause – Releasing Anxiety

“Let everything that has breath praise the Lord! Praise the Lord!” Psalm 150:6  ESV

The Christmas season has been called “the most wonderful time of the year,” for many reasons. It is certainly the most exciting. All the planning, shopping, and family get-togethers…putting up the decorations…Christmas programs, recitals, football games…we love it all. But along with all of that, have you noticed an increase in anxiety?

Anxiety can be caused by small things as well as large, accompanied by a sure knowledge that things are out of control. It could be something as large as the loss of a loved one, an overloaded schedule, financial stress, or something as small as thinking a gift you chose for someone wouldn’t be “good enough.” Almost everyone among us has some anxiety at some time.

When my kids were small I had a lesson in anxiety and fear. Our family was on a camping vacation in New Mexico, driving a car and pulling a pop-up tent camper. One evening as we looked for a place to spend the night, the only campground within driving distance was a remote location in the desert. When we arrived, we found that it was situated at the bottom of a large bowl-shaped crater.

I am normally a calm, happy person, but as the road wound its way down the slope of the crater, a feeling of anxiety came over me, as if something evil was near. My anxiety increased as the evening wore on. We unloaded the car, and my husband put up the camper. As I was cooking supper, the children wanted to play on the boulders that were piled against the walls of the crater. I was terrified for them, sure that they would slip and fall to their deaths. But my husband had no such fear. He gave them permission to play on the rocks.

As it turned out, they didn’t fall to their deaths, thank God, but after we went to bed that night a heavy wind came up and shook the camper…hard. The shaking continued for a long time. In my anxiety, I imagined the devil himself was shaking the camper. My fear grew. Then that still, small voice spoke to me and said, “Praise the Lord.”

What? It came again, “Praise the Lord.”

In obedience, I began to praise the Lord. I started with hesitation, nearly unable to think straight. But as I continued my praise, my head cleared, the wind actually stopped, and soon I was praising God joyfully. What a miracle! It was a lesson I’ll never forget: anxiety and fear do not coexist with praise.

Dear friend, whatever the reason for your anxiety, the lesson I learned back then still holds true today. Praise the Lord! Psalm 150 is a good place for you to begin your praise. Push the pause button on the holiday rush and spend some quality time with the lover of your soul. And have a Merry Christmas!

“Dear Lord, we pause in the middle of the Christmas rush to remember that You came to earth, born as a child in a manger, to die for our salvation. We praise You for \Your great faithfulness, and ask that You would replace our anxiety with the joyful hope we have in You.”

 For His Glory

 Cherie Harbridge Williams
TRBC Women’s Life

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

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | November 29, 2022

True Equity

Say among the nations, “The Lord reigns. The world is firmly established, it cannot be moved; He will judge the peoples with equity.”  Psalm 96:10

We hear a lot about “equity” these days. It’s a word that is thrown around a lot in culture, business, even church. But I’m not sure that everyone who jumps on the equity bandwagon truly understands the concept—it certainly is not a synonym for “equality” upon which freedom is based. And the terms are quite conflated in use. Simply put, “equality” means equal opportunity and “equity” connotes equal outcomes.

Humanly speaking, equity is not possible when freedom and choice exist. If you give 10 children $10 each, every one of those kids will likely choose to do something different with the money. Some will save (with dissimilar goals in mind); one may buy some candy; one may spend some and save some; one may buy a single toy; another may go to the dollar store to get as many random items as possible with the full sum, just to spend it all. All 10 kids had equal opportunity, but the likelihood of equal outcome is improbable. Now, if you give that same $10 to those same 10 kids and dictate to them exactly what to do (e.g., save $5 and buy a specific $5 item), this is equity: equal outcomes by force or demand.*

But with God, dear friend, there is equity in its truest, unadulterated form. He gives us the freedom to choose in this life—equal opportunity—but there will be equal outcomes. At the end of our lives, He will judge us with equity (Psalm 96:10; 98:7-9).

Each and every one of us starts at the same place: We are born into this world separated from God, sinners who fall short of His glory (Romans 3:23). Because God is perfectly holy and righteous, He requires perfect holiness and righteousness of us (Leviticus 19:2; I Peter 1:16). And no matter how hard we try to check off religious boxes or ensure our “do good” list is longer than our “do bad” list, we cannot achieve sufficient righteousness (i.e., perfection) on our own. If we breathe our last in this state, having chosen to make every effort to redeem and save ourselves, there will be equity—equality of outcome. One little lie or a lifetime of murdering. Doesn’t matter. One outcome awaits: eternal pain, sorrow, and isolation (hell).

But there is another equitable outcome provided by our righteous and holy God: heaven—an eternity in His presence. See, regardless of the life you’ve lived up to this point (liar or murderer), the penalty for your sin has been paid, a way of reconciliation with God made. Jesus lived the perfect life we cannot, died to take on the wrath we deserve, and then rose again to conquer sin and death. By accepting this gift of grace through faith, Jesus exchanges our unrighteousness for His righteousness—we are redeemed, deemed perfect in the eyes of God through Jesus. Regardless of what we’ve done in the past, we can be forgiven and free to turn our lives around, loving God and others in response to His love for us. And it is this choice, friend, that brings eternal peace and joy.

Regardless of where you started in life or where you’ve been, there is spiritual equity. But unlike the concept of human equity, there is no demand, no forcing of outcomes. You have total freedom to choose your eternity: heaven or hell. And if you haven’t made your choice yet, won’t you accept the gift of salvation in Jesus today and solidify your eternal outcome?

God, You are holy, righteous, sovereign—I am not. Thank You for making a way for me, for saving me and reconciling me to Yourself through Jesus.

For His Glory

 

Julianne Winkler Smith
TRBC Women’s Life

 

*Don’t misunderstand, I realize there are nuances in this discussion, but for the purposes of this spiritual illustration, the above basics will suffice.

 

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Posted in Faith, Freedom

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

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