Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | October 27, 2022

What You See Is Not What You Get

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!”  2 Corinthians 5:17   NIV

As I was driving down the road the other day, the car ahead of me caught my attention. It was what Dave Ramsey calls a “beater.” The plain old car was never glamorous, even off the assembly line. It was never sleek and racy. It had been built to appeal to cost-conscious buyers. Then, at some point over the years, it had suffered the indignity of having been in an accident and not repaired. There were creases around its boo-boo that were covered in rust.

There was one thing that stood out about that humble little car. Above the manufacturer’s emblem on the back was a second emblem – a shiny one that had been attached recently. It was from a Ford Mustang – that magnificent, silver racing horse. You know the one. I had a good chuckle; then I realized the life lesson.

My first thought was that it was parallel to the old adage about putting lipstick on a pig. But no, this was different. This was about a tired-looking little car with the heart of a racing machine. Kind of like me, and maybe you, too.

I could be compared to that little economy car. I grew up rather average with certain goals. I succeeded at some, failed at some, and got into some “accidents” of my own making along the way. I still carry the signs of dents and rust with me. But when I turned to God with my whole heart, He lifted me out of that life, dusted me off, and gave me the heart of a mustang. I can never praise Him enough for how He has transformed my life, restored my self-respect, and made me useful for His service.

How about you? If you are still in need of a transformation, my prayer is that you will stop right now and yield your heart and life to the One who can remake you.

“Father, we are so grateful that You can take us as we are, often tired and worn, and give us hearts that beat with passion and purpose. We pray that our lives will stand in witness to those who still need You.”

 

For His Glory

 

Cherie Harbridge Williams
TRBC Women’s Life

 

 

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

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | October 25, 2022

Isolation Kills

“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”  Hebrews 10:24-25

Some of you may recall watching a fascinating show called “Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom”—I remember being a small child, enthralled by this groundbreaking documentary about the behavior of wild animals around the globe. Even if your memory doesn’t go back that far, you’ve probably seen a video of a lion tracking a group of gazelles on some African plain. The lion crouches, watching and waiting. As soon as the pack of prey senses the lion—or the lion makes its move—panicked fleeing ensues. But then you see it. That one straggler…the one who’d wandered off alone to do his own thing, separated from the others. The lion sees that one too. Without the protection of the pack, the isolated gazelle soon becomes dinner.

Fast forward to 2022. Over the past few years, it has become sadly evident that isolation is causing a new level of deadliness among human beings. Even before COVID-19, ample psychological studies were done on social isolation, showing that it significantly increases a person’s risk of premature death from all causes—rivaling risks from smoking, obesity, and physical inactivity (50% increased risk of dementia, 29% increased risk of heart disease, and 32% increased risk of stroke). Loneliness is also associated with higher rates of depression, anxiety, and suicide—which we’re seeing among the breathtaking stats of amplified alcohol and drug abuse, overdose deaths, and suicide due to the forced isolation since early 2020.

One way or another, isolation causes death.

This concept is just as relevant for the follower of Jesus Christ. Believers need each other! Yes, we must be in God’s Word daily—to know the Truth, understand our calling as light in a dark world and grow in a deeper relationship with the Lord. But we are also exhorted to support and encourage one another—today—keeping each other accountable to walk in righteousness (Hebrews 3:13). We are to speak the truth in love to one another, so we can help spur each other on to maturity (Ephesians 4:15).

Friend, we need community. The writer of Hebrews makes it abundantly clear: As the return of Christ gets nearer (and, if you ask me, that day is approaching quickly), and the world gets darker and darker, we can’t stop meeting together. We have to spur one another on, encouraging each other to love and serve and keep our eyes on the Lord.

Why? Because the Bible is also abundantly clear that, like those gazelles in Africa, a lion is watching us, roaming around, crouching in the tall grass of culture (1 Peter 5:8). He waits for that self-imposed isolation… “I don’t need to go to church today, I’ll just go for a walk and appreciate God’s beautiful creation.” Or “No Bible study for me tonight—I just can’t be around those people right now.” Friend, when we isolate ourselves from our brothers and sisters in Christ—our “spiritual pack”—we put ourselves at risk. Our enemy is watching for those opportunities to devour us. And he will strike when given the chance.

But we can stand firm against him when we stay connected and engaged with a community of believers. It’s so vital, especially in today’s inherently isolating world (whether a result of a digital lifestyle, social-media separation, or media-narrated fears). On our own, it’s way too easy to be lulled away from others or enticed by some shiny thing “over there” that takes us off the narrow path.

All Christians are part of the Body of Christ—family united through salvation and citizens of heaven. But, brothers and sisters, if you are not part of a Bible-believing church body, please make this a priority. The enemy knows his time is short. And his mouth is watering to destroy whomever he can (John 10:10)…starting with the easy prey of those standing alone.

“Lord, let us not fail to meet together as believers, keeping each other encouraged and accountable until Your return.”

For His Glory

 

Julianne Winkler Smith
TRBC Women’s Life

 

 

 

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Posted in Encouragement, Hope, Spiritual Growth

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | October 18, 2022

“Mindfields”

“But I am afraid that, as the serpent deceived Eve by his trickery, your minds will be led astray from sincere and pure devotion to Christ.” 2 Corinthians 11:3

Land mines have a long history in global wartimes. Starting in ancient Rome, when spikes were buried to thwart forward movement by the enemy, through the Ming dynasty and the American Civil War, when explosives were concealed to trap—and destroy—enemy troops. In modern warfare, explosive mines have become quite “effective” in conflicts. Traversing minefields—even when soldiers know they could be there—is always dangerous and deadly. What’s worse, minefields often remain active well after the war-du-jour is over, sadly taking the lives of children and other civilians for years to come.

When we recognize that we are far from God, separated by the chasm of sin, and accept the gift of salvation through Jesus Christ, we are fully redeemed—transformed into a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17). But although our inner man (our spiritual self) is made new, we still have to live in the flesh, our fallen body. And our enemy, Satan, never ceases to pursue us—not to steal our salvation, because he cannot—but to keep us from glorifying God and serving and loving others. So, until we are out of this body and present with the Lord (2 Corinthians 5:8), the battle against sin rages on.

And, as with human warfare, these spiritual battles in the life of every believer are also fraught with concealed traps—dangerous and even deadly. We may know they are there, even expect them, but the threat still remains as we move forward toward ultimate victory.

These dangers, friend, are “mindfields.”

The battle with sin always starts in the mind, with our thoughts. We may be exposed to a lie (on social media, talking with a friend, watching a show) and think, “Well, that doesn’t seem so bad—I can do/say/be that.” Our thoughts deceive us, feeding our emotions to rile us up to accept the sin with fervor. Then, once our minds and hearts are bought in, we wholeheartedly take action. And danger—sometimes even death—results.

How do we effectively clear our mindfields? Thankfully, it’s much simpler than removing the mines of human warfare. First, we must fill our minds with the Truth of God’s Word, setting our thoughts on things above (Colossians 3:2). When we know the Truth, we can destroy the hissing lies of the enemy and other crafty deceptions (2 Corinthians 10:5). Second, we must think about better things—better than what, you ask? Better than the junk being relentlessly hurled at us by the world (divisiveness, hatred, anger, lies, smut, selfishness, etc.). In fact, God, through the Apostle Paul, gives us a nice list of things to think about in Philippians 4:8: “Whatever is true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable, excellent, and praiseworthy.”

So, let’s keep our minds swept of nasty spikes and explosives meant to turn us away from our good and God’s glory. Read the Bible and think about godly things. Simple, but not simplistic…and certainly not easy. But, sweet friend, your life depends on it.

“Lord, may my thoughts be on You, Your Word, and things that glorify You so that my mind will be protected…which will protect my heart and my very life.”

 

For His Glory

 

Julianne Winkler Smith
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Living, Success, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | October 14, 2022

Authentic Faith

“They said, “Though John never performed a miraculous sign, all that John said about this man (Jesus) was true.” John 10:41b(NIV)

The tangible, the visible – always looking for a sign. Isn’t that where we often find ourselves? Longing for confirmation. Waiting it out to see what takes place. Questioning, analyzing – even attempting to discredit. So how does believing in what we can’t see (faith) fit into our agenda?

Enter John the Baptist – the forerunner of Christ – preparing the way. Preaching repentance. And then as quickly as Jesus came on the scene, John faded into the distance. Amazing that John was remembered not because of what he did but because he spoke the truth. Incredible how John could fade and pull away from the crowds because Jesus was the One they should follow. Everything John had said about Jesus was trustworthy and true. Without a moment’s hesitation, he quietly and graciously moved to second and Jesus became first.

Wonder if we’ve been looking for tangible proof? Wonder if we’ve exchanged authentic faith for a cheap visible replica? It’s so easy to base what we believe on what we see rather than what we have heard. It’s challenging to trust what we can’t see rather than believe what others tell us. Satan loves to swirl our thoughts, curiosity and insecurities into doubts. He loves to discredit the reality of God’s presence. But he, the evil one, does not speak truth. His lies may paralyze and discourage, but the truth of God exposes all Satan’s tricks.

Still looking for the tangible, the visible – the beauty of creation cries out the truth of our amazing Creator. Longing for confirmation – search deep into His Words, and we will find God to be faithful and true!

“Father, help us to believe, speak and live out the truth of who You are – our incredible God!”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

 

 

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Hope, Spiritual Growth

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | October 13, 2022

Hungering For More

“God blesses those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be satisfied.” Matthew 5:6 (NLT)

“Do you want another kid’s meal?” Grandma asked Kaden, my 6-year-old.

“Yes, please!” Kaden replied between mouthfuls of silver dollar pancakes, bacon, and eggs. The boy loves pancakes and bacon. Two plates already lay clean at the side of the table, every morsel consumed by my growing boy. He had inhaled bacon offered from adult plates at the table as well. He finally sat back in the booth after cleaning another plate and declared, “I think I want more pancakes and bacon but I better not. Sadly, I don’t think I have any more room.”

In our key verse, a “hunger and thirst for righteousness” refers to a continual fulfillment of God’s righteousness. Kaden’s hunger for bacon and pancakes was eventually satisfied. The idea here is that we, as believers, hunger and thirst for more righteousness as we are filled with righteousness … causing us to hunger for more … and on and on the cycle continues. As we are satisfied with more of God, we hunger for even more.

What is this righteousness for which we hunger and thirst? It isn’t a full belly, but a heart that is right with God. Righteousness is a gift we receive through the sacrifice of Christ. “…But even greater is God’s wonderful grace and his gift of righteousness, for all who receive it will live in triumph over sin and death through this one man, Jesus Christ…Christ’s one act of righteousness brings a right relationship with God and new life for everyone.” (Romans 5:17-18)

Kaden’s full belly only satisfied his physical hunger for food. Our satisfaction stems from being filled to overflowing with spiritual blessings. The well never runs dry. The plates of bacon and pancakes never stop coming. God desires to fill our plates with spiritual blessings when we continually hunger for more of Him, for more of His righteousness. Our filling will lead to more hunger. We may not be able (or even want to) eat mounds of bacon and pancakes, but do we want more of Him? Let’s hold out our plates, saying, “Yes, please!” to more of God.

“Father, I come to You, asking You to continually fill my plate with more of You. Thank You for Your promise to fill us to overflowing with Your spiritual blessings when we hunger and thirst for a right relationship with You.”

For His Glory

Tammy Randlett

TRBC Women’s Life

 

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Hope, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | October 11, 2022

The Purge

“I pray that out of His glorious riches He may strengthen you with power through His Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. “ Ephesians 3:16-17

This is going to sound strange, but I absolutely love to de-clutter, purge and deep clean. Maybe that doesn’t sound too odd to you…but I really, really love doing that in other people’s homes. Ask my friend, Wendy. It was sheer bliss for me to work alongside her for 10 hours as we went through every kitchen cabinet—emptying, purging, cleaning, and reorganizing. Ahhhh.

When our house is cleaned out and decluttered, “home” is so much more comfortable. We have peace, contentment, and joy. Plus, it’s so much easier to keep tidy—when junk is dropped on the floor or shoved in a corner, it stands out like a sore thumb, so we take care of it. (As opposed to that same item simply being added to an existing pile…I mean, at that point, what’s the difference between a two-foot stack and a three-foot stack?)

What’s the spiritual lesson here? At salvation (the moment we recognize ourselves as sinners and accept the free gift of grace from Jesus Christ), a believer becomes indwelt with the Holy Spirit—God lives in us! Amazing! He abides in us, giving us comfort, discernment, direction, and conviction. But how comfortable and at home is He?

At salvation, we are made new, transformed—we move from death to life, darkness to light. But, because we still live in our earth-bound fallen bodies, we have to do a little “housework” when it comes to our new life and walking in obedience to the Lord. So, whether you gave your life to Christ 50 years ago or yesterday, let’s talk about doing some soul-level purging.

Have we cleaned out the clutter of the world from our lives—stuff that doesn’t glorify God, as well as the idols we prioritize over Him? Is his voice of conviction drowned out by the clamor of culture? Have we swept every corner of our hearts clean, so that He can fill that space with His residency? Or are there closed doors, rooms that we’ve padlocked, piled high with old, comfortable habits, hidden lusts, or cherished sins?

Friend, open up those rooms! Let the Holy Spirit do some serious housecleaning. Just as a clutter-free home is easier to keep tidy, so is our soul. The unrighteous thoughts, words, and actions of the old self are easier to spot against the backdrop of a pure Holy Spirit controlled space. And you will be quicker to sweep them out.

Side note: I can assure you that if you do the work to purge your heart of sin and unrighteousness—which is a good thing—but you do not surrender to the Holy Spirit and give Him total access to every nook and cranny, worldly clutter will quickly return. In fact, all you’re doing is making room for greater sin, more idols, and bigger lusts. By the way, the enemy of your soul loves a nice clutter-free space to abide in as well (Matthew 12:43-45). Your purged home must be filled with the Holy Spirit and that only happens when you give your life to Jesus.

If you have not done so, give your life to Jesus today. Through His life, death, and resurrection, He made a way of reconciliation for you with God. No work on your part required! And you get God living in you, through the Holy Spirit to give you the strength and power to live out your soul-transformation and glorify God. If you are already a Christian, how “at home” is the Holy Spirit in you? Is it time for a good deep-cleaning heart purge? Clean out the clutter you’re still holding onto. Surrender and submit to the Holy Spirit, so He can make Himself at home…and you can experience the peace, contentment, and joy He longs to give you.

“Lord, I surrender to You—create in me a pure heart (Psalm 51:10), so that I can walk according to Your Word and Your will.”

For His Glory

Julianne Winkler Smith
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Encouragement, Hope, Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | October 7, 2022

Seasons Change

“But I am like an olive tree flourishing in the house of God; I trust in God’s unfailing love for ever and ever.” – Psalm 52:8

“Though the seasons change, your love remains.”  As the worship band repeated this refrain, God used these words to remind me how He had loved us from one season to the next. Not just in the good times, but through some really difficult seasons.  Through the fall… when our hopes and dreams fell like leaves from the trees and were blown away by the wind. His love remained. Through the winter…when prayers seemed to go unanswered, and the world felt cold and desolate. His love remained. In the spring…when the snow melted and beauty sprang from the ground.  His love remained. In the summer…when change was inevitable, and we were filled with apprehension. His love remained.

Slowly, these truths are penetrating my heart…the dreams that died and were blown away by the wind, were never God’s dreams for us. The time of seemingly unanswered prayers taught us to patiently rest in Him. Although we couldn’t see what God was doing, He was working behind the scenes. The blessings that bloomed in the spring, were planted by Him even before the cold winter began.  The plans He has for us, although sometimes scary and difficult, are always good. Good plans, wrapped in His love. His love remains.

When you find yourself in a difficult season, trust His love. When you can’t see what He is doing, trust that He is at work. For your good, and His glory. In every season, know that He loves you…He sees you…and, He has a plan for you. His love remains.

“Lord, help us to trust in your unfailing love in all good times and hard times. You are always at work behind the scenes. You promise never to leave us or forsake us.”

 

For His Glory,

Ann Skalaski
TRBC Women’s Life

 

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Hope

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | October 6, 2022

We Will Splash Again

“How happy are those whose strength comes from you, who are eager to make the pilgrimage to Mount Zion. As they pass through the dry valley of Baca, it becomes a place of springs; the autumn rain fills it with pools.”  Psalm 84:5-7 (GNT)

Psalm 84 was written for the people of Israel to sing as they made their annual pilgrimage to the temple for worship, but it is also a psalm for us in the 21st century, whose strength comes from God, who are eager to worship Him.

Many scholars believe that the Valley of Baca was an actual place travelers passed through on the way to Jerusalem. It was renamed at some point in antiquity, so opinions differ about which valley it was. But the exact location doesn’t matter as much as the kind of place it was. They agree that it would have been a dry place, dusty, probably rocky, and difficult to traverse.

Haven’t you passed through that dry valley—probably more than once in your life? Maybe you’re in that valley right now. It could be illness, loss of income, loss of a relationship, a burden for an unsaved loved one, an obstacle in your path that came out of nowhere, or a crisis of faith. It could even be a natural disaster or war. You’re not the only one. Look around you. Watch the evening news. There are many people in that valley of Baca right now. In fact, it’s getting pretty crowded.

The good news is that there is solid and confident hope for those of us in the family of faith! The psalmist says that as you keep going, as you rely on God for strength, the dry valley eventually becomes a place of springs, and the rain fills it with pools. Can’t you imagine the joy of a weary traveler coming off a hard, dirty hike through the rocky wilderness and finding refreshing water? Can’t you imagine her throwing down her backpack and rushing toward those pools? As God’s children, we will come out of that dry valley, and we will splash again!

So keep your eyes on Him, and happy splashing!

“Father, even though we would prefer to avoid the dry valleys, we thank You for walking with us and strengthening us through them. Thank You for the promise that as we keep our hearts set on You, the dry valleys will become places of springs and pools, and we will see You.

 

For His Glory

Cherie Harbridge Williams
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Hope, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | October 5, 2022

Redeeming Hope

“Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity and purify unto Himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.”   (Titus 2:14, KJV)

Naomi’s husband had died leaving her with two sons. The sons married but in time they died. Leaving the two wives, Ruth and Orpah behind. Their land had been devastated by a famine in Moab. Naomi had nothing left. Hearing that there was bread in Israel, she decided to go back home – to Bethlehem.

In that culture and time, women had no voice or value unless they were married. Naomi encouraged Ruth and Orpah to stay in Moab and remarry. Orpah agreed but Ruth insisted on staying with Naomi.

The story then follows the lives of two widows trying to rebuild their lives after a devastating season of brokenness. Naomi even tells her friends when she returns home to call her Mara because she felt so bitter about what life had taken from her.

Even though she was a widow herself, Ruth decides to go out and look for ways to bring in food for her and Naomi. In fact, it’s her kindness towards her mother-in-law that catches the eye of Boaz. He encourages her to glean only in his fields and advises his men to not bother her.

Ruth following Naomi’s guidance goes to the threshing floor and lays at Boaz’s feet. Some might think this was a provocative gesture. But she was saying to Boaz, “I respect you, I trust you, and I put my fate in your hands.”

According to the laws found in the Pentateuch, a kinsman-redeemer is a male relative who had the responsibility to act for a relative who was in trouble, danger, or need of vindication.

Boaz was willing to marry her and redeem her life but there was another male relative that was closer. He had to talk with that man first. He asked her to wait. The other male relative doesn’t want to redeem her, so Ruth and Boaz marry.  In time they have a child, Obed – making them the great-grandparents to King David. Boaz purchases back the land Naomi had to sell – redeeming her life as well.

Has life taken things from you that you want back but you don’t have a close relative to step in and help?

Dear friend we have a kinsman redeemer who can

  • rescue us (Gen. 48:16, Exodus 6:6)
  • avenge the wrongs done to us (Numbers 35:9-34)
  • redeem what’s been taken from us (Lev. 25:47-55 & 27: 9-25)

Jesus can redeem it all. Filling our lives with hope in such a way that we find passion for living again.

We just need to lay it at his feet, like Ruth did.

“Father, we thank You for being our kinsman-redeemer. You know the wounds that break our hearts today. Help us to trust You and put our fate in Your hands.”

For His Glory

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

 

 

 

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Hope

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | October 4, 2022

How Dare You?

“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” Ephesians 4:32

The Bible says a lot about forgiveness. Throughout the New Testament, Jesus and the Epistle writers command believers to forgive. But often, we believe that “forgiving” equates with “condoning”—and that forgiveness negates the associated pain of the wrong. But that’s not the case.

The thing is, forgiveness is a choice—not a feeling. And true forgiveness, although it is a gift to the other person, frees our own soul from the destructive burden of bitterness and anger.

About this time several years ago, a virtual bomb was dropped in my life—a revelation of truth that devastated my very soul. I was more hurt and angrier than I thought possible. And no one would have faulted me for wrapping a firm grip around bitterness, never to let go.

Instead, within a matter of hours—in the midst of the shock, horror, pain, and disbelief—I did something unexpected. I chose to forgive.

Please know this was not of my own power—it was not humanly possible. It was the Holy Spirit, living in me, that gave me the supernatural ability to make that decision. In the middle of my pain, He convicted my spirit with five simple words that still burn within today: “How dare you not forgive?”

See, my life is daily filled with sin. I am a sinner. But Jesus stretched out His arms on that cross to pay the penalty I owe. Yesterday’s, today’s, and tomorrow’s sins are all forgiven—thrown into the sea (Micah7:19) and removed from us as far as the east is from the west (Psalm 103:12). We who accept the precious gift of salvation are made white as snow even though our sins are as scarlet (Isaiah 1:18).

When you consider people in your life who have wronged you, you may think, “But that person’s sin is way worse than mine—they hurt me!” But in God’s economy, every sin is an imperfection that stains the perfect righteousness required by a perfect God. And every sin hurts Him too.

We are forgiven. Because of what Jesus accomplished—His pain and suffering on our behalf, His amazing mercy and grace—how can we not extend that same grace, mercy, and forgiveness to another?

Because we are forgiven through Christ, let’s choose to be forgiving through Christ.

“Lord, thank You for forgiving me and making me righteous in God’s eyes. Because of Your grace, empower me to choose forgiveness daily.”

 

For His Glory,

Julianne Winkler Smith
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Attitude, Faith, Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Living

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