Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | September 1, 2022

Who Is Your Pharaoh?

“Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today.” Exodus 14:13a (NIV)

The Exodus is one of the most significant Biblical accounts of God’s deliverance. To this day, the Jewish nation recognizes Passover annually to celebrate their people’s triumphant exodus from Egypt. Old Testament highlights never fail to mention Pharaoh’s hardened heart and the defeat of his armies as the waters of the Red Sea captured the captors. The Lord’s might along with his servant’s obedience assured the survival and success of the Jewish people for generations to follow. Pharaoh was defeated and God’s people were freed.

Who is your Pharaoh? Systems, strongholds and sins can withhold our freedom. Others figure prominently as culprits of captivity. Leaders fail to lead, protectors fail to protect and the love of loved ones fails to respond. The realities of a fallen world that increasingly devalues the truth and hope found in Christ further exaggerate the effects of life’s happenings on our fragile emotions, hopes and stability.

Furthermore, if I am honest, often my Pharaoh is me. Plagued with hurts and a history rich in defeat, my internal voice of experience shouts of danger and pending doom and thwarts God’s plans and desires for my life. Pointing my finger elsewhere saves my fragile esteem yet maintains my captivity. God, His Word and godly community allow me to “take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ” (2 Corinthians 10:5b NIV). I must choose to run towards my God and away from the enemy. God’s wisdom is at hand. And thus, my freedom follows.

As the Exodus powerfully assures, God can change Pharaoh’s heart. God is persuasive and creative in His approach. He persists, even when Pharaoh’s heart is further hardened and the impact on God’s people is harshened. God promises, directs and comforts. He remains until victory is realized, His children are freed and His glory evident.

“Father, reveal to me the Pharaohs that are holding me captive and grant me the wisdom to claim the freedom from captivity that is found in You. May I stand firm and may the victory glorify You alone.”

For His Glory

 

Kathryn Hayman
TRBC Women’s Life

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

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | August 30, 2022

Justice that Justifies

“It was to show His righteousness at the present time, so that He might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.” Romans 3:26

“Justice” is an easily defined word: “the maintenance or administration of what is just, especially by the impartial adjustment of conflicting claims or the assignment of merited rewards or punishments” (Merriam-Webster). However, in our culture today, justice is a convoluted, upside-down, and often hollow concept. Harmful criminals are allowed to run free (wreaking pain and destruction) and harmless citizens are fired, canceled, and locked up for living life according to their Constitutional rights or God’s Word. Plus, there are plenty of “________ justice” terms out there as well. But, whenever you add a modifier to “justice”, it automatically becomes the very definition of “injustice”—let that sink in.

God, however, is always perfectly Just (Deuteronomy 32:4). And, unlike our earthly judges at every level, there is no corruption or skewed morality or political leanings with Him. And because He is also perfectly Righteous and Holy, requiring perfect holiness in His presence, there are no misdemeanors or felonies or plea bargains. Every one of us—no matter how “good” we believe ourselves to be—is guilty (Romans 3:23). And the sentence for us all is the same: death (Romans 6:23). No fines, community service, or jail time.

But God, however, is also Merciful, not wanting anyone to perish (2 Peter 3:9; John 3:36; 1 Timothy 2:4). So, here’s where we are: (1) God is perfectly Just—requiring justice, the “merited punishment” for our sin; (2) In His mercy, He doesn’t want anyone’s sentence to be executed; and (3) we’re all guilty and unable to pay the penalty for our sin. At first glance, it seems like a hopeless scenario.

What’s the answer? It’s another form of our word of the day: Justification (the act of proving or showing something to be right or just). And this is one of the most beautiful, amazing, mind-blowing concepts in the Bible.

Imagine you were in a courtroom, standing in front of a judge. You’ve been convicted of a terrible crime, and you are anxiously awaiting your sentencing. But you know you’re guilty and deserve whatever is coming to you. Instead of handing down your punishment, though, the judge stands up to tell you that someone else—your victim, in fact—has chosen to pay the price for your crime. He’s been put to death already, so you’re completely free to walk away—as if you never did anything wrong. Justice has been served, but you are justified.

Can you picture the scene? Friend, this is what Jesus Christ has done for us. He came to earth, fully Man and fully God, to live a perfect, holy life—a life we could never live. And then He hung on a cross, paying the penalty for our sin—a sentence we deserve but could never pay ourselves. Then Jesus rose from the dead, victorious, making the way for us to stand in front of our Holy God in perfect righteousness. Justice has been served, but you and I are justified.

It’s the awesome picture of mercy and grace: Mercy is not getting what we deserve (eternal separation from God—hell), and Grace is getting what we don’t deserve (eternal heaven with God). All we have to do is confess our crime (sin) and accept that Someone else paid our penalty—free of charge (no good works or law-following needed). Friend, will you acknowledge God’s justice and choose today to be justified in Christ?

 

“Lord, thank You for Your patience and mercy. Thank You that because of Jesus, You look at me “just-as-if-I’d” never sinned.”

For His Glory

Julianne Winkler Smith
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Faith, Hope, Mercy

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | August 29, 2022

A Life Well Lived

“First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith is proclaimed in all the world.” Romans 1:8 (ESV)

Ordinary that’s probably how most people might describe him.  Extraordinary definitely not.  His height and weight simply average.  Not a standout in a crowd.  Could easily be overlooked or ignored.  Despite these surface descriptive words, I’m in awe of how God used this one person working in a corporate setting to impact the lives of so many.

My co-worker left this world last week for their eternal home.  Boldly and courageously battling cancer for many years.  Always positive. Never giving up.  Not allowing challenges and struggles to define him; they propelled him to share his faith and inspire others. What a difference one life lived well can make.

Wonder if we minimize the potential influence we have in our culture, in our circle, in our sphere?

The way we live out our faith speaks volumes to those we don’t even realize are watching.  How we respond under pressure.  How we react when mistreated. How we do our job.  How we interact with or talk about our family.  Who we serve even when others look away. Incredible opportunities to share our Jesus with our world by living out our faith on a daily basis.

As co-workers reflected on the one who is no longer with us, a common thread flowed from person to person – “His faith was real.”

Wow, don’t we all want to leave those imprints on the heart, soul and mind of those we meet?  Isn’t that the ultimate goal of every Christ follower to live their life in an authentic way drawing others to God?

Just keeping it real here, but we miss the mark on so many occasions.  We get caught up in the drama. We allow stress to eliminate kindness and patience.  We lose sight of the words we say and excuse our actions.  We abandon what we believe in the aftermath of suffering, challenges and pain.  We zero in on self and follow what everyone else is doing versus helping those in need.

Yes, we all get this so wrong.  In those moments, Satan our accuser (Revelation 12:10)  seeks to devour us.  Playing those tapes of how our life hasn’t been lived well.  Drenching us in shame and guilt.  Convincing us all our wrongs cloud the good God wants to birth in and through us.

Sweet friends, we can listen to the enemy’s lies or we can cling to the truths of our God.  No moment is beyond His redemptive power.  Our God is long suffering and full of patience as He completes His good work in us. Blessed by His grace,  we can experience second chances to right our wrongs. Lessons learned along the way so hopefully we won’t miss opportunities to draw others to Jesus.  Reminding those around us “our faith is real.”

We might forget a lot of things about our co-worker, but we will never forget his impact.  Even on his hardest days he encouraged and inspired us to live out our faith so others will see Jesus in us.

“Father, help us to be bold and courageous living out our faith before a world desperately in need of seeing Your strength, love, power and peace.  Keep our eyes fixed on You and not our circumstances.  Enable us to remain faithful even in our hardest places.”

 

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Hope, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | August 25, 2022

For God’s Glory

“Surely His salvation is near to those who fear Him, that glory may dwell in our land.” Psalms 85:9 (NKJV)

The sun’s rays – body relaxed and accepting, welcoming the beams that distribute vitamins to my skin and serotonin to my brain. Eventually, I have a sheen to my skin previously unseen. In fact, wait too long, and searing pain meets crimson. I may absorb warmth, energy, health and color from the sun but I remain clear as to the source of these changes:  the sun. I contributed nothing to the sun’s power but have the advantage of being its recipient of goodness.

As followers of Jesus Christ, through the process of sanctification, our very selves are being transformed. We must remain aware of the source of these changes:  God. Our once hardened hearts become gentle and compassion flows from our lives. Our thoughts are challenged as God’s perfect love repeatedly reveals that His ways are markedly different than those of the world. Comparison, envy and anger are replaced with love, patience and joy. Before long, our entire being takes on a different hue. The radiance of Christ in us is inescapable.

Having been with the Lord on Mount Sinai, Moses veiled his radiant face and in response dedicated Israel to God. The glory of the Lord filled the temple as Solomon praised the Lord for the fulfillment of His promises to His people. Paul implored followers to give all glory to God, to do all things to the glory of God, the Father of glory.

The Holy Spirit resides in us to glorify Jesus. Do we take His glory and hold onto it as though it were our own? May we always cherish the changes that You work in us, Lord. These changes show that we have been adopted into the family of God. You are pleased to call us Your daughter. It is Your pleasure to use our gifts, abilities and character to draw all people to salvation through Jesus. But, may we never try to take Your glory.

“Father, may we not forget that it’s Your Glory. May we abide in Your love so that we radiate Your beauty to a world that without Jesus Christ is without hope and a future.”

For His Glory,

Kathryn Hayman
TRBC Women’s Life

 

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

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | August 24, 2022

Broken & Redeemed

“Jesus said to her, “Mary.”  She turned and said to him in Aramaic, Rabboni! (which means teacher).” John 20:17 (ESV)

Mary Magdalene, a woman from Magdala associated with brokenness. Also, she was a controversial woman in the Bible. When we’re first introduced to Mary, Luke shares with us that Jesus healed her from seven demons. Commentaries speculate she experienced sexual abuse in her past. Words like prostitution and mental illness surrounded her. She was an outcast.

I love the way The Chosen series depicts Mary’s “salvation experience.”  She shares with Nicodemus – “I was one way before and now I’m another and the thing that happened in the middle was Him.”

Jesus had touched her broken life and mind and redeemed her in a way only He could. The change was evident to all who knew her.

When Jesus died on the cross, Mary was one of the few followers who stayed near him. Others had scattered for fear but not her. It’s easy to imagine her devastation when the only one who had seen value in her was now dead and gone. Without Jesus what would become of her now?

When she arrived at the tomb that morning, she was in search of his body to anoint it with oils for a proper burial.

Completely focused on her grief – she didn’t notice Him. But then He spoke. He only said one word. Her name. In Aramaic, the language spoken by Jesus, Mary is called “Maryam.”

He didn’t reveal Himself to her by telling her who He was. He revealed himself by telling her who she was.

One word – her name – spoken with an intonation of love, grace and mercy that only Jesus can utter. Her soul knew it was her Lord, her Redeemer.

This broken and redeemed woman became the first witness to Jesus’ resurrection, the cornerstone of Christianity. She would be the one to go and tell the disciples.

Whatever your past holds dear sister, it cannot keep you from redemption in Jesus. No matter how broken you may feel – it’s never too late to bring it to the feet of Jesus. Allow Him to heal and redeem those broken areas. Then watch how He will use you for the Kingdom.

The enemy knows your name – but he calls you by your past – your brokenness. If you allow him, he will continue to lie to you. To haunt you with memories and thoughts that you’re not good enough.

But Jesus knows your sin – your past – your brokenness – and He calls you by your name  “a redeemed child of God” – his daughter.

Let that be the voice you hear above all others today.

“The Lord redeems the life of his servants; none of those who take refuge in Him will be condemned.” (Psalms 34:22, ESV)

“Jesus, we bring our brokenness to You, teach us to hear Your voice above all others -redeem us for Your glory.”

For His Glory

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

 

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Gratitude, Hope

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | August 23, 2022

Salty or Sweet?

“You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people’s feet.” Matthew 5:13

What do you prefer—chips or candy? Popcorn or cake? Doritos or Nestle Toll House? In other words, would you gravitate toward something salty or something sweet? This is always an interesting insight into someone’s preferences, and it’s often used as a big group icebreaker question. Regardless, there seems to be a definitive response every time.

When we look at the elements themselves—salt and sugar—we discover unique attributes of both. Salt is used to preserve food, as well as bringing out flavors. Salt also makes us thirsty. Sugar, interestingly, is also used to preserve some foods…and, of course, it makes food sweet.

During Jesus’ earthly ministry, He called His followers to be salt of the earth. What does that mean exactly? We are to influence the world—unbelievers—by adding the flavor of holiness. We’re to represent the Lord, His will, and His ways to others. We’re also to preserve His Word in a time when the enemy is working diligently (in and out of the Church) to water it down, make it seem irrelevant, and use it to divide. And we’re to make others thirsty for God—when they see our joy and experience our grace and mercy, they should want what we have.

Jesus did not call us to be sugar. We are not to only invite others to Him using sweet-tasting morsels—or, worse, entice with cloying syrupiness that sickens. Think of churches today that put on smoke-machine praise performances, affirm all-things-worldly, and assure congregants that wealth and health is one prayer away. Like ingesting too much sugar, such indulgence in so-called “Christianity” will not only make a person sick, it will ultimately lead to death. Sugar may be a temporary preservative, but rot doesn’t take long.

The thing about salt, you see, is that it also purifies and cleanses. These are vital actions for the Church today—not to do the cleansing, but to share the Good News about the One who can. The fallen world is defiled, in need of purification. So are fallen, broken people. We all fall short—all of us. We all sin because we’re all sinners. (We’re not sinners because we sin.) And because we are unrighteous and unholy, we are separated from God—and we can’t work our way back to Him. But Jesus died on the cross, redeeming us from our sin and paying the debt we owe. Jesus cleanses us from all our unrighteousness (1 John 1:9), washing us as pure and white as snow (Isaiah 1:18; Psalm 51:7), so we can stand before God holy and unashamed.

Another thing about salt is that when used to clean and treat physical ailments, it stings. A lot. Same with being salt to the world. It’s good, useful, helpful, tasty. But sharing Jesus in a world that hates Him—because it does—can cause significant distaste in the hearer. It’s our task, though, to make people thirsty for the Truth that preserves them for eternity.

“Lord, may I be salt to our lost world, making them thirsty for the Living Water.”

For His Glory

Julianne Winkler Smith
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Faith, Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | August 22, 2022

Why Love

“No one has seen God at any time. If we love one another, God abides in us and His love has been perfected in us.”  I John 4:12 (ESV)

Absolutely love this quote from Max Lucado: “Every person you see was created by God to be His image and deserves to be treated with dignity and respect. High IQ or low standing, first string or cut from the squad – doesn’t matter. Every human being is God’s idea, and He has no bad ideas.”

Wow this quote really hits home especially when we think of those people who are challenging to work with, those people in our lives who push our buttons and those people we don’t even know who bump into our happy. From the nicest to the cruelest, we all started out the same – a human being created in God’s image.

Convicts me to the core – do I treat others with dignity and respect even if they are my biggest irritation? Had to really dig deep on that one. Work or ministry is one of those places where we are forced into community with lots of different personalities, egos, backgrounds, etc. Makes it ever so easy to excuse myself away from the respect issue. However, God doesn’t release me that easily. Throughout scripture He instructs us to love others  – yes even those created in His image who are difficult, irritating and rude. Now loving others doesn’t mean we accept disrespectful behavior, abuse, etc. It simply means we realize they were created in God’s image, and we respond with respect by speaking truth in love.

So easy to say – hard to put into practice. Last week, I was faced with a situation where I could have ignored a person who was struggling to get something done – did I mention their personality drives me crazy? This individual needed help in figuring out what was going wrong – I knew what was going wrong. It was so tempting to simply let them struggle, but God kept bringing me back to the “love others” factor. While it was hard, I surrendered to God’s desire rather than treating them the way I desired. One victory propels another – I won’t get this right all the time, but it definitely reminded me it’s truly not about that person or me – it’s about honoring God by loving those created in His image.

Sweet friends is there a person in your path who is challenging? One way we can grow God’s love in our hearts is to plant prayer seeds for that individual. Yes, you got it! Simply praying for the one pushing those buttons helps us see the person from God’s perspective. One prayer at a time, we will witness a change within us as those love seeds blossom and flourish. Let’s determine to glorify God by respecting and loving others the way God intended.

“Father thank You for challenging us in our interactions with others. Thank You for reminding us that we are all created in Your image. Help us as we navigate another week to pause before we react to others whether they are a co-worker, spouse, family or strangers. And enable us to treat them with respect and dignity.”

 

For His Glory

 

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Faith, Hope, Love, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | August 19, 2022

A Better Deal

“Only be careful and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them slip from your heart as long as you live.” Deuteronomy 4:9a (NIV)

Wrong size, wrong color, doesn’t work or just plain don’t like it – so we head to the store and wait in line. Like we didn’t wait in line long enough to buy it in the first place. I don’t know about you but I hate to exchange or return anything, but my co-worker is a return Queen. The back seat of her car is proof a return is on the way back to the store and it doesn’t bother her one bit.

Wouldn’t it be great if we could rewind the clock and make a few personal returns?

We could gather up all our don’t likes or things that just didn’t work the way we envisioned and exchange them for a better deal. If so, that line would probably be very long. Unfortunately, that’s not how life works. Once words slip off our tongue or reactions hit us square in the face, the recall button is nonexistent.

Difficult choices made without consulting God first can land us deep in unknown consequences. Maybe that’s why God warns us to keep a guard over our lives. Maybe that’s why we should carefully watch how we make decisions. Maybe that’s why scripture reminds us to remember what we have read in His Word and how we have seen Him work. Consistency is God’s trademark, and He has given us all the guidelines we need to be successful – we just need to hide them deep in our hearts so that they impact all our choices.

“Father, You have shown us how to live and the consequences of moving outside your protection – help us to stay within the boundaries of Your perfect will.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

 

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Gratitude, Hope, Mercy, Spiritual Growth

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | August 18, 2022

Home Sweet Aroma

“…But as for me and my house we will serve the Lord.” Joshua 24:15 (NKJV)

Certain memories of home seem to never fade away. They live in our hearts forever. For instance, the distinct scent unique to your childhood home. Maybe it’s the sound of the screen porch door when it slammed shut. Or the experience of spectacular sunsets while sitting in a barn loft as the sun disappeared behind a mountain ridge.

Perhaps you have fond memories of Sunday lunch at grandma’s house after church or the security of nightly routines of being tucked into bed safe and sound.

The homes we create often give a visual sense of our lives. Visitors and guests get a view and feel of who we are by our keepsakes, pictures and even our home decor, etc. Our homes tell a lot about who we are, what we like and how we live.

We live in an imperfect world and our homes can at times be chaotic; however, even in the midst of chaos there still can be a sweet aroma of Christ (2 Cor. 2:15). The way we handle the woes of this world will determine the fragrance, whether it’s a sweet perfume or unpleasant stench.

When family, friends and guests come to visit and fellowship, may our homes permeate a recognizable difference. A homey refuge where God is welcome and celebrated but the world is not.

From the beginning of time and before the creation of mankind, God’s purpose was for us to live in constant fellowship with Him. The Lord wants us to be so at home with Him that our lives radiate a wonderful glimpse of what it means to be His child in a lost and dying world.

“Lord, we pray our homes are beacons of light that shine brightly into a dark world illuminating Your glory and Your love for 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 | August 16, 2022

Lavish Grace

“In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace which He lavished on us.” Ephesians 1:7-8a

Grace is an amazing concept. It’s defined simply as getting what we don’t deserve. And it’s especially astounding in the context of God’s grace toward us. While we were still sinners, Christ died for us (Romans 5:8). We don’t deserve it; we can’t earn it. It’s a free gift for the taking. The Apostle Paul talks a lot in all his epistles about grace—he knows it well, after all. The man was overseeing the murder of Christ-followers, only to have his life turned upside down by the very One he was persecuting, becoming a great evangelist—steadfast through beatings, imprisonment, hunger, and ultimate martyrdom.

His letter to the Ephesians is deep and rich. In fact, we can dive into each verse for hours, relishing in the doctrinal Truths and wading through centuries-old theological debates. But let’s camp out on one sentence from the very first chapter: “In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace which He lavished on us “ (Ephesians 1:7-8a). Friend, in these 25 words (at least in the NASB it’s 25 words), there is enough encouragement and fodder for joy to lift us out of the darkest slump.

So, let’s unpack a few of these reassuring points from Paul. First, “In Him we have redemption through His blood.” Now, “in Him” is a book-long study in itself, so we’re going to jump to the overall message of this phrase: In Jesus Christ, we are redeemed—He paid the price to ransom us out of the bondage of sin and rescue us from its penalty. His sacrifice was a Great Exchange of His righteousness for our unrighteousness. And when we accept this gift, through faith, and surrender to Him, our sin debt is paid in full. We are redeemed, transformed, a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17).

Next, we have “the forgiveness of our trespasses.” When we confess and repent, God forgives us. It’s really that simple (1 John 1:9). Upon salvation (acceptance of His free gift), all our sins are paid for—all of them. Yesterday’s, today’s, and tomorrow’s. And once forgiven, God does not bring them up again (Isaiah 43:25, Psalm 103:12)—Satan will and you will, but God won’t. And because we are forgiven, we can (and must) forgive others. How can we not after being forgiven of so much ourselves?

Finally, there’s that last marvelous phrase: “…according to the riches of His grace which He lavished on us.” God’s grace is not only amazing, it’s extravagant. He lavishes it on us—pours it out without end. We cannot “out-sin” God’s grace (Romans 5:20)! We do not deserve grace…again, that’s inherent to the definition. But He extends it to us—lavishly! Let that sink in. Let this Truth pour over your thirsty soul, refreshing your spirit.

So, when our enemy, the evil one, is hissing all kinds of lies about us in our ears (because he will), and we feel discouraged, let’s throw these 25 words of God in his face. Bask in your identity in Christ—your redemption, your forgiveness, and His lavish grace.

“Lord, Your grace is amazing—a sweet sound to my soul. Let me not get caught up in the world, my sin, or the lies of the enemy and forget the Truth of who I am in Christ.”

For His Glory

Julianne Winkler Smith
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Hope

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