Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | September 9, 2022

Where Grace Lives

“Jesus answered him, “If anyone loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him.” John 14:23 (ESV)

Home…where love grows, grace is extended and God is praised! Beautiful slogan don’t you think? Sounds incredibly inviting – who wouldn’t want to experience a home filled with love? Sounds too good to be true – who wouldn’t want to feel the warmth of grace in their failed places? Sounds beyond belief – who wouldn’t want to stay where worship is lived out in the ordinary moments?

Home… it’s supposed to be our safe haven – a place of acceptance without reservation. Home… it was designed to be the place where we love one another so that others will see Jesus in us. Home… it’s supposed to be the place where forgiveness reigns. Home….it’s supposed to be the place where God is known, worshipped and exalted.

So how’s our home? What’s life look like behind those doors? Would our husband, children, extended family or roommates find love, grace and praise under our roofs?

Harvesting love requires planting give and take – compromise without attitude. Especially when love must be tough but seasoned with grace. Receiving grace requires forgiveness – seeing others clothed in His righteousness. Especially when grace means letting go of our expectations in exchange for God’s.

The reality is if we all gave what we really wanted then home would be that safe haven – the place where love grows, grace is extended and God is praised! A place we’d all feel accepted, loved and valued. A place where peace, rest and comfort are found. A place where failures can be transformed into deep wells of growth. The place like no other place – home.

“Father, help me to be a planter of love, an extender of grace and a voice that never ceases to praise You.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

 

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Posted in Encouragement, Hope, Love, Mercy, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | September 8, 2022

Dipping Into Obedience

“So he went down and dipped himself in the Jordan seven times, as the man of God had told him.” 2 Kings 5:14a (NIV)

Naaman conquered many battles for his nation, Syria, and was known as a man of valor by all. There was only one thing… a major thing about him: he was a leper. But God had a plan for that man and through a simple, humble servant girl who had been snatched earlier on from the land of Israel, God sent Naaman a message of how he could be healed. She suggested that Naaman would go see the prophet Elisha, known as the man of God.

All that the man of God said to the great commander was, “Go and wash in the Jordan seven times, and your flesh shall be restored, and you shall be clean.” The man was outraged of course, as he did not see the waters of the Jordan River fit for someone of his caliber. Naaman wanted to go wash up in a river in his own country, whose waters, in his view, were more equate for someone like him. Can you believe the man almost did not get his blessing because of his prideful actions? I mean, who, in his own mind would choose leprosy over health?

It is somewhat evident that Naaman had not ever experienced the power of the one true God. But again, God’s favor came over him when his servants begged him to listen to the prophet and do what he said, because it was a simple task for him to go down the Jordan and dip himself seven times.

Long story short, the great commander humbled himself and gave way for the Lord to act in his life. He dipped himself in the Jordan seven times, and when he emerged the last time, the Bible says his flesh was restored like the flesh of a little child and he was cleansed from his leprosy. He was healed. Completely. Clean for good! All because he stripped himself of his pride and gave way to the Holy Spirit’s leading.

“Help us, Lord, to be humble and to listen to Your voice and obey Your command.”

For His Glory

Luska Natali
TRBC Women’s Life

 

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Hope, Spiritual Growth

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | September 7, 2022

Ignoring Opinions of Others

“Mary therefore took a pound of expensive ointment made from pure nard and anointed the feet of Jesus and wiped his feet with her hair.  The house was filled “with the fragrance of the perfume.” (John 12:3, ESV)

“The preacher keeps saying get involved, live out your faith. I want to. I don’t know what to do.   I’m scared.  What if I do something wrong?  What if I join a group and I don’t fit in? I’m new to this Christian stuff. I’ve been hurt before. What will people say?”

Ever missed out on opportunities to serve for fear of what others will think?

While God’s Word instructs us to live in community with other believers there will be times when we will be called to make decisions that will require us to ignore the opinions of others. Growing in our faith requires obedience. In turn, requiring us to move, despite the fear of judgment or criticism that may sometimes grip us.

Mary is an excellent example of this lesson.

When a guest entered a Jewish home, it was customary for their feet to be washed and the guest’s head anointed with a dab of oil or perfume. However, foot washing was typically performed by the lowest servant in the household.  That wasn’t Mary, but she humbled herself in front of others anyway.  She poured out a pound of ointment on Jesus’ feet.  Worth roughly a year’s wage for the average working man at that time. We don’t know if this was a precious heirloom passed down to her or if she had worked hard to save up for it.  Either way, the cost (the sacrifice) didn’t stop her.  She proceeded to wipe his feet with her hair. Which meant she had to let her hair down in public.  Something a Jewish woman would rarely do – it was a sign of loose morals.

Mary didn’t stop to calculate public reaction.  Her heart went out to the Lord, and she expressed her feelings for Jesus in this beautiful and touching act. Jesus had raised her brother from the dead.  Her heart overflowed with gratitude for this man.

She ignored the opinions of others and acted out of her love and devotion for her Lord.

Our service for the Kingdom should do the same – flow out of our love for Jesus.

Yes, others complained about her extravagant act, but Jesus spoke up for her. “Let her alone.”

Is the Holy Spirit tugging at you to do something to show God’s love to others, but you’re scared to respond?

Jesus will never criticize us for being extreme in our love and service to Him.  His opinion is the only one that matters.

“Father help us to not worry what others think of us as we serve you.  Teach us to serve from a heart overwhelmed by love for all you’ve done for us.”

For His Glory

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

 

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Posted in Encouragement, Hope, Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | September 6, 2022

Reward vs. Gift

“For by grace you have been saved through faith; and this is not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” Ephesian 2:8-9

Many (most) of you all reading this probably grew up doing some type of competitive sport or activity—maybe dance, track, tennis, or swimming. For me, it was soccer. I started playing in third grade. Soon I was in a high-level travel league (once the “Boys Club” become “Youth Club”), and the months and years through high school were filled with plenty of blood, sweat, and tears. But there was always that motivational carrot, right? The trophy or medal—the ultimate reward for hard work and dedication.

Over the past 10-15 years, things have shifted in our culture. Gone are the hardcore competitions at youth levels. “First place” has been “re-placed” by “participation awards.” When my two boys played various sports as kids, some leagues didn’t even keep score. Everyone who plays gets a trophy.

But when everyone wins, it’s not a reward anymore…it’s a gift. The prize is no longer earned. It’s given freely, regardless of effort.

Whatever your perspective on this aspect of kids’ sports (and you probably land on one side of the debate or the other), it actually serves as a wonderful analogy for the saving grace of Jesus Christ. See, every world religion—as well as many “Christian” denominations—believe that salvation is to be earned as a reward. If you work hard enough, doing more good than bad stuff, then the “trophy” of heaven is yours!

It’s true that God is Holy and cannot tolerate anything but perfection in His presence. And since we’re all sinners and fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23), hard work and great effort are indeed necessary to bridge that chasm between our unrighteousness and His righteousness—the Justice of God demands it. A price of blood, sweat, and tears must be paid for the ultimate Prize of heaven.

But, friend, it’s already been paid, the work has been done. God, in His kindness toward us, made a way of reconciliation with Him through His Son, Jesus Christ (Ephesians 2:4-9). Salvation is a gift—not a reward! We do not (cannot) earn it, no matter how hard we work. We can never do enough to be Holy enough to stand in God’s presence. But we don’t have to! By His tears, sweat, and Blood, Jesus accomplished what we could not, covering our every sin (past, present, and future) with His righteousness. All we have to do is participate!

If you’ve been tirelessly working to justify yourself to our Holy God, you can rest now. Accept the gift of salvation through grace (getting what we don’t deserve) by faith alone. Just acknowledge your sin, turn away from it, and surrender to Jesus…and the prize of heaven is yours.

“Lord, thank You for the great gift of salvation—that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us (Romans 5:8), paying the price we could never pay for the riches of heaven.”

For His Glory

Julianne Winkler Smith
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Hope, Spiritual Growth

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | September 5, 2022

Confirmation Seekers

 

“I sought the Lord, and He answered me and delivered me from all my fears.” Psalm 34:4 (HCSB)

Amazing how patterns of behavior filter through our lives and we don’t even recognize them. But then one day, we realize it’s the very thing getting in our way. Had one of those moments recently and I’m still reeling from the truth staring me in the face.

You see I’m a proverbial confirmation seeker. You got it. Whenever there’s a decision to make or an opportunity to accept, I’m all about praying and seeking God’s direction. And that’s exactly what we should do. We need to seek His counsel and study His word to better grasp what direction we should take. Seeking the guidance of trusted godly mentors helps us sift through and evaluate any areas we might have overlooked.

But the real problem is my default response, my go to pattern is to ask one more time – “I need a confirmation.” Despite knowing what God wants me to do and clearly hearing His direction, I continue to ask over and over again. Rather than move forward in obedience, I linger back desiring one more confirmation of what He has already shown me.

Nothing pretty about this – our reluctance to heed His answer is rooted in fear and it never serves us well. If we’re totally honest, we’ve probably landed here too many times. I know I have. Regret is a constant sidekick to those who are looking for one more revelation of the truth staring them in the face – reluctant to obey.

Fear is a powerful emotion. Perhaps that’s why God instructed us with so many “Fear nots” in His Word. Sweet reminders to not fear, because He is forever with us. Faithful promises to strengthen us and deliver us. Like a constant tweet to our souls, God encourages His children to be bold and courageous rather than cower in fear.

So sweet friend, what’s got us sitting on the edge of our seats filled with worry and doubt? Are we keeping it real by admitting our fear? Or are we hiding it under the disguise of a repeat confirmation? Conquering fear, trusting God and seizing His power to move forward always serves us well. Let’s cling to His words and leave regret behind.

“Father, empower us to be fearless women who trust You completely as we conquer doubt and worry.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

 

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Posted in Spiritual Growth, Success, Wisdom

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

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