Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | July 12, 2022

Why We Love A Love Story

“The Lord will rescue me from every evil deed, and will bring me safely to His heavenly kingdom; to Him be the glory forever and ever.” Amen. 2 Timothy 4:18

I know the following idea flies in the face of political correctness and modern feminism (although, does “feminism” exist anymore since “gender is a social construct” and no one can actually define what a woman is?). But, let’s be honest, who doesn’t love a great love story?

There are the classics made popular in the 1950s by Walt Disney, like Cinderella, Snow White, and Sleeping Beauty. And there are the originals upon which most “classics” are based, like Beauty and the Beast, published in 1740, but inspired by a second-century tale from ancient Greece. Of course, there’s my favorite (and, if you haven’t seen it or read it yet, it will be yours too once you do): The Princess Bride.

These greats generally have a common theme: someone is in distress (usually a “damsel” of some sort), and then someone (typically a Prince) fights the good fight to rescue her.

But did you know that all the great fairy tales like these are mere shadows of THE ONE TRUE LOVE STORY? This original love story was written in eternity past, with the stage being set for thousands of years—from Creation until the first cries of the Prince’s arrival on the scene.

You see, this Greatest Story Ever Told, shows how all of humanity was in utter distress until our Prince (the Prince of Peace, Lord of lords, King of Kings) made a way to rescue us. Before being saved, we wandered through life—lost and broken—searching for that soul-level reunion pined for by every human. Meanwhile, Prince Jesus has fought and won the battle against our great enemies (sin and death), and He stands victorious awaiting that reunion with us.

Can you see it? Friend, this is why fairy tales resonate so deeply with people (women and men alike)! We have a deep, visceral need for rescue—a God-shaped hole in need of filling. But that need will never be satisfied by an earthly relationship, drugs, alcohol or shopping. This rescue is only successful when we grab the hand of the Great Rescuer, Jesus. And when we do, He will sweep us off our feet and make us His Bride. Then, when our time on this earth is done, we’ll go to His Kingdom to live eternally…literally, happily ever after.

“Jesus, You are The Knight in Shining Armor—our great Rescuer. I pray that just one person reading this will reach out and accept Your hand by faith, welcoming Your Victory for their life.”

For His Glory

Julianne Winkler Smith
TRBC Women’s Life

 

Leave a Comment

Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Hope

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | July 11, 2022

Welcoming The Voice of God

“But my people did not listen to my voice; Israel would not submit to me. So I gave them over to their stubborn hearts, to follow their own counsels.” Psalm 81:11-12 (ESV)

“Old MacDonald had a farm…”  You probably remember those words from childhood; I sure do. Our home is in the city, but adjacent to our property is a farm with beautiful, lush pastures. And on that farm are some of the cutest cows you’ve ever seen. Often, they graze close to the fence dividing our property. My fave thing to do is to go outside and sing to them or simply just talk to them with a Moo Moo here and Moo Moo there – I think you get the picture.  Call me crazy – it’s okay.

Last week, I got a glimpse of the cows and headed outdoors ready to serenade them. One little problem. Despite my Moo Mooing and my singing, the cows totally ignored me. The closer I got to the fence, they actually moved further away oblivious to the fact that I was there just for them.  Totally upset, I marched back in the house proclaiming, “Those cows don’t care about me at all.” Just reading those words makes me laugh now. How silly of me to be frustrated with those cows who, yes ignored me, but were obviously more concerned about eating than hearing my voice.

Sweet friends, I can’t help but wonder how God must feel when we totally ignore His voice. He’s been speaking into our lives from the moment we took our first breath. Inviting us to experience the beauty of a relationship with Him (Revelation 3:20). One of my fave verses declares, “The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty One who will save; He will rejoice over you with gladness; He shall quiet you by His love; He will exult over you with loud singing” (Zephaniah 3:17). Wouldn’t we just love to know what He is singing over us today? Are we even listening?

The nearness of our God isn’t dictated by our acceptance or rejection of His voice. He whispers in the dark and lonely night. He calls out in the midst of the storm. He speaks deep truths through His Word and commissions His people (Isaiah 6:8).

What if Moses had ignored the voice of God calling to him from the midst of the burning bush? What if Samuel had dismissed the voice of God calling to him in the middle of the night? What if Job had been too distracted by his circumstances to hear God’s voice (Job 38)? What if we ignore the voice of God inviting us into a deep, abiding relationship with Him? What if we allow distractions to drown out the conversation God longs to have with us?

Ignoring the voice of God is a dangerous place to land. Psalm 81 reminds us that tuning out God carries significant consequences. Choosing our voice over His will result in God giving us over to our stubborn hearts.

Let’s not be oblivious to the voice of God. Let’s listen intently and follow His lead rather than seek our way. Let’s reap the blessings found in obeying God’s voice – it’s the best place to land.

“Father, cultivate within us a heart which yearns for Your voice, a mind which remembers Your words and a soul which is forever changed by Your presence.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

Leave a Comment

Posted in Encouragement, Hope, Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | July 8, 2022

Avoiding Falls

“Whoever loves his brother abides in the light, and in him there is no cause for stumbling.” I John 2:10 (ESV)

Who would have thought a simple puddle of water could create such havoc? My husband had been on crutches for weeks and even the smallest splash of water resulted in an almost mishap. Yes, we definitely don’t want to see him fall or hit the floor. So, nurse Janet had to be on her knees a lot  – seems every time I filled up his water bottle, changed his ice pack, etc., some residue of water ended up on the floor. Desperately trying to prevent any falls.

Wonder if I take the same precautions to cultivate an environment to prevent spiritual falls? So easy to justify what I want to do and how it’s so okay and not a stumbling block for me, but what about my brothers and sisters in Christ? We can rationalize our life away, excuse choices and claim it’s not hurting anyone but us. The truth is, as believers, we are the body of Christ – we are one. Whatever we do or fail to do affects the entire body of Christ.

If I take that thought outside the realm of my spiritual family, my choices can also create a huge barrier for those who don’t know Christ. Joining in on things I know don’t serve me well creates a double standard – one I tell others and the one I live. Compromises that don’t seem to faze us can be the last straw for someone else’s struggle with sin (Romans 14:13).

Our world desperately longs for authentic, true living. If we’re aligning ourselves with God, then we need to make sure we represent Him well. We’re His team, His ambassadors – the ones He entrusted with the gospel. Allowing our mishaps to spill over and cause others to tumble never pleases our Father. While we can’t control what others do, we can make sure we are anchored in His truth so our life choices won’t cause others to stumble. And when temptation arises, pause and reconsider is the pleasure of a moment worth the potential downfall of many. Simple answer – no. We were created to be light drawing others to the Father not entertaining darkness.

“Father, the ones who abide, linger and stay close to You keep their feet from stumbling and dragging others with them. Help us to stay far from the edge and resist compromise.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

 

Leave a Comment

Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | July 5, 2022

Cultural Bond, James Bond

“For certain persons have crept in unnoticed…ungodly persons who turn the grace of God into licentiousness and deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ.” Jude 4

Licentious is not a word that’s used often (if ever) anymore. But it is a stellar word, full of accurate meaning in today’s culture. So, how can it be defined? Simply put, it is to be lawless, impious, given to unrestrained sin and gross immorality. It’s an arrogance to do what you please, when you please, even though it may offend others—and offend God. An easy way to remember it is to think of those awesome James Bond movies through the decades. (This makes me wonder, who is your favorite Bond?) Anyway, James Bond has the moniker of 007—he has a “license to kill”…and this is similar to how we can think of licentiousness: It is a license to sin.

Back when Jude (and Jesus, Peter, Luke, Paul, and John) were talking about false teachers/teaching coming into the Church, there was a spiritual movement called Gnosticism that was permeating culture and infiltrating the young Christian movement. Basically, Gnosticism was a combination of Jewish, pagan, and some Christian beliefs, all muddled together with one primary teaching: Your spiritual life is all that matters; flesh is meaningless, so you can do whatever you want with your body—it doesn’t affect your “holiness” in any way. In other words, the good Gnostic would say, “I can do whatever I want with my body!”

Hmm. Sounds remotely familiar.

The first-century Church (and every century since) has been called to influence the culture of that day. To spread the Good News of the gospel and the transformative power of  God’s grace through Jesus Christ. And the Church, despite the Gnostics and the pagan cultures around at that time, was turning the world upside down (Acts 17:6)!

Today’s culture, if you haven’t noticed, is shameless. Activities that not so long ago were hidden and done in secret when no one was looking—generally known to be “bad” or “unacceptable” or even “sinful”—are now done in the light. They’ve been normalized. And beyond that, they have also become celebrated. Most recently (and most disturbing), many of these activities are becoming engrained into our legal systems, mandated. Whether or not it conflicts with religious/moral beliefs, they must be accepted, affirmed, and celebrated. And if you don’t, you are a hater, bigot, etc., and you very well might get kicked out of school or go to jail. (There are many examples to the above, but there is no need to list them.)

The issue for believers today is not just what is happening in the culture, the degradation and licentiousness—and the resulting reaping of what’s been sown for the past decades. While that’s important to acknowledge, it’s more vital to recognize that the culture is influencing and infiltrating the Church more than the Church is influencing the culture. And this is a huge problem.

A recent Barna survey (released May 2022) is terrifying. Across denominations and pastoral roles in the American Christian church, just 37% of pastors hold a Biblical worldview. In other words, little more than one-third of church pastors believe and behave in alignment with God’s Word. Despite the warnings given us in the Bible—from Jesus and His disciples and the epistle writers—licentiousness has crept in. And it’s taken over.

So, friend, be on guard in your church and with those pastors/teachers you listen to. Know God’s Word for yourself, so you can test what you’re hearing. If you don’t know the Truth, your ears will get itchy (2 Timothy 4:3) and you’ll be easy prey for the wolves in sheep’s clothing (Matthew 7:15). When the world around us embraces a license to sin, we need to stand firm on the Truth and be ready to defend our faith. And when that licentiousness results in pain, depression, and despair for those partaking in it, let’s be at the ready to give a reason for our hope (1 Peter 3:15).

“Lord, Your Truth will stand amid the false teaching and cultural darkness—help me to stand firm on it.”

For His Glory

Julianne Winkler Smith
TRBC Women’s Life

Leave a Comment

Posted in Faith, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | July 4, 2022

Choosing Freedom

“And God spoke all these words: I am the Lord your God who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery.” Exodus 20:1 (NIV)

A personal God who intervenes on behalf of His people – who could ask for more? His desire is release, freedom and deliverance so that we can enjoy the abundant life. Who wouldn’t be empowered to seize their Promised Land? Yet the Children of Israel seemed reluctant to embrace the road to freedom. God alone was the One who knew every detail of their past. He saw them getting caught in the snare; He witnessed their wanderings, bargainings, and complainings– yet God excused none of it. They didn’t move out of their bondage due to a twelve-step program, diligence, or discipline. They moved out because God’s mighty hand led them out.

Even on the freedom road, the Israelites often cherished the memory of the very life that kept them enslaved. Selective memory erased oppression when traveling in the wilderness became hard. Despite God’s daily provisions, they always wanted what they had left behind. Perhaps the fear of tasting and walking in true freedom was more than they could even imagine.

Sound familiar? Aren’t we guilty of looking back and seeing the good, while God looks back and sees the path to destruction? We feel more comfortable with our norm bondage than the release of those chains holding us back. We stay stuck, unmovable because fear keeps us locked in place. The fear of experiencing something so much bigger and grander than we could have ever imagined. The fear of letting go of what doesn’t serve us well for what will serve us greater. The fear of having to do the hard work of trusting and obeying as God transforms us one step at a time.

Redeeming His relationship with us, God proves His power to lift us up and beyond the remnants of our sinful past; however, God isn’t just the God of the past. He is in our present and our future. He knows what it will take for us to reach our Promised Land and some of us won’t pay the price. We will settle for Egypt and choose slavery to past sins, habits, devastation, heartbreak, etc. And when we do, we will miss the opportunity of a lifetime.

“Father, transforming our lives is the goal of Your deliverance. Teach us to grab a hold of Your hand and cherish the freedom You offer.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

 

Leave a Comment

Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Hope

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | June 29, 2022

Have You Prayed About It

“The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.” (James 5:16, ESV)

“He is so stubborn. Doesn’t he see what he’s doing to himself? Why does he refuse to eat healthy?”

Just some of the thoughts that were racing through my head as I tried to make sense of the lifestyle choices my husband was making – especially after having had a heart attack. The more I tried to encourage healthy choices the more frustrated he became with me and I with him.

After trying to “change” him on my own, I resorted to doing the thing I should have done in the first place. I started praying very specifically about his health. Asking God to give him a desire to eat healthier,  exercise more and take better care of his body. I quit saying anything to him about what he ate. I made healthy choices for myself and just prayed for him.

Then one day he asked me to purchase some workout clothes for him the next time I went to the store. He shared that he had decided to join the gym. He wanted to get in better shape. Did you catch that – he decided.

 “Thank you Holy Spirit, he thinks it’s his idea.”

That was a few years ago. There have been numerous lifestyle changes since. We love cooking and hosting things at our home. My husband enjoys finding healthy, new recipes for us to try. He’s even working to eliminate sugar completely.

As women it’s hard to watch people we love make bad decisions – especially our husbands or our children. We may feel like we “need” to step in and take control of the situation. However, that person is also God’s creation. As hard as it may be for us to believe, the truth is God loves them even more than we do. He desires the best for them.

We show God that we trust Him when we submit our loved ones to Him in prayer. Deciding to not take matters into our own hands and “work out a solution.” Our prayers become effective and powerful when we chose to wait on the Lord. While we are waiting, we continue to live righteously. Living by faith, fully trusting that the prayer will be answered in God’s timing.

Every year we set goals. When we were discussing our goals at the beginning of this year, my husband shared one he wanted us as a couple to focus on – he wants us to be able to bike ride a forty-mile trail this summer. The Holy Spirit can change the heart of a person better than we ever could dream or imagine. (Romans 8:26-27)

“Lord help us to be still and know that you are God. Remind us to pray over the things that hurt our hearts and trust you to answer in ways that exceed our expectations.”

For His Glory

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

 

Leave a Comment

Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Hope, Prayer

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | June 27, 2022

Never Alone

“The Lord was with him (Joseph); He showed him kindness and granted him favor in the eyes of the prison warden.  The Lord was with Joseph and gave him success in whatever he did.”  (Genesis 39: 21, 23b) ESV

Time out is never fun. Being grounded less fun. As a single parent, I remember several occasions when my son was grounded and so was I. His grounding resulted in long, exhausting weekends for both of us.  No Friday movies with friends. No watching my fave show – no, no and no. I was so glad to see Monday arrive even if it meant getting up early and heading back to work.

The book of Genesis unveils Joseph’s time outs, not because of what he did but at the mercy of what others did.  Seemingly alone in dark, depressing places. Rescued from a deep pit. Sold into slavery. Confined in a dark, prison. Just when Joseph thought things were about to turn it got worse. Gotta be real here, Joseph landed in some really hard places.

Resonating throughout the lifetime of Joseph, we repeatedly hear this phrase:  “The Lord was with him.”  Never once was Joseph alone. God’s presence and favor positioned Joseph to succeed even in the most unlikely places. And the sweetest part is that others noticed. Yes, you got it. Joseph’s Egyptian master saw how God prospered Joseph and put him in charge of all he owned.  End result, the Lord blessed the Egyptian’s household because of Joseph (Genesis 39:2-5). When false accusations landed Joseph in prison, scripture reminds us the Lord was with him. Not only was He Joseph’s constant companion, but God showed kindness to him and granted him favor with the prison warden. Joseph was successful in whatever he did (Genesis 39:23)

Even when everyone else forgot and overlooked Joseph, God didn’t. The Psalmist David puts it this way:  “Where can I go from Your Spirit? Or where can I flee from Your presence.”  Love these words from Psalm 139 – sweet assurances that God is always with us.

Don’t know about you, but I need those words on a daily basis. I desperately need God’s presence, kindness and favor. Life is simply too hard to assume we can make it on our own. Even when surrounded by tons of noise and people – there is simply nothing more precious than our God. He is our Hope Giver, Waymaker, and Everlasting Father who never leaves us alone.

Sweet friend if you’re parenting on your own, God is with you. If you’re single navigating life in a married culture, God is with you. If you find yourself as a caregiver and sitting at the bedside of a loved one, God is with you. If you’re facing the brink of financial devastation, God is with you. If you’re battling disease and heaven seems closer than you imagined, God is with you. Whatever you’re facing, you can be confident God is with you and will never leave your side.

“Father, thank You for Your reassuring presence. From the moment we took our first breath until we stand face to face, we are never alone.”

 

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

Leave a Comment

Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Hope

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | June 23, 2022

More Than Conquerors

“Some of the spoils won in battles they dedicated to maintain the house of the Lord.” I Chronicles 26:27 (NKJV)

We will have battles! Children of God are not exempt from conflict. Why does God allow us to go through spiritual warfare?

When we fight battles, God doesn’t want us to come out just a survivor. He wants us to come out with spoils, loot, stuff because we are MORE than conquerors!

God will never allow battles He knows we cannot win. The warfare is maintenance for the house of God, you and I, when we need some repair from time to time. If we don’t have something to reach into…a storehouse of resources, the house will go into disrepair. We don’t come out of battles scarred and bloody saying, “glad I survived!” We come out victorious in the Lord with spoils, plunder and loot taken from the enemy.

Right now, maybe you’re going through “something.” The Lord did not allow the conflict to spiritually keep you where you were before the battle. God wants you to come out changed, victorious, full of faith in the power of God. We become who we are today because of what we went through yesterday. All the battles, conflict, warfare whether it’s health, financial, relational. We come out not who we were going in.

You will not come out talking like you used to talk but speaking dynamic faith. Praying like you used to pray but praying by the power of the Holy Ghost. Reading the Bible isn’t humdrum…the words leap off the page. All because of the spoils God allowed us to obtain during life’s battles.

Do not throw in the towel. Do not say, “devil you win.” Stand! Plant your feet in God. We may not understand how or when the battle will end, but know this, “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for You are with me…”

“Father, You built the church from flesh and bone. It’s our responsibility to maintain it using our battle spoils. We’re not asking You to bring us out of the battle, but do not let us come out like we went in.”

 

For His Glory

 

Kim Lacey Schock (www.KimLaceySchock.com)
TRBC Women’s Life

 

Leave a Comment

Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Hope

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | June 22, 2022

Count It All Joy

“Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness, have its full effect,  that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” James 2-4 (ESV)

Many years ago, I had a pastor make a decision concerning me that was hurtful. It was so devastating, there was no way I could stay at that church and sit under his teaching. I left and went to another church. For years I replayed conversations in my head of things I would say to him if I ever saw him again. I had been wronged. I wanted to be vindicated for what he had done. Then one day many years later, I received a phone call from this pastor’s wife. She and her husband both wanted to apologize.

For a year prior to this hurtful thing happening, the Holy Spirit had been prompting me to leave. My husband and sons wanted to leave. We talked, prayed and debated over it for a year. But the hold up was me. Simply because this little church was my “comfort zone.” The people in this church had been more like family to me than my own biological family. This was all I knew. Fear kept me stuck in what was comfortable. Then this thing happened and leaving was the only option. When we started at our new church, my sons and husband fit in immediately. It took me a little longer to adapt. I felt so broken. I didn’t want new relationships I wanted to go back to my old friends and way of doing things

By the time the apology phone call came, I had already made peace with what had been done. An apology wasn’t necessary. While my heart hurt deeply over what had happened, the steadfastness of my walk with Jesus had produced a peace in the pain. In time, I found the strength to reach out to others and start over.

I had come to understand what James was saying.

At the time it wasn’t joyful. My heart broke, and I cried for a long time over it. But years later I could see how I could count that trial as joy because it propelled me to move out of my comfort zone. And once I embraced that trial and significant change in my life, my life changed for the better in ways far too numerous to share. It was a catalyst for growth and a whole new life.

When God tells me to do something now, I do not allow fear to hold me back.

“Father, Your Word tells us our trials have a purpose. Help us to expect trials and when they come to not give up. Remind us that it is okay if we don’t know all the answers because You do. Help us to seek You for wisdom to handle the trials that come our way.” 

For His Glory

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

 

Leave a Comment

Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Hope, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | June 21, 2022

The Battle’s On

“I felt the necessity to write to you appealing that you contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all handed down to the saints.” Jude 1:3

War. Depending on your age, you have certain perceptions of this concept. You could be a history buff and think of the amazing, world-changing, freedom-initiating battles for U.S. independence. Maybe your mind goes to WWII and its patriotic response and unifying efforts. Or the far-off (and misunderstood) jungle battles of Korea or Viet Nam. For most readers, war likely brings to mind the 20-year desert entanglement that was a “given” thread of American life—and one that recently ended in great calamity. Regardless of which war or when, to all those men and women who fought the good fight for our nation—thank you.

Friend, there’s another war that’s been raging for millennia. Since humanity began, actually. The first proverbial shot was fired in the Garden when Satan hissed his original lie to humanity, twisting the Truth of God and instilling the idea that we don’t need God—and that we can be like Him. (Although, when Satan himself acted on that belief, he was thrown out of Heaven.)

Since then, regardless of the historic era, global geography, or cultural realities, the battle between Truth and Lies has been fought. God’s Word versus Satan’s deceptions. Worship of God the Creator versus worship of the created (animals, stars, self). Surrender to Jesus as Lord and Savior versus clutching onto self-as-savior (being/doing “good” enough).

If you’ve read the Bible from “In the beginning God created” in Genesis to the final “Amen” of Revelation, you’re familiar with how this war has manifested through the centuries. (If you haven’t ever read the full His-Story of it all, I highly recommend it!) Bottom line of every battle: God would declare Truth/His way, and then man would doubt, disobey, and go his/her own way. Eventually, God sent His Son, Jesus, to become the Way, Truth, and Life—to make a way of once-and-for-all reconciliation to God. The Ultimate Peace Treaty.

Today, we are privileged to have the complete, inspired, inerrant Word of God in Scripture—and we know how the Story ends. But the spiritual war still wages. And, sadly, just as it was when Christianity began, the battle even infiltrates the Church. The Apostles Paul, Peter, and John, as well as Jesus’s half-brother Jude, warned of false teachers, heretics, and apostates creeping in among believers. Wolves in sheep’s clothing. Like their forefather, Satan, they twist the Truth and ask, “Did God really say?” Or, in a more modern vernacular, “Would a good God really do…?”

And just as those God-inspired letters exhort their original readers, we must “contend earnestly for the faith” (Jude 1:3). As believers, we are called to know sound doctrine (Ephesians 4:14, Colossians 3:16, 1 Peter 2:2). We must be able to discern Truth from error (1 Thessalonians 5:21-22). And (this is the really hard part), we have to be willing to confront and attack error (Philippians 1:7,27; 1 Timothy 4:7-8; Titus 1:13).

The war of Truth will continue to wage until Jesus Christ makes His final, successful advance on His enemies. Until then, friend, we need to put on our battle armor (Ephesians 6) and ready ourselves for the fight. We must study the Truth of God’s Word. Share it with others. And contend for its preservation.

“Lord, I recognize that I am in Your army. Give me the strength and courage to hold fast to the Truth and fight the good fight.”

For His Glory

Julianne Winkler Smith
TRBC Women’s Life

Leave a Comment

Posted in Faith, Hope, Spiritual Living, Wisdom

« Newer Posts - Older Posts »

Categories