Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | September 23, 2022

Trusting During The Fog

“Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” Hebrews 11:1 (NIV)

One of the things I loved the most about living on the mountain is when I drove down to the city; I saw the most magnificent scenery. The Blue Ridge Mountains served as the backdrop to all that lies at the feet of them, including the trees, and – let me not forget to mention, the most beautiful sunsets!

One morning, the fog was so dense that there was very little visibility. I couldn’t even see the building I worked in until I was a couple hundred feet away. Looking out from the balcony, I tried to see the mountains. I was certain, 100% sure that they were exactly where I had seen them over and over again before, but I couldn’t see them. I just had to trust that I knew where they were, and keep on believing that once the fog dissipated, I would be able to see them.

Isn’t this how it happens in life, when our vision gets so cloudy because of the “disturbances” we walk through? Our minds get so crowded with the “fog” of worry, sadness, anxiety, anticipation, agony, sorrow, disappointment, and so many others, that we cannot see the light at the end of the tunnel. Many times, we can’t even feel that God is right there with us. During those times when the fog of life is so dense, all we can do is TRUST that it will dissipate, that it will melt in the warmth of the sun and show us all those things which our eyes could not see while it was hovering over the path.

“Dear Lord, God Almighty, King of Heaven, we yield our worries to You today. Whatever it is that is clouding our vision and keeping us from seeing that You are there, please remove it, Lord, and let us see You, even through the fog.”

For His Glory

Luska Natali
TRBC Women’s Life

 

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Hope, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | September 22, 2022

Cats or Daughters

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own understanding. Acknowledge him in all your ways, and he will make your paths straight.”  Proverbs 3:5-6  (NET)

We inherited a long-haired orange tabby cat from the previous owner of our house, who abandoned her when he moved out. Although we didn’t want the responsibility of a pet, there she was, and we couldn’t let her starve. That was five years ago, and Buttercup is still hanging around. Actually, she thinks she owns us.

She is happiest outside where she can scratch trees and roam where she pleases. She also prefers to eat her food outside on the back deck, so like inexperienced fools, we were putting her food dish out for her. Then we had neighborhood dogs coming onto the deck, followed later by a skunk and a big, aggressive raccoon. Our next-door neighbor also says there was a bear “as big as a Volkswagen” wandering through her yard recently, which means he was likely in our yard, too. I hope she was exaggerating his size. Either way, putting cat food outside in a dish is obviously a bad idea, a magnet for all kinds of critters.

Now we are trying to get Buttercup to come into the laundry room to eat, but she refuses until she is practically starving. She doesn’t understand why we have suddenly changed her routine. She is clearly irritated and resisting as hard as she can. But if we give into her and put her food outside where she likes it, animals of all descriptions will be on our back deck.

Buttercup is relying on her own understanding. She doesn’t know what we know, because she isn’t capable of reasoning as we do. We know there are dangers she doesn’t comprehend.

Don’t we act the same way when God changes our circumstances, or when He requires us to take on a new, unwelcomed responsibility? We don’t understand His ways, which are higher than our ways. Our limited human brains can’t comprehend what He knows. We have a choice. We can act like Buttercup and fight the change, or we can trust Him and submit to His will like the daughters we are.

Isn’t our best, wisest option to follow His leading?

“Father, when the unpleasant changes come in our lives, remind us of who You are and who we are. Help us to trust you more perfectly and acknowledge You in all our ways.”

For His Glory

Cherie Harbridge Williams
TRBC Women’s Life

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

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | September 21, 2022

The Comforter

“Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send Him to you. And when He comes, He will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment.” (John 16:7-8, ESV)

“What do you mean you’re leaving? How can you leave us now? What will we do without you?”

Imagine the conversation taking place as Jesus was trying to prepare the disciples for what was going to happen. He knew his death on the cross was coming. As they enjoyed their last supper together, He spent time reassuring them that they would not be abandoned. They knew what it was like to spend time with Jesus in person. How could a helper take His place?

In the Old Testament God spoke to mankind directly through visible signs (cloud of smoke by day, pillar of fire at night.) He often spoke directly to prophets in an audible voice leaving no doubt about what He wanted His people to do. (Exodus 3)

However, a new way of communicating with believers became prominent after the resurrection of Christ. Each believer would now have access to God through Jesus. Those who had accepted Jesus as their Savior would have the Holy Spirit as their advocate. He would plead their case to the Father.

Unlike before there would no longer be an audible voice of God speaking to prophets. It would be the still small voice of the Spirit speaking to the hearts of individuals. Drawing them to God and urging them to live wisely. The Holy Spirit is a gentleman though. He doesn’t scream to get his voice heard. It takes effort to turn down the “noise” of our lives to hear Him. When bad choices are made – He convicts us. He never abuses his power though. We always have a choice. When we ignore His leading, we grieve the Spirit. (Ephesians 4:30)

Have you ever been praying and had a sense of peace wash over you? You might have even felt a gentle hug in your spirit. That’s the Holy Spirit being our intercessor – sharing our burdens with Jesus in Heaven. And Jesus through the Holy Spirit comforts us with that “peace that passeth all understanding.”  Our prayer has been heard. We are not alone.

Sometimes life devastates us. We may not know what to pray or we’re unable to pray – we just cry or groan in our spirit. In moments of weakness, the Holy Spirit advocates for us. He understands our tears and turns them into words (prayers) offered up to Jesus on our behalf. (Romans 8:26)

“Lord remind us that even though we can’t see You like the disciples did – You are with us. Teach us to call on the Comforter not the world to ease our pain. Illuminate our prayers with wisdom.”

 

For His Glory

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Hope, Love

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | September 20, 2022

Love On Display

“But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in our wrongdoings, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved).”   Ephesians 2:4-5

Have you ever heard someone say, “Oh, she knows I love her”? Sometimes this concept is also stated as, “I know he loves me—he doesn’t have to say it all the time.” On the flip side of that coin is a person who tells another person (even frequently), “I love you,” but their attitude and actions are neutral (or worse). The fact is, for someone to truly know we love them, words are not enough. We need to demonstrate our love in ways (big and small), by being helpful, extending grace (giving others kindness that they don’t deserve), and showing mercy (not giving others what they do deserve).

God loves us—He is love (1 John 4:8). We can read all about His love for us from Genesis to Revelation—He tells us clearly using His words. We can also see His love expressed to us through Creation. A breathtaking sunset, the intricacies of a flower, the miracle of a newborn baby. And this is truly amazing and breathtaking.

But did you know, friend, that it is not God’s love for us that reconciles us to Him? His love does not make a way for us to spend eternity with Him in heaven. That may sound strange. But it’s true. God does love us—all of us. We can read it; we can see it. But He demonstrated that love for us in that while we were still sinners, He sent His Son—Jesus—to die on our behalf (Romans 5:8). Jesus paid the price for our sin—a price we could never pay—so that we can be righteous, holy, worthy to stand before God. It is this grace and this mercy that saves us from eternal suffering and separation from God. This is God’s love on display.

God does love all of us. And all of us have an opportunity to accept God’s gift of love on display. He loves you. But no matter how much you read about it, see it, or “know” this fact, it’s not enough. If you haven’t said, “Yes” to God’s grace through faith in Jesus, won’t you do that right now?

“Lord, Your love maintains the breath in our lungs and the earth’s rotation…but it’s the demonstration of Your love through Jesus that saves us. Thank You for this gift.”

For His Glory

Julianne Winkler Smith
TRBC Women’s Life

 

 

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Posted in Faith, Hope, Love

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | September 19, 2022

The Secret To Thriving

“The righteous will flourish like a palm tree, they will grow like a cedar of Lebanon planted in the house of the Lord, they will flourish in the courts of our God. They will still bear fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and green,”  Psalm 92:12-14 (NIV)

Cruising down I-95, I absolutely love the moment when I see palm trees swaying in the breeze. It’s my cue – the beach and Florida warm weather are getting closer. Despite how tired I am of driving, I’m always mesmerized by the view. Majestic, towering trees welcoming me to my fave place.

What makes those trees thrive? Lots of water, probably the reason why palm trees grow in abundance near the ocean.

What makes us thrive? “The closer our hearts, minds and souls are connected to God, the deeper our relationship grows. Relationship + obedience nourishes our souls in abundance. Living in sync with God’s will allows us to flourish – totally mesmerized by His work in us.

Psalm 92 beautifully illustrates how the righteous (doing life in obedience to God) not only flourish but grow like a cedar in Lebanon. Frequently mentioned in scripture, cedar trees were large, aromatic trees growing in abundance in Palestine. Valued for its durability, cedar was used to build the temple and the palaces of David and Solomon.

Sweet friends if we are growing like a cedar, we will be:

A sweet fragrance of God’s love
Able to withstand wear, pressure or damage
Stable – exhibiting enduring faith
Existing for a long time (eternity)

Wow, I never knew being like trees (palm and cedar) could be so appealing, but it is to God. And it all happens when we are planted firmly in our faith. Drawing strength and guidance from God’s word. Aligning our will with His. Seeking to draw close to the source of everything we need. And the best part, verse 14 reminds us that we will still bear fruit in old age – fresh and flourishing. Now if that doesn’t get you excited, I don’t know what will.

Keeping it real here – aging isn’t exactly what I’m looking forward to – wrinkles, aches and pains. We can often discount the value of a life lived well, but God doesn’t. He knows that despite our calendar age, those who maintain connection with Him will bear an abundance of fresh fruit. No sitting on the sidelines allowed sisters, we are destined to flourish on this earth from our first breath to our last. And the benefit of that ever growing, flourishing life is the sweetest reality that we are glorifying our God.

Oswald Chambers states it well, “A life of intimacy with God is characterized by joy.”   Vibrant and passionately devoted to our God all of our days – can’t think of a better way to live.

“Father, I love the plans You have for each of us to flourish and grow all the days of our life.  Help us to stay connected to You and walk faithfully in obedience.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

 

 

 

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Spiritual Growth

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | September 14, 2022

One Way Only

“Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6, ESV)

 “God is in everything. There are many paths to Him.”

WAIT. What did I just hear? My heart sank a little.

I had looked up to this person. Listened to them teach the Bible for over twenty years. I have dozens of their books in my office. I couldn’t believe that they were now sitting on a TV talk show and saying these words.

This person was talking about the message of inclusion. It started off sounding wonderful. Saying things like we should love everyone and treat everyone the same. But then it took a dangerous turn.

Inclusion has become the new mantra of our time.

But the message of inclusion sweeping across our land has a deeper meaning and a spiritual agenda.

In the book of Revelation, John warns us about how there is coming a time in our history when our society will be pushed into one global government. Inclusion is the message at the forefront of global minded thinking – urging us to be inclusive towards others.

The world would have us believe that if we just love everyone, we can do whatever we want and believe in any type of god – everyone goes to heaven. Inclusion says come as you are and stay as you are.

But let us not be deceived.

Christianity is a message of exclusivity.

We are all God’s creation, but we are not all His children. We become a child of God when we accept Jesus as our Savior. Anyone at any time can come to Jesus, just as they are. Once a person has acknowledged Jesus as the Son of God and confessed their sins – they are saved. Then they begin the process of changing old thinking patterns and walking away from sin.

Christianity isn’t a religion. It is a personal relationship with God.

God doesn’t exclude anyone from having a relationship with Him.

It makes no difference where you are from, what you look like, how much money you make or how many mistakes you have made. Access is open to EVERYONE – this is the only part of the gospel that is inclusive.

God’s Word tells us clearly there is one way only to have a relationship with God and that way is through His Son, Jesus (John 14:6). By simply inviting Jesus into your life, believing He is the Son of God and asking for forgiveness of your sins you too can experience a personal eternal relationship with God. Heaven rejoices every time someone believes. . .there’s still room for one more.

“Father, please help us to not be taken captive by the deception that surrounds us in our society. Help us to hide your Word in our heart so that we can discern the lies of the enemy.”

 

For His Glory,

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

 

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Posted in Faith, Freedom, Hope, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | September 12, 2022

When Hard Seasons Arrive

“He will cover you with His pinions (wings), and under His wings you will find refuge; His faithfulness is a shield and buckler.” Psalm 91:4 (ESV)

Where did the Summer go? Those are always the words echoing from my lips after Labor Day. I’m a warm weather, sunshiny day girl.  Beaches and anywhere outside are my fave places to be.  And despite the humid, extremely hot weather we had this Summer, I’m dreading the brink of chill that will arrive in a few weeks.

Regardless of whether we love hot or cold weather, despite our longing for snow or sunny beaches; we know the weather in Virginia will change with the season.   That’s one reason so many people love living here.  We get to experience it all.

Navigating our journey on this earth, we will experience lots of transitional seasons.  Seems like yesterday, we were grabbing our backpacks and heading out the door to catch the bus.  Blink and we find ourselves graduating from high school and then college. Flip the calendar and now we are the adults lining up our children for those “first day of school” pictures.  And before we even realize it, we’re the cheering grandparents in the stands at the local football game.

Life on earth is brief….a quick journey with thousands of transitions.  Each one ushering in its own unique lessons.  Birthdays, graduations, weddings and career accomplishments – glorious celebrations.  Seasons of life we love and enjoy.  But rarely do we envision the hard transitional spaces – places we never dreamed would be ours.

Just like the final leaf drifting from bare branches, our vulnerable self is fully on display when we find ourselves in desperate places.  The diagnosis we dreaded.  The loss of a loved one.  The emptying of our financial resources.  The exhaustion of caring for a family member.  The aching heart for our prodigal.  The haunting awareness of personal or spiritual failure.

Transitions and seasons we navigate in life could easily steal our breath away and silence our voice.  But God.  Yes that phrase, but God, reminds us who we belong to. It champions who is on our side.  We have never lived a day or experienced a second unknown to our God. Before we took our first breath, God saw us. While we were being formed in the womb of our sweet Moms, God fashioned every single day of our lives (Psalm 139:16).

So sweet friends when those hard seasons arrive, we can find strength and courage in the heart of our Creator.  The one who formed us will never leave or forsake us.  Even in the burst of ugliness spewing from our lips, overcome with sorrows birthed in hard places, our God is greater than our emotions. His love is inexhaustible.  He is wiser than our best laid plans. He is all sufficient to pick us up and carry us until we can once again stand.  God will see us through each step of those seasons and shine His greatest glory when we least expect it.

Love this reminder from Charles Spurgeon: “Nothing teaches us about the preciousness of our Creator as much as when we learn the emptiness of everything else.”  Oh how sweet to trust in our Creator – to call upon His Name in the darkest of our nights. To know beyond a shadow of a doubt, we are never out of His sight.

“Father, You are the only One who knows our every thought and loves us still.  You meet us where we are and teach us valuable lessons in every season.  Thank You for never giving up on us, even when give up on You.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Encouragement, Hope, Spiritual Living

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

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