Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | March 24, 2022

God’s Purpose More Fruit

“Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit…” John 15:5 (NLT)

We will have trouble in this life even when we are in the will of God. Jesus was in the will of God when He went to the cross despite scorning its shame. Job was in the will of God when he lost it all…children, house and livestock. Joseph was in the will of God during his slavery and imprisonment.

During the process of pruning, those unfruitful things are cut away that hinder growth. However, some good fruit must be pruned as well to make room for greater fruit. Isn’t it ironic; God will reveal plenty even in barrenness? He’ll ask us to be joyful when full of sorrow. He says we’re overcomers when we feel defeated. These are all areas where pruning is painful, but necessary. God knows how to take us through the process to our purpose. However, it’s through the process of suffering, we become closer to God. Has God taken you through some “stuff?” He didn’t explain it, He made you bare it, endure it. God let you cry yourself to sleep and didn’t wipe your tears. However, even in your lack of understanding, you kept on serving Him, worshiping Him, trusting Him and looking to Him.

The Lord wouldn’t allow you to go through difficulties if He didn’t have a purpose for your pain. The journey is to make you better. Better wisdom, knowledge, insight and self-control. Make you stronger and wiser. Also, to see and experience the power and love of God.

Think about Jesus! His suffering to purpose only lasted three days. Remember Job? He was rewarded double for his trouble. Let’s not forget Joseph; he went from the pit to the palace. The blessing after their journeys…the Bible never mentions these men ever going through pain, loss, suffering and heartache ever again. Surely! God will deliver you too for it brings great glory to the Father. Stay joined to Him. Remain in His love by obeying Him. Your joy will overflow! (John 15:7-11)

“Father, after the pruning process You will allow us to be fruitful bringing forth fruit and our fruit shall remain.”

For His Glory

Kim Schock (kimlaceyschock.com)
TRBC Women’s Life

 

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Spiritual Growth

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | March 22, 2022

Surrender For Victory

“Submit therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded.”  James 4:7-8

War is on everyone’s mind right now. Some are obsessed about it, given our 24/7 media and real-time reporting. In fact, a lot of people now use the Ukrainian flag as their profile pictures, when a few weeks ago they had no idea where this small country was located (or maybe even that it existed). Many people may be thinking that it’s too far away to worry about—for now, anyway. But, today, our planet is certainly small, and global issues are our “home” issues too.

The truth is the world has always had its blood-shedding wars and will until the Final Battle. But, friend, humanity—since the Fall in the Garden—has been involved in another ongoing war, a spiritual war. Humans have been at war with God. It wasn’t meant to be this way. When God created Man, we were meant to be in perfect relationship with Him, walking with Him as His friend. But when the Enemy slithered in with lying hisses and temptations of pride, Man lost this sweet friendship with God. We became separated from Him spiritually and relationally, and our flawless bodies—and the pristine planet—began its decaying process, filled with pain, disease, and death.

And so, the battle began. Even now, it continues, being fought on three fronts, with three enemies: the world system, the flesh (pride/selfish desires), and Satan. There’s so much to be said about how this war with God creates battles against self and others (in fact, the entire Bible is replete with this story).

But there is Good News! We don’t have to live our lives in combat with God! He made a way of restoration, of relational reconciliation with Him. Coming right down from Heaven onto our battlefield, Jesus fought our fight—and secured victory over the world, Satan, and death. The battle has been won, and there is no need to fight anymore.

Turning back to the concept of worldly wars, we all know that for a war to end, someone must surrender…and the side that surrenders is clearly the loser. Surrender allows for the winning side to take control, take prisoners, and have their way with their foe. But when it comes to our spiritual war with the Almighty God, there exists a beautiful irony: Unconditional surrender to Him brings complete victory for us (1 Corinthians 15:57)! We are not conquered—we become conquerors! Instead of being taken prisoner, we are made free in Christ (Romans 8:1-39).

But just as surrender in worldly wars brings peace, our surrender to Jesus brings peace to us. When we stop fighting against God and give Jesus control of everything, we can put down our weapons and rest in His love, grace, mercy, and peace. Friend, the war has been won. Won’t you surrender to Him today…and claim your victory?

“Lord, thank You for making a way of peace through Your Son, Jesus. Thank you for the victory over sin and death that allows me to be free.”

For His Glory

Julianne Winkler Smith
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Faith, Freedom, Spiritual Living, Success

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | March 21, 2022

Truth Gone Wild

“The sum of your word is truth, and every one of your righteous rules endures forever.” Psalm 119:160 (ESV)

It appeared to be the perfect deal for a real need.  My tennis shoes were past due to retirement.  Working out every day, the soles on the bottom had really gotten worn.  So for my birthday – treat to me – I decided to purchase a new pair.  It was an extremely cold, snowy and windy day, so I opted to purchase online (which I rarely do).

Social media conveniently displayed the shoes I needed so I clicked on the link to the site.  Surprisingly, the company was offering huge savings because they were overloaded with inventory.  The deal was simply too good to be true, yet my compulsive decision landed three pairs in a variety of colors into my cart.  What savings!

Well, the great deal was a real scam.  When I got my order confirmation email (thankful I checked that), the payment had been made to a utility company.  I immediately called and canceled my card since the scammer now had my name, address, card number, expiration date and three-digit code.

Long story short, this site looked just like the “real website.”  However, it was far from being the site.  The mimic was a replica of everything you would have known about the real deal.  Reminded me that there are so many things today that appear to be the real deal but are far from the truth.  Experiencing many variations of the perceived truth leaves us not trusting anything – not a good place to land.

Lesson learned – I needed to dive deeper into the source.  Perhaps then I would have avoided this mistake.  Same is true in life – we must dive deeper into the perceived truths surrounding us – we simply can’t trust what we see on the surface.  Discerning truth is crucial as we make decisions, speak into the lives of others and arm ourselves against the attacks of the enemy.  And in case you haven’t noticed, the devil is great at mixing truth with lies to create confusion.

Love the way God’s Word remains true, strong and steady. We never need to question it.  And the more we know His Word, the better we are at discerning crucial truths.  Saturating our minds with God’s truth gives us an advantage over the lies which sound and look good but are poor mimics of the real deal. We can’t go wrong when we measure truth against the Word of God.  So, the next time something sounds too good to be true, let’s plan to dive deep, get the facts, weigh the evidence and with God’s help safeguard our minds from the devil’s scam.

“Father, Your Spirit leads and guides us to truth.  Help us protect our minds from influences that could lead us far from Your truth.  Help us to combat the enemy’s lies with Your words and become passionate pursuers of Your truth.

 

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | March 18, 2022

When Your To Do List Overrides Your To Love List

“This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. John 15:12 (ESV)

Nothing feels better to me than marking something (anything) off my To Do List. I’m one of those people who actually add something they’ve completed to the list and then proudly scratch through it. Accomplished. Done. Finished. Sounds silly….however, it actually motivates me to keep marking those things off my list.

How about you – are you a list maker? I have a list for just about everything. Keeps me organized, productive and avoiding procrastination. But sometimes the downfall of my list is when it overrules my To Love List. I can get so task-driven, focused and determined to get it all done that I overlook the people aspect.

Marking it off my list at the expense of others is not a good thing. Missing out on the fun because my ever-growing list needs my attention is not always a good thing. Assuming that everyone else is as passionate about my list as I am is definitely an unrealistic expectation.

So how do I gain the proper perspective? Simply lay my To Do List down at the feet of Jesus and relinquish my rights to what gets down. Seek His direction on what stays and what goes. Ask for His help in staying balanced – avoiding the neglect of the people He brings into my path. With God’s guidance recognize a healthy perspective of what needs to be accomplished and who needs my undivided attention.

Being organized is not a sin, but when we make it an idol that doesn’t serve us well. God created the world taking chaos and bringing it into order. All throughout scripture, we see examples of His divine plan woven through the lives of His people – that requires organization. Yet, we also witness the perfect balance of Jesus welcoming interruptions into His limited time on earth.

Never read a scripture that described Jesus as being burned out, depleted, acting out because what He desired to happen didn’t happen. Instead, I only see a loving Savior devoted to His Father’s business – loving God and loving people.

“Father, in this crazy world that zeros in on accomplishment, help us to not lose sight of the things that are truly important to You.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

 

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Posted in Love, Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | March 16, 2022

Treasure In Jars of Clay

“But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us. We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed;”   (2 Corinthians 4:7-9, ESV)

There are a lot of metaphors in the Bible – one particularly interesting one is Paul comparing our strength in Christ to “a treasure in a jar of clay.” The focus of the metaphor is the treasure.

Paul’s writing reminds the Corinthian church that their hope is in Christ. He’s also making a distinction between their hope and those who followed Moses. The temple veil was torn into the moment Jesus died on the cross removing the barrier between God and man. Through Jesus, we can talk directly to God and experience the completeness of God’s glory.

Jars were an everyday item in the home of the original audience Paul was writing to. At least three things would have resonated with them by making this statement. Jars of clay were commonplace – rich or poor, everyone would have had jars in their homes. Since they’re made of cheap materials – they’re fragile. These vessels were handmade. The potter who made them would be the one who decided their shape, size, etc. The jar never got to choose its’ features.

The treasure we have within us is the resurrection power of Jesus. The power that allowed Him (and one day us) to overcome the grave. The light in us that can shine through the darkest of seasons that we may experience. By actively living victoriously through Jesus, we demonstrate the light and power which reaches others with the gospel of Christ.

Just like the jars of clay in the Corinthian homes, our jars of clay today (physical bodies) are filled with flaws and imperfections. Yet if we were perfect, people would see the beauty of the jar instead of the treasure.

I know in my own life, I’ve uttered these words more than once – “I’m so broken – there’s no way God could ever use me.”  Yet it’s the seasons of brokenness that caused me to depend completely on Jesus which led me to share my “treasure” more with others.

From the very beginning, we see a picture of a loving potter fashioning his clay. As God formed man from the dust of the ground by breathing life into it. (Genesis 2:7)

You may have experienced many heartaches in life that have left you feeling broken but that doesn’t diminish the treasure within you. In moments of weakness and doubt, we should remind ourselves that God (our potter) formed and fashioned us – He chose us to carry His most precious treasure to the world.

“Father, we thank You for entrusting us with the greatest treasure of all – a treasure that can strengthen us in our weakness.”

For His Glory,

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

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | March 15, 2022

Gladly Mocked

“Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name.” 1 Peter 4:16

In elementary school, there are few things more painful than being made fun of on the playground. Although I don’t have the best memory, I can recall glimpses of times when my “friends” made fun of me because I dressed differently than they (less cool) or because my mom chose to cut my hair in a rather boy-like style. Sometimes, at those young ages, a mocking statement comes from immature innocence. Other times, it’s from completely malicious intent.

Sadly, some people don’t outgrow taunting others—or being the one who’s the consistent butt of unkind jokes. In the hardness and blindness of the world, as well as social media cruelty and our divisive culture, mocking at every age should not come as no surprise.

Especially for believers.

When Jesus walked the earth, He even promised us that the world would hate us because it hated Him first (John 15:18). And the Apostle Paul stated it very clearly as well in 2 Timothy 3:12 when he wrote, “Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.” (Well, let me caveat this truth…these are promises if we are walking in the Truth, living out the holiness we are called to as Christians. If we’re living like the world and looking like the culture, we won’t have to worry about being mocked.)

Although in this country we’re not at the point of being jailed or killed for our faith (yet), there are other types of persecution. And it can be hard, enduring the rolled eyes and snarky comments about your conduct—particularly when you’re young in faith. But, friend, it can also be pretty cool to stand firm and glorify God through our words (or by what’s unspoken) and our actions (or by things not done).

Just the other day, I was finishing up a group video call with a client. I’ve been working with this team for over five years, so they know my worldview. (This understanding once kept their cursing at bay, for instance…sadly, they don’t refrain in my presence anymore. Maybe it’s the whole two-dimensional reality thing.) Anyway, at the end of this particular video meeting, someone made a comment that could have been 100% innocent, but, because of worldly sexualized vernacular, it could also go down a road of dirty joking. And when that first turn was made, someone at the table said, “Julianne, you’d better hang up now.”

So, I smiled at the group, said goodbye, and pressed “end call.” I know what was thought—and maybe even said—about my “prudeness.” But, friend, I counted it a privilege and a joy. They recognize my “in-the-worldness-but-not-of-the-worldness.” To God be the glory…and I will gladly be mocked.

“Lord, let me never be ashamed of You, but help me stand firm in a life of holiness, glorifying You.”

For His Glory

Julianne Winkler Smith
TRBC Women’s Life

 

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | March 10, 2022

Celebrate God’s Blessings

“From the fullness of His grace, we have all received one blessing after another.” John 1:16 (NIV)

Children love treats, and it doesn’t take much to make a child scream with bliss. My siblings and I used to watch our dad empty his pant pockets in the evenings, in enthusiastic anticipation that from those pockets would emerge a treat for each of us. This was a familiar routine in our household, as our dad loved to treat us when he would get home from work. We used to be amused at how much those pant pockets could hold. Dad would play this “wait game” with us, by always removing his wallet first, then his hand-care-chief, then loose change, receipts, and whatever else a man would carry along with him during the day. Then, finally, he’d pull out a piece of candy, collection cards, stickers, or anything that he knew one of his four children would like to receive from him. I remember the euphoria sometimes when we would get to exchange cards and stickers after we got our treats.

As I raised my three sons, I, too, experienced much joy in bringing home treats for them after a long day’s work. Watching their innocent little selves stand there, giggling, hopping, and sometimes even clapping small, suddenly excited claps as they waited for me to empty my purse. Showing them the treats for that day warmed my parent heart. That same story is now repeating itself in the lives of my small grandsons, as my sons, too, take joy in giving their children something to smile about.

Our Heavenly Father does not see us any differently than my dad saw his children, or I saw my offspring. He is ready and with arms outstretched to pour down His blessings. May His face smile upon us as we rejoice with gratitude when He blesses us with His many blessings.

“Dear Lord, You are ever so generous to bless us. Thank You for all that You do.”

For His Glory

Luska Natali
TRBC Women’s Life

 

 

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Posted in Encouragement, Hope, Spiritual Living, Worship

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | March 9, 2022

Captive Thoughts

“For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds.  We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ, being ready to punish every disobedience when your obedience is complete.” (2 Corinthians 10: 4-5, ESV)

 My husband likes to watch documentaries about World War II.  I’m amazed how anyone survived the war, considering how they fought in those days. Or that anyone survived once captured by the enemy.  As captives, their freedom was completely controlled by their captors.  They didn’t have free movement to walk around, eat, or sleep.  They could only do what they were allowed by the ones in control.

When Paul is writing this passage to the church in Corinthians, he is imploring them to take their thoughts captive – to make every thought a prisoner to Christ.

Just like a prisoner doesn’t have free reign of their life – our thoughts should not have free reign in our mind (and ultimately control our lives). Unhealthy thoughts and perceptions that contradict the true knowledge and nature of God are the strongholds he’s referring to.  We cannot battle these thoughts by carnal methods -which was what the Corinthian Christians relied on.  Methods such as manipulation, images of success, smooth words, and perceptions of power.

In Ephesians 6, Paul lists the spiritual weapons we are to use.  To rely on these weapons requires us to have faith in God (not in ourselves).

At any moment a thought can pop into your head and that thought can evoke feelings that can lead you to do things against God’s will for your life.  It can be hard to let go of thinking that values the things of this world but with Jesus, it can be done.

Most of our thoughts are triggered by past life experiences, and the harder our lives have been the easier the negative thoughts may flow.  But even if we’ve had a perfect life – the enemy is still “seeking whom he may devour” (1 Peter 5:8).  Always ready to pounce by speaking an untruth into our mind.

Eve is a perfect example of this. She had not experienced heartache – she only knew a perfect life with God.  Yet, the enemy spoke and caused her to doubt God.  Instead of stopping the thought of “did God really say?” Eve gave it freedom in her mind which led to feelings of insecurity. As a result, she acted in disobedience. She chose to believe a snake over God.

Eve didn’t have the luxury of going back to the printed Word and challenging her thoughts with truth (taking them captive) – but we do. Ladies fight with truth!

“Father, thank You that we do not have to be helpless victims of our thoughts.  Help us to choose to stop our thoughts and filter them through the truth of Your Word.”

For His Glory

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

 

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Posted in Faith, Freedom, Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | March 8, 2022

Two-Faced Tongue

“With (the tongue) we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people, who have been made in the likeness of God; from the same mouth come both blessing and cursing. My brothers and sisters, these things should not be this way.”  James 3:9-11

The Bible has a lot to say about the power of our words—both the Old and New Testaments are a treasure trove of wisdom. You can dig into the book of Proverbs alone and get plenty to chew on when it comes to your mouth (pun intended)! “Death and life are in the power of the tongue” (Proverbs 18:21) is one admonition that sets a solid foundation of truth.

James, in the third chapter of his book, gets really real with us—a true “ouch” moment. He talks about how we believers tend to praise God one minute and curse someone the next. The classic example is sitting through a church service, worshipping the Lord in song and through the sermon…then, you’re driving home only to start shouting at (and possibly cursing) some motorist who cut you off.

Part of Christian maturity is walking—and talking—in alignment with God’s Word. And that “sanctification journey” is just that—a journey. We cannot be perfect. Part of our motivation for living a holy life is to let our light shine in a dark world (Matt. 5:16). So, when we let unholy, slanderous, or hateful words fly, we hurt our testimony, as well as the reputation of the Church.

But there’s another motivation for not having a two-faced tongue. Think of this example: What if someone you love had a habit of consistently using their words in this way: “I love you!” … “You’re such a jerk!” … “You are so awesome!” … “(Expletive expletive!)” Not only would it be maddening, but it would be incredibly painful. (Some of us may not have to “imagine” this example at all, as we’ve lived it.) And this is what we’re doing to our precious Lord (James 3:9; Matthew 25:40-45). This is how we’re treating our Best Friend!

God’s Word also makes it very clear that what comes out of our mouth is a direct reflection of what’s in our hearts (Matt 12:34; Mark 7:20-23). So, to address our two-faced tongue, we need to be sure we don’t have a two-faced heart. Because our mouth overflows from what’s inside, we need to fill ourselves with the good stuff—and stay in fellowship with Christ. What does this look like, practically?

  • Meet daily with the Lord in prayer
  • Read and study God’s Word
  • Serve others (This seems like giving away, but it’s actually very filling!)
  • Be in community with fellow believers (Proverbs 13:20)
  • Don’t fill up on junk food for the heart: social media, news, gossip, etc.

“Lord, help me surrender control of my tongue to You, filling up my heart so its outflow is honoring to You and refreshing to others.”

For His Glory

Julianne Winkler Smith
TRBC Women’s Life

 

 

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Posted in Attitude, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | March 3, 2022

Wishing For More

“Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke them.” Luke 9:16 (NIV)

I don’t know about you, but often I find myself wishing for more. More time in the day to do the things I need to do plus the things I want to do. More financial security, so I never have to worry about the future. More space in my home for entertaining. I have a closet full of clothes, but I want more so that I always have just the right thing to wear for every occasion. And don’t we all find ourselves longing for more peace…in the world, our country, our families and sometimes even in our churches? We want more when what we have doesn’t seem like enough.

Jesus, when faced with the very real problem of not having enough food to feed a hungry crowd of over five thousand, gave us the prescription for this dilemma. With just five loaves and two fish, looking up to heaven, He gave thanks.

This simple formula helps us in two ways. First, looking up to heaven helps us distinguish between real needs and those things we desire. When my focus is on Christ, it is easier for me to see this. God promises to meet my needs so if it is a genuine need, I can rest in His promise. In the same way He provided manna, quail and water for the Israelites in the wilderness, He will meet my needs and yours. Secondly, when we give thanks for what we already have to the One who is the giver of all things, our gratitude and trust increases. When our trust increases, we can accept that what God doesn’t provide, we don’t really need.

Throughout Scripture God promises to care for our needs. In Matthew 6, Jesus says: “ …do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?” Sweet friends, we can trust God to meet our needs…even when what we have doesn’t seem like enough.

“Lord, we all know that sense of longing for more. When it comes, gently remind us to look up to heaven and give thanks for what we already have, trusting that You love us and will meet our every need.”

For His Glory

Ann Skalaski
TRBC Women’s Life

 

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Posted in Faith, Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Living, Wisdom

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