Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | April 22, 2022

Where Fear Resides

“So I was afraid and went out and hid your talent in the ground.” Matthew 25:25 (NIV)

An entrusting of a great potential. A giving of an undeserved privilege. An excitement of a new challenge. A believing in a sweet promise. Priceless gifts left unwrapped. Fear stealing away the ecstatic joy and pure peace in knowing we’re living in a place God ordained. Wonder why we settle for so less when He loves to give us so much more. Wonder when we will trust Him enough to cling, grasp hold of the awesome gifts within our reach. Wonder if we will miss out because we thought we would mess up.

Satan’s lies greet each daughter of Jesus – “You’re not worthy enough, beautiful enough, smart enough to be used for His glory. Leave those giftings buried deep – the world offers so much more, the easier, simpler life.” And we buy in and sell out because fear overrides trust and unwrapped gifts line our shelves. Pretty ribboned packages longing to be released, used – a chance to shine for the One who reminds us “fear not.”

What gift has God entrusted to you sweet friend? Is there a lie of Satan that keeps drowning out your attempts to faithfully use your gift? What are you willing to do to experience the extraordinary pleasure of knowing you are pleasing God?

Fear will always keep us sidelined, but courage will thrust us out of our comfort zone. Fear will attempt to steal, kill and destroy. Courage will give us joy, purpose and everlasting fruit. Fear will always exist in this world, but courage will triumph if we make sure we are listening to the right voice.

“Father, help us to uncover, dig up and use the gifts You have entrusted to us. Equip us to be faithful stewards that produce everlasting fruit.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

 

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Hope, Spiritual Growth

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | April 19, 2022

Setting Reminders

“Then Samuel took a stone and set it between Mizpah and Shen, and named it Ebenezer, saying, “Thus far the Lord has helped us.” 1 Samuel 7:12

Life is moving at a remarkable pace these days. And I don’t think it’s just because I have more years behind me than I have in front of me (per the theory that the length of days is relative to the number of days lived). I think that the past two years of historical shifts have warped everyone’s sense of time. Just listen to friends and coworkers, and you’ll hear comments like: “Was that yesterday or three weeks ago?”

So, I don’t know about you, but I’ve gotten into the habit of setting calendar reminders and phone alarms for just about everything. These help me connect to virtual meetings on time and meet deadlines. A gentle (or not-so-gentle) ringtone prompts me to recall a task at hand. But these reminders also allow me to look back and assess tasks completed and goals met, which, in turn, spurs me on to tackle what’s next with confidence.

As believers, it’s really easy to get lost in the spiritual battles of today and the uncertainties of tomorrow. Anxieties wash over us as we pray for various health, financial, and family matters that can sometimes feel like day-after-day games of whack-a-mole. We desperately cry out to God for help while an undercurrent of doubt and fear leaves us unsettled even after our “Amen” is uttered.

Much like our calendars assert meetings held, jobs done, and special occasions attended, so must we create reminders of God’s amazing work in our life. Prayers answered, mercy shown, miracles done, comfort provided. I am confident that for you—like me—His faithfulness has been great and His love unfailing. But, like the Israelites wandering in the desert, we experience the Lord’s graciousness in blatantly obvious and preciously subtle ways…then, sadly, we forget. Our spiritual (or tangible) need is met, and we move on. And when we enter the next trial, trouble, or spiritual battlefield, it’s like we’re completely oblivious to everything He’s accomplished on our behalf (let alone that He is actually in control of it all)!

Friend, let’s become as diligent about noting the Lord’s provision as we are about recording calendar meetings and events. A prayer journal is a great place to start, where we can write needs and concerns, as well as Providential answers for our good and His glory. But there are other reminders that the Lord gives us daily—and we don’t even have to set an alarm. Just waking up with His breath in our lungs is a reminder of His new mercies for a new day. Beholding a gorgeous sunrise or sunset is a reminder to acknowledge our Creator God who sustains it all. And, as we walk through this dark world, we are reminded that we were once blind to Truth, and now we see.

In response to a previous conversation about this topic, a sweet sister of mine handed me a gift at church the other day: A smooth stone of remembrance (Ebenezer) with 1 Samuel 7:12 written on it. (Go back to read this story of God’s faithfulness, and you’ll understand the wonderful reference.) This precious stone now sits between my two work computers—which hold my online calendars—as a constant reminder of the Lord’s unfailing love, relentless mercy, and unfathomable grace for me. No annoying ringtones needed.

“You are faithful, Lord. Let me wake up each day to this truth, not forgetting who You are and all You’ve done for me.”

For His Glory

Julianne Winkler Smith
TRBC Women’s Life

 

 

 

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Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | April 15, 2022

Don’t Let The Enemy Steal Away Your Persistence

“Pray always and not become discouraged.” Luke 18:1b (HCSB)

Pacing through my living room, list in hand I rehearsed words that seemed to evaporate in thin air. Over and over again, I begged and pleaded for those who desperately needed God’s intervention. Despite my urgency, the people I prayed for strayed further and further away from God.

Ever found yourself there when praying evoked discouragement, disillusionment and a desire to simply give up? We’ve probably all experienced the heart wrenching doubt seizing us when situations get worse instead of better. The list became longer, the prayer time extended. We even offer solutions just in case God needed a little nudge in fixing it all. Despite our weariness and frustration, we kept hanging in there determined to not let the enemy win out – prayer was the only thing we could do.

Picture in your mind the last time worn out knees kissed dusty floors and tears flowed freely. Remember the passion and persistence hovering in a voice totally unafraid to ask one more time. Convinced God was the only answer, the only One who could turn things completely around.

My mind doesn’t have to travel far to recall moments like that – I can still hear the sound of weary feet hitting hardwood floors. I see trembling hands clutching soaked index cards scribbled with names and words. All for ones who had slipped away and entertained wrong voices. So much I didn’t know. So little I couldn’t do. My go to statement repeated was simply, “God, please send someone, anyone who can speak into their life.”

Little did I know in that moment God was crossing paths – uncharted territory divinely orchestrated and perfectly timed. A lady on a plane who wasn’t too busy to notice a passenger hurting deep inside. Started a conversation….an answer to my prayers. As quietly as she entered the scene, she left but not without giving away her Jesus Calling book to one who needed Jesus more than she could have ever imagined. And the road back slowly began.

Wonder what would have happened if I decided silence was my answer? How would the story have ended if I gave into the emotions of the moment and stopped asking?

Luke 18 unfolds a beautiful telling of a widow whose persistence before the unjust judge resolved her situation. Unlike any of Jesus other parables, He defined His point at the beginning – “Pray always and don’t become discouraged.”

Sweet music to one who thought everyone had given up on them. Fresh tears in remembrance of all our loving and graceful God did to bring one home.

We all grow weary, exhausted and tired……but don’t let the enemy steal away your persistence. Keep praying, trusting and seeking even if old eyes never witness on this earth the revelation of what God is redeeming. He is the Faithful, righteous judge who can be trusted with those we love.

“Father, I hope I never forget those days…when sorrow reigned and brokenness kept me at Your feet. Praising You for divinely doing what only You could do – rescuing the lost.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

 

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Posted in Encouragement, Prayer, Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | April 14, 2022

A Name, A Promise & A Cross

“And having disarmed the powers and authorities, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross.” Colossians 2:15 (NIV)

I always marvel at the transformation that is present when someone makes a commitment to follow Christ. In the book of Colossians, the apostle Paul speaks of his own transformation, even if indirectly, when he speaks of the doings of the Pharisees. For those who don’t recall, let me remind you, before Paul became a Jesus-follower, he was a Pharisee.  Paul was a member of an ancient Jewish sect that strictly enforced the law as a means to prove they possessed a higher level of sanctity.

Pharisees were notorious for ostracizing others in their communities for the sake of their own pride and social hierarchy. In the second chapter of Colossians, Paul – already a transformed man – writes to his followers about the importance of having Christ at the center of their lives and following Him rather than laws that were set by men.

Salvation through Christ is like the cancelation of a debt, like paying off a student or car loan, or even a mortgage. The sacrifice that Jesus made at the cross canceled our sins so that we could have the assurance of eternity in heaven with the Father.

The powers of darkness have no way of surviving in the light that comes from Jesus Christ. When Jesus chose to pay the debt that we owed by accepting to die on the cross for us, He defeated the powers of darkness, i.e., fallen angels, spirits and demons that belong to Satan.

Unlike the Pharisees, who – more often than not – did everything for show, Jesus always kept His word and followed through with His promises. When Jesus died on the cross and rose again, He proved that He was who He said He was and that no power on this earth would ever prevail against Him. One name: Jesus. One promise: eternity with the Father. One form of payment: the cross.

“Dear Lord: All power on earth and in heaven belong to You. You are Sovereign. ”
 

For His Glory

Luska Natali
TRBC Women’s Life

 

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Posted in Faith, Hope, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | April 13, 2022

His Precious Blood

“…Christ, our Passover Lamb, has been sacrificed for us.” 1 Cor. 5:7 (NLT)

In Exodus chapter 12, God promised when He saw the blood of the lamb on the doorframes of a home; He would pass over sparing that family the plague of killing the firstborn sons and firstborn male animals in the land of Egypt. This disaster would be the LAST and FINAL plague needed for Pharaoh to surrender to the demand of God to let His people go. After 430 years of slavery, God’s people would finally know what it was like to be delivered from bondage, released from long days of unrealistic, hard manual labor and to experience freedom from the chains that had them bound.

In the original Passover, those Israelite’s sacrificing a lamb signified they would be spared God’s judgment…His promise in verse 13, “When I see the blood, I will pass over you…”

Some 1,500 years after the Israelite’s liberation from Pharaoh’s captivity, Paul used the same term to describe Christ as the sacrificial Passover Lamb. He knew the events in Exodus foreshadowed the coming sacrifice of Jesus when he penned “…Christ, our Passover Lamb, has been sacrificed for us” in 1 Corinthians.

The Israelites needed a lamb without blemish to cover their homes to save them from death. Both stories parallel, nothing has changed, even now 2000 years later, humanity still needs a spotless Lamb to save us from the grave. Jesus became the spotless sacrificial Lamb. He took the place of the blood from bulls, goats and fowl. He became the LAST and FINAL sacrifice good for all time.

Passover recognizes the defeat over death, the empty tomb and the victorious resurrection of our Lord and Savior. Easter celebrates the new covenant; the better, perfect promise not chiseled in stone, but written with the precious blood of the Lamb.

“Father, it’s Your unselfish love that freed Your people in Exodus and the same love throughout the span of time that continues saving us. Your shed blood is still covering our sins, freeing the captives and saving the lost.”

For His Glory

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

 

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Posted in Faith, Hope

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | April 12, 2022

Nothing Less Than 100%

“But God shows His love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8

When you were growing up, did you like school—I mean the academic part? (The whole social structure, cliques, jocks-versus-nerds thing aside for now.) As for me, whether in second grade or during senior year, I loved learning…class lessons, homework, projects, papers, and tests. It was also very important to me to do really well. (I can say the same about my parents—seeing A’s on my report cards was always the expectation…hence, my perfectionist tendencies.)

Depending on where you grew up, getting an A on a test meant earning at least 90% of the potential points. At many schools (until recent years) an A was 94-100, so it was even a bit more challenging to attain. Regardless, achieving that top mark is always a great accomplishment. And a report card displaying “straight A’s” is certainly worth celebrating. That being said, it’s highly unlikely—dare I say, impossible—that any straight-A student achieved complete perfection on every single lesson, project, test, etc. through the semester. No one can be that academically perfect.

And no one can live a flawless life either—one where not a single thought, word, or action ever goes against the moral laws and standards of our Holy God. Even unbelievers who tend to believe they’re “good enough to get into heaven” will admit they’ve lied or stolen something at least once in their life. We all sin and fall short of God’s holy perfection (Romans 3:23). But to be in the glorious presence of the Lord, nothing but total perfection will do! No percentage range or grade curves there. Only faultlessness.

You may be panicking right now, thinking, “But that’s terrible! How can I get to heaven (to live eternally with God) if He requires me to be perfect? Why would a good God do that?!”

Friend, God is Good—He made a way for you and me! Because He loves us so much, He sent His Son, Jesus, to take on the flesh of man. Fully man and fully God, Jesus lived a completely perfect life, never offending the Father in thought, word, or action—although He was tempted in every way we are (Hebrews 4:15). Then, Jesus took the penalty we deserve, paying the price for our sin and trading His righteousness for ours (2 Corinthians 5:21). What does this mean for us? When we accept the free gift of grace extended to us by Jesus, a Great Exchange is made: He takes our sin, and we get His perfection. Now, don’t misunderstand, once saved, we’re not suddenly going to stop sinning while we’re on this earth—perfect living is still impossible. But from God’s vantagepoint, because of His Son’s sacrifice, He looks upon us as if we’ve never sinned. This is grace. And in this glorious spiritual perfection, we get to spend forever with Him.

When you believe and surrender to Jesus Christ, your life’s proverbial final term paper will be marked 100%. And you don’t even have to work for it.

“Lord, I cannot be perfect—but You were. You lived a perfect life on my behalf and died the death I deserved, so I can live forever with You. Thank you!”

For His Glory

Julianne Winker Smith
TRBC Women’s Life

 

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Posted in Faith, Freedom, Hope

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | April 8, 2022

Carving In Margin For Rest

“Six days you shall work, but on the seventh day, you shall rest. In plowing time and in harvest you shall rest.” Exodus 34:21 (ESV)

Ever feel like you’re just trying to stay ahead of the game, but the game is going faster than you dare imagine? Most days can feel like that – from sun up to sundown. Amazes me the speed of 24 hours, and the tasks that just keep getting carried over. I’m a planner kind of girl so I love checking things off my list even if I just added them a few minutes ago. Frustrating to hit Friday and the reality of what never was tackled is staring me in the face on Monday morning. To be totally honest that list can haunt me all weekend – releasing margin for catchup robs me of peace.

Love this sweet reminder from the One who knows how to carve in margin for rest. In awe of the example God set before us with creation – six days of creating and one day of rest. The One who holds it all together challenges us to let it go, to take on His yoke which is light and embrace margin for rest.

Wish it were ever so simple to release agendas, lists and busy. Ever find yourself in that trap – desiring rest yet resisting still?

Plowing time and harvest were busy seasons for farmers. No Walmart or Target around the corner. Critical times to plow, plant and tend the fields. Doing the next thing from sun up to sundown – maximizing daylight to the fullest. And when the crops come in, you can’t just ignore harvesting, picking and storing up for tomorrow.

Yet God commands and invites us to a better way – a day of rest. Right in the midst of crazy, chaotic and endless lists, He knows rest soothes the soul, rejuvenates our spirit and clarifies our mind. Pulling away gives us a clearer perspective – a God perspective – trusting His agenda and His plans. Even when urgent seeks to steal away still, we can resist the tendency to cast aside rest. Awesome moments without a list and totally free to relax, reflect and receive the sweetness of His presence.

Won’t you join me? Carve in white space for rest. Resist the urge to keep doing. Enjoy a prayer walk. Read a great book. Remove distractions. And when Monday comes, we’ll be amazed how much gets done.

“Father, You have set the pace now help us to obey and receive the blessings of rest.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

 

 

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Hope

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | April 6, 2022

Even If

“But even if he does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.” – Daniel 3:18

I long to have the “even if” faith of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. They boldly told King Nebuchadnezzar that the God they served was able to deliver them from the fiery furnace, but even if He did not, they would worship only Him.

I also proclaim that I will only worship Jesus. But sometimes when things heat up, when life gets hard and I don’t see God doing what I think He should be doing, my heart drifts. Instead of walking through the fire, knowing Jesus is by my side, I choose to take things into my own hands…trying to fix the problem and bowing down to the god of self-sufficiency. Sometimes when I am wounded by a friend, rather than trusting that Jesus knows my pain and is able to comfort me, I try to ease my pain by bowing to the god of self-righteousness. When I have real needs that have not yet been met, rather than patiently trusting in His provision, I bow down to fear and worry. In these, and countless other ways, I choose to worship lesser gods.

But, praise be to the God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, who can rescue me from myself! I pray that He will create in me a pure heart…a heart that will turn to Him in times of trouble, a heart that would rather perish in the fire than serve or worship any god other than Jesus.

“Lord, only you can rescue me from my idol-making heart. I pray that in every circumstance you will remind me that you are more than enough, so that I will choose to worship only you.”

For His Glory

Ann Skalaski
TRBC Women’s Life

 

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Hope

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | April 5, 2022

The Need For Deeds

“For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.” Ephesians 2:10

The heated theological dispute of faith alone versus faith-plus-works has been raging for centuries—even millennia. In fact, this very topic is why Martin Luther launched the Reformation just over 500 years ago. But God’s Word is clear: “For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9). As for me, I will rest in this undeniable Truth.

That being said, we believers are actually not to literally rest! Once saved by grace, we are called to respond to our salvation with good works—to demonstrate our faith so others can recognize we are Christians. In fact, the very next verse from the Apostle Paul in Ephesians says, “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them” (Ephesians 2:10). This topic is a big theme in the book of James as well—a book that some point to on the “do-to-be-saved” side of the argument. But James simply exhorts that our faith justifies us to God (He sees/knows our heart), but we cannot be justified to men without deeds. In other words, if you tell me you’re saved but nothing at all changes about your life, then there remains the question of your true salvation.

When we truly surrender to Jesus Christ, we are a new creation—the old nature has passed away and a new has come (2 Corinthians 5:16). Our desire, as directed by the Holy Spirit living in us upon our profession of faith, is to glorify God through our actions. We want to walk in obedience because Jesus paid the price for our sin…not so that we can earn our way to heaven. By doing good works and bearing fruit, we please God and grow in our faith (Colossians 1:9-12). During His ministry on earth, Jesus also taught that true believers would be known by their fruit (Matthew 7:15-20).

Don’t get me wrong, friend, once we surrender to Christ, we will not be perfect or always do the right thing. In this fallen world, we will be in constant battle with our unredeemed flesh, the world system, and the enemy of the soul—Satan. Until we are fully glorified with a new body (woohoo!), either when Jesus calls us home or He returns, we must continue to pursue holiness. And we do this by studying—and obeying—God’s Word and spending time with the Lord.

Salvation is not the end game of our life on earth. If it were, as soon as we were saved, the Lord would snatch us up to heaven! Once saved, we must do. We are to be salt and light—to demonstrate God’s amazing love and grace to others so that they see our good works and give glory to God (Matthew 5:13-16).

“Lord, let my deeds give You glory and point others to You, as I live a life of love in response to Your love for me.”

For His Glory,

Julianne Winkler Smith
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Faith, Freedom, Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | April 4, 2022

The Elusive Search

“But the free gift is not like the trespass. For if many died through one man’s trespass, much more have the grace of God and the free gift by the grace of that one man Jesus Christ abounded for many.” Romans 5:15 (ESV)

Love the elusive search for the perfect gift. Yes, this past week I headed out to the store to find a special birthday present. Now, this wasn’t your ordinary celebration – it was a big one for a sweet friend – which means I wasn’t settling for just anything. Bet you know too that finding the perfect gift is harder than it seems. But that didn’t deter me – I just kept driving, searching and shopping until the mission was accomplished.

Positively sure my friend will love her present. Convinced she will appreciate all my effort and determination to celebrate her. After all, you gotta celebrate the big numbers.

Got me thinking – how diligently do I  seek and search for opportunities to share the most amazing gift. The perfect gift I’ve had for most of my lifetime. The one real gift guaranteed to last throughout eternity.

What’s the perfect, most amazing gift ever?

It’s the gift of believing, following and loving Jesus. It’s the sweetness of His presence even on days when we totally forget about Him. It’s the sheer joy of knowing our sins have been forgiven and cast into the depths of the ocean. It’s the wonder of Jesus’ incredible love surrounding us. It’s His amazing grace covering all of us. It’s the simple pleasure of knowing we are His, held close to His heart forever.

The list is endless. Best gift to share with others, yet I hate to admit I often fall short in sharing this gift. Distractions. Fear. Busyness. Intimidation. Bet you could add a few things to this ever-growing list too. Lots of excuses and reasons. None of which are welcomed by the One who told us to go to all the world and preach the gospel of Jesus Christ (Mark 16:15).

So sweet friends this is where we land – a beautiful Savior who gave His life for us – entrusting us with His story. Beckoning us to tell the good news – we can be forgiven of our sins. We can live for all eternity in a home He has prepared for us. We can endure the trials of this world with Jesus by our side. He will be the friend who never leaves or forsakes us. And Jesus longs for us to seize opportunities to share His love with others.

No gimmicks or tricks. Just simple truth – God loved us so much that He willingly gave His only Son (Jesus) so that whoever believes in Him wouldn’t perish but have everlasting life (John 3:16). If you’ve never opened this most amazing gift sweet friend, I’m praying you will. Don’t’ settle for less. Place your faith and trust in Him. Confess your sins and surrender your heart to the One who loves you more than you dared imagine. And then, join me in telling His story to our world –  He’s the best gift ever.

“Father, forgive us for failing to seize every chance to tell Your story with those we meet. Rid us of excuses and help us share the best gift found in You alone.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Hope

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