Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | January 27, 2022

When Your Reach Isn’t Long Enough

“…with a strong hand and an outstretched arm, for his steadfast love endures forever…” Psalm 136:12

The other day, my sick little boy asked me, “Mom, can you please get my water because your arm is longer than mine?”

It took my breath away because I immediately understood something from scripture that I’ve spent years trying to comprehend. I’ve always wondered why there are references to God’s “outstretched arm” and “righteous right hand” throughout scripture. I knew it was important, but it didn’t really click as to why. But now I know: we need to know about the outstretched arm and righteous right hand of God because we need to know we can ask Him to reach what we cannot reach, hold what we cannot hold, pay for what we cannot pay, save what we cannot save, and help what we cannot help.

God’s arms are longer than ours and can reach what we cannot reach to give us what we need moment by moment.

He is mighty to save and His righteous right arm can go far beyond our immediate surroundings and supplies to rescue us and sustain us with all His benefits.

As my arms are longer than my son’s, our Heavenly Father’s are longer than ours.

Like my son came to me with a foundation of trust, knowing that I love him, as children of God the Father, we can come to him with a foundation of trust and a knowledge of His enduring, faithful, perfect love.

He knows just what to extend His arms for in order to give us victory in our lives.

And it all comes from the foundation of love and trust that He has demonstrated to us over and over again. He is trustworthy. He knows how to direct us out and through. He has the power to rescue us like no one else ever could. He has the ability to heal our illnesses— both physical and spiritual. He has the comfort to hug us with His perfect peace. He has gentle hands to catch our tears and wipe them away. And of course, Jesus’ outstretched arms upon the cross reached throughout eternity to offer us the gift of salvation. His arms can reach whatever we need because His hands made us and also all the resources we could ever need. His outstretched arms meet the need because HE is our need.

These days, there’s much to bring to the Lord, for which our arms are not long enough. As I bring my needs to Him, I’ve got a fresh way to ask Him to intervene: “Lord, can you please help because your arms are longer than mine.”

His arms are longer than yours, too, friend. Come to Him and ask Him to reach what you cannot reach.

“Lord, thank You that Your arm is mighty to save and that Your steadfast love lasts forever. Will You reach what we cannot reach today?”

 

For His Glory

 

Emily P. Meyer (www.emilypmeyer.com)
TRBC Women’s Life

 

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Posted in Faith, Freedom, Gratitude, Mercy

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | January 26, 2022

Living In His Strength

“Abide in me, and I in you.  As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches, Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.”   (John 15:4-5, ESV)

Plants that climb typically start out by creeping along the ground until they reach a stem.  Upon contact with something, a chemical change is triggered in the plant that stimulates a behavioral change.  The plant then starts to grow upwards against gravity.  Wrapping themselves in a spiral around the object they come contact with.  Ultimately, investing most of their energy into climbing and growing.

Someone skilled in pruning will need to control the vine to ensure it concentrates more energy into producing fruit (grapes) instead of just surviving.

When a vine’s pruning has been neglected, old woody growth develops.  Sometimes requiring a saw to cut through it.

Life got extremely hard for the disciples after Jesus’ death and resurrection. Yet they continued to endure without yielding to the pressures of this world.  We are the result of the fruit that they bore because they chose to continue to “abide” in Christ.

As Christians, the world will constantly try to pull us down – but once we have had contact with Jesus, the Holy Spirit will trigger a change in us to move upward – from glory to glory.   (2 Corinthians 3:18)

If we are connected to our source of strength (Jesus) then we will be able to go against the weight of this world. (Hebrew 12:1,2) Much like a developing vine, we may want to pursue other things (survival and growth).  Just like a plant, a person can easily be sent into shock when pruning occurs.  Spiritual pruning from God may allow seasons of devastation. Loss of jobs and people that we love.  By staying connected to Jesus, he can take that season of brokenness and redirect our thoughts and energy – making us more productive for the Kingdom. As He applies the needed salve for our hurting hearts (wounds) to heal.

The decisions we chose everyday will bring us closer to Jesus or create distance.  Abiding will mean remaining stable in our commitment to Christ.  Not perfect but consistently reaching out to him for guidance. Prioritizing our time as we juggle between winning souls for the Kingdom and earning a living. We will have to live in his strength.  Just like the vine we will have to wrap ourselves deeply around the gospel to endure the hardships of life.   (Psalm 104:2)

 

“Father help us to be aware of the counterfeit sources of energy and strength that we may seek to bear fruit.  Help us to continue to share the gospel despite the rejection and persecution we may face.  Allow us to bear fruit for Your Kingdom.”

For His Glory,

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

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | January 24, 2022

Longing For God’s Purpose

“So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom.” Psalm 90:12 (ESV)

We often measure our lives by careers, possessions, bank accounts, social circles, marital status – I think you get the picture.  Today’s world evolves around purpose, performance and accomplishments – not necessarily what we are accomplishing – but that we are doing.  Striving for the proverbial world’s view of success spins our little feet until they total wear out. And so most people as they age navigate to a slower lifestyle…a quieter resolve…until they leave this world.

Sitting and watching the sunset sounds enticing doesn’t it?  But what if we intentionally never gave up on our purpose – why God has ordained each of our days?

My husband’s sweet little aunt Emma probably never measured up to the world’s view of purpose or accomplishment.  She has been single all of her 95 years of life.  Her career as a school teacher and her modest home didn’t’ scream success. Yet her love for family, especially her nieces and nephews, didn’t go unnoticed.  Birthday cakes, prayers and phone calls characterized the influential impact Emma made on their lives.

Residing in an assisted living facility, Emma recently was praying and searching out her purpose for this season of life.  Did I fail to mention she is 95?  Her frail body has suffered several setbacks in the past few months from broken bones, Covid, etc. life hasn’t been easy.  Yet despite her restraints and declining health, Emma longs for God’s purpose for the rest of her days.

Don’t know about you but I often fail to think about God’s purpose because I’m so busy with my purpose.  Navigating and maneuvering my days seeking to fulfill what I desire in the moment.  And if I reach Emma’s 95 years of life, I would probably be content to simply watch the sunset.

Emma, however, sees purpose even in her aging body and mind.  She is still here on this earth, and God has something He desires for her to do.  And isn’t just like God to let Emma in on His purpose for her days.  Emma has become an encourager and prayer warrior right there within the confines of her room.  She is serving those who serve her and those who are residents with the gift of prayer. I can only imagine the smile on God’s face when she comes to His throne interceding for those He brings into her path.

Sweet friends only God knows the number of our days.  How will we use those days to honor, serve and glorify Him until we step into His presence?  Even as our bodies age and begin to deteriorate, our voices are not silenced.  God can still use us in a powerful way to show His love, truth and grace to those we meet. Purpose is not a striving or doing but a listening to the Holy Spirit leading us every single day.

“Father, praising You for the testimony of Emma and how You are using her in a powerful way to touch so many lives.  Trusting You to show us how to spend every one of our days for your glory.”

 

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

 

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | January 21, 2022

When The Going Gets Tough

“But Ruth replied, ‘Don’t urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God. Where you die I will die, and there I will be buried. May the Lord deal with me, be it ever so severely, if anything but death separates you and me’.” Ruth 1:16-17 (NIV)

When all you have is stripped from you, like Naomi, it’s easy to turn bitter and think God has forgotten you or has decided to punish you. After losing her husband and two sons, Naomi left the country of Moab and returned to her people. She had two Moabite daughters-in-law, and she told them to go back to their people. One of the daughters-in-law, Ruth, saw Naomi as her own family.  She wasn’t about to leave her; Ruth was going to be stuck on her like a Band-Aid.

Today a lot of things are disposable and the things that used to be valued are mere trial-and-error opportunities. If Naomi lived today chances are her daughters-in-law wouldn’t consider following her to the next town. Women are often abandoned by husbands who vowed to love and protect them, children are left in orphanages by their parents and the love that once seemed to be stronger than death simply disappears.  Too often, we are no longer setting our roots on the Rock, on the One who can help us, but rather on utopian realities that do nothing but devastate our faith. If we wish to be blessed like Ruth, we must deny self and follow after God regardless the cost.

 “Father, one young woman with such a strong faith and love that allowed her to leave father and mother and follow her mother-in-law to a new country shows us that You honor our faithfulness. Please help us to have faith like Ruth.”

For His Glory

Luska Natali
TRBC Women’s Life

 

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Hope, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | January 19, 2022

Dressing For The Day

“They rose early in the morning and worshipped before the Lord.” (1 Samuel 1:19, ESV)

 For my friends in Virginia, we know that dressing for the day can be challenging.  We can start the morning out in the teens and by mid-afternoon we could be enjoying temperatures in the seventies. Or vice versa.  I’m an open toe girl (always pedicured and ready to shine) but if rain or extreme cold is in the forecast – a closed toe shoe is donned. Not everyone listens to the news but most everyone checks the weather regularly (and usually in the mornings). Even though the weather forecast isn’t one hundred percent accurate – people still regularly check it.   They want to know what to wear and if their outdoor plans are going to be safe.  They want to be prepared for the day.

There is a resource that we can go to that gives one hundred percent accuracy of how to dress for the day.  It’s the Bible.  Essential basics of dressing for the day include:

  1. Don’t be clothed in things that will weigh us down (Hebrews 12:1)
  2. Take off the old self – put on the new self (Colossians 3:9)
  3. Putting on the armor of God every morning (Ephesians 6:13-18)
  4. Be clothed in righteousness (Ephesians 4:25-5:2) (Isaiah 11:5)
  5. Put on compassion, kindness, humility, patience, and meekness as God’s chosen (Colossians 3:12)
  6. Always be sure to add peace to your day (Psalm 34:14)
  7. Put on love – which binds everything together (Colossians 3:14)

By taking the time to read the Bible in the morning, we are reminded of these essentials to “wear” throughout the day.  Thus, making us a more effective follower of Christ that day. Versus waiting until after your day is done and then reading it. That’s like leaving your umbrella at home on a rainy day.  You have an umbrella but it’s not being very effective at keeping you dry.

If we haven’t gone to the scriptures first to know what to put on and what to take off, then we’re basically “feeling” our way through the day.

Friends, I can’t stress enough, you will never find consistency in your life if you’re making your decisions throughout the day based on feelings alone. Just because your mind has a thought or a feeling, it doesn’t make it truthful or helpful to you. Equipping ourselves with the Word of God in the mornings gives us ammunition to battle those feelings.  Bringing them under the authority of God.

If you don’t have time in the mornings to sit and read, then consider having the Word read to you as you prepare for the day.  Listening to the Bible on an app or via a preacher on TV can be just as effective.

“Father teach us to dress for the day by always going to your Word first to be effective for the gospel.”

For His Glory

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

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Posted in Encouragement, Hope, Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | January 18, 2022

No Supplements Needed

“His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and goodness.” 2 Peter 1:3

It’s a new year. And it’s a new opportunity to “commit” to losing weight, eating healthier, exercising more, etc. (Wait, this might only be me…) Regardless of whether it’s a calendar page turn to January, a birthday, or an impending reunion, people in our culture seem to make a habit of making new habits (or breaking old ones).

Good thing that we can watch any TV show, a favorite podcast, or some waste-of-time YouTube video and be provided with a plethora of nutritional supplements that shout promises of success. In all transparency, I’ve fallen for some of these schemes—spending a lot of money to realize the assured benefits, only to be let down.

But 2022 is different (no, really). This year, as I sat at the table on January 1, exhausted from all-night-fireworks insomnia, I determined to do things differently. This year, I will be motivated not by weight loss, but by the simple idea of nourishing my body with whole, real food. No processed junk, nominal-to-no sugar, nothing full of unpronounceable ingredients. It’s all we need, really. (Now, we can go on a tangent of how the quality of even “whole” food has markedly deteriorated over the decades, let alone how God’s natural food provisions have devolved as this world has…but we’ll table that for now.)

What’s the spiritual point here? When we give our life to Christ, accepting that He made a way to reconcile sinners to a holy God by sacrificing Himself and rising victorious over death, we are made complete (Colossians 2:10). We are saved (redeemed and justified) by grace alone, through faith in Christ. This is the whole Truth: Jesus Christ is sufficient. But, friend, so many people—believers and unbelievers alike—are deceived by the spiritual equivalent of those YouTube snake oil salesman. They tell us, “Sure, Jesus is a good thing, but you need Jesus and _______.” Jesus and good works. Jesus and self-denial. Jesus and human philosophy or the latest psychological theory. Jesus and rituals. The list goes on and on.

But the moment we surrender to Jesus, we are made a new creation in Him. The old is gone, the new is here (2 Corinthians 5:17; Galatians 6:15)! No supplements needed! Everything else is processed junk that fills us with false gratification, only to eventually leave us feeling worse. Jesus is sufficient. He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life (John 14:6).

So, how about it? Make this year a year nourishing your mind, heart, and spirit with Jesus. If you haven’t surrendered to Him yet—today’s a great day. If you are a Christian, then spend more time with Him this year—get to know Him better by digging into His Word (the Bible). In a world of culturally hip false promises and enticing lies of the enemy, there is nothing more wholly satisfying to the soul than Jesus.

“Lord, may I turn away from the ways of this world that substitute for or detract from You. Help me fully nourish myself with Truth alone.”

For His Glory

Julianne Winkler Smith
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Faith, Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | January 17, 2022

Beneath The Surface

“Prove me O Lord and try me; test my heart and my mind.” Psalm 26:2 (ESV)

We love the look of our homes, cars and offices when not a speck of dust or mess is greeting us, yet cleaning doesn’t usually rank high on our list of likes. Probably the reason we tend to skim the surface in a hurry when our overloaded list demands our attention. I’m sure none of us have ever stashed all things not dishes in the dishwasher just before company walked through our doors. Or what about dusting around all those things on the table in an effort to just get it done. Oh, the things we find when we eventually go beneath the surface and clean deep.

Sound familiar? Keeping our lives clean can easily slip to an above the surface glance. The deceptiveness of our hearts and our inability to discern our own errors leaves us with quite a mess. We would like to think we see within ourselves with untainted glasses; however, we are often blinded to our tendencies toward sin. Jen Wilkins (None Like Him) states, “So unaware am I of my own sinful tendencies that I come to the sermon to sit in judgement on others, rather than to submit myself to judgement. So ignorant am I of my own bondage to a particular sin that I completely miss the word of correction being graciously extended – to me.”

Yes, we have all probably found ourselves pointing out who needs to hear “a message” versus settling in on what God is speaking into our lives. Finger pointing is easy until we turn that finger inward and start examining our own hearts. Problem is we are not good at that – we desperately need God’s light shining in us to reveal what needs to be changed. We need His help to identify attitudes which keep resurfacing or repetitive behavior which doesn’t serve us well. We need His insight on how we devalue others or promote negative talk about self – we’re really good at this one.

Yes, we can find ourselves there – key is to slow down and ask God to examine our hearts. We can trust the loving, graciousness of our Heavenly Father to not dump all on us at one time. He will guide us to truth and will pick us up, wash us off and redeem our lives. We can never go wrong running into the arms of our Father. And that finger which was ever so quick to point in another direction welcomes the freedom found in being personally clean.

“Father, we are so good at resisting diving deep to acknowledge sin in our hearts. Help us to work in conjunction with your Spirit to admit, confess and turn from anything which displeases You.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Living, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | January 14, 2022

Changing Course

“Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” James 4:7 (NIV).

In traffic, sometimes we get to a crossroads and must choose quickly which direction to go: left, right, or straight ahead. It is important to choose wisely. One direction will take us where we need to go while another will take us in the wrong direction; thus causing consequences, such as being late or even missing an important appointment. In more tragic instances it may even take us into the path of destruction; therefore, we must be cautious and wise when making our decision.

In life, we also get to “crossroads” and must make a decision as to which direction we should go in our actions and conversations. During a recent gathering, I witnessed a conversation among friends that made me somewhat uncomfortable. I felt like if I didn’t say anything, I would be condoning what they were doing, which I considered improper behavior for a Christian. I pondered at first if I would come across as being judgmental or as portraying myself as better than them. In the end, I decided my walk needed to match my talk so I spoke up and detached myself from the situation.

I am sure I do and say things that are not always praiseworthy. However, when I feel the nudge of the Holy Spirit telling me that I must stand up for what I believe to be right, God always takes care of the situation. In this particular instance, I chose to go home early and had no doubt I did the right thing.

“Dear Lord, search our hearts and help us to seek Your guidance when the path brings uncertainty. If our hearts direct us the wrong way, please help our ears to hear the voice of Your Holy Spirit and bring us back to the path of righteousness.”

For His Glory

Luska Natali
TRBC Women’s Life

 

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Posted in Spiritual Growth, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | January 13, 2022

His Refining

“You know that under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors.” James 1:3 (MSG)

The word diamond comes from the Greek word “Adamas”, which means indestructible. “Natural” diamonds are formed by severe temperature and extreme pressure. Invisible about 90 miles below in the Earth’s mantle under tons of different kinds of sediment where the temperature is at least 2000 degrees Fahrenheit.

After years of being hidden during the transformation from carbon to a stone under the Earth’s weight and heat it’s hard to fathom that something of so much worth and desire comes out of the ashes. Once unearthed, the hardest naturally formed substance known to man reveals itself as a diamond in the rough. At first glance the chunk of rock might not look like much from the untrained eye. However, in the hands of an expert gem cutter something wonderful develops. With precise cutting, chiseling and shaping a precious, pristine and polished diamond comes to life. What was once thought of as useless with no value has developed into a priceless work of art.

Has the Lord allowed enormous pressure and heat to invade your life? Has the transformation taken longer than you anticipated? During the refining process have you felt hidden and alone? Perhaps on some days it was a struggle to put one foot in front of the other as you journeyed in obedience towards the expectancy of God’s promises; building dynamic faith under pressure. All the while, whispering every step of the way…I trust and believe You Lord.

God has purposefully hidden you while He has been preparing and equipping you in the furnace of life. He’s been making a diamond out of you. At God’s appointed time you will be found. When you have been discovered its evident you are not what you used to be. Your life has been in the hands of an expert gem cutter. God has precisely cut and chiseled the rugged imperfections out of our lives. He carves away undesirable features and smooths rough edges. When it’s time for unveiling a flawless, indestructible and brilliant diamond is ready to shine illuminating His glory and His namesake.

For His Glory

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

 

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Posted in Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | January 12, 2022

Left Behind

“For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God.  And the dead in Christ will rise first.  Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord. Therefore encourage one another with these words.” 1 Thessalonians 4:16-18 (ESV)

Filled with terror they ran to the airport. Climbing over the walls, pushing through security, clinging to the airplanes.  Desperate to leave the city. Their government was crumbling, and they didn’t want to be left behind.

It sounds like a post-apocalyptic movie.  But many of us watched it happen in real life just a few months ago in Afghanistan.  As I watched the people begging for help, I couldn’t stop thinking how it was a perfect example of what earth will be like after the rapture.

Imagine the horrific scene of chaos that will unfold as millions of people suddenly disappear into thin air. The mayhem that follows will result in crumbling governments world-wide.  Thus, creating a need for a new one world government.

To create a sense of stability a new leader will emerge. (Revelation 13:1) The anti-Christ will control the world’s economy.   Everyone will have to be marked on the right hand or the forehead with the name or number of the beast, if they want to buy or sell anything.

Those left behind after the rapture will be desperate to provide for themselves and their children.  The words from the anti-Christ and false prophet will sound “pleasing to the ear.” (2 Timothy 4).  But those who receive the mark of the beast will be cast into the lake of fire. (Rev. 14:9-11)

No one knows what the new year holds for us. The only thing we can count on – Jesus is coming and the day is drawing closer!

While we’re called to pray for our leaders (1 Timothy 2:1-4) we are also cautioned to remember that no authority is greater than God. (Romans 13:1) Jesus is the only ruler that we can truly trust in.  He’s the only one that carries our burdens – “and the government shall be upon His shoulders.” (Isaiah 9:6)

Whatever goals/resolutions you may have created for the new year –make sure that you have taken time to ask Jesus into your heart.  You can have someone pray with you or you can do it from the privacy of your home.  It’s a simple and sincere conversation between you and Jesus.

One day the trumpet will sound and just like that, those who have accepted Jesus as their Savior will be caught away to heaven with Him. Don’t be left behind.

“Jesus, we thank you for salvation, we put our hope in you today – this world is not our home.”

 

For His Glory,

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

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Freedom, Hope

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