Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | January 11, 2022

Recipe For Prayer

“Devote yourself to prayer, keeping alert in it with an attitude of thanksgiving.” Colossians 4:2

Of all the words we can utter, prayer is the most important. With our prayers, we have fellowship with our Lord, we confess our sin, we praise God, we call on our sympathetic High Priest, and we intercede for one another. The Bible gives us lots of guidance on how to pray—Jesus Himself provided us with a beautiful model prayer (Matthew 6:8-15). There are countless “prayer directions” throughout the Old and New Testament, examples and exhortation that provide plenty of fodder for using our words in a holy manner.

Here are just three simple steps that create a fabulous recipe for prayer—simple, yes, but very challenging for even the most mature of believers.

Step 1: BE FAITHFUL. We’re told to pray all the time and in all circumstances (1 Thessalonians 5:17; Ephesians 6:18; Romans 12:12). And we’re to be courageously persistent. It’s no shock that God doesn’t always answer our prayers immediately—or the way we want Him to. (And I’m so very grateful for that, aren’t you—how often do we know best in our requests to God?) Praying can seem one-directional—us to God—but praying persistently is what makes it a two-way street. The more fervently and doggedly we pray (think wrestling with God), the more we are affected. It prepares our hearts for the answer God has in store as our spirit is aligned with His will. It’s His will we ultimately want anyway, right?

Step 2: BE VIGILANT. Jesus told His disciples to watch and pray (Matthew 26:41), and Paul reminds us to keep alert (Colossians 4:2). I don’t know about you, but sometimes my prayers can be listless—or, actually, kind of “listfull”, as it’s easy for me to go through my prayers like I’m checking off a to-do list. Instead, let’s be focused and specific! Instead of praying for “Jane”, let’s pray for Jane’s distinctive situation and needs. And that, sweet friend, requires we ask people how we can specifically be praying for them. (Again, more effort and vigilance, but oh so powerful.)

Step 3: BE THANKFUL. No matter the circumstances of our lives that are directing our cries to the Father, we can give thanks alongside our requests. I think of David’s Psalms, where he complains, rages, begs for rescue, and calls for judgment on his enemies…but his prayers always come back to worshipping God and thanking Him for who He is and all He’s done. This is a great example for us to follow. Gratefulness in our prayers recalls God’s faithfulness in our life, reminding us that His love never fails. Thankfulness also reminds us of His greatness. Seeing a gorgeous sunrise and saying, “Thank You, Lord,” speaks to the fact that He made everything, and He is Sovereign over all our circumstances.

So, friend, let’s pray without ceasing—make talking to God throughout the day like breathing. Let’s pray with vigilance and specificity. And, in all our prayers (and in all circumstances), let’s take a foundational stance of thankfulness.

Lord, as we launch into this new year, let us have a renewed focus on prayer—on using our words to connect with You at a deeper level and have our lives become more aligned with Your will.

 

For His Glory,

Julianne Winkler Smith
TRBC Women’s Life

 

Leave a Comment

Posted in Encouragement, Prayer, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | January 6, 2022

View From My Window

“Fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before Him He endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.  Consider Him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.”  Hebrews 12:2-3 (NIV)

The past few months I’ve been globe-trotting while keeping my feet on the ground, courtesy of a social media site called View From My Window.  People all over the world post pictures of what’s outside their window: beautiful scenery, curious animals, and other marvelous wonders I’ve never seen before.  It’s a simple yet profound exercise that brings such joy, especially during a time when traveling is a little harder than normal.

I’ve found myself paying more attention to what’s outside my window, trying to capture life’s busy and beautiful moments in a single photo.  A picture can speak a thousand words!   While it’s not always easy to find time to search for beauty, I am reminded of God’s goodness to me each time I shift my view away from myself and turn towards my creator.

Satan loves it when we only have eyes for ourselves, when we stay inside our heads, and when we focus only on our problems.  When life is difficult, busy, or even just boring, we have a tendency to hunker down and turn inward.  I’ve had seasons in my life where I’ve buried myself in my own valley of despair, becoming blind to the mountaintops I could climb- and the views I would see- if I would just shift my focus to Jesus.

Hebrews 12:2-3 gives us a great blueprint for adjusting our focus:

“Fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before Him He endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider Him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.”

The author of Hebrews was reminding his readers to press on in the faith, using Jesus as the ultimate example of endurance.  There are three truths we can take from these verses:

  1. If we turn our eyes towards Jesus, we naturally take our focus off ourselves.
  2. Jesus endured so much for the sake of Christianity, and He set a great example for us as we go through our own valleys.
  3. When we focus on Jesus, we won’t grow weary or lose heart.

What is outside your window?  If we only see our struggles, we can lose the ability to see anything else.  God’s goodness is all around, but we might miss it if our focus is not on Jesus. Oh, the views we could see if we look through the God’s window!

“Lord, give us eyes to see you.  May we make it a habit to focus on Christ instead of on our trials.”

For His Glory

Aubrey Carrales
TRBC Women’s Life

 

1 Comment

Posted in Uncategorized

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | January 5, 2022

Patient Endurance

“If we are afflicted, it is for your comfort and salvation; and if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which you experience when you patiently endure the same sufferings that we suffer.”   (2 Corinthians 1:6, ESV)

Ann saw him from a distance.  She hadn’t seen him in months. She couldn’t believe her eyes.  Her heart was pounding as she walked towards him.  She loved him more than he could ever know.  But he never even made eye contact with her.  As soon as he saw her, he turned and walked in the opposite direction.  She walked after him calling out his name. Begging him to stop and talk to her. He kept on walking.  Twenty-eight years of loving him unconditionally and he just walked out of her life.  Callous and cold. She was devastated.

She found herself on the floor crying out to God.  Having lived and loved the way God’s Word had instructed, she never saw this coming.  They’d always had a close relationship. But he had different influences now.  Those influences whispered untruths to him that were louder than the truth of the relationship they had.

As Ann prayed, she felt the Holy Spirit leading her to trust God with his life. To patiently endure the evil that had befallen and continue in the work the Lord had given her. (2 Timothy 2:24)

We see it happening all around us, families falling apart at alarming rates.

It can feel impossible to trust the Lord when overwhelmed from painful sufferings. If we only had to face one trial on this earth, we could breeze through it.  But trial after trial wears on us physically, spiritually, and emotionally –survival requires endurance.  Being hurt by someone we love creates a deeper wound.

Evil abounded in the city of Corinth.  Most likely there were a lot of hurting people and broken families.

Paul was reminding them that God, the author of our lives would allow afflictions to come. Not to destroy us. But to grow us.  Once we come to Jesus for salvation, we are called to grow in our faith.  Our faith grows every time we choose to hold onto Christ instead of the heartache.

Suffering in a Christian manner means relying on God’s truth more than our feelings.  It’s being tenacious and purposeful.  Accepting delays without allowing anger or anxiety to take control.  Continuing to hold on and “abide” in Christ when everything in you screams to give up. (John 15:4)

If you were able to talk with Ann, she would tell that as the years have gone by – God has not brought him back.  But by choosing to patiently endure, God has comforted her so much that she overflows with compassion for others.

“Father, we believe that You have a plan for our pain.  Help us to lean on You for strength to triumph over our pain and suffering to achieve Your goal for our lives.”

For His Glory,

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

 

 

Leave a Comment

Posted in Encouragement, Hope, Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | January 4, 2022

Deadly Life

“For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever.”  1 John 2:16-17

The world and everything in it are being perfectly sustained by the Creator—every molecule being held together until His determined time (Col 1:17). It is in perfect balance, per His plan. But amid the global cacophony by radical environmentalists of “existential threats”, there is a nugget of truth: the earth is on a slow trajectory of disintegration, and there is coming a day when everything will burn up (2 Peter 3:10). Likewise, worldly culture is not moving in the direction of utopian perfection. Rather, it’s succumbing to greater tyranny, divisiveness, and evil—thanks to the god of this world, Satan (2 Corinthians 4:4). Finally, despite all the anti-aging injections, surgeries, and pills, we human beings are also in a state of degeneration (ask anyone over 50, when waking up with a sprained ankle and sneezing your way to a pulled back are really a thing). The mortality rate, according to every statistician ever, is 100%.

Today, fear of death seems to be ubiquitous—thanks to the media’s fear-feeding-frenzy. They love it, as it’s great for ratings. Unfortunately, their efforts are sorely misplaced. For adults ages 18-45 (during the “prime of life”), the #1 cause of death in the U.S. right now is fentanyl overdose. Let that sink in a minute. More adults in this age range die of this savage drug than of anything else—and it’s at a rate nearly twice that of the #2 cause of death, motor vehicle accidents. Just as sad and horrific is that the third leading cause of death in this age group is suicide. (And based on numbers from CDC and other sources, nearly twice as many people are dying from fentanyl in that age range than are dying of reported COVID cases.)*

No matter the current state of the world, our nation, or your community, death is—and will continue to be—all around us. The question is whether you’re facing death with worldly fear or heavenly anticipation.

But, friend, death has been conquered! Jesus came to earth, fully God and fully Man, to defeat our mortal enemy. Through His death and resurrection, His victory made a way for us to have new life—eternal life with God. This world is not our home—we are citizens of heaven (Philippians 3:20; 1 Peter 2:9; Hebrews 13:14). When we belong to the King, this world and the things of it are not our friend (1 John 5:19; James 4:4; John 15:19). In fact, because the world is passing away (1 Corinthians 7:31; 1 John 2:16-17), there’s no reason to be hanging onto it for dear life.

And, to the believer: We’re not meant to be building castles for ourselves on this earthly kingdom or joining a radical cause to “save the planet.” We are here as ambassadors of our King—and the eternal kingdom—to bring as many people to “citizenship” with us as possible.

Life is deadly. But we can live it without fear and trepidation (Psalm 118:6; Matthew 10:26-28). In Christ, we are guarded by peace, whatever this broken world brings (Romans 5:1; Philippians 4:7; Colossians 3:15). Faith in Jesus Christ brings confident hope, which conquers fear (Romans 15:13; Deuteronomy 31:6).  Won’t you choose faith over fear today?

“Lord, Your perfect love conquers fear (1 John 4:18) and offers hope. May I spread the Good News of eternal life amid so much bad news in the world.”

 

For His Glory

 

Julianne Winkler Smith
TRBC Women’s Life

 

*https://familiesagainstfentanyl.org; https://www.snopes.com/fact-check/fentanyl-overdose-death; https://web.archive.org/web/20211217171809/https://www.foxnews.com/us/fentanyl-overdoses-leading-cause-death-adults

Leave a Comment

Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Hope

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | December 31, 2021

Best Year Ever

“But they could not find a way to do it, because all the people were captivated by what they heard.” Luke 19:48 (HCSB)

Smooth talk .. persuasive words – we’ve all heard them.  Sometimes it’s the caller asking for a donation or a salesman trying to convince us their product is the one we can’t do without.  Regardless, they attempt to move us toward belief in what they have or motivate us to give to what they need.  Words that seek to birth their desired reaction.

Flip back through the pages of scripture and we find One who didn’t need smooth talk or persuasive words.  Jesus, the living Son of God, spoke only the truth and the people were captivated.  They listened and hung on His every word as He taught in the temple.

The Chief Priests, Scribes and leaders didn’t like the appearance of Jesus in their space.  When He came on the scene and threw out the sellers cleansing was not an element they desired.  Monetary gain and control was their driving force and now the center of attention was clearly focused on someone else.  Jesus’ captive audience was temporarily derailing their plan to destroy Him.

Wonder what impact God’s word has on our lives?  Are we captivated, motivated and inspired to obey His truths?   Do we cling to every word seeking to understand His message?  Or perhaps we are more interested in what makes us feel good.  As seasoned believers, do we long for the spotlight of self-righteousness wrapped up in our hidden agendas and the message we long to convey? Or do we simply embrace familiarity while excusing our response?

Threatened by Jesus appearance and His words, these religious leaders missed the blessing found in embracing the truth.  Let’s not join them.  Let’s determine in 2022 to be captivated by God’s word.  Let’s commit to being doers of the word and not just hearers.  Let’s be intentional about obedience  and promoters of His agenda and not our own.  Let’s approach His words with awe and anticipation.  Let’s welcome transformation and never forget the power of His words to birth change and holiness in our lives.  Let’s pray His words, hold them tight to our hearts and be amazed, captivated and challenged by the very words of One who loves us more than we could ever imagine.

“Father there will be many things to keep us from Your word…distractions…. pursuits…many other things to do – empower us to choose the best – to gather at Your feet and listen closely to Your words.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

 

Leave a Comment

Posted in Faith, Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | December 30, 2021

A Brand New You For Him

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!” 2 Corinthians 5:17 (NIV)

The Apostle Paul went from persecuting Christians to becoming a strong advocate for Christ. He was one of the best teachers and equippers to followers of Jesus. What a change!!! In my family, I watched my mother, who once was a medium in Spiritism and spent years devoted to the occult, desperately search for something supernatural to happen in her life. God’s unending mercies delivered my mom from the power of darkness and brought her into His kingdom. Now she spends her retirement years devoted to the Gospel and shares her story with others so they might become free from the things that hold them captive. So thankful for that change!!

Sometimes we find ourselves in situations where we have to reinvent who we are because the “old us” will not cut it anymore. In the workplace, we may have to get training for a different job. If a spouse walks out, we have to learn to do things differently. If mother nature sends inclement weather and we lose our homes, we may have to adjust to being in a shelter or living with friends. The list is endless. Nevertheless, the word of God is filled with promises. If we trust Him, we will be okay. If we have faith, He will see us through. And if we yield to Him, He will change us FOR THE BETTER.

As the pendulum of life takes another swing, leave your worries at the feet of the One who matters most, the One who can change your circumstances and turn you into someone whom you may even like better.

“Lord, change can be scary sometimes. The unknown can be a dreaded place if we don’t have the assurance that You are there. Please help us to trust You to mold us according to Your will. Turn us into vessels that matter to You.”

For His Glory

Luska Natali
TRBC Women’s Life

 

Leave a Comment

Posted in Uncategorized

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | December 28, 2021

Confessions Of A Control Freak

“Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!” Psalm 46:10

Are you a “list person”? As for me, not only do I incessantly make lists, but if I do something that’s not on my list, I will write it on there just so I can cross it off. It’s so satisfying—am I right?

The problem comes when I feel the need to jot down what I think should be on other people’s lists…and then hound them (to their face or in my own mind) until each item is completed. The way I believe it should be completed. These are some of the signs of a control freak.

We all may be able to relate with the above scenario surrounding, say, household chores (clothes-folding methods, vacuum patterns, etc.). But what about the bigger issues of life? A child’s academic dedication (or lack thereof) in high school, or the way a friend is handling a marital problem. Or, what about the choices being made by college-age or adult children—kids you “raised in the church” and who have professed their faith, but now they’re walking far from the Lord?

Sisters, here are some hard words to hear (and I’m telling them to myself): “We have to let go of trying to control others. “We can share our wisdom and truth from God’s word. We can communicate how we’d handle the situation at hand, given our experience. That child, friend, or spouse may not listen or change their behavior. But. We. Cannot. Take. Control.

We can, however, pray. We can “be still and know He is God.” Give God the burden and let Him have control over the situation. (He’s got it anyway, regardless of how frequently we try to wrestle it away from Him!) When we love someone, it’s really hard not to want to take over and “fix” what’s going on. But we have a God—the Creator of the universe—Who is sovereign and able.

So, let’s turn our eyes away from those situations we want to control and focus on the One Who has it all in the palm of His hand.

“Lord, thank you for the reminder that You are God, and I am not. Help me cast my cares—and control—upon You, knowing You will work all things for good according to Your purpose.

For His Glory

Julianne Winkler Smith
TRBC Women’s Life

 

Leave a Comment

Posted in Attitude, Freedom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | December 27, 2021

Best Monday Ever

“My soul longs, yes, faints for the courts of the LORD; my heart and flesh sing for joy to the living God.” Psalm 84:2 (ESV)

Nothing more fun than a special date with your spouse or dinner with a dear friend. Quality time carved into an already packed week. No children to feed. No homework to do. No tv screen blaring in the backdrop. No social media interruptions. Just one on one time – adult talk at its finest. Catching up on all the things we didn’t have time to share. Simply enjoying the conversation.

Ever had a date night with God? You know just pulling ourselves away from everything else on our agenda. Blocking out our calendar and allowing no excuses to happen. Preferring His presence over everything else.

During my single years, God sweetly invited me to leave margin in my every Monday for just Him. No tv. No dinner. No phone calls or texts. No activities stealing away our time. The perfect start to my week – a fasting away from anything other than the One who sought my undivided attention.

Now I must admit those first few Mondays seemed awkward and long. The tempting excuses usually occurred – an invite for dinner or an event I really didn’t want to miss. Perfectly scheduled on Mondays. Yes, it was challenging to release my desires to be present in all things so I could receive the gift of His presence above all else. Reluctantly, I would decline and sulk through the evening. Fasting my Mondays didn’t seem to be working for me. Too hard and too much to give up.

Ever been there when God called you away from something so He could give you more of Him? His intentional pursuing may be challenging, hard and uncomfortable at first. But I learned after many Mondays to press through and lean into God’s wisdom and clarity. Listening became an art I’d never attained and seeking became a gift I would forever cherish. He had my undivided attention and together we simply enjoyed the pleasure of conversation.

Wouldn’t dare trade those years of Mondays fasting. Pivot season in my life where I needed God more than I even dared to think. Blessed in silent reflection and sweet fellowship. Through laughter and tears, I drank deep of His guidance, holiness and grace – best Mondays of my life.

“Father, You invite us to draw close – to leave everything and come sit at Your feet. Broken, tired, defiant, sin covered, distracted – we are all welcomed in Your presence.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

 

Leave a Comment

Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Spiritual Growth

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | December 24, 2021

In Awe & Wonder

“But Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart.”  Luke 2:19 and “but His mother kept all these things in her heart”  Luke 2:51b

Christmas past unfolds memories of firsts.  The first time we sat on Santa’s lap or stood in line with our list. We probably never forgot that special gift we thought wouldn’t find its way under tree.  And let’s be honest, our first glimpse of those sparkling lights wrapped around a bundle of pine left us wide-eyed in awe and wonder.

Ever so easy to allow life’s disappointments, challenges and unexpected happenings to squelch the wonder of Christmas present.  We plan, prepare and strategize every minute detail zeroed in on ensuring everyone’s day is perfectly filled with awe and wonder – as our wonder slips out the door of exhaustion.

I settled down after a hectic week to spend this past Saturday with Mommy Martin as she celebrated 88 years of life.  In the quietness of a rainy morning,  I read the Christmas story from Luke 2 – beautiful words unfolding the glory of Jesus’ birth.  Mommy Martin listened intently as I read taking in every detail.  When I finished reading, I shared how much I loved how Mary pondered and kept many things about baby Jesus to herself.

It was a sweet moment hearing the excitement in Mommy’s aged voice as she talked about baby Jesus.  We talked about all the things Mary pondered and what it must have been like to know she truly was the mother of Jesus.   Mommy Martin’s face glowed as she talked about the manger, all the ridicule Mary & Joseph probably faced, the unwed teen betrothed to Joseph and Mary’s bravery. Despite her 88 years, the wonder and awe of the Christmas story was fresh and real in her heart.

As seasoned Christians, we can easily lose our awe for the Christmas story amid all the craziness and details of the holidays.  Disappointments can land us unmoved by the glorious celebration of Jesus’ birth and entrance into our world. However, it’s not just the 25th but God’s divine intervention to bridge the gap between God and man.  It‘s His incredible gift to each of us.

I hope when I’m 88 my face is still aglow with the awe of Jesus’ birth – truly captivated by the wonder of it all.  And I hope God will find me enthralled with the beauty of His love for me in all my Christmas future.

The countdown to Christmas is winding down…just one more day….how will we celebrate His birth?   Will awe describe us?  Will wonder fill our eyes?

Let’s steal aways some time to ponder in our hearts all God has done for us and share it with our world. Let’s never lose the wonder and awe of Immanuel – God with us.

“Father, fill our hearts with aw and wonder as we celebrate Your Son’s birth – Your gift to us that first Christmas morn.”

 

Merry Christmas to you and all your family and friends.

 

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

 

Leave a Comment

Posted in Faith, Hope, Worship

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | December 23, 2021

Christmas: The Gift Is In The Name

“Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.” Luke 2:11 (NIV)

Christmas is such a wonderful time. I love to hear the music, the bells, and the laughter in the air. I also enjoy watching the lights and decorations. It’s just all joyful and colorful. Undoubtedly, Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year.

Nonetheless, it’s not the gifts or the parties and festivities that express the meaning of the season. Christmas goes way beyond all that. So much deeper, with so much history behind its meaning. It is a time that reminds us to follow the star.

When God thought about you and me, He had a plan that would warrant us the best life insurance ever: eternity with Him in heaven. The name of the life insurance policy is JESUS.

God had the plan, and in order to fulfill that plan, He sent His only Son to earth for us. And the plan included a very simple birth, in a place that no woman would like to lie down to receive her firstborn: a barn filled with animals. Yet, it was there that the baby came into the world.

Those who expected Him were told to follow a star and so they did. They must have been so surprised when the star they followed led them to a barn filled with animals, to find the little baby wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

A story so humble, so without pomp and circumstance to announce the birth of a king, but not just any king, the King of Kings, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Christmas is the day to celebrate His birth. It’s God’s reminder to us that there is hope for humanity and that we are not forgotten. The Lord sent the gift, and we are ever so blessed he did. Happy birthday, Jesus!

“Dear Lord, thank You for the gift of salvation You have given us through Your Son, Jesus Christ. Hallowed be Your name.”

 

For His Glory

 

Luska Natali
TRBC Women’s Life

Leave a Comment

Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Hope, Worship

« Newer Posts - Older Posts »

Categories