Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | June 14, 2016

Due Date

cb devo oct5 “At midnight, the cry rang out: ‘Here’s the bridegroom! Come out to meet him!” Matthew 25:6 (NIV)

The past week and a half I have lived in the anticipation of a phone call to let me know my daughter-in-love Jesie has started labor. Her due date is not until May 29th, but this grandma has been excited and a little impatient. This will be the first baby for Jesie and my youngest son, Lukas.

 

I cannot explain the feeling very well, but there is something exhilarating about becoming a grandparent. No matter how many grandchildren one has, each time is like the first time.  In my case, baby Tristan will be grandbaby number six, and the euphoria level is not a bit diminished. It won’t be much longer before baby Tristan is here, whether he comes on his due date or not. And for me, it will be a privilege to have him call me “vovó,” (that means “grandma” in Portuguese). My bag is already packed and the only thing standing in the way of this little guy’s birth and me is that phone call telling me to get in my car and start driving because contractions have started.

 

As I think on the events above, I am reminded that “due” means “expected,” or “anticipated.” I can’t help but to think of the ten virgins who were awaiting the bridegroom in the story told in Matthew chapter 25. Though the ten virgins knew the bridegroom was due to come at a late hour and that they needed to be prepared with their lamps, only five of them brought oil to keep their lamps burning.  Because the other five had to go buy oil for their lamps, they missed his arrival and did not enter in to the wedding banquet. What a shame, right?

 

The Lord Jesus will return one day to take us with Him. That is for sure and for certain, because He said He would. Will we be prepared?

 

“Lord, You love us and Your Word guides us. You never fail us, and You promised to return for us. What a marvelous promise that is!”

 

For His Glory

 

Luska Suzano
TRBC Women’s Life

 

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Posted in Faith, Hope

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | June 13, 2016

Unveiling His Truth

cb devo aug24“Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.” 2 Timothy 2:15 (ESV)

Ever find yourself perplexed by a post on Facebook, a tweet or perhaps the text glaring before you?  It was a quick read that led to a deep contemplation or an emotional stirring the sender had no intention of making.   Words are powerful forces and the written word stares us straight in the face setting us up to draw our own conclusions if we’re not careful. We might think we understand the meaning or message, but communication only works when we receive what was intended.  Perception is over rated if it is bent in the wrong direction.

Wonder if we ever handle God’s word that way?  We read a verse or two and draw our own conclusions.  We flip the pages to what we want to read.  We flee the tough stuff, the “need to change stuff” and lean towards easy “feel good.”  Zeroing in on just a few verses can easily lead us to unintentionally take His words out of context.  When we remove the surrounding passages or story, we set ourselves up to distort its true meaning.  Drawing our own conclusions when it comes to the very words of God was never His intention.

Now don’t get wrong, there are times when God leads us and reminds us of His very words – one verse at a time. There are moments when the journey we are on is so tough, we just simply open our Bibles and beg for a word from God.  And you know, what He delivers!  In those soul starved moments when we are clinging to promises and searching for truths, God soothes us with His very words.  He will draw us in giving us a firm Rock to stand upon.  And in those moments, we can choose to nibble or stay at the Father’s table and be filled, satisfied with truth.

Linger longer with Jesus today – circle that passage – read deep and watch as God unveils His truths one verse at a time.

Father, help us to dig deep rather than skim the surface of Your word.  And when we read things we can’t understand, shine Your light in our souls so we don’t confuse your truths.”

 

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

 

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Posted in Spiritual Growth, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | June 10, 2016

Learning To Linger

june 10“The Lord would speak to Moses face to face, as one speaks to a friend. Then Moses would return to the camp, but his young aide Joshua son of Nun did not leave the tent.” Exodus 33:11(NIV)

Awe-stricken, mesmerized, or disbelief could describe what he had witnessed – an unforgettable once in a lifetime experience!   Ever had one – an encounter radically changing your life forever?  Joshua, Moses’ servant experienced this first hand – a young man sitting at the feet of one of God’s most profound leaders.  Imagine that – so much to learn, observe and understand about leadership.   In Exodus 33, Joshua not only witnessed Moses talking with God but also the pillar of cloud descending and standing at the door of the tabernacle.

As Moses’ apprentice Joshua was privileged to partake of many of his endeavors, however, this particular time everyone worshipped and returned to his tent but he lingered (stayed in one place longer than necessary).  Why? Perhaps it was to pay attention in case God had something more to say or maybe he longed to be still in God’s presence absorbing all he had seen and heard. Whatever his reason, God recorded it.  Fast-forward a few books in God’s Word, and we find Joshua operating as another giant for God – following in Moses’ footsteps – how’s that for once in a lifetime opportunity?

 

Serving Moses preceded Joshua’s leadership opportunity.   God used lingering moments spent with Him to groom Joshua to lead His people.  Because everyday distractions cause us to scurry through praise and worship, quiet times and sweet moments with God, we often miss His blessing.  When was the last time you tarried with Jesus? It is time well spent.   Like Joshua it could lead to something that only happens once in a lifetime and won’t be soon forgotten!!

 

“Dear Jesus, please help us to linger with you.  You have so much to offer.”

For His Glory

Patsy Sanders
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Spiritual Living, Wisdom, Worship

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | June 9, 2016

Truckloads of Grace

june 9 “Surely the arm of the LORD is not too short to save, nor his ear too dull to hear.” Isaiah 59:1 (NIV)

Keeping track of my rambunctious threesome while caring for the house, doing laundry, cooking meals, and checking on homework assignments was always exhilarating, especially when my day involved duty in the school cafeteria or home room, or attending a parent-teacher conference. Oh, and did I mention grocery shopping? Well, I guess I will start with this last one, then.

I’ve heard many a preachers say not to pray for patience, because when you pray for patience – according to them – God gives you situations to test your patience. Whether this is true or just a pulpit anecdote, in days like that one, I would be fervently praying for a truckload of patience. And grace, lots of grace.

A new Walmart was inaugurated in our hometown, and I decided, after a long day, to go buy groceries and see the new store. And yes, with the kite tails in tow. If I could rewind time and redesign how that day would be, I would have done so.  Everything that could go wrong went wrong. With one child’s hand bruised from being run over by a shopping cart and with a terrible malfunction of my wardrobe due to my youngest child’s aspiration to be a gymnast (I will spare you the details).  I was ready to tear my robe and spread ashes all over my body. That is how overwhelmed and bent out of shape I was that day.

Yet, the joy and giggles that my boys always brought (and still do bring!) into my life with their individuality, friendship, charisma, and love, were steady and strong, like the very heartbeats that kept this mother’s heart on beating.

My boys have their own families now and I relive these adventures with a bittersweet taste in my mouth.  I would give anything to have those kind of crazy, loud, chaotic days with my boys back. And adding to that, I see God’s mercy in my own life and in the lives of all His children. We all give Him plenty of reasons to give up on us or to be mad at us. Yet, His arms are always open wide to receive us and keep us close to His heart, as I will always be with my progeny, in spite of how old they may be.
 

“Thank You, God, for never giving up on us. You are always near, even when we are not.”

For His Glory

Luska Suzano
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Mercy, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | June 8, 2016

I Surrender

june 8“God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble. Submit yourselves therefore to God.” James 4:6a-7a (ESV)

Every one of us at one time or another has felt like our lives are not what we want them to be , but it’s what we do in that moment that makes all the difference. Do we try to handle it ourselves? Or do we look to the only One who is truly able to handle everything that comes our way and make our lives what they should be?

 

The very same God, who has the power to create everything out of nothing, can take a life of brokenness and turn it into something wonderful if only we allow Him. Unfortunately our pride sometimes gets in the way. We live trying to handle everything ourselves because we think we know better. Or maybe we think God is too busy to worry about our problems. Whatever the reason, deep down we know our way isn’t working. It’s time for something else. The only sure solution is complete surrender.

 

When we trust in God, instead of relying on our own abilities, our lives will never be a mess, even if things aren’t going exactly as planned.  Trusting in God allows us to live the way God intended –  no longer weighed down by a constant struggle. When we surrender control to the One who can handle it all, we become free.  And in that freedom, we can finally live.

 

“God, forgive me for wanting to do things my own way. Thank You for loving me enough to want to handle things for me. Help me to surrender fully.”

 

For His Glory,

Josey Bozzo
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Attitude, Faith, Spiritual Growth

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | June 7, 2016

Family Matters

june 7“You are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God’s people and members of God’s household.”  Ephesians 2:19 (NIV)
Do you ever have that kind of day that makes you nostalgic, and the nostalgia becomes a subtle type of whining? Well, I do.  In just a few weeks, my grandbaby number six will be born in Western New York. Last Friday, I was talking to the Lord as I looked at pictures from the baby shower I could not attend, and I was feeling a little blue because I live so far away from my children and grandchildren. “Lord,” I exclaimed, “why do I have to live so far away from my family, when I strived my whole life to be near them? Children grow so fast, and I am missing out on so much, Lord!” Yes, I was having a little pity party of my own, complaining to the Lord about what He already knew (and He showed me later that He did).
Shortly after my semi-emotional outpouring to the Lord, a friend invited me to attend a church service with her at a local Hispanic church. The service would be in Spanish. Also, because it was an Assemblies of God church, women would be in skirts and that day happened to be “Casual Friday” at work so I wore my blue jeans. I had enough reasons to say no.
In spite of any opposition, I went with her and I am glad I did, because praise and worship was exactly what I needed that Friday evening. I let myself be immersed by the words of each song and I surrendered wholly to the Lord in adoration of His majesty. As I let myself loose in His presence, I felt Him say to me, “See, daughter? You are not alone and you are not far away from family. In Your Father’s house, My house, you are amidst My children, you are with FAMILY, because these are your brothers and sisters in Me. It does not matter the color of their skin, the language they speak, the songs they sing, the way they dress, or the denomination to which they belong. You are Mine and My family is your family.” At that moment, all sadness faded away and supernatural joy took over.
In spite of all the blessings we receive from the Lord, sometimes we focus on things that inflict unneeded pain in our hearts. If, instead, we willingly and freely surrendered to our Father and let Him steer us through our journey, the guilt and pain we feel would fade away. He knows where we need to be at each season of our lives and He provides the support we need.

 

“Dear Lord, ‘home’ is where You are. ‘Family’ is what we have in you. Thank you.”

For His Glory

Luska Suzano
TRBC Women’s Life

 

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Posted in Gratitude, Hope, Spiritual Growth

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | June 6, 2016

Grabbing Peace In The Midst of Suffering

june 6“I have told you these things so that in Me you may have peace.  You will have suffering in this word.  Be courageous!  I have conquered the world.”  John 16:32b (ESV)

Stillness, calmness, quietness and rest those are the images we see when we think of peace.  So how does one grab a hold of peace when our surroundings dictate noise, chaos, drama, and stress?  It’s like our expectation of peace is so foreign to what we are currently experiencing. I think we’ve all been there – whether it’s in the midst of a cancer fight, battling our own tendencies, caring for family members, or digging out from underneath the aftermath of someone else’s actions….the list is endless. Moments when perceived peace seems so elusive from our reality in the moment.

Yet, I am reminded of Jesus’ words in the Upper Room. He was about to face betrayal, accusations, abandonment and ultimately death on the cross.  And that was just the appetizer.  The real battle was won when the grave was emptied. So what did He do… Jesus always operated in a mode of peace because He trusted the Father’s plan, He was confident of His Father’s presence and He was never without the Father’s love.

We all face our own struggles – some too hard to bear and tangibly overwhelming.  Yet Jesus reminds us in John 16 not to be surprised by abandonment, isolation, trials or suffering.  He whispers, “I am not alone because the Father is with Me.”  Soothing words we can wrap ourselves around –  the truth that God is always with us. We can trust His plan, His presence and be consumed by His love even in the midst of suffering.

I love Jesus very words about peace – “I’ve told you these things so that in Me you may have peace.”   Sweet friends if we are looking for peace from any other source we will be greatly disappointed – it isn’t there.  But Jesus says I’ve prepared you, I’ve told you the game plan will often be suffering – so be courageous – I’ve got this covered.”

“Sweet Jesus my heart rejoices because we are never without Your peace.  The world will offer us a cheap counterfeit based on circumstances but You remind us it’s not about what is happening but Who is standing with us in the battle.”

 

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

 

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Hope

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | June 3, 2016

Facing Our Fears

june 3“I will fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff they comfort me.”  Psalm 23:4b (NIV)

 

Life forces us to let go of something or someone.   Our new normal doesn’t resemble the familiar, and the uncertainties challenge us to the core – that’s why fear loves to move in.  The economy depletes our savings.  Our dream job ends, and we find ourselves facing a stack of bills – that’s where fear loves to reside.  Loved ones slip out of our lives as disease wins and overwhelming grief seeps in – that’s when fear loves to control us.  Losses can quickly land us in the pit of paralyzing fear – unable to cope, function or move on.

 

Challenges and tragedies will always strip away our perceived securities unveiling the raw human nature that resides deep in our souls.  And it is in those moments that fear rises to the surface and that’s absolutely normal.  But when fear moves from a healthy respect of our circumstances into unhealthy fear consumed with our circumstances, we’ve charted a dangerous ride.

 

So how do we get our perspective back on track before our fears spill over and impact the lives of others too?   The Psalmist David knew that speaking his confidence in God out loud would send the enemy running for cover.  Even in his darkest valley, David boldly proclaimed that God’s presence,  accompanying him in those hard places, would strengthen and sustain him.

Letting go and embracing new normals will still test our faith, but they don’t have to paralyze us and keep us locked in the past.  By trusting in God’s character,  we too can face our fears  boldly and move forward  knowing that we do not walk alone.

“Father, You have sent Your Spirit to live within us, to teach us and to comfort us.  Help us to proclaim Your name even in the midst of fear and doubt.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Hope

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | June 2, 2016

Comparisons – Never Win

june 2“For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise.” 2 Corinthians 10:12 (KJV)

What an amazing Savior we have!  Wow, how He loves us, created us, and put so much in us for His purposes! His thoughts toward us are wonderful, but yet how often are our thoughts towards “us” and each other not. Do we as women make comparisons? Do we measure ourselves against other people? Do we get down on ourselves when we perceive that we are not as “good” as another? 2 Corinthians 10 says that is not wise! So how should we live in this world with other people?

Here are just a few reminders from God’s word as we lovingly accept ourselves and the people around us:

  1. Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love (Romans 12:10)
  2. Bear the infirmities of the weak ( Romans 15:1-2)
  3. Be tenderhearted and forgiving (Ephesians 4:32)
  4. Lift up others with our speech – minister grace to the hearers. (Ephesians 4:29-32)
  5. Loving God always leads to loving others (I John 4:20-21)
  6. Draw our husbands to the Lord by our conversation (I Peter 3:1-2)
  7. Live peaceably with all people (Romans 12:18)

“Lord Jesus, thank you for loving us. Help us to be women who love others and ourselves, as you love. Help us to live peaceably with all those you’ve blessed us with.”

 

For His Glory,

Julia Forystek Bergstrom
TRBC Women’s Life

 

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Posted in Gratitude, Spiritual Growth

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | June 1, 2016

My Father’s Eyes

june 1“Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children; and walk in love, just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma.”  Ephesians 5:1-2 (NIV)

 

As Christians, we are called to follow in Jesus footsteps.  We are called to be Jesus in other people’s lives, to be kind as He is kind, to be His hands and feet, which means to go out and help others as He helps us.

Gary Chapman’s song titled “My Father’s Eyes,” speaks of one’s desire of having her Father’s eyes, eyes full of compassion, seeing someone else’s pain and so empathetic that she feels that pain; eyes that see the good in things and that seeks to help people. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if people could look into our eyes and really see Jesus in us?

Today, I listened to a sermon which reminded the audience that everything in life is temporary, just as the prophet Isaiah says in chapter 40, verses 6-8, “All people are like grass, and all their faithfulness is like the flowers of the field. The grass withers and the flowers fall, because the breath of the Lord blows on them. Surely the people are grass. The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God endures forever.”

The preacher also reminded his listeners that money and material things should not be the focus of our lives.  Undoubtedly, we will leave them one day when our lives end in this world, because when life ends, we won’t be taking anything with us. “You were placed on this earth for a purpose; the God of the universe Himself knitted you together in your mother’s womb. He made you because He had a plan for your life here,” he added.

We don’t have super human eyes that see through walls; but we do have a God who gives us the sensitivity of His Holy Spirit to guide us in reaching out to others in need.  We have a sensibility that one can only feel when living in harmony with his or her Lord, a gift that comes straight from His very heart, and helps us to see what He can see.

“Lord, open the eyes of our hearts, Father, and help us to feel Your compassion at work in us, so we can bless those in need as You wish for us to do.”

For His Glory

Luska Suzano
Women’s Life Devotional

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Posted in Encouragement, Spiritual Living

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