Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | April 5, 2016

Pray Your Dreams Alive

apr 5“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.” Matthew 7:7 (NIV)

What is a dream? It could be what happens to you when you lie down in bed to sleep at night, but it could also be something that you have aspired to accomplish, such as pursue a degree, travel to Europe, buy your own home, and so forth. I could borrow the milk motto and say that “to dream does the body good!” Yes, having dreams keeps us motivated to do better, to enjoy life, and to achieve higher things for ourselves. Don’t ever stop dreaming – even if the first attempts at accomplishing something fails – because there is always tomorrow, and your dream may be just a few prayers away!

When I was in middle school, I remember opening my History book and flipping through the pages, fascinated with everything I saw. In those pages, among other things, I saw Michelangelo’s sculptures and pictures of volcanoes, waterfalls, pyramids, deserts, and camels. I remember looking at the camels and saying, “Someday I hope to ride one of these camels.” Riding a camel is not the usual little girl’s dream, but for some reason or another it seemed like an awesome idea to me, so I stuck to it.

Fast forward four decades, and let me tell you something exciting: in October, 2015, my dream came true! I got to ride a camel, and not only that; I rode a camel on the Mount of Olives in Jerusalem, overlooking the City of David. Never in my wildest dream (here’s that word again) would I think that my dream of riding a camel would come true along with another dream of mine, which was to visit Israel. Those two dreams came to pass at the same time, and in a manner that only my God could do.

What’s on your bucket list? Are your dreams aligned with the Word of God? Sometimes dreams can take a while to come true. Remember the Israeli people wandering in the desert? Their journey wasn’t a 40-day one. It lasted 40 years, but it came to pass, just like my camel ride. Don’t give up praying for your dreams.

“Father, thank you for making life beautiful with hope and for dreams.”

For His Glory

Luska Suzano
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Encouragement, Hope

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | April 4, 2016

Daily Manna

apr 4“I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.” Philippians 4: 12 (NIV)

My eyes envied that cake.  In fact, I could actually taste it on my lips as the waiter walked by.  Unfortunately, when my turn came to order desert, the luscious cake was completely gone.  Needless to say, I was disappointed as I slowly devoured my fruit cup.  Now under normal circumstances, I would have enjoyed strawberries, cantaloupe and watermelon.   But not today, I still wanted that cake.

Amazing how our hearts desire what we can’t have.  It’s a condition that goes all the way back to Egypt.  The Children of Israel desperately desired freedom and miraculously God delivered them.  However, a few steps into their wilderness experience and the Children of Israel allowed their eyes to envy Egypt and misplace the reality of their hardships. Once again, God heard their cries and miraculously provided daily manna – straight from heaven, easily at their disposal. But it wasn’t what the Israelites wanted.

Are we really any different?  How are we responding to God’s amazing provision – daily manna – in our lives?  Are we gladly accepting it or are we discontented, grumbling and complaining? The choice is up to us.   We can have joy and contentment or bitterness.

I choose manna – it might not look like what I want. It probably will not taste like what I desire and it definitely won’t resemble what I envisioned.   But God is providing what He knows is best  – daily manna – extensions of His love. Are we embracing His goodness?

“Father Your table is spread before me and its bounty is beyond belief.  Help me accept Your offering and walk away full to overflowing.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Attitude, Spiritual Growth

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | April 1, 2016

Beef Tips & Gravy

apr1“Let him who walks in the dark and has no light, trust in the name of the Lord and rely on His God.” Isaiah 50:10b (NIV)

Many years ago, I had a strange experience while making dinner. As I stood by the stove preparing my meal, I was struck with an overwhelming sense of discouragement. I had longed for a life of purpose, a meaningful job, a blossoming ministry and a chance to make a difference in the world. But in that very moment, it seemed that all I had to show for my life, my efforts, and my dreams were…Beef Tips and Gravy.

How could this be? I had prayed, worked and prepared for so much more. But here I was, parked in a kitchen, just waiting for gravy to thicken. I could not help but wonder if God had forgotten me or if I had done something wrong to deserve being benched like this. There were, after all, so many more important things I could be doing with my life. (And wasn’t this June Cleaver’s job anyway?!)

Now, in the decade that has passed since that memorable meal, I have learned the value of trusting in God’s plans rather than my own. I have embraced the words of Isaiah 50:10 which say it is better to walk in darkness sometimes than to walk by the light of one’s own efforts. I certainly did not want to be in the kitchen stirring gravy that night. But I have learned that Beef Tips and Gravy served with a portion of patience and a side of faith make a great meal in the waiting.

“Father, help us to trust in Your name and to stand in faith when life brings challenges, disappointments, unexpected delays and closed doors. Help us to leave the reigns of our lives in Your hands rather than trying to work out our own plans in our own timing.”

For His Glory

Claudia Dempsey
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Faith, Spiritual Growth

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | March 31, 2016

TLC For Eternity

mar 31“The Lord makes firm the steps of the one who delights in him; though he may stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with His hand.” Psalm 37:23-24 (NIV)

When my firstborn son, Thiago, began to walk, I was always around and ready to scoop him up immediately after a fall, to ensure he did not get afraid to stand and take another step in fear of falling. After a few trial-and-error attempts, my little man was wobbling his way around our living room.

Sometimes God gives us spiritual children whose walk starts just as that of a young babe. With the proper attention, care, nutrition, discipline, and practice, a spiritual child will become stronger and be equipped to walk on her own. Conversely, a child who is malnourished and receives poor attention and care will struggle to start on her walk.

Has God placed anyone in your life lately who needs a little TLC from you? A neighbor? A friend? Someone you met at the beauty salon? Someone in your own family?

Spiritual children are just as important in our Christian walk as are our own children. If God has entrusted someone into your care, embrace the task at hand and offer your helping hand to provide the assurance your “child” needs until she is ready to walk on her own.

As for my little guy, it wasn’t long before he was doing little races around the house and even climbing on things he should not climb on, as he was eager to show his newly found ability to move on his own.

If you are someone else’s caretaker, you are likely to have all the necessary skills to ensure their well-being. And chances are, if you look around your own environment, you will find possibilities to do something of eternal value for someone else.
“Dear Jesus, thank You for saving us. Help us, Lord, to have the same love for those who are lost.”

For His Glory

Luska Suzano
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Encouragement, Love, Mercy

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | March 30, 2016

When God Moves

mar30“The Sovereign Lord is my strength; He makes my feet like the feet of a deer, He enables me to go on the heights.” Habakkuk 3:19 (NIV)

Abraham embarked on the journey of a lifetime when He left the familiar and moved with God. Ruth experienced a love she could have never imagined when grief moved her toward God. Moses witnessed the magnitude of God’s power when he finally chose to move in sync with God’s footsteps.

Esther demonstrated extreme courage as she moved in the strength of Her God. Job thrived in the midst of utter despair as he moved closer to the heartbeat of God. Captivated by the Holiness of his Lord, Isaiah moved and responded to His calling. Young, intimidated and full of questions, Jeremiah moved beyond excuses and trusted in the Sovereign One.

Mary exchanged her heart’s desire for the rhythms of her Father’s grace moving within her body. John moved towards decrease so that the true Son of God would be magnified. Peter instinctively lifted one foot out of the boat as he moved atop the waves to meet His Lord. Jesus surrendered His will, embraced the cross and defeated death moving us closer to the fullness of God’s presence.

Has God been moving in your life? It’s the journey of a lifetime – a love unimaginable! Moving in sync with God guarantees a vision of His glory and the magnitude of His power. Courageous strength follows those who move to the beat of His heart’s desire. Captivated by His faithfulness and love, we can respond to His call. Glorifying God by stepping out into the deep, we will find the fullness and joy of His presence. Moving with God lifts us higher than we ever dreamed!

“Father, transplant our feet from the land of familiar to the uncharted path of pure obedience as we move with You.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Love, Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | March 29, 2016

You Were The Reason

mar 29“For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16 (NIV)

Not much is said in the Bible about Jesus’ childhood, so when I went to the theatre to watch ‘Young Messiah,’ I was delighted to see that He was depicted as a semi-normal young boy. Semi-normal because He was, after all, the Son of God, who lived some of the same experiences as normal human beings do.

The boy would go out in the street to play with his friends; He was a victim of bullying; He had closer friends and relatives with whom He interacted more regularly. Two things, however, were clear evidence of the fact that the boy wasn’t just “any boy.” First, Jesus never displayed fear against the enemy, who, by the way, was present in almost every scene. Second, even when He still did not understand why some things happened to Him and not to others (like bringing another boy to life), He displayed compassion and love to others to such a great extreme, that He would heal them.

Ah, love so great, so divine, that would drive the Lord God in heaven to forego the pleasure of having His only Son beside Him, to watch Him grow and to help Him when He scraped a knee or was attacked by a band of bullies; to sit proudly as He heard His Son quote His first portions of Scripture in the synagogue, and all those little things that make the bond between Father and Son so special!

Dear sister, it was His love for you! It was God’s desire that you do not perish, but instead, get the opportunity to spend eternity with Him in Heaven. That is why He willingly sent His little boy to this earth to show His power of redemption and healing; to show His love and forgiveness and His comfort. You were the reason. The cross proved it. You are loved by a God with outstretched arms.

“Thank You for being a loving God, Abba. No one else on earth would do what You did for us. Your love is amazing. We magnify Your name, for You are great.”

For His Glory

Luska Suzano
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Encouragement, Gratitude, Love

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | March 28, 2016

Glorious Awakening

mar28“And the apostles gave powerful witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and God’s great favor was upon them all.” Acts 4:33 (NLT)

What is sweeter to the soul than a promise kept? Trusting someone’s words, believing in their character and relaxing securely in the predicted outcome – it’s a rare occurrence in our society. Words are easily spoken, character is often compromised and security runs out the door. But chiseled into the nail pierced hands of our Savior, we find the refreshing aroma of His promises kept.

Despised, rejected, crushed, broken, and bruised beyond recognition, Jesus deliberately chose to be the Way, the Truth, and the Life opening wide the door to Heaven’s throne. His love was proven, grace was given and when the stone was rolled away our Risen Lord revealed His glory! It’s a hope planted within us; a priceless freedom lavished in our souls.

So what are we doing with the promise kept? A small band of disciples, who had cowered in fear and abandoned the cross, found themselves captivated once again with His presence. Sins had been forgiven and grace applied. Their lives were forever changed as the power of the resurrection stirred their hearts to proclaim the truth.

So what are we doing with the promise kept? Are we captivated by His presence? Have we accepted His forgiveness and received His grace? Have our lives been forever changed? Are we proclaiming He is the Way, the Truth and the Life? One day He will return for us – what a glorious day – will He find us living in the power of the promise kept?

“Father, You are our Savior and Redeemer. Bearing the marks of our sins, You find great pleasure in our faithful witness to who You truly are – Our Risen Lord!”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Faith, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | March 25, 2016

Exhilarating Faith

mar25“So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy, and ran to tell his disciples.” Matthew 28:8 (NIV)

Fear blended with an edge of joy or was it joy blended with an edge of fear? We’ve all been there when we walk the tightrope of exhilarating faith only to greet piercing doubt. Our heart flutters at the concept that all we dreamed, hoped for and believed was true. And then a sliver of doubt courses in bursting our bubble with a sharp needle of fear. It’s a balancing act that requires careful precision or we cave in to fears and doubts missing the joy and faith.

Early in the dawn light, two women toggle on the edge of joy and fear as they seek their crucified Lord. Heavy grieving hearts meet the revelation of an empty tomb. Can you see the shimmer of hope in their eyes as they peeked inside? Can you sense the tremble in their footsteps as they hurried away? Fearful from what they had seen, yet filled with joy – He is alive! And within moments they find themselves worshipping at His feet. Not fully understanding, yet totally overwhelmed.

I’ve been there – how about you? When we exchange the dead places in our lives for a resurrected new birth, we find ourselves on the edge of joy and fear. Excited and clinging to hope yet fearful of the events unfolding before our eyes. We’ve never felt so close to God and yet so unsure of ourselves. We dangle on the tightrope of faith and doubt. Yet when we cling to His name, His character and His promises, we find ourselves completely balanced. And within moments we’re worshipping at His feet – all fear erased.

“Father, the empty tomb unveils the glory of Your resurrected body living, breathing in the heart of your children.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Faith, Hope, Worship

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | March 24, 2016

Easter – God’s Redemption Song

mar 24“After the Lord Jesus had spoken to them, He was taken up into heaven and He sat at the right hand of God.” Mark 16:19 (NIV)

Thomas Road Baptist Church (TRBC) is currently doing a series on Christ’s last week on earth, which is titled “One Week to Live.” In this series, we heard about the last supper and the conversations that took place there and then; how the event was not a festive one, and how the word “last” really meant what it said, the last meal the disciples ate with the Lord Jesus while He was on the earth.

As the Omniscient being that He was, Jesus already knew the events that would take place after that last meal with His disciples. He knew one of them was going to betray Him, which would ultimately cost Him His life, and that a couple others would deny ever knowing Him. Those men were His best friends! They were the ones with whom Jesus spent the majority of His time. They, who knew Him best, were soon to place Him in the category of criminal deserving of a cross. Yet, there He sat, sharing His last meal with them.

If we can learn anything from Jesus, we can learn that forgiveness is far better than vengeance. Forgiving those men and all those Roman soldiers who mistreated Him and hung Him on the cross allowed Jesus to fulfill the Father’s plan for Him without having to ask His Father to change anything that could show favoritism on God’s part towards Him. The Father had to watch His only Son die on the cross and the Son submitted to that plan so that humanity would get a chance on redemption.

Easter is a great time to think on Jesus’ sacrifice for us. What happened three days later, when He rose from the tomb and ascended to the Father to prepare a place for His children, is far more important and memorable than all the chocolate one could buy.

“Dear Lord Jesus: Easter is so far more than candy and chocolate, or bunnies. Easter is about forgiveness, redemption, and life. Thank You for showing us that the Father honors our obedience.”
For His Glory

Luska Suzano
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Hope, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | March 23, 2016

Faithful One

mar 23“What I feared has come upon me; what I dreaded has happened to me.” Job 3:25 (NIV)

Deep within our souls is a secret place – the place where no one enters where our hearts are tender and vulnerable. Uncovered that place reveals the longings of our heart and the fears seeking to overwhelm us. And it is in that secret place we sense the dread, the caution of the road that lies ahead.

Fear – just four letters tied together – yet powerful enough to impact our decisions and short circuit our joy. Many navigate this path each waking moment; the undying dread of things to come. Fear of letting go, fear of familiarity, fear of failure, fear of not hearing God’s voice, fear of hearing yet running away, and fear of losing it all. It was those words that Job uttered when his fingers were loosed of everything in His life. Total devastation stood at his doorstep and lingered for more than a day. And as Job navigated those deep waters swelling well above his own understanding, God saw the deep secret places of his soul. God knew the place where Job’s heart was tender and as fear overwhelmed him, God proved Himself to be the Faithful One. What Job had heard and known for years became alive and vibrant before his eyes.

Our lives today are no different; we navigate deep waters, gasping for just a breath of air. We ride the winds of uncertainty dreading what lies around the next turn. But when we exchange fear for trust, we realize we are never alone. Uncovered in that secret place is a soul desperately clinging, forever hoping in her Faithful One!

Want to please Jesus – then trust big! Let go of self and the things we love to hold onto. Choose to cling to His words and His promises. Walk confidently moving forward with God never looking back – forever trusting every step of the way.
“Father, when fear assaults us may You find us faithfully trust in You – You are more than enough for all that we need!”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Faith, Spiritual Living

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