Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | May 12, 2015

Temporary Sorrow

cb devo may12“Jesus wept.” John 11:35 (NIV).

Words like “tears,” “weeping,” “mourning,” “death,” “loss,” and “grave,” not only sound sad, but also give us an idea that what is going on in one’s life is not something that is bringing joy and gladness. When we lose someone dear to us, these words are all part of the process of grieving. And sometimes there is also fear – fear of staying alone, fear of losing something or someone, fear of losing hope and faith.

A friend recently mentioned how tough it was to go to the graveyard again for a third time in less than two years. I reminded my friend that the real dwelling of his loved ones was not in that graveyard. Somehow – I could envision my friend’s loved ones rejoicing with their Father in heaven, healthy and strong instead of frail, sickly, and tired.

Grieving and mourning the loss of loved ones is natural. Remember Martha and Mary, the sisters of Lazarus? They had just lost their beloved brother when Jesus finally arrived. They were mourning his death, but their faith drove them to tell the Lord Jesus that if He had been there, Lazarus would probably still be alive. Even Jesus mourned the loss of Lazarus because the Bible says that He wept. But moved by those people’s faith and His compassion, Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead.

Life is a wonderful gift from the Lord, but this world is not our final destination. We are only here for a season, after which we will go to the place where we will spend eternity. By having faith in God, trusting in Him and following His commands, we, too will be raised up and rejoice in heaven with Him. At that time, all the troubles of this world – our temporary home – will stay behind, and we will embrace our permanent dwelling.

“Lord, You created us for Your glory. You love us more than anyone will ever love us. And You call us your own. In You we have life in abundance.”

For His Glory

Luska Suzano
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Encouragement, Hope, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | May 11, 2015

A Multitude of Sins

cb devo may 11“Above all maintain an intense love for each other since love covers a multitude of sins.” I Peter 4:8 (HCSB)

Ever find yourself running for cover? It’s kind of how we’ve all felt – like Eve we instinctively know when we have done something wrong. A stirring in our hearts, a sorrow in our soul. Maybe, just maybe we could run and hide. Cover it all up for no one to see. Or better yet, just pretend it never happened. Has that one ever served us well? Pretending is simply denial and denial always rises back up to the surface just when we least expect it.

Hiding isn’t really hiding – we all know that right? We may think we’ve got them fooled, but the people who know us the best usually see right through our ugly places. And if they really, really love us then they ask those hard questions. Takes courage to love like that. Takes boldness to love like that. Takes humility to love like that. Why? Because we’ve all been there. We’ve all fallen short. We’ve all desperately needed washing from head to toe. We’ve all landed outside the boundaries of obedience and attempted to excuse our way back in.

Praising Jesus for those who roped me back in. Thankful for love that propels hard words that softens my dead heart. Grateful for do-overs and grace that covers exposed, forgiven places. Remembering that intense love hanging on the cross covers all our sin – past, present and future.

Ready to stop running? Tired of trying to cover it all up? Pretending getting old and burdensome? Listen intently to the people who love enough, who care enough to not give up. Then gather at the feet of Jesus, confess what He already knows and allow His love to cover the wrongs we’ve been hiding too long.
“Father, Your love runs deep and wide washing over all our sins – our chains are gone we’ve been set free.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Faith, Freedom, Hope, Mercy, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | May 8, 2015

God’s Monogram

cb devo may 8“I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands. I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.” Psalm 119:10-11 (NIV)

I am not good with directions. If you ask anyone close to me, the answer will likely be that I was born without an internal GPS, and I need all the help I can get. Now, if I learn my way to a place by looking at landmarks, I can always find my way back.

If you have ever been to Lynchburg, Virginia, you have likely seen Liberty University Mountain with the big, red LU Monogram. Those two letters are easily spotted from various parts of town. Its main purpose is to let people know where Liberty University is and the mountain is a part of its magnificent campus. They also serve as a guide for people who need to know where they are location-wise. The monogram has become a part of the “I’m home” feel I get each time I travel back into town.

God’s Word is the best compass for us to gauge where we are in our walk with Him. If we feel distant and sad, we can find comfort and joy in His Word. If we lack direction and wisdom, we can find them in His Word. Whatever the need, when His Word is written in our hearts, we will never be left astray. His love and grace will always take us back home to the heart of the One who loves us most.

Like the LU Monogram, the Word of God, whether in print or pulled by us from memorization, will be readily available and full of strength to help us refocus, regroup and regain the course. Keep lifting your eyes to the hills because your help will come from the Lord who loves you more than you will ever know (Psalm 121).

“Thank You, Lord, for Your Word, which is a lamp for our feet and a light on our paths.”

For His Glory

Luska Suzano
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Hope, Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Living, Success, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | May 7, 2015

In The Midst of Glory

cb devo may7“The Devil who deceived them was thrown into the lake of fire and sulfur where the beast and the false prophet are, and they will be tormented day and night forever and ever.” Revelation 20:10 (HCSB)

A.D. the span of time that preceded Christ’s death has left us riveted to our seats on Sunday nights. I’ve flipped through those pages in my Bible over and over again, but seeing it with my own eyes with real people and emotions – that’s compelling. Powerful visuals of men and women who gave their lives because they dared to believe and share the gospel. Love seeing God’s word come alive for millions to watch. Grateful for those who stepped out despite what their peers thought and invested in sharing the good news.

And right in the midst of God’s glory shining bright for all the world to see – the enemy attempts to steal the show. How? By turning the focus of many onto the subject of gender confusion, raging injustices and riots, innocent people devastated by earthquakes. And the enemy whispers, “Is God really good?” And the enemy shouts, “Does God really love you?” And the enemy cultivates doubt, “Is God’s way really the only way?”

Coincidental or calculated? I’ll let you decide, but scripture reminds us that Satan is very intentional about discrediting the truth of God’s character. Satan’s zeal for attention, superiority and glory cost him everything and yet, his determination continues to grow stronger. Why? It’s the plight of anyone who is losing ground. Time is running out. Accepting defeat is not an option. He will fight his way until the end – and yes there will be a glorious end. Satan will be silenced, destroyed, cast into the lake of fire and we will reign with God forever in our eternal home. Questions and doubts will fade. Temptation defeated. No more wrestling with flesh and spirit – a glorious Hallelujah to our King!

“Father, the signs of You coming are all around us – help us to be ready, to share with others and keep our eyes looking up!”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Faith, Spiritual Living, Success, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | May 6, 2015

He Will Never Let Go

cb devo may6“Even there you hand shall lead me, and your right hand shall hold me.” Psalm 139:10 (ESV)

Grasping her tiny hand jolted the ‘mama bear’ instinct into gear! Protection was my main objective because I could see what she couldn’t, danger looming in the distance. Grownups just have insightfulness little ones don’t. It comes with maturity.

Growing up is hard, isn’t it! I find some areas still need attention even after all these years! Growing involves learning – not necessarily being ‘instructed’ by someone but oftentimes learning from the mistakes we make along the way.

I love a quote from a little girl when asked what was one of the most important things she had learned so far in life. Her answer: ‘Remember you’re never too old to hold your father’s hand.’

Maturity produces independence of parents and sometimes of God. We become self sufficient – feeling we are capable of taking care of all our problems. This independence often affects all areas of our lives, even the spiritual. We loose contact with our heavenly Father because we don’t feel we need him. However, at some point, we will become keenly aware we can’t handle everything. We begin craving encouragement and support.

When this occurs, we are reminded of how much we need our heavenly Father. We are never too old to hold our ‘Father’s’ hand. In fact, we see the necessity of holding on to our Father’s hand even when things are not out of control.

As Job was reminded ‘If you would prepare your heart, and stretch out your hands toward him’ (Job. 11:13). Remember to reach out for His unchanging hand He’ll never let go!! Sometimes, I have to work at remembering this, how about you?

“Lord, remind me of how much I need to hold Your mighty hand.”

For His Glory

Patsy Sanders
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Attitude, Encouragement, Faith, Hope

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | May 5, 2015

Celebrate God’s Blessings

cb devo may5“From the fullness of His grace we have all received one blessing after another.” John 1:16 (NIV)

Children love treats, and it doesn’t take much to make a child scream with bliss. My siblings and I and used to watch our dad empty his pant pockets in the evenings, in an enthusiastic anticipation that from those pockets would emerge a treat for each of us. This was a familiar routine in our household, as our dad loved to treat us when he would get home from work. We used to be amused at how much those pant pockets could hold. Dad would play this “wait game” with us, by always removing his wallet first, then his hand-care-chief, then loose change, receipts, and whatever else a man would carry along with him during the day. Then, finally he’d pull out a piece of candy, collection cards, stickers, or anything that he knew one of his four children would like to receive from him. I remember the euphoria sometimes when we would get to exchange cards and stickers after we got our treats.

As I raised my three sons, I, too, experienced much joy in bringing home treats for them after a long day’s work. Watching their innocent little selves stand there, giggling, hopping, and sometimes even clapping small, sudden excited claps as they waited for me to empty my purse. Showing them the treats for that day warmed my parent heart. That same story is now repeating itself in the lives of my small grandsons, as my sons, too, take joy in giving their children something to smile about.

Our Heavenly Father does not see us any differently than my dad saw his children or I saw my own offspring. He is ready and with arms outstretched to pour down His blessings. May His face smile upon us as we rejoice with gratitude when He blesses us with His many blessings.

“Dear Lord, You are ever so generous to bless us. Thank You for all that You do.”

For His Glory

Luska Suzano
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Faith, Gratitude, Love

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | May 4, 2015

His Words

cb devo may4“And they remembered His (Jesus’) words.” Luke 24:8 (HCSB)

Two agonizing days. Vivid details of the crucifixion probably replayed over and over again in their minds. The One who had walked among them was gone. Fear besieged them – what were they going to do without Him? Death had stolen away the Miracle Maker, the Healer and the Savior they had longed for. And now it all appeared to be over – it was finished. Perhaps those words settled in their minds. Echoing the passageway into grief that broke their hearts and left them wondering.

Amazing how we choose to cling to some words and easily forget others. It happens to us all in those moments when sorrow, grief or challenges deplete us of hope. Overwhelming emotions leave us weak, shaken and vulnerable. We wake up begging for reality to be a mere nightmare – a dream. We can barely remember our address and getting dressed becomes unmanageable. We walk through our days going through the motions unaware of where we are, what we’ve said and where to turn.

In the midst of their desperation, women headed to the tomb perhaps like us they just wanted to be near the one who was gone. Perhaps they longed to see His body shrouded in white just one more time. Footsteps that probably reminded them along the way – His pain, His wounds, His blood dripping and hitting the ground – their loss was real.

Love the way God shatters hopelessness with His surprising presence. Love the way women were the first to see the stone was rolled away. And love the way God meet us in our fear and doubts, reminding us all of His words – breathing promises that ignite even the weariest souls – He is alive!

“Father, life can attempt to drown out the truth but Your words rise up and transform our desperation into extraordinary moments. We are not alone – You are forever with us!”
For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Encouragement, Hope

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | May 1, 2015

Keep on Keeping On; He Is Already There

“So he came to a tocb devo may1wn in Samaria called Sychar, near the plot of ground Jacob had given to his son Joseph. Jacob’s well was there, and Jesus, tired as he was from the journey, sat down by the well. It was about noon.” John 4:5-6 (NIV)

Drawing water out of a well is no easy task. A bucket is tied to a rope on the well and lowered to the water. Once the water is in the bucket, the rope is pulled lifting the bucket back to the top. The person drawing the water is working with their arms and hands. If they become distracted and the bucket capsizes, the water will spill and the bucket must travel down again. I guess you get the picture…. And the message: it takes patience, perseverance, time, and strength to draw water out of a well.

The Bible tells us the story about a woman at the well who went to draw water for herself at noon. She probably traveled a bit before getting to that public well. She was probably hot, sweaty, tired, and who knows, maybe even discouraged. I know I’d be discouraged if I had to walk to a well each time I felt hot or thirsty to get a drink. She didn’t know it when she grabbed her bucket that day that she would get much more than just water at that well. That day, the woman met Jesus, who changed the course of her life.

The journey upon which we travel, at times, is not pretty. It is not pleasant. It is not encouraging. But the destination might surprise us. That’s what happened to that Samaritan woman. And that could happen to you and me as well. Do not get discouraged. Do not dismay. Keep on keeping on. Though you can’t foresee what awaits you, Jesus is already there.

“Lord Jesus, You are the source for all that we need. Please help us to remember that when the journey gets tough.”

For His Glory

Luska Suzano
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Attitude, Encouragement, Hope, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | April 30, 2015

Finding Hope In Disappointment

cb devo apr30“So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. – 2 Corinthians 4:18 (NIV)

We often find ourselves in another season of disappointment. Hope deferred. Proverbs 13:12 says, “Hope deferred makes the heart sick.” The emotional and physical symptoms of disappointment can be felt. So, we cling all the more to the confidence we do have. We know that this season, however long it may last, is temporary. We fix our eyes on what is unseen…what is eternal. We strive to give God the glory in the midst of our disappointment.

I know that you have also felt the pain of disappointment. It comes to us in so many different forms, but it always comes. The story God writes for us isn’t always the story we want, or expect. We know that His ways are not our ways. He cares more about our character than our happiness. Romans 5 tells us that “suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.” So, we put our faith in the story God is writing. We persevere with the promise that God will use our obedience to refine our character and that this character-building process will produce hope…and, hope doesn’t disappoint.

“Lord, thank you for your Word and the guidance it provides in every season of our lives. Help us to trust in your promises, follow your ways, and find hope…even in times of great disappointment.”

For His Glory

Ann Skalaski
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Hope, Spiritual Growth

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | April 29, 2015

All That I Need

cb devo apr29“Your (God’s) promises have been thoroughly tested, and your servant loves them.” Psalm 119:140 (NIV)

Mid-Spring and I just switched out all my clothes for warmer weather. The storage boxes taking up space in my bedroom floor just had to go. And after a few 80 degree days, I was confident cool weather was gone. But then, we do live in Virginia. A state of pure unpredictability. Rainy showers, strong winds and I found myself digging out something warmer to wear. Evidently Spring is taking a break.

While we definitely can’t predict the weather, there are some things we can predict. We can always count on God singing over us in the morning – what a sweet sound. We can always depend on His strength to get us through the chaos of life – amazing power. We can always find shelter in His presence in the midst of a demanding day – peaceful blessing. Everything we need can be found in Him.

So why would we ever question rainy days or stormy places? Why would we ever depend on self instead of trusting God? Why would we ever run away from the One who longs to draw us close? Sometimes in the midst of unpredictability, we cling to the visible. We’re looking for tangible instead of resting in His promises. But the unseen is where God is working – behind the scenes, yet fully surrounding us – going before and behind. There is never a moment when we are out of His sight or His reach. God never takes a break or becomes unstable – He’s the same yesterday, today and forever. And that is something we can count on.

“Father in the midst of many unknowns – You are the One who holds it all together. Thank You for being more than enough for all that we need.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Hope, Spiritual Living

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