Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | April 28, 2015

Achieving A Healthy Lifestyle

cb devo apr28“Please test your servants for ten days: Give us nothing but vegetables to eat and water to drink. Then compare our appearance with that of the young men who eat the royal food, and treat your servants in accordance with what you see.” Daniel 12:13 (NIV)

There is no single recipe for a healthy diet and lifestyle. If you want to see the latest trends just go to YouTube, Pinterest, or Google. Some drink energy shakes, others prefer to “juice” it. Some run races and participate in triathlons, others prefer a calm, peaceful walk. If someone wishes to stay healthy and strong, there is no room for being a couch potato, taking diet pills or pigging out at a buffet. Having a healthy lifestyle can be simple, but it takes diligence, and when training for a marathon or working with a personal trainer, one must follow directions “to the dot.”

Daniel and his friends were a good example of diligence and obedience. They deliberately ate healthy foods and abstained from eating things that would not treat their bodies’ right. Daniel and his friends purpose was to consecrate their bodies to the Lord while living in a foreign environment where other gods were worshipped. Their healthy diet coupled with prayer and worship to the Lord did wonders for their bodies.

Our spiritual diet should be consistent like our physical one. The more healthy food we feed to our heart, mind and soul, the stronger we will be spiritually. And the stronger we are spiritually, the less likely we will succumb to the diseases of the soul, i.e. sinful thoughts and actions that separate us from the heart of God. We must make a conscious decision to read our Bible, pray to the Lord and worship Him on a regular basis. Yes, it does take diligence and effort on our part, but how much more will we be able to accomplish for the Lord when we are properly nourished in His Word!

“Dear Lord, thank You for Your Word that feeds us and strengthens us.”

For His Glory

Luska Suzano
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Encouragement, Spiritual Growth, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | April 27, 2015

Substituting Truth

cb devo apr27“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)

I’m all about rehabbing my fav recipes to make them healthier. You know like substituting applesauce in place of oil. There’s even lots of uses for Greek yogurt instead of higher fat options. With the emphasis on better nutrition, substituting is a great option so we can still enjoy those foods we love.

Wonder if we ever substitute other things in life? I’ll have to admit there have been times when I’ve substituted my view of God’s word in place of His truth. Happens very easily. Without even giving it much thought. We read a passage and we love it – fits our view exactly. Grab that highlighter and underline every word. But then we go a little further and the whole context of what God is saying becomes a bit harder to digest. It’s not quite so simple and it requires we let go of our view for His. Exchanging what we want to believe, what justifies our current decision, what feels comfortable and manageable versus trusting God and accepting His truth.

Regardless of what we want to accept or what feels comfortable. Regardless of what we would rather substitute, leave out or ignore. God’s way is narrower not quite so wide. His words are life transforming truth – our ultimate authority – unpopular often, yet infused with wisdom, understanding and grace.

“Father, we are often tempted to twist, change or ignore what we don’t want to hear – give us ears to listen and strength to obey Your words and walk in Your truth.”
For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Faith, Spiritual Growth, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | April 24, 2015

Restoring Hope

cb devo apr 24“I cried out, I am slipping but your unfailing love O Lord supported me. When doubts filled my mind, your comfort gave me renewed hope and cheer.” Psalm 94:18-19 (NLT )

Have you ever stripped a piece of furniture? Years ago, I attempted this task without a clue to the muscle it would take and time. For weeks, I diligently prepped and scraped off the residue of age old stain on a solid oak dresser. Not only were my arms and hands sore, but the smell of the stain remover gave me quite the headache. I loved the finished product, but it was definitely more work than I bargained for.

While restoring furniture isn’t my thing, I’m glad that God specializes in restoring lives. Just when we feel like we’ve messed up again. Just when we feel like we have no value. Just at the very moment when we see nothing but the ugly stain of sin covering our lives, God hears our cries. Like stripping old stain off of a piece of furniture – God strips away the messy residue of sin when we come to Him. It’s hard work; and it requires confession, repentance and trust that God will complete the work He started in us. Diligently He scraps off the self-imposed doubts and worries that surface when we focus on our inability to overcome versus God’s deliverance. Gently, God renews the hope within us and lifts our spirit – redeeming our future. Restored, renewed, refreshed – absolutely beautiful in God’s eyes.

“Father, before I even start to slip, please help me to cry out to You and to depend on You for support. And when my thoughts cloud my view, refresh my eyes so that I can see You clearly.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Freedom, Gratitude, Hope, Love, Mercy

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | April 23, 2015

Special Invitation

cb devo apr 20“With the crowd dispersed, he (Jesus) climbed the mountain so he could be by himself and pray. He stayed there alone, late into the night.” Matthew 14:23 (NIV)

“Will you spend time with me?” Precious invitation out of the mouth of a four year old – little in stature yet big in heart. So we gathered up chairs, bag, toys and headed to the beach…… with the rest of the group. We found the perfect spot, spread out the trucks and shovels …… right in the middle of the group.

This little one sat near my chair and said, “I thought you were going to spend time with me.” I smiled and quickly responded, “I am – I’m right here.” And so this little one took my words, smiled and played near my chair. Lost in conversation, at times I forgot he was even there. Cool ocean breezes drifted the afternoon away. The sun slowly faded……and the group headed back to the house except for me and my little friend. And when there was no one left but him and I, he quietly whispered, “Now you’re really spending time with me.”

How can a four year old be so intuitive – in the midst of a crowd….quality time slips? How could he recognize the difference – when others retreated, my focus wasn’t consumed – he had my full attention? Sweet reminder – quality time with those we love deserves our full attention. Echos that continue to whisper to my soul – wonder if God’s invitation to us is lost in the group? Wonder if we read His word in the amidst of the buzz of tv, laughter in the next room or inbetween tweets and posts? Ever escape the chaos, busyness and distractions to steal away moments with Him? To really spend time with Jesus.

Hope I don’t ever lose this picture. Hope I don’t forget this little one’s smile when we shared stories and adventures as we spent time together. Hope I never let little hands slip through my fingers unnoticed.

“Father, You invite us to draw near, to sit close and listen – help us to remove the distractions and enjoy being fully in your presence.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Living, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | April 23, 2015

Forgiveness Is The Key To Freedom

cb devo apr 23“And the spirit of the king longed to go to Absalom, for he was consoled concerning Amnon’s death.” 2 Samuel 13:38 (NIV)

Even the most loving people can be the perpetrators of evil violence and disgrace. Such disgrace fell upon the household of King David when his son, Amnon, decided he was in love with his sister, Tamar. Overtaken by lustful thoughts, Amnon plotted to get his virgin sister to his home by pretending to be ill and asking her to bake him some bread. The innocent girl attended to her brother’s wishes and instead of gratitude from him, she was raped. Tamar was very close with another of her brothers, Absalom, and she went to him for comfort. Absalom was furious with his brother for raping their sister. He took Tamar into his home, and plotted revenge against his brother. So, Absalom had Amnon killed.

Can you imagine how King David felt finding out one of his sons raped his daughter and then finding out that another son killed him to avenge his sister’s honor? Two wrongs never make a right, and revenge belongs to God.

In fear of the king, Absalom fled and stayed hidden for three years. King David mourned the loss of Amnon, and his heart was severely broken with grief. As time elapsed, the parent inside the king longed for his other son. The only way Absalom could return to his homeland was by receiving pardon from his father. And this is what happened.

If someone has wronged us, hurt us and caused us grief remember God can heal our pain if we forgive. Sometimes we hold on to pain due to bitterness and lack of forgiveness and the only outcome is more pain. By releasing our troubles and our perpetrators to the Lord, we are set free.

“Lord Jesus, You are a forgiving God, and thanks to Your great love we are not consumed. Forgiveness is hard to practice at times, but when we do, we experience a freedom that only You can give.”

For His Glory

Luska Suzano
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Attitude, Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Living, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | April 22, 2015

There Are No Caveats To Your Worth

cb devo apr 22“I praise you for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.” Psalm 139:14 (NIV)

How are you doing today? Are you concerned about work or home life? Stressed out over the number of items on your to-do list? Unsure of yourself? Well, I want to share with you about why none of this defines you.

Of course, whatever God has called you to, you should put your best effort into. He has a plan for you (see Jeremiah 29:11) and wants you to be successful both now and in the future. But, the fact is that your worth is not defined by how successful you are by the world’s standards. Instead, it is solely found in Jesus Christ.

One of my favorite verses is Psalm 139:14, which reads, “I praise you for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.” This verse doesn’t have any caveats. It doesn’t say, “I praise you for I am fearfully and wonderfully made and I am the best mom and wife ever.” It doesn’t say, I praise you for I am fearfully and wonderfully made and I am perfect.” No, the Bible certainly does not say that.

You see, you are fearfully and wonderfully made by God and that makes you worthy. That alone makes you worthy. Listen, God wouldn’t have made you in the image of His own Son if you weren’t. He would not have sent His only Son to die for you if you weren’t. He wouldn’t want you to spend eternity with Him if you weren’t.

So, the next time you mess up, the next time you don’t live up to your own expectations, the next time you are up to your eyeballs in stress – try a new technique. Instead of thinking and talking negatively about yourself, remind yourself that you are fearfully and wonderfully made. Period.

“Dear Lord, than You for making me and for loving me. Help me to always remember my worth is solely found in You.”

For His Glory

Laurel Shaler
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Attitude, Encouragement, Hope, Love

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | April 21, 2015

We Are Family

cb devo apr 21“Lift your eyes and look to the heavens: Who created all these? He who brings out the starry host one by one, and calls them each by name. Because of His great power and mighty strength, not one of them is missing.” Isaiah 40:26 (NIV).

Growing up in Brazil, my Italian side of the family lived in the same neighborhood, which meant there were plenty of cousins to play with. I remember my grandpa calling us by silly nicknames that depicted our physical characteristics, instead of addressing us by our names. Today I understand why.

When I was raising my three sons, it was not uncommon for me to mistakenly call one by the other’s name. Sometimes if I tried twice and still didn’t get the child’s name correctly, I would simply say, “whoever you are,” come here! Over the years, I have realized that most parents experience this at least once. I can only imagine what happens in the Duggar household, with their 19 & counting brood! I don’t think I’d waste any time trying to figure out which “J” name would come next, if I’d missed it once or twice already…. I’d just start calling them “you.”

This kind of chaos would never happen if God was calling out the names of His children. His word says He knows our names, and He knit us together in our mothers’ wombs. It blows my mind to think that God knows me by name, and He has a name for each star in the sky.

Being a child of God is a joy and an honor. Knowing that our Father loves us so much that He did not spare His only Son, Jesus, for our sake, definitely puts an emphasis on the word “family.” He is our Father; we are protected and safe in Him. No matter what the world calls us, to Him, we are family.

“Thank You, Lord, for loving us and for being our Abba Father. We love You, Daddy.”

For His Glory

Luska Suzano
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Encouragement, Gratitude, Hope, Love

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | April 17, 2015

Ordinary Days

cb devo apr 17“When He (God) assigned to the sea its limit, so that the waters would not transgress His command,
When He marked out the foundations of the earth,” Proverbs 8:29A (NKJV)

Like a bird released from a cage– loved stepping my winter tired feet on soft grains of sand. Sky electric blue and fresh ocean air – my fav place to be, especially after a long, cold and dreary season. Took my breath away to be reminded that God controls the edge of splashing waves that kiss the shore. Captivates my thoughts to think that the Creator of the Universe painted this sky just for me to gaze endless to the edge where sky and ocean collide. Beauty that invites me to linger, gasp, praise and walk away breathless.

Ever noticed how life lightens when our eyes are fixed on Him? Ever felt the soaring of one’s spirit to greater heights when we see life from His perspective? Have to admit I linger too long on today. I get stuck in the mundane and forget how gracious God is to me. I take for granted the awesome love of One who withholds no good thing from those He loves.

So in the midst of sandy feet and ocean breezes couldn’t we praise Him in simple ordinary days even if we’re not in our fav places? Where mundane can birth extraordinary if we choose to be freed to trust God to transform unfav places into ones of our most liking and amazing growth. And in the seasons of cloudy, dreary, God reveals a shining light that compels us. He gently reminds us that He, the Creator, controls the edge of harshness we feel and He won’t let it overtake us. God sets the boundaries, gives the permissions and protects His precious ones. We are loved – dare we taste and see the goodness of our God.

“Father, I stand in awesome wonder that You who made all things hold me in the palm of Your hands. What do I have to fear?”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Encouragement, Gratitude, Hope, Worship

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | April 16, 2015

His Power Is Greater Than Fear

cb devo apr 16“And the LORD spoke to Moses, saying, “Send men to spy out the land of Canaan, which I am giving to the children of Israel.” Numbers 13:1-2a (NIV)

Ever been afraid to take action and then realized that it was an easy task and you had no reason to fear? The Israelites did just that when Moses was commanded by God to send ten spies into Canaan to explore the Promised Land. Despite seeing all the land produced and offered, eight of the spies were fixed on one thing: the people who lived in that land were people of great stature, or “giants.” It didn’t matter that the land was fertile, flowed with milk and honey. It didn’t matter that the fruit of the land was very large and sweet. Overcome by the fear of being crushed by inhabitants of the land, they were blinded to God’s promises.

Several years ago, I sat on my kitchen floor and laughed until my belly hurt. Why? Because, I was just like those men, but the giant I feared was my big Whirlpool refrigerator. I never guessed I could move it on my own, so I would find cleaning tools that enabled me to clean underneath and beside it. I was always frustrated until I decided I would hug that fridge and pull it out of its place. I would not be intimidated any longer! As I began to pull it towards me, it came gliding like a giant swan. I almost used too much force to move it. I had no reason to fear or get frustrated, because that refrigerator wasn’t too heavy.

Sometimes our giants cause us to think we are impotent. Do your troubles seem too hard to overcome? Do your foes seem too powerful to be defeated? Fear not, when God is with you, you are the majority. Trust in Him that He will enable you to come out an overcomer on the other side.

“Dear Jesus, thank You for Your power that enables us to move forward without fear. And if fear comes, please help us to overcome it in Your name.”

For His Glory

Luska Suzano
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Attitude, Encouragement, Hope, Success

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | April 15, 2015

Glorious Day

cb devo apr15“If I (Jesus) go away and prepare a place for you, I will come back and receive you to Myself, so that where I am you may be also.” John 14:3 (HCSB)

Happy April 15th – the day all tax procrastinators dread – the final dash to the post office or the late hours attempting to file online. Doesn’t matter that we’ve known like forever that our taxes were due. Makes no difference that we got penalized before. Doesn’t matter that every April 16th, we pledge to file earlier next year and keep better records. Selective amnesia sets in and life resumes until next year.

Wonder if we’ve forgotten that we don’t have to know a specific date in order to recognize its significance and prepare for its arrival? No one knows the day or the hour when Christ will return for those who believe in Him, but we know that His word is true. Fast track through the New Testament and we will find God’s Old Testament promises sprinkled through the gospels. Dig deep into the words of Christ and we will find He fulfilled every promise. Easter is the culmination of the promise that Satan can be defeated over sin and death. The empty tomb is the trademark reminder that nothing can stand against our God. An early breakfast restoring His beloved disciples dispels the rumors and confirms Jesus is indeed alive!

Praying we don’t forget or lose sight of His glorious words – Jesus is preparing a place for you and for me. Captivated by those words “I will come back and receive you.” Convicted that there are days when I forget and allow challenges to block my view – one glorious day I will forever be with my Jesus!

“Father, this life is but a temporary passage – a place to draw others to You – so that one day we can experience the joy of forever being in Your presence.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Faith, Gratitude, Hope, Worship

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