Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | April 14, 2015

Transformation

CB devo apr 14“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” 2 Corinthians 5:17 (NKJV)

The Bible states that, as believers, we are a new creation. In my head I understand that the old has passed away, but in my heart I still see evidence of the old me. And, what about the outside? What should being a new creation look like to others? Recently while on a walk, I was thinking about this when a butterfly fluttered across my path. It was an “ah-ha” moment, and I was grateful for God’s tangible example.

While I was born a caterpillar crawling my way through life, my faith in Christ transformed me in to a new creation. But, am I living a transformed life? Or, am I living safely in my cocoon…aware that transformation has taken place, but afraid to break out and take flight?
You’ve probably heard the story about the scientist who helped a butterfly out of its cocoon by cutting the cocoon open. The butterfly that emerged had small, unformed wings, and was unable to fly. Butterflies need the struggle of breaking out of their cocoon to force fluid in to their wings so that they can fly. The struggles we face are also critical to our transformation process. If we want to be transformed, we need to choose to embrace the struggle knowing that Christ is with us through it all.

“Lord, help us to believe that, in You, we are a new creation. Enable us to live each day based on that truth. Give us the courage to lean in to the struggle so that we can grow strong and soar.”

For His Glory,

Ann Skalaski
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Encouragement, Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Living, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | April 13, 2015

Unwrapping His Gifts

cb devo apr 13“A friend loves at all times.” Proverbs 17:17a (ESV)

Ever noticed how some friendships slide into our lives so unexpectedly? We’re doing life – working, packing lunches, helping with homework, serving at church – our plates are full. And along the way we meet lots of people….the carpool Moms, the Bible Study group, the lunch crowd……people we expect to form our circle. But then one day, we meet someone who doesn’t fit the label – you know they don’t fall into any of our categories. We don’t even entertain the thought of friendship – what could we possibly have in common? But then God surprises us with the sweetest friendship that we never imagined.

Don’t you just love the way God fits all the pieces of our lives together? He removes the circle, the labels and uncommon ground and invites us to experience the bestest friends ever. Ones we would have missed along the way if we had not ventured outside our circle. Ones we would have overlooked had we not asked God to lead us. Ones we would have regretted ignoring had we not been open to new circles and dropping labels.

Unexpected, totally surprised – friendships designed by the One who calls us friend. Cultivated by the One who demonstrates true friendship. Orchestrated by the One who knows exactly what friends we need. Divine appointments that only God could have planned. Friends who love us despite our doubts. Friends who pick us up when we fall. Sisters who don’t leave when life gets messy. Blessings, treasured gifts – our little taste of heaven on earth.

“Father help us unwrap the unexpected gift of friendship that You have perfected orchestrated. Teach us the value of being a friend that reaches out to others – labels removed and circles open.”
For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Attitude, Encouragement, Hope, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | April 10, 2015

Let Your Light Shine

cb devo apr10“You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead, they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:14-16 (NIV).

I was driving home and was marveled to see the beautiful, majestic full moon shining up in the sky, surrounded by more stars than one could ever dare to count. It was a magnificent display of light, and I started praising God for giving me such a beautiful opportunity to see His amazing power of creation. That night I parked my car and stood outside staring at the sky in awe of Him. A simple reminder that God is real, cares about me, and I will never walk in darkness, as long as I keep walking with Him.

When we get to know Christ, we can’t help but see His presence in His creation and to me, the sun, the moon and the stars do just that. Like them, we must be willing to shed light in a world that is filled with darkness. We must be a light that guides others to His throne of grace and light the flame of His love among those who surround us.

Sweet sister, if you think your little light is too small to light up a room, think again!! Remember if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can tell a mountain to move and it will move!! (Matthew 17:20). Your zeal for God can do so much more if you trust Him to use you to reach others whose lives could change significantly if you are not afraid to act on it. Go forth and let your light shine!

“Father, thank You for the works of Your hands. You never cease to amaze me. My lips never tire to praise You.”

For His Glory

Luska Suzano
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Faith, Hope, Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | April 8, 2015

I Should’ve Listened to Dad

CB devo apr8“Listen to advice and accept instruction, that you may gain wisdom in the future.” Proverbs 19:20 (ESV)

Barely a teenager, I was in that funny stage when a girl wants to become more “girlie,” yet cannot leave behind her tomboyish ways. Our family was visiting friends on their farm and having a blast until a downpour of rain made my parents decide to return to the city. All was good and our vehicle was packed, when my dad realized the tires on our vehicle were spinning in the mud. The car was stationary on a slightly muddy hill.

Dad honked the horn for the guys to come help push the vehicle. I had the bright idea to get out and push it with them. Daddy said something as I was getting out of the car, but I only half-heard it, because of my determination to be “one of the guys.” I think he said, “You should stay in the car; you don’t want to push the car in ‘that’ mud…” Well, I did, and as the “mud” began covering our clothes, arms, legs and hair, I realized that it wasn’t simply mud. Because of the farm animals, there was a good percentage of cow manure mixed in with the mud. Let’s just say we didn’t look or smell very good! My pride felt somewhat like the manure covering my body. The trip back home gave my family a reason to chuckle and memories were made about a young girl who should’ve listened to her Dad.

Wonder how many things we miss when we don’t listen to God? Sometimes He warns us about something that is coming around the corner, but we don’t care to listen to what He is saying. The end-result can be messy and, in some cases, hard to forget if we disregard His wisdom. The best solution is simply to pause and listen – trusting in our Wisdom Giver.

“Dear Lord, may we always listen to Your voice as You always want what is best for us.”

For His Glory

Luska Suzano
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Living, Success, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | April 7, 2015

Grace Needed

cb devo apr7“For from his (Jesus) fullness we have all received, grace upon grace.” John 1:16 (ESV)

She looked really cute in her pink jogging suit, matching shoes and winning smile. Didn’t matter that her walk was slow or her hair was sprinkled with white and gray. Captivated, I watched this scene play out as my feet easily ran on the treadmill. My speed hindered only by my lack of doing my best; her’s most likely the remnant of a stroke. Her twisted smile and limp arm – evidence of what once was easy – now extremely difficult. When she saw her trainer coming, this sweet little lady headed in his direction. “I’m gonna do the best I can,” she said, as her fragile body struggled for every step. The trainer met her halfway, reached out an arm and said, “You’re doing just fine.”

It’s easy to navigate life unwounded or undaunted. Hard to extend grace when our road is easy and our burden is light. Memories fade and are easily forgotten when nothing hinders us from doing our best. Consumed with our shining record, our accolades of doing it right – it’s easy to judge, summarize and label when fragile limps in worn and torn in the aftermath of their sin.

Can’t help but wonder what God thinks when He sees “Grace Needed” trying hard to just get up. I know He watches “Grace Needed” – she’s never left His presence. I know He meets “Grace Needed” halfway with arms stretched wide when she’s doing the best she can. I know He cheers “Grace Needed” on and says, “You’re doing just fine – I’m here by your side.” How do I know? Because we’ve all needed grace.

“Father, Your love never gives up, never fails and reaches deep and wide to rescue – grace extended – washed in the blood of the Lamb.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Encouragement, Hope, Mercy

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | April 3, 2015

He Is Not Here

cb devo apr3“The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay.” Matthew 28:5-6 (NIV)

While our family was spending the weekend with another family and their two sons, we had a last minute transportation switch. When we left the restaurant, we managed to leave behind the younger of our sons, then 10 years old. Stopping at a shopping mall about an hour away, we realized we only had 4 boys with us and our youngest was missing. The panic that struck us was indescribable as we began to fear the worst. Fortunately, our son returned to us unharmed.

Talk about the unexpected – two women (both named Mary) got up early and headed to the place where Jesus’ body was buried. Arriving at the tomb, they found an angel sitting on the stone that guarded the tomb. Can you imagine how scary this scene was when they arrived at a tomb expecting to see one thing and instead found a completely different one? Their Lord and Savior had risen from the dead, just as He had promised. They had gone to the tomb to mourn but instead left rejoicing. The angel told them to go and tell Jesus’ disciples that He was headed to Galilee, where they too could see Him.

Guess who those women met as they carried out the angel’s command? Jesus! What a privilege and an honor to be the first ones to speak with the risen Lord Jesus. Sometimes the task given to us may seem overwhelming and nerve-wrecking, but if we trust Him to help us, we will be blessed way beyond what our minds can fathom and that could mean meeting Him along the way.

“Dear Jesus, we are so blessed to follow a God whose word is truth. When our faith is in You, our Solid Rock, we will not be shaken.”

For His Glory

Luska Suzano
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Faith, Hope, Worship

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | April 2, 2015

Navigating The Wait

cb devo apr2“For still the vision awaits the appointed time; it hastens to the end – it will not lie. If it seems slow, wait for it, it will surely come; it will not delay.” Habakkuk 2:3 (ESV)

Ever felt like waiting is overrated? Waiting is okay as long as we’re waiting on our own time frame. You know like when we put dinner in the oven and we know it will be ready in 45 minutes. And waiting is permissible, doable when we’re not in a hurry for the results like filling out all those tax forms before April 15. But when waiting is keeping us from having something or doing something, we’re not gladly sitting on the sidelines. To be honest it is in these moments that we are tempted to manipulate, plead or even orchestrate our desired results.

Ever felt you’ve been waiting your whole life for that spectacular event that will transform normal into extraordinary? Unrealistic expectations have a way of setting us up for disappointment and discontent. We soon find ourselves focused on our desired results versus learning to trust God. Ask anyone who has achieved that extraordinary moment and they will tell you the journey to get there was more fulfilling then arriving at their destination.

God longs to pour out His blessings on our lives. He delights in giving His children the very best. And, our awesome Creator knows the perfect time to navigate us out of waiting. Every moment we spend anticipating the next step, God is using to carve crucial life lessons that will prove pivotal when waiting is released. Every seemingly insignificant event birthed while waiting will serve us well when God unveils His perfectly orchestrated timing. We can trust, believe and cling to faith in the One who knows us best and holds it all together.

“Father, we are eager people – always ready for the next thing. Teach us to listen, wait and place our trust firmly in You.”
For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Hope, Spiritual Growth

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | April 1, 2015

Blooming For Christ

cb devo apr 1“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” Proverbs 4:23 (NIV)

Spring is the season of renewal, and I love watching nature come back to life. Growing up in Florida, I never witnessed daffodils, tulips and hyacinths blooming in the Spring. Once I migrated North, I was captivated by these beautiful flowers and began to eagerly await their arrival after the dreariness of Winter. It is fascinating to me that, after months of being dormant under the frozen ground, the warmer temperatures cause them to bloom. Of course we all know that, as the days grow even warmer, unwelcome weeds also begin to sprout. Nature’s reminder that whatever is buried under the ground will come back in due season.

I believe this principle applies to our hearts as well. Whatever we bury there will also spring forth when things heat up. If we have unresolved hurts and fears or distorted views of ourselves or of God, we are in danger of producing weeds that are capable of choking out our joy. This is why we must be vigilant about what we allow to linger in our hearts.

When we invite Jesus to reveal and heal our heart issues, the Lord can replace our hurts with bulbs that will produce beautiful blooms. Blooms that will bless us and those around us…all year long!

“Lord, give us the desire and strength to dig through our hearts to unearth whatever is there that could produce weeds. Replace our hurts and fears with Christ’s unconditional love and acceptance, so that we can bloom for your glory.”

For His Glory,

Ann Skalaski
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Encouragement, Hope, Spiritual Growth, Success, Uncategorized

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | March 31, 2015

Blood Outshines The Carpet

cb devo mar 31“The crowds that went ahead of him and those that followed shouted, “Hosanna to the Son of David!” “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Hosanna in the highest!”” Matthew 21:9 (NIV).

Award ceremonies are a hit as all the big names show up in their best attire walking down the “red carpet” smiling and waving. The crowd watching those celebrities will shout and cheer as their idols walk out of their fancy limousines and stop for the paparazzi. Can you imagine being in the middle of such a crowd, experiencing the adrenaline of seeing your favorite actors?

In Jerusalem, such euphoria was displayed by those who gathered together holding up palm branches and spreading their cloaks on the ground for a man on a donkey. His name was Jesus.

The similarities between these two events are amazing. Award ceremony events happen yearly. When the event ends, celebrities enjoy partying the night away. Some of them won’t even recall how the night ended.

As for that man on a donkey in Jerusalem, that man’s name was Jesus, King of Kings, Son of the Almighty God. He passed through just a few days before He would be beaten, cursed, spat upon, kicked and despised by some of the people in that crowd. Yet He loved them even as He drew His last breath on the cross. No red carpet… only red blood shed for the forgiveness of our sins. When that night was over and the earth stopped shaking, His body was sealed in a tomb. But death did not hold Him down. Jesus returned and remembered every one of His disciples. And He gathered with them before He ascended into heaven to be reunited with His Father.

During the Easter holidays, let’s not forget how much the Savior loves us and there is nothing on this earth that will change that. The price was already paid, and He will return for those who chose to believe.

“Father, we worship Your majesty. You are Sovereign and You are King. Our hearts rejoice in the sight of You.”

For His Glory

Luska Suzano
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Gratitude, Love, Worship

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | March 30, 2015

The Secret Heart

cb devo mar 30“Behold, You delight in truth in the inward being, and You teach me wisdom in the secret heart.” Psalm 51:6 (ESV)

Corrected – really? One of those flaws I thought was covered up, hidden deep rose to the surface. And it didn’t take long for correction to head my direction. My honest first response was “give me a break.” And then the typical line, “Is this really a big deal?” Admitting my now exposed flaw set me on the defensive edge. And while excuses tried to soothe my guilty conscious, the truth stared me right in the face. Amazing how insignificant words seem when they fly off our tongues, but in the aftermath of thought we realize they carried much weight. Careless, yet totally human.

None of us are immune from moments that showcase our flaws, imperfections and lack of self-control. And when correction comes running, we want to flee in the opposite direction. Our gut instinct is to forget, move on and grab grace on the go. But then, Jesus really isn’t into the drive thru routine. He specializes in using circumstances and yes, even the corrector in our lives to keep us from flaw filled living.

So what’s a girl to do when a reality check reveals too much of our weaknesses? Defending myself definitely didn’t rescue me. In fact it just drove me deeper into a pit of my own making. When I stopped excusing, I could finally hear the still small voice of correction instead of condemnation. When I listened intently rather than dismissing the truth in love, I gained perspective. When I admitted my faults, God drenched me in His grace. No drive thru – just a long, slow encounter where sin met truth and truth birthed transformation.

Corrected – yes! Because God loves His daughters too much to let us simmer in our own mistakes.

“Father, thank You for revealing the extraordinary beauty that comes from walking blamelessly, in sync with Your Spirit.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Mercy, Spiritual Living, Wisdom

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