Wednesday, February 29, 2012

"Calling Or Assuming?"

"Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and show thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not." Jeremiah 33:3

What a wonderful promise-- "Call on me and I will answer you". When you call, the Lord answers. The questions is-- are you calling? Are you seeking the Lord? Are you praying to Him for guidance? Are you asking Him to reveal to you what you don't know? Often we don't call, we assume. We assume we know what God's will is. We assume that we know what He wants us to do. We assume that we are going in the direction He has planned for us to go.

We are guilty of doing the same things the Israelites did when they were in battle against the Philistines. "And when the people were come into the camp, the elders of Israel said, Wherefore hath the Lord smitten us to day before the Philistines? Let us fetch the ark of the covenant of the Lord out of Shiloh unto us, that, when it cometh among us, it may save us out of the hand of our enemies." (1 Samuel 4:3)

They did not seek the Lord about the battle. They did not enquire of Him about what they should do. They did not acknowledge Him concerning strategies or the outcome. They assumed that if they took the Ark of the Covenant into battle (the represented presence of God) that it would go well for them and they would automatically win. Of course, we know this was not the case. They were defeated, the priests were killed and the ark was captured by the Philistines.

You cannot assume that just because God answered a certain way before that He will answer the same way again. You cannot assume that just because it was His will to do it in one situation that it will be His will in this one. You cannot assume that because He moved one way in the past He will move that same way now. You cannot assume that you know what He wants you to do in this situation if you have not called upon Him. Our beloved Jesus never assumed. He sought the Father about each situation He faced. He knew exactly what to do because He heard from the Father for each one. If Jesus had to call upon the Father for direction and to know His will in every situation, what makes us think that we don't need to?

Have a great day. There is a difference between asking God for the answer and assuming you know what His answer is.
For further reading:
John 5:19,30
James 4:2
Proverbs 3:5,6

<>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <><
Coffee Break is a morning devotional written by Lorraine Ezell
and is sent to you free of charge for the asking from
About the Master's Business Ministry, Inc.
Please feel free to
call (601) 833-5278 or
Email: mastersbusiness@bellsouth.net
Visit us on the web: www.mastersbusiness.org
You are welcomed to make copies and distribute them free of charge.
You may also forward them via e-mail or post them to your website - leaving the whole message in tact unless permission is granted to do otherwise. Please remember to give credit to About the Master's Business Ministry.

Tuesday, February 28, 2012

"The Precepts"

"Behold, I have longed after thy precepts: quicken me in thy righteousness." Psalm 119:40

The dictionary defines the word precept as: a commandment or direction given as a rule of action or conduct. The Psalmist says here that he longs after the Lord's precepts. Why? Because he knows that in the precepts (the word) of the Lord there is life, heath, healing, guidance, peace and joy. He knows that without His precepts he will never make it. They are a lamp into his feet and a light unto his path. He knew that he could not lean to his own understanding in any situation in life and trust that he has his own answer. He had to have God's word.

Unlike most today, even in the church, we think we have our own answers. We think we are wise enough, educated enough, rich enough that we don't need God's precepts. We have our philosophies to see us through. We have our opinions to guide us. We have our feelings to navigate us through life's situations.

When we lean to our own understanding, when we think we are smart enough to solve our own problems, when we think that the word of God is outdated and not relevant to today's problems, we are sadly mistaken. We will never out-grow our need for the word. With all our technology, with all our knowledge, with all our resources, we are still not wiser than God and His word.

God's word is a gift to us. He knows we will never make it without its precepts. What are you doing with this gift? Do you neglect it. To you treat it lightly. Do you place your own opinion or the counsel of others above it? Do you think that you have it under control and therefore don't need it? Or are you like the Psalmist-- longing after God's word because you know you will never make it through this journey of life without it?

Have a great day. How are you treating God's word?

For further reading:
Psalm 119:105; 16; 103
John 6:63
Jeremiah 10:23

<>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <><
Coffee Break is a morning devotional written by Lorraine Ezell
and is sent to you free of charge for the asking from
About the Master's Business Ministry, Inc.
Please feel free to
call (601) 833-5278 or
Email: mastersbusiness@bellsouth.net
Visit us on the web: www.mastersbusiness.org

You are welcomed to make copies and distribute them free of charge.
You may also forward them via e-mail or post them to your website - leaving the whole message in tact unless permission is granted to do otherwise. Please remember to give credit to About the Master's Business Ministry.

Monday, February 27, 2012

"Move Mountain"

"Ye mountains, that ye skipped like rams; and ye little hills, like lambs?" Psalm 114:6

In context the verse above is talking about the Lord bringing His people out of Egypt. This verse is a metaphor describing the fact that nothing could stand in His way, or stand against Him. The mountains, which seem immoveable, moved out of the way. The hills that had been in the same place since the beginning of time, stepped aside to let them through. Pharaoh was not able to stop Him and His plan. His army was powerless against Him. The gods of Egypt were unable to stop Him.

This is good news for us. How so? Because we aren't talking about the God of the "past" only. He is the God of the present. We are talking about a God who has not changed. He is still the same- He is still as able to do today what He did back then. Today He is just as powerful. Today He is still unstoppable. Nothing has ever been able to stand against Him and nothing ever will.

These mountains and hills represent the obstacles and hindrances that we face. What are the obstacles that are standing in your way from reaching the promises of the Lord? Is there a mountain? Are there any hills that are blocking the path? Is there a sea before you? Is there an army breathing down your back? Is there a furnace raging? Lion's roaring? Does the situation look impossible? Be encouraged this morning, they may be standing in your way, but they aren't standing in God's way. They submit to Him, they bow at His presence, all the earth fears the Lord including mountains and hills-- hindrances and obstacles.

No matter how big the mountain you may be facing today is, it is not too big for the Lord. It is not too powerful for Him. So be encouraged and say to this mountain, "Be removed and cast into the sea".

Have a great day. There is nothing that can stand against God.

For further reading:
Psalm 114; 97:5
Matthew 21:21
Jeremiah 32:17

<>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <><
Coffee Break is a morning devotional written by Lorraine Ezell
and is sent to you free of charge for the asking from
About the Master's Business Ministry, Inc.
Please feel free to
call (601) 833-5278 or
Email: mastersbusiness@bellsouth.net
Visit us on the web: www.mastersbusiness.org

You are welcomed to make copies and distribute them free of charge.
You may also forward them via e-mail or post them to your website - leaving the whole message in tact unless permission is granted to do otherwise. Please remember to give credit to About the Master's Business Ministry.

Friday, February 24, 2012

"Jesus Knew"

"Jesus therefore, knowing all things that should come upon him, went forth, and said unto them, Whom seek ye?" John 18:4

Don't think for one moment that what happened to Jesus at the crucifixion was a surprise to Him. He knew what was coming. He knew He would be rejected, beaten, mocked, spit upon and crucified. He never cried out to His Father, "Wait, I didn't know I was going to have to go through all this." He knew. Yet He went through with it. He laid His life down. Those who were part of the deed- the ones who came and arrested Him, the ones who turned Him over to be crucified, those who beat Him, the ones who denied Him- did not force Him into something He could not get out of. Never think for one minute that Jesus wasn't in full control of the situation-- "Don't you know that I can ask My Father to send angels and take Me out of this? You could have no power against me if it wasn't given to you from the Father. No man takes My life, I lay it down." (John 19:11; Matthew 26:53; John 10:18)

Yes, He knew what was coming. He knew in Gethsemane. This is why His sweat was drops of blood. He willingly suffered all things so that we could have eternal life. His desire for us was greater than the pain that He had to endure for this to happen. No greater love was there than this. For those who continue to run from Him. who continue to reject Him, who constantly neglect Him, who will not surrender your life to Him... why?

Why wouldn't you trust your life into the hands of someone like this? Someone who willing gave up His life for you. Who loved you more than anyone else has. Who proved His love. Who suffered, was tortured, endured pain beyond description and willingly subjected Himself to it-- just to be with you.

Have a great day. Jesus knew what He would suffer at the cross, but He did it anyway because He loves you.

For further reading:
Hebrews 12:2
Luke 22:44
John 3:16,17; 15:3
Romans 5:8

<>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <><
Coffee Break is a morning devotional written by Lorraine Ezell
and is sent to you free of charge for the asking from
About the Master's Business Ministry, Inc.
Please feel free to
call (601) 833-5278 or
Email: mastersbusiness@bellsouth.net
Visit us on the web: www.mastersbusiness.org

You are welcomed to make copies and distribute them free of charge.
You may also forward them via e-mail or post them to your website - leaving the whole message in tact unless permission is granted to do otherwise. Please remember to give credit to About the Master's Business Ministry.

Thursday, February 23, 2012

"You're Being Watched"

"For I rejoiced greatly, when the brethren came and testified of the truth that is in thee, even as thou walkest in the truth." 3 John 1:3

John was hearing wonderful testimonies about Gaius. He was hearing from others how he loved the brethren, showed them hospitality, was faithful and lived the truth. This lets us know that others are watching our lives. They are noticing what we do even when we aren't aware of it. In Gaius' case they had only good to say about him, because he was living by the truth-- God's word.

What are they noticing about your life? Are they seeing faithfulness? Love for all? Are they seeing your good works which glorify your Father in heaven? Do you have a good name among them-- it is greater than riches? Or do they see hypocrisy? They hear you say one thing but do another. Do they see someone who is selfish and self-centered; uncaring, hard-hearted, cruel? Do they see someone who is trustworthy or dishonest? Someone who can be counted on or someone who will let you down? Just what do they see from your life? They are looking.

Whether you believe it or not, you are being "watched' and what they see influences them. We are all an influence on someone- either a good influence or a bad one. The only sure way to be, and know you are being, a good influence is by following Christ. When we pattern our lives after Him, when we seek to follow His will for our lives, when we determine to live the way His Word tells us to live, when we walk in the Spirit, when we surrender to His Lordship, then we are becoming the influence we should be in this world and before all who see us. When we seek first His Kingdom and righteousness, all these things will be added unto us-- including the ability to be a good influence.

Have a great day. What do they say about you, based on what they see?

For further reading:
Matthew 6:33; 5:16
Proverbs 22:1; 27:2
Ecclesiastes 7:1
3 John 1:1-6

<>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <><
Coffee Break is a morning devotional written by Lorraine Ezell
and is sent to you free of charge for the asking from
About the Master's Business Ministry, Inc.
Please feel free to
call (601) 833-5278 or
Email: mastersbusiness@bellsouth.net
Visit us on the web: www.mastersbusiness.org

You are welcomed to make copies and distribute them free of charge.
You may also forward them via e-mail or post them to your website - leaving the whole message in tact unless permission is granted to do otherwise. Please remember to give credit to About the Master's Business Ministry.

Wednesday, February 22, 2012

"Fruitful At Every Age"

"They shall still bring forth fruit in old age; they shall be fat and flourishing." Psalm 92:14

The word I want to share this morning is mostly for those who are older in life- although it is applicable to any of us. From time to time we all tend to feel that there is nothing we can do for the Lord- we feel unworthy and incapable. The enemy of our soul, the devil, does a good job of "magnifying" these feelings through his accusations against us. He does this to all of us and he never gives up. He doesn't quit just because we get older- he comes against us at every stage and season of live.

Actually, it seems like he hits those who are in the "Senior Season" of their lives harder. He tells them that their time is past, their best days are behind them, their life is over, they are too old, too weak and have no future left.

This is not true. "They shall still bring forth fruit in old age". That is the plan of God. If you are still breathing, God still has a plan for you to be fruitful in His Kingdom. The thought that God may not be finished with you yet often tends to bring one of two responses.

1) The "Laugh of Unbelief". When God told Sarah that she was going to conceive a child in her old age, she laughed. She thought that was funny-- doesn't God know I am too old; doesn't He know I can't produce anything; He is going to take my life after it is over and place life back into it. She laughed at the thought that God could still do something through her now that she was old.

2) The "I Can't; I Give Up" attitude. Naomi went back home to Bethlehem and told the people to no longer call her Naomi, but Mira-- bitter. She gave up and became embittered at the fact that she had nothing and it was too late for her. She was empty with nothing left to give.

Neither of these two should ever be the response of a child of God. He has a plan for your life- your whole life, down to your last breath. A plan to give you "hope and a future". That plan is "Sing, O barren". (Isaiah 54:1)

In her old age Sarah brought forth the promise of God; the father of a nation; the one who would be a type and shadow of Christ.
In her old age Naomi nursed her future generations in Obed; she became the great, great grandmother of King David through whom the Messiah would come.
In her old age Elizabeth brought forth the one who would lead the way for the Messiah.

I realize that we are talking about the Lord opening the physical wombs in these women who were past child bearing age, but we have a "spiritual womb" that never dies, it is alive as long as we are alive. If you are still here, if you have breath in your body, there is still something that the Lord has for you to "deliver" into the Kingdom. There is still something left for you to "nurture". There is still something that He wants you to "produce". "They shall still bring forth fruit in old age". To bring forth fruit means to be fruitful; to be fruitful means to be un-barren.

Have a great day. The plan of God is not age specific as long as you are breathing God has a plan to make you fruitful.

For further reading:
Jeremiah 29:11
Genesis 18:12; 21:2
Ruth 1:20; 4:16,17
Psalm 92:13-15; 71:8,9
Luke 1:36

<>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <><
Coffee Break is a morning devotional written by Lorraine Ezell
and is sent to you free of charge for the asking from
About the Master's Business Ministry, Inc.
Please feel free to
call (601) 833-5278 or
Email: mastersbusiness@bellsouth.net
Visit us on the web: www.mastersbusiness.org

You are welcomed to make copies and distribute them free of charge.
You may also forward them via e-mail or post them to your website - leaving the whole message in tact unless permission is granted to do otherwise. Please remember to give credit to About the Master's Business Ministry.

Tuesday, February 21, 2012

"Born Again"

"Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God." John 3:5

Nicodemus and Jesus had a conversation about the Kingdom of God and eternal life. Jesus made the criteria for entering in very clear to Nicodemus-- you must be born again. Jesus didn't tell him you must join the church, you must become a church member, you must be baptized, you must be religious, you must do this or that work. He told him you have to be "born into the Kingdom" through the process of the new birth- you don't just work hard enough to get in.

When I was growing up, my sister, brother and I had friends and cousins that would come to our house. It didn't matter how often them came, how many times they sat around our table and ate, it didn't matter how many nights they stayed there or how long they stayed, it didn't matter that they felt at home and didn't want to leave, they were not a member of our family. They never would be unless my parents adopted them.

Just because you go to God's house doesn't make you His child any more than the friends that visited us made them my daddy's child. Sadly, we think it does. Nicodemus thought this way and Jesus scolded, and corrected, him about it. Nicodemus was religious, was in church all the time, and he was a teacher/leader in church. (Jesus even repeated it twice for him.)

I think it needs to be repeated for us again today. We need to be told again that we must be born again if we want to enter into God's Kingdom and have the gift of eternal life. To try to enter into His Kingdom and become a member of His family any other way than through "The Way"- new birth which comes through faith in Jesus Christ- is not possible. You will never be good enough or do enough good works or religious deeds, and you will be considered a thief trying to jump over the fence and break in.

To enter in you have to be born in-- are you? Or are you just religious? Are you just a "church goer"? Are you a part of God's family or just part of a religious organization? A member of a local church but not a member of the family of God?

Have a great day. To live in God's house for eternity, you have to be born into His family.

For further reading:
John 3:1-17
Ephesians 2:8,9
Titus 3:5
Galatians 2:16
John 10:1; 14:6

<>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <><
Coffee Break is a morning devotional written by Lorraine Ezell
and is sent to you free of charge for the asking from
About the Master's Business Ministry, Inc.
Please feel free to
call (601) 833-5278 or
Email: mastersbusiness@bellsouth.net
Visit us on the web: www.mastersbusiness.org

You are welcomed to make copies and distribute them free of charge.
You may also forward them via e-mail or post them to your website - leaving the whole message in tact unless permission is granted to do otherwise. Please remember to give credit to About the Master's Business Ministry.

Monday, February 20, 2012

"Strength For Heaviness"

"My soul melteth for heaviness: strengthen thou me according unto thy word." Psalm 119:28

The word heaviness is translated- heaviness, grief, sorrow. There are many things that can cause grief, sorrow and heaviness. The loss of a loved one; shattered dreams; hope deferred; betrayal by someone you trusted; rejection by a friend; broken promises; the weight of responsibilities; burdens of caring for others; addictions; the loss of a job; failing health; a bad report and the list goes on. They come from many different sources, in many different ways and usually without warning. Our day can start off with joy but end in sorrow. None of us are exempt- rich or poor, black or white, young or old. The situations of life that bring grief, heaviness and sorrow are not a respecter of persons- they come to us all.

If I stopped here this morning, this word would bring sorrow to our hearts because it would leave us without any hope in those times. But the good news is- there is hope. There is hope and help for us in those times. There is a way for us to be strengthened during times of heaviness and sorrow. That strength and help doesn't come through worldly means. It doesn't come through the government. It doesn't come through our employer, through the welfare system, through the doctor, through the banker or the lawyer. The help and strength that we need to make it through those times, and even be victorious in them, comes through God's word.

God's word is the only true, unfailing source of strength to make it through the times that try mens' souls. We find encouragement, grace, help, health, direction, comfort and joy within its pages. We find God's promises to be with us, to direct us through, to guide us, to not forsake us and to meet our need when we walk through the places that bring heaviness, sorrow and grief. "Yea, through I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for Thou art with me." (Psalm 23:4)

Is your soul in sorrow this morning? Are you under a burden of heaviness? Are you suffering grief over a loss? The strength that you need to make it through can be found in God's word-- it is your strength. Hold to it tightly.

Have a great day. When heaviness, grief or sorrow hit your life, God's word will give you strength.

For further reading:
Psalm 23
Hebrews 13:5
Psalm 119:81; 116

<>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <><
Coffee Break is a morning devotional written by Lorraine Ezell
and is sent to you free of charge for the asking from
About the Master's Business Ministry, Inc.
Please feel free to
call (601) 833-5278 or
Email: mastersbusiness@bellsouth.net
Visit us on the web: www.mastersbusiness.org

You are welcomed to make copies and distribute them free of charge.
You may also forward them via e-mail or post them to your website - leaving the whole message in tact unless permission is granted to do otherwise. Please remember to give credit to About the Master's Business Ministry.

Friday, February 17, 2012

"Which Way? - Part 2"

"And they sing the song of Moses the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, Great and marvellous are thy works, Lord God Almighty; just and true are thy ways, thou King of saints." Revelation 15:3

In the story of Alice In Wonderland, Alice has an encounter with "The Queen". She soon discovered, as she is trying to find her "way" back home, that she has "no way" because "all ways are The Queen's Way". And if you are familiar with the story you discovered that The Queen loved enforcing her authority, she was always right (even when she was wrong), she was hot-tempered, easily angered and she had a favorite saying, "Off with their head". She had no kindness or compassion. She was always "out for blood". She rejoiced in and enjoyed pronouncing judgment upon anyone who did not agree with her completely. She had "a way" all right-- her way was one of judgment without any mercy.

I brought this up because yesterday in our devotional, we talked about following and yielding to God's way. What is God's way? It certainly is not like "The Queen's Way". Don't misunderstand, He is a God of judgment. One day all mankind will stand before Him and He will be The Judge. But He is a God who loves mercy more than He loves judgment. He loves to show mercy to those who come to Him. He loves to bestow His grace upon us. He delights in loving us. He proved this through His Son Jesus when He sent Him to earth to pay the penalty for our sins.

The Queen's way (as is most people's way) is to delight in judgment without mercy-- we want people to get what they deserve. That is our way of doing things. But God's way is to show loving-kindness and tender mercies to those who don't deserve it and to those who are truly guilty. If that is you, God is not screaming for your head this morning. He is not eager to judge you. He does not want you destroyed. He does not delight in punishing you. On the contrary He desires to love you, forgive you, show you mercy, wrap you in His love and withhold judgment. And His provision to do so came through His Son Jesus. He has been patiently waiting for you, will you come to Him today.

Have a great day. God's way is the way of mercy, grace and love.

For further reading:
John 3:16,17
Ezekiel 33:11
Romans 5:8
Nehemiah 9:31
Psalm 103:8


<>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <><
Coffee Break is a morning devotional written by Lorraine Ezell
and is sent to you free of charge for the asking from
About the Master's Business Ministry, Inc.
Please feel free to
call (601) 833-5278 or
Email: mastersbusiness@bellsouth.net
Visit us on the web: www.mastersbusiness.org

You are welcomed to make copies and distribute them free of charge.
You may also forward them via e-mail or post them to your website - leaving the whole message in tact unless permission is granted to do otherwise. Please remember to give credit to About the Master's Business Ministry.

Thursday, February 16, 2012

"Which Way?"

"I have declared my ways, and thou heardest me: teach me thy statutes." Psalm 119:26

There are two ways: my/our way or God's way. The two are not the same. Our way leads to destruction. It is the way of darkness and confusion. Our way leads us down a path of grief and sorrow. It is not the way of life. Our way may seem like the right way, but at the end we discover death. This is why we are told not to lean to our own understanding but in all our ways to acknowledge the Lord and He will direct our way. God's ways lead to health, peace, prosperity, abundant life and eternal life. It is the way of light and rest.

When we use the word "way", we are talking about two things. The first means the path or direction you are going. For example, you can either be going the wrong or right way- in the right or wrong direction. You can either be on the way that is straight and narrow and leads to life or on the broad and wide way that leads to destruction. The second meaning deals with the method you are using. You can either be doing things your way or God's way.

Jonah is a prime example of both. He took the way (path) to Joppa instead of going the direction to Nineveh like the Lord had commanded him. And he wanted to do things his way (method), which was not go to Nineveh- he thought it would be better if judgment fell on them. He is also a perfect example of the result of doing things our own way and going in our own direction.

This morning, whose way are you on? Are you walking on God's path- the path of freedom, joy, obedience, grace? Or are you walking on your own path- the path of heartache, confusion, disobedience, fear? Also, whose way are you living by- yours or God's? Are you doing things His way or your own way? Are you leaning to your own understanding or following His guidance and word? The choice of which direction (way) you are going to go and which way (plan) you are going to follow is up to you. If you want life you will choose God's way to walk on and His way of doing things. If you want misery and death then choose to keep going your own direction and doing things your own way.

Have a great day. Whose way you are going to follow? Your way or God's way?

For further reading:
Proverbs 16:25: 3:5,6; 14:12
Matthew 7:13,14
<>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <><
Coffee Break is a morning devotional written by Lorraine Ezell
and is sent to you free of charge for the asking from
About the Master's Business Ministry, Inc.
Please feel free to
call (601) 833-5278 or
Email: mastersbusiness@bellsouth.net
Visit us on the web: www.mastersbusiness.org

You are welcomed to make copies and distribute them free of charge.
You may also forward them via e-mail or post them to your website - leaving the whole message in tact unless permission is granted to do otherwise. Please remember to give credit to About the Master's Business Ministry.

Wednesday, February 15, 2012

"Yes, You Can"

"I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." Philippians 4:13

The words "I can't" should not be in the Christian vocabulary. True enough there is nothing we "can" do without the Lord. Even Jesus said that He could do nothing on His own without the Father. On our own we are not strong enough, wise enough or capable enough to do anything. But the key to doing "all things" is "through Christ".

When our lives are in Christ, we can do all things-- there is nothing we can't do. Why? Because the same power that raised Jesus from the dead lives in us. Because His love is shed throughout our hearts. Because His strengthen is perfected in our weakness. Because He makes a way even when there seems to be no way. Because His grace is sufficient. Because He fights our battles for us. Because He goes before us making crooked ways straight. Moses thought he couldn't do what God called him to do- which was to go to Pharaoh and tell him to let God's people go. Why? His excuse was because he stuttered. Wrong, yes, he could because God would send him someone to speak as his voice- Aaron.

We can't give God any good reason why we "can't" do what He has called us to do. If we say the sea stands in the way-- He can part the sea. If we say we aren't strong even-- He will give us strength. If we say we don't have the resources-- He can put money in the fish's mouth. If we say we don't have enough-- He can multiply the loaves and fish. If we say we aren't educated enough-- He can send a child to lead us.

The reason I said earlier that "the words 'I can't' should not be in the Christian vocabulary" is because first- it is not true. And secondly- God knows how to remove "can't" out of the equation and make it possible for you to do it. He can put the "I can" in it.

Have a great day. We can never truthfully say "I can't" because with God we always can.

For further reading:
John 5:30; 9:33; 15:5
2 Timothy 4:17
Psalm 138:8
Romans 8:11; 5:5

<>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <><
Coffee Break is a morning devotional written by Lorraine Ezell
and is sent to you free of charge for the asking from
About the Master's Business Ministry, Inc.
Please feel free to
call (601) 833-5278 or
Email: mastersbusiness@bellsouth.net
Visit us on the web: www.mastersbusiness.org

You are welcomed to make copies and distribute them free of charge.
You may also forward them via e-mail or post them to your website - leaving the whole message in tact unless permission is granted to do otherwise. Please remember to give credit to About the Master's Business Ministry.

Tuesday, February 14, 2012

"Drink Your Milk"

"As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby." 1 Peter 2:2

We often use this verse to encourage new converts to read and study God's word/the Bible. And so we should. When a person comes to Christ and receives salvation, it is called the "new birth", or they are "born again". They have experienced a spiritual new birth inside. So just like a baby has to have milk to grow physically, a new baby in Christ has to have milk to grow spiritually-- that milk is the word of God.

This verse is not just addressing new born babes in Christ, it is written for all of us who are saved through faith in Jesus- no matter how long we have been saved. My physical body never stops growing- it is growing from the cradle to the grave. (Sometimes it feels like it's just growing old- but it is still growing nevertheless.) In the same way that my physical body never quits growing, my spirit never stops growing either. There will never be a time when we will be too old to grow spiritually. We never will "arrive" and know all there is to know while we are living here in this world. So we need to drink the milk and eat the meat of God's word. It is not just reserved for "babies".

The verse really is an admonition for us to keep thirsty for God's word- never stop craving it. When a baby gets hungry for its milk, it is no small matter. They let you know by crying. They will cry long and loud until you give them their bottle. Nothing will satisfy them until they get it. This is how we should be about God's word. We should crave it more than anything. We should not be satisfied until we get it. Does this describe you? Do you hunger and thirst for God's word? Do you feel like you can't live if you don't get to read it each day? Is it something you feel you can live with or without? Do you go for days at a time without reading the Bible? Does it sit in your vehicle from one Sunday to the next? Or lie on the counter where you put it after church until it is time to go to church again?

The milk of God's word is not restricted to new babes only. It is for all of us. We have to drink it everyday. We have to take in its nutrients everyday if we are going to grow and develop spiritually.

Have a great day. Are you taking in the milk of God's word everyday?

For further reading:
John 3:3,7
1 Peter 1:23
<>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <><
Coffee Break is a morning devotional written by Lorraine Ezell
and is sent to you free of charge for the asking from
About the Master's Business Ministry, Inc.
Please feel free to
call (601) 833-5278 or
Email: mastersbusiness@bellsouth.net
Visit us on the web: www.mastersbusiness.org

You are welcomed to make copies and distribute them free of charge.
You may also forward them via e-mail or post them to your website - leaving the whole message in tact unless permission is granted to do otherwise. Please remember to give credit to About the Master's Business Ministry.

Monday, February 13, 2012

"Distracting Enemies"

"That Sanballat and Geshem sent unto me, saying, Come, let us meet together in some one of the villages in the plain of Ono. But they thought to do me mischief. And I sent messengers unto them, saying, I am doing a great work, so that I cannot come down: why should the work cease, whilst I leave it, and come down to you?" Nehemiah 6:2,3

We have all heard numerous sermons on how Sanballat had tried to distract Nehemiah from his task of rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem. His attempt was to get him to stop altogether and leave the work undone. This morning I believe the story needs repeating again. We can never be reminded enough that our adversary is always at work trying to get us to stop doing what the Lord has called us to do.

He will try to get you to stop by any means that he thinks he can achieve his goal. He will use temptations-- lusts of the flesh, lusts of the eyes and the pride of life. He will use distractions. He will use discouragement. He will use accusations. He will use other people- godly and ungodly alike. He will use those closest to you and those that are total strangers. He will even use "good" things-- things that appear to be harmless. He will use anything from giants to little foxes.

When do we need to be on guard concerning his attempts? Everyday. He will come in the most obvious ways, but he will also come when you least expect it. Nehemiah expected the enemy to try to fight against the rebuilding of the walls because of the protection they would have from them. King David did not expect the enemy to attack him by just walking out on his balcony that fateful evening when he saw Bathsheba on the roof top. That is why we must be on guard at all times.

Just remember this morning that your enemy does not want you to succeed in the task that the Lord has called you to do. He doesn't want you to finish it. He wants it left undone. He wants to keep his "easy access". He wants to stop you. Nehemiah did not give in to the enemy. He did not listen to his threats. He did not fall into his trap. He kept focused on the task he was given to do and his God who called him to do it. You don't have to give in and stop what the Lord has called you to do either. Just do the same thing Nehemiah did-- stay focused on God and the task.

Have a great day. The enemy is always trying to stop us from doing what God has called us to do. But we will avoid his trap if we stay focused on God and the task.

For further reading:
Isaiah 50:7
Psalm 121:1,2
Philippians 3:14
Song of Solomon 2:15

<>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <><
Coffee Break is a morning devotional written by Lorraine Ezell
and is sent to you free of charge for the asking from
About the Master's Business Ministry, Inc.
Please feel free to
call (601) 833-5278 or
Email: mastersbusiness@bellsouth.net
Visit us on the web: www.mastersbusiness.org

You are welcomed to make copies and distribute them free of charge.
You may also forward them via e-mail or post them to your website - leaving the whole message in tact unless permission is granted to do otherwise. Please remember to give credit to About the Master's Business Ministry.

Friday, February 10, 2012

"The Enemy Of Inconvenience"

"And as he reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come, Felix trembled, and answered, Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee." Acts 24:25

Several years ago I stopped purchasing a particular product because I discovered the manufacturer was supporting something that was totally against my Christian beliefs and values. I had used this product for years so by making this decision it meant that I would have to find another product to replace it. This has not always been an easy task. There are times when I am "tempted" to go back and use it again. But I am determined not to support their "anti-Christian agenda" even though replacing it has become an inconvenience on several occasions.

I want to address the subject of inconvenience. Having to continually search for a replacement is an inconvenience. But I have to decide if I would rather live in convenience or do the right thing. So many times we will give in to the things that we know are wrong and against the principles of the Bible because it is not convenient for us to do otherwise. For example, we will allow our children to watch shows on television and play video games that are clearly demonic in nature because we don't want the inconvenience of having to deal with their whining, rebellious attitude or take the time needed to train them in this area.

Many don't go to God's house because it is an inconvenience for them to do so. We don't reach out with a helping hand to those in need because it is not convenient. We don't spend time reading God's word because it is inconvenient. There seems to never be a convenient time to stand up for what is right. We won't get involved in the work of the Lord because it may cost us some convenience. We don't speak up when we should because it is just more convenient not to do so.

We have this mindset that causes us to only do what we want to do, when we want to do it, and how we want to do it. If it doesn't fit into our agenda we won't do it, we won't support it, we won't stand up for it. We let our convictions and principles go by the way side for convenience sake. Is this you? Is this how you live your life? Do you give more, do more, stand up for the right thing, go forward in God's plan for your life only when it is convenient? Think about it- how many missed opportunities there have been, how many lost souls have been unreached, how much joy has been forfeited, how much peace we could have had, how much could have been accomplished had we not given into the enemy of inconvenience.

Have a great day. How many times have you let inconvenience stop you from doing what you knew you should do?

For further reading:
Ecclesiastes 11:4
Proverbs 6:6-10
1 Corinthians 15:58
2 Timothy 4:7
Matthew 5:16

<>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <><
Coffee Break is a morning devotional written by Lorraine Ezell
and is sent to you free of charge for the asking from
About the Master's Business Ministry, Inc.
Please feel free to
call (601) 833-5278 or
Email: mastersbusiness@bellsouth.net
Visit us on the web: www.mastersbusiness.org

You are welcomed to make copies and distribute them free of charge.
You may also forward them via e-mail or post them to your website - leaving the whole message in tact unless permission is granted to do otherwise. Please remember to give credit to About the Master's Business Ministry.

Thursday, February 9, 2012

"Crying About or Crying To?"

"I cried with my whole heart; hear me, O Lord: I will keep thy statutes. I prevented the dawning of the morning, and cried: I hoped in thy word." Psalm 119:145,147

When we think of "crying", we think of weeping because of some grief, or pain, or mishap. In the verses above the Psalmist is going through a devastating time-- he is being pursued by his enemies and in need of help. But he is not just lamenting his situation, his cry here is one of faith and hope. He is crying out to the Lord because he knows that he will find the help that he needs to make it through this trial.

When we face life's trials, we can either "cry about" or "cry to". The Israelites were always crying "about" their situation in the wilderness. They were crying/complaining about having nothing but manna. They were always crying/grumbling about being in the middle of nowhere. They were always crying/murmuring about God not doing what they wanted. They were always crying out of hopelessness- this is all there is, it will never be better, God has abandoned us, He doesn't care about us, etc.

On the other hand, when the Psalmist was facing life's trials, he did not spend his time crying "about"- whining/complaining/murmuring/bemoaning/lamenting- what he was going through, he spent it crying out "to" the Lord to save him through His word/promises. He knew that if he "cried to" the Lord for help the Lord would hear him. He knew that if he cried out to the Lord for strength, grace and help to make it through he would find it. His cry was a cry of hope in the faithfulness of the One who was able to save him, who could do exceeding abundantly above all that he could ask, who would make a way where there seemed to be none and who was able to make all things work together for his ultimate good. It was not a cry of despair but a cry of hope.

We all go through difficult times- times that make us "cry out". The question is,"What kind of cry are you crying?" Are you crying about the situation with murmuring and complaining and hopelessness? Or are you crying out to God in faith and confidence that He is your hope, help and refuge in the situation?

Have a great day. When we are facing a situation, we can either just cry about it, or we can cry out to God about it.

For further reading:
Psalm 30:2,8; 77:1; 88:13; 120:1; 142:5

<>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <><
Coffee Break is a morning devotional written by Lorraine Ezell
and is sent to you free of charge for the asking from
About the Master's Business Ministry, Inc.
Please feel free to
call (601) 833-5278 or
Email: mastersbusiness@bellsouth.net
Visit us on the web: www.mastersbusiness.org

You are welcomed to make copies and distribute them free of charge.
You may also forward them via e-mail or post them to your website - leaving the whole message in tact unless permission is granted to do otherwise. Please remember to give credit to About the Master's Business Ministry.

Wednesday, February 8, 2012

"Jesus Cares About Each Individual"

"How think ye? if a man have an hundred sheep, and one of them be gone astray, doth he not leave the ninety and nine, and goeth into the mountains, and seeketh that which is gone astray?" Matthew 18:12

While the Lord God is concerned about the masses of people- He loves the whole world so much that He gave His only begotten Son for our sins- He is also a very personal and individual God. He cares about each one of us individually.

When Jesus was on earth, He showed us what the Heavenly Father was like. And one of the things He showed us was His love for "each" and "every" person. He showed His love for the masses when He fed the thousands with the bread and fish. He showed His love for the masses when He died on the cross for the sins of the whole world. But He also showed His love for us individually during the personal encounters that we read about in the Bible.

The masses are made up of individuals. Individuals like Nicodemus who talked to Jesus at night. Jesus did not turn him away and tell him to come back in the morning. It is made up of individuals like the widow who gave all that she had- while every one else was noticing just how much the Pharisees were giving, He was noticing her. Then there were the personal encounters with people like the woman at the well, Jarius, the rich young ruler, the woman caught in the act of adultery, the woman with the issue of blood, the man at the pool of Bethesda, blind Bartimaeus, and the list goes on.

One last encounter I want to talk about was the maniac of Gadara. This is my favorite story of Jesus' encounter with individuals. You know the story. Jesus gets in the boat with His disciples, a terrible storm arises, the disciples wake Him up out of fear of drowning, He calms the storm, arrives at Gadara, delivers this one man, the people want Him to leave, He gets back in the boat and turns around and leaves. It is my favorite because it shows what great lengths Jesus would go to to reach just one man. This is a picture of salvation. That is exactly what Jesus did for mankind-- He went to such great lengths (the cross) to reach all of humanity, which is made up of single individuals. This morning I want to remind you that He loves and cares for you individually and personally. To Him you are not just another face in a crowd or another name of a roll. He knows you by name. He knows how many hairs are on your head. He knows what you are going to say before you even think it, nothing about you is hid from Him. He knows where you are and what you are going through and He cares about you.

Have a great day. Jesus cares about and loves each of us individually.

For further reading:
Mark 5:1-18
John 3:16
Luke 12:6,7
1 Peter 5:7

<>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <><
Coffee Break is a morning devotional written by Lorraine Ezell
and is sent to you free of charge for the asking from
About the Master's Business Ministry, Inc.
Please feel free to
call (601) 833-5278 or
Email: mastersbusiness@bellsouth.net
Visit us on the web: www.mastersbusiness.org

You are welcomed to make copies and distribute them free of charge.
You may also forward them via e-mail or post them to your website - leaving the whole message in tact unless permission is granted to do otherwise. Please remember to give credit to About the Master's Business Ministry.

Tuesday, February 7, 2012

"Faithful To His Call"

"Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it." 1 Thessalonians 5:24


Each day I post the Coffee Break devotional on a blog online so that those who don't want to receive it in their inbox can still read it there. I started doing this in 2008. Today's post will be number one thousand-- there are one thousand devotionals posted on the Coffee Break blog. The Lord placed the call to do the daily devotional on my heart in the year 2000. When I first started sending out the devotional, I was doing it seven days a week. So honestly, I have no idea exactly how many all together I have written-- at least a couple of thousands. So it is only fitting that I should talk about the faithfulness of God this morning.

He called me to do this and each day He has faithfully given me what to say. Does fulfilling His call always come easy? No. Did I know how to do what He called me to do? No. Have there been times when I wasn't sure what He wanted me to say? Yes. Does it mean that just because He called you to do something then you don't have to put forth any effort in doing it? No. Is there discipline involved to fulfill what He calls you to do? Absolutely.

I want to encourage you this morning, from experience, that whatever the Lord has called you to do-- and it is truly Him calling you, not just your own desire or assumption that it is Him-- He will be faithful to not only give you every provision that you need to do it, He will also walk with you every step of the way- even when you don't sense that He is there. He doesn't call you to a task then leave you on your own, He will guide you and direct you. He will speak to you concerning what course of action to take. He will instruct and train you by His Spirit to know how to accomplish what He has called you to do. So don't let fear, or worry that you don't know how to do it, stop you from fulfilling His plan for you. If He calls you to do it, He will be faithful to help you to do it and not just at the beginning but all the way through it. I can certainly testify to that. He has not stopped giving me what to write even though it has been around twelve years since He first called me to do it. He was faithful to continually direct and equip Moses in leading the Israelites out of Egypt-- through the whole forty year journey. He was faithful in instructing Noah how to build the ark during all the years that it took for him to build it. He will be faithful to you also-- from the beginning of the task, all the way until the time that He says it is finished.

Have a great day. God is faithful. If He calls you to a task, He will be with you and equip you with everything you need to accomplish it.

For further reading:
1 Corinthians 1:9
Revelation 19:11
Lamentations 3:23

<>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <><
Coffee Break is a morning devotional written by Lorraine Ezell
and is sent to you free of charge for the asking from
About the Master's Business Ministry, Inc.
Please feel free to
call (601) 833-5278 or
Email: mastersbusiness@bellsouth.net
Visit us on the web: www.mastersbusiness.org

You are welcomed to make copies and distribute them free of charge.
You may also forward them via e-mail or post them to your website - leaving the whole message in tact unless permission is granted to do otherwise. Please remember to give credit to About the Master's Business Ministry.

Monday, February 6, 2012

"The First Work"

"But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." Matthew 6:33

What are you seeking-- the work of the Lord, or the Lord of the work? Are you focused on His plan or Him? Are you concerned more about what "ministry" you have been called to, or the One who called you?

God created you with a plan and purpose in mind. If He didn't have a purpose for you, He would not have created you (it is He who has made us and not we ourselves). After all, God never does anything just for the sake of doing it. He never says anything just to hear Himself say it. So you should seek Him to discover what it is He has for you to do and you should not be negligent in doing it. When He reveals a specific plan or assignment that He has for you, you should do it with all your might and with excellence for His glory. So don't misunderstand what I am saying.

But our first and highest call is to "know Him". The whole reason Jesus came to earth and gave His life on the cross was to reconcile us back to the Father so that we could have a relationship with Him-- not so that we could do some great work for Him. Jesus taught us that on the day when we stand before Him, some would make declarations of all the great things they had done for Him but His reply to them will be, "I never knew you". He didn't accuse them of lying about the fact that they had done these great works. But that was not what He was concerned about. His point of interest was not their works for Him but whether they knew Him- or still yet, did He know them.

Don't confuse the work that you are doing for Him with knowing Him. They are not the same thing. You can work for your employer and not know him. You can be in a marriage and do all the "marriage works" and still not know your spouse. You can work to provide for your children, and not know them. We can get so busy working for the Lord that we think we know the One we are working for, but really don't. Is that you? If so, don't neglect the work that He has called you to do, but make your "first work" and priority that of knowing Him.

Have a great day. Doing the work of the Lord and knowing the Lord of the work are not the same thing-- the latter has to be the first priority.

For further reading:
Matthew 7:22,23
Revelation 2:4,5
Psalm 100:3
Colossians 1:19-22
1 John 3:1

<>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <><
Coffee Break is a morning devotional written by Lorraine Ezell
and is sent to you free of charge for the asking from
About the Master's Business Ministry, Inc.
Please feel free to
call (601) 833-5278 or
Email: mastersbusiness@bellsouth.net
Visit us on the web: www.mastersbusiness.org

You are welcomed to make copies and distribute them free of charge.
You may also forward them via e-mail or post them to your website - leaving the whole message in tact unless permission is granted to do otherwise. Please remember to give credit to About the Master's Business Ministry.

Friday, February 3, 2012

"Running From God's Word"

"Now the word of the Lord came unto Jonah the son of Amittai, saying, Arise, go to Nineveh, that great city, and cry against it; for their wickedness is come up before me." Jonah 1:1,2

"But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves." (James 1:22) There is more to it than just hearing the word of God. God requires, and desires, that we are doers of what His word says-- after all, there is a reason why He has given us His written word and speaks His word to us by His Spirit.

A lot of people hear God's word. They hear it on Sunday mornings sitting in church services. They hear it if they watch Christian television or listen to Christian radio. They hear it through devotional emails and books. There are many avenues through which they hear it, but hearing it is only half of it. We have to apply it to our lives, and do what it says.

The story of Jonah is a very familiar story to us all. Jonah's problem wasn't that he hadn't heard God's word. His problem was that he had heard it but decided not to do it. God spoke His word clearly to Jonah but instead of being a doer (obeying God's instruction) he disobeyed it. The result was that he wound up in a terrible storm and then in the belly of a whale for three days.

We can't just hear the word and comment about what a good sermon the pastor preached or how it gave us "goose bumps". We have to put it into practice. There is safety in following its instructions. We would be saved from so many grieves and heartaches if we would submit to it-- just ask Jonah.

Perhaps you are saying, "I am not like Jonah, I am not running from doing God's word". If you are hearing it but aren't doing it, then yes you are. It's all the same. Jonah ignored it and did what he wanted to do- which was not go to Nineveh. The reason we ignore and don't apply the teachings of God's word to our lives is because we would rather do what we want to do instead of what God wants us to do. There is no difference.

Have a great day. Hearing the word of God and not doing it is the same thing as running from it.

For further reading:
Jonah 1
Romans 2:7-9
Hebrews 5:9

<>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <><
Coffee Break is a morning devotional written by Lorraine Ezell
and is sent to you free of charge for the asking from
About the Master's Business Ministry, Inc.
Please feel free to
call (601) 833-5278 or
Email: mastersbusiness@bellsouth.net
Visit us on the web: www.mastersbusiness.org

You are welcomed to make copies and distribute them free of charge.
You may also forward them via e-mail or post them to your website - leaving the whole message in tact unless permission is granted to do otherwise. Please remember to give credit to About the Master's Business Ministry.

Thursday, February 2, 2012

"Driving In Reverse"

"I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus." Philippians 3:14

About a year ago I had a dream that I want to share with you this morning. I dreamed that I was in a truck. The truck represented God's plan for my life. It wasn't an ordinary pickup truck, and it wasn't a transfer truck. It was more like the size of the delivery trucks that are used by a hardware store to deliver building supplies. I was not the driver of the truck, I was the passenger. The driver was a very popular television interior designer who has her own program on the home and garden network. You would have thought that since the truck represented God's plan for my life, I would have been the driver, but I wasn't. She was driving, and the really odd thing about it was that she was driving the truck in reverse. She was not driving forward, we were going in reverse down the road all the while having pleasant, casual conversation.

I want to share the meaning now of that dream. During the time when I had it, I have to admit that I was watching a good bit of television. I wasn't watching anything "bad"-- I was watching the home and garden network. I was sitting there for hours sometime watching the designer who was in my dream, and others, makeover rooms and houses. That was the reason the Lord gave me the dream-- He wanted to tell me something. That something was--- I was letting that particular thing take me away from Him. I was letting it "drive" my life and by doing so, I wasn't going forward. Sitting there watching these programs were not bringing me closer to Him, they weren't building my spirit, they weren't helping me develop the ability to discern His voice. In fact, they were actually taking me "away" (in reverse) from Him and fulfilling His call on my life. By spending the majority of my time mindlessly watching those programs, I was letting them influence and control my life. It was keeping me from "pressing forward" in His word and in prayer.

The reason why it was that familiar designer doing the driving in my dream was because He was showing me specifically the area that needed to change. I had to make a choice, was I going to let this "feeding of my flesh" "drive my life"-- which was driving it reverse-- or was I going to get back in the driver seat and go forward. Was I going to let someone, or something, else drive my life? Or was I going to be led by the Spirit and go in the direction that He wants to lead me?

I am not saying that we can't watch a little television from time to time. That wasn't the point. The point was that I was watching too much (even of a good thing) and it was keeping me from going forward with the Lord-- it doesn't have to be television, it can be something else. It was driving my life instead of Him. Is something besides the Lord driving your life? Are you a passenger in your own life? It is one thing to be the passenger when the Lord is the driver, but it is another when outside things, when the lust of your flesh, when the lust of your eyes or the pride of life is doing the driving. When they are, you will continue to go in reverse and by going in reverse, you will never reach God's intended destination for you.

Have a great day. Are you letting someone else be the driver of your life? If so, you are going in reverse.

For further reading:
Hebrews 12:1
Exodus 20:3
1 John 5:21; 2:15-17

<>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <><
Coffee Break is a morning devotional written by Lorraine Ezell
and is sent to you free of charge for the asking from
About the Master's Business Ministry, Inc.
Please feel free to
call (601) 833-5278 or
Email: mastersbusiness@bellsouth.net
Visit us on the web: www.mastersbusiness.org

You are welcomed to make copies and distribute them free of charge.
You may also forward them via e-mail or post them to your website - leaving the whole message in tact unless permission is granted to do otherwise. Please remember to give credit to About the Master's Business Ministry.

Wednesday, February 1, 2012

"What Are You Doing?"

"And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father's have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger!" Luke 15:17

You all know the story of the young man in the verse above. His first step out of where he was (the pigpen) came when he finally asked himself, "What am I doing?" If you are a child of God through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, I would like to ask you the same thing.

What are you doing living in guilt and condemnation when God does not condemn you? What you are doing living in defeat when Jesus has already won the victory on your behalf? What are you doing living as the tail when you are the head? What are you doing carrying that heavy burden when the burden of the Lord is light? What are you doing living in fear when Jesus has given you His peace? What are you doing spending your time worrying when God has already made provision for all that you need? What are you doing living on the bottom when God has promoted you to the top? What are you doing letting enemy beat you up when Jesus has already destroyed His work power over you?

In the story the son was willing to just be a servant in his father's house but the father restored him to the place of a son. When we put our faith and trust in Jesus as Savior and Lord, we become children of God. We don't only become servants, we become sons/daughters. As children there are certain rights and privileges that He has given us. We are to be living like children. So what are you doing living below the status of a child? This young man was a son because he was born to the father. When we are born again, we are born to the Heavenly Father. When the young man rebelled against the father, repented and then returned home, the father put him back into the place of a son. That means the father expected him to live like a son from now on. Our Heavenly Father created us to be His children and then restored us when we fell back to the place of a child. He too expects us to live like children. So what you are doing by living less than His child?

Have a great day. If you are a born again child of God, what are you doing living like you aren't His child?

For further reading:
Romans 8:1
Psalm 98:1
1 Corinthians 15:57
1 John 5:4
Matthew 11:30
John 14:27
Philippians 4:19

<>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <><
Coffee Break is a morning devotional written by Lorraine Ezell
and is sent to you free of charge for the asking from
About the Master's Business Ministry, Inc.
Please feel free to
call (601) 833-5278 or
Email: mastersbusiness@bellsouth.net
Visit us on the web: www.mastersbusiness.org

You are welcomed to make copies and distribute them free of charge.
You may also forward them via e-mail or post them to your website - leaving the whole message in tact unless permission is granted to do otherwise. Please remember to give credit to About the Master's Business Ministry.