Thursday, May 31, 2012

"What Is Missing?"

"Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me." Mark 10:21
 
"One thing thou lackest"-- in other words, "Something is missing." I have figured out what is missing in the lives of many believers. The answer is pretty simple-- we say a lot but do very little. What do I mean by that? We sing about worshipping the Lord, but rarely worship Him. Worship is not a song you sing in a Sunday morning service about worshipping God. It is a lifestyle. When was the last time you found a secret, quiet place alone with God and just spent unrushed time loving on Him, pouring your heart out in adoration to Him, being intimate with Him? Do you do it at all outside of church? Do you do it once in a while? Do you do it a couple of times a week? Do you do it everyday (which is the correct answer)?

Another area that is missing concerns the Word of God. You may read it, you may confess it, you may quote it but are you living it? You may can quote verses like, "Seek ye first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness", but are you seeking first His Kingdom? Are you putting it first? Is doing the work of the Kingdom, following its King, abiding by its government your priority? Does it come before the cares of this world?

The Bible constantly repeats that we are "doers"-- not hearers only, and certainly not professers only. When we talk about the things of God but don't do them, something will always be missing. The fullness that God desires for us to have will be missing-- the fullness of joy, peace, wisdom, revelation and victory will all be in a state of lack. The key to remove the "lack" is to start doing what is missing instead of just talking about it.

Have a great day. We will always lack when we only talk about the things of God instead of applying them to our lives.

For further reading:
James 1:22
John 15:7

<>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <><
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
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, May 30, 2012

"What Direction Are You Thinking?"

"Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth." Colossians 3:2

 
The word affection is translated "mind"-- set you mind on things above. In other words-- think about things above not things below. Does that mean we aren't to think about the responsibilities that we have here on earth? Does it mean that we shouldn't think about making a living for our families, or think about what we are going to do today? No, it doesn't. It does mean that your primary attention and what you think about should be more focused on "above" instead of "below".

What do you spend most of your time thinking about each day? Do you spend it thinking about the movie you watched on television last night; the trip you are going to take next month; the wrong that someone did to you; what you are going to wear tomorrow? Do you spend it thinking more about heavenly things, the Kingdom of God, what Jesus did for you at the cross, the promises of God, His Word?

If your thoughts were placed on a scale, which would be the heavier? Would your earthly thoughts outweigh the heavenly ones or would the heavenly ones outweigh the earthly ones? You become more like what you think. You act out what you think. Your words are in accordance to what you think. And we wonder why we struggle with our Christianity. The problem lies in our thought life. "As he thinketh in his heart so is he." (Proverbs 23:7) Whatever you spend your time thinking about gets into your heart, then it comes out of your mouth, and shows up in your actions.

The key to victory, the key to having a bright light and staying salty starts in your thoughts. So think about what you are thinking about, and if your thoughts are more earthly, then change the direction you are thinking and start thinking on things above.

Have a great day. Which direction are you thoughts heading? Above or below?

For further reading:
Philippians 4:8
Romans 12:1
2 Corinthians 10:5

<>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <><
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
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, May 29, 2012

"God's Perfect Strength"

"And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me." 2 Corinthians 12:9

 
God's strength is perfect strength. It has no weakness in it. It will never reach a point of weakness. It will never diminish. It won't wear out. It won't need something else to come along beside it and energize it or help hold it up. It won't ever need "refueling" or "recharging". It is just as perfect today as it has ever been. There is nothing that can be added to it to make it any stronger. It is perfect all by itself. It will accomplish what it sets out to do. Though it be passed around time and time again to those who are weak, it will never run out. There will always be plenty and more than enough to go around-- each and every time.

Our strength is not like that. Our strength diminishes with the passing of time. The older we get, the weaker we get. Situations can drain us of our strength. Our strength needs to be replenished. It needs help. It has to be recharged and refueled. There are times when once our strength is gone it is gone. It can be used up. While our strength may start a task, it doesn't always have the ability to finish it. It can give up and give out. It may be here today and gone tomorrow.

Without God's strength we will remain weak. But when His strength is added to our weakness, our strength is revived. His strength added to our weakness doesn't make our strength perfect, it adds what is missing and lacking so that we can accomplish whatever task is at hand.

Are you weak today? Has the situation taken your strength? Do you feel as if you can't go on- you can't go another mile or one more minute? Do you feel like you are on the verge of caving into the weakness? You don't have to. That's when God's strength is needed most. Let Him come along beside you and strengthen you in your time of weakness. His strength is like that breath of fresh air, that second wind, that shot in the arm, that boost that you need to get up and keep going. You can keep going when you draw on His strength. It is perfect and it will take up any slack where your strength has let you down.

Have a great day. God's strength is perfect and added to your weakness, you are made strong again.

For further reading:
Ephesians 6:10
Colossians 1:10,11
Psalm 68:28; 86:16; 28:7; 118:14

<>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <><
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
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, May 28, 2012

"Remembering His Sacrifice"

"But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." Romans 5:8

A friend and I were talking one day and she shared with me that before she became a Christian she knew of Christians that would meet for prayer around five o'clock every morning. She didn't understand how they could do that and that was something she would probably never do. But then she went on and said that after she became a Christian her opinion and the way she looked at that changed. She realized that after what Jesus did for her that was such a small sacrifice for her to make for Him.

Today we are celebrating Memorial Day- a time for remembering the sacrifice that countless numbers of men and women have made in this nation's history by giving their lives so that we could enjoy the freedoms that we have.

Jesus was the sacrifice for our sins. He laid down His life so that we could have life and freedom. Christians are called to be living sacrifices to our God and before the world. I don't see much "sacrifice" portrayed by those professing to know Christ. One reason, I believe, is because we have forgotten the sacrifice of Christ. We have forgotten what He did for us. We have forgotten that He shed His blood and died. We have neglected to remember that the horrific beating, the cruelty, the mocking, the pain that He suffered was underserved by Him. He only did it for us, because we were the ones with the need.

When we truly consider, and remember, all that He did for us we will be willing to make sacrifices. No price of obedience is too big or small for us to pay. No act of gratitude will be left undone. We will want to do all that we can for Him and to glorify Him out of loving appreciation because He paid the ultimate sacrifice for us.

Have a great day. When I remember the great sacrifice Jesus made for me, no sacrifice that I make for Him is too big.

For further reading:
John 3:16; 10:18
Hebrews 12:2

<>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <><
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
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, May 25, 2012

"Be At Peace In His Peace"

 
"Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." John 14:27

There are times when we all find ourselves in a "struggle". We struggle when faced with a decision as to what is the right thing to do or which direction we should take. The Bible does tell us that it is not within us to direct our own steps. We don't have that ability. We don't know which way is the right way without the help of God. There is a way that seems right to us but it often leads to destruction. We can't see into the future so we don't know the outcome ahead of time to help us make a wise choice.

Having said all that, I really feel impressed by the Lord to give a word to someone this morning. You are struggling with a decision. You don't know what to do. It looks good, it seems like the right thing to do, but you aren't sure. The peace you need seems to elude you. Each time you think you have the answer settled, something else comes up to make you doubt or wonder if it truly is the right thing. At that point you start trying to lean to your own understanding. The Lord wants to speak to you from the verse above this morning. This is His word to you. Don't let your heart be troubled- don't let it be anxious and burdened. He has promised to guide you as you acknowledge Him in all your ways. You are His sheep, you do hear the voice of your Good Shepherd. Let Him give you His peace. Let His peace settle it for you. Let His peace give you the faith to know, that you know, that you know this is the right decision. And once you make it enveloped in and directed by His peace, then just stand in it. Stand at rest in His peace even when confusion tries to come and steal it from you later and make doubt this is the right thing.

Have a great day. Stop struggling, let God's peace guide you, then stand in His peace.

For further reading:
Jeremiah 10:23
Proverbs 3:5,6; 16:25

<>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <><
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
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

Thursday, May 24, 2012

"His Word Is His Answer"

"Then Jesus answering said unto them, Go your way, and tell John what things ye have seen and heard; how that the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, to the poor the gospel is preached." Luke 7:22
Have you ever noticed while reading the Bible that when asked a question, Jesus never gives a "yes" or "no" answer? When John sent his disciples to Jesus to ask if He truly was the Messiah, Jesus didn't say "yes, I am", He answered with an Old Testament scripture.

Today, the Lord still very seldom answers our questions with "yes" or "no" but what He does do is answer us with His word. Every answer to every question we get from Him will be in accordance with His word-- His word will be our answer.

For example, He is not going to tell you that it is all right to live with that guy/girl you are not married to. He is not going to tell you that it is all right to cheat on your taxes. He will not tell you that you have the right to harbor bitterness and unforgiveness against someone who did you wrong. Why? Because to tell you that it is all right is in opposition to His word.

If He goes against His own word, then He is like a house divided against itself and won't stand. If He goes against His own word, then He is going against His own nature-- He does not lie, He is not the author of confusion. If He goes against His own word, the whole universe would crumble, there would be no stability or foundation under it or us because all things consist and are held together by the power of His word.

So don't expect God to make an "exception" for you by answering your prayer, or directing you, outside of His word. He won't do it. His answer will not only line up with His word, it will be His word.

Have a great day. God's answer may not be cut and dry- yes or no- but it will always line up with His word.

For further reading:
Matthew 24:35; 12:25
Luke 18:18-20
Isaiah 29:18
Numbers 23:19
1 Corinthians 14:33
Hebrews 11:3

<>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <><

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
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, May 23, 2012

"Against You"

"What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?" Romans 8:31

Are there things that come against us? Are there people who set themselves against us? Are there circumstances that rise against us? The answer is yes, yes and yes. The fact is that no matter how closely you live to the Lord, how long you have been saved, how many Bible verses you can quote or how many church services you attend there will always be something that is "against" you.

We have a very real enemy who is against us and desires to destroy us. There are people who the enemy uses to rise against us to make our lives miserable. Then there is fear, it is against us. Poverty is against us. Sickness, disease, our emotions, unbelief, depression, hate, confusion are all enemies that are working against us to steal our faith and rob us of our joy.

While they are very real and a very real part of life, the destruction that they have planned for us does not have to succeed- they can't succeed. Why? Because if God is for us, who can be against. Because if God is for us, even though they are against us the Greater One is in us. Because if God is for us, they have no power over us. Because if God is for us, then we are never alone.

Are things coming against you today? Fear, dread, sickness, confusion, frustration, temptation? It may form against you, but it cannot prosper because God is for you. That means He is with you, He is watching over you, He causes all things to work together for your good and He is still in control.

Have a great day. While we are living in this world, things will come against us. But because God is for us, they can't destroy us.

For further reading:
Hebrews 13:5
1 John 4:4
Isaiah 54:17
Romans 8:28

 
<>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <><
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
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, May 22, 2012

"Feeling Condemned?"

"For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things." 1 John 3:20
 
After the Lord so graciously saves us there are times when we may still sin. We know we did something wrong, something displeasing to Him, or we disobeyed. When this happens, not only does the devil (the accuser of the brethren) come and condemn us, but our own heart will condemn us as well. We will "beat" ourselves up emotionally. We will carry around guilt and condemnation even after we have repented and asked for forgiveness from the Lord.

I have good news for you this morning. If your heart condemns you because of what you did, God is greater than your heart. God does not condemn us. He forgives us. He cleanses us from all unrighteousness. He removes our sins from us as far as the east is from the west. He throws them into the sea of forgetfulness never to be remembered against us any more.

We tend to keep "feeling guilty" over what we did. We think that we are suppose to feel guilty. We aren't. We are suppose to accept and embrace His forgiveness and cleansing and walk in it.

Is your heart condemning you because of something you did, or didn't do? When the scripture says that He is greater than your heart, what it means is that what God says overrides what your own heart/feelings say. Your heart may say one thing but God says another, and what He says is the final word on the matter. Your heart may be saying, "guilty", but God says, "not guilty". What He says holds more weight than what your heart or feelings say. What He says has more power behind it than what you say. What He says is the truth, not based on feelings. What He says is the final word.

The Bible says happy is the man who does not condemn himself in that which he allows. He is happy- not sad, depressed, feeling guilty, under condemnation- because when he goes to God, God forgives and declares him clean and forgiven. That should make him "happy", at peace and guilt free. It will if he will accept it. If he will accept the fact that what God says is greater than what he says about himself or the condemnation that he is placing on himself. So accept God's judgment over your judgment, accept what He says about your sin over what you say about it, because His judgment is greater.

Have a great day. You do not have to keep feeling condemnation over confessed sin because God says you are forgiven and what God says about the matter overrides what your feelings say about it.

For further reading:
John 3:16,17
Romans 8:1; 14:22
1 John 1:9
Psalm 103:12

<>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <><
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
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, May 21, 2012

"Fear God Or Man?"

"His heart is established, he shall not be afraid, until he see his desire upon his enemies." Psalm 112:8

The first verse of the chapter describes the person that this verse is talking about-- "Praise ye the Lord. Blessed is the man that feareth the Lord, that delighteth greatly in his commandments." It is the person who fears the Lord and delights in His commandments.

When we "fear" the Lord, then we don't have to be afraid of people. The fear of the Lord outweighs the fear of others. Our desire to please Him becomes greater than our desire to please someone else. It is greater than the temptation to compromise in order to get into the "good graces" of another person.

The Bible says that the "fear of man works a snare". But the "fear of the Lord" liberates us from the fear of man and the snare that is associated with it.

Who are you "fearing" this morning? Are you afraid of people, of those in power? Are you afraid to go against the flow? Are you afraid of being rejected by people? Are you afraid of the hurt and misery that they can inflict upon your life? Or do you fear the Lord? Do you honor Him and His word above everyone else? Is it what motivates you? Is it what gives you courage to stand even in times when you feel as though you are standing alone?

As we said already, the fear of man brings a snare, but the fear of the Lord brings a blessing. Do you want to be "snared" or do you want to be 'blessed"? It will depend on who you fear as to which one you get.

Have a great day. Do you fear God or man more?

For further reading:
Hebrews 13:6
Psalm 118:6
Proverbs 29:25

<>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <><
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
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, May 18, 2012

"No Roots - part 2"

"They on the rock are they, which, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, which for a while believe, and in time of temptation fall away." Luke 8:13


Yesterday we talked about having full churches but many of the individuals who sit in the pews don't have a spiritual root system. They are "surface" Christians. There is no evidence of the born-again, surrender life. This morning I want to talk about developing a strong root system.

Temptations, offenses, trials and persecution will come and if we don't have a root system, if it is not a strong one, if we do not protect it, we will fall.

We have planted a garden again this year so I would like to use it as an analogy for what I am saying. Every plant has some sort of root but it won't thrive and grow if it is not planted in the right soil. Our lives are already "planted" in the soil of sin when we are born, but that soil will bring death. We have to be planted in "life". We must be born-again and planted in Jesus. When we are, He gives us a new root system.

We have to have a strong root system. In my garden I give the plants water and fertilizer (plant food) to help make them strong and healthy. We have to feed and water our spirits if we are going to have strong, healthy roots. We feed and water them through God's word. This is done by hiding it in our hearts, by meditating on it, by being a doer and not hearer only.

In our garden we have to protect not only the plant but the roots also. We are experiencing something this year that we have never had happen before. Healthy looking plants are just dying. We are watering, fertilizing and keeping plenty of dirt around them. We discovered after pulling a few of the dead ones up that they have no roots. We also discovered a little bug that is going in the ground and eating the roots. So we are on the attack against it. We have an enemy (the devil) who is out to destroy our root system. If he can weaken us in our faith he can destroy our lives. Through times of testing, temptation and tribulation he is working at destroying your roots so that you have nothing to hold you up and keep you alive. We have discovered a product that will kill these insects that are attacking our garden. There is something that will defeat the enemy that is attacking our lives-- it is the Blood of Jesus and the power of His Word. When satan attacks, you have to continually apply the Word of God to the situation. You have to pull out your weapon-- the Sword of the Spirit, the Word of God- and combat him with it. It will defeat him and protect your roots at the same time.

Are your roots planted in Jesus the life giver? Are you feeding and watering them with His Word? Are you protecting those roots by using the weapon of God's word against the enemy that is trying to destroy them?

Have a great day. How is your root system?

For further reading:
Romans 3:23; 6:23
John 3:3-5
Revelation 12:11
2 Corinthians 5:17
Ephesians 6:17

<>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <><
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
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, May 17, 2012

"No Roots"

"And have no root in themselves, and so endure but for a time: afterward, when affliction or persecution ariseth for the word's sake, immediately they are offended." Mark 4:17


I am concerned about what I see happening in the church now days. "Mega" churches are on the rise; congregations are growing; people are filling up the churches, and this concerns me. Don't misunderstand, I would love to see each and every church filled to running over all the time. The thing that concerns me is that we have "full" pews and "empty" people.

As you look at the congregations you see people, but do they have a "root system"? Are they rooted and grounded in faith? Are they just "superficial"? Do they look good on the outside but have nothing underneath them giving them support? In some of the neighborhoods where I live, there are these majestic oak trees. They are magnificent looking. They look strong and stable. But when a storm or strong wind comes many have fallen. From their appearance you would think that they would be able to withstand whatever nature threw their way. But they don't. The reason is because they don't have a very good root system. There aren't enough roots to hold them up and the roots that are there are shallow and not very deep at all-- they are too close to the surface.

This is why I am concerned. The crowds are there. They look the part. They seem to be spiritually all right. But what about their root system? Is it even there? Do they even have one? You can't help but wonder when you see them so easily shaken by even the slightest trial. You can't help but wonder when the Bible is not an important part of their daily routine. You can't help but be concerned if they have any roots when there is no application of the Word of God in their lives, there is no sign of repentance, holiness, discipline, the Fruit of the Spirit, prayerlessness and there is no seeking of the Kingdom of God. You can't help but be concerned when the lifestyle they portray is immoral, ungodly, self-centered, unholy, lovers of pleasure more than lovers of God and they are following after their own lusts, desires and ambitions. You can't help but be concerned when there is no evidence of the surrender of their lives to the Lordship of Jesus, and when they prefer what they want over the teachings of God's Word.

A tree or plant may look good, but without a root system, it won't last. Large congregations and lots of church-goers may look good, but if they don't have roots, they won't last.
 
Have a great day. Has the church become like a forest that has lots of trees, but those trees have no roots.

For further reading:
Matthew 13:6; 15:13
Mark 4:6
Luke 8:13
Ephesians 3:17
Colossians 2:6-8


<>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <><
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
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, May 16, 2012

"The Power Of One"

"For by thee I have run through a troop; and by my God have I leaped over a wall." Psalm 18:29


The Christian life consist of unity. We are joined together with other Christians as one body-- individuals that make up the whole Body of Christ. Each of us supply to the other. None of us is an island. We need each other. We are part of each other. We accomplish more when we work together.

Having said that, let me move on to address being "alone". While it is true that two can put to flight more than one, a two-fold cord is not easily broken, two coming into agreement can see greater answers to prayers, and two are better than one if you get weary and fall because you can help each other up. But just because you may not be part of "two" does not mean that you have no power. I am addressing those this morning who feel they can't do anything because they are only "one" person.

It was one young man, David, who killed the giant while a whole army watched in fear. It was one little boy's lunch that fed thousands. It was one man, Moses, who lead the Israelites out of captivity and through the wilderness. It was one man, Abraham, that God created a whole nation from. One man, Noah, built a boat that saved his whole family and preserved creation. One prophet, Elijah, withstood King Ahab and Jezebel. It was one man, Nehemiah, who had the burden and vision to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. It was one virgin, Mary, that gave birth to the Messiah and Savior of the world. It was one man's sacrifice, Jesus the Son of God, who provided the only way that leads to eternal life.

God's plan for us is to be "part of the whole", and we get more accomplished for His Kingdom together than by ourselves, but that does not mean that God won't use each of us as well- individually, one on one- to accomplish His plan and purpose. Don't feel like you can't do anything because you are "only" one person. When God created the whole human race, He started with only one person.

Have a great day. While there may be more power in numbers, don't discount the power of one-- God doesn't.

For further reading:
Ephesians 4:16
Psalm 68:11
Philippians 4:13
Romans 5:15
1 Corinthians 12:21

<>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <><
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
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, May 15, 2012

"The Specialist - part 2"

"But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:19

Yesterday we talked about God being a "specialist". This morning I want to continue talking about some areas that He specializes in.

He specializes in strength.
He specializes in grace.
He specializes in mercy.
He specializes in meeting all your need.
He specializes in giving wisdom.
He specializes in giving peace, joy, and love.
He specializes in giving guidance and direction.
He specializes in salvation, deliverance, healing, restoration and reconciliation.
He specializes in doing the impossible.

I could continue to go on and on listing all that He specializes in, but the bottom line is that whatever you have need of, He specializes in it. Whether your need is a spiritual, physical, emotional or material one- if it affects you- He specializes in it.

Are you suffering today? Do you have a need? Then go to the specialist about it. I didn't say go to "a" specialist, I said go to "the" specialist. The One who is able to do exceeding abundantly above all you can ask or think, because He specializes in it.

Have a great day. Whatever the area of your need is, God specializes in it.

For further reading:
2 Corinthians 12:9
James 1:5
Proverbs 3:5,6
Luke 1:37
Exodus 15:26
Ephesians 3:20

<>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <><
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
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, May 14, 2012

"The Specialist"

"But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:19

When I was growing up, you went to the doctor when you were ill. Regardless of what your illness was, the doctor treated it. Now there is specialized medicine. If you are having heart problems, you go to a cardiologist. If you are having a baby you go to an OB/GYN. Depending on your illness depends on who you see. Even if you can find a General Practitioner, he usually sends you to a specialist. It is that same way with having your automobile repaired. If your brakes are giving you problems, you take it to a place that works on brakes. Or if it is the transmission, there is a certain place you have to take it to get that repaired.

I am so glad that the Lord is both- general and specialized. Regardless of the need, He meets it. He doesn't send me somewhere else. He Himself can and will take care of it. If I need healing, He is the Healer. If I need salvation, He is the Savior. If I need deliverance, He is the Deliverer. I can go to Him when I need wisdom, when I need grace, when I need guidance, when I need mercy, and know that I will get the help that I need no matter what it is.

Not only do I not have to go from place to place seeking the help I need because it is all found in Him, whatever it is will be completely taken care of by Him. He won't start helping me then send me somewhere else. He won't reach a point where He can't do anything else for me, then either refer me to someone else or abandon me. He will take care of my "whole need". He will take care of it from "start to finish". He is the Beginning and the End. I can go to Him at the first sign of trouble, and know that He will be with me until it is over. I can go to Him when my need first starts and know that once He gets involved He won't stop until it is behind me.

Yes, the Lord "specializes", but He specializes in "all" of it- not only a part. He also specializes in seeing you through the situation to the very end. He specializes in taking care of it all.

Have a great day. God specializes in taking care of all your need.

For further reading:
Revelation 21:6: 22:13
Hebrews 13:5

<>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <><
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
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, May 11, 2012

"That He Is"

"But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him." Hebrews 11:6


We try to make faith something hard. We think it is some "magical" formula that we have to put into practice for getting something from God. We hear lots of teaching about the "steps" of faith. Volumes of books have been written on the subject. Yet most don't know what it truly means to have faith or how to walk in it.

The beginning point and whole essence of faith is to believe that God is. That He is- real, He does exist. To believe that He is- who He says He is. To believe that He is- the One who answers prayers and rewards the seeker. To believe that He is- the One who is able to do exceeding abundantly above all we ask or think. To believe that He is- the One who cannot fail. To believe that He is- the One who loves us, desires to answer us, cares about us, is with us, meets and supplies our every need, who will not turn us away, who has all power and is well able to do what He says He will do and that nothing is impossible for Him.

If you are having a hard time believing that God is who He is, then you will be hindered in your faith. When I go to the doctor, I believe that doctor is who he is and that means he is qualified to give me what I need to take care of the sickness in my body. When I go to the banker with a financial need, I believe that banker is who he is and that he is qualified to help me with that need. When I am looking for property to buy, I go to the real estate agents. When I need insurance, I call an insurance agent. When I need help with my plumbing, I call a plumber. I call the people who are who they say they are because I believe that they are qualified to help me in those areas. My faith calls upon God because I believe that He is who He says He is, therefore I know He is qualified to help me with the need.

Do you believe that He is who He says He is? Do you believe that He is qualified to meet the need? Do you believe that there is nothing too difficult or impossible for Him? That is faith-- faith that pleases Him.

Have a great day. Your faith is attached to your belief about God.

For further reading:
Ephesians 3:20
Hebrews 11

<>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <><
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
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, May 10, 2012

"The Source"

"I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth." Psalm 121:1,2

The Psalmist knew where his help in times of trouble came from-- it came from the Lord. Do you know where your help comes from? Where do you look for help? Do you look for help in the arm of flesh? Do you look to the doctors, the bankers, the government, your friend, your pastor, your employer, or some other person? They are not where our help lies-- it comes from the Lord. Can God use each of these? Yes, He can. In the Bible He used wicked kings, He used a widow to feed a prophet, He used fish as bankers, He used a little boy and his lunch to feed thousands. He can use anything and anyone He chooses to to meet the need. We just don't need to confuse the source with the resource.

God has resources that He can use to meet our need beyond what we can imagine. I have often said that if I can list a million ways God can meet my need, He would always come up with one more that I hadn't thought of. But the resources that He uses is not the source-- He is. We tend to look at the method, the person or the thing He uses as the source.

When I am traveling and pass of field of corn, soy beans, etc. I tend to look at and admire what is growing. But I never think about the one who planted it. Without that farmer, there would not be a field. Are we so focused on the "field" that we forget the One behind the field? Do we forget that there was a source behind it being planted? Without the Lord there would be no resource.

Never forget the Source behind your help. Never look at the resources and forget the One who gives you those resources. Never focus on the provision and forget the Provider. The Psalmist help didn't come from the "hills", it can from the Lord who made the hills.

Have a great day. Don't confuse the Source of your help with the resources that He uses.

For further reading:
Hebrews 13:6
Philippians 4:19
Isaiah 55:8-10

<>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <><
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
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, May 9, 2012

"Your Relationship With The Word"

"Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them." Psalm 119:165

We can have peace and we can have great peace. The key is in loving God's word/law and looking to it. His word is not just characters of black ink written on white paper, it is a person-- Jesus is the Word. Peace isn't just a concept, it is a person-- Jesus is the Prince of Peace. So when we love His word and when we look to His word, we are looking to and loving Jesus.

Each time we look into His word we are looking at Him. Each time we seek the counsel of His word we are seeking Him. Each time we bring the word into our situation, we are bringing Him into the situation. This is the reason why we find strength, life, hope, help, guidance and wisdom when we look into His word-- we are finding Him.

So, what is your relationship with Jesus? What is your relationship with His word? They are one in the same. We can't neglect the written word day after day and not think that it won't affect our relationship with Him. By reading the word, meditating on it, applying it, hiding it in our hearts and obeying it we are growing deeper in our relationship with Him and reinforcing any weak areas in that relationship. By neglecting the word the opposite is true- it leads to a weak relationship.

Have a great day. Your relationship with the written word is a reflection of your relationship with the Living Word.

For further reading:
John 1:1,14
Isaiah 9:6

<>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <><

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
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, May 8, 2012

"Which Will You Believe?"


"Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the LORD upholdeth him with his hand." Psalm 37:24

There is a God in heaven who loves us and remembers that we get weak at times and don't always do the right things. He is not willing that we should perish so when we fall, He makes a way where we aren't totally cast down. When we slip, when we mess up, when we make a mistake, when we sin, He graciously and lovingly provides forgiveness and restores us. He desires to pick us up. He desires to bring us back. He desires to give us another chance. He desires to bring us close to Himself. He doesn't want us to continue to go further and further down the path of regret, remorse, condemnation and guilt. He wants to forgive and cleanse us and set our feet back on solid ground and give us a hope and a future because He loves us.

But then there is an enemy of our soul (the devil) who goes about seeking whom he may devour. He hates us and wants to keep us held down in guilt, condemnation and shame. He wants to make us depressed and suffer and think that there is no hope for us. He wants to taunt us with our mistakes, bringing them up as accusations before us day and night. He is doing his best to make us want to give up and turn from God. He lies to us and deceives us into believing that God won't forgive us-- we are too bad or have gone to far.

This may describe where you are-- you have "messed up". You are sensing God's gentle love and mercy reaching out to you, but you also feel the guilt of your mistake beating you up and convincing you that it is too late. You are hearing the voice of the accuser louder than you are hearing the voice of God. Therefore you are feeling torn-- which is correct, which should you believe, is there really forgiveness and hope, or is it too late and you might as well give up? If that is you, I want to say this-- what you are going to believe is based on a choice. It is a choice to either believe the One who truly loves you and proved it by dying for you, or believe the one who cares nothing about you but wants more than anything to see you destroyed. The choice now should be easy-- believe the One who loves you.

Have a great day. When you make a mistake, are you going to choose to accept the Lord's forgiveness, or the devil's condemnations?

For further reading:
Psalm 103:14
1 John 1:9
John 3:16,17; 10:10
Jeremiah 29:11
Romans 8:1
1 Peter 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
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, May 7, 2012

"Little Things"

"Take us the foxes, the little foxes, that spoil the vines: for our vines have tender grapes." Song of Solomon 2:15

Watch out for "little foxes", they are what spoils the vine. It's those little things that give us the most trouble and can cause the most damage. It doesn't always have to be something "big".

One little nail can cause a flat tire and keep you from going anywhere. One drop of poison can kill you. One piece of rotten meat can contaminate the whole plate. One small cut can develop into an infection that can make you very ill. A single sting from a bee can put some in the hospital. A spider bite can kill you if it is from a poisonous spider. Little termites can destroy a house. 

Likewise, one wrong move, one evil thought, one glance in the wrong direction, one bad choice, one wound from a friend, one unkind word can steal, kill and destroy our lives. So we must be on guard and guard against even the smallest things.


If a mouse gets into your house it can cause a lot of destruction. And it can get in through the smallest of openings. All it needs is enough room to get its nose in and then it can squeeze its entire body in through it. Close all "small openings" by casting down that thought, by releasing that offense, by getting that hurt healed... just don't give place to those small foxes and those "little" pitfalls the devil has laid for you.

Have a great day. Watch out today for those "little" things that have the ability to destroy.

For further reading:
1 Peter 5:8
2 Corinthians 10:5
1 Corinthians 5:6
Galatians 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
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, May 4, 2012

"Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised; and his greatness is unsearchable." Psalm 145:3

What a good way to start the day off-- remembering how GREAT our God is. We often forget that He is a great God. We tend to let the situation shroud that fact. Everything in society and daily living tries to convince us that He is not that great or that there are other things that are greater.

A bad report from the doctor tries to convince us that the sickness or disease is greater than God's ability to heal it. The economic downshift, or loss of a job, makes itself seem bigger than God's ability to provide. Problems in our relationships try to make us believe that this is greater than His ability to reconcile. Catastrophe wants to appear bigger than God. Politicians present themselves as greater than God by having all the answers.

Let me remind you this morning, there is NOTHING that is greater than the Lord. The Red Sea (obstacles that stand in the way) was not greater than God. Pharaoh's army (the powers that be) was not greater than God. The fiery furnace was not greater than God (He delivers from its power). Death isn't greater than Him- He conquered it and rose on the third day. It doesn't matter what area your problem is in, it is not greater than God. The enemy is not greater, the circumstance is not greater, the threats are not greater, the situation is not greater, there is nothing greater than Him in heaven, earth and beneath the earth. There is nothing greater in power, wisdom, might and ability than the Lord.

Have a great day. Let me repeat-- there is nothing greater than the Lord. Meditate on that and keep it in the forefront of your heart and mind each and every day.

For further reading:
Psalm 145; 48:1
1 Chronicles 16:25

<>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <><
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
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, May 3, 2012

"Purpose and Plan"

"And, behold, the word of the LORD came unto him, saying, This shall not be thine heir; but he that shall come forth out of thine own bowels shall be thine heir." Genesis 15:4

God had a purpose for Abraham- to give him an heir and make a great nation from him. How was God going to do that? Abraham thought his wife would get pregnant right away. When she didn't and was getting old, they thought He was going to do it through Sarah's servant Hagar. I am sure that from the time the Lord gave Abraham the promise until the promise was fulfilled in Isaac, they wondered how God was going to do it.

I want to talk about God's purpose and His plan. God's purpose is His will- what He wants to happen. God's plan is the avenue and means by which He brings His purpose into being. God's purpose was to give Abraham an heir, but God's plan was to give it to him through Sarah after she passed the age of child bearing.

We can know God's purpose but not always know His plan. God's purpose is to save mankind. His plan for accomplishing it was to send His Son Jesus to die on the cross.

It is not the purpose that we have trouble with, it's the plan. We get the two confused. Let me give you a personal example. As you know I have a vision to open a ministry center where we will feed, clothe and shelter the homeless and reach people for Christ. I know without a doubt that this is God's will and purpose. But I don't know His plan for bringing it to past. I keep wondering is He going to do it this way or that way. Will He take me through this route or another one? I have looked at many places and the door has closed to each one. Am I discouraged? No, because I know God's purpose. I am just trying to let Him lead me into His plan for bringing His purpose about.

Most people give up and stop pursuing God's promise and purpose because they keep missing the "plan". They may have thought, even more than once, that God was going to fulfill His plan a certain way and when He didn't they want to give up because they think they missed God. No, you haven't missed the purpose/will because it hasn't changed. You just missed the plan He has for accomplishing the purpose. 
 
It is the purpose that God has made known to us and that is what we hold on to by faith. The discouragement and the feeling of giving up comes because we don't always know His plan for fulfilling His purpose. There too lies faith-- faith that He will lead us into His plan for fulfilling His purpose. Don't confuse the two, or when the plan doesn't line up with how you thought He was going to do it, you will mistake it for the purpose and give up.

Have a great day. God's plan and purpose are not the same. Don't give up on the purpose just because you missed the plan.

For further reading:
Genesis 15
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
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.