Friday, September 28, 2012

"Stop Running"


"For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance." Romans 11:29
 
I feel like I have a word this morning that is specifically for a certain individual. It is for someone who is "running" from the call that God has on your life. I am not talking about the person who is in limbo and just not sure if what you are sensing is God or you, so you are waiting and trying the spirits to see if it truly is. 
 
I am talking to someone this morning who knows what God has said but you are refusing to yield to Him. He has told you to go left, but you have gone right. He has told you to go in one direction but you have run in the opposite direction. Like Jonah you have deliberately gotten on a "boat" that is taking you in the totally opposite direction as far away from God's plan as you can get. You keep "kicking against the pricks". 
 
The Lord wants you to know that it is time for you to stop kicking and just surrender. You have gone your own way yet you are wondering if it is too late. He wants me to tell you that it is not too late. His plan for you has not changed, because He does not change (let this part be an encouragement for all who read this not just the individual that I am addressing). Because He does not change, His plan and call upon you does not change. He does not "repent" and change His mind about you. You may have missed it, you may have run, you may have rebelled, but like the father of the prodigal He is standing there waiting for you to return and start acting like and taking the place of His son/daughter/ child. Don't kick any longer. Surrender and yield to His plan. He loves you and is waiting.
 
Have a great day. God has not changed His mind about you or His plan for you, so stop running from it. 
 
For further reading:
Malachi 3:6
Luke 15:11-24
 
<>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <><
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, September 27, 2012

"When To Praise God"


"...Is any merry? let him sing psalms." James 5:13b
 
When you have a merry heart and things are going well, you should sing and offer up praises to God. But what about when things aren't going well, when you are facing trials and difficulties, what should you do? The same thing- sing and offer up praises to God. 
 
The fact that you are going through a problem doesn't change the fact that He is worthy of praise. He deserves our praise regardless of the circumstances or situations that we find ourselves in. Why should we praise Him in the storms of life? For three reasons in particular.
 
1) Praise is a garment. "the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness." (Isaiah 61:3) A garment keeps us warm, covered and feeling unexposed, therefore, less vulnerable. When we don't feel vulnerable, we feel strong and able to either tackle or withstand the problem that we are facing. The word "heaviness" paints a picture of a candle whose flame is about to go out. Praise reignites the flame that is within us so that we can begin to shine brightly again. 
 
2) Praise is a powerful weapon. "And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them. And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken: and immediately all the doors were opened, and every one's bands were loosed." (Acts 16:25,26) Things cannot get any worse than sitting in prison at midnight with your feet in stocks after having been beaten. But instead of complaining, crying, whining and getting mad at God, Paul and Silas prayed and sang praises to God. When they did, an earthquake came and the prison doors flew open and the stocks fell from their feet.
 
3) The Lord Himself inhabits praise. "But thou art holy, O thou that inhabitest the praises of Israel." (Psalm 22:3) The One who strengthens, who reignites, who sends the earthquake, who opens prison doors, who turns night into day, who calms the raging sea, who quenches the fire, who works all things together for your good, comes and dwells within praise. Praise is the open door that ushers His presence into your situation.
 
So, are you merry today? Then praise God. Are you doing well? Then praise God. Are you suffering? Then praise God. Are you going through trials and testing? Then Praise God. Praise Him for His strength to make it through it. Praise Him for His power to turn the situation around. Praise Him for being with you.
 
Have a great day. Praise the Lord at all times--- good times and bad times.
For further reading:
Psalm 34:1
 
<>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <><
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.

Wednesday, September 26, 2012

"He Shows Mercy"


"It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness." Lamentations 3:22,23
 
Unlike people who show no mercy or who often extend mercy for a short while, you will always find mercy from the Lord. You may have messed up badly, you may have repeated the same "offense" over and over again, you may keep falling, but as you call out to the Lord from a sincere and repentant heart He shows mercy. 
 
God remembers our frame and knows that we are made from dust. He knows that apart from Him we can do nothing. He knows all there is to know about us and He still loves us. It is the enemy/devil who wants to keep us from God when we know we have messed up and done wrong. He sends his accusations and condemnations to keep us from going to God because he knows we will find forgiveness, mercy, peace and grace from God. He knows that God loves us and desires to forgive and cleanse us and set us back on the right path. 
 
Don't listen to his lies that God won't forgive you, that God is finished with you, that God is tried of hearing your excuses and putting up with your failures. No, it is not God's plan and desire for you to live in defeat and failure. His plan is that you walk in victory in Christ, and His mercy is the avenue that gets you there. So don't stay away from Him, go to Him and you will find mercy, mercy that will give you another chance and raise you up so that you can live victoriously.
 
Have a great day. God's mercies are always extended to us. 
 
For further reading:
Psalm 103:14; 37:24; 33:22
John 15:5; 10:10; 6:37
Jeremiah 29:11
 
<>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <><
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
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, September 25, 2012

"Temporary Distraction"


"I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus." Philippians 3:14
 
I have set down several times this morning to write the Coffee Break and each time I have I have been interrupted by the cutest little blonde four year you have ever seen. She spent the night with me, her daddy (my son in law) is having surgery this morning-- so your prayers for him are appreciated. Yesterday, I sat down to answer emails from the weekend and my husband wanted to talk with me, so they didn't get answered- yet.
 
I bring this up because life is full of distractions, and not all distractions are bad or evil but they are distractions nevertheless, and will get you sidetracked if you aren't careful. If you get distracted don't quit and don't give up. Keep pressing forward anyway. Keep coming back over and over again to the place where you were until you progress forward. It takes perseverance, it takes commitment, it takes determination. You will eventually get there if you don't just completely quit and give up. Just like me, I might be a little late but I finally got the devotional finished! 
 
Have a great day. Distractions are only temporary setbacks unless you allow them to be permanent obstacles. 
 
For further reading:
Philippians 4:13
Ephesians 6:18
 
<>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <><
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, September 24, 2012

"Name Dropping"


"And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son." John 14:13
 
Name dropping is a term that is used when someone mentions knowing, or being associated with, someone else who is popular, famous or of status. It is usually done in hopes of making the one doing it seem important. It can also be used to identify people with a common bond. Name dropping has been used to help one gain access into a particular place- "just tell them so-and-so sent you". It has been used to help others gain an audience before authorities. 
 
As I was in prayer the other day I thought about this "name dropping" because when I approach the Heavenly Father, I always do so in the "Name of Jesus". That name gives me "clout" with the Father. It also gives me access into His Presence. It allows me to capture His ear and gives me His attention. 
 
When I "drop/speak" His Name into my situation, it changes. When I speak His name, demons flee, sickness and disease are healed, chains are broken, captives are set free, confusion vanishes. His Name quenches the fire, shuts the mouths' of lions, delivers from the pit, turns night into day, calms the raging sea, stops the storm. His Name gives rest to the weary, seed to the sower, help in time of trouble, strength in weakness, grace that is sufficient. It brings wisdom, blessings, peace, joy, salvation and abundant life. 
 
Some try to "drop/use" His Name as if they know Him. There were seven sons of Sceva who tried to use Jesus' Name in casting out an evil spirit. It didn't work. The evil spirit jumped on them and beat them up because they didn't know the One whose name they were using and the evil spirit knew they didn't know Him. But for those of us who know Jesus personally as Savior and Lord that is not the case. We have the right to "drop" His Name. We are His children, heirs and joint-heirs and are identified with Him.
 
Have a great day. Every born-again child of God has the right to do some "name dropping" (the Name of Jesus) when we approach the Heavenly Father and face life's trials.
 
For further reading:
Ephesians 2:9
Acts 19:13-16
Matthew 18:20
Mark 16:17
John 14:14; 15:16; 16:23-26
 
<>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <><
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, September 21, 2012

"Listen And Don't Rebel"


"For some, when they had heard, did provoke: howbeit not all that came out of Egypt by Moses." Hebrews 3:16
 
The Lord had miraculously delivered the Israelites from the bondage of Egypt and was bringing them into their own land but they never made it past the wilderness. Why? Because when the Lord spoke to them, they hardened their hearts against His word. As a result they fell into unbelief, murmuring, complaining and rebellion. 
 
God had a place of rest (physically and spiritually) planned for them. No more slavery, no more bondage, no more taskmasters, no more struggling, no more labor. They would posses houses they did not build and crops they did not plant. God had provisions for them. A land that flowed with milk and honey- abundance. He had a plan to prosper them, to give them a hope and a future. Yet all they got was forty years of dry, hot desert and manna. 
 
Had they only listened to and trusted His word; had they just obeyed what He say; had they not tried to reason it out they never would have lived a wasted life in the wilderness and died there. How familiar is that today. God has a plan for us. He desires to bring us into His rest. He desires to give us abundant life as well as eternal life. He is trying to give us good things-- spiritually and physically-- yet we are not listening to and heeding His word. Like them, if we would only listen to Him, believe and do what He says we would not live such wasted life. If we would only listen we could receive the blessings of the "promise land". God is not slack concerning His promises, He can do it. But we can also harden our hearts and not listen, believe or obey. We can keep ourselves from "entering into that rest" that He provides and is desirous to bring us into. 
 
Does that sound like you today? Is He trying to get a blessing to you, is He trying to give you peace, is He speaking to your heart about His plan for you but you aren't listening. You may be "hearing" Him, but "listening", "believing" and "doing" what you hear are two different things. Don't miss the "place" He is wanting to take you into because you are "hardening" your heart through unbelief, doubt and rebellion.
 
Have a great day. Don't miss God's plan and blessings by hardening your heart to His word. 
 
For further reading:
Psalm 95:7,8
Jeremiah 29:11
Isaiah 1:19
 
<>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <><
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.

Thursday, September 20, 2012

"The Answer Is -- Pray"


"Is any among you afflicted? let him pray. Is any merry? let him sing psalms." James 5:13
 
What should we do in times of affliction? What should we do when we are facing trouble, hard times, difficulties or suffering? What should we do when we are in need? The answer is found in three little words from our scripture text-- "let him pray". Wait a minute, did it say to "pray"?
Praying in times of trouble seems to be a foreign idea to most. I think they misread the scripture to say-- let him worry; let him try to figure out a solution; let him seek the help of man; let him lean to his own understanding; let him give up because there is no hope; let him exhaust every resource then pray.
 
In the minds of many prayer seems to either be too simple a solution or too hard to do, therefore, people try everything else before they will bow their knees to God and seek His help and counsel. Prayer should be the first thing a Christian does. It should not even be a question about what to do. It should come automatically and natural for us.
 
What do you do when you are in a time of trouble, need, difficulty or want? Is turning to God in prayer the first thing you do or the last thing you do after you have done everything else that you know to do? There is a principal to prayer that we often forget-- "seek first the Kingdom of God and all these things shall be added to you." (Matthew 6:33) When we seek Him first in prayer about our situation, everything we need will be given (added) to us. The wisdom we need, the grace we need, the answer we need, the solution, the help we need, will all be given to us. Prayer is the only place where we are guaranteed to get the answer and help that we need when going through affliction. "Ask and ye shall receive".
 
Have a great day. What do you do when you are in trouble? Do you pray or do you look for another solution?
 
For further reading:
John 16:23, 24
Matthew 7:7
James 4:2; 5:16
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.

Wednesday, September 19, 2012

"Abundant God"


"...I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly." John 10:10b
 
There is nothing about God that is little. He is an abundant God who does things, and gives to us, in abundant measure. When we have a need, He supplies all our need "according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus". This means that whatever your need is, He doesn't supply it according to the size of your need but He supplies it according to the size of what He possesses. If you lack wisdom He gives it liberally- not sparingly. When you give, He gives it back "good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over". When you need grace, He gives grace that "much more abounds". 
 
When Jesus walked on earth and He fed the five thousand plus people with the fish and bread, He didn't just give them enough to make their stomachs stop growling, He fed them until they were "full". When He told Peter and the other fishermen to cast their nets on the other side of the boat, the catch was so large that their nets began to break. When Solomon asked for wisdom to govern God's people, God gave him so much wisdom that the Queen of Sheba replied that only "the half had been told" to her. 
 
Why do we tend to ask God for "little/just enough" instead of "all" that we need? We act as if we are going to "bankrupt" Him. We act as if we are asking too much of Him. We act as if we are being "greedy" by asking for "all" our need to be met. He is God who does "exceeding abundantly above all we ask or think". So go to Him with your need today whether it is a need in your spirit, soul or body. He has plenty and will give you plenty enough, and more, to meet it.
Have a great day. God is an abundant God who gives abundantly.
 
For further reading:
Ephesians 3:20
Romans 5:20
Philippians 4:19
Matthew 14:20
1 Kings 10:7
James 1:5
Luke 6:38
 
<>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <><
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, September 18, 2012

"Perfect Cover"


"And the eyes of them both were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together, and made themselves aprons." Genesis 3:7
 
Since the first sin in the garden mankind has always tried to cover his sin on his own. There is only one problem with that-- he can't. Adam tried to sew fig leaves together to cover his nakedness/sin. He grabbed the first thing that was available that he thought would work. We all know what happens to leaves after they are detached from the plant-- they tend to dry out and crumble. Therefore, man would have to continually be replacing it with another one or something else. He never thought about making a covering of animal skins which would have held up better and lasted longer than a leaf. Using an animal skin was God's idea. He knew what it would take to cover man's nakedness. He knew what would take care of it once and for all and would not have to be constantly replaced.
 
Mankind is still trying to do what Adam did in the garden. He is still trying to come up with his own plan to cover his sin. He is trying to do it through sewing the fig leaves of good deeds and good works together. He is trying to do it through religious rituals. He is trying to do it through self-consciousness and so on. All the things he tries to use will "dry out" and "crumble" and leave him "naked" still. But God chose the "skin" of a Lamb as a covering for our sins that will take care of it once and for all. Of course that Lamb was His own Dear Son Jesus-- the Lamb of God that takes away sin. 
 
Are you trying to cover your sins by your own means and religious devices? Are you trying to "sew" something together to take care of it? Your effort is in vain. There is only one thing that can completely cover, and it was the covering that God chose-- Jesus. Today exchange your inadequate, faulty covering for His that takes care of it once and for all.
 
Have a great day. All man can do to cover his sins is sew "fig leaves" together that will dry and crumble. But God gave the perfect covering when He gave His Son. 
 
For further reading:
Genesis 3:21
Hebrews 9:11-28; 10:9-14
John 1:29,36
 
<>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <><
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.

Monday, September 17, 2012

"Power In The Leftovers"


"When they were filled, he said unto his disciples, Gather up the fragments that remain, that nothing be lost." John 6:12
 
After Jesus had fed the five thousand plus people with the loaves of bread and fish, He told His disciples to gather up the fragments. In other words, He told them to collect the leftovers. This morning don't take the "leftovers" of God for granted. Don't take even the smallest word from God, the seemingly smallest miracle, the smallest bit of encouragement, etc. for granted. Even the fragments when they are God's fragments are full of power and life. 
 
When the Syrophenician woman came to Jesus, she just wanted the crumbs that fell from His table. She didn't ask for a whole meal or even the leftovers, she asked for the crumbs because she knew there was power to heal and deliver her daughter in even the smallest blessings of the Lord. 
 
There is nothing small or little where God is concerned. Whatever comes from Him- whether it is the "whole" meal or just the "leftovers" it is powerful. Just one word, just one scripture, just one morsel of bread, just one drop of water, just one touch of the Master's hand, just one touch of the hem of His garment, will satisfy the greatest hunger, will deliver from the greatest oppression, will quench the raging furnace, will heal any disease, will bring peace in the greatest storm, will bring rest to the weary, comfort to the hurting and strength to the weak. 
 
All you have this morning may be a "crumb". It might be a "leftover". You may have been holding on to it for a while. It may be just a remnant of a promise He gave you a long time a go. You may have been carrying it around in a basket- in your heart- since the day He spoke to you about a situation, gave you a vision, revealed His will, and so on. You may have been eating on that word for a while trying to keep your faith strong. Don't look at it now and say that there is hardly anything left to it, it is only a fragment- a crumb. Remember that with the "crumbs" of Jesus nothing is wasted or lost-- they are still just as powerful as the whole meal!
 
Have a great day. There is power even in the crumbs of Jesus' word. 
 
For further reading:
Mark 7:25-30
Matthew 5:18
John 6:1-13 
 
<>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <><
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, September 14, 2012

"No More Impossibilities - Part 2"

"I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me." Galatians 2:20
 
Yesterday we talked about how those things that are impossible for us- like taming the tongue, turning the other cheek, loving our enemies, etc.- become possible as we yield ourselves to the Lord because it is His Spirit working in us that makes it possible for us to do. This morning I want to talk about that a little more.
 
We tend to forget that when we are born-again, something should begin to happen in us. That something is called "death to self". That means that I am suppose to deny and mortify my flesh. That something is also called "alive to Christ". My life is no longer lived for self, it is lived for God. I must decrease and He must increase. My life is hid with Christ in God. And as the scripture above states- I am crucified with Christ and it is no longer I who am living but Christ is the One who is living through me.
 
If He is truly living through you, then walking in love toward your enemies is not impossible. Forgiving those who have wronged you is not impossible. Living free from condemnation is not impossible. The reason is because there is no condemnation in Him. There is no unforgiveness in Him. There is no fear, no guilt, no remorse, no bitterness in Him. There is no confusion in Christ- He never doesn't know what to do. He is not wavering either, so you don't have to. 
 
I can walk in wisdom if He is the One who is living through me- and not self- because He has and is wisdom. I can walk in peace because He is peace. I can love the unlovable because He is love and loving through me. I can walk in victory because He has no defeat in Him. So there are no impossibilities for me because there are no impossibilities for Him. But the key is mortifying, crucifying, and denying myself and letting Christ live in and through me. When I do, nothing becomes impossible for me because nothing is impossible for Him. 
 
Have a great day. If I am crucified with Christ and He is living through me, then nothing is impossible for me because nothing is impossible for Him. 
 
For further reading:
Colossians 3:3-5
1 Corinthians 6:20
John 3:30
Romans 8:13
 
<>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <><
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, September 13, 2012

"No More Impossibilities"


"I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." Philippians 4:13
 
Our lesson at church last night was on James chapter three. Verse eight says, "no man can tame the tongue". I had written a footnote in my Bible years ago that said, "But by yielding to the Spirit he can". There is much that is impossible for us, but there is nothing that is impossible for God. So as I yield myself to Him those "impossibilities" are no longer impossible.
 
It may be impossible for me to "tame my tongue" but the Spirit can and will as I yield to Him. Where it was impossible for me to forgive those who have trespassed against me, as I yield myself to God through His love I can now forgive them. I can now turn the other cheek, go the second mile, love my enemies, bless those who curse me, and pray for those who despitefully use me. I can now walk in victory over besetting sins. I can walk in peace and not vengeance.
 
"All things are possible to him that believes". (Luke 9:23) For the born-again child of God there are no impossibilities, all things become possible. They become possible as we put our faith and trust in the Lord (as we believe on and in Him and His ability). Do I believe that I can do all things through Christ? Do I believe that I can be empowered by Him to do those things that are impossible for me to do in and of myself? If I do believe, I will fully rely upon and yield to Him, then they are no longer impossible because it is no longer me who is doing them, but Christ in me. 
 
Let me sum it up: If we believe that God is able to do those things that are impossible for us to do and we yield ourselves to Him, then those things that were once impossible for us are no longer impossible because it is Him that is doing them through us. 
 
Have a great day. Impossibilities are no longer impossible for us when we believe in and yield to God.
 
For further reading:
Luke 1:37
Matthew 5:44; 17:20; 19:26
 
<>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <><
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, September 12, 2012

"Choose Today"


"This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it." Psalm 118:24
 
So what are you going to do today, let the enemy keep beating you up over past mistakes and failures? Or are you going to walk in the forgiveness that has so graciously been given to you through Jesus' atoning work? Are you going to let your feelings dictate the way you see yourself? Or are you going to believe what God says about you? Are you going to let your emotions govern your actions? Or are you going to let the One who gives total peace establish His peace in your heart and mind? Are you going to walk in defeat today? Or will you choose to walk in the victory that has already been given to you through Jesus Christ? Will you choose to take the way of the flesh that leads to destruction, fear and confusion? Or will you choose to follow the way of the Spirit that leads to abundant life, peace, joy and righteousness in the Holy Spirit?
 
There are so many choices that we face everyday. But the choices that I have talked about should be easy ones to make because Jesus already dealt with them at the cross and has made provision for you to walk free of guilt, condemnation, defeat and everything else that would try to stop you from going forward and rejoicing in this day. But nevertheless, the choice is still up to you.
 
Have a great day. Which way will you choose to go today? 
 
For further reading:
John 10:10
Deuteronomy 30:19
2 Corinthians 2:14
Joshua 24:15
1 John 1:9
 
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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, September 11, 2012

"A Captive Of The Wilderness"


"And he brought us out from thence, that he might bring us in, to give us the land which he sware unto our fathers." Deuteronomy 6:23
 
One of the saddest stories in the Bible is about the children of Israel in the wilderness for forty years. The Lord had delivered them from Egyptian bondage after over four hundred years. He gave them the most miraculous delivery- through miracles, signs and wonders. He totally set them free from slavery. They were now free people heading to the land He had promised to give them. But instead of reaching the promised land they wound up wandering around in the wilderness for forty years. They left one captivity and wound up in another. They left the physical bondage of Egypt and Pharaoh and wound up in bondage that was unseen but real-- unbelief, doubt and fear. 
 
That sad picture is being replayed over and over again now days in the lives of many of God's children. The Lord saved them and delivered them from the power of sin. He did it through a miraculous and costly avenue-- He gave the life of His only begotten Son and through His shed blood gave redemption from sin. He gave them freedom and a promised land to inherit. Yet instead of inheriting those promises they are being held captive by an "unseen" bondage. They have come out of the bondage of sin, but are held captive by fear, regret, guilt, condemnation, unbelief, confusion and so on. They are spending their lives wandering in endless circles in a wilderness-- a dry place that offers no hope, no joy, no peace. The promises are awaiting them but they can't get to them because of the mental, emotional and spiritual bondages that have them trapped.
 
Is that you today? I have good news. Unlike those Israelites who were unable to get free from the wilderness, you do not have to keep wandering around in the bondage of the wilderness. Jesus defeated sin. He won the victory by destroying its power. He brought you out. He didn't deliver you from the power of sin only to have you held a prisoner by another captive. He desires to take you into the promised land- a land of abundant life. He who the Son sets free is free indeed, not partially free; not free from one bondage but captive to another. So get out of that wilderness and enter into the land of abundant life- love, peace, joy, etc. How? By turning to Him, ask for His strength and power, believe His word and don't listen to the negative reports of the enemy. Listen to Him alone.
 
Have a great day. The Lord did not deliver you from the bondage of sin only to have you become a captive of the wilderness.
 
For further reading:
John 3:16; 10:10; 8:36
Galatians 5:1
 
<>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <><
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
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, September 10, 2012

"No End In God"


"But thou art the same, and thy years shall have no end." Psalm 102:27
 
There is no end to God. He is the eternal existent One-- He always has been and always will be. That also means that there is no end to His strength. He will always be just as strong as time goes on as He has always been. There is no end to His power, to His mercy, to His grace, to His love... there is no end to who He is and what He possesses. This means that He will always have enough of whatever it is that you and I need. We don't have to worry about Him "running out". 
 
What do you need today? Do you need His strength? Do you need His grace? He has plenty enough to meet your need. If you lack, it is because you aren't asking, or drawing, upon it. Because there is no lack in Him. And He even gives you the invitation to ask and receive whatever it is that you do lack.
 
Have a great day. There is no lack in God. He doesn't come to an end, neither does what He possess.
 
For further reading:
Isaiah 9:7
Luke 1:33
Psalm 34:10
James 1:5
<>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <><
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, September 7, 2012

"Antichrist"

NOTE: CORRECTION- There is another correction that I need to point out in yesterday's message "Cry Out". The scripture should read, "But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid, and beginning to (sink), he cried, saying, Lord, save me." Matthew 14:30. And in the closing- "Have a great day. Why keep (drowning)?"
 

"Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time." 1 John 2:18
 
When we hear or think about the word "antichrist", it immediately conjures up pictures of the man who is to come and set himself up as the one world leader. But there is also the "spirit of antichrist" which according to the scriptures is already at work in the world. It was there in the early church age and is here in these present days.
 
What is this spirit and what does it look like? While you can't "see" a spirit, you can certainly recognize its presence. The word "anti" means to be against. Thus "antichrist" is whatever is against Christ. The spirit of antichrist is not only against Christ but works in opposition to Christ- that is what it is and what it looks like. 
 
The primary characteristic of this spirit is that it denies that Jesus is God who came in the flesh. It portrays Him as just a good man, a teacher, a prophet, etc., but not God. This spirit, because it is in opposition to God, calls unclean what God has called clean. It calls evil what God has called good and calls good what God has called evil. It stands against everything that God stands for. It opposes God's rule, His laws and His commands. We see it more evident in our culture today than in past generations. It legalizes and promotes abortion and homosexual marriage- those things that God calls an abomination. It applauds rebellion, slander, laziness, irresponsibility, adultery and fornication. It convinces mankind to "do what is right in your own eyes" instead of what is right in God's eyes. It persuades people to live by their own preferences instead of by Kingdom/God's preference-- even in the church.
 
The "spirit of antichrist" has its origin and roots in satan - the one who is a liar, deceiver and in total opposition to God, Christ, the Holy Spirit, His Word and His Kingdom. If we accept the things that are in opposition to what God says, then we have fallen prey to this spirit and must get free immediately lest we be uprooted in our faith and find ourselves drifting further and further away from the truth. This is the goal of the "spirit of antichrist"- to get you away from the truth of God's Word and eventually away from Christ. 
 
Have you believed this spirit? Are you falling for its lies? Are you in agreement with it- through your lifestyle, actions and beliefs- because its teachings have become acceptable in society? Then you must repent and start standing upon the truth of God's Word instead of against (anti) it. 
 
Have a great day. The "spirit of antichrist" is alive and well today and it is trying to pull you away from Christ.
 
For further reading:
1 John 2:22; 4:3
2 John 1:7
Judges 17:6
Proverbs 21:2
Revelation 12:9
John 8:44
Isaiah 5:20
Philippians 3:17-19
 
<>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <><
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
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, September 6, 2012

"Cry Out"

NOTE: CORRECTION: In the day before yesterday's CB- "Get Out of The Pit"- there was an error. The first sentence of the third paragraph should have read-- "A pit is a place of death, not 
 
 
"But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid, and beginning to sin, he cried, saying, Lord, save me." Matthew 14:30
 
There are some of you who are reading this that feel like you are drowning. The pressures are more than you can bear. The trials are weighing upon you. Problems are mounting up. The load is great and more than you can bear. You feel like you are going under, possibly for the last time. But unlike Peter, you are trying to "swim" your way out of it. You are trying everything you can to "tread water". You are trying to do whatever you can to just keep your head above the "water" and not drown. You are trying in your own ability to save yourself. To you the Lord is saying today-- "Cry Out". Do what Peter did- cry out to Me. 
 
You have tried everything on your own and nothing has "saved" you. You have insisted, like a small child, that you can do it. You have acted like you don't need any help. But the truth is you do. You can't do this on your own. The waves are too fierce. The wind is too strong. The water is too deep. But if you will cry out to Me, the wind is not too strong, the waves are not to high, the water is not too deep for Me to save you. My hand is not too short, my power is not limited. I am mighty to save. I still calm storms and rebuke the raging seas of life. 
 
Like Peter, you have the choice-- find your own solution and try to save yourself; or cry out to Me and I will lift you up out of the raging sea and save you.
 
Have a great day. Why keep drawing? Cry out to Jesus.
 
For further reading:
Matthew 11:28; 14:22-33
<>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <><
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, September 5, 2012

"Never Too Small"


"But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty." 1 Corinthians 1:27
 
Never think that God cannot use you. Never think that you are too small, or just one "little" person, or a nobody. God uses "small" things.
 
He used one little boy and his little lunch to feed thousands. He uses the ant to teach a lesson to sluggards. He uses even the smallest light to expel darkness. He uses a cup of cold water to quench the thirst. He used a shepherd boy to bring down a giant with a small stone in a small sling shot. He used a widow's mite to teach the true meaning of unselfish giving. He used a rock to provide water for the millions of Israelites in the desert. He used a stick/rod in the hand of Moses to bring down Pharaoh's kingdom. He has used a hand full of meal, a bottle of oil, a raven, babes to perfect praise, and many other "small" things to do great things through.
The fact that the Lord has chosen the small time and time again is encouraging because it means that He can use us in spite of how little or weak we may be. He most definitely uses "small" things, so "small" is good.
 
Have a great day. You are not too small for God to use, on the contrary, you are in the perfect position for Him to use. 
 
For further reading:
Proverbs 6:6
Matthew 21:16; 10:42
 
<>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <><
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.