"What Amazing Mercy"

"The earth, O Lord, is full of thy mercy: teach me thy statutes."  Psalm 119:64

You might wonder where the mercy of God is when you see so much pain, violence, corruption and evil taking place in the world.  I can assure you His mercy is still here.  If it weren't we would all be consumed-- and a long time ago.  We have done evil in His sight.  We have blasphemed His holy name on many levels.  We have denounced and rejected Him-- even in His own house.  Yet we still continue on and going in the same direction as we have been going. 

His mercy will not always wink at our sins.  It will not always withhold judgment.  It will not always continue to be patient.  It will not continue to tolerate our blatant rebellion against Him and His authority in the earth.  He is a merciful God and is giving us time to repent and turn from our wicked ways.  He does that with individuals and He does that with nations. 

The saints that are described under the altar in Revelations are crying out for revenge.  We cry out for God to make things right.  We are praying for Him to change the hearts of wicked men.  We wonder how long, oh, Lord, will you continue to allow the flood of ungodly men to sweep throughout the land?  He will avenge those souls.  He will bring the reign of the ungodly to an end.  He will put down all evil doers and their wicked schemes.  He will make all things new.  He will establish His holy and righteous kingdom upon the earth.  But in the meantime, we are under His mercy.  It is because of His mercies that things are allowed to continue.  When He does make all things new, the wicked will be cast out into everlasting hell fire.  They will be thrust into eternal torment.  But because He is a merciful, loving God, He is not willing that any should perish.  Therefore, He is patient and longsuffering giving people time and space to repent.

So when you are bemoaning the evil that is in the world-- and we should pray, pray, pray because of it-- be sure that you also thank Him and praise Him for His mercy that is in operation today.

Have a great day.  Because of God's mercy we are not consumed, even though we should be.  

For further reading:
Revelation 6:9,10
Matthew 25:41
Psalm 1:6
1 Peter 4:18
2 Peter 3:9
 

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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
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Visit us on the web: 

www.mastersbusiness.org



     

"His Will, His Image"

"For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren."  Romans 8:29

God's primary will for all mankind is that we be saved.  It is not His will that any should perish.  This is why He sent His Son Jesus into the world to die for our sins-- so that we would have a way of receiving eternal life. 

After we have received salvation He has a will for us as well.  What is that will?  He has predestined-- foreordained, already determined, already decided, already planned-- that you be conformed to the image of His Son.

His plan for you is that you look like, act like, walk like, talk like, treat others like, think like and be like His Son here on earth.  He didn't say that you were Him.  He didn't say that you would be like Him by giving your life on a cross.  But He desires that you lay yourself aside, give your will totally to Him and let Christ live His life through you.  When Jesus was on earth, one of His disciples asked Him to show them the Father.  His reply was that when you have seen Me you have seen the Father.  It wasn't that He was the Father, but He did the Father's will and reflected His character.  When He said that His will is that we are conformed to His Son's image, He is saying that when people see us they should see Jesus.  They should see Him because we are submitted to doing His will-- not our own-- and because they see His character reflected in us. 

Do you want the will of God in your life?  Are you wondering what it is?  His will is that people see Jesus in you.  Are they?  Do you sound like Him when you talk?  Are you words profanity, hateful, unforgiving, complaining?  Do you treat others like He would treat them?  Do you show respect of persons?  Do you look down your nose at some people?  Do you gossip about others?  Are you walking like He walked?  Are you walking in forgiveness, showing mercy, being patient with others, loving the unlovable?  Does anything in your life look like Jesus?  If not, you are not in His will.

Have a great day.  God's primary will for your life is that you be saved.  After you are saved, His primary will is that you be conformed to the image of His Son Jesus.     
 

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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
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"Right And Wrong Side"

"Simon Peter saith unto them, I go a fishing. They say unto him, We also go with thee. They went forth, and entered into a ship immediately; and that night they caught nothing.  Then Jesus saith unto them, Children, have ye any meat? They answered him, No.  And he said unto them, Cast the net on the right side of the ship, and ye shall find. They cast therefore, and now they were not able to draw it for the multitude of fishes."  John 21:3,5,6

There is a right side and there is a wrong side.  There is one side and there is the other side.  The disciples were fishing from one side of the boat-- the wrong side.  Jesus told them to put their nets on the other side-- the right side.  Once they did, they caught more fish then they could pull up in their nets. 

When things aren't "prospering" in our lives, when we aren't being "successful", when what we are doing isn't being "fruitful", it is often because we are on the "wrong side".  We are on the wrong side because we are doing things according to our own decisions.  We chose to do it one way based on our personal desires, our knowledge, our education, the influence of others, because it's the way we have always done it, because we are leaning to our own understanding, because it worked for someone else or because it worked for us in the past.

It wasn't until the disciples followed the instructions of Jesus and did it His way-- the right way-- that they began to catch fish.  Whatever it is that you are putting your hands to do, whatever ministry, whatever business, whatever relationship, whatever project, don't just go out there and make your own decisions about the matter.  Don't lean to your own understanding.  Acknowledge the Lord in it.  Let Him guide you.  Let Him give you direction.  Let Him tell you "which side" is the "right side". 

Have a great day.  There is a right side and a wrong side.  The Lord's side and His way is the only right one.  Seek Him to find out which one is His side. 

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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
Email:  mastersbusiness@bellsouth.net

Visit us on the web: 

www.mastersbusiness.org

 

"Winning Over The Wicked"

"The bands of the wicked have robbed me: but I have not forgotten thy law."  Psalm 119:61

There are always going to be wicked people who are out to "get you".  They will rob you, they will do you bodily harm, they will try to take advantage of you, they will be jealous of you, they will try to destroy you, they will lie about you, cheat on you, use you and abuse you.  They don't care about you, they only care about themselves.  That is why they have no conviction or reservation when it comes to doing you harm or taking what belongs to you.  They want what they want only and see their evil and wicked deeds as an opportunity to get it.

So what are the righteous to do?  Don't forget God's law.  That's what we do.  That doesn't make any sense, you might say.  Maybe not, to our natural man or to the world, but God's word is our only hope.  His word will get us through the difficulties of life.  His word will give us strength, hope and peace when it seems like the wicked are prevailing and we are under attack.  It will give us wisdom and guidance on how to handle ourselves, not like the world does or thinks we should, but in a way that is pleasing to and honors God. 

I am not going to have to stand before wicked men when I reach the end of this life and step into eternity.  I may have to face them here and now while on earth, but then I won't.  The One I will face is the Lord Jesus Christ and God The Father.  When I face them, I want my life to be such that they are well pleased that I conducted myself and handled the trials, problems and temptations that I had to endure the way they "prescribed" for me to handle them.  I want to hear them say, about everything I did, "Well done."  Keeping His word in focus and practice during the times when the wicked try to destroy me will cause Him to say just that.

Have a great day.  Wicked people will always be out to destroy us, but holding on to God's Word and applying it in those times will cause us to be the ones who win in the long run.
  

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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
Email:  mastersbusiness@bellsouth.net

Visit us on the web: 

www.mastersbusiness.org

"Knowing God's Ways"

"He made known his ways unto Moses, his acts unto the children of Israel."  Psalm 103:7

The children of Israel saw the acts of God-- the parting of the Red Sea, the pouring out of the plagues on Egypt, water from a rock, etc.  They only saw what He did, but Moses knew His ways-- he knew why God did what He did, he knew God's heart and reason behind His works and acts. 

Throughout the Bible it is recorded that God often revealed what He was going to do and why He was doing it to His servants.  He took them into His "confidence".  What He did then, He still does today.  He will do the same for you and for me.  So, which would you rather be?  Like the Israelites or like Moses?

If you are one of those who want to know God's ways, I see three things from the life of Moses that help you to reach that goal. 

1)  "And the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a flame of fire out of the midst of a bush: and he looked, and, behold, the bush burned with fire, and the bush was not consumed.  And Moses said, I will now turn aside, and see this great sight, why the bush is not burnt.  And when the Lord saw that he turned aside to see, God called unto him out of the midst of the bush, and said, Moses, Moses. And he said, Here am I." (Exodus 3:2-4)  Moses turned aside to see the bush that was on fire.  We have to "turn aside" from the cares of life, from the distractions, from the things of the world and turn toward God to "see" and "hear" what He is doing.  This doesn't happen automatically.  You have to make a deliberate choice to do so. 

2)  "And the Lord said unto him, What is that in thine hand? And he said, A rod.  And he said, Cast it on the ground."  (Exodus 4:2,3a)  What is in your hand?  Surrender it to God.  Surrender your talents, your agenda, your plans, your own desires, your will, yourself, etc.  Give whatever you have in your hand (in your possession) to God and let Him use it according to His will.

3)  "And Moses went up unto God, and the Lord called unto him out of the mountain." (Exodus 19:3a)  God told Moses to "come up the mountain".  He told him to bring with him two more tablets of stone.  And He told him to come up the next morning.  We see two things here that Moses had to do, actually three.  Moses obeyed God even though none of these were an easy task.  Moses also answered God's call to come up higher.  Moses had to persevere.  He couldn't stop short.  He had to keep on going until he reached the place God called him to.   

Let me recap and sum it all up.  If we want to be people who know God's ways instead of just His acts, here are three things from the life of Moses, the one who knew God's ways, that we can learn from:

1)  Make the choice to turn toward God and seek Him, and away from the world.
2)  Surrender everything you have to God.
3)  Be obedient to what He tells you to do, even though it may cost you.  Persevere and don't quit.  Go up higher until you reach that desired place.  You can't stay in the "low places" and expect to reach it.   

Have a great day.  Do you want to be a person who only sees what God does?  Or a person who knows God's heart and why He is doing what He does?   

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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
Email:  mastersbusiness@bellsouth.net

Visit us on the web: 

www.mastersbusiness.org
 

"Unexpected Season"

"To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven."  Ecclesiastes 3:1

Today is the beginning of the Fall/Autumn season.  Another season is behind us and a new one begins.  The changing of the seasons are marked by specific dates on a calendar.  But seasons are not only and always in reference to times of the year. 

We go through "spiritual" seasons in our lives that are not marked on the calendar and often come to us unaware.  When I looked on the calendar, I knew in advance when- the exact day- that Fall would begin.  But these "spiritual" seasons don't always announce that they are coming.  We find ourselves in them without warning or prior knowledge.

You may be in a "season" that came upon you unexpectedly.  You may be facing a season of heartache, grief, pain, suffering, trial, problems, tribulation, dire need, or overwhelming circumstances, but let me reassure you that while it took you unaware and by surprise, it hasn't taken the Lord by surprise.  You didn't see it coming, but He did.  He saw it before you did.  He saw it before you got to it-- or it got to you.  He saw it ahead of time.  Be encouraged in this, because He saw it, He has made provision for it.  That provision may not be deliverance out of it, but He has made provision to give you everything you need to make it through it.  He has given you His promise to be with you, to walk with you, to guide you, to help you navigate through it, to give you His grace, His strength and His peace to make it through until the next season comes.

Have a great day.  When a new season starts in the earth, we already know it because it is on the calendar.  Spiritual seasons don't have a calendar, we can't pinpoint the date they will start.  But God can and because He can He has already given you everything you need to make it through that season.   

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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
Email:  mastersbusiness@bellsouth.net

Visit us on the web: 

www.mastersbusiness.org   

"Out Of Reach"

"Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us."  Hebrews 12:1

We are told to "lay aside" those weights and sins that would easily beset us-- that would pull us down, keep us in bondage or cause us to sin.  You may say, "I do that but it keeps coming back.  I keep falling into it."  Perhaps it is because you aren't laying it far enough away.  Most of us will "lay it aside" but we lay it where it is still within arms reach so we can grab it anytime we want.

For example, if you have a problem with adultery, just refraining from calling the person you are having the affair with is not enough.  It is still within arm's reach if you have not deleted their number from your contact list.  If you have a problem with overeating sweets.  It isn't enough to just not buy them, but you need to go clean out the cabinet where you have the brownies hidden.  If you are trying to "lay aside" anything that is a bondage to you, but you are keeping it where it is accessible, then you are not laying it aside.

Another way we lay it aside out of arm's reach is by renewing our minds.  If we keep it near us mentally, we will eventually pick it up.  Continuing to think about it keeps it close to you.  You will never get it far enough away to keep from picking it up as long as you are thinking about it, entertaining thoughts about it or dwelling on it. 

So, you say you have laid it aside, but have you laid it far enough away?  Or is it still close enough to be able to go to it any time?  Is it close to you through your thoughts?

Have a great day.  You have to lay besetting sins out of reach or you will keep picking them up.  

For further reading:
Romans 12:2; 13:14

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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
Email:  mastersbusiness@bellsouth.net

Visit us on the web: 

www.mastersbusiness.org 

"Thou Art Worthy"

"Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created."  Revelation 4:11

The verse above says that the Lord is worthy to receive glory and honor and power.  It didn't say He was worthy to receive glory only when He answers our prayers in the way we wanted them answered.  It doesn't say He is worthy only when things are going well for us.  It didn't say that He is worthy when we have lots and plenty to spare only.  It doesn't say that He is worthy in just the times that He has come through for us with some deliverance, healing or need that He has met.  What it says is "He is worthy"-- period.

He is worthy of all the glory and honor and power whether He ever answers another prayer for you; whether He blessed you ever again; whether He meets and supplies one more need you have.  He is worthy of all the glory and honor, not just when He does something on your behalf. 

He was worthy before He answered the first prayer you prayed.  He was worthy before He saved your soul.  He was worthy before He delivered you from your problems, issues and addictions.  He always has been worthy of all honor because He is God.  He always has been and always will be whether you think He is or not; whether you say He is or not; even if your opinion, your feelings, your emotions, or your disappointments say otherwise.  He is worthy just because He is God.

Have a great day.  The Lord is worthy of all glory and honor and power not because of what He has done, but because of who He is.  

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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
Email:  mastersbusiness@bellsouth.net

Visit us on the web: 

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"Looking In The Wrong Place"

"Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith..."  Hebrews 12:2a

If you are looking to people to affirm you then you are looking in the wrong place.  If you are looking to people to make you happy, again you are looking in the wrong place.  If you are looking to others to make you feel valued, loved, fulfilled and important, you are still looking in the wrong place.  If you are looking to man to solve your problems, deliver you, save you, meet all your needs, you are not looking in the right place.  If you are expecting them to give you peace of mind and peace of heart and come to your rescue and heal the inner hidden places in you, you are still looking in the wrong place.

People can "help" but they cannot solve.  They are just as weak, just as frail, just as lost, just as needy, just as messed up as we are and in need themselves.  We are all in need of someone bigger than ourselves to give us what we need.  We need someone wiser, stronger, more powerful, more loving, more compassionate than we are.  That someone would be Jesus. 

There is nothing wrong with reaching out to people.  But if you are putting your faith in them to give you what you need, you are misguided and looking in the wrong place.  Jesus is the true source of all that we need. 

Are you seeking out people, but forgetting Him?  Are you looking to others, but not to Him?  Are you depending on some person to give you what you need, but are leaving Jesus out of the picture?  Then you will never find the thing you are searching for and the answer you need because He is the answer.

Have a great day.  If you are depending on people to give you what you need you are looking in the wrong place.     

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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
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Visit us on the web: 

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"Step Of Faith- Part 2"

"And he said unto them, Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith?"  Mark 4:40

Yesterday I made the statement that any step we make toward God is a step of faith.  I thought more about this and remembered that when the disciples were in the boat and a terrible storm came up on the sea they made a step toward Jesus and woke Him up for His help to keep from drowning.  He certainly didn't say that they had faith.  On the contrary, He said they had "no faith". 

 

So, if any step we make toward Him is a step of faith, why wasn't the step they made considered faith?  First, they didn't go to Him in faith.  They went to Him with accusations-- "they awake him, and say unto him, Master, carest thou not that we perish?"  Secondly, they had no faith because He had already given them clear instructions, what they were to do and what the outcome would be-- "he saith unto them, Let us pass over unto the other side."  They did not believe Him.  

 

The difference between faith or no faith when we go to Him is this:  if we are going to Him for His help with a weakness, a besetting sin we can't seem to conquer, an issue that we are struggling with, a discipline that we are wrestling with or needing wisdom and instruction in an area, then we are acknowledging His ability and our inability.  We are acknowledging that He is able but we aren't.  We are saying that we are totally dependent upon Him.  We are showing that we need and trust Him.  That is faith.

 

If, on the other hand, we are going to Him with accusations, we are not really asking for His help.  We are saying that He is untrustworthy and unfaithful.  Also, it is lack of faith when He has clearly spoken to you and you don't believe what He said.  The disciples didn't believe that they were going to the other side safely even through He had told them they were.  That is lack of or no faith.   

 

When we go to the Lord acknowledging that we need Him and can't do it on our own, that is a step of faith.  When He has already spoken to us and we go to Him not believing what He said, that is not a step of faith. 

 

Have a great day.  Is the step you are making toward the Lord one of faith or not?

 

For further reading:

Mark 4:35-41

 

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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
Email:  mastersbusiness@bellsouth.net

Visit us on the web: 

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"Step Of Faith"

"Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.'  2 Corinthians 12:10

When I became a Christian, I came in during the "faith movement".  You didn't confess anything negative or anything that wasn't the Word of God.  You only spoke good and positive things.  You certainly didn't confess any weakness you had.  I thought I was suppose to be "God's woman of faith and power" all the time.  I couldn't confess any weakness even to God because that was a "lack of faith".  I would like to address this subject this morning.

I now have changed the way I think about some of this.  I don't believe it shows a lack of faith to confess your weakness.  On the contrary, it is more of an act of faith to do so.  True enough the Bible says a lot about the words of our mouth, and we must guard them and watch what comes out of them.  But that doesn't include going to God for help with an area or issue that you are struggling in. 

What is faith?  Faith is simply to trust in God.  Any time I make a step toward Him, whether it is to confess a weakness in my life and ask for His help; whether it is to ask Him for clarity because I don't understand something; whether it is to cry out to Him about a problem; even if it is to ask Him again concerning something I have already asked Him about, it does not necessarily mean that I don't have faith.  I am acknowledging my dependency on Him.  He remembers my frame and knows that I am dust.  He is more pleased when we come to Him for help in weakness than when we stay away because of condemnation that this shows a lack of faith.

Don't let the enemy stop you from going to God when you are weak or need His help by accusing you of lack of faith.

Have a great day.  Any step you make toward God, for whatever reason, is a step of faith.

For further reading:
Psalm 103:13

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

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

"War Room Plus"

"But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly."  Matthew 6:6

Several weeks ago I watched the movie "War Room".  It convicted, edified and challenged me in my prayer life.  The "War Room" was the "prayer closet".  In prayer is where we do battle against the enemy.  It is where we receive strategies to overcome the wiles of the wicked one.  It is where we receive strength to fight.  It is where victories are won.  But this morning I want to take the "war room/prayer closet" a step further. 

Prayer is one of the most important spiritual disciplines.  It is our communication with the Lord.  It is the most preached about but the least practiced-- it's no wonder we are so weak and not as effective in our world as we should be.  When I first surrendered my life to the Lord, I was told to do three things daily-- read my Bible, go to church and pray.  That's how imperative it is in the life of a believer. 

Your prayer closet should be just that-- a place of prayer.  You should have a place where you meet with God.  But taking the "war room/prayer closet" a step further, it should also be a place of praise.  Your closet should be a place where you honor God through praise for the answers He gave you while you were in that closet.  Praise itself is a powerful weapon.  It should not be neglected along with your petitioning.  Our "war rooms" should be places of both-- a place where battles are fought and a place where we praise Him for the victories He gave us on that same battlefield.

Have a great day.  Our "war rooms/prayer closets" should be a place where we not only fight battles, but praise God for the answers and victory. 

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

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.mastersbuisness.org

"Automatic Salvation"

"I will take the cup of salvation, and call upon the name of the Lord."  Psalm 116:13

There are many schools of thought when it comes to salvation.  Some believe that "all ways lead to God".  Some believe that you can do enough good works, religious deeds, and penance to be saved.  Some believe that because you were born in a Christian nation or to a Christian family you are saved.  Another belief says that because Jesus died on the cross you are already forgiven of your sins and are saved.  This is the one I want to address this morning.

Yes, it is true that when Jesus died on the cross, it was then that He paid for your sins.  It was there where forgiveness of sins was made available.  It was there were the atonement and complete sacrifice was made.  But just because Jesus provided forgiveness and salvation there already does not mean that it is automatically yours and mine. 

If I had a billion dollars in a bank account and said that anyone who wants it can have it if they will go get it.  If you wanted it, when would it become yours?  Never, if you did not go to the bank and claim it.  It doesn't become yours if you don't go and receive it.  Salvation is the same way.  It has been provided.  It is available.  But unless you receive it personally by faith in Jesus Christ, you will never have it.  If you confess your sins.  If you believe in your heart.  If you ask for it.  If you repent.  If you acknowledge it personally then it becomes yours--and only then.

Have a great day.  Salvation has been provided through Jesus Christ, but you don't automatically have it unless you receive it by faith.    

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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
Email:  mastersbusiness@bellsouth.net

Visit us on the web: 

 www.mastersbuisness.org

"Last Words"

"But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth."  Acts 1:8

Normally the last words that someone has spoken to us are the most important or are the ones that we tend to remember.  This is true of the last words that were spoken by our Lord Jesus.  What were His last words on earth?

Many would say it was, "It is finished".  Those were the last words at the cross but not His last words to His disciples.  He was resurrected and after His resurrection He had more to say to them, and us.  Before He was taken up into heaven to sit down at the right hand of the Father, His very last words were, "But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth."

What was He telling us?  Why were these important words?  In these words He said many things.

1)  He said that He had finished His work, but we still have a work to do.  He accomplished the Father's will while He was on earth, but we are to continue to do the Father's will.

2)  He said that our work involves the whole world-- starting at home and then being witnesses everywhere we go.   

3)  He said He was going to send the Holy Ghost to be with us, therefore, we will not be on our own in fulfilling our assignment.  He would be with us. 

4)  He said that He would empower us to be witnesses so that we could accomplish the commission He has given us. 

So, to sum it up, the last words Jesus spoke on earth were-- Your work is not finished, I still have a work for you to do.  You are to be My witnesses everywhere.  You won't be by yourself in doing it.  You will have the power of My Holy Spirit with you.

Have a great day.  Are you fulfilling His "last words"?  Do you consider them important enough to do them?

For further reading:
Acts 1:1-9

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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
Email:  mastersbusiness@bellsouth.net

Visit us on the web: 

www.mastersbuisness.org    

"Your Own"

"I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eye salve, that thou mayest see."  Revelation 3:18

In our study last night at church on the seven churches in the Book of Revelation we discovered that at Laodicea they made eye salve.  One of the commands to the church of the Laodiceans was to anoint their eyes with eye salve that they might see.  This eye salve was not the one that they made-- it was not their own.  It was the one that came from God.  Their own eye salve only met a physical condition but not a spirit one.  That is why He said they were "blind".  (verse 17)  God was saying to them that "your own eye salve won't heal your blindness".

Adam and Eve tried to cover their nakedness with their own clothing-- fig leaves.  Their own clothing wouldn't do it-- they were still naked.  God had to make clothes for them that would cover it.

Your own righteousness won't save you-- Christ Jesus' righteousness will.  Your own good works won't make you right with God-- the sacrifice and atoning work of Jesus at the cross will.  Your own wisdom will not guide you-- the wisdom from above will.  Your own understanding can't solve your problems-- acknowledging God will.  Your own strength can't deliver you, you will grow weak and tired-- God's strength is perfect and never wears out.  His strength will deliver you.    Your own course of action won't grow your ministry-- God's plan will.  He grows it by His Spirit. 

You can try to do your own thing, use your own resources, and direct your own steps, but you will still be lacking like the church of  Laodicea.  Or you will wind up with an Ishmael like Abraham and Sarah who tried to manifest the promise of God in their life with their own means, idea and plan. 

Have a great day.  Doing things your own way will not bring success.  Your way is faulty and not accomplish the anything.  Doing it God's way will. 

For further reading:
Revelation 3:14-22
Genesis 3:7,21
  
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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
Email:  mastersbusiness@bellsouth.net

Visit us on the web: 

www.mastersbuisness.org    

"The Correct Way"

"Verily I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven."  Matthew 18:18

There has been much teaching on this verse.  It has been interpreted to have more than one meaning.  The point I want to make this morning is that the Lord has given us instructions, patterns and authority in how to handle every issue that arises in our lives.  There is a correct way and there is a wrong way.

When you are faced with a situation, you can either handle it in the "spirit" or you can handle it in the "flesh".  You can handle it based on your own understanding or God's wisdom.  You can handle it in a way that seems right to you or God's way.  You can either do your own will or the Lord's will. 

There is no doubt that handling whatever we face God's way will be the right way.  Handling it our own way will only wind up making it worse.  Just ask Abraham and Sarah. 

Will handling it the way the Lord guides and instructs always mean it will turn out the way you had hoped or planned?  No, not necessarily.  The Old Testament prophets and the Apostles did it God's way instead of their own way and many of them were persecuted, martyred, thrown into prison, faced threats, and so on.  But what looked like defeat and seemed like they had done the wrong thing actually brought them inner victory.  Just look at the cross, on the outside it looked like defeat but in reality it was the greatest victory ever won for mankind.  The world says you win when you receive a trophy or prize.  The Lord says you win when you do it His way, and one day He will reward you before all of creation and give you a crown of life then.

Have a great day.  There is a right way and a wrong way to handle situations.  God's way is the right way although it might not always appear to be the right way.   

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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
Email:  mastersbusiness@bellsouth.net

Visit us on the web: 

www.mastersbuisness.org    

"Good Hearted Or God Hearted?"

"The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?"  Jeremiah 17:9

I know a lot of really good-hearted people.  They will do anything for you.  They show a lot of compassion.  They are always there when there is a problem.  They are among the first ones to help.  They will "give you the shirt of their back" or their last dollar if you need it.  But is it enough to just be good-hearted?  Especially when it comes to eternity?

A rich young ruler came to Jesus to ask a question.  He addressed Jesus as "good master".  Jesus corrected him by telling him that there is only one who is good-- God the Father.  Meaning that in man dwells no good thing.  We are not good, we are sinners with evil hearts.  That is not to say that we don't do some good things like the people I described earlier. But our hearts have to be changed and transformed from "good" to "godly".  Just because you have a "good heart" doesn't mean you have a "godly" heart. 

The Bible tells us it all goes back to the heart.  The heart has to be changed.  The belief in Jesus as Savior for salvation has to come from the heart.  We are to love the Lord God with all our heart.  It has been said that a lot of people miss heaven by "eighteen- inches"-- the distance from the head to the heart. 

Head knowledge of Jesus won't save you.  Just having a mentally positive attitude about who Jesus is won't save you.  Knowing that He is real and exist won't save you.  Believing that He created everything won't save you either.  It is with the heart that man believes unto righteousness.  When the heart believes, it will become brand new.  Then the heart will go from being just "good" to "godly" because God will give you a new heart-- a heart like His.

Have a great day.  Are you just a good-hearted person?  Or a God-hearted person?  There is a difference. 

For further reading:
Matthew 15:19
Romans 7:18; 10:10

 

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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
Email:  mastersbusiness@bellsouth.net

Visit us on the web: 

www.mastersbuisness.org  




 

"Wondrous Word"

"Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law."  Psalm 119:18

God's law/word is wonderful and wondrous.    

Sadly, most people don't see it as such.  They see it as confining, restrictive, a kill-joy, binding, opposed to them having a good time.  Therefore, they rebel against it, turn from it, condemn it, blaspheme it, reject it and mock it.  The people who have this opinion of God's word are those who want to live by their own rules and govern their own lives. 

But for those who have made the choice to surrender the Lordship of their own lives up to follow Jesus Christ, it is a source of blessings.  It is a source of comfort.  It gives protection within its safe boundaries.  It is hope for hopeless times.  It is strength during weakness.  It is help in times of trouble.  It is life, it is light, it gives direction and clarity.  They love God's Word and find peace, comfort  and joy in it.  This is why they pray, "Open my eyes, that I may see the wonderful things that are in Your word." 

The Word only becomes wondrous, wonderful and welcomed in our lives when we choose to live by it.  Have you made that choice?  Living by it may not make everything perfect in your live, but it will give you all the instruction that you need to make it through life.

Have a great day.  God's Word is wonderful and wondrous to those who make the choice to follow it.      

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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
Email:  mastersbusiness@bellsouth.net

Visit us on the web: 

www.mastersbuisness.org 
 

"Salty Flavor"

"Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men."  Matthew 5:13

As Christians we talk about being light in the world.  We learned the song as a small child.  But when Jesus told us we were the light of the world, He also told us we were the "salt of the earth".  I think we forget about that, or else our attitudes would be different.  What do I mean by that?

Salt does several things.  I want to address only a couple. 

It gives flavor to foods.  When I made mention to our attitudes, I was referring to the way you act, respond and conduct yourself, and what kind of "taste" does it leave with people.  Do you have a bad attitude?  A selfish, self-centered attitude?  A disagreeable attitude?  A mean and hatful attitude?  If so, you are leaving a "bad taste" in people's mouths.  Not only are you leaving a bad taste about yourself, but you are leaving a bad one about the Jesus you say you love and represent.  If that is the case, you have lost your salty flavor.

Salt also makes a person thirsty.  Does your life make anyone thirsty for Jesus?  Do they see Him in you in such a way where they desire to have Him in their lives also?  When a friend tells me about a new recipe they tried and how wonderful it tasted, and on top of that I see a picture of the dish, I can't wait to try it for myself.  Our lives should reflect our wonderful Jesus to the point where they see Him in our lives and hear about Him in such a way where they desire Him for themselves.  Does your life do that?  Or have you lost your salty flavor?

Have a great day.  You are the salt of the world.  Are you still salty for Jesus?  
 

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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
Email:  mastersbusiness@bellsouth.net

Visit us on the web: 

www.mastersbuisness.org