"Always Been Faithful"

"They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness."  Lamentations 3:23

I overslept this morning and now my time is so limited before I have to leave to go to the shop.  I have several things that I need to do, including writing the devotional before I go.  I was praying about what the Lord wanted to say to us this morning through it and began to feel myself get a little anxious because of the time element-- hoping He would "hurry" and give me the word.  Immediately I brought those anxious thoughts captive and reminded myself of how faithful He has been to give me a word every morning-- day in and day out, week in and week out, month in and month out, year in and year out for going on twenty years.  Each morning He has faithfully given me what to write, He is not going to stop now.

This is the word He wants me to encourage you in this morning.  He has been faithful to you in the past.  He has never failed you.  He has always been there.  He has always come through.  He has always done what He said He would do.  He has always equipped you to do whatever He called you to do.  He has been faithful!!

So why would you think He has changed now?  Why would you think He would stop being Who He is?  He is faithful.  Why would you think that He is any less or would do any less?  Bring those thoughts captive.  Don't entertain them.  Don't give them any place.  Don't dwell on them.  Don't let those thoughts assassinate God's character.  He has never let you down.  He has been there.  He is not about to start or change now.

Have a great day.  God has always been faithful.  He is not going to change now.
 <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <><
 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 

"Use It Wisely"

"This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it."  Psalm 118:24

"This is the day".  This is the only day we have-- today.  We aren't promised tomorrow, or the next day, or the next.  But we live our life like it will go on forever.  We make plans for the future or some future event without having the promise that we will see that time, but all the while acting as if we will.  There is nothing wrong with making plans for the future.  The Bible tells us to occupy until the Lord returns.  The Bible also admonishes us to follow the example of the ant who prepares for winter during the summer. 

The point is this-- since we aren't promised tomorrow and we don't know if our tomorrow will come, even though we are preparing for it, what are you doing with today? 

How will you spend today?  What will you do with today?  Will you waste it?  Will you use it on something noteworthy?  Will you use it on something temporal or eternal?  Will you use it to make sure it is well with your soul and you are right with God or will you today neglect your eternity?  Will you use it to do as you please or as God desires?  Will you use it to try and touch lives for God's Kingdom?  Will you use it to minister to those who are hurting and in need, or spend it on getting the things you want?  Will you use it to mend broken relationships or discard some?  Will you use it to nurse your own wounds or nurse the wounds of a friend?  Will you use it to praise and honor God for what you have or use it to complain and grumble about what you don't have?  Today is a precious gift.  What we do with the gift of today is up to us.  Use it wisely because it only comes once.

Have a great day.  This is the day that you have been given, what will you do with it?  How will you use it?
 

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

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 

 

"No Excuses Will Work"

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

When God calls us to do a task, has an assignment for us, gives us a command or places a call on our lives, usually the first thing we do is start giving Him excuses as to why we can't do it.  When He came to Moses and called him to lead His people out of Egyptian bondage, the first thing Moses did was start making excuses-- "I can't do it.  I stutter".

Our weaknesses become our excuses-- I am not educated enough; I am too shy; I am not popular; I am not talented and so on.  Our excuses are usually true reasons-- we do have shortcomings and inabilities.  But don't you think God already knows that?  Don't you think He already knew Moses couldn't speak well when He called him?  Sure, He did.  He already knows you can't do it when He calls you to do it, but He calls you anyway because He uses "weak and foolish things".

When He called Moses, Moses wasn't able to do what He called him to do, but God could do it.  When God calls us, we act like it is going to be us who does it.  We act like it is all going to depend on us.  We act like it is our abilities that will make it happen.  That is not true.  It is not us that does it-- it is not by might or by power but by His Spirit; it is the Spirit of your Father that speaks for you; it is the Father that does the work.  We are only vessels that He does it through.

The truth of the matter is that when God calls us to do something, we can't do it.  God knows that.  But He can do it.  And He will do it.  All He ask from us is to trust Him and obey.  Then He will do the rest.  He will do whatever needs to be done.  All Moses was was a vessel.  He didn't part the Red Sea.  He didn't turn the waters to blood.  He didn't bring the plagues on Egypt.  He didn't give manna in the wilderness or water from a rock.  God did it all.  All Moses did was yield to Him, trust Him, and obey what He told him to do.  We start making excuses because we think that we are the ones who have to "make it happen".  We don't.  We can't!  But if God calls you to do it, He can and will do it through you.

Have a great day.  God knows you can't do what He calls you to do.  But He can do it, and He will do it.  You only have to trust Him and obey what He tells you.       

For further reading:
1 Corinthians 1:26-28
Exodus 4:10
Acts 3:12,13
Zechariah 4:6

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

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

 

(A Word)

(A Word)

(As I was praying for a word from the Lord to share with you this morning in the devotional, the words below began to come to me.  I believe that He wanted to encourage us this morning by reminding us to stay faithful because He is coming again.)

Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.  In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.  And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. (John 14:1-3)

I will come again, and my return is soon. I am coming for those who are looking for my appearing.  I am coming for those who are not sleeping as others are, but are watching and praying.  I am coming for those who are prepared by having their hearts cleansed by My sacrificial blood-- the blood shed for you at the cross.  I am coming back for a those who have adorned themselves and kept themselves unspotted by the world.  Be not like the five foolish virgins, be like the wise and keep your lamps full and your wicks trimmed.  For in an hour that you think not, I will come.  When the world says, Peace, peace, then will come sudden destruction.  But look up, your redemption is drawing near. 

I am coming again, and my reward is in my hand to give to those who have remained faithful and true.  To those who have not succumb to this world's system and to those whose garments are white and unsoiled by the deceit of riches, the lusts of the flesh and the pride of life.  I am coming for those who have loved not their lives unto death.  I am coming for those who are not ashamed of my name and who have separated themselves from this present evil age. 

Be not conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you might prove what is My good and acceptable and prefect will.  In doing this you will not be deceived and allow your crown to be stolen from you.  Keep looking up, I am coming again.  I said I would, and I will.  The time of my return is at hand.  I will come and take you with me and give to you a home in the place I have prepared for you in my Father's house.  Only, guard your hearts, don't let them be overcharged by the cares of this life.  Don't let them be turned away from Me.  Keep your heart and mind fixed and stayed on Me, regardless of what you see or hear.  Things will change, evil men will get worse and worse, but I am with you and will never leave you nor forsake you, I will be with you. 

Hold fast to that which you have and let no man take your crown.  I am coming again, in an hour when you think not, so keep watching, praying, and looking up.  Keep doing what I have told you to do-- occupy until I come.  By doing so I will find you faithful.  When I return, I will take you with Me and so shall you ever be with your Lord enjoying those things which are beyond your wildest imagination.  It is real.  My words are real, they are true.  Keep watching, for lo, I come.

(May the Lord bless this word to your heart.  May you give heed and not ignore it.)  Love and blessings in Christ

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

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

"Instruction Manual"

"All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works."  2 Timothy 3:16,17

Have you ever made a purchase of some item that required assembly?  Are you one of those people who try to put it together without using the instruction manual that came with it?  A lot of people are like that.  At the end of the project they wind up having to redo it because they left out a part.  Or they had parts left over.  Many people are trying to go through life without using an "instruction manual". 

Life is difficult, period.  We don't know how to have proper relationships, how to make the right choices, how to avoid pitfalls, how to make it through the bumps in the road of life, or how to handle problems that arise.  Someone once said about parenting, "It's a shame babies don't come with instruction manuals".  The same could be said of life in general.  The fact of the matter is-- life does come with an instruction manual.  It is called the Bible. 

The Bible has the answers to every question, every difficulty, how to relate to people, how to have abundant life, what to do when life seems overwhelming, how to make the best choice, how to find peace, how to raise children, how to overcome obstacles, and how to get through each day.  But like the people who try to put an item together on their own without consulting the manual, many people won't read the Bible and seek its instructions, wisdom and guidance.

Do you seek its help daily?  Are you following its instructions?  Are you letting it navigate your steps through life?  Or are you trying to do it your own way?  Are you trying to figure it out on your own?  Are you leaning to your own understanding and wisdom?

Have a great day.  It is so much easier if your read the instruction manual.   
 
<>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< 
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

 

 

 

"Hyperbole"

"...  thy word is truth."  John 17:17

As I stepped into my office this morning to sit down and write the devotional, a word came to mind.  The word was "hyperbole".  This is not a word that is familiar to me.  I haven't heard it in years-- since I was in school.  I vaguely even remember hearing it then, much less knew what it meant.  So I decided to look it up in the dictionary.  Hyperbole--  an extravagant statement or figure of speech not intended to be taken literally; obvious and intentional exaggeration. 

I knew that this unfamiliar word came to mind for a reason.  The reason was to remind us that the Word of God is not "exaggeration or extravagant" statements.  When the Bible says that "at the name of Jesus every knee shall bow", that is truth, not exaggeration.  When it says that "all power in heaven and earth is given unto Jesus", it isn't extravagant language.  It is truth.  When the scriptures say that "no weapon formed against you shall prosper", "greater is He that is in you than he that is in the world", "I give you power to heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils"; "whatever you bind on earth is bound in heaven, whatever you loose on earth is loosed in heaven", none of these are exaggerated statements.  They are not the boastful statements of some egotistical person.  They are the Words of the True and Living God. 

The words of Jesus and God the Father that are written in the Bible are not boasting or bragging.  They are not idle words.  They are not threats.  They are not fables, fairytales or campfire stories, and they are not "hyperbole".  They are Truth.  They are to be taken literally.  They are to be believed.  They are to be practiced.  They are to be applied.  They can be trusted. 

Perhaps you think the Bible is full of exaggeration.  Perhaps you don't believe it is real.  Perhaps you think its wording was only to make the reading interesting.  Well, think again.  They are the Words of Truth from the God of heaven-- who says what He means and means what He says.  Take it that way. 

Have a great day.  God's Words are not hyperbole.

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

"The Power Of Praise"

"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

Never underestimate the power of praise!  What is one of the first things we do, or rather withhold, when we are going through a trial or difficulty?  We begin to murmur, complain, speak negatively, get fearful, anxious and withhold our praise.  Praise is the last thing we think about doing.  It is the last thing we want to do.  When we are going through a problem, we want to feel sorry for ourselves.  We want to talk about the situation. 

Who can praise at a time like this?  Who can praise God when they are in trouble?  It makes no sense.  To the natural man it doesn't-- it is foolishness.  We are not talking about praising God for the problem, we are talking about praising God in spite of it.  When we praise God in the midst of the trial, that situation will "stand at attention" and have to give way to victory because praise brings the power of God into the situation. (Psalm 22:3) 

Never underestimate the power of praise!  At midnight, while in prison bound by chains, with bleeding backs from the beaten they had suffered, Paul and Silas praised God and the earth shook and the prison doors flew open.  Discouragement gave way to praise.
 
Never underestimate the power of praise!  In the days of Jehoshaphat, king of Judah, the Ammonites and other nations rose up against Judah to destroy them.  Jehoshaphat "appointed singers unto the Lord, that should praise the beauty of holiness, as they went out before the army, and to say, Praise the Lord; for his mercy endureth for ever.  And when they began to sing and to praise, the Lord set ambushments against the children of Ammon, Moab, and mount Seir, which were come against Judah; and they were smitten." (2 Chronicles 20:21,22)  Praise brought victory. 

It may be foolish to you to offer up praise to the Lord when you are going through trials and difficulties.  That is why it is called a "sacrifice of praise".  But that is exactly what you need to do.  You have tried everything else.  You have tried to manipulate your way past it.  You have tried to bully your way through it.  You have tried to believe hard enough to see it change.  You have quoted every scripture you know over it.  You have exhausted all your resources.  Well, why don't you try praising your way through it.  Praise is powerful.  It may not always change your situation, and then again it might, but it will definitely make a change in you and you will be victorious even going through the trial.  

Have a great day.  Never underestimate the power of praise!   

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

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

"Thy Will Be Done?"

"After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.  Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven."  Matthew 6:9,10

When Jesus gave us the Lord's prayer, it was a model by which we would know how to pray.  He didn't intend for it to be a ritual prayer.  He didn't intend for it to be a prayer to "sooth our conscience"-- meaning that it wasn't intended to make us feel like we had done our religious duty that day if we prayed it.  He didn't intend for it to be something we could recite when we need something spiritually encouraging.  He didn't intend for it to be some "mindless" memorization that would give us "brownie points" because we could quote it.

His intention was so that His disciples-- us included-- would take its words to heart and make them have meaning and application in our lives.  So, when He said to pray, "Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done", He intended it to be sincere words that came from a heart of love and devotion that truly wanted the Father's will to be done in the earth, in heaven and in their lives. 

We have gotten away from His intention.  We have changed the "wording" up.  We have changed it to fit our own fleshly and self-centered desires, instead of His original intent.  Our prayer has become, "Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done when it is convenient for me; when it fits into my plans; when it doesn't interfere with my agenda; when I can get around to doing it; when it doesn't impose itself on me; when my schedule can accommodate it."

Is this the way you pray?  Is this become your model-- your will over His will?  Or do you earnestly and sincerely pray for His will no matter the cost, the inconvenience or the adjustments that you have to make in order for His will to be fulfilled?

Have a great day.  Is the Lord's Prayer your true desire?    

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

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

   

"Living Uninterrupted"

"What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?"  1 Corinthians 6:19

We like to live life on our own terms.  We have our own way of doing things and don't want anything to interfere with it.  We have our own schedule and don't want anything messing it up.  We have our own agenda and don't want anything to get in the way of it.  We have plans and tend to get bent out of shape when something disrupts them.  Our motto should be:  Don't interrupt me.

Does this describe you?  I have to be honest and say that it does me.  I may have my day planned out and the next thing I know it has been completely interrupted by unexpected situations that arise, phone calls, someone needing my assistance, something mechanical tears up and needs my attention or I am pulled away by something beyond my control.  (This actually happens a lot-- daily.)

Our lives are not nice, neat little packages to be lived by our own dictates and terms.  Life is often full of interruptions.  I can't help but believe that sometimes those interruptions are allowed by God to get us refocused off of self. 

When interruptions come and they send me in a different direction than I had planned, I have to remind myself that my steps are ordered by the Lord.  My life is surrendered to Him which means it is to be lived for Him and His plans, not my own.  Therefore, what will I do with the interruptions?  Will I let them make me angry, frustrated or annoyed?  Or will I let them show me how self-centered and selfish my life really is?  Will I let them show me the truth about just how flexible, or unmovable, in my own will and own terms I am?  Will I let them teach me how to be more yielded to the will of the Lord, should He decide to change my agenda and schedule today? 

Have a great day.  Are you living life on your own terms?             
 

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

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

 

"Is Your Name In The Book?"

"And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire."  Revelation 20:14

When all is said and done, when this life is over, when the end of the world as we know it has come, there is only one thing that is going to matter.  Is your name in the Book of Life?

We will all stand one day before the Lord God, the Creator of heaven and earth, the Eternal King and Almighty God, and He will open the Book of Life and see if your name is in it.  That will be the one thing He is looking for.  That will be your only defense.  It will be your only hope at that moment. 

Is your name there?  Again, that will be all that matters on that day.  It won't matter how often you went to church or whether you were a member of a church.  It won't matter if you sang in the choir, taught a Sunday School class, gave offerings to missionaries or even pastored a church.  It won't matter how much money you made, how popular you were, what type of education you had, how many degrees you had before or behind your name.  It won't matter if you were the ruler of a nation, an Emmy Award winner, produced million dollar movies, or were the most famous person in the world.  It won't matter how good you were.  It won't matter that you never cheated anyone or on anyone.  It won't matter how talented you were.  It won't matter that you were a hero and saved lives, or feed the hungry, or clothed the naked, or ministered to the poor.  It won't matter that you rallied for a cause, protected the environment or fought for human rights.  None of this will matter on that day.  The Lord will be looking for one thing, and one thing only--- is your name in the Book of Life!

If it isn't there then, it will be too late.  You will be cast into the lake of fire to burn, but not burn up, forever and ever.  If it is not there now, it can be.  While you are still alive, you still have a chance to get it there.  Turn to the Lord Jesus Christ in repentance of your sins.  Acknowledge His saving grace that came through His death on the cross and follow Him from this day forth.  Then when you stand before the Lord He will find your name, and instead of being cast into the lake of fire forever you will hear Him say, "Well done, good and faithful servant; enter thou into the joy of thy lord.  Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world."  (Matthew 25:23,34)

Have a great day.  The only thing that matters is if your name is written in the Lamb's Book of Life.  Is it?
 

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

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

 

"How God Sees You"

"Therefore hath the Lord recompensed me according to my righteousness, according to the cleanness of my hands in his eyesight."  Psalm 18:24

"In His eyesight".  It is about how God sees us.  It is not about how we see ourselves.  It is not about how others see us.  Others saw Gideon as a coward, but God saw him as a mighty man of valor.  Others saw Mary as just a young girl, but God saw her as a highly favored vessel to bear His Son.  Others saw Jacob as a deceiver, but God saw him as a prince.  Joseph's family saw him as a dreamer, but God saw him as a savior of His people.  Some saw Moses as a murderer with a speech problem, but God saw him as a leader.  Christians in the early church saw Saul/Paul as a persecutor, but God saw him as a fit vessel to carry the gospel to the world.

People may see you as worthless-- you may see yourself as worthless.  Some may see you as never amounting to anything.  Some may see you as just another fanatic.  Some may see you as an ordinary housewife.  Some may see you as too young to do anything for God.  Let me repeat myself-- it is about how God sees us.

God has a plan for each and everyone of us.  His plan is not necessarily your plan or someone else's plan for you.  Regardless of how you see yourself, God works with you-- if you'll let Him-- to make you into the person He desires you to be and desires to fulfill His plan through. 

What others saw about each one of the people that were mentioned above was correct in the natural sense and from all physical appearances.  But God sees things differently.  He sees us from His perspective.  He sees us as we shall be.  He sees the finished product of a man or woman, boy or girl, who will surrender themselves to His plan.  He sees us through the righteousness of His own Son.  What He sees, and says, about us/you is more correct than what you or anyone else does. 

Have a great day.  It is about how God sees you that is important. 

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

"Living For Self"

"And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again."  2 Corinthians 5:15

 "That they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves."  Do you profess to be a Christian?  Then who are you living for?  Are you living your life for the Lord?  Are you living it for your own self?  They say, "The proof is in the pudding."  The proof of your profession-- whether it is true or not-- is in the way you live your life.  Or better yet, who you live your life for.

Christianity is about living for and to the Lord and dying to self.  It is about being a "living sacrifice".  Jesus' message was "follow Me".  Not "follow self".  It wasn't follow your own lusts, desires, plans, rules and wishes.  It was follow His life, His will, His leading, His guidance and His plan. 

"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)  This verse pretty much sums it up.  It is Christ who is living in and through us.  Our lives are to be dead to self and alive in Him.  It is His life that is to be reflected in us.  If not, our profession is not only false, but an injustice to who He is and a hindrance to others.  No wonder people are so confused about Christianity-- they hear one thing and see another.      

So, what are you saying and what are you doing?  Does your life line up with your profession?  Are you dead or alive to self?  Are you letting Him live through you?  Don't you know that you are a temple-- a vessel that He lives and dwells in?  Is He truly living there?  Is it evident that He is living there because He is the One who is being seen?

Have a great day.  Are you living for the Lord or self?  Are you dead to self and alive to Him?

For further reading:
Matthew 16:24
Romans 12:1
1 Corinthians 6:19

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

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

"It Is Not About The Wheel"

"Hath not the potter power over the clay, of the same lump to make one vessel unto honour, and another unto dishonour?"  Romans 9:21

The other evening my pastor preached on being clay on the potter's wheel.  He made a statement that has given me a new understanding of the whole process of being on the potter's wheel.  He said, "It is not about the wheel.  It is about the clay." 

What is the wheel?  The wheel is the circumstances, difficulties, trials and problems that we go through.  I thought about the life of Joseph.  His "wheel" was the pit, then it was Potiphar's house, next it was the prison.  But what Joseph was going through was not about the "wheel"-- it wasn't about his trials.  It was about him-- the clay. 

What he faced, the hardships he endured, the betrayal and hatred of his brothers, the imprisonment, slavery, false accusations, were all just the means/wheel to shape him into the vessel he needed to be in order to fulfill God's divine plan for his life. 

The situations he encountered prepared and transformed him into who he needed to be in order to fulfill his destiny.  Without the "wheel" when he came to the palace, he would have been "unfit" to fulfill that role.  Without the shaping, molding and making he went through on the wheel, he would have taken revenge on his brothers when they came to him for help.  He would have been lifted up with pride because the dreams of the wheat, sun and moon bowing down before him was manifested.  He wouldn't have had the wisdom he needed to put the grain aside.  And so on.

I don't know what you might be going through.  Whatever it is, it is a potter's wheel.  Resist the temptation to focus on the "wheel".  Resist the temptation to be consumed, discouraged and anxious about the wheel.  It is not about the wheel.  It is about the clay.  The clay is you.  It is about God making you and transforming you through your situation into the vessel that He has destined you to be.  Clay is not shaped into a vessel until it goes on the potter's wheel.  We don't become a vessel until we go on the potter's wheel either.  It is there that the graces, Fruit of the Spirit and Christ-like character is produced.

Have a great day.  It is not about the potter's wheel, it is about the transformation of the clay into a fit vessel.     

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

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

 

"Love To Tell The Story"

"How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?"  Romans 10:14

As soon as my eyes opened this morning, I began hearing an old hymn playing over and over in my thoughts.  The words were-- "I love to tell the story, will be my theme in glory.  To tell the old, old story, of Jesus and His love."

What do you love to talk about?  We talk about all sorts of things-- the weather, politics, the latest fashions, popular movies, other people, etc.  But do we talk about Jesus and His great love? 

When I first surrendered my life to Jesus, and He became my Savior and Lord, I couldn't wait to tell people about what He had done for me.  I wanted everyone to know.  I wanted to share His love and the story of salvation.  I woke up in the morning praying to be able to tell someone that day about Him and invite them to make Him their Savior.

What has happened to us?  Why aren't we telling it?  Why aren't we sharing this good news?  Why is it the least thing we talk about as Christians?  I dare say that the reason we see people's lives in such a mess-- inside the church and out-- is because we have stopped telling people about Jesus' love and message of salvation.  When was the last time you heard someone say, "Jesus, loves you."?  When was the last time you told someone that He loves them? 

When we don't tell, we are withholding hope from people.  When we don't tell, we are keeping from them the way to eternal life.  As the scripture above says, how will they hear if someone doesn't tell them.  We might say that they hear it in church.  When was the last time you heard a message in church about the saving love of Jesus?  We preach about everything else most times but that.  Besides not everyone goes to church.  Jesus left us with a commission to fulfill.  If we aren't telling people the "old, old story, of Jesus and His love", then we aren't fulfilling it.

Have a great day.  Do you love to tell the story about Jesus and His love?

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

"Unbound From Deception"

"The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me; because the Lord hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound."  Isaiah 61:1

When the disciples asked Jesus about what the sign of His coming would be, He answered them, "Take heed that no man deceive you.  For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many." (Matthew 24:4,5)  The first sign He told them to be on guard for was deception, namely spiritual deception.  If there ever was a time that there is much spiritual deception it is now.

There are so many religions in the world.  There are so many teachings, each believing that theirs is the true one.  Religious deception is so prevalent in the world.  So, how do we know the truth?  How do we keep from falling prey to deception?  How do we keep from being deceived?  You do that by two ways. 

First-- "And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." (John 8:32)  "Thy word is truth." (John 17:17)  Knowing God's Word will keep you from deception.  His Word is Truth.  Hiding it in your heart, referring to it daily, living by it, walking in it, comparing what you hear, see and feel to it will keep you from deception.

Secondly-- Pray that you won't be bound by deception.  Pray that you won't fall for the deception, lies, false teachings, cleverly disguised tricks of the enemy, wolves in sheep clothing, the smooth and deceptive words of angels of light, and anything else that exalts itself against the knowledge of God.  

Jesus came and gave us the truth.  He spoke only the truth.  He was, and still is, The Truth.  He not only told us the truth but opened the prison door to free us from deception.  He provided the way out of the prison of spiritual deception.  He set us free from the bondage of deception.  We don't have to be bound any longer by the lies and deception of the enemy... that prison door has been opened. 

Have a great day.  We don't have to be deceived by the enemy.  Jesus opened the prison door of deception and set us free.    
 
 <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< 

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: Â mastersbusiness@bellsouth.net

Visit us on the web: 

www.mastersbusiness.org  

 

"Eternal Crown"

"And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible."  1 Corinthians 9:25

Many of you know that the ministry operates a thrift store.  Everything in the store has been donated.  Among the donations are several trophies.  We've all seen trophies, Super Bowl rings and medals for sale at various second hand stores or pawn shops. 

These items were all the result of someone's time, money, hard work and discipline, yet now they are discarded and thrown away.  All that last is a memory. 

The Bible says that there is a crown that is laid up for those who put their faith and trust in the Lord Jesus Christ.  Like the "crowns" that are obtained here, this crown also requires something of us in order to receive them.  They require acceptance of the One who will give it to you-- Jesus Christ.  They require discipline-- you can't give up in this race through life and expect to receive it.  They require time--  minute by minute, hour by hour, day in and day out we must continue to live by faith.  They require perseverance-- you must keep following Jesus to the end. 

Unlike the "crowns" of men, these crowns are given to us, we don't earn them.  They come to us freely as we put our faith in Jesus as Savior and Lord.  These crowns that we will receive are not temporary, they are eternal.  They are more precious that these earthly ones-- we won't be "pawning or donating" them.  These crowns won't be ours to keep-- we don't deserve them.  They will be given back to Jesus, freely and gladly, by us because we know that He alone is the only One worthy to wear any crown.

Do you know that you will have a crown of life?  Are you looking forward to being presented it one day?  Are you looking forward to giving it back to Jesus?

Have a great day.  Strive to receive an eternal crown.    

For further reading:
2 Timothy 4:8

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

Coffee Break is a morning devotional written by Lorraine Ezell

and is sent to you free of charge for the asking from

About the Master's Business Ministry, Inc.

Please feel free to

call (601) 833-5278 or
Email:  mastersbusiness@bellsouth.net

Visit us on the web: 

www.mastersbusiness.org  

"Numerous Promises"

"For the Lord God is a sun and shield: the Lord will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly."  Psalm 84:11

There is an old hymn entitled, "Count Your Blessings".  One line says, "Count your many blessings, see what God has done."  There is no way we can count all the blessings that the Lord daily loads us with.  Neither is there any way we can count all the promises that He has made to us.  The verse above alone has at lease five promises in it.

He promises to be a sun to us-- bright and shining, illuminating our path before us.  He promises to be a shield to us-- protection, safety and a covering.  He promises to give us grace-- His favor wrapped around us.  He also promises glory-- abundance, honor and riches.  He promises not to withhold any good thing from us as we walk uprightly before Him.

The Lord's promises are innumerable and He makes them to those who follow Him.  We can trust His promises.  He is not like a man who lies.  He is faithful as promised.  Begin to search out His promises.  Hide them in your heart.  Trust Him and stand upon His unfailing promises.

Have a great day.  The Lord's promises are numerous.  Claim them.  He is faithful to keep them. 

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

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 

"Victors Through Christ"

"O sing unto the Lord a new song; for he hath done marvellous things: his right hand, and his holy arm, hath gotten him the victory."  Psalm 98:1

I woke up this morning with a chorus repeating over and over in my thoughts.  "Hallelujah, You have won the victory.  Hallelujah, You have won it all for me." 

At the cross Jesus won the victory over death, hell and the grave.  But He didn't win it for His own self, He didn't need it.  He won it on our behalf.  We were the ones who were defeated by sin in every area.  We were the ones who were under a death sentence.  We were the ones who were a prisoner to sin.  We now have victory over the sin that had us bound and had condemned us to eternal death.  We now have victory over the devil.  We now have victory over temptation.  We now have victory over the flesh.  We now have victory over every besetting sin.  We have this victory all because of Jesus.

Are you walking in that victory?  Are you walking as a victor or as one who is defeated?  Through Christ we more than conquerors.  We have power through Him over all the powers of the enemy.  We can walk in peace, freedom and joy.  We aren't defeated any longer.  We are victorious because He was victorious.

Have a great day.  We need to stop walking like we are defeated and walk like victors through Jesus Christ.   

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

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

"Knowledge Or Truth?"

"Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth."  2 Timothy 3:7

This verse is certainly true of the time in which we live.  Many people who call themselves Christians do so because of the "knowledge" that they have.  But this knowledge is not necessarily "truth". 

Their knowledge says to them that they are a Christian because they go to church.  Or because they do religious works and deeds-- like giving offerings, holding a position in church, attend Bible study, etc.  Their knowledge says that they are a "good" person-- they don't cheat, drink, lie, cuss or engage in any other moral vice-- so that makes them a Christian.  Their knowledge says that they know who Jesus is.  But this is the difference between knowledge and truth. 

Knowledge knows about Jesus.  It knows that He was a good man.  It knows that He walked the earth and did miracles.  It knows that He had twelve disciples.  It even knows that He was God, He came to earth, He was beaten, He died on a cross and He rose again the third day.

Truth, on the other hand, knows that knowledge about Him is not the same as a personal relationship with Him.  That is the truth that makes us truly Christians.  Truth says He died for me and my sins.  Truth says it is more than profession it is faith.  Truth says, "Follow Him, make your life a living sacrifice, mortify your flesh, take up your cross and follow Him, be led by His Spirit, obey Him and embrace His will, decrease so that He might increase in your life, be not conformed to this world but be transform, deny yourself."

Do you only have knowledge of Him?  Do you have religion but no relationship?  Do you have a form of godliness?  Do you know facts and figures about Jesus and the gospel but don't know Him in a personal intimate way and are you following His words?  Do you have head knowledge of Him?  Or does He have your heart?  

Have a great day.  There is a difference in only having knowledge and having truth?  Which do you have?

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

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