Thursday, December 31, 2015

"Be Prosperous"

"And he sought God in the days of Zechariah, who had understanding in the visions of God: and as long as he sought the Lord, God made him to prosper".  2 Chronicles 26:5

I would like to take this opportunity to wish you all a Joyous and Prosperous New Year.  When we think of the word prosperous, we think primarily in monetary terms.  There are so many more ways of being prosperous than just financially or economically.  John wrote, "Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth" (3 John 1:2)  This prosperity had to do with being successful in your journey and along the way.  This is the kind of prosperity that I wish for you throughout the coming year.

May God grant you great success in the everything you put your hands to do.  May He grant you success in fulfilling His plan for your life.  May He prosper you in that which He has called you to do.

There is a sure way to have prosperity in our lives.  It is found in the verse above.  "As long as he sought the Lord, God made him to prosper".  Prosperity comes, not as we go and do things on our own, or lean to our own understanding, or set our own course or own course of action.  It comes as we seek the Lord continually asking for His guidance, direction and wisdom.  Then it comes as we obey and follow His direction and instructions.  So again, may you be prosperous in the coming new year, and you will as long as you seek the Lord in all you do.

Have a great day.  Happy New Year.  May you be prosperous throughout the coming new year.  But true prosperity comes as you seek the Lord in all your ways and allow Him to guide you.  
  

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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
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Please feel free to
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Wednesday, December 30, 2015

"Not Too Old"

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

How many times have you heard someone say, "It is too late for me.  I am too old."?  Perhaps you have said it yourself.  We tend to think that when we get older we are too old for the Lord to use us, to fulfill dreams, to be of any service or value. 

When we look through the scriptures, we see that the Lord has used many young people to do His work and accomplish His plan. He crowned Josiah to be king over Israel when he was only eight years old.  He chose a young virgin to give birth to His Son Jesus.  He used a young Timothy to pastor a church.  He anointed David to be king of Israel when he was still a young shepherd boy.  But God is not a respecter of persons.  He looks for willing hearts and yielded vessels regardless of age, gender, education, position, financial status, etc. 

God used Moses to lead His people out of Egyptian bondage at the age of eighty until he was one hundred and twenty years old.  Caleb fought a battle and took possession of a mountain that was promised to him when he was between eighty and ninety years old.  Elizabeth was old and pass the child bearing age when she gave birth to John the Baptist, the forerunner of Christ.  Sarah gave birth to the son of promise when she was around ninety years of age.  These are only a few that the Bible tells us about. 

The point this morning is this-- you are never too old for the Lord to use you to accomplish the task that He has called you to.  You are never too old to not fulfill His plan for your life.  It is never too late.  Age doesn't matter to the Lord.  He chooses young and old alike.  Stop letting the devil convince you that you are too old.  Stop letting other people intimidate you and make you think that your best days are past and you are of no use.  Stop letting society label you as too old and unable.  Don't let the weakness of your own body determine God's plan for you.  It is God's calling, it is God's plan, it is God's work, it is God's will and He can call and equip whoever He chooses to do it. 

Have a great day.  It is not too late.  You are not too old to do what God has planned for and designed you to do.     
 

<>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <><
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
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Visit us on the web:

Tuesday, December 29, 2015

"Protect Valuable Things"

"The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy..."  John 10:10a

We all decide for ourselves what is valuable and the things we treasure most.  For some it is money.  For others it is a family heirloom or some other material object.  For some a relationship, family or friends are what is most valuable.  At any rate, the things that we think are the most valuable, we aren't careless with.  We take care of them and take care to make sure they are safe and secure.  To take care of our valuable possessions we purchase safes, rent a deposit box or have a secret hiding place for them.  But what about the things that are truly valuable?  What do we do to secure them and make sure they aren't stolen from us?

I am talking about eternal things.  I am talking about the things that deal with your soul.  Those things are peace, joy, holiness, godliness, contentment, love, etc.  What are you doing to insure that the thief doesn't steal them from you?  What are you doing to insure that the circumstances and cares of this life aren't robbing them from you?  The first thing you have to do is decide just how valuable they really are to you.  If they are, then you have to decide to protect them.  That means you can't be careless or casual with them.  You have to guard them.  

How do we do that?  You can't put peace in a vault.  You can't place joy in a lock box.  No, but you can still protect it.  The way you protect them is through the Word of God.  Keep your mind renewed in God's Word.  That way when the enemy comes to steal it you will recognize him and have the weapon to fight him with.  Keep on the full armor of God.  Wear it always and the enemy will have a hard time "penetrating" through it to get to your treasure.  Keep your heart and mind fixed and stayed on spiritual things-- things above.  Stay full of the Holy Spirit, who will make you aware when the enemy is sneaking around trying to steal.  And He will give you the needed strategy to defeat him. 

The bottom line is you have to decide how truly valuable these spiritual things-- these gifts from God-- are to you.  Then you have to decide to protect them.  Then you have to do whatever it takes to make sure they are protected and not allow anything to steal them from you.

Have a great day.  Just how valuable are spiritual things in your life?  If they are, are you doing everything necessary to insure they are protected?    

<>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <><
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
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Visit us on the web:

Monday, December 28, 2015

"Use More Effort"

"Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you."  Matthew 7:7

Recently, I was doing some painting in my house.  I usually use the kind of paint that just washes off with water.  In this particular room I had to use an oil-base primer.  I think I got as much on me as I did on the walls.  When I get paint on myself, I am accustomed to just going to the bathroom and using soap and water to get the paint off.  Not in this case.  Soap and water didn't work.  It took something extra.  It took more effort on my part to get clean.  I had to use a paint thinner and "wash" in it. 

There are times, and situations, in our lives when it is going to take a little more than just simply "asking" God for an answer.  Sometimes we are going to have to go a little deeper and a little further.  We are going to have to do more than just ask.  We are going to have to seek.  Seeking involves putting forth more effort and continuing until you find the answer that is needed.  Knocking involves even more effort.  Knocking is more serious petitioning. When we knock, we are determined to stay there in prayer until the door/answer is opened.

We are so used to having everything quickly, easily and without much effort on our part.  But prayer isn't always like that.  It involves more than just the simple way.  But if the prayer is worth praying and the need is worth the answer, we need to learn to go the extra mile in prayer, take the longer path, persevere and stick with it until the answer comes.  Don't give up or quit until you have not only asked, but sought and knocked to get your answer. 

Have a great day.  Prayer is not always as simple as just asking.  Sometimes it involves more effort on our parts.   
 

<>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <><
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
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Visit us on the web:

Thursday, December 24, 2015

Merry Christmas To You

"And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn."  Luke 2:7

Our family would like to take this opportunity to wish you and yours a very Merry Christmas and a Happy and Prosperous New Year. 

May it never be said of you that there is "no room" in your heart and life for the blessed Savior.  If you have not made room for Him by inviting Him in as Savior and Lord, then what better time than now to receive the greatest gift you will ever receive... the gift of eternal life.  Jesus came to save us from our sins, give us a relationship with the Heavenly Father, give us abundant life and eternal life.  Make room for Him.  Take Him out of the manger and give Him a permanent home in your life.

Again, Merry Christmas!
Love and blessings,
The Ezell Family 

Wednesday, December 23, 2015

"Can't Help Ourselves"

"And he said, The things which are impossible with men are possible with God."  Luke 18:27

We have all heard it said, "The Lord helps those who help themselves".  This is not a scripture and it is not even true.  The truth is that the Lord helps those who can't help themselves.  This is the reason why we are celebrating Christmas.  Man was hopelessly lost because of his rebellion against God and unable to "help" himself out of his sinful lost condition.  So God helped us and offered us hope and salvation by sending His Only Begotten Son into the world to save us from our sins... because we couldn't save ourselves.

God required a sacrifice for our sins.  He is a holy God and in order to come into His presence there has to be a sacrifice.  The whole Old Testament taught us that there wasn't enough sacrifices, even offerings, even obedient acts that we could do or keep that would save us.  It taught us that it was impossible for us to "help" ourselves have a relationship with God and eternal life on our own. 

Since we couldn't "help" or "save" ourselves, God sent us a gift that would.  That gift came wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger.  It was a gift.  It was freely given.  We didn't earn it.  We didn't work for it.  We didn't deserve it.  It wasn't something He gave us as a little extra help to what we were already doing. 

A virgin (Mary) could not get pregnant on her own.  It took God intervening and opening her womb and planting the "seed" (the Savior) in there.  Neither can we save ourselves on our own.  Neither can we help ourselves and make it possible for us to be saved on our own.  It takes God.  Without Him it is impossible for us to do-- no matter how hard we try, or how much we help ourselves.

Have a great day.  We couldn't help ourselves, so God sent the gift of His Son to help us and save us.    
 

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

Tuesday, December 22, 2015

"Let Go Of Their Mistakes"

"And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise."  Luke 6:31

We all have made mistakes.  No one is perfect-- although we would like to think we are.  We have all said and done the wrong thing at some point in time.  We have all done things we wish we could change.  We have done what we thought was right at the moment then realize later it wasn't.  We have all said things that we have regretted and wished we could take our words back.  We have all thought that what we were doing was the best way only to find out it wasn't.

Having clarified that-- that none of us are perfect and we have all made mistakes-- we need to stop holding other people's mistakes over them.  We need to stop reminding them of all the things they have done wrong.  We need to stop "throwing" it up to them every chance we get.  We need to stop making them feel guilty and condemned about it.  We need to set people free from their mistakes instead of keeping them chained to them. 

How do we want others to treat us?  Do we want to be constantly reminded of our failures?  Do we want to be reminded of all the mistakes we have made?  Do we want to keep "paying" for them for the rest of our lives?  Do we want to continually be put under grief and remorse for something we did or didn't do intentionally, and cannot change now? 

I know I have made lots of mistakes.  You have too-- especially if you have ever raised children, been married, worked in the public, went to school, or are simply alive and breathing.  But I don't want to have to suffer or be made a prisoner of those mistakes for ever especially since I can't do anything now about it.  Those of you who are constantly criticizing others for the mistakes they have made, you don't want to have to suffer for the mistakes you have made either.  None of us do.  So stop doing it and treat others with all their mistakes the same way you want them to treat you and your mistakes.  Do unto others the way you would have others do unto you.

Have a great day.  Stop holding other people's mistakes over them.  You don't want them holding yours over you.   
 

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

 

Monday, December 21, 2015

"Who Accepted Who?"

"All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out".  John 6:37

When we get saved, we say that we accepted Jesus as our Savior.  It would be more correct to say that He accepted us instead.  We don't "accept" Him.  We put our faith in Him as Savior.  We come to Him in faith believing that what He did at the cross was the way for us to be saved.  "We are saved by grace through faith".  We are only saved when the Father accepts us and says that we are.

The story of the prodigal son is one that shows us the plan of salvation.  It shows a lost son who repents and goes to his father for forgiveness and restoration.  When the prodigal son finally came to himself and got up out of the pigpen, he decided to go back to his father's house and see if he would make him a servant.  The father did not make him a servant, he welcomed him back as a son.  The father could have rejected him.  The father could have made him a hired hand.  The decision was all in the father's hand.  The outcome would have been whatever the father decided.

The outcome as to our salvation is strictly in the Heavenly Father's hands.  He decides and chooses to accept or reject us.  When we come to Him in faith through His Son Jesus, we have the assurance that He will accept us.  But if we come to Him any other way-- good deeds, religious adherence, to make a show, through pride and arrogance-- He will reject us.   

So when we get saved, it is because the Father loves us so much.  It is because He sent His Son to make a way.  It is because He drew us by His Spirit to repentance.  He saved us by accepting us.  In the Old Testament they brought an offering to Him.  He either accepted or rejected their offering.  It hasn't changed.  We still bring Him an offering.  Only our offering is not a lamb, a goat or a bull.  Our offering is our faith.  So if we are saved it is because He accepted our offering-- our faith. 

Have a great day.  We aren't saved because we accepted Him, we are saved because He accepted us. 

Psalm 51:16-18; 40:6
Ephesians 2:8


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


Friday, December 18, 2015

"The Manger Was The Beginning"

"And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name Jesus". Luke 1:31

In the Book of Genesis we see the first prophecy concerning the One who would come and deliver people from the curse of sin that had come upon all mankind because of Adam's disobedience.  From that moment on the world looked for His coming.  When Eve bore Cain, she thought that surely this was the one that was prophesied about.  "And Adam knew Eve his wife; and she conceived, and bare Cain, and said, I have gotten a man from the Lord". (Genesis 4:1)  But it was not.

Thousands of years passed then one day an angel appeared to a virgin and proclaimed that she would have a Son and He would save His people from their sins.  What had been anticipated and looked forward to for all those years had finally come.  The fullness of time had come.  The long awaited one was going to arrive.  It was finally time for the prophecy to began to come to pass. 

The birth of Jesus was the beginning of the manifestation of the prophecy, not the end.  It wasn't just about a baby being born.  It was about that baby growing up and going to the cross to save us through His shed blood on that cross.  So, in your celebrating of this joyous season, don't stop at the manger, don't stay there rejoicing in the babe.  Keep moving on to the cross.  While you are at the cross rejoice that what was prophesied in Genesis has finally come and you are able to receive of its promise.    

Have a great day.  Don't stop at the manger, that was just the beginning... go on to the cross where your salvation was finished.  

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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
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Email
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Visit us on the web:

Thursday, December 17, 2015

"Move On"

"And the Lord said unto Samuel, How long wilt thou mourn for Saul, seeing I have rejected him from reigning over Israel? fill thine horn with oil, and go, I will send thee to Jesse the Bethlehemite: for I have provided me a king among his sons".  1 Samuel 16:1

It is not always easy for us to "move on".  Sometimes it is "down right hard" for us.  When we experience the death of a loved one, the break up of a relationship, the loss of some possession, the pain of an affliction, past failures and mistakes, we want to stay there in that place.  For some reason, we can't seem to move on. 

The prophet Samuel faced this same thing.  When King Saul disobeyed God and He removed the kingdom from him, Samuel mourned over it for a while.  He got "stuck" in his grief and could not move on.  One day the Lord spoke to him and told him it was time to "move on".  God had rejected Saul and was now ready for Samuel to anoint a new king in Israel.  Samuel had a choice at this point, either stay in that state or move on.

There eventually comes a point where we have to "move on".  We can't stay stuck in the situation.  We can't stay stuck in the past.  We can't stay stuck in our emotions and feelings.  We can't stay stuck in regrets and what could have or might have been.  We can't stay stuck in our own dreams and desires.  We have to move on because, like with Samuel, God is ready to do a new thing in our life.

If God is calling you out of that internal/emotional place you are stuck in it is because He is wanting to move you into a new place in your life.  You have a choice-- either stay there or move on. 

Have a great day.  Are you having a hard time moving on?  God will help you because He is wanting to bring you into a new thing. 

<>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <><
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:
 

Wednesday, December 16, 2015

"Holiday Or Christmas?"

"And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn".  Luke 2:7

There has been a concern over the past few years that has caused many to be upset.  It is the removal of the word "Christmas" during this time of year.  Instead we are told to call it "Holiday".  I am among those who don't like the fact that it is being changed.  I know their true reason behind it is to remove the Lord from every facet of life and society.  But I have been giving some thought to the subject and perhaps it is more appropriate to call it holiday instead of Christmas.  (Please hear me out.)

Over ninety percent of what we do at Christmas time has nothing to do with the true meaning-- which is the birth of Christ.  The tree, the decorations, Santa Claus, mistletoe, even many of our songs, etc. have nothing to do with the birth of Jesus.  We have "spiritualized" them to make them represent something religious, but they don't-- at least not His birth. 

The point that I am getting to is this-- for those who are not going to celebrate its true meaning, for those who are more interested in the materialistic end of their celebration, to those who put more emphasis on the commercialized part, to those who are not recognizing Jesus' birth, then they actually have it right-- it is a "holiday".  If Christ is left out all you have is another holiday to celebrate and enjoy.

For me, I will be saying, "Merry Christmas", because my focus is on the true meaning.  I will be celebrating the birth of my Savior.  I will be rejoicing in the fact that the Son of God was born in a manger to save me from my sins.  Having said that let me say this-- I do have decorations around my home, but my emphasis is on the birth of Jesus.  I could take them all down today and I would still be celebrating this blessed event.  

So, when people are calling it "holidays" instead of "Christmas", they may not be wrong, they may be calling it exactly what it is to them.  If they aren't celebrating Jesus' birth, then for them it is a holiday.  But I am celebrating His birth, so it is Christmas to me.

Have a great day.  If you are celebrating the birth of Jesus, then it is Christmas.  If you aren't, then it is just another holiday.       
 

<>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <><
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
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Visit us on the web:
 

Tuesday, December 15, 2015

"He Makes Us Babies"

"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life".  John 3:16

In the story of the birth of Jesus we see some main characters:  Mary, Joseph, shepherds, wise men.  Mary, Joseph and the shepherds were Jewish.  The wise men were Gentiles.  The shepherds were uneducated and considered outcast.  The wise men were highly educated and esteemed. 

What a beautiful picture we see of John 3:16 presented at Jesus' birth.  The announcement of His birth was given and an invitation to come see Him was given to male, female, Jew, Gentile, the least and the greatest-- all mankind. 

That invitation is still going out today.  "Come see".  "Come worship".  "Come receive".  They received a birth announcement.  We are still receiving a "birth announcement" as well.  An announcement and invitation to come to Him-- not to the baby, but to the risen Christ-- and experience our own "new birth".  "Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God". (John 3:3)  While we are celebrating His birth.  He actually came so that we could be "born"-- born again into new life, having our sins forgiven. 

Are you worshipping His birth?  Are you celebrating His coming into the world as a baby?  As you are, rejoice that this baby came to make you a "baby"-- a new born babe, a new creation, a born-again child of God.

Have a great day.  The baby Jesus came into the world for all people in order to make us all new born babes.

For further reading:
"That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.   Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again".  John 3:6,7

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

"Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new".  2 Corinthians 5:17


<>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <><
Coffee Break is a morning devotional written by Lorraine Ezell
and is sent to you free of charge for the asking from

About the Master's Business Ministry, Inc.
Please feel free to
call (601) 833-5278 or
Email
: mastersbusiness@bellsouth.net
Visit us on the web: www.mastersbusiness.org

 

Monday, December 14, 2015

"The Reward"

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

There is a reward for the righteous.  God will reward us here and now, but the greatest reward will come in eternity.  The greatest reward we will receive is to be able to stand before Him face to face and hear Him say, "Well done, My good and faithful servant.  Enter into the joy of My rest".

This reward comes to the righteous, not the sinner, not the wicked, not the self-serving, not the rebellious, not those who have turned their backs on Him.  It amazes me that many people think that they can live their lives anyway they choose and still think that "all is well" where their relationship with God is concerned.  If you are living according to the lusts of your own flesh, if you are lukewarm, if you are not following Him, if you are not being a living sacrifice, if you are not taking up your cross, if you have no love, if you are living in bitterness and unforgiveness, if you neglect prayer (unless you need Him for something), if you aren't reading His word, if you aren't letting the Holy Spirit change you, if you are still involved in what is vile, if you are living an immoral lifestyle, then you don't have a relationship with Him!!! 

Without a relationship with Him, you will not receive the reward of hearing Him say, "Well done, enter in".  Instead you will receive another "reward".  You will hear Him say, "Depart from Me, you worker of iniquity.  I don't know you". 

Which reward do you want? It is up to you.  Believe on Jesus as your Savior and repent of your sins and follow Him and you will receive the reward of everlasting life.  Or just believe in Jesus and keep living like you want to live and receive eternal damnation.

Have a great day.  God has a reward of eternal life for those that are righteous.


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

Friday, December 11, 2015

"Control Them"

"And let the peace of God rule in your hearts...".  Colossians 3:15a

We were created with a body, a soul and a spirit.  Included in the way we were created are emotions.  Sometimes those emotions are in check.  Sometimes things happen and cause our emotions to "run wild".  Sometimes the enemy of our soul attacks us in our emotions.  Emotions are not bad, they are part of our God-given makeup.  They are a good thing, when they are ruled by us.  They become a problem when we are ruled by them.

When our emotions are "running wild" and "dictating" us, God has provided a way to bring them under "control" so we can master them instead of them mastering us.  That way is God Himself.  At salvation He imparts Himself into us.  He lives and dwells within us now.  So we must constantly remind ourselves of this truth. 

Take for instance, when fear tries to dominate us, we must capture it and we must take control over that fear by reminding it (and ourselves) that the Prince of Peace is in us-- therefore, I will not fear.  When confusion tries to take control, again, the One who is peace lives in us and confusion can't rule.  No matter what emotion is trying to rule your life, the Lord in you is greater and will give you the victory over it.  He has already won the victory.  When anxiety tries to rule, He is your peace of mind.  When anger tries to take hold, He is your peace of heart.  When distress tries to take control, He is still your peace.  When grief, when depression, when sadness, self-pity or envy want to take over, Jesus is your peace.  Draw from His peace.  Draw from His strength.  Draw from His power that is alive and well in you and overcome.

Have a great day.  Our emotions try to overcome and master us.  But the Lord in us gives us the power to overcome and master them.     

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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
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Visit us on the web:
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Thursday, December 10, 2015

"It Reaches High And Low"

"But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ."  Ephesians 2:13

I was thinking about the song, "The Blood Will Never Lose Its Power".  One line says that it reaches to the highest mountain and it flows to the lowest valley.  The blood that Jesus shed at the cross for the atonement of our sins has the power to reach any and every one.  It always has the power to reach every where-- no matter where we are.

It reaches to the highest mountain.  It can reach those who are proud and think more highly of themselves than they should.  It can reach up to those who think they are better than anyone else.  It can reach those who look down on others because they think they are so good.

It reaches to the lowest valley.  It can reach those who have no strength and no might.  It can reach down to the downcast, the outcast, the forgotten and forsaken.  It can reach down to the poorest and most destitute of humanity. 

The blood was shed for all-- the high and lofty ones who don't think they need Him; the meek and humble who think they aren't worthy of Him.  It has the power to touch and transform any life.  It will bring the "high" down low and the "low" up high.

It is there also for all those who are "in between".  It excludes no one.  You may think you are too important for God.  You may think you are too bad for God.  You are neither.  His blood was shed for you.

Have a great day.  The power of the blood of Jesus will reach anyone anywhere they are.     

 
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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
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Visit us on the web:
 
www.mastersbusiness.org 

Wednesday, December 9, 2015

"Provided Ahead"

"... the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world."  Revelation 13:8

Jehovah-Jireh is a name by which we identify one attribute of God.  It means that He is God the Provider.  He sees ahead of time, ahead of our need, ahead of the situation and makes a provision for it.  He makes provision before we ever get to the need.  Then He manifest the provision when we need it.  A rough example of this is when we put monies aside for a rainy day.  We are making provision for something before it happens so that when it comes we will have what we need.  The difference in the Lord's case is that He knows exactly what the need will be and when it will occur.

He saw Adam sin, He saw judgment come upon mankind and saw our need for a Savior before the world was ever created.  He made a provision to save and redeem us from sin and eternal punishment before the foundation of the world was laid, before He ever said, "Let there be light", before darkness was upon the face of the deep, when there was nothing not even space.  Jesus was already the "Lamb that was slain" before mankind even existed.

If this amazing God who saw the need of mankind and provided salvation for mankind before He ever even created mankind, would do that for us, then know this-- He saw ahead, even before you were born, what needs you would have throughout your lifetime.  And not only did He see them, He has already made provision for them.  He has already got a plan in mind.  He already has everything orchestrated to supply what you need.  He already has it all under control.  He did it long before you were born, and when it is needed He will bring it into being.

Have a great day.  God saw your need before the need occurred and He has already provided for it.  When you need it, it will be there. 

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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

Tuesday, December 8, 2015

"Feeling Lonely"

"... lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world."  Matthew 28:20b

Do you ever feel lonely?  You can have numerous acquaintances, many friends, be part of a large family, belong to a mega church, know everyone you pass on the street personally, but still be lonely inside. 

Do you ever feel like no one cares about you?  Do you feel abandoned?  Do you feel like you have been forgotten?  Do you see others going on with life and friendships around you and wonder why you can't experience the same thing?  Where are your relationships?  Why isn't their anyone there for you?  Why have you been left to yourself?

I am sure we have all felt like this at times-- some more often than others.  The fact is that there are times when we are left alone.  There are times when people really don't care about you.  There are times when you don't feel loved and you feel neglected.  It is in those times that the enemy of our soul starts playing "mind games" on us.  He tries to make us feel worthless.  He tries to convince us that no one cares and no one really loves us.  He will tell us that it is our own fault that people don't want to be around us.  Those are a few of his accusations.  He will try to depress us and make us feel sorry for ourselves.  He will taunt us, discourage us, make us want to give up on ourselves and other people. 

If I have described you this morning, I want to let you know that you are under a spiritual attack.  The enemy is out to steal your joy and rob you of your peace.  Your worth, your contentment and your happiness is not wrapped up in other people.  You are not alone.  There is one who cares for you more deeply than any human being can possibly care.  There is one who loves you so much that He died on the cross just to "be with you".  We are getting ready to celebrate His birthday.  He promised to never leave you nor forsake you.  His very name affirms that fact-- Emmanuel, God with us.

Have a great day.  When you are feeling lonely, remember you are not alone.  Jesus is with you.  

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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
 

Monday, December 7, 2015

"He Sent Your Need"

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

While we were still sinners God demonstrated His love for us by sending us what we needed, instead of what we wanted.  What we wanted was to live our own lives.  We wanted to do our own thing.  We wanted to live life the way we wanted to live it.  We wanted to be independent of God.  We didn't want to be under His rules and law.  We didn't want Him telling us what we can and can't do.  We didn't want to surrender our lives to Him.  We wanted to be our own boss and do what we pleased. 

Our need was deeper than our fleshly wants.  Our real need was an eternal one.  Our need goes far beyond our personal wants and desires.  God in His love knew that one day we would finally come to the end of ourselves and realize our need for someone else to be in charge and control of our lives.  He knew we would "wake up" and realize that we needed something bigger, something more, something greater than what we were able to find in having our wants fulfilled. 

So, seeing ahead to that time, He sent what we would need.  He sent salvation so that we could have eternal life--- our true need.  He sent His Son Jesus to provide the way through His shed blood on the cross so that we could come to God. 

Are you still living in your "wants"?  Are you still trying to fulfill your own wants and desires?  What you want-- living your own life the way you want to live it-- is not what you need.  What you need has been provided for through Jesus Christ.  Receive what you need and your wants will change. 

Have a great day.  There is a difference between what we want and what we need.  While we were still sinners God provided what we would need. 


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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



Friday, December 4, 2015

"Durable Riches"

"Riches and honour are with me; yea, durable riches and righteousness."  Proverbs 8:18

There are two kinds of riches-- material ones and durable ones.  Most seek after the material ones-- the ones that moths and rust corrupt and thieves break in and steal.  Those are the ones that take wings and fly away-- they are here today but could be gone tomorrow, for they are temporary. 

The riches that one should seek are those that are "durable".  Durable riches are the ones that endure, that are lasting, that weather the storm and past the test of time.  These are more valuable.  You have heard it said that there are some things that money can't buy.  Those things are true "riches" and they are priceless. 

Some of these durable riches are relationships.  Who can put a price on them?  Love is another one-- genuine love never fades away, even in the absence of the one who is the object of that love.  Peace is priceless-- there are people who would give a million dollars or all they own just to have peace.  There are those who have the love of many people and more money than they can count, but they are bankrupt of the riches of joy. 

The greatest of all riches is eternal life that comes through faith in Christ Jesus.  This is priceless.  There is not enough money to buy it.  You can't work hard enough to obtain it.  It is available to everyone-- not just the elite and affluent.  This riches of eternal life are free for the asking.  It will take a person from being spiritually bankrupt to spiritually wealthy beyond your wildest dreams. 

Though eternal life is available to all, not everyone will embrace its riches.  They would rather have the temporary material riches.  They would rather exchange the eternal riches for the riches of here and now.  I hope you are not one of those.  You may be rich here and now, but without the durable riches that Jesus gives you, you will lose the most valuable thing you possess-- your soul.

Have a great day.  Are you rich with temporary or eternal wealth?   

For further reading:
"Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal."  Matthew 6:19

"For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?"  Matthew 16:26

"Wilt thou set thine eyes upon that which is not? for riches certainly make themselves wings; they fly away as an eagle toward heaven."  Proverbs 23:5

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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:

Thursday, December 3, 2015

"The Spirit Of An Explorer"

"And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also."  Matthew 2:8

During prayer group recently, one of the ladies there started praying that the Lord would give us the "spirit of an explorer".  What she meant was make us the kind of people whose heart's desire to "explore" the Lord and find out all there is to know about Him.  Her words resonated in my spirit.  Yes, make me one who desires to "explore" the Lord. 

The dictionary defines an explorer as one who traverses over an area for the purpose of discovery; a person who investigates unknown regions.  Our God is so vast, there is no way we can even minutely understand and comprehend all there is to know about Him.  His ways and thoughts are so much higher than ours.  He, the Creator, is so far above us the creation.  Yet, our hearts should cry out with a desire to "Know" Him more and more.  We should desire to discovery His good, acceptable and perfect will.  We should seek to know His heart in every matter.  We should explore all that He will allow us to know about Himself.

Moses was an "explorer" of God-- He drew near to the Lord desiring to discover what His face looked like.  God granted that he should see his back and hear His voice proclaim who He was.  

Enoch had the "spirit of an explorer" of the Lord.  He sought to know the Lord and discovery Him in greater depths.  Enoch found Him and was translated into His very presence.  

Abraham was also an "explorer" of God and discovered that God is faithful, a covenant maker and covenant keeper.  He discovered the plans of God and was taken into God's confidence

When you seek to know the Lord-- to investigate and discover who He is on a deeper level; to move into "uncharted" territory of His greatness; to go where others stop in order to find out all you can about Him and draw into a closer intimacy with Him-- your "exploration" will be rewarded.  You will find Him.  You will hear His heartbeat like John did.  You will walk with Him as a friend like Enoch did.  You will have confidence with Him like Abraham.  You will see His glory like Moses.  You will not be disappointed.  Your "exploring" of Him will pay off.  He will let you find Him and discover who He is in greater ways than you have ever seen before.      

Have a great day.  God is so vast.  He is like uncharted territory.  Our heart's desire should be that of an explorer, desiring to discover all we can about Him.  
 


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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:

Wednesday, December 2, 2015

"Our Helper Over Our Enemies"

"Thou hast thrust sore at me that I might fall: but the Lord helped me."  Psalm 118:13

There are a lot of things that come against us for the purpose of destroying us.  Among them are people.  There are people who are out to destroy us.  They want to destroy our reputation.  They want to destroy our relationships.  They want to destroy us physically, emotionally, financially and mentally.  Then there is the devil who is out to destroy us.  He throws his fiery darts of condemnation, fear, jealousy, guilt, confusion, anxiety and temptation at us. 

Keep this in mind, that while the devil and the people he is using (we don't wrestle against flesh and blood) are trying to make us fall, bring us down and destroy us, the Lord is our helper.  He is our helper in the battles that rage against us.  He sees the weapons that are being formed against us, but He says they will not prosper.  Why?  Because He is our helper. 

Never forget, no matter what you may go through, the Lord is your helper.  He will help you be victorious over the temptations.  He will help you by encouraging you when you are low.  He will help you by giving you strength when you are weak.  He will help you to be able to stand against the attacks.  He will help you to rise above your enemies.  And He will help you in each and every way that you need His help to keep from being destroyed.  

Have a great day.  Our enemies try to destroy us, but they can't prevail because the Lord is our helper. 

For further reading:
"No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and their righteousness is of me, saith the Lord." (Isaiah 54:17)

"I will extol thee, O Lord; for thou hast lifted me up, and hast not made my foes to rejoice over me."  (Psalm 30:1)

"So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me."  (Hebrews 13:6)

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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:

Tuesday, December 1, 2015

"Counting Your Failures"

"There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit."  Romans 8:1

You may be familiar with an old hymn entitled, "Count Your Blessings".  It says to count your many blessings and see what God has done.  Sadly, instead of counting their blessings and all the wonderful things that God has done for them, some people count their mistakes and failures.  They spend time rehearsing and rehashing all the things they have done wrong, all the times they have failed and all the things that they should have done differently. 

None of us have always done everything right-- even since we have been a Christian.  I know I haven't.  I have made so many mistakes.  I have failed in many areas of my life.  I didn't always do everything right when it came to raising my daughter-- I failed in so many ways.  I haven't always been a perfect wife-- I have made numerous mistakes.  I haven't been a "perfect" Christian every day.  I have had times when I should have said and done things differently.  I have had my "should of, could of, would of" times.  There have been times when I let others down-- including family and friends.  I have many regrets in my life concerning things I did and things I didn't do.  We all have.

When you stop and think about the mistakes you have made, it is easy for regret to overwhelm you.  It is an open door for the enemy to heap condemnation on you.  It can bring remorse and distress to your heart.  It leads you down a path of self-pity.  It tries to put you in a state of depression.  None of us can change the past or rarely ever be able to correct the wrongs we have done.  We can't travel back in time and do it over again.  We can't go back and do it differently-- no matter how much we wish we could.  But what we can do is lean upon God's continual grace.  His grace brings forgiveness and healing for all our many mistakes and failures.  It washes away the guilt, remorse and condemnation. 

Perhaps you are one who keeps counting your failures by remembering what you did or didn't do.  You have to stop.  You have to capture those thoughts and cast them down.  Don't entertain them.  Don't give them a "breeding" ground.  Don't give place to them.  We can't change the past, but dwelling on past mistakes can change us.  They can steal our joy, our peace and the abundant life God desires to give us. 

Have a great day.  Stop counting your failures and mistakes.       

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

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: