"Visit The Prisoners"

^"For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in:  Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me."  Matthew 25:35,36

This verse admonishes us to minister to people in their time of need-- in hunger, in thirst, in sickness, in prison, to the stranger.  I want us to look at the part about visiting those who are in prison.  I have had a jail ministry in the past, and I have gone to the prison on a few occasions and preached.  I have friends who are actively involved in prison ministry-- that is their particular calling.  Not all of us are able to go to the jailhouse or prison and minister to the inmates.  But we all are able to go to those who are in "prison".

There is more than one kind of prison.  Not all prisons are made by the hands of man.  Not all prisons are made of brick, stone, mortar or steel.  There are people who are being held prisoner who are out walking around freely, and not behind bars-- at least not the ones that can be seen.  They are all around us.  They are in our families, among our friends, our fellow employees, our school mates and even our neighbors.

The ones I am talking about are being held as a prisoner to sin.  They are prisoners of addictions such as alcolhol, drugs and pornography.  They are being held a prisoner by fear, condemnation, remorse, depression, anxiety, grief and guilt.  These are the ones we can go to.

We need to be going to these prisoners.  We need to be proclaiming liberty to these captives.  Jesus came to set the captive free.  He came to open the prison doors to those who were bound.  He breaks every chain.  He breaks fretters.  He destroys yokes.  He destroyed the internal prisons.  He defeated the power of sin so that it has no hold on us any longer.  He pulls down strongholds.  He has the keys to open any and all prison doors that we may be locked up behind-- whether it is in our minds, our emotions or some besetting sin. 

No, you may not be able to go to prisoners at the local jail or state prison, but you can go and preach deliverance to those who are being held as prisoners behind bars we cannot see.

Have a great day.  I was in prison and you visited me.  Jesus sets captives free.  Are you letting the prisoners know this?
 

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Coffee Break is a morning devotional written by Lorraine Ezell
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"As Much Now As Ever"

"What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?  He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?"  Romans 8:31,32

These are some of those verses that you need to read and reread, listen to what it is saying, meditate on it, renew your mind with it and absorb its meaning.  The Lord God did not spare even His Only Beloved and Begotten Son for you.  He sent Him to die so that you could live.  He sent Him to give His life as a ransom to pay for your sins.  Since eternity past, the Father and Son had never been separated.  The Son is the Greatest Love of the Father.  Yet, He gave Him up to come to earth and be crucified for you.  You who was a sinner.  You who was an enemy of God.  You who was living in rebellion against God.  You who was a blasphemer of God.  He gave Him for you who was self-centered, self-seeking, not God-seeking, a rejecter of God, an opposer of God and a hater of God.

If God did this for us before we received Him, loved Him, followed Him and surrendered to Him, in order to have us as His children, then why do we think that He would do less for us now that we are in His family?  Why do we think that He won't bless us, meet our need, take care of us and give us all that He has promised after we have come to Him? 

Does He love us more before or after our acceptance of His Son?  Does He love us more before we surrendered our lives to His Lordship than He does after?  Does He love us more as rebels against Him or as faithful loving children?  We act like He loved and was willing to do more for us before our salvation than after.  We act like now that He "has us", He has abandoned us and stopped caring about us.  This simply is not true.  He loved us so much then as to give up His Son for us, and He loves us so much now as to give us all things freely through His Son.

Have a great day.  God didn't love you more when you were living away from.  He loves you just as much now that you are His.     
 

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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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"Whether I Live Or Die"

"For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord's".  Romans 14:8

This scripture has been on my heart for quite some time.  I have decided to make it my new "life scripture"-- or my "motto".  It sums up the whole of our Christian life.  We are the Lord's.  If we have been born again, we belong to Him.  Our life is no longer our own.  If I am alive-- I belong to Him.  If I die-- I belong to Him.

When we realize that we truly belong to the Lord, in life and in death, then let come what may, we don't have to be shaken, destroyed or defeated by it.  I don't have to worry, He has my life-- it belongs to Him.  If storms rage against me, if sickness touches my body, if pain comes upon me, if enemies rise against me, if the mountain is looming over me, if the waters try to consume me, if failure is taunting me, if death is waging war for me, if confusion tries to oppress me, if a bad report tries to shake me, if the ungodly attack me, if a weapon is formed against me, etc., I can still say, "It is well", because I am the Lord's. I have surrender my "here and now", as well as my "eternity" to Him, so He has my life and every moment in His hands.    

I belong to Him so He will either deliver me, heal me, protect me, provide for me, make a way for me, or take me home.  Whatever happens I am in a win, win situation because if I live I am His and if I die I am His.  Whatever comes your way, don't be fearful or anxious about it.  Whatever happens-- good, bad or otherwise-- you belong to Him so it will be all right.

Have a great day.  Whatever happens to you in life, even if it brings death, you belong to the Lord so it is well.   
 

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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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"The Storm Is In The Book"

"And there are also many other things which Jesus did, the which, if they should be written every one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written. Amen".  John 21:25

There were so many things that Jesus did while He was on earth that if they were all written down there are not enough books to contain them.  The Bible says of itself that it was written by holy men of God as they were inspired by the Holy Spirit.  That means that the Lord made sure that the things we really needed to know where written down for us in the Bible-- since it was too much to write everything. 

One account that He made sure that was in there was the account of the disciples in a boat on the sea when the storm came up and threatened to destroy them.  You know the story I am talking about.  Jesus was in the back of the ship asleep and they woke Him up to save them from drowning. 

I, for one, am so thankful that the Lord placed that account in the Bible because it gives me hope, comfort, peace, faith and reassurance when I am going through a personal storm.  We all face storms of some sort, no matter who we are.  Some storms are physical, financial, emotional, mental, in our relationships, and so on.  This story lets me know that when I face storms, I am not alone.  Jesus is with me.  It lets me know that He can take care of the storms.  It lets me know that He has power and authority over the storms that rage.  It lets me know that He can speak peace to my storm and it has to cease.  It lets me know He cares about me, and will take care of me.  This is why I said I was thankful-- thankful it was written in the Bible so that I could be encouraged by it.   

Have a great day.  Whatever storm you are going through, God made sure we would know that He is greater and in control of the storm you are facing.

Scripture references:  Mark 4; 2 Timothy 3:16
 

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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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"The Best Choice"

"And Lot lifted up his eyes, and beheld all the plain of Jordan, that it was well watered every where, before the Lord destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah, even as the garden of the Lord, like the land of Egypt, as thou comest unto Zoar".  Genesis 13:10

Abraham and Lot traveled together.  One day there arose strife between their herdsmen because there was not enough room in the land for both of their flocks-- there were so many.  In order to keep down the strive they decided to part ways.  Abraham gave Lot the first choice of the land where he would like to go.  Our verse said he beheld the plain of Jordan.  So that is where he went.

Lot decided to go there because the land was well watered every where.  It was like the garden of the Lord.  It was luscious and green like the fertile land of Egypt.  Lot chose it because it looked perfect.

Human nature tends to make choices based on our senses.  We like to choice the most beautiful, the most handsome, the biggest, the most talented, the most expensive, the richest, the most popular, the finest, the best there is, the most comfortable, the easiest, etc.  But that doesn't always mean it is what is best for us.  It looked perfect to Lot, but it almost destroyed him.  What was appealing to his eyes took him closer and closer to Sodom and finally into Sodom.  Had it not been for the mercy, grace and goodness of God to deliver him, he would have been destroyed with the rest of the inhabitants.  But in the meantime, before he was delivered, he was vexed in soul daily there.

How do you make your decisions and choices?  Are they based on appearance?  Are they based on what looks good, seems good or feels good?  Not everything that glitters is gold, and not everything that looks good actually is.  Not everything that appears to be crystal is, sometimes it is plastic.  The safest and best choices are the ones we allow the Lord to make for us.  There is a way that seems right unto a man but it ends in death.  This is why we are to acknowledge the Lord in all our ways and let Him direct our paths.  When He directs us, we can rest assured that it is truly the best for us, whether it looks like it is or not.

Have a great day.  Just because it looks like the best choice doesn't mean it is.   

Scripture references:  Proverbs 14:12; 16:25; 3:5,6; 2 Peter 2:7,8
 

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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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"Proud Or Humble?"

"For thou wilt save the afflicted people; but wilt bring down high looks".  Psalm 18:27

This verse talks about two different kinds of people and God's dealing with each of them.  They are the humble and the proud.  The Greek word here for afflicted means:  poor, afflicted, humble, lowly.  The high looks translates to those who are lofty and exalts themselves.

This comparison of these two different people does not necessarily mean in the way they deal with and treat others.  This isn't just about your attitude toward mankind.  These have more to do with your attitude toward the Lord. 

Which one of these people are you?  Are you an humble person when it comes to the Lord?  Have you and are you submitting yourself to His authority and Lordship over your life daily?  Are you seeking Him for His guidance and direction?  Or are you proud and boastful with a "can do" attitude?  One that says, "I can do it.  I know how.  I don't need God to handle this.  I can handle it by myself".  Do you give Him the credit for what is accomplished in your life and through your life?  Or do you take the credit for yourself?  Are you proud of what your own hands have done?  Are you humbling yourself before the mighty hand of God?  Are you walking in the fear of the Lord?  Or are you doing your own thing, going your own way with no regard given to the Lord? 

There are rewards for the humble and consequences for the proud:
"A man's pride shall bring him low: but honour shall uphold the humble in spirit". (Proverbs 29:23)
"And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted".  (Matthew 23:12)
"But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble". (James 4:6)
"...God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.  Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time". (1 Peter 5:5b,6)
"When pride cometh, then cometh shame: but with the lowly is wisdom".  (Proverbs 11:2)"Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.  Better it is to be of an humble spirit with the lowly, than to divide the spoil with the proud". (Proverbs 16:18,19)
Have a great day.  There are rewards for the humble and consequences for the proud.  Which one are you?  And which will you receive?

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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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"The Lily Of The Valley"

"I am the rose of Sharon, and the lily of the valleys".  Song of Solomon 2:1

This morning's devotional is going to be a little different.  I woke up with an old hymn repeating over and over in my thoughts.  As I sang it and listened to the words a little more intently, it really ministered to me.  I want to share the words of the song with you this morning.  As you read them, and perhaps hear them in your own thoughts, I believe the Lord will use them to bless you as well.  The song is full of so many wonderful truths, hope, encouragement, peace and faith.

"The Lily Of The Valley"

1) I have found a friend in Jesus, He’s everything to me,
He’s the fairest of ten thousand to my soul;
The Lily of the Valley, in Him alone I see
All I need to cleanse and make me fully whole.
In sorrow He’s my comfort, in trouble He’s my stay;
He tells me every care on Him to roll.

2) He all my grief has taken, and all my sorrows borne;
In temptation He’s my strong and mighty tow’r;
I have all for Him forsaken, and all my idols torn
From my heart and now He keeps me by His pow’r.
Though all the world forsake me, and Satan tempt me sore,
Through Jesus I shall safely reach the goal.

3) He will never, never leave me, nor yet forsake me here,
While I live by faith and do His blessed will;
A wall of fire about me, I’ve nothing now to fear,
From His manna He my hungry soul shall fill.
Then sweeping up to glory to see His blessed face,
Where rivers of delight shall ever roll.

Refrain:
He’s the Lily of the Valley, the Bright and Morning Star,
He’s the fairest of ten thousand to my soul. 

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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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"Falling Off The Wagon"

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

Have you ever heard the phrase, "Fall off the wagon"?  It is used to describe someone who resumes an addictive/compulsive behavior that they are trying to control.   Originally it referred only to drinking, but is now used in reference to all sorts of things including drugs, smoking, overeating, etc.  It is possible for Christians to "fall of the wagon", so to speak.  We can go back to an old habit or an old sin we were delivered from if we aren't careful.  How does this happen? 

It happens for several reasons.  We may "look" at something longer than we should.  Like David looked at Bathsheba on the roof top instead of turning away and going back into the house.  The lust of his eyes overcame him.  It can happen if we are thinking about that thing for too long.  Where the "mind goes", the "man follows".  We have to keep our mind renewed in God's Word and think on things that are true, honest, just, pure, lovely and of a good report. (Philippians 4:8)  It can happen if we aren't mortifying our flesh and dying to it daily by submitting to the Lord instead of self.  It can also happen if we refuse to take the way of escape that God provides for us in every temptation.  God always opens a door for us to escape through.  If we don't go through it, we will fall.

Having established the fact that it is possible for a Christian to fall, how it can happen and what we have to do to avoid it, let's move on to what we can do if we do "fall".  The first thing we want to do is condemn ourselves and beat ourselves up about it-- the devil helps us out there too.  But I want you to know there is hope.  It is called mercy and grace.  If we fall we can get up like the prodigal and go to Father God asking for forgiveness-- He will not turn us away.  We can confess our sins to Him-- He is faithful and just to forgive us of our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.  We can look to our Good Shepherd and ask for forgiveness for not following Him but going our own way-- we will restore our souls. 

Is this where you are today?  Have you fallen?  Have you returned to some sin you were once delivered from?  Are you following your own sinful desires having left off following the Lord?  Get up from where you have fallen and go to Him.  You will find His grace and mercy is there waiting to pick you up and set you back "on the wagon".

Have a great day.  If we "fall off the wagon", the Lord will pick us up and put us back on it if we will go to 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

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"Did You Ask?"

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

As soon as my eyes opened this morning I begin to ask the Lord for help to get up, for Him to watch over my time, for Him to give me strength, for Him to give me a word for this devotional, etc.  I thought to myself-- people sure are "needy".  Our needs range from everything to help getting up on time in the morning to comforting us when we are in grief.  We have physical, emotional, material and spiritual needs.  Some of the needs we have are small.  Some are earth shaking.  Some are for ourselves.  Some are for others in our lives.  Some needs aren't really needs while others are most definitely a need of great importance.

I already know some of the needs I have today before the day even gets started.  I need God's help in every area of my life.  I need protection in travel.  I need wisdom and guidance.  I need His touch on the lives of those who have asked me to pray for them.  I need daily provisions-- food, clothing and shelter.  I need grace.  I need strength.  I need His presence.  And the list goes on.

We have a promise that He will meet and supply all our needs.  He didn't say He would always supply our wants or our fleshly desires.  Some needs He automatically supplies without us asking-- like air to breath.  But for the most part, He supplies our needs as we ask.  "Ye have not, because ye ask not". (James 4:2b)

Do you have a need this morning?  Is there something you need an answer to?  Have you asked God to supply it?  Have you talked about it to other people but not to Him?  Have you assumed He will automatically meet the need without you asking or petitioning Him for it?  He knows what you need-- even before you ask it; even before you know you have the need.  He desires to meet your need.  But often He is waiting until you ask.  So, ask and that you might receive. 

Have a great day.  God will meet and supply all your need, but you should ask Him to do it. 

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

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"Fighting Another Battle"

"David said moreover, The Lord that delivered me out of the paw of the lion, and out of the paw of the bear, he will deliver me out of the hand of this Philistine. And Saul said unto David, Go, and the Lord be with thee".  1 Samuel 17:37

David fought against a bear, a lion, a giant and the enemies of Israel.  He was always fighting battles.  Just because he had fought against a bear and a lion and won did not mean that his "warring" was over.  Then there came a giant. 

Just because you have fought a spiritual battle or two doesn't mean that you can sit back and rest from battles.  Oh, there will be times of rest (thankfully) to catch our breath and regroup, but there will always be a giant to slay.  There will at some point come another bear or a lion.  Spiritual warfare is an unending part of the Christian life.  The enemy of our soul is always out to steal, kill and destroy us.  Our own flesh is always trying to defeat us.

Just because you fought a battle yesterday, and even won, doesn't mean you may not face another one today.  We can't rest from spiritual warfare.  We have to be ready for it when it comes-- and it will come.  We have to be ready to engage in it at a moment's notice.  We have to continually remember that, as David did, the Lord delivered me, and will deliver me and give me the victory over the enemies that war against my soul.

Have a great day.  Just because you won a battle yesterday doesn't mean that you might not have to fight another one today.  Don't get too comfortable and forget about your enemy. 

 

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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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"Go Back To The Word"

"Then Jesus answering said unto them, Go your way, and tell John what things ye have seen and heard; how that the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, to the poor the gospel is preached".  Luke 7:22

John the Baptist had heard the voice of Father God speak from heaven saying that Jesus was His Beloved Son.  He had the revelation that Jesus was the Messiah.  He proclaimed when asked if he himself was the Christ that he was not.  He is the one who bore witness that Jesus was the Lamb of God.  He baptized Jesus, saw the Spirit descend like a dove upon Him and humbled himself before Jesus as Lord. 

John knew exactly who Jesus was, but when he was cast into prison, when he was threatened, when he faced persecution and death, he questioned what he knew to be the truth.  As a result, he sent his disciples to Jesus to ask Him what he already knew.  How did Jesus answer?  Jesus answered him with the Word.  He reminded John of what the scriptures said. 

We can know the truth but find ourselves in a trying time, in a dark place, in an unpleasant situation, in a time of trial and as a result begin to question what we already know.  Is that where you are?  Has the Lord already spoken to you about a matter but the circumstances around you are "speaking" otherwise?  Is your faith being tested?  The answer for you is the same one Jesus gave John.  Go back to the Word.  Remind yourself of what God has already said to you.  Renew your mind with what you know already to be the truth.  Meditate on that Word and let it get into your heart, spirit and mind and drive away the doubt. 

Have a great day.  When what you already have heard from God is tested, and the enemy is trying to convince you other wise, go back to God's Word and listen again to what He has said. 
   
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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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"Receive Or Reject Love"

"In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him.  Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins".  1 John 4:9,10

We will be celebrating Valentine's Day this week-- the "Love" holiday.  On the subject of love.  Imagine loving someone so deeply, so dearly that you would do anything for that love.  Imagine loving someone so much that you are willing to die in order to receive that love in return.  Imagine actually laying down your life for the person you love.  Imagine being persecuted, beaten, spat upon, slapped, tortured, put to an open shame and nailed to a cross by your hands and feet because your love and desire for that person was so great.  Imagine going to such great lengths to prove your love only to be rejected by them.  And not only rejected but cursed to your face, rebelled against, mocked by, ridiculed and blasphemed by the one you laid down your life for.  I can't even imagine the depth of hurt that would cause.

Am I just speaking in general?  No, I am speaking in reality.  Jesus showed greater love for us than anyone ever has.  He left the splendor of heaven.  Took off His royal robe.  Humbled Himself and became a man.  Demonstrated true compassion while He was on earth.  Told us He loved us.  Then backed up what He said by laying down His life freely--without reservation, without force-- at the cross to prove that He did.  His love was not mere words but demonstration.  He showed us. 

On Valentine's Day we give and receive gifts that express our love to those who are special to us.  Have you received Jesus' gift of love?  He is the gift.  Have you given Him a gift of love by giving Him yourself?  Is He the Love of your life?  Or are you one of the ones who are rejecting His love?

Have a great day.  Jesus demonstrated His love for you at the cross.  Have you received His gift of love?  Or are you rejecting it? 

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

About the Master's Business Ministry, Inc.

Please feel free to

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"Though Thick And Thin"

"A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother".  Proverbs 18:24

It is a rare thing to have someone in your life who will stick with you through "thick and thin".  I have been blessed to have a wonderful family that is always there for me no matter what.  I also have been blessed with loving and caring friendships.  Not everyone has that though.  Some people have no one to turn to.  Some have no one to help them.  Some have no one to defend them or come to their aid.  Some feel abandoned in their time of need and unwanted. 

I don't know which group you are in this morning.  You may have someone who will "stick" with you regardless of what you are going through.  You may not have anyone to stand by your side at all.  But whichever group you are in I have some good news.  There is someone who will stick with you when everyone runs out on you.  There is someone who will be with you when others are gone.  There is someone who will come to your aide when all human help is exhausted.  His name is Jesus. 

He sticks closer than a friend, a brother, a spouse, a parent, a confidant, or the most trusted person in your life.  He doesn't leave you when the going gets tough.  He doesn't walk out on you when you fail.  He doesn't turn away from you when you make a mistake.  He doesn't abandon ship when the storm comes.  He doesn't stay away when things in your life are out of control.  He is with you in the fire, in the pit, in the prison, in the lion's den, in the wilderness, in the storm, in the pig pen, in the good times and in the bad times.  All others may leave you, but He never will.  All others may forsake you, but He won't.  All others may turn their backs on you, but He will still be there. 

Have a great day.  Jesus will stick with you through "thick and thin", even if no one else does.  

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

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 us:  mastersbuiness@bellsouth.net

or visit us on the web:  www.mastersbusiness.org 

 

 

 

"Content And Satisfied"

"Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.  I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need."  Philippians 4:11,12

 

I would like to read this verse to you in the Amplified Bible:  "Not that I am implying that I was in any personal want, for I have learned how to be content (satisfied to the point where I am not disturbed or disquieted) in whatever state I am.  I know how to be abased and live humbly in straitened circumstances, and I know also how to enjoy plenty and live in abundance. I have learned in any and all circumstances the secret of facing every situation, whether well-fed or going hungry, having a sufficiency and enough to spare or going without and being in want."

If ever a person went through hardships it was Paul.  He was beaten on more than one occasion.  He was shipwrecked three times; left for dead; stoned; imprisoned; hungry; thirsty and in perils.  (2 Corinthians 11:23-28)  Yet he was "content".  He wasn't vengeful wanting to get back at those who had beaten, stoned or imprisoned him.  He wasn't bitter and angry.  He wasn't fearful.  He didn't accuse God of not taking care of him.  He didn't turn his back on God.  He wasn't anxious, depressed or despondent.  He was content though he was in personal lack and want; in hunger; in dire circumstances; physically hurting; in chains between Roman guards; floating in a sea; etc.  He was actually "satisfied".  He wasn't disturbed by it all or disquieted. 

 

How is that possible?  We might say, "Well, that was Paul.  He was 'Super Christian'.  He was an apostle".   No, Paul was like the rest of us.  But he had learned something that many of us don't learn or don't allow ourselves to learn.  He had learned how to be content.  How had he learned this "contentment"?  By learning who his God was.  (That I might know Him.- Philippians 3:10)

 

He knew that the Lord was his strength.  He knew that no matter what happened to him, the Lord was with him.  He knew that his God was able to do whatever He wanted to do on Paul's behalf.  He had completely surrendered to the will of God for his life.  He knew that Christ was in him and working through him.  He knew that there was nothing that the Lord could not enable him to do, give him grace to go through and strengthen him to endure.  "I have strength for all things in Christ Who empowers me [I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him Who infuses inner strength into me; I am self-sufficient in Christ’s sufficiency]." (verse 13)  He knew the Christ that lived in him, and he knew it was the Christ that lived in him that would help him make it through anything.  Do you know that?  That is where the contentment in whatever you face and go through comes. 

 

Have a great day.  Are you content in trying situations?  Do you know how to be satisfied where you are?  Or are you disturbed and disquieted by the trials that are going on around 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 us:  mastersbuiness@bellsouth.net

or visit us on the web:

www.mastersbusiness.org

 

 

 

"Leaving A Mark"

"For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?"  Mark 8:36

Recently, I was talking with someone and the conversation turned to us telling each other some of the works we were involved in.  This person has done much volunteer work with several "big" organizations that have helped masses of people.  They made the statement that they felt complete and like they had "left their mark" on society through all the helpful things they have done.

What this person said triggered a thought.  We should be "leaving a mark" for good behind us.  When we leave this earth, we should leave a part of it better than it was before we got involved.  We should be interested in helping others and making life better for mankind and those around us.  I hope to leave a mark for good behind me when I die.  I hope I have made life better for someone else because of the help that I have given them.   

But just leaving a mark here is not enough.  Leaving a mark in history, no matter how good a mark it is, is not good enough.  You can leave a mark that will further a social cause, establish a nation, free people, secure equality for all people groups, leave an invention that will help multitudes, feed thousands of hungry people, leave a legacy of peace or come up with a cure for a deadly disease.  But the greatest mark you should have is not left in this world.  It is not one that you leave behind.  It is one that proceeds you and is waiting for you when you leave this life.

The old timers used to call their signature, or written name, their "mark".  Your name and your mark were the same.  The greatest "mark" you can have is having your name written in the Lamb's Book of Life.  Leaving a mark here is great... we all should.  But what will it profit you if that is the only mark you have?  It will profit others.  They will benefit by the mark for good that you leave behind.  But you will lose out if you haven't made sure your mark is in the Book.  Is it?

Have a great day.  Leave a mark for good behind you that will benefit mankind when you leave this earth.  But make sure you have a mark that will benefit you when you leave this life-- your name/mark in the Lamb's Book of Life.        

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

"Talking To Or With God?"

"Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God".  Philippians 4:6

We tend to make prayer something we do "to" God.  We look at prayer as a time of talking "to" God about our needs.  Prayer is so much more than that.  It is not just a list that we present to God for Him to answer.  Prayer is communication with God.  We don't talk "to" God, we talk "with" God. 

Prayer is not one sided.  Prayer involves us talking with God.  We make our request known to Him, we bring our needs to Him, we tell Him what is on our mind, but we should always listen to Him and wait for Him to speak to us as well.  We listen to what He wants to say.  We wait for Him to respond.  We listen for His instructions, His direction and what He wants to convey to us.

How do you view prayer?  Is it a list that you talk "to" God about only? Or is it a time when you talk "with" the Lord? Do you tell Him what you want or do you give Him the opportunity to tell you what He wants?  Prayer is a two way street-- talking and listening. 

Have a great day.  Do you talk to God or with God?     

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

 

"Understand Him Greater"

"And they feared exceedingly, and said one to another, 'What manner of man is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?'" Mark 4:41

When Jesus rebuked the storm and commanded it to be still, the disciples were amazed and wondered just who was this man.  The answer is-- He was the same one who got in the boat with them to begin with.  The presence of the storm didn't change who He was and had always been.  He was the same miracle working, power demonstrating, demon casting out, healer of the sick that He was before He got into the boat.

What I am trying to say is that the problems we face, the storms that threaten, the demons that rage, the fiery furnace trials, the pit of despair, the den of roaring lion's, the oppression of the enemy, the loss of possessions, the break in relationships, the fear of drowning does not change nor diminish who He is.  He is still God.  He is still Ruler over all the universe.  He is still the Deliverer, the Healer, the Savior. 

He hadn't changed in the boat.  Their revelation of who He was in a greater dimension had changed.  They saw Him in a "new light".  But He was the same Jesus.  He was already the ruler over nature when He got in the boat-- not when He rebuked it.

Our times of trials, problems and testing don't change Him.  They change our perspective of Him.  They change our understanding of who He is.  We see Him in a greater way than we saw Him in other situations.  I can remember being sick once and praying for the Lord to touch me--- He had on many occasions.  This time He spoke to my heart and told me that I already knew He was my Healer, this time He wanted to show me something different about Himself-- He wanted to give me another revelation of His greatness.  (And He did.) 

So remember, your circumstances don't change Him.  He is still Who He has always been.  But they change the way you see Him and give you a deeper, clearer revelation of Who this Glorious, Amazing, Wonderful, Almighty God is.

Have a great day.  The Lord is the same all-powerful God during the trials as He was before the trials.  They don't change Him.  They change our understanding of Who He is and broadens 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

"I Call Him Lord"

"Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost".  1 Corinthians 12:3

The other evening I attended a singing at a local church.  Many of the songs were songs I had not heard in a long time.  The chorus to one of the songs said, "And if you can remember ask him what's his name, and if he tells you Jesus just say we're so glad you came.  But tell him you know someone who still calls him Lord, then send him on to me cause that's the man I'm lookin' for". 

As I listened to the words, the line that says, "tell Him you know someone who still calls Him Lord", just "jumped" out at me and brought tears to my eyes. 

Does anyone truly call Him "Lord" any more?  Is He Lord to those who profess to be a Christian?  Is He Lord to those who say they know Him? 

I hear so many people call Him "The Big Guy Upstairs"; their "Homey"; their "Best Bud"; their "Running Buddy"; etc.  Personally, He is my best friend who sticks closer to me than a brother.  He is my Elder Brother.  He is my Confidant.  But He is FIRST my GOD!  He is my Lord!  I still call Him Lord. 

Because He is so personal with us and desires to have a personal intimate relationship with us, calling us His children, we have forgotten the reverence that He is due.  While He is all that to me, He is my Lord.  He is the object of my worship.  He is the Potter and I am the clay-- He can mold and make of me anything He desires.  He commands me.  He gives me my marching orders.  He is the one I submit my will to.  He tells me what to do, not vice versa. 

I praise Him for a close relationship with Him.  I am so thankful that I can approach Him without fear of being "consumed".  I am thankful that He is a God who is near and not far away.  I am so glad I have access to come to Him.  I am so blessed and appreciative to be allowed to be His child.  I am indeed thankful that I can share the deepest secrets of my heart with Him.  But I must never forget that He is first my Lord and not be flippant about that relationship. 

Have a great day.  I still call Jesus Lord!  Because He is!  Do 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

"The Direction Of Choices"

"I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live".  Deuteronomy 30:19

Life is made up of choices.  Some are simple and don't effect us much-- such as choosing what to eat for lunch.  Others are major and carry lifelong consequences with them.  I want to start with a question this morning.  "Are the choices you're making bringing you closer to the Lord or taking you further away from Him?".

David made the choice to commit adultery with Bathsheba.  It didn't bring him closer to the Lord.  King Saul made the choice to disobey the words of Samuel the prophet.  His choice didn't bring him closer to God.  Mary made the choice to submit to the will of God to give birth to the Messiah.  That choice brought her closer to the Lord.  Adam made a choice to disobey God and it took him and all of mankind away from God.

The Bible admonishes us to "acknowledge the Lord in all our ways and He would direct our steps".  We are to seek Him in every decision we make, every choice we make, every direction we go and let Him direct us.  When we do, He will always lead us in not only making the right choice, but in making the choice that will bring us closer to Him at the same time.

Have a great day.  Are the choices you are making bringing you closer to the Lord or taking you further away from Him?  

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

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

"Present Not Absent"

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

My husband has to have a medical test done today. When the hospital called yesterday to ask him a few questions, one of the questions they asked was, "do you have a driver?".  I heard him reply, "my wife will be with me".  The way he said it-- with confidence, with peace that I would be there and assurance of my presence-- touched my heart. 

When we go through difficult and trying times in our lives, we should have the same confidence that no matter what it is we are facing the Lord will be with us.  I know we talk about this subject a lot, but I believe He is wanting us more and more as the "evil days" approach to be confident and unshaken in our faith that His presence is with us in every situation. 

The presence of trials does not mean the absence of God.  The presence of pain doesn't mean the absence of God.  The presence of financial want doesn't mean the absence of God.  The presence of grief, the passing of a loved one, a bad physical report, the loss of a job, the rebellion of a child, the attack of an enemy does not mean that God is not present with you. 

He is there in the valley of the shadow of death.  He is there in the fiery furnace.  He is there in the lion's den.  He is there when Pharaoh's army is behind you and a Red Sea in front of you.  He is there in the storm.  He is there when all the demons of hell are waging war against you.  Just because you go through these places and situations does not mean that He is not there.  He is not absent.  He is present.   

Have a great day.  The presence of problems does not mean the absence of God.

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

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

"Simple Answer"

"Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest".  Matthew 11:28

When we are burdened down by the cares of this life, by problems or by unpleasant circumstances, we tend to run here, there and everywhere looking for answers.  We often miss our true source of help because the answer to the help we need is too "simple"-- "Come unto Me".

Is going to the Lord the first place you turn to for help or the last?  Do you go to Him after you have exhausted every other avenue of help?  Is He at the top of your list for help or the bottom?  Or is He somewhere in the middle? 

The Psalmist said, "I will look unto the hills from where my help comes.  My help comes from the Lord who made heaven and earth".  (Psalm 121:2)  Hebrews tells us, "The Lord is my helper". (Hebrews 13:6)

The Lord is our helper, not only for the big problems or not only for the small problems.  He is our help for all problems.  Whether the problem is a spiritual one, a physical problem, a financial one or a problem with a relationship.  He is our help, our answer and our guide in every problem we face.   

Have a great day.  Got a problem?  There is an answer.  The answer is so simple we often miss it-- Come unto Me.  

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

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