Thursday, March 31, 2016

"The God Perspective"

"And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose".  Romans 8:28

Lately, we have been talking about changing our perspective of the situations that we go through.  I want to continue talking about that this morning.  This is an area that the Lord has been speaking to me about personally as well. 

If we are going to be victorious, if we are going to be transformed spiritually, if we are going to fulfill God's plan, purpose and destiny we are going to have to change the way we view our trials, temptations, situations and circumstances.  We are going to have to stop looking at them through natural "eyes", through our emotions, through the lens of our feelings and at face value.  We have to move past that-- an we can.  We are suppose to because the Word tells us that we don't walk after the flesh but after the Spirit.  We are no longer "natural" men but "spiritual" men living in natural bodies in a natural world, but we are not "of" the world.

What then does it mean to see it from God's perspective?  It means to see things the way the Lord sees them.  Can we do that?  Is that possible?  Not entirely because we aren't God.  We can't see the end from the beginning.  We don't know what tomorrow will bring.  We are not omniscient.  But, nevertheless, we can to a degree see things from His perspective.  He has made that possible.  For us "finite beings", seeing from God's perspective means that we grasp the truth that--- "all things work together for our good".  That is how we see things from God's perspective. 

We have to come to terms with the fact that we belong to the Lord-- our lives are His to do with them whatever He pleases.  He loves us.  He has our best interest at heart.  He has a plan for us.  There is a destiny that He has determined that awaits us.  He leads, guides, directs and orchestrates things in our lives that fit into His divine purpose for us.  When we truly get ahold to this, then the fact that all things work together for our good becomes our perspective.  This means that whether the thing is good, bad or otherwise, whether it is a pit, a furnace, a wilderness, a valley, a mountain, darkness or light, it will work together for our good.  

I believe that I am suppose to continue this subject but not in one devotional-- it would be much too long.  But, my friend, if you are reading these and will stick with me through these writings, the Lord wants to take us on a journey, a journey of trust and transformation.  I hope you will go with me.  It will change your life.... it is already changing mine.

Have a great day,  Seeing from God's perspective means that we understand that all things work together for our good.   

 
 <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <><
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, March 30, 2016

"The Valley"

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

Valleys, like we already talked about wildernesses, are not places to be dreaded.  It is all about our perspective.  It depends on how you view them.  If you view them through the eyes of the flesh, if you view them through your emotions, if you view them on a natural plain they will be feared, dreaded and ran from. 

No one wants to go into a "valley", but they are needful.  Everyone wants to stay on the "mountain top".  We can't.  In the natural if you climb a mountain, once you reach a point it is what is called the timberline.  Above that spot nothing grows.  It is barren.  In the spiritual sense the same is true.  Mountain top experiences are good from time to time-- they help us get a breath of fresh air, they let us see from another viewpoint and they give us a temporary boost of the feeling of enthusiasm and victory.  But you can't stay there.

On the other hand, the valley is a place of life.  It is where things grow.  It is where there are green pastures.  It is where the still waters are.  This is the place where we find the Shepherd.

If you are in a valley today, don't dread it, don't complain about it, don't get discouraged about it, look at it from God's perspective and see it as the place of life and growth that it really is. 

Have a great day.  The valley is a place of life, so don't dread 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:

Tuesday, March 29, 2016

"Getting A Spanking"

"My son, despise not the chastening of the Lord; neither be weary of his correction.  For whom the Lord loveth he correcteth; even as a father the son in whom he delighteth".  Proverbs 3:11,12

I hated getting a spanking when I was growing up.  It did not feel good and was painful!  Now that I am an adult, of course, I no longer get spanking in my body, but I still have a Heavenly Father who will "spank" me from time to time.

The spanking/chastening that He gives doesn't feel very good either.  It hurts.  It hurts my pride.  But I have learned that it is needful and I have learned how to rejoice when He does.

It is needful because without it I will set my life on a course that will lead me in a wrong direction.  Without it I can bring harm to others.  Without it I will be self-centered, self-willed and bring destruction upon myself.  Without it all others will see is me and not how wonderful He is through me.  It is needful because it puts what has gotten out of line in my life back in order.  It also puts back the fear of the Lord in my life.    

I have learned to rejoice when I am chastened because He loves me and cares about me enough to do it.  If He didn't love me He would not chasten me.  He would allow me to continue to go down a path that will, as I have already said, destroy me.  I have learned to rejoice because it puts "reality" back in my heart.  It helps refocus things.  It helps put what is really important and priority back in its proper place.  It clears the air between me and Him and opens up my spirit to be able to hear Him better.  

When we see the chastisement of God for what it really is and intended by the Father to be, instead of despising it we will be thankful and rejoice that He loves us enough to do it.

Have a great day.  Don't despise the spanking that the Lord gives you.  Be thankful and rejoice that He did. 

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

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:

Monday, March 28, 2016

"Wilderness Perspective"

"In journeyings often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils by mine own countrymen, in perils by the heathen, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren".  2 Corinthians 11:26

I have a word for someone this morning who is going through a wilderness in their lives.  We all find ourselves in a wilderness at some point.  The word is-- change your perspective of the wilderness.  We often see the wilderness as a place of defeat, despondency, hopelessness and barren.  Let's look at the wilderness this morning from God's perspective.

Sometimes the wilderness we are experiencing is "God intended".  God led the children of Israel into the wilderness through Moses.  The Spirit led Jesus into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.  When the Lord leads you into the wilderness, He has a purpose behind it.  He does not intend for you to stay there forever.  Jesus only stayed for forty days.  The Israelites stayed forty years because of their rebellion.  The length of time you stay there past His leading is up to you.   

The wilderness is a place where you see God's miraculous provisions.  The Israelites saw the Lord do miracle after miracle during those forty years in providing for them.  They ate manna, supernaturally provided daily.  They drank water from a rock, not a dug well.  Their clothes and shoes didn't wear out.  Jesus was supernaturally sustained by God physically while He was fasting in the wilderness. 

The wilderness teaches us how to trust the Lord.  Each and everyday in the wilderness the Israelites had to trust God to take care of them.  Jesus had to trust God to see Him through. 

The wilderness is a place of transformation.  The Israelites were released slaves when they went into the wilderness, but when they came out they were warriors who conquered the inhabitants of the land.  When Jesus came out of the wilderness, He was empowered to start His ministry. 

The wilderness is a place of victory.  Jesus defeated the devil in every area of temptation while in the wilderness.

I could go on and on but it would be a book instead of a devotional.  But let the things that we have talked about this morning change your perspective of the wilderness that you are in.  Stop seeing it as a place of defeat but of victory.  Stop seeing it as a place of hopelessness but a place where hope, trust and faith can be renewed. 

Have a great day.  Change the way you look at the wilderness you are going through.    


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

Friday, March 25, 2016

"Celebrate True Victory"

" And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it".  Colossians 2:15

We will be celebrating the crucifixion this weekend.  It seems odd to celebrate a death.  Normally we mourn and weep over a death.  But the day Jesus was crucified there was a whole lot of celebrating going on. 

The Jews, namely the Pharisees, were celebrating because this "deceiver" who claimed to be God was finally out of their way.  They celebrated the fact that the people would turn back to them as their "voice from God".  They celebrated what they thought was a victory-- a victory for them and their religion.

The devil and demons celebrated.  They celebrated because they had "defeated" God.  They celebrated because they had killed the Son of God and now satan would have the power that he always wanted-- to exalt his throne above the Most High.  They celebrated what they thought was a victory-- a victory over God Himself because they knew who Jesus was.

For those of us who follow Jesus our celebration is not because an enemy has been killed.  It is not because a deceiver got what he deserved.  It is not because a foe is out of the way and we don't have to be bothered by him again.  We celebrate because we know that it wasn't men who killed Jesus-- it was the will of the Father that He die for our sins.  We celebrate because our relationship with the Father has been restored through His death.  We celebrate because we can now enjoy eternal life.  We celebrate because our enemies have been defeated.  We celebrate because the great love of the Father has been extended to us.  We celebrate because through His death and resurrection we see how Mighty, Victorious, and Glorious Jesus is-- He is Who He said He was and did what He said He would do.  When we celebrate Jesus' death and resurrection we are not celebrating something that we only think is a victory, but what truly was and still is a victory!

Have a great day.  We have reason to celebrate the death of Jesus.  It is a time to celebrate victory!
 

<>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <><
Coffee Break is a morning devotional written by Lorraine Ezell
and is sent to you free of charge for the asking from
About the Master's Business Ministry, Inc.
Please feel free to
call (601) 833-5278 or
Email
: mastersbusiness@bellsouth.net
Visit us on the web:

Thursday, March 24, 2016

"Acquainted With Suffering And Victory"

"He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not".  Isaiah 53:3

While the cross was the place where the payment for our sins was made, there was much more happening at the crucifixion.  It was there where we see how acquainted with what we face that Jesus was.

He knows exactly where you are, how you feel and what you are going through. He knows what it is like to agonize over the will of God-- if it be possible let this cup pass from me.  He knows what it is like to be falsely accused.  He knows what it is like to be betrayed by someone you are close to-- betrayed with a kiss.  He knows what it is like to walk the long rode of suffering.  He knows what it is like to be abandoned by those whom you love.  He knows what it is like to be mocked, ridiculed, beaten, cursed, made fun of, bullied and blasphemed.  He faced it all.  No one else may know what you are going through, but He does-- He's been there and done that.

But He also knows what it is like to be victorious.  The empty tomb showed us that.  He was victorious over all the things we have named.  Yes, He went through them, but He came out on the other side victorious.  Yes, He suffered, but He was still victorious.  Through the crucifixion and the resurrection we see suffering and victory. 

When we look at our lives, sometimes we only see the suffering-- the cross we are bearing.  But keep in mind, through the suffering, that there is also victory-- an empty tomb.  Jesus suffered for us.  He took our sins, bore our shame and guilt, suffered and bleed for us on the cross.  But He also rose from the dead victoriously for us.  So that sin could not destroy us, condemnation could not defeat us and death could not overcome us.  He turned His victory over to us so now, though these things "touch" us, we can still walk through them victoriously.   

Have a great day.  There may be a cross in your life but there is also an empty tomb.  
 

<>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <><
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, March 22, 2016

"My Gethsemane"

"And he went a little farther, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt".  Matthew 26:39

We all come to a place in our lives where some things have to be settled.  I am primarily referring to the fact that we have to settle in our hearts that we are going to follow the Lord and surrender to do His will no matter what or what it may cost us.

For Moses this place of "settling" was on the back side of a desert at a burning bush.  For Joseph it was in Potiphar's house.  For Daniel it was "settled" in Babylonian captivity.  For the three Hebrews it was while standing before the threat of a fiery furnace.  For Jesus it was in the Garden of Gethsemane. 

Sometimes we wonder why we are going through certain trials or are in a hard place.  It is in that place that the decision to surrender to the Lord is settled.  It doesn't, and didn't for the ones we named above, happen on a bed of ease and comfort.  It happened in the wilderness, in the dry places, in the threat of destruction, in a captive place, etc.-- this was each ones Gethsemane.  We all have to come to our own "Gethsemane".  Our Gethsemane may be on our job when we have to chose between the will of God and our bosses demands.  It may come when the doctor tells us we only have months to live.  It may come when a spouse walks out on us.  It may come when we find ourselves facing homelessness.  Regardless of how it comes, when it does, we have to make a decision.  We have to either turn away from the will of God and following Him; or we have to settle it in our own hearts and declare-- "nevertheless, not my will but Thine".

Have a great day.  We all have to come to our own Gethsemane-- the place where we settle in our own hearts that we will surrender to the Lord's will.
 

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

Monday, March 21, 2016

"The Finishing Touch"

"He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay".  Matthew 28:6

We are getting ready to celebrate the crucifixion and resurrection of Christ.  The cross was the greatest demonstration of love.  It was there through His own blood that Jesus purchased our salvation and became the accepted payment for our sins.  Through His death we have forgiveness of sins and the opportunity to have a relationship with God the Father.

The cross purchased our salvation but the resurrection gave power to it.  Without the resurrection the work was not complete.  But Praise the Lord.... it is finished.  The grave could not hold Jesus.  Death could not hold Him.  The stone at the opening of the tomb could not hold Him.  The seal on the tomb could not hold Him.  The guards stationed at the tomb could not hold Him.  He came out!  And He came out victorious!!! 

Now, death has no power over us-- there is no victory or sting in death for us.  Sin has no power over us-- we are set free from the law of sin and death.  Our relationship with the Father has been restored-- we are no longer enemies but heirs and joint-heirs with God. 

Celebrate the cross.  Celebrate the resurrection.  Celebrate the risen Savior who loved us and gave Himself for us and rose again to put His great act of love in force.

Have a great day.  The resurrection was the finishing touch that gave the cross power to give us salvation and eternal 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:

Friday, March 18, 2016

"It Shows Us God"

"Jesus answered, Neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents: but that the works of God should be made manifest in him".  John 9:3

If there had not been a Red Sea in front of the Israelites when they came out of Egypt, they would have never seen that God is the great way maker-- making a way even where there seems to be none.

If Joshua and the Israelites had not faced the walls of Jericho, they would have never known that what looks impossible for men is possible for God. 

If Daniel had not been thrown into the lion's den, he would not have known that God is the great protector-- able to shut the mouths' of lions. 

If the three Hebrews had not been thrown into the fiery furnace, they would never had known the great delivering power of the Lord.

If the disciples had not faced the storm, they would not have seen the mighty power that the Lord has even over nature.

If Lazarus had not died, Mary and Martha would not have seen the power that the Lord has even over death.

The point I am trying to make is this:  without facing some problem, some obstacle, some trial, some difficulty, something that looks like it will destroy you, you will never see the power and glory of God. 

The blind man, because of his blindness, saw the healing power of Jesus.  The lame man, because he was lame, experienced the healing power of the Lord.  Mary Magdalene, because she was demon possessed, saw the delivering power of the Lord. 

It is in facing those hard times that the glory of God can be revealed.  It is like the song says, "If I never had a problem, I wouldn't know that Jesus could solve them".  This is one way all things work together for our good.  The thing that you are going through is an opportunity to see the delivering, healing, overcoming, glorious power of the Most High God.

Have a great day.  It is only when we face trying situations that we see God as we may have never been able to see Him otherwise.   



<>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <><
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, March 17, 2016

"He Leaves A Sign"

"Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marveled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus".  Acts 4:13

I had my grandchildren with me for a while yesterday and after they left there were still signs that they had been here-- a scooter in the yard, dirty cereal bowls, toys on the floor, lip prints on the mirror, etc.  Every time they come and go from my house there is evidence that they leave behind. 

I want to ask you a couple of questions this morning.  If you say that Jesus is in your life (you are a Christian) then that means His presence dwells within you.  Is there any evidence of that?  Is there evidence that He is "in the house"?  As a Christian we should have a daily encounter with the Lord-- it is called our prayer time.  In prayer we meet with Him in a special way.  As we do, He ministers to us, enlightens us, directs us and transforms us.  When you come out of your time of prayer (prayer closet, war room, whatever you call it), is there any evidence in your life that you have been with Jesus?  

His presence always leaves a "sign" behind.  Read the New Testament.  Everywhere Jesus went lives were changed, touched and transformed.  It was obvious that Jesus had been there.  The same should be said of us.  It should be obvious to others that Jesus is with us and has been with us.  There should be some "sign" of His presence.  That sign is a transformed life.  Therefore, there should be some change in our attitude, in our actions and reactions, in our conduct, in our treatment of others, in our love level, and so on.  My grandchildren left signs of their presence.  Why wouldn't Jesus leave signs that He has been with us?   

Have a great day.  Is there any sign in your life that you have been with Jesus?   
 

<>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <><
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, March 16, 2016

"Late Is Not Always Better"

"(For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.)"  2 Corinthians 6:2

I am a little late this morning in getting the devotional out, but "better late than never".  We have all heard that said.  With some things that is true.  It is better to be a little late in sending out the devotional than to not send it out at all.  It is better to show up late to an event than not to show up at all.

But that philosophy isn't accurate all the time.  It doesn't apply to everything.  Your salvation is one of those things that you cannot apply this way of thinking to.  If you wait too late, you will not have salvation.  It will be a never time for you.  You will never receive it. 

Some think they can wait until they are at the end of their lives-- after they have done all that they wanted to do and accomplish.  Some think that they can wait until their "death bed"-- many people don't have that opportunity.  Some think that after they leave this life they will get a second chance-- that is false. 

If you don't receive Jesus as your Savior while there is still time.  If you are thinking about waiting.  If you are putting it off.  One day it will be too late.  You will never have it.  Don't be late.  Don't let the end of your life come without having received eternal life.  There is no "better being late" when it comes to your soul.

Have a great day.  Better late than never does not apply to your salvation.  If you wait too late to receive salvation it will be too late and you will never receive 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:

Tuesday, March 15, 2016

"Your Daily Inheritance"


(NOTE:  In the CB entitled- "Rearranged Plans" the scripture reference should have been Exodus 13:17)
 
"The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints".  Ephesians 1:18

The Bible tells us that there is an eternal inheritance laid up for those who are born again and serve the Lord.  But we also get to enjoy the benefits of that inheritance here and now.  This morning when you woke up, you woke up to an inheritance- a spiritual inheritance.  That inheritance includes peace, strength, grace, mercy, benefits, provision, etc.  It is all available to you-- it belongs to you.  The question is, "What are you going to do with your inheritance today?". 

Are you going to use it?  Are you going to hold on to it for another time, or a rainy day?  Are you going to ignore that it is there?  The Lord daily loads us with benefits.  They are there for the asking.  They are there for us to use.  They are there to help meet the needs that we have.  For example, when you face fear today, are you going to "withdraw" peace from your inheritance and get rid of the fear?  Or will you let peace "set in the bank" and allow fear to take over?  If you need strength today, will you make a withdrawal on your inheritance and use the strength that is available for you? 

This inheritance you have is inexhaustible.  It is there for you to use.  It has been provided for and paid for fully by the blood of Jesus.  God doesn't intend for you to let it sit there unused.  It is a gift from the Father to you.  He wants you to "cash it in" and use it in order to walk in abundant life each day.

Have a great day.  Are you withdrawing from your inheritance each time you need it, or are you letting it just sit there?   

For further reading:
"Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ".  Colossians 3:24

"For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God".  Ephesians 5:5

"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time".  1 Peter 1:3-5
 
<>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <><
Coffee Break is a morning devotional written by Lorraine Ezell
and is sent to you free of charge for the asking from
About the Master's Business Ministry, Inc.
Please feel free to
call (601) 833-5278 or
Email
: mastersbusiness@bellsouth.net
Visit us on the web:

 

Monday, March 14, 2016

"He Helps Us"

"....The Lord is my helper..."  Hebrews 13:6

There are many sayings that we have and think they are scriptural.  One is-- "The Lord helps those who help themselves".  This is not a scripture.  It isn't even true.  The truth is-- "The Lord helps those who can't help themselves". 

None of us are able to "help ourselves".  When it comes to salvation and eternal life, we can't help ourselves.  We can't save ourselves.  We can't work enough.  Do enough good.  Be righteous enough.  It took God sending His Only Begotten Son into the world to die for our sins that made it possible for us to be saved.

There is no area of accomplishment in our lives that we can take credit for.  It is the Lord who gives us the power to get wealth.  It is the Lord who gives us health and healing.  It is the Lord who gives us wisdom.  It is the Lord who directs our steps-- we don't have that ability.  It is the Lord who gives us strength to continue on when we want to quit and give up.  It is the Lord who goes before us making the crooked paths straight. 

He imparts to us and infuses us with the help that we need when we need it because we are helpless on our own apart from Him.  Only the fool and the wicked would say that they don't need His help and they can do it on their own.  Only the misinformed believe that He will help them as long as they are trying to help themselves.  I for one am thankful that this is not the case.  I need His help because I can't help myself.... and He knows that.

Have a great day.  The Lord helps those who can't help themselves.    

For further reading: 

"But thou shalt remember the Lord thy God: for it is he that giveth thee power to get wealth, that he may establish his covenant which he sware unto thy fathers, as it is this day". (Deuteronomy 8:18)

"And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me". (2 Corinthians 12:9)

"O Lord, I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps".  (Jeremiah 10:23)

"I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing". (John 15:5)

<>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <><
Coffee Break is a morning devotional written by Lorraine Ezell
and is sent to you free of charge for the asking from
About the Master's Business Ministry, Inc.
Please feel free to
call (601) 833-5278 or
Email
: mastersbusiness@bellsouth.net
Visit us on the web:

Friday, March 11, 2016

"Rearranged Plans"

"And it came to pass, when Pharaoh had let the people go, that God led them not through the way of the land of the Philistines, although that was near; for God said, Lest peradventure the people repent when they see war, and they return to Egypt".  Numbers 13:17

When things don't go according to your plans, when appointments are changed, when you are delayed, when a meeting is cancelled, how do you react?  What type of attitude do you get?  Most of us get frustrated, angry, critical, mad, anxious, worried or irritated.  Is this the attitude we should have if we are a born-again Christian?  What should our attitude be?

We say we trust the Lord, but do we when our plans seem to be "rearranged".  The Bible says that the Lord directs our steps.  We either believe this or we don't.  If we do, our attitude will be different then the one I described earlier.  If He is directing your steps then instead of getting angry about a canceled appointment maybe it means that you didn't need to go.  Instead of getting frustrated because traffic delayed you from getting to a meeting on time, maybe it was God's way of protecting you from an accident that morning.  Recently, my husband was to have a medical procedure.  We made the early trip out of town to the hospital.  We filled out all the paper work.  He was prepped for the procedure.  Then the doctor came in and said they weren't going to do it that day we would have to reschedule it.  Honestly, it was frustrating.  Making the trip unnecessarily was an inconvenience.  We felt like the time was wasted, etc., etc.  But later we discovered that the reason things were delayed was because they may have done a procedure on him that was not necessary.  Because when we had the test later, all was fine. 

Someone shared with me recently, that things didn't go the way they had planned concerning some repair on their vehicle, so they had to make other arrangements.  They discovered later that it was a good thing that it worked out like it did because it made them aware of a problem with their vehicle that could have caused an accident.  (Hind sight is always 20/20.)

You have all heard numerous stories like this-- and you have had your own similar stories.  Delays that worked for your good.  Interruptions that prevented you from being hurt.  Cancellations that put you at the right place at the right time. These things aren't just happening to us, they are happening for us--- for our good, on our behalf. 

So the next time you are tempted to get a bad attitude over things not going according to your plan, stop and thank the Lord that your steps are directed by Him and He is leading them down a perfect path whether you can see it as such or not.

Have a great day.  Rearranged plans don't just happen to us, often God is behind them working them together for our good.   


<>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <><
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, March 10, 2016

"Dangerous Intersection"

"For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me".  2 Corinthians 12:8,9

We would all agree that Paul was a man of faith, right?  He had a close intimate relationship with the Lord.  The Lord did miracles through him.  He wrote most of the New Testament.  He suffered for the cause of Christ.  He had spiritual revelation and was even caught up into heaven.   Yet, when he prayed for the thorn in his flesh to be removed, it wasn't.  He even prayed three times and it remained.

Prayer is not some sort of "magic formula" that we say and instantly, automatically our requests are answered and answered exactly the way we want.  When we pray and the outcome is not as we had hoped, when the situation does not change, when God gives us an answer that we weren't expecting, we find ourselves at a "dangerous intersection". 

Do you ever wonder why many people who were once sold out to the Lord have now turned from Him?  One of the reasons is because they came to this "intersection".  The Lord didn't answer in the way they wanted or thought He would so they weren't willing to accept it as His will. Instead they got angry and bitter toward Him.  Which led them to turning from Him. 

When God doesn't answer like we want Him to, or think He should, we have to make a choice-- which direction at this intersection will we take.  Will we accept the will of God and know that His grace is sufficient, His strength will there for us and all things will work together for our good?  Or will we get angry at Him and turn from Him?  Paul chose to accept the will of God and continue on.  As a result, the power of God rested upon him.  Which direction will you choose?

Have a great day.  When you come to the place where God's will is contrary to the answer you wanted to hear, will you continue to walk with Him or turn 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:
  

Wednesday, March 9, 2016

"Waiting Is Working"

"And when the cloud was taken up from over the tabernacle, the children of Israel went onward in all their journeys: But if the cloud were not taken up, then they journeyed not till the day that it was taken up".  Exodus 40:36,37

Many of God's people are in a place of waiting.  They are waiting for the Lord to move them into their next assignment, their destiny, the place of ministry or the plan He has for them.  They are waiting on His timing before they can make the next move forward.

It is in these times of "waiting" that we must be careful and guard against getting frustrated, anxious, impatient and the temptation to "move out" and "do something".  That is one of the hardest things for most of us to do-- be still and wait.  We want to be doing something for the Lord.  We want to be working.  We find it hard to sit still and, as we think, "do nothing". 

Let me encourage you this morning that it is just as much an act of obedience to do nothing, if God is not telling you to do something, as it is to do what He tells you to do.  Waiting is as much the will of God as working is.  The children of Israel, when they were in the wilderness, were told to keep their eyes on the cloud-- the Presence of the Lord among them.  They were instructed not to move on in their journey if the cloud remained still.  They were instructed to move and go forward to another place when they saw the cloud move.  They were following the Lord--- even when the Lord wasn't leading them to move.

The safest place on earth is in the will of God.  The will of God is not always about going, working or doing.  The will of God is as much about being-- being still unless He has told you to go.  So rest in the Lord; don't get frustrated; don't be anxious; don't get condemned and feel as if you are doing nothing for Him; don't have the mentality that says loving the Lord means you have to constantly be doing something for Him.  When He wants you to move, He will let you know just like He did the Israelites.  Trust in the Lord.  Wait upon the Lord.  Be at peace in Him.  Learn what He wants you to learn by waiting.  Be still and just enjoy His presence until HE gives you the orders to move. 

Have a great day.  Our doing nothing but waiting on the Lord's timing to move is as much obedience to the will of God as our always having to do something for 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:
 


 

Tuesday, March 8, 2016

"It Will Bring The Family"

"If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted? and if thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door. And unto thee shall be his desire, and thou shalt rule over him".  Genesis 4:7

The Bible says that sin is always waiting at the door to come in.  But it doesn't wait alone.  Let me give you a "visual image" of what I mean.  In some of the movies or television shows we have seen, when someone came to visit, the whole family usually came to visit-- and move in.  They brought with them maw, paw, grandma, Aunt Sally, Uncle Joe, cousin Bessie, little cousin Jimmy and the pet dog and chicken.  This is what happens when we allow sin into our lives.  Along with it comes more than just itself.  It brings the "whole family" and they all set up residence.

When temptation comes and you open the door to sin, not only does it come in but it brings the rest of the "family" with it.  It brings along guilt, condemnation, fear, worry, depression, anxiety, bad attitude, bondage, confusion and so on.  (Perhaps this is one of the things Jesus meant when He said that seven more would come with it.)   

This is why you must not open the door to it.  It lies in wait always hoping to gain access.  And if you open the door an "inch" it and its "companions" will take a "mile".  They will move in and take over your life.  Instead you must take the way of escape that the Lord makes for you in every temptation.  You must resist the temptation.  You must submit yourself to God. You must use the Sword of the Spirit (God's Word) against it.  You must lean upon the help of the Lord to keep the door closed.  Often, it is not the sin itself that gives you the most trouble, it is the "family" that it brings along with it that torments and oppresses you.  So, don't let it in and you will keep the rest of them out.

Have a great day.  If you open the door to sin, its whole family will move in and take up residence.     
 

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

 

Friday, March 4, 2016

"Peace Before Or After?"

"Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee".  Isaiah 26:3

The key to keeping in peace is keeping your mind on the Lord.  When situations arise, you can either keep pondering the situation or ponder the greatness of the Lord.  You can either fear the situation or trust the Lord.  You can either allow the situation to consume you and overwhelm you or you can turn to the Lord.  You can either focus on the problem or focus on the Lord.

When the disciples were in the boat during the storm that threatened to drown them, they focused on the storm.  They forgot the words of Jesus that they were going to reach the other side.  As a result they became fearful.  The disciples were afraid but Jesus was in the back of the boat asleep.  When they woke Him, He calmed the storm and peace returned to the sea.

During the storms of life, which would you rather be like--- the disciples who had peace after the storm or Jesus who had peace during the storm?  It is possible to have peace during the storm.  (That is what the Lord wants for us.)  Storms will always come to our lives, they will always threaten to destroy us, they can stir fear in our hearts, they may last longer than a night, but we can still have peace while they are raging.  Jesus did.  If He is living in your life, then know this-- He still has peace today, He is the Prince of Peace.  Allow His peace which passes understanding to give you peace during the storm.  You do this by keeping your heart and mind focused on Him, on His word, on His promises and on His power instead of the storm.

Have a great day.  Would you rather have peace during the storm or after it has passed?


<>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <><
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, March 3, 2016

"A Voice In The House"

"Cry aloud, spare not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet...". Isaiah 58:1a

A pastor friend of mine called the other day.  He was relating to me how the Lord protected him and his family during a recent tornado.  He took his family into the hall of the house and there he prayed for the Lord's protection, quoted scriptures and encouraged his family by reminding them of what God had said in His Word.  Then he made a statement that leaped out at me.  He said-- "he was the voice in the house" during the storm.  He was the one voice for them all that called out to God above the storm, above the fear and above the situation that was taking place around them.   

There has to be a "voice in the house" when we are going through difficulties.  There has to be a voice to remind us of God's goodness, faithfulness and promises.  There has to be a voice to encourage us.  Some one has to proclaim and say what the Lord says.  Someone has to lift up their voice in praise.   Someone has to quote the scriptures to the circumstances.  Someone has to cry out to and call upon the Lord.  We can't be quiet.

Our own nation's history has taught us that there has to be a voice for things to change or to make things happen.  Behind every worthy cause there has been a voice.  The Founding Fathers had a voice against the King of England in order to bring about our independence.  The Civil Rights movement had a voice in its leaders to bring about equality for all men and women.  The Bible records that God sent a voice, Moses, to Pharaoh to let His people go.  God used a voice/shout to bring down the walls of Jericho.  God sent a voice in John the Baptist to prepare the way of the coming Messiah.  In the end of time the Spirit and the bride lift up their voices with an invitation to come and take of the water of life freely. 

We can't keep quiet when the storm is raging, when the enemy is fighting, when sickness is attacking, when the fire is burning, when the lions are roaring, when the situation looks hopeless.  We must BE the voice in the house and call out to God, praise Him, declare His goodness and speak His word. 

But we can't be the same kind of voice as Eve who carried on a conversation with the enemy.  We must follow the example of Jesus who "voiced" to the devil in the wilderness-- "It is written".  Jesus was the voice in the boat-- "Peace Be Still!".  Jesus had a voice at the cross that secured our salvation-- "It is finished!" Be the voice in your home.  Be the voice which speaks to the situation.  Be the voice that speaks life, freedom and victory.  Don't stay quiet.  Speak to those things.  Open your mouth, the word of faith is in it.  Call those things that are not as though they are.  Speak to that mountain.  Be not silent.

Have a great day.  Is there a voice in the house? 
 

<>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <><
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, March 2, 2016

"Blessed But Not Exempt"

"Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience". James 1:3

I take issue with those who teach that because we are a Christian we will never go through any trouble or problems.  If we do, they accuse us of having a lack of faith or sin in our lives. 

I want to make it clear this morning-- Christians are blessed; blessed of the Lord.  His blessings are upon our lives.  They even chase us down and overtake us.  But just because I/you/we are a Christian, just because the Lord's blessings are upon us, doesn't mean we are exempt from trouble.  If so, what are we to do with the words of Jesus Himself who said, "In the world you shall have tribulation" and, "it rains on the just and the unjust"?

What are we to say to the Apostle Paul who said-- "Are they ministers of Christ? (I speak as a fool) I am more; in labours more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequent, in deaths oft.  Of the Jews five times received I forty stripes save one. Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day I have been in the deep; in journeyings often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils by mine own countrymen, in perils by the heathen, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren; in weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness. Beside those things that are without, that which cometh upon me daily, the care of all the churches". (2 Corinthians 11:23-28)  This was Paul's testimony of his own life experiences.  Will you tell him that he has sin in his life or no faith?  How many of you have raised the dead?  Healed the sick?  Cast out devils?  Been persecuted for the cause of Christ? 

What about all of those whose names and life stories are recorded in the "Hall of Faith"?  Are we to accuse them?  The Bible says their faith was so great that the world wasn't even worthy of them. (Hebrews 11)

How is it that we don't understand that the Bible is talking about the Christian when we read the words:  "We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed; always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body.  For we which live are always delivered unto death for Jesus' sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh". (2 Corinthians 4:8-11)

Don't get me wrong.  I believe we are blessed.  We are not under the curse.  I believe in healing, deliverance, abundant life, goodness and mercy follows us, no weapon formed against us shall prosper and we have victory through Christ Jesus our Lord.  But we can't take away from the whole truth of the Word of God.  We have to "rightly divide" it. The truth is-- clouds have rain, roses have thorns, night follows day and Christians aren't exempt from trouble just because we are blessed.... no matter how strong our faith is. 

Have a great day.  Just because we are blessed doesn't mean we are exempt from trouble.  And it doesn't mean we don't have faith.   
 

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