Friday, July 29, 2016

"Living For Eternity"

"For they that say such things declare plainly that they seek a country".  Hebrews 11:14

The "they" this verse is referring to is all of those who lived by faith and died in faith.  Their faith was in the God of heaven and earth.  They trusted and believed what He said.  They held on to His promises whether they saw them fulfilled in their lives or not.  They knew that the Lord was faithful as promised.

They also knew that this earth was not their home.  Like a pilgrim, they were only passing through.  They knew that there was more to their existence than this life and what it has to offer.  They knew that if their faith was in this Almighty God that when they died they would go into His presence to live with Him for an eternity.  Because of this, they kept their hearts and minds stayed on Him and were ever mindful that they were just "passing through" this earth.

I look around at so many of those who "live by faith"-- Christians, believers, followers of Jesus-- in this present day and see a different attitude about eternity.  Most are so consumed with this life-- what to eat, drink, wear, where to live, how much money they are trying to make, politics, the economy, entertainment, etc.  They act as if this life is all there is.  They act, live and talk like this temporary is the eternal.  Well, it is not!

Those who made it into the "Hall of Faith" (Hebrews 11) knew this.  I want to say to my fellow brothers and sisters in the Lord-- This world is temporary!!! It is not eternal!!!  It will pass away one day.  You will die one day.  This is all going to be done away with one day.  You will not live here forever.  There is an eternity that awaits us.  Live for it!!! Stop living for the temporary!!  Refocus and get your eyes off of this life and onto the one that is to come.  Eternity never ends-- this life does.  Don't let this temporary life rob you of eternal life.  Keep eternity in mind.  Live your life with eternity in mind.  Jesus said, "In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.  And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also". (John 14:1,2)

Have a great day.  This life is temporary.  The one to come is eternal.  Which one are you living for?
 

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Co
ffee 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 

Thursday, July 28, 2016

"Captive In Destiny"

"And Joseph found grace in his sight, and he served him: and he made him overseer over his house, and all that he had he put into his hand".  Genesis 39:4

The Lord doesn't always deliver us out of affliction, trials and testing.  He doesn't always deliver us from them.  Sometimes He delivers us in them.  Meaning we still go through them but instead of them holding us in bondage we have freedom.

Joseph was not delivered out of Egypt.  Daniel was not delivered out of Babylon.  They both lived most of their lives there, and even died there.  But while they were there, the Lord was with them doing great and mighty things in their lives and through their lives. 

Joseph ruled along side Pharaoh as second highest in command in the greatest nation on earth.  Daniel was made a prince who ruled providences in Babylon under three different kings-- also the greatest nation on earth at that time.  They each were captives in body but they were free in spirit, heart and mind. 

Although they were captives they were still promoted in their captivity.  They still served the Lord in their captivity.  They still fulfilled their destiny as captives.  Instead of us always praying for deliverance from "captivity", why not pray to see if this is part of God's plan for your life.  I know this is not a very popular message.  We don't want captivity.  We want comfort.  We don't want to have to go through anything like that.  But like Joseph and Daniel, this might be the very thing that your destiny and God given assignment is wrapped up in.

Have a great day.  We may not always be delivered from our captivity, but that captivity might in actuality be part of our destiny.   

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Co
ffee 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 

Wednesday, July 27, 2016

"Foolish Way, But Best Way"

"And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters".  Genesis 1:2

In verse one we see that God created the heavens and the earth.  In verse two there was darkness and chaos in it.  In verse three God speaks into the darkness and chaos and brings forth light.  Is your life full of chaos and darkness?  Are you going through a time of difficulties?  Do you feel like you are in the wilderness and facing tremendous problems?  Well, be encouraged, the Lord knows how to turn your darkness into light and your chaos into something good.

In verse three the Lord brought forth light into the situation by speaking to it-- "And God said".  When God is working on our behalf, He may not always do it the way we think He should do it, the way we would do it or the way we want Him to do it, but He knows how to do it the best way. 

God's ways are not our ways.  They are so much better than ours.  His thoughts in the matter aren't our thoughts about  it.  They are so much higher.  He sees the whole situation.  He sees it from beginning to end.  He sees the full picture. 

God's way of working in our darkness and trials may seem foolish to us.  In verse two He simply "spoke" to it.  We want God to "put His hands on it".  We want some physical sign that He is doing it. For example, it must have seemed foolish to the Israelites when they needed water for God to have Moses strike a rock.  But as foolish as it may have seemed, they received water. 

The point is:  God knows how to turn your chaos and darkness into something good.  "And God said-- then God saw it was good".  Just trust Him and trust Him to do it His way which will always be the best way.

Have a great day.  God knows how to bring something good out of the chaos in your life and He knows the best way of doing it.   

 
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Co
ffee 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, July 26, 2016

"Come After"

"And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me".  Luke 9:23

Jesus offers an invitation to anyone who will to come after Him.  This phrase "come after" has a two-fold meaning.  One means to follow behind something or someone.  Many are "coming after" Jesus like this.  They are following Him through religious formality.  They go to church, they have a church membership, they read the Bible, give offerings, say prayers and try to treat others kindly.  They stay away from alcohol and other vices and immorality.  They are doing the works, but have they really accepted the invitation?

Have you ever heard anyone say that they were "going after" something?  You may have heard those who participate in the Olympics talk about "going after the gold".  What do they mean?  It means they are passionately pursuing that gold metal.  They are doing whatever it takes to obtain it.  They making whatever sacrifices that are necessary in order to
win it.  They aren't letting anything stop them, hinder them or get in their way from obtaining it.  They are keeping their eye on the prize and doing everything in their power to pursue it.  This is the second meaning of "come after".  This is the invitation that Jesus has given us.  To passionately pursue Him.  To go after Him with everything we have and are.  To see Him as the greatest "prize' to be received.

Have you accepted His invitation?  Are you "coming after" Him?  Which definition are you coming after Him with?  Are you following Him through religion practices only-- the dos and don'ts, the list of rules and regulations?  Or are you following Him with a passionate pursuit?  Having "eyes" only for Him?  Going after Him with all you have?  Loving Him with all your heart, soul, strength and mind?  Giving/sacrificing all to have that relationship with Him?  Making Him your heart and life's goal?  You are either following Him one way or the other.  Which is it?

Have a great day.  How are you "coming after" Jesus? 

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

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

Visit us on the web:www.mastersbusiness.org 

 

Monday, July 25, 2016

"First Love/ First Works"

"I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars: And hast borne, and hast patience, and for my name's sake hast laboured, and hast not fainted.  Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent".  Revelation 2:2-5

The Lord said that these people had lost their first love.  Have you lost your first love?  Is Jesus the focal point of your life like He was at the beginning?  Do you still love Him with all your heart, soul, strength and mind?  Or has your love for Him dwindled?  Has He taken a seat further down the line, or at the end, of your affections? 

How does this happen?  We allow the cares of this life to cause us to start turning from Him.  We let others come between us and Him.  There are many reasons.  But more important than "why did this happen?" is "how do I get that first love back?". 

When Jesus told us the problem, He also gave us the solution.  "Repent, and do the first works".  The first step is to repent.  Confess this falling away to Him.  Confess this lack of love to Him.  Repent of it, turn and start heading back toward Him.  Next, do the first works.  If you noticed, He first commended them for their "works".  So they were doing works.  They were still working for Him and doing His work.  So which works is He talking about?

If you look up the word work in the original language it also means:  that with which anyone is occupied.  Do you remember when you first got married, or were dating someone, how you were occupied and preoccupied with that person you were in love with?  No one else mattered.  Your whole world- interests, schedule, money, time, plans, every waking moment-- was spent planning around everything else how you could be with or see that person.  You longed to be with them.  All you could do was eat, think, drink, sleep, dream about them.  You couldn't wait to be with them and didn't want to leave once you were.  That person was the center of everything you did.  Everyone and everything else came second.  This is the work that He is talking about-- being occupied with Him more than anything else and not letting anything else stand in the way of you being with Him.  You do the first works by being preoccupied and occupied with Jesus.   

Have a great day.  Have you lost your first love?  Are your thoughts and life occupied with Him?         

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

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

Visit us on the web:www.mastersbusiness.org 

 

Monday, July 18, 2016

"True Appearance Or Not?"


"Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment". John 7:24

As many of you know our ministry runs a thrift store.  Yesterday at church, a sweet young friend came up to me and told me that she and her husband had passed by the shop on a day I was closed and thought someone had vandalized it.  She was so upset that anyone would do that.  The reason she thought that was because the windows had red paint "scribbled" all over them.  She had her husband turn around so that could take a closer look and clean the paint off of the windows.  Upon closer inspection, they discovered that the paint was also on the inside.  They concluded that I must have done it.  (I would like to say, in cause she and her husband are reading this, she will never know how blessed and touched I was by her concern-- thank you!)

Let me now tell you the story behind the windows.  I have a beautiful eight year old granddaughter  who has been volunteering for me on Fridays during the summer.  Well, she found a tube of red glass paint.  So, she decided to do a little "art work" and write some messages and draw on the windows.  Me being the "wonderful" Nana I am--- I let her.  I haven't entirely cleaned all the windows yet.

A lot of time we will "jump to conclusions" based on appearance.  We will act according to what we see.  Many times what our eyes are telling us is the truth, but sometimes it isn't.  After looking at the windows I could easily see how they drew that conclusion.  (I probably would have too if I had not known the truth.)

I said all that to say this:  Our judgments should not be after appearance.  They should not be solely based on our feelings or opinions.  They should not be based on everyone else's opinions as well.  We should seek the Lord and ask for His understanding in the situation.  God corrected Samuel the prophet for this very thing when he went to anoint a new king of Israel.  He was looking at the statue of the man.  He was looking at the brothers' appearances.  He was following Jessie's opinion, who didn't even think David was good enough to be king so he left him tending sheep. 

You have heard it said, "Things are not always as they appear"-- this is often true.  Things are not always as others say they are.  Things are not always as we perceive them to be.  So, again, seek the Lord.  Get discernment from Him.  Ask Him to help you see clearly the situation.  Don't just take everyone else's word for it, or make a judgment based solely on the way things look.  It might not be true. 

Have a great day.  Base your judgments on truth, not on appearance only. 

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

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

Visit us on the web:www.mastersbusiness.org 


Friday, July 15, 2016

"Fight With Your Mouth"

".... and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God".  Ephesians 6:17b

How does the Bible tell us to fight our enemy the devil?  It tells us to fight him with our mouth.  He comes to steal, kill and destroy and he fights against us with his mouth/words.  This is how he fought against mankind in the Garden of Eden-- with words.  "Did God say?"  He is still fighting against us with words.  Words of fear, guilt, shame, condemnation and accusations.  

Many of you are trying to fight him the wrong way.  You think that if you just ignore him he will go away.  You think that if you talk to him you will be sinning.  You believe that just because Jesus already defeated him that you don't have to do anything else.  You don't understand that he is to be spoken to in order to defeat or resist him.  I didn't say we are to converse with him.  I said we are to speak to him.

Jesus taught us how to defeat the enemy when He was in the wilderness.  He did not carry on a conversation with the devil.  He did not simply ignore him.  He did not stay speechless.  He spoke the Word of God to him-- "It is written".  When Jesus and His disciples were in the boat and the storm came up, it was no ordinary storm.  It was demonic in nature.  It was the enemy trying to detour and destroy Jesus from reaching His destination.  What did Jesus do in the storm?  He spoke to the storm.  He told it to "shut up and be quiet"! 

In your time of "attack" you are going to have to do the same thing.  You are going to have to open your mouth and use your Sword-- the Word of God.  The Bible tells us we overcome by the blood of the Lamb and the Word of our testimony.  Are you using God's Word to fight the devil?  Are you being quiet and not saying a word?  Are you ignoring him and hoping he will go away?  It wasn't until Jesus had told him three times that "It is written" that he finally left-- but he did leave. 

Have a great day.  You have to speak to the enemy and tell him what the Word of God says.   

Scripture reference:
Genesis 3:1
John 10:10
Revelation 12:10,11
Mark 4:39
Matthew 4

 
<>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <><
Co
ffee 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 

Thursday, July 14, 2016

"Diligent"

"Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth".  2 Timothy 2:15

The word for study here means to endeavor, give diligence, be diligent.  The word for diligent in the dictionary means:  constant in effort to accomplish something; attentive and persistent in doing anything.  So, are we?  Are we diligent when it comes to our relationship and service to the Lord? 

It seems that we are diligent about everything else but our relationship with Him.  We are diligent about our education, in our careers, in our relationships with others, and so on.  That is a good thing.  We don't need to be lazy or slothful in any area of life.  If we say we are a Christian, then we need to be diligent in what we do and be people of excellence.  But our first priority is to please the Lord.  We should endeavor to serve Him with all our hearts.  We should endeavor to give Him our best.  We should endeavor to make His love known to others.  We should be diligent in our study to know Him in deeper depths.  Striving for a close intimate relationship with Him should be the greatest desire of our hearts.

We have been brought into a relationship with the Lord through the sacrificial shed blood of Jesus Christ, therefore, we are not working to be saved.  But we have to be diligent in our salvation.  We have to be diligent, attentive and constant in our relationship with Him.  We can't neglect it and take it for granted.  We can't be "off and on" or "wishy-washy" with it.  It should be our first priority.  It should mean more to us than anything else.  It should be the cry and utmost desire of our hearts.  Is it?

Have a great day.  Are you diligent in your relationship with the Lord?  Does it mean more to you than anything else?
   
 
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Co
ffee 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 
 

Wednesday, July 13, 2016

"You Have To Be Born Again"

"Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God".  John 3:3

When Nicodemus came to Jesus at night, he said to Him, "Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him".  Jesus didn't say back to him, "You are right.  My Father has revealed this to you. I am glad you recognize who I am".  He said none of that.  Instead He said something odd-- to me it made no sense.  It sounded like it had nothing to do with what Nicodemus had said.  Jesus immediately responded by telling him he had to be born-again.

Jesus never beats around the bush.  He always goes to the heart of the matter.  He was letting Nicodemus know that entering into the kingdom and having eternal life was more than just having the right belief.  Jesus sets the criteria.  Although Nicodemus had all the "credentials", his credentials were not the criteria.

Nicodemus was a Pharisee, a religious ruler, a teacher, he had a place in the temple, he recognized that Jesus was from God, he knew He could do miracles, he knew God was with Jesus, he followed Him in the crowd, but that wasn't enough.  He still had to be born-again.

Just because you go to church, just because you are a Sunday School teacher, just because you sing in the choir, just because you are on the deacon board, just because you give tithes and offerings, just because you pastor a church, just because you joined a church, just because you shook the preacher's hand, just because you raised your hand in secret and repeated a prayer does not mean you meet Jesus' requirements for entering into the Kingdom of heaven.  Let's take it one step further, like He did for Nicodemus-- just because you believe that Jesus is from God and He is the Son of God doesn't mean you are saved.  Even the devils believe that Jesus is who He is, but they aren't and never will be saved.  Jesus said you "must be born-again". 

A person gets into a family here on earth by either being born or adopted into it.  If you haven't been born into God's family, you don't belong to Him-- you are not in the family.  If you are not in the family, you will not live with Him forever in His house in heaven-- only family gets to do that.  Nicodemus was religious but he was not born-again.  He believed right about Jesus but he was not born-again.  You can be a faithful church goers, you can be religious, you can believe the right thing about Jesus, but if you are not born-again you are still lost and will not enter into God's Kingdom.  That is what Jesus said-- and He makes the rules!

Have a great day.  You have to be born-again in order to enter into God's Kingdom.  If you aren't, you won't! 

 
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Co
ffee 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, July 12, 2016

"The Mark"

"From henceforth let no man trouble me: for I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus".  Galatians 6:17

Paul said he bore the marks in his body of the Lord Jesus.  The word for mark here means:  a mark pricked in or branded on the body; a scar of service.  Perhaps these marks were the scars from when he was beaten three times because he was a follower (as well as a minister) of Jesus.

Do you have any identifying marks of the Lord Jesus?  Even if we don't have any physical marks, we should have a mark.  We should have some identifying marks and scars of service that are evidence that we are followers of the Lord Jesus.

If not a physical mark than what kind of mark would we have?  The mark that distinguishes us as followers of Jesus is love.  We have been stamped with His love.  "By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another".  That is our distinguishing mark. 

The world will know we are His because we are marked with love and by love.  Love for our enemies.  Love for those who despitefully use us, abuse us and mistreat us.  For those who take advantage of us.  For those who are out to get us.  Love for those who hate us.  Love for those who don't love us in return.  This love isn't vengeful, vindictive or unforgiving.  Love is patient, kind and is not jealous; does not brag and is not arrogant.  It does not act unbecomingly; it does not seek its own, is not provoked, does not take into account a wrong suffered.  It does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth.  Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

You can say you belong to Jesus.  You can say you are serving Him.  You can call yourself a Christian, a follower, a believer, but if you don't have love, you don't have any mark that identifies you as His.  Without love, you have nothing-- nothing but words.  You can say you belong to Him all day long, but the "mark" is the proof-- the mark of love.  

Have a great day.  Do you have a mark on you that identifies you with Jesus?

Scripture references:
John 13:35
2 Corinthians 11:25
1 Corinthians 13

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

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

Visit us on the web:www.mastersbusiness.org     

Monday, July 11, 2016

"Turn On The Light"

"The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple".  Psalm 119:130

This world is walking, and living, in darkness because of the presence of sin.  We are groping around trying to find our way.  We are stumbling over what is hidden from sight because of the darkness.  The remedy for darkness is light.  When light comes in it helps us to see what is hidden.  It helps us to walk in a perfect way.  It causes us to miss the things that would trip us up. 

We need light.  We need light to shine in our own hearts, our homes, our schools, our government, our nation and the world.  Until it does, we will not only continue to be in darkness but do "dark" things.  Hate, murder, greed, retaliation, revenge, robbery, immortality, abuse, division, anger, malice, incest, bitterness, unforgiveness, rebellion (to name a few) are all works of darkness. 

How do we get light into our situations?  Where does this light come from?  Is there a big "switch" that we can turn off and on to bring us light?  Yes, it is.  This light I am talking about does have a "switch".  It can be "flipped on" to bring light.  It is called the "Word of God". 

If we would bring God's word into our situations, by reading and doing it, the darkness would flee-- that is how we turn on the switch.  The Word of God shows us the problem and gives us the solution at the same time.  For example, it will expose hate and at the same time tell us how to overcome the hate-- love our neighbor as our self.  It would expose retaliation and tell us to turn the other cheek and go the second mile.  It will expose revenge and admonish us that vengeance belongs to the Lord, He will repay.  It will bring "light" into the situation so that we will not be in darkness and do darkness any longer, but do the right thing-- the "in the light" thing.

Have a great day.  God's word is light.  It is the answer to the darkness.   


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

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

Visit us on the web:www.mastersbusiness.org      

Friday, July 8, 2016

"Quick Fix"

"And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high".  Luke 24:49

Everybody wants a "quick fix".  A quick fix in their health, their relationships, their finances, etc.  This quick fix mentality has also come into the church.  We know nothing about "tarrying".  We know nothing about "waiting on God".  We know nothing about staying at the altars until we "pray through".  Do you ever wonder why the modern day church seems to be powerless?  Do you ever wonder why we look so different from the church of our grandfathers or great grandparents, or the early church?  They knew you had to do some waiting-- waiting in prayer. 

They prayed until they had prayed.  They prayed without regard to a clock.  They prayed without regard to what others around them were doing.  They prayed until the answer came.  They stayed on their knees until they had touched heaven and the answer they needed and peace flooded their souls. 

Many say we shouldn't go back to the past.  They say that it is a new day.  They say what our forefathers had is obsolete and irrelevant for today's generations and changing culture.  They are trying to "make a better mouse trap".  They are trying to "improve" what is already perfect and works best. 

The instruction to "wait/tarry/pray through" came from Jesus Himself.  He never was a proponent or taught that there was a "quick fix".  He said to His followers to tarry until they were endued with power-- even His modern day followers.  He Himself tarried often all night in prayer.  Tarrying/waiting is not what we want to do but it is what we need to do.  If we would, we would see different results than the ones we are getting to our shallow prayers.  We would see a difference in our lives.  We would see a difference in our ministries.  We would see a difference in circumstances around us.  You can't "build a better mouse trap", and you can't improve on God's pattern of doing things.

Have a great day.  A "quick fix" is not the answer.   

<>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <><
Co
ffee 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      

Thursday, July 7, 2016

"WDJS?"

"Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock".  Matthew 7:24

We have all heard the phrase- What Would Jesus Do?  We have also heard- What Did Jesus Do?  This morning I want to talk about another one-- What Did Jesus Say? 

Everything that Jesus said is of great importance-- a matter of life and death, and eternity.  Sadly, most people who sit in church week after week can't tell you what Jesus said.  They don't know.  They don't know for themselves.  They rarely pick up a Bible to read it.  For most, their Bible stays in the car from one Sunday to the next or in the same place they put it after church until time to go to church again-- unopened and unread.   For others it sits on a shelf collecting dust.  Most folks depend on the preacher or some other person to tell them what the Bible says.  They don't have a clue.  That is why so many are confused about the scriptures and don't know the difference between an "old wives tale" and a scripture verse.

So, just what did Jesus say?  He said to love your enemies.  Pray for those who use you.  Love your neighbor as yourself.  Blessed are you when men shall persecute you for His sake.  Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.  Don't do your alms before men to be seen of them.  Forgive others so you can be forgiven.  Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness.  Turn the other cheek, go the second mile.  Take no thought for tomorrow.  A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit.  Get the log out of your own eye.  Do not lay up treasures on earth, but lay up treasures in heaven.  You can't serve two masters-- you can't serve God and money.  Give to God what is God's.  If you love only those who love you, you have no reward.  Not everyone who says to Me, "Lord, Lord" will enter into heaven. 

 
Of course, He said much, much more but this was a good place to start.  These words that I quoted to you were basics from His sermon on the Mount.  He ended that sermon by telling us how important it is that we hear what He says and do what He says.  He said that if you hear what He says and does what He says you will be like a wise man who builds his house upon a rock.  When the storms of life come, when you have to give an answer to others for your faith, when you stand before Him on Judgment Day, you will have something to stand upon and will not fall.  But if you don't hear and do them, you will be like a foolish man who built his house on sand.  You will have nothing to stand upon.  How will you have a firm foundation if you won't even read His word or find out for yourself what He said?
 
Have a great day.  What did Jesus say?  Do you even know?  Do you know for yourself?  Are you trying to find out?  You should! 
 
For further reading:
Matthew 5,6,7
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Co
ffee 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, July 6, 2016

"Touch Him"

"And besought him that they might only touch the hem of his garment: and as many as touched were made perfectly whole".  Matthew 14:36

In the story of the woman with the issue of blood and in the lives of many others who pressed in to touch the hem of Jesus' garment, they were all healed of their infirmities.  These were real, literal physical healings.  But there is something "symbolic" that we see from these accounts.  It is the "touching of Jesus".

When was the last time you "touched Jesus"?  We can't touch Him in a physical sense like they did, but we can touch Him nevertheless.  When we go into our place of prayer, that is the best opportunity we have to touch Him.  But too often in prayer we are too hushed to wait for that "touch".  Or all we are interested in is presenting our "wish list" and having it fulfilled.  When this is all that the time of prayer is to us, we are robbing ourselves.  

When they physically touched Him, virtue flowed into their bodies.  That virtue was so powerful that it healed every disease they had-- regardless of how horrific it was, incurable it was or how long they had been plagued with it.  If we would spend time waiting in His presence to "touch" Him, His virtue would flow into us and bring that which we need.

It would give us the peace and joy we need.  It would give us wisdom and grace.  It would empower and strengthen us.  It would enlighten us and give us clarity.  It would bring healing to our minds and emotions. It would remove fear, worry, anxiety, confusion, depression and bring deliverance from the bondages that ensnare us.  And it can still bring healing to our bodies.  All that we need is still in His presence.  We just have to be willing to reach out and touch Him to get it.  

Have a great day.  When was the last time you touched Jesus?     

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Co
ffee 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, July 5, 2016

"Go To The Place Of Rejoicing"

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

There are many days when I get up that I don't know what the Lord would have me to do that day.  I don't know in which direction He might lead me to go or to where He might order my steps.  Even on the days that I know what I will be doing-- going to work, visiting at the nursing home, buying groceries, etc.-- I still don't know what "specific task" He might want to direct me to do. 

While I don't always know what I am to do each day, I do know one thing I am to do-- rejoice and be glad today.  When I don't know what else I should do to fulfill His plan for my life, I know I am to rejoice.  When I rejoice, I am in His will.

I can rejoice, and will rejoice, in spite of difficulties, in spite of heartache and in spite of trials.  I can rejoice for many reasons.  Where do I start?  I woke up this morning, for one.  I have my right mind.  I am sitting here at this computer.  But more than that, I can rejoice because my name is written in the Book of Life.  I have peace with God through Jesus Christ.  I know that He is with me and will never leave me.  I can enjoy unbroken fellowship with the Father.  His Spirit who guides me is dwelling in me.  I have His word to guide my steps.  I have His joy that is unexplainable.  I am living in His grace and He supplies all my needs.  I can spend time rejoicing because of His goodness toward me.  

Maybe you are wondering-- "What would You have me to do today, Lord?  Where would You have me to go?"  While you are waiting for Him to show you something specific, you already have some direction-- go in the direction of rejoicing.  Go to that wonderful place of rejoicing in Him and His goodness. 

Have a great day.  If you aren't sure what the Lord wants you to do today, one thing He wants you to do is rejoice. 

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

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

Visit us on the web:
 
www.mastersbusiness.org  

Friday, July 1, 2016

"It Will Speak"

This morning I felt impressed to share the 23rd Psalm with you, without any commentary or opinion.  I believe that there are times we need to just read the scriptures and let them speak to us.  We need to read them and then meditate on them.  We need to allow it to minister to us by itself.  

Read this Psalm and re-read it and let the Lord Himself speak to you in a personal way through it.

Have a great day.  When we read the scriptures, we need to let them speak to us.

"The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.   He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.  He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.   Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.  Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.  Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever".

 
 
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Co
ffee 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