"Woe unto you, when all men shall speak well of you!" Luke 6:26a
I have heard a recurring message from ministers of the gospel that encourage you to go where you are "celebrated". They will tell you not to hang around people who don't celebrate who you are and what God is doing in your life. They are saying that you need to be around people who will applaud you and rejoice in you. And if you are around people who aren't doing that then find someone else who will. I need to correct something this morning, it is not about you or me! It is not about you being celebrated. It is not about men speaking well of you. It is not about them acknowledging you, your accomplishments, or who you are. As a matter of fact, the scriptures issue a warning about this very thing. We are warned not to seek the praise, approval or applaud of men.
We are already applauded by God. We are of great value to Him. My pastor always says, "The value of something is determined by the price that someone is willing to pay for it". Well, God was willing to pay the ultimate price for us- the blood and life of His only begotten Son Jesus. You can't get any more valuable than that. So I am not saying that we aren't valuable. I am saying that it is not about others applauding who we are. Instead, it is about our lives being to the praise and honor of Jesus. Every thing we do and say should point to Him. We should be doing all for His glory so that HE will be the One celebrated.
Why did He give us a warning on this subject? Seeking the approval of men can cause us to miss the approval of God. Seeking the applaud of men helps further puff our flesh up and can set us up for a downfall because it is a breeding ground for pride. Desiring to be applauded by men robs the glory from God. How? Because anything that we are, anything that we do that is notable, anything good that we may have become, is all because of the grace and goodness of God, we didn't get there by ourselves or on our own.
Don't misunderstand. A word of encouragement is needed from time to time. Everyone needs a "pat on the back" sometimes. We should let people know when they are doing a "good job", the Bible does say to give honor to whom honor is due. But the focus is never on self and we should not live expecting and seeking applauds. Jesus was not always celebrated or applauded, and often He was rejected and ridiculed instead- we won't be either.
Don't seek the applauds of men, instead seek to please the Father. Seek to glorify Him. Seek to lift Him up so that others will applaud Him. If we seek the applauds of men, then we have our reward- their applauds and that is all. But when we seek to see Jesus alone applauded through of lives, then great will be our reward in heaven- where it really counts.
Have a great day. Our desire should not be to be celebrated by men, but to live in such a way where our lives will cause others to celebrate Jesus.
For further reading:
Matthew 6:1-4
John 15:19-20
Ephesians 1:6,12
Acts 17:28
Psalm 100:3
Romans 13:7
<>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <><
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
You are welcomed to make copies and distribute them free of charge.
You may also forward them via e-mail or post them to your website - leaving the whole message in tact.
Please remember to give credit to
About the Master's Business Ministry.
Take time to visit our on-line Christian magazine and blogs.
http://livingstonesmagazine.homestead.com
Monday, March 7, 2011
Friday, March 4, 2011
"It Is Finished"
"When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost." John 19:30
"It is finished". These were the last words of Jesus at the cross before He died. What was finished? Everything that had to be accomplished in order for us to be redeemed from our sins. Every price that had to be paid. Every prophecy that had to be fulfilled. It was finished. It was completed. There was nothing else left to do and nothing was left undone. Jesus did not start the work of redeeming mankind and stop before it was finished. He didn't take care of a part of it and will finish the rest later. He did what He came to do and He did all of it. He drank every last dreg of the cup that was given to Him.
"It is finished". He finished the work of providing and purchasing the gift of eternal that could now be made available to us. But He also "finished" providing everything that we need in order to have abundant life. He has given us everything that we need to live a victorious life over sin, self and the enemy. He has provided it all- it is finished, there is nothing left that we need. He has given us His Spirit, His word, battle attire and weapons that are powerful enough to pull down strongholds, access to Him for help in time of trouble, His peace and every good and perfect gift.
Everything that we need in order to have eternal life was provided. Everything that we needed to be able to live out that life while we are still here on earth was provided. He took care of it all- from beginning to end, and everything in between.
There is nothing else that is needed in order for you to be saved- Jesus paid the price for your salvation in full. There is nothing else that you need in order to live a victorious life- Jesus paid the full price for that as well. So use the provisions that He has given you and walk in abundant life.
Have a great day. It is finished--- all of it!
For further reading:
John 10:10
Matthew 26:39
James 1:17
Hebrews 4:16
2 Corinthians 2:14
<>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <><
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
You are welcomed to make copies and distribute them free of charge.
You may also forward them via e-mail or post them to your website - leaving the whole message in tact.
Please remember to give credit to
About the Master's Business Ministry.
Take time to visit our on-line Christian magazine and blogs.
http://livingstonesmagazine.homestead.com
"It is finished". These were the last words of Jesus at the cross before He died. What was finished? Everything that had to be accomplished in order for us to be redeemed from our sins. Every price that had to be paid. Every prophecy that had to be fulfilled. It was finished. It was completed. There was nothing else left to do and nothing was left undone. Jesus did not start the work of redeeming mankind and stop before it was finished. He didn't take care of a part of it and will finish the rest later. He did what He came to do and He did all of it. He drank every last dreg of the cup that was given to Him.
"It is finished". He finished the work of providing and purchasing the gift of eternal that could now be made available to us. But He also "finished" providing everything that we need in order to have abundant life. He has given us everything that we need to live a victorious life over sin, self and the enemy. He has provided it all- it is finished, there is nothing left that we need. He has given us His Spirit, His word, battle attire and weapons that are powerful enough to pull down strongholds, access to Him for help in time of trouble, His peace and every good and perfect gift.
Everything that we need in order to have eternal life was provided. Everything that we needed to be able to live out that life while we are still here on earth was provided. He took care of it all- from beginning to end, and everything in between.
There is nothing else that is needed in order for you to be saved- Jesus paid the price for your salvation in full. There is nothing else that you need in order to live a victorious life- Jesus paid the full price for that as well. So use the provisions that He has given you and walk in abundant life.
Have a great day. It is finished--- all of it!
For further reading:
John 10:10
Matthew 26:39
James 1:17
Hebrews 4:16
2 Corinthians 2:14
<>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <><
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
You are welcomed to make copies and distribute them free of charge.
You may also forward them via e-mail or post them to your website - leaving the whole message in tact.
Please remember to give credit to
About the Master's Business Ministry.
Take time to visit our on-line Christian magazine and blogs.
http://livingstonesmagazine.homestead.com
Thursday, March 3, 2011
"The Name of Jesus"
"Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved." Acts 4:12
I want to talk about the name of Jesus this morning. It was mentioned at church last night that you can talk about God, or you can talk about the gods that different religions worship and call them by name, but the trouble starts when you talk about the name of Jesus- that is taboo and unacceptable in our society and world. In short, they don't want you talking about Jesus- the devil doesn't want you talking about Jesus.
Well, this morning, I am going to talk about Him. He is the King of kings and Lord of lords. He is the Beginning and the End. By Him and for Him all things exist, without Him nothing would have been made that is made. There is salvation in no other name but the name of Jesus. Jesus was the One who was lifted up so that men could be saved. He is the door that leads to eternal life. There is life in His name. His name is a strong tower that the righteous can run into and find safety. At the name of Jesus demons tremble and flee. Sickness bows, disease bows, oppression bows, broken heats are mended, captives are set free and strong holds are broken. His name is magnified above every other name. And at His name one day every knee shall bow and every tongue will confess that He is Lord.
This morning, I am confessing now, not waiting for that day, that Jesus is Lord! In this battle that is being waged against the name of Jesus, you better settle it in your heart now that He is Lord and that you will not deny His name. Many of our brothers and sisters around the world are being persecuted and even giving their lives because they will not deny His name. That may be a scary thought to some, but there is good news attached to it for those who will stand upon and not deny His name. "Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven." (Mathew 10:32) How wonderful to have Jesus Himself say your name to the Father because you did not refuse to say His name and proclaim that He is the Lord before men!
Have a great day. Don't stop lifting Jesus up; there is power in His name, and His alone!
For further reading:
Acts 16:18
Romans 14:11
Philippians 2:11
Proverbs 18:10
Colossians 1:13-18
John 1:3
<>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <><
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
You are welcomed to make copies and distribute them free of charge.
You may also forward them via e-mail or post them to your website - leaving the whole message in tact.
Please remember to give credit to
About the Master's Business Ministry.
Take time to visit our on-line Christian magazine and blogs.
http://livingstonesmagazine.homestead.com
I want to talk about the name of Jesus this morning. It was mentioned at church last night that you can talk about God, or you can talk about the gods that different religions worship and call them by name, but the trouble starts when you talk about the name of Jesus- that is taboo and unacceptable in our society and world. In short, they don't want you talking about Jesus- the devil doesn't want you talking about Jesus.
Well, this morning, I am going to talk about Him. He is the King of kings and Lord of lords. He is the Beginning and the End. By Him and for Him all things exist, without Him nothing would have been made that is made. There is salvation in no other name but the name of Jesus. Jesus was the One who was lifted up so that men could be saved. He is the door that leads to eternal life. There is life in His name. His name is a strong tower that the righteous can run into and find safety. At the name of Jesus demons tremble and flee. Sickness bows, disease bows, oppression bows, broken heats are mended, captives are set free and strong holds are broken. His name is magnified above every other name. And at His name one day every knee shall bow and every tongue will confess that He is Lord.
This morning, I am confessing now, not waiting for that day, that Jesus is Lord! In this battle that is being waged against the name of Jesus, you better settle it in your heart now that He is Lord and that you will not deny His name. Many of our brothers and sisters around the world are being persecuted and even giving their lives because they will not deny His name. That may be a scary thought to some, but there is good news attached to it for those who will stand upon and not deny His name. "Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven." (Mathew 10:32) How wonderful to have Jesus Himself say your name to the Father because you did not refuse to say His name and proclaim that He is the Lord before men!
Have a great day. Don't stop lifting Jesus up; there is power in His name, and His alone!
For further reading:
Acts 16:18
Romans 14:11
Philippians 2:11
Proverbs 18:10
Colossians 1:13-18
John 1:3
<>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <><
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
You are welcomed to make copies and distribute them free of charge.
You may also forward them via e-mail or post them to your website - leaving the whole message in tact.
Please remember to give credit to
About the Master's Business Ministry.
Take time to visit our on-line Christian magazine and blogs.
http://livingstonesmagazine.homestead.com
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
"Terms and Conditions"
"Now when Jesus heard these things, he said unto him, Yet lackest thou one thing: sell all that thou hast, and distribute unto the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, follow me." Luke 18:22
If you have ever entered into an agreement with someone, some business or signed up for some promotion, you always have to agree to the "terms and conditions". Each website that you sign up on to join, each promotion you want to take advantage of, every contest that you enter, all have terms and conditions. If in filling out your information you neglect to check the terms and conditions box saying that you have read them and agree with them, when you submit it, it will send you a message instantly reminding you and your request will not be submitted until you do.
The Lord also has "terms and conditions" for us to follow. But like the rich young ruler we want to set our own terms. We want to join ourselves to Him on our own conditions. Setting your own terms doesn't work and is not acceptable in the business world, with online promotions, or in any other agreement, even in marriage there are terms and conditions- it's called vows. If it is not acceptable in the physical world, why do we think it is acceptable in our dealing with God? Why do we think that "man" won't allow it, but God will?
Trying to set our own terms with God carries consequences. It will keep us out of the Kingdom and we won't enter in, it will bring chaos and confusion to our lives, it will bring the chastisement of the Lord upon us, it will rob us of peace, joy, blessings and victory.
Does this describe you this morning? Are you trying to get to the Lord on your own terms? Are you trying to live for Him according to your own conditions? It won't work. He has set the "rules" and they require that you come to Him and live according to His terms. Anything else He will not accept.
Have a great day. God has His own set of terms and conditions, and if we are going to come to Him and follow Him we must agree to them and not try to set our own.
For further reading:
Luke 18:18-23; Matthew 19:17-21
John 10:9
<>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <><
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
You are welcomed to make copies and distribute them free of charge.
You may also forward them via e-mail or post them to your website - leaving the whole message in tact.
Please remember to give credit to
About the Master's Business Ministry.
Take time to visit our on-line Christian magazine and blogs.
http://livingstonesmagazine.homestead.com
If you have ever entered into an agreement with someone, some business or signed up for some promotion, you always have to agree to the "terms and conditions". Each website that you sign up on to join, each promotion you want to take advantage of, every contest that you enter, all have terms and conditions. If in filling out your information you neglect to check the terms and conditions box saying that you have read them and agree with them, when you submit it, it will send you a message instantly reminding you and your request will not be submitted until you do.
The Lord also has "terms and conditions" for us to follow. But like the rich young ruler we want to set our own terms. We want to join ourselves to Him on our own conditions. Setting your own terms doesn't work and is not acceptable in the business world, with online promotions, or in any other agreement, even in marriage there are terms and conditions- it's called vows. If it is not acceptable in the physical world, why do we think it is acceptable in our dealing with God? Why do we think that "man" won't allow it, but God will?
Trying to set our own terms with God carries consequences. It will keep us out of the Kingdom and we won't enter in, it will bring chaos and confusion to our lives, it will bring the chastisement of the Lord upon us, it will rob us of peace, joy, blessings and victory.
Does this describe you this morning? Are you trying to get to the Lord on your own terms? Are you trying to live for Him according to your own conditions? It won't work. He has set the "rules" and they require that you come to Him and live according to His terms. Anything else He will not accept.
Have a great day. God has His own set of terms and conditions, and if we are going to come to Him and follow Him we must agree to them and not try to set our own.
For further reading:
Luke 18:18-23; Matthew 19:17-21
John 10:9
<>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <><
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
You are welcomed to make copies and distribute them free of charge.
You may also forward them via e-mail or post them to your website - leaving the whole message in tact.
Please remember to give credit to
About the Master's Business Ministry.
Take time to visit our on-line Christian magazine and blogs.
http://livingstonesmagazine.homestead.com
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
"Bigger, Brighter Lights"
"For, behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people: but the Lord shall arise upon thee, and his glory shall be seen upon thee." Isaiah 60:2
This scripture speaks of a time when there will be great darkness upon the earth. This is a spiritual darkness. I personally believe that we are beginning to experience such a time. Morality has become almost non-existent. Crime, violence, hate, murder, revenge, theft- which all have their roots in a spiritual condition- are on the increase. People are doing what is right in their own eyes. Absolutes are being attacked. Wrong is now right, and right is now wrong, and both are being completely redefined. The world is in darkness and it seems to be getting darker all the time.
There is a cure for darkness, it's called "light". Light always overcomes and expels darkness. Even the smallest light can overcome darkness. While a little light is better than no light at all, bigger, brighter lights would be much better- the bigger and brighter, the less the darkness.
So if light is the cure for the world's darkness, then there needs to be some shining lights. Where will these lights come from? Jesus told us plainly that "we are the light of the world" (Matthew 5:14). We are to be shining as lights in a dark world. Where do we get our light? It comes from Jesus- "The people which sat in darkness saw great light; and to them which sat in the region and shadow of death light is sprung up. From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand." (Matthew 4:16,17) "As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world." (John 9:5) Jesus is The Light, and while He was on earth the people saw a great light. Now that He is not walking among us, should the people see any less a light? Should the light be any dimmer? The light of Jesus in us is only dimmed as we hide it. Are you hiding His light this morning? Is it in plain view for all to see? Is it bright and expelling much darkness? Are you making room for Jesus' light to shine brightly through you by surrendering yourself to Him more completely? The world is in darkness, but we have the light that will expel the darkness. The question is- are we letting the light of Christ shine brightly through us? If we aren't shining- big and bright- then the world will continue to sit in darkness.
Have a great day. Is the light of Jesus shining brightly or dimly through your life?
For further reading:
Matthew 5:14-16
John 12:36
Ephesians 5:8
1 Thessalonians 5:5
<>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <><
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: www.mastersbusiness.org
You are welcomed to make copies and distribute them free of charge.
You may also forward them via e-mail or post them to your website - leaving the whole message in tact.
Please remember to give credit to
About the Master's Business Ministry.
Take time to visit our on-line Christian magazine and blogs.
http://livingstonesmagazine.homestead.com
This scripture speaks of a time when there will be great darkness upon the earth. This is a spiritual darkness. I personally believe that we are beginning to experience such a time. Morality has become almost non-existent. Crime, violence, hate, murder, revenge, theft- which all have their roots in a spiritual condition- are on the increase. People are doing what is right in their own eyes. Absolutes are being attacked. Wrong is now right, and right is now wrong, and both are being completely redefined. The world is in darkness and it seems to be getting darker all the time.
There is a cure for darkness, it's called "light". Light always overcomes and expels darkness. Even the smallest light can overcome darkness. While a little light is better than no light at all, bigger, brighter lights would be much better- the bigger and brighter, the less the darkness.
So if light is the cure for the world's darkness, then there needs to be some shining lights. Where will these lights come from? Jesus told us plainly that "we are the light of the world" (Matthew 5:14). We are to be shining as lights in a dark world. Where do we get our light? It comes from Jesus- "The people which sat in darkness saw great light; and to them which sat in the region and shadow of death light is sprung up. From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand." (Matthew 4:16,17) "As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world." (John 9:5) Jesus is The Light, and while He was on earth the people saw a great light. Now that He is not walking among us, should the people see any less a light? Should the light be any dimmer? The light of Jesus in us is only dimmed as we hide it. Are you hiding His light this morning? Is it in plain view for all to see? Is it bright and expelling much darkness? Are you making room for Jesus' light to shine brightly through you by surrendering yourself to Him more completely? The world is in darkness, but we have the light that will expel the darkness. The question is- are we letting the light of Christ shine brightly through us? If we aren't shining- big and bright- then the world will continue to sit in darkness.
Have a great day. Is the light of Jesus shining brightly or dimly through your life?
For further reading:
Matthew 5:14-16
John 12:36
Ephesians 5:8
1 Thessalonians 5:5
<>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <><
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: www.mastersbusiness.org
You are welcomed to make copies and distribute them free of charge.
You may also forward them via e-mail or post them to your website - leaving the whole message in tact.
Please remember to give credit to
About the Master's Business Ministry.
Take time to visit our on-line Christian magazine and blogs.
http://livingstonesmagazine.homestead.com
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