"For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin." Hebrews 4:15
When we know someone who is going through a trying time, a time of hardship, grief or a trial, in trying to help comfort that person we often say to them, "I understand". When we say we understand, we can mean it in one of two ways. First, we understand what they are going through because we have been through it too. We are acquainted through personal experience with what they are going through. We have walked in those same shoes. When we say, "I understand", but don't have a clue what it "feels" like, what we really mean is that we understand why this trial is so difficult, why you are hurting, why you feel as if you can't go on.
For example, I don't "understand" through experience what it is like to lose a child. But I do "understand" why someone who has would be devastated. It would have to be one of the greatest hurts you could experience. I don't understand "what" they are feeling, but I "understand" why.
I said all this to say that even though we may not "understand" through experience or have first "hand knowledge" of what someone else is suffering, there is one who does. He understands on a personal level. He understands it all. There is nothing that we will face or go through that He doesn't understand. His name is Jesus. Jesus is touched by the feelings of your weaknesses in a deep and personal way because He has more than just a "head knowledge understanding" of the hurt, the pain or the sorrow that you are experiencing.
You may be going through a grievous time this morning. There may be those who are trying to comfort and encourage you. Some of them understand because they have gone through the same thing, some of them have a sympatric understanding only, but remember there is one who has both- the understanding of where you are because He has been there and the understanding compassion of why this is not an easy thing for you. Look to Him this morning and let Him comfort you because He understands it all.
Have a great day. When Jesus says He understands- He understands personally from experience and from a sympatric understanding.
For further reading:
Isaiah 53
Psalm 103:13,14
<>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <><
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
Find us on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/About-the-Masters-Business/65205252525
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 unless permission is granted to do otherwise. Please remember to give credit to About the Master's Business Ministry.
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
"He Talks To Us"
"And the Lord said unto Moses, Thus thou shalt say unto the children of Israel, Ye have seen that I have talked with you from heaven." Exodus 20:22
This is the most amazing thing that us human beings can experience-- "I have talked with you from heaven." Do you really understand what a wonderful thing that is? The God who created the universe, who calls the stars by name, who knows our thoughts even before we think them, this all powerful, all knowing, all wise God actually speaks to us mere mortals. When we consider who He is and who we are in light of who He is, it is amazing that He is even mindful of us- much less desire to talk with us. And not only talk with us, but have a relationship with us. And not just any relationship, but an intimate, personal one.
Some say that He doesn't talk to us. Some say that was only in the Bible. They are wrong on both accounts. He does talk to us. He talks to us through His Word, by His Spirit, through others, through creation around us, through a still small voice, and if He so chooses even audibly. And He still talks to us today. When man was first created, we see at the very beginning He was talking with him. Why would He stop? He doesn't change. If He talked to mankind then, He still does now.
If God didn't still talk to us, then why did Jesus go around talking to the people He came in contact with? If Jesus said that you have seen the Father- what He is like- when you have seen me, then we see through His life that the Father desires to talk with us and be actively involved in our lives. Jesus wasn't a recluse. He didn't live in isolation from the people. He didn't spend His time alone. He didn't keep people at an arm's length and have no contact with them. No, He talked to them. And He still does today.
He has chosen to talk to us. We should not take it for granted. And when He wants to talk to us we should be "all ears". Don't let any one convince you that He doesn't desire to talk to you. He does. So start listening for Him to speak to you, and enjoy the privilege of having a wonderful conversation with Him.
Have a great day. He still speaks to us from heaven.
For further reading:
Hebrews 1:1,2
Mark 4:9; 9:7
<>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <><
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 unless permission is granted to do otherwise. Please remember to give credit to About the Master's Business Ministry.
This is the most amazing thing that us human beings can experience-- "I have talked with you from heaven." Do you really understand what a wonderful thing that is? The God who created the universe, who calls the stars by name, who knows our thoughts even before we think them, this all powerful, all knowing, all wise God actually speaks to us mere mortals. When we consider who He is and who we are in light of who He is, it is amazing that He is even mindful of us- much less desire to talk with us. And not only talk with us, but have a relationship with us. And not just any relationship, but an intimate, personal one.
Some say that He doesn't talk to us. Some say that was only in the Bible. They are wrong on both accounts. He does talk to us. He talks to us through His Word, by His Spirit, through others, through creation around us, through a still small voice, and if He so chooses even audibly. And He still talks to us today. When man was first created, we see at the very beginning He was talking with him. Why would He stop? He doesn't change. If He talked to mankind then, He still does now.
If God didn't still talk to us, then why did Jesus go around talking to the people He came in contact with? If Jesus said that you have seen the Father- what He is like- when you have seen me, then we see through His life that the Father desires to talk with us and be actively involved in our lives. Jesus wasn't a recluse. He didn't live in isolation from the people. He didn't spend His time alone. He didn't keep people at an arm's length and have no contact with them. No, He talked to them. And He still does today.
He has chosen to talk to us. We should not take it for granted. And when He wants to talk to us we should be "all ears". Don't let any one convince you that He doesn't desire to talk to you. He does. So start listening for Him to speak to you, and enjoy the privilege of having a wonderful conversation with Him.
Have a great day. He still speaks to us from heaven.
For further reading:
Hebrews 1:1,2
Mark 4:9; 9:7
<>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <><
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 unless permission is granted to do otherwise. Please remember to give credit to About the Master's Business Ministry.
Monday, September 19, 2011
"Pull Out Your Sword"
"... and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God." Ephesians 6:17b
My little granddaughter spent the night with me the night before last. When we got up yesterday morning, after we had a quiet moment to wake up and a time of prayer for our families, I decided to tell her about the armor of God (in three year old terms). So I told her that we are soldiers for Jesus and we needed to put on our armor. We physically went through the motions of putting on each piece. Afterwards, I told her that every time the devil tried to "make" her not mind her parents, or get angry, or be unkind for her to "hold" her sword out and tell him, "Devil, I am not going to disobey my mama; I am going to obey her". So all day long, each time I would see her doing any of those things, I told her, "Pull out your sword" and she would. After she did she would do the right thing.
I was thinking about that this morning, mostly thinking that there's a lot of Christians (and most of them adults) who need to be doing the same thing. They need to be pulling out their swords (the sword of the Spirit- the Word of God) and using it against the enemy. There are many of them who fall prey to his temptations.
We have been given spiritual weapons in which to fight against our enemy and not only fight him, but prevail. The Lord has provided the weapons. He even says that He will fight our battles for us. Jesus already got victory over him and has made us more than conquerors through His victory. And He left us an example of how to use the weapons that He has provided. Therefore, when we are in the time of temptation, we don't have to give in to it. And just like my granddaughter, after she pulled out her "sword", she did the right thing. So when the temptation to be angry, unkind, bitter, unforgiving, to cheat, to lie or steal, or whatever the temptation is- you need to "pull out your sword" and say... "It is written".
Have a great day. Don't forget about your weapons and use them.
For further reading:
Ephesians 6:10-20
Romans 8:37
Matthew 4:3-11
2 Corinthians 10:4
<>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <><
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 unless permission is granted to do otherwise. Please remember to give credit to About the Master's Business Ministry.
My little granddaughter spent the night with me the night before last. When we got up yesterday morning, after we had a quiet moment to wake up and a time of prayer for our families, I decided to tell her about the armor of God (in three year old terms). So I told her that we are soldiers for Jesus and we needed to put on our armor. We physically went through the motions of putting on each piece. Afterwards, I told her that every time the devil tried to "make" her not mind her parents, or get angry, or be unkind for her to "hold" her sword out and tell him, "Devil, I am not going to disobey my mama; I am going to obey her". So all day long, each time I would see her doing any of those things, I told her, "Pull out your sword" and she would. After she did she would do the right thing.
I was thinking about that this morning, mostly thinking that there's a lot of Christians (and most of them adults) who need to be doing the same thing. They need to be pulling out their swords (the sword of the Spirit- the Word of God) and using it against the enemy. There are many of them who fall prey to his temptations.
We have been given spiritual weapons in which to fight against our enemy and not only fight him, but prevail. The Lord has provided the weapons. He even says that He will fight our battles for us. Jesus already got victory over him and has made us more than conquerors through His victory. And He left us an example of how to use the weapons that He has provided. Therefore, when we are in the time of temptation, we don't have to give in to it. And just like my granddaughter, after she pulled out her "sword", she did the right thing. So when the temptation to be angry, unkind, bitter, unforgiving, to cheat, to lie or steal, or whatever the temptation is- you need to "pull out your sword" and say... "It is written".
Have a great day. Don't forget about your weapons and use them.
For further reading:
Ephesians 6:10-20
Romans 8:37
Matthew 4:3-11
2 Corinthians 10:4
<>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <><
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 unless permission is granted to do otherwise. Please remember to give credit to About the Master's Business Ministry.
Friday, September 16, 2011
"Take A Bath"
"That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word." Ephesians 5:26
Hopefully, every person who is a born again believer reads their Bible every day- at least once. But I wonder if that is all we do-- just read it? That is all some people do. Some see reading their Bible as just part of some religious duty they must do because they are a Christian and that's what Christians do. They read it thinking they are going to get some sort of "spiritual brownie points" with God. Some read it because they enjoy reading its stories in the same way they enjoy any "good book" they pick up to read. God's Word is so much more than just a book we read because we are Christians. It's a cleansing agent.
God's Word is like "soap". It has the ability to wash and cleanse our spirits, minds, souls and heart. It can was away negative and erroneous thinking. It can wash away guilt and condemnation. It can wash away bitterness, unforgiveness, anger and hate. It can wash away doubt, fear and unbelief. And it will if we do more than just read it as black words on white paper. It will as we take it to heart, meditate upon its teachings and promises, and apply it to our lives by putting it into practice. It will wash away the spiritual dirt and grime-- the worldly influences, the lusts of the flesh, the devil's accusations.
You may read the Word (even daily), but are you taking a bath in it? Are you letting it wash and renew your mind? Are you letting it soften your heart? When you are hot and sweaty, there is something so refreshing about a bath. God's Word washes away the "dirt" that attaches itself to our lives as we walk through this world and it also brings refreshing- faith, hope and love.
Have a great day. Are you reading the Bible or taking a bath in it?
For further reading:
James 1:22
John 17:17
<>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <><
Coffee Break is a morning devotional written by Lorraine Ezell
and is sent to you free of charge for the asking from
About the Master's Business Ministry, Inc.
Please feel free to
call (601) 833-5278 or
Email: mastersbusiness@bellsouth.net
Visit us on the web: www.mastersbusiness.org
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 unless permission is granted to do otherwise. Please remember to give credit to About the Master's Business Ministry.
Hopefully, every person who is a born again believer reads their Bible every day- at least once. But I wonder if that is all we do-- just read it? That is all some people do. Some see reading their Bible as just part of some religious duty they must do because they are a Christian and that's what Christians do. They read it thinking they are going to get some sort of "spiritual brownie points" with God. Some read it because they enjoy reading its stories in the same way they enjoy any "good book" they pick up to read. God's Word is so much more than just a book we read because we are Christians. It's a cleansing agent.
God's Word is like "soap". It has the ability to wash and cleanse our spirits, minds, souls and heart. It can was away negative and erroneous thinking. It can wash away guilt and condemnation. It can wash away bitterness, unforgiveness, anger and hate. It can wash away doubt, fear and unbelief. And it will if we do more than just read it as black words on white paper. It will as we take it to heart, meditate upon its teachings and promises, and apply it to our lives by putting it into practice. It will wash away the spiritual dirt and grime-- the worldly influences, the lusts of the flesh, the devil's accusations.
You may read the Word (even daily), but are you taking a bath in it? Are you letting it wash and renew your mind? Are you letting it soften your heart? When you are hot and sweaty, there is something so refreshing about a bath. God's Word washes away the "dirt" that attaches itself to our lives as we walk through this world and it also brings refreshing- faith, hope and love.
Have a great day. Are you reading the Bible or taking a bath in it?
For further reading:
James 1:22
John 17:17
<>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <><
Coffee Break is a morning devotional written by Lorraine Ezell
and is sent to you free of charge for the asking from
About the Master's Business Ministry, Inc.
Please feel free to
call (601) 833-5278 or
Email: mastersbusiness@bellsouth.net
Visit us on the web: www.mastersbusiness.org
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 unless permission is granted to do otherwise. Please remember to give credit to About the Master's Business Ministry.
Thursday, September 15, 2011
"Get Understanding"
"Understanding is a wellspring of life unto him that hath it: but the instruction of fools is folly." Proverbs 16:22
There will always be things that we don't understand. Even Solomon with all his wisdom did not understand some things. (Proverbs 30:18,19) But having an understanding of the things of God and spiritual principles is necessary to our spiritual growth and well-being. The Book of Proverbs is full of admonishment, commands and instruction concerning the importance of having understanding.
Some Christians believe that it is not meant for us to understand the things of God. Granted, there are some "mysteries" that we won't understand until this corruptible flesh puts on incorruption and this mortality puts on immortality. And until then there will always be some things that we know only "in part" because the understanding that we have is still like looking through a dark glass. Jesus addressed this subject with His disciples. In Matthew 13 He talked to them about spiritual things and Kingdom principles, then He asked them if they understood what He said. "Jesus saith unto them, Have ye understood all these things? They say unto him, Yea, Lord." (verse 51) In the same chapter Jesus told His disciples that they have been given the understanding to know these things, but the world hasn't been given that understanding. So, yes, He does want us to understand spiritual things.
So, what do we do if we don't understand; how do we get the understanding? The first thing you do is continue reading God's word. Don't get discouraged and put it down just because you don't understand it. Unless you continue reading it, you will never understand it. Also, you pray. You pray for the Lord to enlighten the eyes of your understanding. You pray for the spirit of wisdom and revelation. You ask the Holy Spirit to make your understanding fruitful and trust that He will lead you into the truth- because He will; He is the Spirit of Truth. Also, don't get impatient. Sometimes the understanding comes line upon line, precept upon precept, here a little and there a little- and eventually you will get the full "picture" of what the Lord is saying.
The Lord doesn't want us ignorant. He intends for us to understand spiritual things. And even though there will be some things that we don't understand until we see Him face to face, we have the promise that if we seek an understanding of spiritual things we will find it.
Have a great day. If you don't understand spiritual truths just ask... the Holy Spirit will help you to understand.
For further reading:
Matthew 13:10-12
1 John 3:2
Psalms 103:7
John 16:13
1 Corinthians 2:9-11; 13:9,12
Colossians 1:9
Ephesians 1:18
Isaiah 28:10,13
Proverbs 4:5,7; 16:16
<>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <><
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 unless permission is granted to do otherwise. Please remember to give credit to About the Master's Business Ministry.
There will always be things that we don't understand. Even Solomon with all his wisdom did not understand some things. (Proverbs 30:18,19) But having an understanding of the things of God and spiritual principles is necessary to our spiritual growth and well-being. The Book of Proverbs is full of admonishment, commands and instruction concerning the importance of having understanding.
Some Christians believe that it is not meant for us to understand the things of God. Granted, there are some "mysteries" that we won't understand until this corruptible flesh puts on incorruption and this mortality puts on immortality. And until then there will always be some things that we know only "in part" because the understanding that we have is still like looking through a dark glass. Jesus addressed this subject with His disciples. In Matthew 13 He talked to them about spiritual things and Kingdom principles, then He asked them if they understood what He said. "Jesus saith unto them, Have ye understood all these things? They say unto him, Yea, Lord." (verse 51) In the same chapter Jesus told His disciples that they have been given the understanding to know these things, but the world hasn't been given that understanding. So, yes, He does want us to understand spiritual things.
So, what do we do if we don't understand; how do we get the understanding? The first thing you do is continue reading God's word. Don't get discouraged and put it down just because you don't understand it. Unless you continue reading it, you will never understand it. Also, you pray. You pray for the Lord to enlighten the eyes of your understanding. You pray for the spirit of wisdom and revelation. You ask the Holy Spirit to make your understanding fruitful and trust that He will lead you into the truth- because He will; He is the Spirit of Truth. Also, don't get impatient. Sometimes the understanding comes line upon line, precept upon precept, here a little and there a little- and eventually you will get the full "picture" of what the Lord is saying.
The Lord doesn't want us ignorant. He intends for us to understand spiritual things. And even though there will be some things that we don't understand until we see Him face to face, we have the promise that if we seek an understanding of spiritual things we will find it.
Have a great day. If you don't understand spiritual truths just ask... the Holy Spirit will help you to understand.
For further reading:
Matthew 13:10-12
1 John 3:2
Psalms 103:7
John 16:13
1 Corinthians 2:9-11; 13:9,12
Colossians 1:9
Ephesians 1:18
Isaiah 28:10,13
Proverbs 4:5,7; 16:16
<>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <><
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 unless permission is granted to do otherwise. Please remember to give credit to About the Master's Business Ministry.
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