Coffee Break

Coffee Break

"Questioning God"

"And Joshua said, Alas, O Lord God, wherefore hast thou at all brought this people over Jordan, to deliver us into the hand of the Amorites, to destroy us? would to God we had been content, and dwelt on the other side Jordan!" Joshua 7:7

I grew up being taught that you don't question God. You just accept whatever comes your way and trust Him in spite of it. To question shows lack of faith and disrespect. And besides, who are you to question God? I have since learned that it is actually all right to question Him. He even invites us to come and "reason together with Him".

If you look throughout the scriptures, the Patriarchs and many great men and women of God questioned. Mary the mother of Jesus questioned- not what God was doing- but how she could have a baby since she had not been with a man. The disciples were always questioning Jesus about what He was doing and why.

There are questions and then there are questions. Some questions are to gain knowledge simply because we don't understand. It is all right to ask those questions and it is all right to inquire of the Lord for guidance and direction. But then there are questions that are accusing of who God is and what He is doing. Those are the ones that we have been taught not to ask. But this morning I want to clarify that we can ask those questions. If we are confused by something; if we think that the Lord is behind it; if we think He is doing this or that to us; then we actually need to ask and question Him.

Joshua thought that the Lord had turned on them and given them over to their enemy so he questioned God in a accusing fashion- "Why have You brought us here to destroy us?" Did God rebuke Joshua? Did He punish or kill him for asking? No, He gave him his answer. The enemy would have us keep quiet and keep our questions to ourselves- but never "question" God. Had Joshua not questioned he would have never discovered the reason for their defeat. Once he questioned, God told him that there was "sin in the camp". Through his questioning the answer to the problem was revealed and Joshua then corrected the situation.

God wants us to be honest with Him, even if it means we question, because it is through our questions that He can give us the answer and the solution.

Have a great day. If you don't understand, it is all right to question God.

For further reading:
Joshua 7
Isaiah 1:18
Luke 1:34

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

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://livingstones magazine. homestead.com

Coffee Break

"He Overcame"

"These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world." John 16:33

"I have overcome the world." When Jesus walked the earth as a man, He faced the same temptations we face. He was tempted in every area we are tempted- the lust of the eyes, the lust of the flesh and the pride of life. He was tempted to hold grudges, receive offense, give in to bitterness, be unforgiving. He was tempted to gossip and talk about others. He was tempted to follow His own desires. There was no area that He wasn't tempted in.

Yet in the times of temptation He did not yield to the temptations. He did not give in to them. He, at the cross, became sin but He knew no sin. He did not know it from first hand experience. Reason number one is because He was born sinless. Reason number two was because He never gave into sin's temptations- He did not indulge in sin.

That is good news for us! He overcame showing us that it can be done. He overcame and then left us the example to follow so that we can overcome. He overcame and left us His Spirit and His word to show us how He did it. He overcame and left His victory with us so that we can overcome. Remember the next time that you are tempted that Jesus has already gotten the victory for you in all areas and you do not have to give into sin. "Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world." (John 4:4)

Have a great day. He overcame the temptations of sin and through Him so can we.

For further reading:
1 John 2:16; 3:5
1 Peter 2:21-24
1 Corinthians 15:57
Hebrews 4:15

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

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://livingstones magazine.homestead.com

Coffee Break

"Renewed Hearing"

"Therefore it is come to pass, that as he cried, and they would not hear; so they cried, and I would not hear, saith the Lord of hosts." Zechariah 7:13

We say we want to hear from the Lord, but do we really? How many times has the Lord spoken to your heart but you ignored what He said or pretended that you did not hear? Eight different times in His earthly ministry Jesus admonished the people to "have ears to hear". I thought it was interesting that He used that same phrase eight times- the number eight represents new beginnings; newness. (I see a message within His message to "have ears to hear".)

The Lord desires to speak to His people, and we need to learn how to listen and heed what He is saying. When He speaks, it is for our good- even when He says something that we don't necessarily want to hear. God always has a reason for everything He says.

But also, hearing what He is saying when you are going through a difficult time is like a breath of fresh air- it gives renewed hope, renewed faith, renewed peace and renewed strength. When David and his men arrived at Ziklag and found their homes destroyed and families gone, they were so distressed that they cried until they couldn't cry any more. David went before the Lord and sought for a word from Him. The Lord spoke to David and gave Him instructions concerning what he should do in this situation. After David heard from the Lord his strength and hope was renewed and he went forth and regained all that the enemy had stolen.

When we hear from the Lord in the problems that we face, there is something that happens in us- that something is a renewing of hope that says it is possible; a renewed faith that cries out, "this is not impossible for God"; a renewed strength to stand firm and not wavier; a renewed peace that all is well because He is with me; and a renewed joy to continue on.

Have a great day. Hear what He is saying, there is something "new" attached to it.

For further reading:
1 Samuel 30
Matthew 11:15; 13:43
Luke 5:4-6

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

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://livingstones magazine.homestead.com

Coffee Break

"Come"

"And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely." Revelation 22:17

Throughout all the ages (from Genesis to Revelation) the Lord God has expressed the desire for us to come to Him. And not only has He expressed this desire, He has made Himself accessible and approachable so that we can come to Him. He has provided the way into His presence and invites us to come.

If you are tired and thirsty- come to Him and He will give you living waters so that you will never thirst again. "Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price." (Isaiah 55:1)

If you are heavy ladened, burdened down with a load of cares- come to Him and He will give you rest. "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." (Matthew 11:28)

If you living in sin, He invites you to come and let Him wash them away. "Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool." (Isaiah 1:18)

If you are hungry, He invites you to come and dine in His presence. "Come and dine." (John 21:12)

Though these invitations have been given, and the way provided, it is still up to you as to whether you will come to Him or not.

One day there will be another invitation given to come and inherit the Kingdom. This invitation will be given to those who have accepted His other invitations while they were here on earth. "Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world." (Matthew 25:34) Will you be one of them?

Are you accepting His invitations to come to Him? Don't refuse or reject them. Accept His invitation of salvation, of strength, of help, of grace and of everything else you need. "All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out." (John 6:37)

Have a great day. His greatest desire is for you to come to Him- the invitation has been given and the way provided.

For further reading:
John 6:35; 4:14

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

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://livingstones magazine.homestead.com

Coffee Break

"Jesus Saves"

"And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins." Matthew 1:21

When Jesus came to earth, He came for a purpose. That purpose was not just to make our lives better, make us happy people, give us an easier life, load us with blessings, give us riches, houses, lands, fame and fortune, or to be a "Santa Claus" to us. All those around Him- the people, the Jewish leaders, Nicodemus, His own disciples- thought He was going to set up an earthly kingdom, restore their nation and deliver them from Roman oppression- thus making life better for them. But that was not they case. They missed His true purpose for coming. I wonder if when we look at the life of Jesus if we misunderstand His purpose also.

His true purpose was to save His people from their sins, to seek and to save those who were lost, to call sinners to repentance. Have we lost view of this? Are we warning the wicked man of his wicked way? Are we preaching the message of repentance? Are we warning the lost and proclaiming good news to those in darkness? Our message is a message of hope, are we sharing it?

Our message is namely this: We are all sinners under a death sentence. One day we will stand before God, the Judge, and He will enforce the death penalty upon us- eternal separation from Him in the lake of fire. But God loved us so much that He provided a way for us to come out from under the death sentence. That way was through the death of His only begotten Son Jesus. Jesus died on the cross taking our punishment for sin, thus bringing us out from under the death sentence and replacing it with the gift of eternal life- living in God's presence for all eternity. This was His purpose for coming- to be our Savior.

If we lose the true meaning of the gospel, or if we substitute it with the gospel of blessings only, then we leave people with a false sense of security thinking all is well because they are being blessed, and defining salvation through material possessions, while all along they are losing their soul.

Do not lose sight of Jesus' purpose. We can gain the whole world and still lose our soul. We need a Savior. That was why Jesus came.

Have a great day. Jesus saves!

For further reading:
Matthew 16:26
John 3:16-18
Luke 19:10
Revelation 20:12-15

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

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://livingstones magazine. homestead. com

Coffee Break

"Amazing God"

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

I want to share a word with you this morning that the Lord spoke to my heart recently. I know it is meant for you too this morning.

"I am the mighty God and with Me nothing is impossible. I am able to do exceeding, abundantly above all that you can ask or think. I can take all things, even that which is bad, and work it together for good to those who love Me and are called according to My purpose. I can use what is considered weak by the strong and foolish by the wise and use it for My glory."

As He spoke this to me, I had a sense that He was trying to convey the message that He truly is who He is and can do what He says He can do, regardless of the situation. Too often we look at the circumstances and make them bigger and more powerful than God. They are not! Have we forgotten who it is in the boat of life with us? Or perhaps we are like the disciples and don't even really know although we walk with Him daily through prayer and Bible reading. We have become so geared to following a natural course of action when we are experiencing problems, that we tend to forget about Him entirely. The disciples tried to solve their own problem. They bailed water, they pulled downed the sails, they did everything they could to help keep the boat afloat, finally, as a last resort, they woke Jesus up. He calmed the storm with just His words and they were all amazed at His power.

Have we become like them? Forgetting, or perhaps not understanding, who He is who is with us? I believe that is what He is reminding us of in the word that He spoke above. He is wanting to "amaze" us today by demonstrating His power in our situations. He still has power over the enemy. He still is more powerful than the storms of your life. He can bring down mountains, quench fires, calm storms, and take every bad situation and turn it around for good in your life and for His glory.

Have a great day. Don't forget how amazing He is.

For further reading:
Ephesians 3:20
Mark 10:27; 6:2
Matthew 28:18

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

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://livingstones magazinehomestead.com

Coffee Break
"The Process"
"By little and little I will drive them out from before thee, until thou be increased, and inherit the land." Exodus 23:30
While speaking to the Israelites in the wilderness concerning their entering into the promised land, the Lord told them that He was going to drive the other nations out of the land little by little. He was not going to drive them all out at one time. It would be by the conquering of one city after another. Could God drive them all out at once? Sure He could, but He was not going to. He was going to do it through a process.
At salvation there is something that takes place in our lives right then- we become a new creation. But that is only the beginning, from there we go through a process. God could totally deliver us from all the vain imaginations of our heart, from the lusts of the flesh, from our flawed thinking, but He doesn't. The destruction of our biggest enemy (our own flesh) and transformation into the likeness of Christ, takes place through a process- a daily process of denying self, of renewing our mind and of presenting ourselves before the Lord as living sacrifices.
How nice it would be if He would just instantaneously change at salvation all the things about us that have to be put to death. But instead we have to do that on a daily basis as we encounter each one. So today, remember that you are in a process and every "enemy" you encounter has to be dealt with then and "driven out".
Have a great day. We are in a process- I must decrease and He must increase.
For further reading:
Exodus 23:25-31
John 3:30
Romans 8:13
<>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <><
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.mastersbusinessorg
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://livingstonesmagazinehomesteadcom

Coffee Break

"Follow Me"

"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

When Jesus said to, "Follow Me", He also said that there would be a cross to bear involved. In modern day Christianity we have a "one-sided" view of what it means to "follow" Jesus. We want to follow Him for the blessings and what He can do for us, like the multitudes that followed Him did while He was here on earth. "And whithersoever he entered, into villages, or cities, or country, they laid the sick in the streets, and besought him that they might touch if it were but the border of his garment: and as many as touched him were made whole." (Mark 6:56)

We want to follow Him in the works. We want to do the same works He did- miracles, heal the sick, teach, preach, minister. We want to follow His power. We want to follow in the glory. We want to be used in the gifts of the Spirit. And this seems to be our whole focus and desire when it comes to following Him. But there is more to following Jesus than what we consider the "glamorous" side of ministry- this is only one side of following Him.

There was a reason why Jesus said that those who would follow Him would also bear a cross. There is no gospel without the cross. There can be no discipleship without the cross. Jesus bore a cross and we do too.

So what does it mean to "follow Him"? It means to follow Him down the same path He walked. We are to follow Him on the path of obedience, the path of suffering, the path of sacrifice and self-denial. It is a path that surrenders to the will of God no matter what it cost us- "My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will." (Matthew 26:39b- NIV) Following Him means that we will suffer pain, rejection and sorrow. And eventually it will mean death- death to self-- self-will, self-desire, self-ambition, self-love.

When you say you are a follower of Jesus, what do you mean? Do you mean that you are following His blessings, His power, His glory, His works? Or are you following Him by following Him to the cross as well?

Have a great day. What kind of follower are you?

For further reading:
Mark 10:21; 37-39
Hebrews 5:8
Philippians 3:10

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

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://livingstones magazine. homestead. com

Coffee Break

"True Symbol of Love"

"And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him." 1 John 4:16

We are celebrating Valentine's Day today. It is a day when we let others know that we love them through the exchange of cards, candy, flowers and other gifts. This celebration of love is symbolized by hearts and a cherub type figure named Cupid- the Roman god of love.

There are a couple of things I want to say about this day- known as the celebration of love. For the Christian "Valentine's Day", because it is suppose to represent showing expressions of love, should not be just a special occasion on the calendar or a once a year event. We are to walk in love everyday- love toward God and love toward our neighbors.

The next thing I want to say is Cupid a mythological, fictitious god who has nothing to do with love. But there is a real God of love. The Lord God- the only true and living God. And He is not just the God of love, but He is love. He doesn't just posses love, His whole nature and character is one of love.

In the English language the word "love" is considered an abstract word. Abstracts are nouns which are not tangible objects but depict feelings, concepts, etc. So how can you put a picture to an abstract word? How can you visualize a feeling? Today we will exchange heart shaped gifts because we think this is a true picture of what love looks like. True love may start in the heart, but that isn't the true picture of love. The Lord God drew us a true picture of what this abstract word looks like-- it was the cross. The cross is the true symbol of love. "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever would believe in Him should not perish but have everlasting life." (John 3:16) "Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends." (John 15:13)

Today you will tell others that you love them, you may exchange gifts, you may receive a box of chocolate or a heart shaped something, but as you do, remember that God has given you a much greater gift of love- the gift of eternal life that came through His Son Jesus Christ. "But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." (Romans 5:8)

Have a great day. The true picture of love is not defined by hearts, flowers, candy or jewelry, but it is defined by the cross.

For further reading:
1 John 4:7-12
John 3:17

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

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.
Please remember to give credit to
About the Master's Business Ministry.
Take time to visit our on-line Christian magazine and blogs.
http://livingstones magazine. homestead. com

Coffee Break

"My House"

"And they come to Jerusalem: and Jesus went into the temple, and began to cast out them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the moneychangers, and the seats of them that sold doves." Mark 11:15

When Jesus comes into our lives (our temples- 1 Corinthians 3:16), don't expect Him to do any less than He did in the verse above. He "cleans house". He doesn't leave us the way He finds us.

Many Christians are of the opinion that Christianity is just mere religious duty- church attendance, singing in the choir, giving offerings, reading their Bible, and so on. How wrong they are. When Jesus cleaned out the temple, He also set things back in order, restored it to its original purpose and reestablished its priority- "My house shall be called of all nations the house of prayer." (verse 17)

When Christ comes into our lives, He puts them back in order, restores us to our original purpose for which He created us and helps us to reestablish His priorities in our lives as well- "Thou shall love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind." (Matthew 22:37) Up to that point, before He does, it is not about Him but about us. We were living for self and doing what was right and pleasing in our own eyes.

When Jesus got finished cleaning the temple that day, I can promise you it did not look the same. There was a definite "transformation" that took place. The moneychangers were gone, the merchant tables were no longer set up, the place was quieter, worship was heard again, prayer and holiness was restored.

As I said earlier, "He doesn't leave us the way He finds us." He brings the gift of salvation and eternal life to us and from that moment on He desires to bring about a "transformation" process in our lives. He doesn't leave us the same way and He doesn't leave us looking the same way. Instead the goal is that we look like His original intention for us. "Let us make man in our image." (Genesis 1:26) "And as we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly." (1 Cor. 15:49) The goal is that we look like Him-- "My house".

Have a great day. Jesus doesn't come into our lives and leave us the same way-- He brings transformation.

For further reading:
2 Corinthians 3:18
Matthew 21:13
Romans 8:29; 12:2

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

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.mastersbusinessorg

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://livingstones magazine. homestead. com

Coffee Break

"Guard Your Heart"

"Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it." Proverbs 4:23 (NIV)

In this verse we find both a command and a warning. We are commanded to guard our hearts- in other words, protect them. And we are warned that there are consequences if we don't.

Let's start with the warning first. I won't spend much time on this because we all know that whatever we open our hearts up to will come in and take over them. This is why the Lord says to love Him with all our hearts- don't give place, or room, for anything else in our hearts because whatever is in there will be the governing factor of your life. So, if we don't guard/protect them, then we leave them open for the enemy's attack. We make them susceptible to his destructive devices. He will try to fill our hearts with bitterness, resentfulness, evil desires, lusts, immorality, selfishness, and so on- which will destroy us.

I want to talk a little more about the command to guard our hearts because this is the solution that will shut the door, and keep it shut, to the evil influences that would try to take over it. How do we guard our hearts? What can we do that will keep the door of our hearts closed and not give anything but the Lord access?

1) Be careful about what you set before your eyes. ("I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes. - Psalm 101:3) What you see really does influence you and that "image" will find its way into your heart. If not dealt with, it will breed lust and when lust is conceived it brings forth sin. ("Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.- James 1:15)

2) Don't allow the standards and ideology of this world to mold your heart. You do this by renewing your mind with the word of God. ("And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. - Romans 12:2)

3) Follow the word of God. It is one thing to read it, or know it, but it is in the doing of it that we guard our hearts. ("But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. - James 1:22)

4) Keep yourself in the love of God. ("Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life."- Jude 1:21) You do this by staying close to the Lord through communing with Him in prayer and worship, through His word, through repentance when you sin, by constantly drawing near to Him and through self denial.

If we will heed the warning and follow the command, then we are being the "guard at the door" of our hearts and governing what comes in and what doesn't.

Have a great day. Guard your heart- that is a command and a warning.

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

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://livingstones magazine. homestead. com

Coffee Break
"He Loves You More, Not Less"
"He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?" Romans 8:32
Why is it that once we become a Christian we get this notion that God doesn't love us as much now as He did when we got saved? Why do we think that He isn't as willing to forgive our mistakes now as He was before? We act as if He doesn't care about us any longer-- now that He "has us".
Sadly, I know many people, especially women, who have married men who treated them like queens while they were dating- nothing was too good for them, they gave them anything they wanted, they wanted to spend endless amounts of time with them, they were always attentive and complementary- but once they got married, the guy completely changed. It was hard to believe that this was even the same guy they had dated. The attention stopped. They were taken for granted. They no longer complemented them but constantly criticized their every move instead. I bring this up because I wonder if what we have seen in some human relationships is not how we view our relationship with our Heavenly Father.
Men may treat you like this. They may act one way one time and a different way another time. They may treat you special before the wedding and common afterwards. They may treat you one way in public and a different way in private. But the Lord is NOT- let me repeat- He is NOT like that. His love for you is eternal and unchanging. It is without hypocrisy. He even tells us in His word that if He loved us before we became His, once we give ourselves to Him He loves us even more- not less. "Christ died for us while we were still sinners. This demonstrates God's love for us. Since Christ's blood has now given us God's approval, we are even more certain that Christ will save us from God's anger. If the death of his Son restored our relationship with God while we were still his enemies, we are even more certain that, because of this restored relationship, the life his Son lived will save us." (Romans 5:8-10- God's Word Translation)
We need to stop letting other relationships (the not so good ones) be the example for determining God's relationship toward us. We need to stop listening to and allowing the enemy's lies to influence us in the area of God's love for us. We need to get rid of our misconceived ideas about the way God feels about us and stop following our own feelings in this area. What we need to do is listen to Him and believe what He says about the way He loves us. And what He says is-- how could He possibly love you any less now that you are His child then He did before!
Have a great day. The Lord loves us even more after we give ourselves to Him-- not less!
For further reading:
John 3:16,17
Romans 8:31-39
<>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <><
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.mastersbusinessorg
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://livingstonesmagazinehomesteadcom

Coffee Break
"Fearful Things"
"They that trust in the Lord shall be as mount Zion, which cannot be removed, but abideth for ever." Psalm 125:1
"And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring; men's hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken." (Luke 21:25,26) We are living in "distressful" times. It is so seldom that you hear any good news. There are wars and rumors of wars, talk of economic collapse on a global scale, violence is plaguing the land, natural disasters seem to never end but instead seem to be getting worse.
If you listen to all the ominous reports it would be easy to allow yourself to become fearful. But this morning, may I remind you, if you are a Child of God/ follower of Jesus/ His disciple (whatever you chose to call it) you have nothing to fear. Our trust is not in the things of this world. It is not in material resources. It is not in the wisdom of this world. It is not in man's knowledge or abilities. Our hope is in the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. Our hope is in the One who created this world to begin with. He is our Savior, Deliverer, Fortress, Strong Tower of Refuge and our Source.
He was "Goshen" for the Israelites while the plagues were coming upon Egypt. He was the "Ark" that protected Noah and his family during the flood. He was the fourth man in the fire with the three Hebrews. He was the Angel who shut the lions' mouths for Daniel while in the lion's den. He was the "Smooth Stone" in the sling shot of David which brought down the giant.
Biblical history has recorded from Genesis to Revelation that the Lord has always been with His people- watching over, protecting and providing for them. He has always been there, He will not change now and leave us when we need Him. He is a Faithful Father to all His children throughout all generations. Therefore, we have no reason to fear- though the earth be removed and the powers of heaven be shaken. Our hope is in the Lord and we will look to Him.
Have a great day. Fearful things are happening, but we will be like Mount Zion which cannot be moved because our faith and trust is in the right place- it is in the Lord.
For further reading:
Psalm 91; 46
Isaiah 43:1,2
<>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <><
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://livingstonesmagazinehomesteadcom

Coffee Break

"The Price of Discipleship"

"They said unto him, Grant unto us that we may sit, one on thy right hand, and the other on thy left hand, in thy glory. But Jesus said unto them, Ye know not what ye ask: can ye drink of the cup that I drink of? and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?" Mark 10:37,38

Most Christians tend to think that being a disciple of Jesus is about what we can "get" from God. We think it is about all the blessings He gives. We are always after the "good" things and good gifts that He will send our way. There is more to it though than just receiving blessings. There is a price to pay.

When we think about "the price" in Christianity, we tend to confine it to the price Jesus paid for our salvation. We forget that there is a price to discipleship as well. If you are going to follow Jesus, if you are going to be a partaker of His inheritance, if you are going to enjoy the blessings, then you are also going to have to pay a price.

Let me clarify that I am not talking about us paying a price for our salvation through works and by doing good deeds. I am talking about the price that comes from following Jesus. He told us in His word that there was a price and what the price was. "And there went great multitudes with him: and he turned, and said unto them, if any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple. And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple. For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it?" (Luke 14:25-28)

The price is:
1) Love Him with all your heart, soul, strength and mind. (and hate not... cannot be my disciple)
2) Don't allow anything or anyone besides Him to have first place in your life. (not father, mother, wife, children, brothers or sisters) He is your family now.
3) Surrender your own will to Him. (hate his own life also)
4) Die to self- (bear his cross)

Jesus wasn't telling us to hate others or self. The true evidence that we are Christians is our love for others. Besides if He told us to "hate" our families in the sense that we define hate, He would be telling us to break the greatest commandment. He was telling us that we cannot let our love for people(including family), ourselves, or material things come ahead of our love for Him. Our love for Him must be willing to sacrifice all other relationships for the relationship we have with Him. The cross is the place of death and sacrifice. This is the price that we are called to pay as disciples- the sacrifice of all for a relationship with Him. (Isn't that exactly what He did- sacrifice all in order to have a relationship with us?) This was the price that He told James and John when they were arguing about "position" in our verses above- "can ye drink of the cup that I drink of?"

Have a great day. We want the blessings, benefits and glory that come along with being His disciple, but we don't hear much about the price that comes along with it too. "And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together." (Romans 8:17)

For further reading:
1 Peter 4:12-14
Matthew 22:36-40

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

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://livingstones magazine. homestead. com

Coffee Break

"Revelation of the Father"

"For he received from God the Father honour and glory, when there came such a voice to him from the excellent glory, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased." 2 Peter 1:17

Last night at church, during our song/worship service, one of the songs we sang was "Fire Fall Down". One of the choruses in that song repeats the lines- "Show me Your heart; show me Your way; show me Your glory." As we were singing it, I felt the Lord spoke something to my heart- I want to share it with you. He said that it was His desire to show us His heart, His way and His glory. Then He said that He has indeed already showed us- we saw it in Jesus.

Jesus showed and demonstrated to us the heart of God. "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." (John 3:16) The heart of God is love. It is the very core of His being; who He is, not only what He possesses. "...for God is love." (1 John 4:8,16)

Jesus showed us the Father's way. His way is obedience. "Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross." (Philippians 2:5-8) "Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered; and being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him." (Hebrews 5:8,9) "Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done." (Luke 22:42)

Jesus showed us the Father's glory. He was and is the glory of God. "And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth." (John 1:14) "I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do. And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was." (John 17:4,5) "That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." (Philippians 2:10,11) "Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds; who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high." (Hebrews 1:2,3)

The next time you desire a deeper revelation of who God the Father is, look at His Son Jesus, in Him was the fullness of the Godhead bodily. When you saw Him, you saw the Father- the Father's heart, His way and His glory.

Have a great day. All that the Father is, is seen in Jesus.

For further reading:
Colossians 2:9
John 14:8,9

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

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://livingstones magazine. homestead. com

Coffee Break

"Praise Him"

"By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name." Hebrews 13:15

It is so easy to run to God for help in a time of need, and He wants us to. He has told us time and time again in His word to "ask", "pray", and "seek Him". But I want to ask you this morning, "Is the only communication you have with the Lord is when you are in need?" Do you ever just go into His presence and tell Him that you are there to just "love on" and worship Him? Do you ever sit there determined to do nothing (no asking for anything) but to give Him praise and tell Him how wonderful He is?

Yes, we are always in need, and because He loves and cares for us so deeply, He graciously allows us to come to Him with those needs and make our requests known. But don't you think His heart would be overjoyed if just once our prayer wasn't about "us" but about "Him"?

If you never have times alone with the Lord when you don't ask for something but instead express your love and adoration for Him, perhaps that is something you should think about-- and start doing. After all, He is worthy of our praise!

Have a great day. We should all spend some time praising and thanking God instead of always just asking Him for something.

For further reading:
Jeremiah 33:11
Psalm 118:28; 99:5; 132:7

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

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://livingstones magazine. homestead. com

Coffee Break

"Your Response"

"And David was greatly distressed; for the people spake of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and for his daughters: but David encouraged himself in the Lord his God." 1 Samuel 30:6

There come times in all of our lives when we face problems, troubles, dark days, overwhelming circumstances, distress, grief and pain. No one is exempt- no matter how closely we may walk to the Lord. When we face them, there will always be a response to them. The question is, "What will your response be?" Will it be to "blame God" for the problem? Will it be to get bitter and angry? Will the response be to close yourself off and shut out the rest of the world? Will it be to try to "pick yourself up"?

There is only one response to the troubles that we face that will make us victorious and successful in them-- "but David encouraged himself in the Lord his God". You have to learn how to encourage yourself in the Lord- that's your response. We encourage ourselves in the Lord by praying- talk to Him about the situation. We encourage ourselves in Him through His written word- read and meditate on His promises. And we encourage ourselves in Him by remembering- remembering that He loves us, that He is faithful, that He is all powerful and by remembering what He has done for us in the past. I have a feeling that at this distressful place in His life, David remembered how God had delivered him from the lion, the bear, Goliath, King Saul and saved him in every other battle he had fought. As he remembered God's faithfulness he was encouraged because he knew that the Lord does not change and if He was faithful to him then, He will still be faithful to him now in this situation.

Take time today to think about, and examine, how you respond to times like these. Is your response one that encourages yourself in the Lord or something else? There is only one way to respond to trying times if we expect to walk in victory over them instead of being buried by them.

Have a great day. Encourage yourself in the Lord.

For further reading:
Psalm 119:52; 36:5

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

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://livingstones magazine. homestead. com

Coffee Break
"The Right Hand of the Lord"
"The right hand of the Lord is exalted: the right hand of the Lord doeth valiantly." Psalm 118:16
There are two characteristics of the Lord that I want to talk about this morning:
1) His authority. "The right hand of the Lord is exalted."
2) His power. "The right hand of the Lord doeth valiantly."
The right hand or right arm speaks of authority. In God Himself all authority resides. There is no one who is over Him. There is none who can tell Him what to do. There is none who can rule over Him. He has no "boss" - He IS the "boss". It is at His name every knee bows. It is at His word all creation was formed. It is in His presence that demons tremble. All He has to do is "speak" the word and situations change. He does not possess a portion of authority, but all authority is given unto Him.
The right hand of the Lord speaks also of power. It is by His strong right arm that the victory is won. There is no weakness in Him. There is none who has more strength than He does. The sea even fled when it saw His power displayed, the mountains shake, all of heaven falls prostrate before His throne. There is none who can stand against Him. He does not back down from anyone or anything. He has nothing to fear, but is Himself feared.
I often wonder who we think God is by the way we act. We act as if He is weak and defeated. We act as if there are things that are too hard for God to do. On the contrary just the opposite is true. Perhaps it's time that we renew our vision of Him. He is an awesome, mighty God who is before all and above all and in whom all things exist. His power is displayed in all creation, for without Him was not made anything that was made and He holds it all together.
Have a great day. God has all authority and all power! (That means He is not weak and powerless!)
For further reading:
Ephesians 4:6
Colossians 1:16-18
Matthew 19:26; 28:18; 8:8
1 Corinthians 1:26
Psalm 98:1; 114; 24:8
<>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <><
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.mastersbusinessorg
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://livingstonesmagazinehomesteadcom

Coffee Break

"Chosen"

"Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you..." John 15:16a

I watched a movie about the life of Joseph the other evening. I have seen it many times before and read the scriptures about his life on several occasions. But for some reason this time it stood out to me what a notorious bunch they were- especially the sons of Jacob. When you look at their lives, they were full of faults. They murdered, were liars, deceivers, vengeful, proud, haughty, and the list goes on. Yet God made a covenant with them, made them a great nation and it was through their lineage that the Messiah would come.

Watching it gave me a renewed sense of encouragement. If the Lord would use people such as these to bless all the nations of the whole earth, then He can and will use me. The Bible says that He uses the weak and foolish things of this world to accomplish His purposes through.

As you look in the scriptures you discover that most of the people that He chose to fulfill His plan through were murders, prostitutes, weak, uneducated, fearful, and so on. When God uses the weak to display His strength through, when He uses the unlearned to display His wisdom through, when He uses the outcast and reveals His grace and mercy through, then it is evident that what ever was accomplished could not have been the person who accomplished it but God. There can only be one testimony to come out of it-- "That was God"! Therefore, no man can take the glory for himself. "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)

Wherever you are, whatever you may have done, whatever faults you may have, you are still a candidate for the Lord's service. It blesses, encourages and causes me to love Him more, knowing that I can be so weak and yet He chose me. That should encourage you as well.

Have a great day. Regardless of who we are and what we have done, God still loves and chooses us as instruments to reveal His glory to the world.

For further reading:
Genesis 18:18; 22:18; 26:4
1 Corinthians 1:26-29
John 15:16
Deuteronomy 7:7

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

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://livingstones magazine. homestead. com

Coffee Break

"The Check"

"My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge... " Hosea 4:6

The other day, while I was going through some paper work, I discovered a check that someone had sent me a couple of months ago. The check had gotten mixed in some other papers and was completely hidden from me-- I did not realize it was there. I was pleasantly surprised when I found it, yet at the same time hated that this had happened because I could have been using it to help with a need.

The word of God is a treasure. When we "dig" through its pages, we discover that there is a storehouse of blessings and provisions that have been promised to us. But many people do not take the time or make the effort to search out its riches, so to them, it is like that check that has sat in my draw all these months. That check was valuable but it was doing me no good just sitting there.

It wasn't until that check was cashed, or deposited in my bank account, that I could receive the good from it. The word of God has to been "deposited" in our lives in order for us to receive the good from it. As the verse says, "My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge." You've heard the saying, "What you don't know can't hurt you". Well, on the other hand, "What you don't know, can't benefit you." If you don't know God's word, how can you be benefited by it?

Have a great day. It's when we know God's word that we are benefited by it.

For further reading:
John 5:39; 6:63
Joshua 1:8

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

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://livingstones magazine. homestead. com

Coffee Break
"The Cost of Love"
"And Jacob served seven years for Rachel; and they seemed unto him but a few days, for the love he had to her." Genesis 29:20
From reading this whole chapter we know that Jacob actually served a total of fourteen years in order to have Rachel as his wife. Jacob "sold" himself to his Uncle Laban for fourteen years because he loved and desired her so deeply. When you truly love and desire something, or someone, you will pay any price you have to in order to have them/it. No price seems too large. No sacrifice is too great. You don't mind doing whatever it takes. We do that with material things- we will get a second job just to pay for "things" because we "want" them. When we find "Mr." or "Miss Right", we rearrange our schedules, loose sleep, go places we would not usually go, make sacrifices that we would not normally make just to be with them.
I wonder, if we have this attitude about people, or things, do we have this same attitude when it comes to our love and desire to be with the Lord? Do we make the sacrifices that are needed in order to be with Him? Are we willing to "sell ourselves out" for Him? Do we have any sleepless nights because we have desired to stay up and be with Him in prayer? Do we get out of bed early enough to meet with Him before it is time to rush out the door?
The perfect picture of what I am talking about is Jesus' love for us. He loved us so much that He was willing to leave the splendor of heaven, remove His royal robe, clothe Himself in flesh and take on the role of a servant in order to "have" us for His own. He paid a bigger price for us that the fourteen years that Jacob gave to Laban so that he could have Rachel. He paid the greatest price and made the greatest sacrifice ever-- He gave up His life... and He did it for love's sake.
What Jacob did for Rachel was give up his life for fourteen years. What Jesus did for us was give up His life by dying on the cross. Will we not give up our life for Him?
Have a great day. Love never minds making sacrifices in order to be with the one you love.
For further reading:
John 15:13
John 3:16
Genesis 29:18-30
Romans 5:8
<>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <><
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://livingstonesmagazinehomesteadcom

Coffee Break
"The Making of a Vessel"
".... until Christ be formed in you." Galatians 4:19
In one of his writings Oswald Chambers wrote: "We are apt to think that everything that happens to us is to be turned into useful teaching; it is to be turned into something better than teaching, viz, into character. We shall find that the spheres God brings us into are not meant to teach us something but to make us something."
No doubt we can learn from the situations that come our way, but if that is all that is gleaned from them we have missed the whole point of trials, suffering, etc. The whole reason for the potter's wheel is to produce a certain kind of vessel. The purpose of the refiner's fire is to produce pure gold that is of great value. Putting coal under pressure produces a diamond. The reason for chastening is to produce the peaceable fruit of righteousness in us.
The purpose of the things that we encounter are not just meant to teach us something, but to make us into a "new man" and vessels fit for the Master's use. Job became a different man after he suffered. "I shall come forth as gold." (Job 23:10b) Joseph became a different man through what he went through. He went from being a prideful lad with no wisdom to a ruler with the wisdom to preserve nations during a time of famine. It was on the backside of the desert where Moses was transformed from a murdering coward to a mighty deliverer. All the suffering he went through made him into a vessel that could fulfill God's purpose.
If we see our trials and suffering in one light only- lessons to teach us something, a test of our faith, an attack of the enemy- then we will have missed the purpose that is in the trial. "For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory." (2 Corinthians 4:17) What is that "greater weight of glory"? "That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world." (Philippians 2:15) And more specifically, "until Christ be formed in us."
Have a great day. God has a purpose for you, but in order to fulfill that purpose you have to be made into the vessel that He can use to fulfill that purpose.
For further reading:
Hebrews 12:11
2 Timothy 2:21
James 1:1-4
Colossians 1:27
<>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <><
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.mastersbusinessorg
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

Coffee Break

"Not Forgotten"

"Surely he shall not be moved for ever: the righteous shall be in everlasting remembrance. " Psalm 112:6

"...the righteous shall be in everlasting remembrance. " You may feel as though the Lord has forgotten you. You may feel as if He has left you. You may be thinking that He doesn't know your name any more. But you are wrong. You are His child and He will never forget you. He said it this way to reaffirm His love and continual awareness of you, "Can a woman forget her sucking child, that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb? yea, they may forget, yet will I not forget thee." (Isaiah 49:15)

The circumstances of life often shroud the presence of God from sight. We wonder where He is, has He abandoned us in our time of need? Let me reassure you this morning. It may feel as though He is no where to be found, but He is right there. He will NEVER leave you nor forsake you. He is with you always, even unto the ends of the world.

He was there with the Israelites when they were hemmed in between the Red Sea and Pharaoh's army. He was there with Daniel when he was in the lion's den. He was with the three Hebrews while they were in the fiery furnace. He was with Mary during her time of travail in the stable. He was with Gideon on the battlefield. He was with David when he stood before the giant.

Remember for a moment that He was not with Jesus when He hung on the cross-- "And when the sixth hour was come, there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour. And at the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani? which is, being interpreted, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?" (Mark 15:33,34) He forsook His own Son as He hung on the cross because He was paying the price for our sins as well as the rejection that we should have suffered. Through His act, we can rest assure that we will not be forsaken or abandoned by our Heavenly Father because Jesus took that upon Himself too.

Have a great day. It may feel as though He is not there, but there is never a moment that He does not remember you- you are not forgotten.

For further reading:
Matthew 28:20; 27:46
Hebrews 13:5
Psalm 23:4

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

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.mastersbusinessorg

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://livingstones magazine. homestead. com

Coffee Break
"Vampires"
"And he spake a parable unto them, Can the blind lead the blind? shall they not both fall into the ditch?" Luke 6:39
Yesterday I posted a comment on my Facebook, it was this- "I do not understand this recent obsession the world... and even some "Christians" ... are having with vampires!!" It seems that television and the internet are being filled with shows and advertisement about vampires- thus the reason for my post.
There were several comments to my post, one in particular I want to expound on. The comment was,"What disturbs me is when our church leaders tell our youth that there is nothing wrong with it." We expect the world to think that there is nothing wrong with it- they are living in darkness and don't understand. We expect Hollywood to think the same because they are out to make money and if it sales they will get on the band wagon and promote it. But when the church and its leaders condone it and say that there is nothing wrong, then you have a problem.
I too am disturbed when church leaders tell us that there is nothing wrong with such things as vampires. This is dangerous. Why? The Bible says that if the blind lead the blind, they both fall into the ditch. If our leaders, the ones we look to to help guide us and teach us the truth, don't know the difference then we are in trouble.
I submit to you this morning, that if the church is no more discerning than this- if we don't know right from wrong, good from evil, what is acceptable and what isn't when it is so obvious- no wonder we are weak. No wonder we aren't winning spiritual battles, casting out devils, bringing freedom to the captives and have the anointing to open prison doors to those who are bound.
I am not just talking to leaders now, because we each have a responsibility to seek out, and know, the truth for ourselves. We are to work out our own salvation with fear and trembling.
The bottom line is this: it doesn't matter how popular it is, if everyone else accepts it, condones it, or even applauds it, as a Christian, our opinion of a subject is always based on what God says about it.
Have a great day. You have a responsibility as a leader to lead those who follow you into the truth. And we each have the responsibility to know what the truth is for ourselves.
For further reading:
John 8:32
Philippians 2:12
Hebrews 5:14
Isaiah 5:20
<>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <><
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: [email=mastersbusiness@bellsouthnet]mastersbusiness@bellsouthnet[/email]
Visit us on the web: www.mastersbusinessorg
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://livingstonesmagazinehomesteadcom

Coffee Break
"Thank You"
"O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever." 1 Chronicles 16:34
When I was growing up, people had good manners- at least better than they seem to have now. When someone did something nice for you, gave you a gift or showed you kindness, you always show how appreciative you were by saying, "Thank you". They are just two little words but they let others know that what they did for you was noticed and not taken for granted.
The lack of expressing thankfulness has "rubbed off" in the area of our relationship with the Heavenly Father as well. How often do we tell Him, "Thank You"? When He bestows His blessings and grace on us, do we take it for granted? Do we let Him know how much we appreciate it?
When we don't express our thanksgiving to the Lord for what He does for us, it reveals an attitude of ingratitude. It also conveys the message that we think that what we received was owed to us anyway. That's how spoiled children act.
Are you acting like a "spoiled child"? Are you taking for granted what the Lord does for you? Do you feel like He owes it to you anyway? Is that why you don't tell Him, "Thank You"? The first thing we do each morning before we even put our feet on the floor should be to tell God thank You-- thank You for protecting and watching over us through the night; thank You for waking us up today; thank You for being with me and supplying all my needs today. Don't take it for granted. Everything He gives us is not because it is owed to us, but because of His love, grace and mercy that He so generously decides to give to us.
Have a great day. Did you forget to tell the Lord, "Thank You"?
For further reading:
Psalm 26:7; 95:2; 100:4; 116:17
Revelation 7:12
<>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <><
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.mastersbusinessorg
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://livingstonesmagazinehomesteadcom

Coffee Break
"Rejoice"
"This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it." Psalm 118:24
This is not a "conditional" verse. What I mean by that is it is not specific as to when you should rejoice, or under what conditions you should rejoice or not. It doesn't say to rejoice only in the good times when things are going well, or refrain from it when things aren't. The reason why is because no matter what comes our way today the Lord has promised to be with us, not forsake us and provide everything that we need.
It is not a matter of "can" you rejoice but "will" you. We can because of the reasons I have already listed. But will we? Will we rejoice? Will we look past the things that are happening in our lives and look to the One who loves us, cares about us, meets our needs and is faithful to fulfill His promises to us?
Will we exercise our faith by rejoicing in His goodness even when we aren't seeing it? When we take a moment, even in a bad situation, to acknowledge the Lord, then our acknowledging will pretty soon turn to rejoicing.
Have a great day. We can rejoice today on matter what may be happening when we remember that the Lord is with us.
For further reading:
Psalm 63:5,6
Hebrews 13:5
Joshua 23:14
Habakkuk 3:18
<>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <><
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.mastersbusinessorg
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://livingstonesmagazinehomesteadcom

Coffee Break
"My Choice"
"Let us choose to us judgment: let us know among ourselves what is good." Job 34:4
The first time I woke up this morning I should have gotten up. But I rolled back over and went back to sleep. Later I was awakened by the alarm clock. I should have gotten up then but fell back to sleep. Then I finally woke up and now I am really rushing to do what I need to do before I have to be at the Recovery Center this morning for service.
I only have a short time so in order to try to make the best use of my time and get everything done, I decided to go shampoo my hair and then come back to do the devotional. I go in there to shampoo my hair, get it wet and the water quits- it froze! (Thank God I didn't have it lathered with shampoo yet.) So now I am back at the computer with a wet head, running back and forth between doing the Coffee Break and getting dressed.
I write this to make a point. We tend to bring a lot of grief and aggravation into our own lives because we haven't been wise stewards, we have been lazy, or we have made unwise choices and decisions. When we do, it leaves us searching for ways to try to "fix" our problem. But usually what winds up happening is either we create another problem for ourselves or find ourselves having to deal with some unexpected consequence. As with me- I thought that would solve my "time" issue, only to find myself with another problem-- no water.
My laziness (catering to my flesh) this morning has put me in a position that could have been avoided had I chosen to do what I should-- get up the first time I woke up. This morning I did it with my time, but we do the same thing I am talking about with our finances, relationships, our jobs, etc. The bottom line is this- when we bring the problem on ourselves (and many of them we do), it leaves us trying to come up with a solution or seeking God to correct and help us in what we have done. Our answer to this would be-- make the right choices first and we will save ourselves all the agitation that we are now encountering.
Have a great day. Making the right choice the first time makes everything a whole lot better.
For further reading:
Galatians 6:7
<>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <><
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://livingstonesmagazinehomesteadcom