"He Won't Put Up With It"

Coffee Break

"He Won't Put Up With It"

"And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?" Luke 6:46

What do you think would happen if on your job you decided to set your own hours- you would come in and leave when you wanted to? What if you decided that you wouldn't go to work at all this week- just because you didn't feel like it? What if when you got to work you only did the job that you wanted to do? What do you think your employer would say about that? Do you think he would continue to allow you to work there? If you were an employer with an employee like that, would you allow him to remain or would you fire him?

What if when you got married you told your husband- I will wear your ring and take on your name, but I will continue to see my old boy friends. I will be at home during the week but on the weekends I am going out with the girls. Suppose you told your husband that you were not going to cook his meals or wash his clothes- except when you felt like it. Wives, suppose your husband told you that he was not going to work and make a living, you would have to take care of everything that needed doing, and he would not be home but one night a week because he plans on spending the other nights with his buddies or seeing a girl friend. If that was you, how would you feel? What would you do about it? Would you put up with that type of "relationship"?

In both examples neither would put up with it. Your employer would fire you. Your spouse would never agree to such an arrangement. So, let me ask you a question-- why do we think that Jesus will put up with it? Why do we say we are saved and not act like it? Why do we continue to do the things we want to do and think that it is all right with Him? Why is it that we think He will overlook the fact that we never go to His house, we never read His word, we never talk to Him (except when we are in trouble) and think that He'll "understand". We don't get by with it in our earthly relationships with other people, yet, we think we will get by with it where Jesus is concerned.

An employer wants an employee that he can count on, that is faithful to his position and that will actually work for his pay check. A husband/wife wants their spouse to love them, spend time with them, choose them above others and be there with and for them. What do you think Jesus wants? He wants someone to love Him- not with "lip service" but with lifestyle. He wants someone who desires to be with Him, who will follow Him and will listen to His voice. We give that respect to others, why is He any different?

Your employer would not put up with your lack of commitment. Your spouse would not put up with your lack of love and respect. And contrary to popular opinion, Jesus won't put up with your taking Him for granted. One day He will tell you, "Depart, I never knew you."

Have a great day. If our boss and spouse won't put up with our lack of commitment, why do we think Jesus will put up with it?

For further reading:

Matthew 7:21,23; 16:24; 22:37

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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.

"The Outdated Bible"

Coffee Break

"The Outdated Bible"

"And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock." Matthew 7:25

"And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew." The scripture said that the storms came. It didn't say, "If the storms come". Storms are a given in life-- they come. So what do we do when they come?

Some seek the advice of others. Some try to solve the problems themselves. Some think they can throw enough money at it and it will calm down. Others think that they can ignore it and it will go away. There is only one sure solution- the Word of God.

Sadly, we aren't taught how to hold fast to and stand upon God's word much any more. Instead we are taught that God's word is outdated and old fashioned- it was all right for men in the old days but not for today. We live in a modern society- the Word of God is "old school". Then we are taught that the Word of God is a crutch for the weak minded, uneducated and poor. We have "evolved" our thinking past what the Bible says- we are living in the "Age of Enlightenment". The Bible was good for the "dark ages" but not for today.

Let me go on record as saying that the Bible never has been and never will be outdated!! You can believe what you want to believe about it. You can believe that it does not apply to your life or situation. You can believe that there are more effective ways of dealing with your problems/storms. You can believe that it has run its course and is no longer relevant. But just because you believe it doesn't mean that your belief is right.

I choose to believe what God says. He says His Word is eternal- heaven and earth will pass away but His Word will remain forever. In the beginning was the Word and at the end the Word will still be there. His Word is the only true source of strength, healing, light and life. I choose to believe what Jesus said, "Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock." (Matthew 7:24) Truly wise people build their lives on God's Word.

Jesus also said something else, "And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand." (verse 26) We may think we are so smart and have outgrown the Word of God, but Jesus Himself said that you are "foolish" to think that without His Word you can make it through this life. There is a verse that sums up pretty well those who think that the Word of God is irrelevant, outdated and not necessary-- "Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools." (Romans 1:22)

Have a great day. Wise men believe that the Word of God is relevant and necessary. Foolish men believe that God's Word is outdated and unnecessary.

For further reading:

John 1:1

Matthew 24:35

Psalm 119:105

James 1:22

2 Timothy 1:13; 3:15-17; 4:2-4

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

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.

"Lifestyle Adjustment"

Coffee Break

"Lifestyle Adjustment"

"By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter; choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season." Hebrews 1:24,25

When Moses was a baby, he was not only rescued from death but he was raised in the palace as the grandson of Pharaoh. He could have lived the rest of his life in comfort and ease. He had everything that a person could ever hope for- position, power, education, wealth, servants at his disposal, pleasures, etc. He would never have to work to make a living. He would never have to struggle. Everything would come to him on a "silver platter". He had it made by our estimation. His life was a true "rags to riches" story. Yet Moses gave it all up.

He refused to associate with those who were enjoying this lifestyle. He chose a life of suffering instead. He turned away from worldly pleasure, ease and comfort. It seems foolish. There are those who would say he was crazy. Why would he do that? He had everything that others so desperately desire and work to achieve?

The answer is found in the next verse- "Considering the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures of Egypt; for he was looking to the reward." (NAS) Moses knew that to be identified with Christ was greater than to be identified with Pharaoh. He knew who the real King was- kings/Pharaohs come and go with the passing of time. He also knew that kingdoms rise and fall, but Christ is the Eternal King who has an eternal kingdom. He knew the riches of Pharaoh's palace were only temporary- moths and rust would destroy them, and thieves could steal them- but the riches of Christ are eternal. As far as Moses was concerned, there was no comparison of the earthly riches and the heavenly ones. He knew that there is a reward that can never be taken away, that will never fade away, that will last forever. He was looking for the crown of life which was so much more valuable than some sort of gold crown fashioned by the hands of man. He knew that a relationship with the Heavenly King was far greater and more wonderful.

What about you? Are you choosing the riches of this world above eternal riches? Are you choosing the temporary pleasures of this world above the eternal rewards that await those who choose to be identified with Christ? There is no comparison and Moses knew this, therefore, he adjusted his life accordingly. And in the end, there was no doubt he made the better choice. Are you adjusting your life accordingly? In eternity, you will be so glad that you chose Christ instead of all this world has to offer.

Have a great day. Our belief in Jesus will often cause an adjustment to be made in our lifestyles, but it will be worth it all in eternity when it really counts.

For further reading:

Mark 10:28-30

Matthew 6:19,20

Romans 8:18

2 Timothy 4:8

James 1:12

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

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.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.

No Google

Keeping Divine Appointments

Keeping Divine Appointments

October 21, 2011

By Ken Horn

I stood on a Pacific Ocean pier, fishing rod in hand, watching the waves lap
gently at the pylons. Gulls were catching wind currents as terns nose-dived
into the surf for small fish.

I was in my own world. I had intentionally chosen a portion of the pier
devoid of other anglers. I wanted time alone.

And then I saw him coming. How could you miss the red-checked sports jacket
and patent leather shoes?

"I hope he keeps walking," I thought.

And then I had another thought, one that wasn't mine: "Witness to him."

I selfishly resisted, and the walking fashion disaster moved on.

Alone again, I thought.

Several minutes later, as I leaned on the railing, I caught a glimpse of red
out of the corner of my eye. I turned, and there he stood, patent leather
shoes glistening in the sunlight.

"Having any luck?" he asked.

"Not much," I replied, my mind racing through conviction, repentance and
prayer for direction. When I was selfishly disobedient, God didn't let me
off the hook. I knew this was a divine appointment. When I obeyed, I found a
broken man who desperately needed someone to tell him there was hope.

And so I did. Before he left we exchanged addresses, and I put my hand on
his shoulder and prayed with him.

He was wiping away tears as he walked away, then turned back and said,
"Thank you."

I learned several lessons that day three decades ago:

? The most important fishing is fishing for people.

? Our problems never outweigh the needs of the spiritually lost.

? The Holy Spirit directs believers. We must obey.

? Our spirits must always be ready to respond.

The most effective way I know to witness is this: Know the plan of
salvation; be Spirit-filled, prayed up and ready to witness; look for open
doors.

Do this, and the Holy Spirit will bring divine appointments your way.

< Ken Horn is editor of the Pentecostal Evangel and blogs at Snapshots
(khorn.agblogger.org).

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Vision for a City: Ministry-minded twin brothers Dean and David Curry help
the troubled in Tacoma. Get the whole story in the October 23 Pentecostal
Evangel.

Be sure to read this week�s PE staff blogs at pe.agblogger.org.
------------------------------------------------------------


Have a comment about this devotional?
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http://www.pe.ag.org.

Copyright � 2011 Gospel Publishing House

"A Word Painting"

"A Word Painting"

"A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver. " Proverbs 25:11

This is an interesting word picture to describe our words when they are spoken at the right time. They are compared to "apples of gold in pictures of silver".

Let's break it down this morning to grasp the meaning.

There is an old saying- "An apple a day keeps the doctor away". A word spoken correctly will bring "health" to the hearer. Our words either build up or tear down. So we want to speak words that bring health and healing to the hearts and minds of others.

Gold is one of the precious metals. It is highly valued and has an expensive price. It represents the divine nature of God. His words are always precious and should be valued. When we use our words wisely, we are reflecting His nature.

Pictures has the translation of more than just an object hanging on a wall to look at. It is also an image, a show piece, figure, even an idol. When we speak to others, we are leaving an "image" with them. (Our words truly do paint pictures.) It is either an image of defeat and discouragement, or its an image that builds faith, hope and encouragement. When we speak to others, we want to leave them with a "show piece"- something they can go back to and "look" at over and over again, and each time be encouraged.

Silver is another precious metal- right up there at the top. It symbolizes redemption. Our words have a redeeming power about them- if they are used correctly. They can deliver someone who is feeling weak, unloved, worthless, no good, forgotten. How amazing, just one word can completely change a person's life. A word is all it takes sometimes for someone to change- a word of kindness, a word of compassion, a word of mercy, a word of grace, a word of encouragement or even a word of correction that is spoken in love.

Did you "get the picture"? Seeing the beautiful picture that our words can paint should cause us to consider what we say, how we say it and when it say it.

Have a great day. Our words are painting a picture. The question is, "What kind of picture are they painting?"

For further reading:

Psalm 19:14

James 3:5

Proverbs 18:21; 15:4

1 Timothy 6:3,4

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

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.

What Did He Pray For?

What did He Pray For

A voyaging ship was wrecked during a storm at sea and only two of the men on it were able to swim to a small, desert like island.
The two survivors, not knowing what else to do, agreed that they had no other recourse but to pray to God. However, to find out whose prayer was more powerful, they agreed to divide the territory between them and stay on opposite sides of the island.

The first thing they prayed for was food.
The next morning, the first man saw a fruit-bearing tree on his side of the land, and he was able to eat its fruit. The other man's parcel of land remained barren.

After a week, the first man was lonely and he decided to pray for a wife.
The next day, another ship was wrecked, and the only survivor was a woman who swam to his side of the land. On the other side of the island, there was nothing.

Soon the first man prayed for a house, clothes, more food.
The next day, like magic, all of these were given to him.
However, the second man still had nothing.

Finally, the first man prayed for a ship, so that he and his wife could leave the island.
In the morning, he found a ship docked at his side of the island.
The first man boarded the ship with his wife and decided to leave the second man on the island. He considered the other man unworthy to receive God's blessings, since none of his prayers had been answered.

As the ship was about to leave, the first man heard a voice from heaven booming,
Why are you leaving your companion on the island?
"My blessings are mine alone, since I was the one who prayed for them, the first man answered. "His prayers were all unanswered and so he does not deserve anything.

You are mistaken! the voice rebuked him.
He had only one prayer, which I answered.
If not for that, you would not have received any of my blessings.

Tell me, the first man asked the voice,
What did he pray for that I should owe him anything?

He prayed that all your prayers be answered.

For all we know, our blessings are not the fruits of our prayers alone,
but those of another praying for us.

Author Unknown