"Being Careless"

^"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." John 1:1

Some of the synonyms for the word "careless" are: inattentive, negligent, forgetful. And one of the definitions given for the word is: unconcerned in attitude or action; heedless; indifferent. I bring up this word this morning because I want to talk about treating Jesus "carelessly". There are many ways we can treat Jesus in a "careless" manner, but there is one in particular that I want to discuss because we usually don't associate it with careless treatment of Him.

Did you realize that when you don't read your Bible, when you neglect to read it or study it, when you go for periods of time without even opening it up, you are treating Jesus in a careless manner? We just think that we are neglecting the Bible, but we are actually neglecting Him. How is that? Jesus is "THE WORD". He is the living Word that is brought to life for us through the pages of the written word.

When you are careless about your reading, you are being careless in your treatment of Jesus. You are being inattentive to Him. You are neglecting Him. You show your lack of concern about who He is and what He has to say to you. (You can't read the word of God without it speaking to your heart.) You are being forgetful of the place He should occupy in your life. You are saying that you have no time for Him. You are showing an indifference toward Him. Your action- or lack of it- is revealing your attitude toward Him.

Like I said earlier, we don't usually think that by neglecting our Bible and treating it in a careless manner we are treating Jesus the same way, but we are. Has that been you? Is that you? Are you neglecting Jesus by neglecting His word?

Have a great day. Our careless treatment of the word of God equals careless treatment of Jesus.

For further reading:

John 5:39; 1:1,14

1 John 5:7

Revelations 1:1

Hebrews 2:3

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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/">http://www.mastersbusiness.org/">www.mastersbusiness.org

You are welcomed to make copies and distribute them free of charge.

You may also forward them via e-mail or post them to your website - leaving the whole message in tact.

Please remember to give credit to

About the Master's Business Ministry.

Take time to visit our on-line Christian magazine and blogs.

http://livingstonesmagazine.homestead.com

"Red Letters"

"It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life." John 6:63

It seems as though the Lord keeps speaking to me through songs for the devotional lately, because there is another song on my heart this morning and it is one I have not thought about or heard in a long time. The song is entitled, "Red Letters". The chorus says, "There is love in the red letters. There is truth in the red letters. There is hope for the hopeless, peace and forgiveness. There is life in the red letters, in the red letters."

Many Bibles have the words of Jesus written in red. The whole Bible, of course, is the word of God but this morning I want to talk about the "red letters"- the words of Jesus Himself. There are many counselors and advisors out there in the world. There is no lack in finding someone who is ready to give you some instruction. There are people who make a living at telling you what you should do and how you should do it- life coaches, financial advisors, therapist, etc. (Some people won't make a move without consulting them.)

While there are those who can give us help and instruction in certain areas of life, none but Jesus have the words of life. He is the Word and He is Life. Therefore, His words are life to us. This is where your true counsel lies. He, and His word, is where you should turn to first. His words are the words you should heed above anyone and everyone else. His words are the words you should obey even when they conflict with the words of men. His word takes precedence over every other word.

We often get in trouble because we don't seek His word or heed His word. He will never lead you astray. He will never lead you in the wrong way- He may lead you in the opposite way that you wanted to go, but His way is always best. He will never lead you on a path of death or destruction. His words bring life, health and peace.

How sad it is when we have to be reminded to go to Jesus and seek the counsel of His words when we are in need and need instruction. For the Christian, going to God's word and seeking His counsel should come naturally. It should be the first place we consider going- not the last.

If you are needing instruction, guidance, help, counsel, wisdom, etc. look at the "red letters" in your Bible- in other words, look to Jesus- you will find the answers you are looking for.

Have a great day. There is life in the red letters.

For further reading:

John 5:39; 1:1,14; 14:6; 17:17

Psalm 119:105, 130,160

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

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/">http://www.mastersbusiness.org/">www.mastersbusiness.org

You are welcomed to make copies and distribute them free of charge.

You may also forward them via e-mail or post them to your website - leaving the whole message in tact.

Please remember to give credit to

About the Master's Business Ministry.

Take time to visit our on-line Christian magazine and blogs.

http://livingstonesmagazine.homestead.com

"Times of Life"

"Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me." Psalm 23:4

This morning, again, there has been a song repeating over and over in my heart. The words are, "The God of the mountain, is still God in the valley. When things go wrong, He'll make them right. And the God of the good times, He's still God in the bad times. The God of the day, is still God in the night."

Life is made up of various "times" - we learn this from creation. We learn this through the changing of the seasons- there isn't just one season, there are four. We can look at the landscape and see that it isn't all the same- there are mountainous areas, wildernesses, forests, valleys, the desert, etc. They each are needful and they are all part of this physical life.

We go through spiritual seasons as well. There are times when everything in our lives is wonderful and the blessings are flowing. Then there are times when it looks "dead" with no sign of "life". There are also times when we feel like we are in a valley or on a mountain top.

But regardless of where the "times" of life take us- God doesn't change and He is with us in them all. He is with us on the mountain top. He is with us in the valley. He is with us in the wilderness. He is with us when it feels like the windows of heaven are open and when it feels like they are shut up. He is with us when we face "dry spells" and when the "river" is flooding our lives.

I don't know where you might be this morning. You might be in one of those times when everything is going good and it doesn't feel like it could get any better. Or you might be in one of those times when it feels like it can't get any worse. But wherever you are, you are not alone- God is with you.

Have a great day. God is still God even when things change in your life... and He is still with you.

For further reading:

Malachi 3:6

Matthew 28:20

Psalm 23

Daniel 3:25

Deuteronomy 1:33

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

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/">http://www.mastersbusiness.org/">www.mastersbusiness.org

You are welcomed to make copies and distribute them free of charge.

You may also forward them via e-mail or post them to your website - leaving the whole message in tact.

Please remember to give credit to

About the Master's Business Ministry.

Take time to visit our on-line Christian magazine and blogs.

http://livingstonesmagazine.homestead.com

Learn to Laugh

Learn to Laugh

If you're constantly negative in your outlook, something's wrong. "There is... a time to laugh..." (Ecclesiastes 3:1,4 NKJV) You say, "Right now I can't find anything to laugh about." Then observe how the Psalmist opens Psalms 124, 125, and 126: "...If the Lord had not been on our side... they would have swallowed us alive..." (Psalm 124:1-3 NIV) "Those who trust in the Lord are like Mount Zion, which cannot be shaken..." (Psalm 125:1 NIV) " When the Lord brought back the captives to Zion... Our mouths were filled with laughter... Then it was said among the nations, "The Lord has done great things for them." (Psalm 126:1-2 NIV)

When you can rejoice in the midst of trouble, people want to know what your secret is. And you can always find a reason to rejoice when you remember Who is on your side.

Doctors have confirmed what the Bible teaches: laughter de-stresses you and strengthens your immune system; "A cheerful heart is good medicine" (Proverbs 17:22) plus, a positive attitude will bring you favor and cooperation.

When you keep adding to the heat and confusion of a crisis, people lose respect for your ability to handle things under pressure. But if you stay cool and maintain your sense of humor when things are falling apart, they'll show their appreciation in better work and increased loyalty. Sure, some problems are serious, but you gain nothing by dwelling on the bleak side. Put the problem into God's hands and watch the results!

"He will... fill your mouth with laughter, and your lips with shouts of joy." (Job 8:21 NRS) Now, if Job could agree with that, surely you can!

"The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace." Numbers 6:24-26

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Dealing With Discouragement

Aug. 11, 2010

Dealing With Discouragement

Psalm 42:1-8

How can we conquer discouragement? Let me suggest nine specific steps:

1. Look within. Prayerfully examine yourself for the underlying cause.

2. Admit that you are discouraged. It's easy to avoid, ignore, or lie about it. But denial is deadly, and it guarantees failure.

3. Identify precisely what you are discouraged about. Name it; then face it.

4. Recall the nature of discouragement. Disappointments will come and go, but discouragement is a choice that you make.

5. Begin meditating frequently on God's Word. This way, you can accurately judge what you feel by what is real (Psalm 3:2-4; 16:7-8; 63:6-8; 77:12; 119:15).

6. Take your area of discouragement to God in prayer. Ask Him to reveal what He wants to teach you in this area of your life.

7. Focus on God, not your situation. Ask Him to help you see this disappointment and its lessons from His perspective.

8. View the cause as coming from the Lord. If we understand that He allows disappointments, we can find an opportunity for growth, even in trouble.

9. Confess these three truths aloud: The Father is with me in the pain; He's in control of my life and has allowed this for a reason; He is a good God, who will turn this disappointment into blessing.

Discouragement may sound harmless enough, but don't ever underestimate its destructive power. By keeping watch, you can avoid this deadly trap. So write down these nine steps on an index card, and then review the list whenever disappointments start to consume your thinking.

For more biblical teaching and resources from Dr. Charles Stanley, please visit www.intouch.org.

Watch Online Videos of Dr. Charles Stanley and In Touch Ministries at LightSource.com
and
Listen to Dr. Charles Stanley Online Broadcasts at OnePlace.com.

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Being Thankful Changes Everything

Being Thankful Changes Everything

Lysa TerKeurst

For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Ephesians 6:12 (NIV)

Devotion:

I sat on the bed, tears streaming down my face, negative thoughts racing through my mind ... Why does marriage have to be so hard sometimes? Why can't he see my side of things? Why won't he change? Maybe I married the wrong man.

This was a scene repeated over and over the first five years of my marriage. I was discouraged, overwhelmed and so tempted to give up. But here I am about to celebrate my 18^th wedding anniversary so thankful I didn't walk away.

Ephesians 6:12 was a great reminder to me over the years that my husband isn't my enemy. Art may feel like my enemy but the truth is Satan is the real enemy who hates marriage and schemes against my husband and me. One thing we must always remember is Satan's goal to be one who casts something between two to cause a separation.

Satan wants to separate us in every way. He wants to separate us with conflict, hurt feelings, misunderstanding, and frustrations of all kinds. He wants to separate us from our neighbors, our friends, our co-workers, our parents, our spouses, our kids. He wants to separate us from God's best. He wants to separate us from God.

One of the best ways for Satan to start these separations is by luring us into a place of grumbling and complaining. If he can get us to focus only on what is aggravating and negative in life, then little cracks of distance start forming in our relationships. The grass starts looking greener everywhere else except where we are standing.

I can see this so clearly when I look back on the first five years of my marriage. Somehow, I became so hyper focused on all I felt was wrong with my husband, I became blinded to all that was good. I grumbled and complained and nagged and set out to change him. And I almost destroyed my marriage in the process. Satan had a field day as the separation between Art and I kept ever widening.

Then one day as I was in a fit of tears asking God to make things better, I felt challenged to start listing out things about Art for which I was thankful.

It was hard at first. I had bought Satan's whispers that there was only negative there with very little positive to find. But, with each positive quality I listed, it slowly changed everything. It was as if the clouds of negativity lifted and I could once again see his good qualities. There were so many good qualities; I was shocked how I'd gotten so blinded.

How sad I spent five years thinking the grass would be greener with someone else. Not true. The grass is always greener where you water and fertilize it. And being thankful --really intentionally listing out things for which we are thankful-- is a great way to start watering and fertilizing and changing everything.

Dear Lord, thank You for helping me see how beneficial it is to be aware and appreciative of the good qualities in those I love. Lord, help me to recognize Satan's schemes and combat them with the power of having a truly thankful heart. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Related Resources:

What are you thankful for today? I am inviting each person who reads this to stop and take time to list just a few things for which you are thankful by hopping over to my website. Each person that leaves a comment on my website today will be entered for a chance to win a copy of my book "Becoming More than a Good Bible Study Girl."

Be sure to check out Lysa's book and Bible study Becoming More than a Good Bible Study Girl. This is the perfect 6 week summer study or one to consider doing with your women's group this fall.

To order your copy of the book, click here. To order your Bible study workbook and DVD study click here and here.

Application Steps:

Every time a negative, separating thought comes into your mind today, intentionally combat it with something for which you are thankful about that person.

Reflections:

How does it make you feel to dwell on what you wish was different about another person?

Could this devotion showing up in your inbox today be a reminder from God that there are positive things for which you can be thankful?

How does having a thankful heart change things?

Power Verses:

Philippians 4:6, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." (NIV)

2 Corinthians 4:15, "All this is for your benefit, so that the grace that is reaching more and more people may cause thanksgiving to overflow to the glory of God." (NIV)

� 2010 by Lysa TerKeurst. All rights reserved.

Proverbs 31 Ministries

616-G Matthews-Mint Hill Road

Matthews, NC 28105

www.proverbs31.org

"Your Grace is Enough"

LEzell wrote:

---

"And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee." 2 Corinthians 12:9a

From the moment my eyes opened this morning a song has been playing in my head. The words that keep repeating themselves are- "Your grace is enough. Your grace is enough. Your grace is enough for me." It doesn't matter if there is a thorn in your flesh. It doesn't matter if you haven't had enough sleep and still have to put in a full day's work. It doesn't matter if your co-workers are lying about you and your boss is taking his problems out on you. It doesn't matter if the bill collectors are harassing you every day. It doesn't matter if your spouse is being inattentive. Whatever you are going through from a "major storm" to having to deal with a "little fox", God's grace is enough to see you through the situation. His grace is enough to strengthen you in the trouble. His grace is enough to help you respond and have an appropriate attitude in what you are facing.

Grace is not just God's unmerited favor- giving us something we don't deserve. It is also His divine influence upon the heart. One way we can say it is that it is the Fruit of the Spirit and its evidence in what we do, what we say, our attitude and how we react to situations and to others. When His nature influences us, we can turn the other cheek; we can bless our enemies; we can pray for those who use us; we can stop returning evil for evil; we can leave vengeance in the hands of the Lord; we can give a soft answer that turns away wrath-- we can do all the things that we are commanded to do in such a way where our "doing" it looks like the Lord Himself- instead of us.

Today you may be facing a mountain or perhaps a molehill, you may be facing difficult people, you may be facing unnerving situations, regardless of what you are facing, remember that His grace is enough to see you through and sustain you. Allow His grace to influence your actions, thoughts and attitudes and His nature will become your response and give you peace.

Have a great day. Your grace is enough.

For further reading:

Song of Solomon 2:15

Matthew 5:44

Proverbs 15:1

1 Peter 3:9

Galatians 5:22,23

Romans 12:19

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

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/">http://www.mastersbusiness.org/">www.mastersbusiness.org

You are welcomed to make copies and distribute them free of charge.

You may also forward them via e-mail or post them to your website - leaving the whole message in tact.

Please remember to give credit to

About the Master's Business Ministry.

Take time to visit our on-line Christian magazine and blogs.

http://livingstonesmagazine.homestead.com