Never Stop Praying..It Really Works!~Minister Darrick D. McGhee

It’s a wonderful day to be a child of God. Have you ever known someone who gives up at the first sight of attack or despair? The first person who disagrees with him or her, they want to walk away from the dream. Since no one believes it can be done, they want to throw away all of their days of fasting and nights of laboring. No willingness. No perseverance. No tenacity. Have you ever depended on other people’s prayers to get you through? You did not believe your prayers would be heard like those your friend solicit. You expected your friends and family to talk to God on your behalf. You never bowed down on your knees. You never called upon the Lord’s name. If others did not believe and pray for you, no prayers were submitted. (Key note: To pray for others and have others pray for you is very important, but you must also know how to pray for yourself.) Have you ever been there? Are you there now?

Today, I have been commissioned to come and minister to you. Do you believe there’s power in prayer? Do you believe God still answers prayer? In spite of what the enemy told you, God still hears and answers our prayers. He is still willing and able to do what we need done in our lives. Today, I want to encourage you. My friend, Never Stop Praying … It Really Works! The Bible declares in James 5:16 - Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. There’s something about prayer that enables the Believer to enter into the presence of our God. It is true, much prayer much power; little prayer little power; and no prayer no power. No matter what you are experiencing today, you can take it to the Lord in prayer. Whether it is your personal matter, a friend’s situation or a family member’s struggle, it can still be taken to the Lord in prayer.

My brother, my sister, Never Stop Praying … It Really Works! The blessings you enjoy today, comes as a result of someone’s prayers for you. You did not think you did it alone … did you? It is because of the mercies of God that we are not consumed (Lamentations 3:22). The Bible declares in 1 Thessalonians 5:17 - Pray without ceasing. Beloved, what are you dealing with today? What dilemma or tribulation are you faced with? Who are you worried about? What situation attempts to steal your joy and your peace? Are you praying about it? If yes, never stop. Have you stopped praying about it? If yes, why? Never Stop Praying … It Really Works! When you pray for someone else, pray for them … not at them or about them. The Bible declares in Matthew 5:44 - But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you. Prayer for Today: Father, I believe there is nothing too hard for You. I believe You can do anything but fail. Today, I do not cease in my prayers. In Jesus’ name … Amen!

Scripture Reading for Today: John 17

Are You Stuck?~Minister Darrick D. McGhee

It’s a wonderful day to be a child of God. Have you ever found yourself doing the same thing expecting a different result? You approached each situation with the same mindset and same defense. You thought you could defeat the enemy by staying quiet, hoping he would think you were invisible. While he was attacking you and your family, in stead of you declaring the Word of God against him, you stood quiet and fearful (2 Timothy 1:7). Have you ever became complacent with your position in life? You just accepted things as they came. You grew accustom to second hand blessings. While God desired to bless you abundantly, you grew comfortable with getting the remains from someone else. Hmmmmmmmm! Have you ever missed the move of God because you expected Him to come the same way each time? You failed to realize He could bless you through someone else, while blessings others through you.

Today, I have been commissioned to come and minister to you. Are you content with the way things are in your life? Are you satisfied with just having “barely enough” to make it? My friend, Are You Stuck? Are you in bondage because of a close-minded attitude? Many times we miss many blessings in our lives, or we have doors close in front of us because we grew complacent with life and the way we defined it. To be stuck means to halt the movement or action of something or somone. The Bible declares in Hebrews 12:1 - Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us. There are many people who look blessed and appear blessed in the eyes of man, but (s)he has not experienced a new thing in a long time (Isaiah 43:19). They talk as if slavery still exist. They are bound by the mistakes of their past. They are fearful concerning the events of their future. Are You Stuck? Are you living within a small circle? Each day you go in the same direction. Just as a hamster on the wheel, are you running in place thinking you are making progress?

My brother, my sister, are you further along than you were this time last year? Have you grown since August 4, 2009? Are you still shackled by immature behavior and animosity? The Bible declares in Matthew 16:19 - And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. Beloved, Are You Stuck? Have you become dead weight? The Lord desires to use you in awesome ways. He formed you with purpose in mind. Yes you have made mistakes, but so have I. Yes you fell short, but we all have (Romans 3:23). In spite of your shortcomings, God has a plan for your life. He has a mission for you to complete. He has a blue print created with you in mind. It is time for you to get life back in your legs. When you are stuck, your mind is bound and your legs have lost strength. Today, I declare peace in your mind and strength in your legs (Job 22:28) (Acts 3:7). No longer can you or will you be stuck. Prayer for Today: Father, there is work to complete and I am the one You ordained to do it. My time being stuck is over, I am moving forward according to Your will, in Jesus’ name … Amen!

Scripture Reading for Today: Romans 12:2

Using The Gift

"And if it seem evil unto you to serve the Lord, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." Joshua 24:15
I woke up again this morning with another song going over and over in my thoughts. I want to share one verse that keeps repeating itself. "And all my days are gifts from You I pray I'd use them as You want me to. Use them for You."

Each day we have is a gift we have been given by God-- none of us have been promised this day. How are you going to spend it? On self or on God and others? Are you going to spend it as a "living sacrifice" surrendered wholly and completely to God? Are you going to spend it letting your light shine or hiding it? Are you going to spend it in rebellion against the will of God or in submission to Him? Are you going to spend it in disobedience to His word by living immorally, seeking only your own pleasure and desires? Are you going to spend it showing love or living with hateful attitudes? Are you going to spend it in fear or in faith? Are you going to spend it being led by your emotions and feelings or by the word of God? Are you going to spend it gratifying your flesh or are you going to do those things that build up your spirit and deny your flesh? Are you going to spend it in bitterness, unforgiveness and nursing grudges, or are you going to walk in mercy, grace and forgiveness?

There are probably a hundred more questions like this that I could ask you this morning concerning how you will spend the day, but the answer to each one boils down to choice. We either choose to spend this day our way or God's way. We will choose to either serve Him or serve self. Your choices determine how you will spend it. They also reveal whether you are truly using the gift of this day for Him or not.

Have a great day. If you choose to spend the day on yourself, then you have chosen not to use this gift for Him.

For further reading:
(Song is Hillsong- "You Are My World")
Psalm 103:15
James 4:13-15
Romans 12:1; 8:14
Matthew 5:16

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Coffee Break is a morning devotional written by Lorraine Ezell

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

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Coffee Break is a morning devotional written by Lorraine Ezell

Dancing With God

When I meditated on the word Guidance,
I kept seeing "dance" at the end of the word.
I remember reading that doing God's will is a lot like dancing.
When two people try to lead, nothing feels right.
The movement doesn't flow with the music,
And everything is quite uncomfortable and jerky.
When one person realizes that, and lets the other lead,
Both bodies begin to flow with the music.
One gives gentle cues, perhaps with a nudge to the back
Or by pressing Lightly in one direction or another.
It's as if two become one body, moving beautifully.
The dance takes surrender, willingness,
And attentiveness from one person
And gentle guidance and skill from the other.
My eyes drew back to the word Guidance.
When I saw "G: I thought of God, followed by "u" and "I".
"God, "u" and "I" dance."
God, you, and I dance.
As I lowered my head, I became willing to trust
That I would get guidance about my life.
Once again, I became willing to let God lead.
My prayer for you today is that God's blessings
And mercies be upon you on this day and everyday.
May you abide in God as God
Abides in you.
Dance together with God, trusting God to lead
And to guide you through each season of your life.

For prayer is one of the best gifts we can receive.
There is no cost but a lot of rewards;
So let's continue to pray for one another.
And I Hope You Dance

Have You Forgotten How Blessed You Really Are?~Minister Darrick D. McGhee

It’s a wonderful day to be a child of God. I often wonder if we understand how blessed we really are. Many times we forget to tell God thank you when we rise in the mornings. We forget about those who lost their lives prior to that morning. We often forget to bless God for the food we receive each day. We forget about the people and families who go to bed hungry each night. So often we enter and exit our doors at home without ever telling God how much we appreciate His provision and protection. We forget about the people living in homeless shelters or on the streets, as well as the people who experienced burglary or assault the night before. Have you told God thank you today? Have you thanked our God for watching over you while sleeping last night? Have you thanked our God for another day of life? There are many people who rose out of bed with a fatal disease and illness, but they rose with praise on their lips and thanksgiving in their hearts. What about you? What’s on your lips or in your heart?

Today, I have been commissioned to come and minister to you. How often do you forget to tell God thank you? When our peers do something nice for us, or give us a nice gift, we instantly reply with a thank you. When the Lord blesses us, we act as though He took too long to respond. My friend, Have You Forgotten How Blessed You Really Are? In the Old Testament times, when the people committed sins, the High Priest was the only one who could atone for their sins. Read Leviticus 16:30. The people did not have access to the presence of God like we do today. There was a certain time and a certain way the High Priest could enter God’s presence to atone for the people’s sins. But when Jesus gave His life on Calvary’s cross, He atoned for our sins once and for all. Read Matthew 27:51. Through the love of Jesus, we are now able to approach our Father in His name. Have You Forgotten How Blessed You Really Are? The Lord has been so good to us. When we deserved to die, He spared our lives (mercy); and when we did not deserve it, He blessed us anyway (grace). What a mighty God we serve.

My brother, my sister, I do not care what the enemy has attempted to do. I do not care what others have said about you. In spite of it all, you are blessed. Read John 10:10. The enemy is out to destroy us because he knows God has His hands on us. Have You Forgotten How Blessed You Really Are? Beloved, you owe the Lord a radical praise today. A praise that comes out of your mouth. Not just a hand clap, but a praise where words exit your mouth. No longer are you allowed to say, “I praise God within.” When you needed God to do something quick in your life, He blessed you openly (not in secret.) Read Matthew 6:6. My friend, you are a child of God. You are amongst the promise generation. You are apart of the Abrahamic covenant (Genesis 12:1-3). Why? Because, not what you did, but what Christ did for you. Have You Forgotten How Blessed You Really Are? Prayer for Today: Father, forgive me for ever taking You for granted. Thank You for always watching over me. I am blessed because You chose to bless me. Today, I walk in it. In Jesus’ name … Amen!

Scripture Reading for Today: Psalm 100

Looks Can Be Deceiving!~Minister Darrick D. McGhee

It’s a wonderful day to be a child of God. Many times in life, we experience seasons of ups and downs. There are times when things seem so horrible, and then there are times when everything you touch blossoms. Sometimes there are days and nights that you would love to overlook; then there are days and nights that you would love to last forever. So often, there are phone calls and doctor visits you would love to avoid or forget; but on the other hand, there are memories and events you wish could happen again. Have you ever found yourself looking at a picture and you begin to visualize yourself involved in the scenery? It could be a picture or painting of Hawaii or someone driving a luxury vehicle. Out of no where you begin to say, “Oh what I would do for a chance to be there or have that!” Have you ever felt the grass was greener on the other side than it was in your yard? Your eyes can only see the outward appearance (1 Samuel 16:7).

Today, I have been commissioned to come and minister to you. My friend, Looks Can Be Deceiving! When you look at someone else’s situation, many times you either feel good about yours or feel awful. Have you ever compared your life to that of someone else? Your success story was based on what you had and others did not. Be careful! The blessings you enjoy today were not given for you to boast or compete, but for you to glorify the name of the Lord. Jesus did not die for you to die, but He died so that you could live (John 10:10). The Bible declares in Galatians 6:7 - Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. Do not think because a person has a nice home, a nice car, great salary, beautiful children, wonderful spouse and a gorgeous smile that their life is worth having. Looks Can Be Deceiving! On the outside, everything appears wonderful. They play the role very well. No one knows what takes place behind close doors like God does. Instead of comparing and praying for their life, thank God for the life He has blessed you with.

My brother, my sister, God is able to bless you in ways man could never (Ephesians 3:20). While you desire to copy another person’s life, God desires to bless you with your own. Be careful in what you ask for. The Bible declares in Exodus 20:17 - Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour’s house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbour’s wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is thy neighbour’s. Beloved, Looks Can Be Deceiving! Your friend’s smile could be fake. Your supervisor’s nasty attitude could be a cover up for a broken heart. Your co-worker’s constant staring could be his or her cry for someone to help. Child of God, instead of trying to be like "Mike", why don’t you be the best "YOU". There is only one of you. God did not make a carbon copy when He made you. Be grateful today for the life and blessings you enjoy each day. Prayer for Today: Father, help me be more appreciative for the awesome things You are doing in my life. My life is an original work by Your hands. Thank you for investing in me. In Jesus’ name … Amen!

Scripture Reading for Today: Ephesians 2:10, Galatians 6:3

I Declare (Decree) Unto You~Minister Darrick D. McGhee

It’s a wonderful day to be a child of God. Today, the Lord pressed it upon my heart to do something different. Instead of sending a devotional, the Lord has commissioned me to declare His blessings over your life. On today, I Declare (Decree) Unto You! The Bible declares in Job 22:28 - Thou shalt also decree a thing, and it shall be established unto thee: and the light shall shine upon thy ways.

My brother, my sister, I Declare (Decree) Unto You:
That the peace of God will enter into your mind and destroy all confusion sent by the enemy; (Philippians 4:7)
That the joy of the Lord is your strength; (Nehemiah 8:10)
That you will use wisdom when making decisions; (Proverbs 4:7)
That you will gain understanding of your God-ordained assignment; (Psalm 119:104)
That the plots of the enemy against you are canceled in the name of Jesus Christ; (John 10:10)
That the blessings of God will overtake you; (Deuteronomy 28:1-2)
That you are a blessing to the nation; (Malachi 3:12)
That your children are purpose-filled by the Lord; (Matthew 21:16)
That no weapon that is formed against you will prosper; (Isaiah 54:17)
That the healing hand of God will cancel every sickness or disease and replace it with wholeness; (Isaiah 53:5)
That you are no longer a victim but a victor in Jesus’ name; (I John 4:4)
That He which has begun a good work in you will complete it in you; (Philippians 1:6)
That you can do all things through Christ which strengthens you; (Philippians 4:13)
That your God shall supply all of your needs according to His riches in glory; (Philippians 4:19)
That the lies of man have no power over your life; (Psalm 110:1)
That the generational curses in your life are broken from your life; (Matthew 11:29)
That your finances are pressed down, shaken together and running over with abundance; (Luke 6:38)
That you are blessed to be a blessing; (Hebrews 6:14)
That you are fearfully and wonderfully made by the hand of God; (Psalm 139:14)
That you are free to praise the Lord; (Psalm 150:6)
That you have the authority to bind every demon and ungodly spirit. (Matthew 16:19)
Today, I ask that you recite this to yourself (as I have done to myself) and share it with your e-mail buddies. Beloved, walk in what God promised you.

A Limp

"Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall." 1 Corinthians 10:12

For some reason when I read this verse, I get a visual image of Jacob leaning upon his staff. If you remember the story he had an encounter with the Lord and walked with a limp from that day forward. It was during that encounter that Jacob's name was changed from Jacob- meaning deceiver- to Israel- meaning prince.

What a dramatic "transformation". To have God call you a "prince" when you were known as a deceiver. That certainly would have been quiet an experience, one no doubt that could have easily "puffed" him up. He could have become proud and arrogant. That wasn't God's plan for Jacob, so at the same time his name was being changed he received a limp. Though he was now a "prince", he had to depend upon the support of a staff to help him walk-- how humbling.

I think also about the Apostle Paul. He saw things that wasn't lawful for men to see. He was taken into places by God and shown things that could have easily puffed him up with pride. But again, that wasn't God's plan for him either. So, thus the "thorn in the flesh". The buffeting he received kept Paul humble.

When God is doing something through your life, when He is giving you revelation and insight, when He is using you in the gifts of the Spirit, when He is doing signs and wonders through you, when He is taking you "from glory to glory", the last thing you need to do is allow yourself to get "puffed up". Guard against spiritual pride-- it will cause you to fall. That isn't God's plan for you either.

We may be being used by God to bring Him glory, but we all walk with a "limp" (the inability to walk without help), thus having to depend upon a "staff" to hold us up. None of us can ever think that we can do it on our own. None of us can ever think that we can walk this walk by ourselves. None of us can ever think that we don't need God's help- we do. The Lord is the "staff" that supports us through our daily journey. Without Him holding us up, we will surely fall.

Have a great day. We all have a "limp"- the need for help and support. The Lord is that "staff" that holds us up.

For further reading:
Genesis 32:20-30
2 Corinthians 12:6,7
Proverbs 16:18
Psalm 23:4

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Coffee Break is a morning devotional written by Lorraine Ezell

Daily Declaration

I am thankful to God for His Blessings in my life!
By the grace of God, today I have new opportunities coming my way!
I am equipped for today’s challenges!
Better jobs, contracts, customers, promotions, bonuses, dividends and offers avail themselves to me!

I welcome opportunities to grow mentally, spiritually, physically, socially, and financially!
I am ready for increase on every level!
My eyes are perceptive to recognize unique opportunities tailored for me!

My mind is alert!
My spirit is discerning!
My soul is anchored!
My body is prepared!
I am ready to receive the bounty of God’s good will for my life!

Uncommon favor rests upon my life for uncommon blessings!
I have prepared all of my life for this moment!
I am more ready now than I ever been!
Good things are flowing my way today!

Thank you, Jesus for abundantly meeting every need in my life! Empower me, O Lord, to
Become everything I shall have wished I had become when I stand before Thee!
I give you praise for being my Lord!

-Bishop Dale C. Bronner 2010

Bogged Down

"Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh." Romans 8:12

Have you ever been "bogged down"? The term means to "be stuck"; "cause to slow down"; "grind to a halt.". Years ago we lived on a creek so we spent a lot of time enjoying the sand bar and water. At times you could be walking along on the sand and all of a sudden you would step onto a soft place and bog down- we called these soft spots "quick sand". Once you got in one you would sink to your knees. Getting out was very difficult, especially if it was a large area. You would have to try to pull your leg out and try to make a step with your other leg, and usually it would bog down too. You would have to keep trying to make steps, one after the other, until you could finally get back on solid ground.

There are several things that can bog you down physically- mud, quick sand, snow. People can get "bogged down" in their thoughts and in their emotions. You can also get bogged down by pressures on your job- added work when you haven't finished the first assignment.

There is another area of being "bogged down" that I want to discuss this morning. It is something that will bog you down spiritually to keep you from advancing in victory, in knowing God's purpose for your life and in fulfilling your destiny. It's your own flesh. Your flesh is like a "boggy" place. It wants to suck you in and get you stuck so that you can't move or go anywhere in your walk and relationship with the Lord.

The more time you spend catering to your flesh, the more time you spend giving into its wants and desires, the more time you spend entertaining it, the more time you spend feeding its appetites, lusts and desires... the more "bogged down" you will become. It is like that quick sand that I described earlier. It will get a strong hold on you and won't let you go- you'll be stuck! And you will have to struggle and work hard to get yourself out. (And believe me, the flesh doesn't let go easily.) The only way that it will let go of its hold is through death. The flesh has to die.

Are you wondering why you feel like you aren't making any progress? Do you feel like you aren't going anywhere and wonder why you are at a stand still? Are you struggling but not advancing? Perhaps it is your flesh that is bogging you down? I described above what we would have to do to get free from the areas of quick sand. To get ourselves free from the flesh that has caused us to get stuck/bogged down is by denying it. The more we deny our flesh, the more freedom from it we have. The more freedom we have from it, the less power it has over us. The less power it has over us, the harder it is to get bogged down. The harder it becomes to get bogged down by the flesh, the easier it is to live in the spirit.

Have a great day. Is your flesh bogging you down? Then get unstuck by denying it, crucifying it and yielding to the Spirit.

For further reading:
Romans 8:13; 6:6,7
Galatians 2:20; 5:16,17,25

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Coffee Break is a morning devotional written by Lorraine Ezell

Do Not Judge The Book, Read It!~Minister Darrick D. McGhee

It’s a wonderful day to be a child of God. Have you ever known someone who loved to judge other people? They received great pleasure from pointing their finger at another person’s less fortune. Every mistake a person makes, this individual is the first person to let it be known. If this same person were to fall short, they spend hours and days justifying why they did what they did. Have you ever known someone who loved to act as though they sit next to God in Heaven? They have an answer for every question. They can always tell you why you are going through, what you are going through. How do you handle people like this? What do you say to a person who thinks (s)he has all the answers? Have you ever seen how man’s judgment has ruined many people? It has destroyed many ministries, many marriages, many families and many friendships. People have walked away from the church as a result of this.

Today, I have been commissioned to come and minister to you. My friend, Do Not Judge The Book, Read It! What does this mean you may be asking? Before you form an opinion about someone based on their outer appearance, learn how to look within that person for the truth. The Bible declares in 1 Samuel 16:7 - … for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart. Many times we judge other people based on what someone else has told us about them. You may never personally know this person, but because someone else formed a negative opinion about this person … you have also. To judge the book by what the cover displays, shows your lack of wisdom. To allow others to determine how you feel about someone, displays your lack of maturity. The Bible declares in Luke 6:37 - Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven: Do Not Judge The Book, Read It! Learn how to form your own opinions about someone. Learn how to befriend people that others avoid. Their avoidance may derive from a lack of security within themselves.

My brother, my sister, who are you judging today? Who have you written out of your life? Was that God’s plan or based on your friend’s opinion? Beloved, before you write your book report, make sure you have all of the factual information necessary. Do not finalize your opinion on someone without having solid proof to support your conclusion. The Bible declares in 1 Corinthians 4:5 - Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God. Do Not Judge The Book, Read It! Start seeing people with the eyes of Christ. Start treating people with the love of Christ. Stop allowing others to dictate who you will befriend and why. You are a child of God. Judging someone else is not pleasing in the eyes of the Lord. Stop it! The same measure of judgment you place on someone else, God will return that same measure back on you. The Bible declares in Hebrews 4:12 - For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Do Not Judge The Book, Read It! Prayer for Today: Father, forgive me for ever judging someone else. Forgive me for allowing others to control how I see and treat others. Allow me to see people with the way Christ sees them. In Jesus’ name … Amen!

The Enemy of Unbelief

"Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth. And straightway the father of the child cried out, and said with tears, Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief." Mark 9:23,24

Belief isn't a hard thing to do, or have, that is if it wasn't for one "little" thing-- unbelief! It would be easy to believe if we weren't hit by unbelief. Unbelief comes to try to steal our faith. It comes to try to keep us from receiving the promises of God. It is an enemy to our faith, therefore, it has to be dealt with as such.

Unbelief can't be ignored. It can't be overlooked. You have to do something about it. The father in the story above recognized that he had unbelief and he confessed it to Jesus. He didn't try to cover up the fact that it was there. He didn't try to hide it from Jesus. He didn't try to defend the unbelief. He didn't try to pretend that it didn't exist. He didn't let pride get in the way, but readily admitted that it was there.

If there is unbelief in your heart concerning a matter, don't ignore it, don't try to justify it, don't try to act like it doesn't exist- recognize it for what it is, then confess it to the Lord. It is not a "negative confession" to admit it is there- it is the first step to getting rid of it. Once you have confessed it to God, ask Him to "help your unbelief". Then begin to renew your mind and heart with God's word- "So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God." (Romans 10:17)

Jesus didn't scold the man. He didn't turn His back on him. He heard the cry of an "honest heart" and He met him where he was. Jesus hears the cry of your heart as well when you are feeling weak in your faith. He won't turn away from you. He will help you to overcome the unbelief.

Have a great day. Unbelief is an enemy to our faith, and must be dealt with.

For further reading:
Mark 9:20-27; 11:22-24
Matthew 21:21,22; 14:27-31

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Coffee Break is a morning devotional written by Lorraine Ezell

Mind Games

"Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices." 2 Corinthians 2:11

When you look up the word devices in the concordance, it means: a mental perception, thought, the mind, an evil purpose. So when I read this verse I see a two-fold meaning. First, I see that it means we are not ignorant of what goes on in satan's thinking/mind- we aren't ignorant concerning his thoughts toward us. His thoughts are to "kill, steal and destroy" us. Secondly, I see it to mean that the devices he uses against us are attacks against our mind. His main weapon is to play "mind games" with us.

It has been said that the mind is the battlefield. It is against our minds where most of the attacks against us take place. Satan comes against us with accusations- "You are no good; you aren't going to make it, God doesn't care about you; who do you think you are?; etc.". He tries to plant seeds of doubt in our mind- "Did God really say that?; what if God doesn't show up on time?; etc". He brings confusion to our minds in order to make us "wishy-washy" (double minded) in our faith. He tries to make you think that your situation is hopeless and impossible, and too big for God.

Satan has his mind set on destroying you and he does that by coming against your mind/thoughts. But the Lord has provided everything we need to be victorious in the battle. We have been given the helmet of salvation to protect our minds. We have been instructed to capture wayward thoughts and cast them down. We have been told by the Lord what we should be thinking on in order to have victory and peace of mind. If we set our mind on the things that God says instead of what satan says then his devices, plans, purposes and thoughts against us won't prevail.

Have a great day. Satan's thoughts and plans are to destroy you, and he carries out his plans by attacking your thoughts.

For further reading:
John 10:10
Ephesians 6:11-18
James 1:8
Revelation 12:10
Philippians 4:8
2 Corinthians 10:4,5

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Coffee Break is a morning devotional written by Lorraine Ezell