Category Archives: ALLEGIANCE

SILENT PRAIZ!

1 Reply

SILENT PRAIZ 2

SELAH Daily Devotions!

 

“Praise waiteth for thee, O God, in Sion: and unto thee shall the vow be performed. O thou that hearest prayer, unto thee shall all flesh come.” Psalm 65:1-2

 

Being Pentecostal, born and bred, means that I am accustomed, and I might add, a willing participant, to exuberant praise and worship. So can you imagine my surprise, to discover that God-Honored Adoration is not necessarily limited to loud singing, hand-clappin’, foot-stomppin, shoutin’ and dancing to drum thumping, key-board tickling, guitar pick’n tunes escalating His Glory!

Who nu? There is a high praise in God, where the weary souls, thirsty and hungry for an escape from the chaos and confusion of this world’s clamor, finding rest, peace, security, strength and hope, fall prostrate into HIS PRESENCE!

There’s a secret place, a Cleft hued out in The Impregnable Rock of Salvation, where mere words are no longer necessary, and sighs are welcomed, giving way to hope-filled silence, birthing unspoken-bellows of acceptable obedient prayers and God-Centered Praise and Worship!

There is an epiphany where we all must ascribe to reach in God, where we practice appreciation and respect for HIM by disciplining ourselves, focusing our minds and making a conscious decision that regardless of my circumstances, I’m going to Bless God—not just for all of His Goodness to me—BUT for WHO HE IS!

In this lofty estate, time spent waiting on The Lord is no longer full of anxious frustration, but quiet peaceful resting in child-like confident anticipation, trusting that you’re being kept safely, far from your conspirators’ reach, hidden in The Glory of His WONDEROUS PRESENCE.

As God’s Chosen, you’re surrounded by a Fortress, the Builder and Maker is The Creator of The Universe, where we can breathe easily, waiting patiently, for as long as HE says,  fully assured that everything we will ever need and hope for comes from HIM—JESUS!

#DIDJAHEARDAT? The Holy Spirit is calling! Be still, in that Peace-Filled-Knowing that all of your Help and Hope of Glory abides in The All-Powerful God,  EL SHADDAI…your GOD! SILENT PRAISE! #WOW #AWEMAAZIN, huh?

SELAH!

Pause, Ponder, Pray & Praiz!

Ann Caffee

STAND YOUR GROUND!

1 Reply

STAND UR GROUND 2

SELAH Daily Devotions!

“Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” Philippians 4:11-13

Once again, The Apostle Paul finds himself in a life-threatening situation, being unjustly accused by his former peers the Sadducees and the Pharisees, who now hold him in great contempt. Their hatred for Paul was so intense that they persisted, relentlessly, for several years to discredit and ultimately take his life. Regardless of how many times God frustrated their schemes, they were committed to his destruction. Kind of reminds me of the Devil, huh? And frightenly similar to the way some of the nation treated our President Barak Obama!

However, Paul’s accusers failed to recognize that Paul was a man on a mission for God! Since his Damascus Road conversion, the newly ordained Apostle had become so in tuned with the purposes of God that he refused to allow external circumstances to determine internal perseverance. Paul had discovered the secret of drawing on Christ’s power for strength rather than trusting in his own ability! Paul’s revelation that Jesus Is Lord, therefore in control of everything, gave him the fortitude to persevere in the midst of persecution, confident that none of these things will move me! (Ref. Acts 20:24)

In this day of 21st Century Christianity many of God’s people have been dupped by hefty doses of the more contemporized “Gospel Lite Theology”! Hence, in their minds, once you surrender your life to Christ, everyday is gonna be a tip-toe thru the tulips awaiting the Trumpet sound when they’ll be transported to the Pearly Gates of The Celesterial City. Unfortunately, real-life does not remotely resemble Hollywood’s version. Being a Christian does not promise we won’t experience test, trials and even tragedies. However, it does mean that God will be with us thru every single  challenge that we’ll ever face!

As we walk with The Good Shepherd, maintaing a consistent gratitude for what God has already done, a  hopeful expectation for the future and relying solely upon the All Encompassing Sufficiency of God’s Grace, we’ll learn to remain steadfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the Faithfulness of God’s Love! (Ref. 1 Corinthians 15:58)

I don’t care what’s or who’s threatenng to destroy your peace today arm yourself with the same Spirit of Faith that motivated, not only The Apostle Paul but our Ultimate Role Model of a man on a mission, The Lord Jesus Christ.

Oh, by the way don’t worry about threatening demonic forces who try to take you out, remember who created the bow and the archer! #ijs (Ref. Isaiah 54:16-17)

BELOVED, GOD HAS PERSONALLY POSITIONED YOU TO REPRESENT THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN TO A LOST AND DYING WORLD! STAND YOUR GROUND AND SHINE ON! 

SELAH!

Pause, Ponder, Pray & Praiz!

Ann Caffee

THE LORD’S PLANTING!

1 Reply

the-planting-of-the-lord

 

SELAH Daily Devotions!

To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he might be glorified. Isaiah 61:3

 

How many times have you gone on a job interview and the prospective employer asked “Have you cheated on your spouse; are your child support payments current?  Have you ever lied, stolen, or gossiped in your life “? I hear a overwhelming,’NOT EVERRRR!’ Of course not! In fact, we have laws to protect us from these kinds of civil infractions, right?

Quite frankly in this 21st Century New Millennium Age, it’s all about your gifts and talents; and generally, people no longer give a whole lot of credence to a man’s character. #ijs! It’s all about getting it done! However, there’s a significant difference from Heaven’s perspective and ours!

God doesn’t need your gifts in Heaven! Jesus is there! He, The Living Word of God, is The Greatest preacher, teacher, psalmist, physician, counselor, architect, carpenter, interior designer, botanist, etc…Ever! Hence, God looks at the heart of a man to determine our eligibility for HIS usefulness! (Ref. 1 Samuel 16:7)

The Eternal Creator God has strategically planted us in specific locations in the earth, giving each of us a purpose and a destiny. We have been equipped and fitted, physically and spiritually, to carry out that which He has called us to do every single day, one step at a time. Jesus made it clear what we are to do while we’re here, “Go ye into the world and spread the good news, make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of The Father, Son and Holy Spirit (Ref. Matthew 28:19)

We are commissioned by The Univeral Commander and Chief, The Lord Jesus Christ, to do His bidding and to recruit as many others as we can for the work of His Ministry, reconciling lost souls to our Heavenly Father! (Ref. 2 Corinthians 5:18)  While the harvest is indeed plentious; it’s hard to find good help these day!  WOW! #DIDJAHEARDAT?

This task can be daunting, not because of GOD! But because sometimes we get pre-occupied, trying to impress or fit in with everybody else, that we fail to maximize the creative potential that God has put in us!

Coud it be that some of God’s people have become so relaxed in the lap of self-serving apathy; intoxicated by the kings’ wine that we’ve neglected to share the“wine that maketh glad the heart of man, and oil to make his face to shine, and bread which strengtheneth man’s heart? (Psalm 104:15)

It’s almost as if some of us have forgotten this is not our home! As Grand-Ma would often remind me, “Babygurl, I didn’t come here to stay!”

OUR MISSION, IF WE CHOOSE TO ACCEPT IT, IS TO OCCUPY THE FIELD UNTIL THE GOOD MASTER RETURNS! STILL PLANTED? #OMG!

 

SELAH!

Pause, Ponder, Pray & Praiz!

Ann Caffee

 

MY DEVELOPING ROOM

1 Reply

 

MY DEVELOPING ROOM 2

SELAH Daily Devotions!

“ In thee, O Lord, do I put my trust; let me never be ashamed: deliver me in thy righteousness. Bow down thine ear to me; deliver me speedily: be thou my strong rock, for an house of defence to save me.

For thou art my rock and my fortress; therefore for thy name’s sake lead me, and guide me. Pull me out of the net that they have laid privily for me: for thou art my strength. Into thine hand I commit my spirit: thou hast redeemed me, O Lord God of truth.” Psalm 31:1-5

 

Ever been in that cavernous place, alone entrapped in a den of hopelessness, despair and yes, even shame for allowing your circumstances to rupture the confident trust you enjoyed, just a short time ago?

Still confused how quickly things changed hurling you into this momentary pit of discontentment amassed by discouragement and terrorized by ‘what if”?

Truthfully, most of us have at some point in our lives and even more of us have had extended stays! However, by the Grace of The Almighty God, we’ve learned that the way out is looking up! Benevolence always descends!  Hence, instead of focusing on what’s going on around you re-set your attention on The One above The Heavens.

Gratefully, our Heavenly Father has gifted us with His Precious Holy Spirit! Not only is He able to investigate and translate the moaning of our sorrow-filled souls, but swiftly carries them to The Master’s listening Heart.

As we cry out to Him, much to our delight yet usually unbeknown to us, Your Presence has crept in, invaded, overshadowed and decapitated the gloominess of this prison cell pulling me up and out of the web that had so easily ensnared my soul. Where fear, doubt and confusion once raged, Your quietness whispers words of consolation, infusing and invigorating my wearied soul with such sweet unspeakable joy. Straight away, my sullen countenance is overwhelmed by the Luster from Your smile as You, in passing, suddenly wink at me!

As we still ‘self’ to listen obediently, You instruct our heart to follow the leading of Holy Spirit into a state of Blissful Peace that’s so far beyond my own understanding. (Ref. Isaiah 26:3)

Coming to myself, I am subliminally aware of my surroundings, and what I believed to be prison is just another developing room where You’re secretly hiding me; making me all that you have destined me to BE—COMES! MY DEVELOPING ROOM! #PURPOSE

SELAH!

Pause, Ponder, Pray & Praiz!

Ann Caffee

FOREVER FAITHFUL!

1 Reply

4-ever-faithful-2

SELAH Daily Devotions!

Many are the affictions of the righteous; but the lord deliverth him out of them all. Psalm 34:19

Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God. For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also aboundeth by Christ….And our hope of you is stedfast, knowing, that as ye are partakers of the sufferings, so shall ye be also of the consolation. 2 Corinthians 15:3-5,7

The Bible doesn’t lie to us; neither does it sugarcoat the human experience! The Scriptures reveal numerous accounts where God’s people found themselves in dire straits and having no other recourse, but to cry out to The Lord their God!

The Bible never tells us that after we make the decision to live holy as unto The Lord that we can just relax on a flowery bed of ease. Quite the opposite! Your very life becomes a reproof to those who do not live a Godly lifestyle because it testifies against the Godlessness in others.

The Apostle Paul admonishes his young protégée, Timothy, “Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution,’ (2 Timothy 3:12). In essence, The Apostle warns the new Pastor, anyone who signs up to become a true servant of the Lord Jesus Christ should expect to be opposed by the Kingdom of Darkness!

Afflictions, denotes suffering, pain and trouble that lasts for a loonnng time. Yes, for some of us it’s been a very long night. Nevertheless, God has prescribed the perfect remedy for all of life’s maladies. “The righteous cry, and the Lord heareth, and delivereth them out of all their troubles.” (Psalm 34:17) Wow! Didjaheardat?

His ears are always attentive our cry! That means, He HEARS OUR PRAYERS! So even when we can’t see His Hand, we can trust His Listening Heart.

Hence, firstly, God assures us that there’s a purpose in our pain and secondly, God does not abandon us to meander through our struggles helplessly hopeless, but He walks with us, providing Sustaining Grace to comfort us through the valley of the shadows of gloom and doom and guiding us safely to the other side.

Beloved, no matter what your struggle is now, whether physical, mental, financial or spiritual affliction, rest assured, God knows exactly where you are and is always just one prayer away!

Remember, He’s The One Who says when enough is enough! And well before He allowed you to enter into this season of testing and trial He pre-determined the exact moment of your deliverance.

Don’t allow your circumstances to rob you of the inner knowing that God is your Loving Compassionate Father and He can never forget nor will He ever forsake you!

“I have engraved you on the palms of my hands.Your walls are always in my presence.” Isaiah 49:16

So even if our strength wavers, we can still stand confidently fortified in this Truth; trouble always has an expiration date, but our prayers don’t!  

Trust His Presence to remain with you all the way thru! (Ref. 2 Timothy 2:13)

TRUST 2 KNOW, GOD IS FOREVER FAITHFUL!!

SELAH!

Pause, Ponder, Pray & Praiz!

Ann Caffee

THE FIRST RESPONDER!

1 Reply

the-1st-responder2

SELAH Daily Devotions!

“When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee. ” Isaiah 43:2
 
” lo am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.” Matthew 28:20b

 

Certain things just stick out at you!  Like, where you were and what you were doing on Tuesday, September 11, 2001?

If you were anywhere in the United States, you were probably sitting somewhere stunned and paralyzed, eyes glued to a TV screen at images that are now indelibly entrenched in your psyche!  Some of us initially were just trying to figure out what the heck was going on. Were our eyes betraying our thoughts or was this simply another advertising stunt vying for publicity?

But, as we listened intensively to the broadcaster’s pronouncement, inquisitively quickly gave way to awe, fear and helplessness! Millions of us sat paralyzed by not knowing where or when the next strike would hit. We watched masses of people running terrified away from buildings, aimlessly through the streets in an effort to escape the billowing clouds of gas-filled smoke and the menacing threat of flying glass and debris.  The sense of security and the superfluous naivety of an Invincible America tragically came falling down right before our eyes, shattered live and in color!

Just as the rain falls on the just as well as the unjust, tragedy and trouble are neither biased nor prejudice! Except you be some sadistic masochist, most of us are intrinsically wired to avoid pain. Perhaps, that’s why some of us might’ve secretly questioned the wisdom of those ‘first responders’. Nevertheless, we honor the courageous men and women who waived the threat of death in lieu of the prospect of rescuing the survivors and ran boldly into the face of catastrophe.

Perchance, that’s what makes GOD so appealing to that desperately lonely wayfaring stranger, crying out to The Heavenly Father, “Lord, save me!” 

Today’s scripture assures us that our Savior, Jesus, doesn’t sit uncaringly aloof, watching us meandering our way through life’s tumultuous terrain, endlessly giving way to hopelessness and despair. But so Graciously is our God, who Lovingly leans toward us, tenderly guarding and guiding us safely through overwhelming floodwaters of seemingly unconquerable test and trials!

May this note serve as a constant reminder, that whenever we find ourselves surrounded, constrained by dire circumstances, in the claws of the temptation to give up; we who have surrendered our lives to The Lordship of Christ, find consolation, encouragement and confidence by  faith, to look up–for Redemption is Always near!

Jesus, The First Responder!

SELAH! 
 
Pause, Ponder, Pray & Praiz!
 
Ann Caffee

DISCOVERING GRACE!

1 Reply

DISCOVERING GRACE 2

SELAH Daily Devotions!

There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; One Lord, one faith, one baptism, One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all. But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ. Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men. Ephesians 4:4-8

 

O MAN! Did we ever get that twisted. GRACE that is! Guilty! I remember it, just like Mama and probably her Mama and undoubtedly my own kids to theirs, asking, “DidjasayyourGrace?” God knows, we didn’t know! But now, knowing the true meaning and eternal value of GRACE, (God’s unmerited, unearned favor towards us) makes it even more OUTRAGEOUS, huh?

Today’s scripture text reveals that when Jesus conquered death, He ascended into Heaven, He sent back to us the Precious Gift of Holy Spirit to embody the Body of Christ (The Church), with everything we’d ever need to fulfill, not only our individual God-ordained purpose, but GOD’s Eternal Purpose in the earth—To colonize a God-Centered society giving Light and Light to a dark sin-filled world! Didjaknodat?

HOWEVRRRRR, even today, some believers act as if Grace is simply a free pass to continue in sin. Don’t shout me down now!!!

In essence, not only does such erroneous thinking normally lead to a life filled with continuous rebellion, it completely misrepresents and dishonors Christ Jesus’ Sacrifice on The Altar at Calvary. Grace is more aptly recognized as God’s Divine Enabling Power Gifts, which He has Sovereignly equipped those who have placed their personal faith in the finished WORK OF CHRIST, measuring out to each believer, according to their specific pre-ordained assignments in The Kingdom of God!

While there are a variety of spiritual giftings, every gift is vital to the health of The Body! Hence, jealousy, envy, covetous and certainly competitiveness between our brothers and sister’s gifts is uncharacteristically absurd for a Christian, considering the Source is the same for each gift, The Holy Spirit! (Ref. 1 Corinthians 12) After all, these gifts are not given for us to boast in ourselves, but to boost up and to glorify The Kingdom of Heaven in the earth! Of course, we must never negate the reality that the ground is completely level at the foot of The Cross! Hence, not one of us deserved  to be included in this AMAZING GIFT OF GRACE in the first place! #SERIOUSLY!!!

That’s why the scriptures warn us that The BookKeeper is keeping track of every deed that is done in our bodies and one day, we will all be judged for how we used our gifts to promote the advancement of The Kingdom of God to a lost and dying world! (Ref. 2 Corinthians 5:10)

Sounds to me like it’s a total abuse of time to engage in such  foolishness as bickering and complaining about what somebody else has or doesn’t and even more ridiculous, a wishin’ and hopin’ you had!  May I submit for your consideration? PERHAPS, your MOST valuable commodity aka, TIME,  might be more wisely appropriated diligently seeking to discover your own ultimate “WHY and WHAACHACOME HERE FOR!”  UR RIGHT! IT AIN’T NONE OF MY BUSINESS!!! #IJS!!!

IN OTHER WORDS, DISCOVER YOUR GRACE AND WORK IT!

SELAH!

Pause, Ponder, Pray & Praiz!

Ann Caffee

EXCLUSIVE!

1 Reply

 

EXCLUSIVE 2 JESUS WINKS

 

SELAH Daily Devotions!

 

So they feared the Lord, and made unto themselves of the lowest of them priests of the high places, which sacrificed for them in the houses of the high places. They feared the Lord, and served their own gods, after the manner of the nations whom they carried away from thence.” 2 Kings 17:32-33

“But the Lord your God ye shall fear; and he shall deliver you out of the hand of all your enemies. Howbeit they did not hearken, but they did after their former manner. So these nations feared the Lord, and served their graven images, both their children, and their children’s children: as did their fathers, so do they unto this day.” 2 Kings 17:39-41

 

America, the land of the free! A nation established and founded on the premises that no longer will its citizens be forced to hide their religious convictions in fear of retaliation or retribution, and are now free to express their devotion and adoration to The God of The Bible. Right? Well, perhaps that’s the original interpretation of The Constitution. But that kind of thinking is no longer relevant to 21st Century contemporary constituents, huh?

Apparently, that’s a bit too narrow-minded. After all, considering all of the astonishing advancements in technology has expanded our world-view far beyond anything that our forefathers’ localized-tribunal expectations. And besides that, what difference does it make who or how you worship as long as you worship a god? At least, that’s the New Age Theologists’ perspective!

Surprisingly, this humanistic approach to religion did not just pop-up in our lifetime. But according to our scripture text, it has  perpetuated down through the ages. While this concept of worship may be more palatable to so many, the ultimate result is a fatal collision with the explicit commandments of the Supreme Being, The Creator of the universes, Elohim.

It’s the nature of un-regenerated humanity to reject and rebel against authority. In fact, the very first words that most toddlers say is ‘NO’ and ‘MINE’.The truth of the matter is, it permeates throughout adolescence into adulthood. Unfortunately, oftentimes the residual effects tend to influence our relationship with The Only God of our Salvation. We want to incorporate carry-on-gods of our past into our newly found faith. But! This doesn’t set too well with The True God who demands absolute exclusive solidarity and adoration of those who have been called into His Kingdom!

“Thou shalt have no other gods before me. Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth. Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the Lord thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me”. Exodus 20:3-5

Nevertheless,  some yet stagger at such obstinacy, considering it demeaning and uncharacteristic of a universal gOD and choosing to overlook God’s Sovereignty, gravitate to a more inclusive tolerating object of personal worship.

There’s a prevalent trend in The New Millennium church doctrine that teaches it’s okay to cover all your bases and act like a Christian when it’s convenient, but at the same time, be a realist. Don’t forget or neglect the gods of the land you came from! Ain’t nobody perfect, right? In other words, you can have your cake and eat it too, huh?

Despite the popularity of Self-aggrandizing Narcisism religious affiliations, there yet remains a Remnant Church who prefer a personal intimate relationship as opposed to a form of godliness that denies the Authority and Power of The One and Only True GOD to rule over the daily affairs of mankind! (Ref. 2 Timothy 3:5)

Didjaheardat? SOUNDS LIKE EXCLUSIVE WORSHIP TO ME! #howboutu?

SELAH!

Pause, Ponder, Pray & Praiz!

Ann Caffee

I CHANGED MY MIND!

1 Reply

I CHANGED MY MIND 3

 

SELAH Daily Devotions!

Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord Acts 3:19

I am straight Holiness/Pentecostal todabone; jus ask anybody who knows me in church! I mean, I’ll shout you down in a heartbeat! But guess what? The devil ain’t stud’n you getting your praise on shoutin’ and dancin’, flip’n over pews, in the church house, as long as you don’t change! That’s right, I’m talking about repentance! Don’t touch dat button!

I know repentance still carries a negative connotation, generally provoking feelings of fear and condemnation. I totally get! However, what we need to realize is that none of us  have the power or responsibility to make a person repent by threatening them that they’re going to Hell!  BUT!!!! IF  you let them know how good The Lord is and what He’s ALREADY done for US to make us right with God, there a good chance that they’ll want to know Him for themselves!

Before the days of name it and claim it, and blab it and grab it, when a true prophet spoke, the only thing he promised was the WORD OF GOD! Really, check your Bible? John the Baptist preached the same message every day, “prepare ye the way, repent and be baptized, for the Lord is at hand”. When The Apostle Peter left the upper room, filled with the Holy Ghost, he came preaching the same message, “repent”. Yall ain’t liking me, huh?

Some folk still believe repentance means going to the altar, echoing a confession and shaking the pastor’s hand. But my beloved, genuine repentance is a matter of the heart and I don’t mean just feeling sorry. If you really want to experience authentic fellowship with Jesus, you have to sanctify yourself through repenting from your heart.

2 Corinthians 7:10 explains, when a person truly repents, they’ll admit that they’re sincerely sorry for rebelling against God and living a sinful life; make a conscious commitment to change the way they live, turn their back AWAY FROM the devil, and TURN 2 JESUS!

One of the best parts of repentance is taking back the personal power that we’ve allowed Satan to rule over our lives! Godly sorrow will make you stare the devil down and tell him in no uncertain terms, “No thank you, I don’t want to live like this anymore, it’s over! I DON’T BELONG 2 U, I BELONG TO JESUS! MY PAST IS COVERED IN THE BLOOD AND MY NEW LIFE IS NONE OF YOUR BUSINESS! NOW , GET OUTTA MY FACE OR I’M GONNA CALL MY DADDY!

Beloved, don’t allow another moment of doubt, unbelief or fear cause you to forfeit the blessings that God has prepared for us. (Ref. Jeremiah 29:11) The Bible says, the day you hear His Voice calling–just come! Didjaheardat? Can you hear HIM now?

Somebody quick, please tell the devil, “ I CHANGED MY MIND!”

SELAH!

PAUSE, PONDER, PRAY & PRAIZ!

Ann Caffee

STAY OFF THE FENCE!

1 Reply

 

STAY OFF THE FENCE 2

SELAH Daily Devotions!

 

And Elijah came unto all the people, and said, How long halt ye between two opinions? if the LORD be God, follow him: but if Baal, then follow him. And the people answered him not a word. 1 Kings 18:21

 

Having been born and raised in Washington, D.C., never knowingly setting foot on country soil until I was 18 years of age, trust and know, I don’t have a ‘longing for the adventure of the wild’ bone in my body!

Needless to say, if you’re thinking about inviting me to a cozy camp fire retreat, don’t even bother! In fact, my husband pokes fun at me for my adamant unwillingness to try some of the finer cuisine in life, such as freshly killed chicken, rabbit, frog legs and certainly not venison. And I am sincere when I tell him to feel free to enjoy himself as he partakes of his delight! Sorry, yall! If it didn’t come from Safeway, Giant or Food Lion, your gurl ain’t having it!

Nevertheless, I have racked up quite a lot of wilderness experiences in my lifetime. Oh, I know the 21st Century Church don’t speak much about it these day, but I can still remember when the ol’ church used to sanng, “How didja feel when you come out of the wilderness!” Perhaps, it’s because so many Millennium saints don’t actually come out of the world! Ooh, is that a ‘tomato-throwing-anointing’ in the house!

Seriously! While church attendance has escalated to mega statistics, those who have made a personal commitment to live lifestyles according to the teachings of The Bible, (discipleship) has plummeted to an all-time low! Strangely enough, some folk have absolutely no shame about continuing their ungodly-living-lifestyles Monday thru Saturday, as long as they make it to their favorite seat on the pew, choir stand, usher post and yes, LETS NOT FORGET, in the pulpit Sunday Morning!

Amazingly, it doesn’t matter how much the preacha tramples all over their well-manicured toes, after all that’s his job, right? As long as they stay just close enough to the ‘real world’ to enjoy the king’s delicacies and just close enough to ‘da churrch’, to say ‘I’m saved…I’m good…You’re good’ it’s all good, huh?

May I submit, without remorse, unequivocally and unapologetically—GOD FORBID!

When we consider the awesome price that Jesus Christ paid to redeem our lives from destruction, how can we abuse the benevolence of God’s Compassion and miraculous Mercy by refusing to change the way we think, talk and walk after we’ve accepted so Great a Salvation? (Ref. John 3:16) Quess I done lost half my churrch now, huh?

We must be careful that we don’t assume the same position that the Israelites did, utterly rejecting God’s Word, determined to do what was right according to every man’s own evil desire, provoking God Righteous Wrath and ultimately their own demise; never reaching their heritage, the Land of Promise! (Ref. Numbers 27:3)

Beloved, it’s God’s Will that we live life abundantly, overflowing with every good and precious gift that God has prepared for those who willfully and consistently commit their whole life to His Care! That’s the reason that Jesus came teaching us The Way of Truth and Life! (Ref. John 10:10) (John 14:6)

WATCH OUT…SOONER OR LATER, YOU’LL FALL TO THE SIDE THAT WEIGHS THE MOST! BUT! U GROWN, AND IT AIN’T MY BUSINESS, K?…STAY OFF THE FENCE! #ijs

SELAH!

Pause, Ponder, Pray & Praiz!

Ann Caffee