Category Archives: challenges

THURSDAYS’ PRAYERS!

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SELAH Daily Devotions!

GM my Precious Bros. and Sistas! GOTTA MOMENT? #HALLELUJAH!
Welcome 2 today! Our Heavenly Father has blessed u to be alive one more day! And for that, please join us as we exalt The Glorious Name of Jesus 2gether as is our custom on Thursdays’ Corporate Prayer and Fasting! Many are afflicted by a multiplicity of the cares of this world; yet Our Heavenly Father gives us the antidote to the maladies of this life. Therefore as James 5:13 instructs, let’s pray!

There’s a sweet, sweet Spirit in this place, And I know that it’s the Spirit of the Lord;There are sweet expressions on each face, And I know they feel the presence of the Lord. Sweet Holy Spirit, Sweet heavenly Dove, Stay right here with us, filling us with Your love. And for these blessings we lift our hearts in praise;Without a doubt we’ll know that we have been revived, When we shall leave this place…we enter in praying …

Father of All Comfort and Glory, here we are again, bowing before Thy Holy Throne of Mercy and Grace! We thank You for allowing us the honor and privilege to come boldly into Your Presence, confidently assured that The Door has been opened and the veil removed giving us freedom of access through The Shed BLOOD OF YOUR ONLY BEGOTTEN SON, JESUS OF NAZARETH!

We thank You for blessing us with a heart that seeks You, The Desire of The Ages, trusting that when we enter into The Gates of Heaven with Thanksgiving and into Your Courts with praise, You will not forbid us, but because of Your Loving-kindness, Your Sceptor is extended, welcoming us to COME UNTO YOU, ALL WHO LABOR AND ARE TIRED FROM CARRYING HEAVY LOADS, BECAUSE YOU’VE PROMISED TO GIVE US REST FROM THE CARES OF THIS WORLD!

Even as we bow before You today, we shall not be remiss from thanking You for watching over us last nite and raising us up to see one more new day filled with the WONDER OF YOUR PRESENCE! We thank You for being our Health, Help and Strength! Your Faithful Compassion shields us from the pestilence and terrors of the nite and the arrows and bullets of destruction that pursue us by day! Because we have made You our refuge and our dwelling place, You have rebuked evil and plagues, dispatching Your angels to keep us in all of our ways!

Abba Father, we are eternally grateful for giving us The Name of Jesus, ensuring us that when we call upon THAT NAME, You shall answer us, deliver us in trouble and hide us in the secret places, covering us under the shadow of Your Almighty wing!

Sweet Jesus, we thank You for being our Great High Priest, Who we can quickly run to asking for Your forgiveness when we succumb to the temptations of these earthly temples, violating and rebelling against The Righteous Standards that You’ve laid out in Your Holy Word! Lord, we’re trusting that when we confess our sins, You are Faithful, Merciful and Just to forgive, wash us in Your Precious Blood and restoring us to rightful fellowship with Our Heavenly Father, not willing that any of us should perish!

Father God, we come before You, our Omnipresent, Omniscient, Omnipotent Lord of Grace, this day, fully persuaded that You Who Sit Enthroned Upon the circle of the earth, already know what’s going on in our world today! We pray that You Who hears our cry and pities our groans, searches our hearts, will consider the frailness of our flawed flesh and send strength and courage from Zion! Help us to know  that YOU KNOW how our hearts grieved by the things that are happening in this sin-soiled society, and comfort Your people now, dear LORD! You’ve heard our enemies boasting as they run rampant throughout the land, that You don’t care for us, You’ve forsaken those who placed our personal faith in Your Love, even those who accuse You of not being strong enough to protect us from the strategic plots of the kingdom of darkness! Arise O King and let Your enemies be scattered! In Jesus Name!

Father, touch the families and friends who lost children and love-ones because of the assailant’s bullets at the HS in Florida on yesterday! We ask that You wrap them in Your Peace that passes all logic and understanding, comfort their hearts with Your Supernatural Grace, soothe their doubts and calm their souls of all of their fears!

Lord Jesus, while it’s goes against our nature, we ask that You have mercy on that young man who opened his heart to Satan’s voice and obeyed the demonic orders to open fire on another human with no regard for the value of life ,slaughtering those precious young people who were just going to school to get an education that would position them to serve meaningful lives in their communities and the world! Bless and heal the community that will now strive to go on. Touch their hearts and minds Holy Spirit give them to reflect upon the uncertain and brevity of this life that causes them to seek Eternal Life that can only be found in a life wholly committed and anchored in The Saving Grace of our Lord Jesus Christ! Lord we know that You are yet able to turn tragedy into Triumph, misery into mission and mess into ministry!

Sweet Jesus, while no man can come to You except You draw him, we intercede for all those who are unsaved! We’re believing You to break up the stony hearts and ignite a spirit of Godly-repentance that they may confess”a sincere YES” in their heart and in their mind! Plant a desire to come to You today and receive You as their personal Lord and Savior!
Lord, as Your eyes continue searching the hearts of mankind, we’re praying that You will seal a “committed YES” in the heart and mind of every backslider today! Make today their day to come back to You and come back to YOUR church where they will submit to the loving, nurturing, encouraging teachings of Your Word, determining to live out the rest of their lives exemplifying YOU and testifying of The WONDERS OF YOUR GLORY TO A LOST, DARK AND DYING WORLD!

Precious Lord, as we lift up our children and our children’s children, help us to remember that such were some of us! By faith, we decree and declare that every scheme that Satan desires to inflict upon them, IS CANCELLED IMMEDIATELY! We commit them into Your providential care! Realizing that You have a plan and purpose for their lives. we have the blessed assurance that their steps and their stops are being ordered by Your eyes!
Heavenly Father, as You have instructed, we pray for the leaders of our nation, corporate, judicial, education, financial institutions and our churches! We’re asking that You touch their minds and hearts, speak to them in dreams and visions letting them know that You Who Sit Enthroned Above the Heavens are keeping record of the deeds of every man’s heart and will reward accordingly! We believe that because their hearts are in Your Hands, they are being continuously opened to hear and obey Your Will! Lord Jesus, we’re standing on Your Word as decreed that The government of this world shall rest upon Your shoulders and that You are The Eternal King of Kings and Lord of Lords!

Daddy, we lift up every Bishop, Pastor, Overseer, Apostle, Evangelist, Preacher. Teacher, Missionary, auxiliary leader, usher, muscian, choir member and director and church member! Undergird them with Your Anointing and conviction to carry out their assignment, under the direction of Holy Spirit. Cover them as they go in and out amongst Your people with honor, wisdom and favor! All who would seek to discredit, hinder and even destroy their faith, faithfulness and the ministry You have ordained from their mother’s womb, shall be rebuked and restrained by The Power of Holy Spirit. In Jesus Name!

Heavenly Father, may Your Healing Virtue touch our brother, touch our sister whose body has been afflicted by all manner of sickness and disease, especially the spirit of cancer, high/low blood pressure, heart disease, kidney, lung failure, satanically induced depression/oppression/addictions and rebuke and cast it out at the root, for Your Name Sake! Lord, Your Word declares that Your stripes have redeemed and healed us and we’re yet standing on your promises that the prayer of faith shall save the sick and raise them up, In Jesus Name, It Is So!

Holy Father God, we pray that every demonic-induced spirit of fear, failure, hopelessness and disappointment be annilated by Your Anointing and that the Spirit of Power, Love and a Sound-mind be released now, in Jesus Name! We’re trusting  and decreeing that each morning Your children will awaken, armed with Grace to accomplish every assignment and earnest hope-filled tomorrows!
Father, we wait in confidence and quietness, trusting wholly that all workers of iniquity are suddenly trembling, retreating in shameful defeat, acknowledging that the JIG IS UP because You have heard the voice of our weepings, supplications and received our prayer as a sweet savor coming up before Your Sovereign Throne of Grace and Mercy!

Heavenly Father, we seal this prayer with gratitude, honor and praise. Believing that every prayer request that is aligned with YOUR PERFECT WILL IS ALREADY DONE! In The Exalted Name of Jesus we shout Halleleujahhhh!!!! Amen 3x!
SELAH!
Pause, Ponder, Pray & Praiz!

 

 

HE NEVER 4GETS!

HE NEVER 4GETS!

SELAH Daily Devotions!

Behold, God is my salvation, I will trust and not be afraid, for YAH, the Lord, is my strength and song; He also has become my salvation. Therefore with joy you will draw water From the wells of salvation. Isaiah 12:2-3

Behold, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands; your walls are ever before me. Isa. 49:16

 

In light of the prevailing gross darkness, devastation and desolation plaguing our world today, threatening to sapp the Light and Life out of us, I was incited to review the words of God’s Prophet, Isaiah, speaking to the remnant of God’s Chosen nation.

God’s people were facing eminent danger of massive destruction, yet God sends His Man-Servant Isaiah, offering a WORD of warning and hope that we’d do well to glean from today! The Prophet encourages them  ‘that no matter what’s happening around you, don’t be afraid, but keep trusting and praising our God!’ Isaiah, knowing God inhabits the praises of His people, speaks to souls wearied by the consequences of unwise choices reminding them (and us)  that their (#our) only Hope of Deliverance was to remain steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of their Lord! (Ref. 1 Corinthians 15:58)

God is Holy, Righteous and Just! YET! While He must punish the unjust, His Anger does not last forever! Unlike many of our earthly fathers, YAH, is The Covenant-Keeping God! He remains a Faithful Father, Saving Strength, Shield, Provider and Redeemer to all who  call upon Him! From His own Mouth, Abba Father promises to wipe away the tears from their faces and keep you in perfect peace because we trust in Him! (Ref. Isaiah 25:8, 26:3-4)

Beloved, when life is out of your control, rest assured, Jesus is ALWAYS IN CONTROL!

The grass withers, and the flowers fade, nevertheless GOD’S WORD IS ETERNAL!  (Ref. Isaiah 40:8) The King of Glory has declared and decreed that you are the apple of HIS Eye! He has sworn by His GODSELF, tatooing your name in the palm of HIS HANDS, HE SHALL NEVER EVER FORSAKE NOR ABANDON YOU!  (Ref. Psalm 17:8; Isa. 49:16)

In the midst of these unsettling times, I adjourn you to keep your eyes on Jesus, The Hope of your Calling and The Joy of your Salvation! Precious ones, when you can’t see no way, why not confuse hell and praiz JESUS anyhow!  At the mere mentioning of THE NAME OF JESUS, demons tremble and the angelic host is put on alert! Didjaheardat?

Ooooh Yeah! TRUST2KNO,  God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. (Psalm 46:1 NLT)

The Book already said there’d be days like this BUT IN THE END WE WIN! Those of us who have put our personal trust in The Redeemer know that The Great and Holy One of Israel is closer than ever before! Hence, our hearts joyfully cry out, “EVEN SO, COME LORD JESUS”! AMEN! NOW…occupy ’til HE COME! Don’t U EVER  forget that YOUR GOD NEVER EVER 4GETS!

SELAH!

Pause, Ponder, Pray & Praiz!

Ann Caffee

THURSDAYS’ PRAYERS!

prayn-and-fasting-pic

 

SELAH Daily Devotions!

 

GM FAM! GOTTA MOMENT? AWEMAZZING!

We’re excited that you’ve joined us, once again for our Weekly Thursdays’ Corporate Prayer and Fasting! We’re quickly approaching the end of 2017 and the beginning of a brand new day! If you’re like me, you can truly say, “If it had not been for the Lord on my side, where would I be?” Nevertheless we share the self same victorious testimony, “I am not ashamed of The Gospel of Jesus Christ! Oh, how our Lord has so faithfully blessed and preserved our coming in and our going out!” Amen 3x! Shall we boldly enter in The Majestic Throne Room of our Father, with eternal gratitude we bow before The God of All Creation, giving honor and glory to The King of Kings and Lord of Lords?

Lord, prepare me to be a sanctuary, pure and holy, tried and true! And with thanksgiving, I’ll be a living sanctuary, Lord for YOU! Ooooh how I love JESUS! Ooooh how I love JESUS! OOOOH HOW I LOVE JESUS! BECAUSE HE FIRST LOVED ME! So, here we are to worship, here we are to bow down! Here we are to say that You’re My God! You’re altogether Worthy, Altogether Lovely, Altogether WONDERFUL 2 ME! And when the battle is o’vr I shall wear a crown, I shall wear a crown, I shall wear a crown! When the battle is o’vr I shall wear a crown! I shall wear a golden crown!!!

Father of All Glory, here we are again! As we beseech Your Presence, acknowledging that there is none like You in Heaven above nor the earth below! For You Alone are GOD, THE HOLY ONE, THE GREAT I AM! It is with joy-filled praise that we lift our hearts and our hands heavenward, emptied of anything that would warrant Your Amazing Grace, but solely we cling to The Name that is above every other Name, trusting wholly that as we claim The Name of Jesus, we have direct access to all of the Favor that Heaven possesses!

Looking back, we know that it was no goodness of our own but  wholly Your Unfailing Love that allows us to be here to see one more brand new day! Therefore, we come thanking You Father for the honor and privilege bestowed upon all who will earnestly seek Your Face! For You are the Source of our Life, Strength, Love, Peace, and The Joy of our Hope, Wisdom and Understanding! In You we live, move and have our very being!

As we delight ourselves in glorifying Your Name, You continue to give us the desires of our hearts! As we look not at the things which are seen, but focus our faith on The benevolent Lovingkindness of The Eternal Father, Abba, we rest in The Peace that passes all understanding, confident that You are Sovereignly Ruling and Reigning over the affairs of humanity! We’re thankful that You have a Plan, Purpose and Destiny for each one that You’ve called before the foundation of this world! We’re thankful that You’re not a man that can lie, neither shall You ever need to repent! You have sworn by Your God-Self, that whosoever shall call upon Your Name, shall be saved! If You said it, it shall come to pass!

Abba Father, we come continuously blessing You for the day that You opened our hearts, enabling us to recognize and receive the saving Grace in the Life, Death, Burial and Resurrection of Your Son, Jesus! We acknowledge that because it pleased You, You Sovereignly choose us to be Your very own children, even though there was absolutely nothing in us lovable nor worthy of this honor and privilege! Lord Jesus, we are eternally grateful that we’re here now only because You so purposed in Your Heart and by Your Own Hand!

Sweet Jesus, we’re thankful that You, knowing our frame and because of the Unsearchable Richness of Your Faithfulness and Compassion, You look beyond our human frailties, faults and iniquities to see and minister to every one of our need! Therefore, we shall never fail to acknowledge that You are The True and Living God of our Salvation, our Deliverance, Breakthrough and Provision!  Heaven Father, we have so much to thank You for and absolutely nothing to complain about, so we refuse to take anything for granted! We praise You for allowing us to even think to pray this morning! We pray, Abba Father, forgive me this day for every and anything I’ve done, said or thought that was not pleasing to Your Heart! By faith, we believe and receive Your forgiveness, in The Precious Name of Jesus! 

 
Jesus, we bless You for being willing to sacrifice Your Life that we might receive Eternal Life! We thank You for The Atoning Precious Blood that You so freely offered in our stead, that our sins would be washed away, allowing us to become Sons of The Most High God, vessels empowered by Holy Spirit, to be a Light, reflecting The Love of God amidst the backdrop of darkness of a sin-filled, sin-lusting, sin-lead people, driving them to envy the unsearchable joy and peace that we have discovered thru developing a personal relationship with You!

Your Word has told us that while we’re in this world, we shall suffer test, trials and tribulations, yet because we are sojourners here, we are fully persuaded that as citizens of another Kingdom, we have an Eternal Hope, that’s beyond this world and as we walk thru the valleys, overshadowed with death, we shall fear no evil for You Shall Deliver Us from them All!  As we embrace this day ahead, Heavenly Father, wrap our minds with a new attitude and loads of gratitude!  Keep Your children safe from all hurt, harm and danger! Let us make the best of each moment that You have gifted to us! Lord Jesus, clear our minds so that we can hear from You and cleanse our hearts that we may deny ourselves, trust and obey Your Will!

Abba Father, because no man can come close to You, except You draw them, we pray that Your Blood-Stained Eyes will continue to search the hearts of mankind and blessing all those who crying out to You now! We’re interdeding on behalf of every unsaved soul, asking that You quicken the Spirit of Godly-repentance in their hearts and minds that they will come to you today with a “sincere YES” to Your Grace Gift and receive You as their personal Lord and Savior!

Eternal Father, we ask You to fill the hearts and minds of every backslider with a fresh “Committed YES’ and let this day be the day that they come running back to You and to Your local church! We’re believing that many of our unsaved loved ones and friends will be saved before the end of 2017 and become part of our Eternal Family! In Jesus Name Amen 3x!

Father, touch our brother, touch our sister whose body has been afflicted by sickness and disease, especially the spirit of cancer, high/low blood pressure, heart disease, kidney, lung failure, satanically induced depression/oppression/addictions and rebuke and cast it out at the root, for Your Name Sake! Lord, we’re holding on to the Infallible WORD which decreed that the stripes that Jesus bore on His back has already redeemed and healed us! Therefore, under the Eternal Authority of our Divine Creator and Ruler of the Ages, we also declare that the prayer of faith shall save the sick and raise them up, In Jesus Name!

Lord, as we intercede on behalf of our brother and sisters, we pray that you will remember those who are being overlooked, held down and even abused by undeniable racial prejudice in this country. We’re believing You to intervene on their behalf, releasing miraculous Favor and Prosperity, unexpected promotions, opening up opportunities for entrepreneurship, increased education grants, lower interest mortgage rates, debt cancellations, book contracts and overturning legal decisions to give us the victory!

Lord, we’re praying for every believer who is yet holding on to Your Hand by faith today, that from the portals of The Throne Room,You are releasing a double portion of Your overflowing Divine power, Supernatural Strength, Health, Provision, Prosperity and Protection. Father, we thanking You for an outpouring of Your Divine Favor upon each and every one of your children who are seeking employment, promotion, prompt approval for student/car/home loans!
Precious Lord, we’re believing You to preserve Your elect in the midst of these trying times! Father, as we’re looking towards the hills from whence cometh all our help, crying out, send now help from Zion, we ask that You comfort the hearts of Your children with restful-assuring peace, that confirms that regardless of who sits in The Oval Office, congress or supreme court, YOU ARE ETERNALLY SEATED UPON THE CIRCLE OF THE EARTH AND ABSOLUTE POWER BELONGS TO YOU and YOU are Jehovah Jareh, who shall supply all of their need according to Your Riches in Glory!

In faithful obedience, we lift up the political, social, judicial, business, civil/public service, military servant/leaders, trusting You to visit them in the nite seasons with visions and dreams as You touch and direct the hearts of each one of them!

Abba, we lift up every Bishop, Pastor, Overseer, Apostle, Evangelist, Preacher and Teacher. Undergird them with Your Anointing to carry out their assignment, under the direction of Holy Spirit. Cover them as they go in and out amongst Your people and those who would seek to discredit, hinder and even destroy their faith, faithfulness and the ministryYou have ordained. Grace them to be the holy humble examples in their homes, marketplace, communities and churches that will cause those who are in their sphere of influence to love, trust and live everyday of life serving and glorifying You, Our Heavenly Father!

Holy Spirit, as we pray, we’re asking You to touch the Mothers and Fathers of Zion, who have labored in the Vineyard interceding on our behalf. Many of which are yet believing for things that have yet to manifest! Comfort their hearts that our prayers have no expiration date and reward their faithfulness with sweet peace!

Lord, there are so many other things, that we have yet to mention, but we’re trusting, believing you to fix it, Jesus, as only You can! Lord, we know that You are not just able, but willing to do anything that we ask, in accordance to Your Word, in Jesus Name!

We’re believing that every demonic-induced spirit of fear, failure, rejection, hopelessness and disappointment be defeated by Your Anointing and that  The Spirit Love, Joy, Peace, Power and a Sound Mind is being released now, in Jesus Name! We’re trusting that each morning Your children will awaken empowered with assuring grace to accomplish every assignment and sleep peacefully every nite, confident of earnest hope-filled tomorrows!

Heavenly Father, continue to bless us that we may be a blessing to others. Keep us strong that we may help the weak.. Keep us uplifted, encourage our souls that we may share words of encouragement to those who need comfort and assurance that You are with them also!

As we offer up this prayer, Father we wait in confidence and quietness, rejoicing in hope and trusting wholly that all workers of iniquity are trembling and suddenly departing in shame, turning their backs from Your people, because You have heard the voice of our weeping, our supplications and received our prayer as a sweet savor coming up before Your Sovereign Throne of Grace and Mercy!

Father, we thank You NOW, for WE believe that IT IS DONE according To Your Perfect Will and Purpose for our lives! In The Exalted Name of Jesus. Amen 3X

Now every child of God who is standing in agreement with this prayer, GO TELL SOMEBODY THAT GOD’S MERCY IS EVERLASTING AND HIS TRUTH ENDURES FOREVER!

SELAH!

Pause, Ponder, Pray and Praiz!
 

UNAPOLOGETICALLY ME!

 

UNAPOLOGETICALLY ME2

SELAH Daily Devotions!

 

The thief cometh not but to steal, to kill and to destroy; I AM come that they might have life and that they might have it more abundantly.  John 10:10

Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. 1 John 3:2

 

One of the most tragic phenomenon befalling humanity is leaving here without ever knowing and becoming the fearfully, wonder-filled, exceptionally-crafted Masterpiece our Creator intended before you were formed in your Mother’s womb. (Ref. Jeremiah 1:5)

Could that be why some say that the richest piece of real estate in any city is the cemetery? Don’t get melancholic on me! In fact my objective is quite the opposite; to spawn enticing hope-filled adventurous tomorrows!

We live in a society where conformity is the paramount attribute of success. If you want to be in you’ve got to fit the mold, otherwise you’re considered not one of us but part of the others.Unfortunately that leaves a whole lot of us out of the clique, huh?

But here’s where I stand on such matters; who gave you the authority to authenticate what God has made in the first place? Only the creator of a thing has the right to determine its true value and potential! Hence, too many of us walk around, ignorant of self-identity, convicted and/or condemned to a lifetime of regret-filled apologizing to others for who I AM!

That is until we come into the personal saving knowledge of Christ Jesus and get a revelation of who and Whose you are. This opens us gargantuan possibilities and prospective that eyes have not seen neither have ears heard of. Why waste time being a copy of anybody or everybody else when God has distinguished you from every other individual born in the earth. Check your fingerprints?

“Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?” 1 Corinthians 3:16

Locked up in you is the answer to someone’s question. You are designed to be the miracle that person’s waiting on. You are the gift of hope to some despondent soul. You are the treasure that one somebody’s been seeking for and was about to give up on, disgusted by a history of repetitious seconds and hand-me-downs!

Oh what liberating truth in realizing that despite of what some folk may think or even said about you, in Christ, you have been empowered to stand-sure-footed in His Grace and profoundly proclaim, “I shall not allow anybody to deny me the right to be, become, have and do everything God ordained me 2 BE! I CHOOSE LIFE!”

BELOVED,  TRUE LIFE IS NOT ABOUT FINDING YOURSELF, IT’Z ABOUT DISCOVERING WHO YOU WERE CREATED 2 B! Remember, Absolutely Nobody, BUT GOD can make you who you are!  LIVE UNAPOLOGETICALLY ME! #GO4IT!

SELAH

Pause, Ponder, Pray & Praiz!

Ann Caffee

UNDER THE INFLUENCE

UNDER THE INFLUENCE 2

SELAH Daily Devotions!

But without faith it is impossible to please him; for he that cometh to god must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.’ Hebrews 11:6

The other day I heard someone say something that I thought was quite profound, at least thought provoking. It was said that “we are swirling towards eternity at the speed of life!” History is being written every day. Memories are being made, every day. Lessons are being taught and learned, every day. Attitudes are being formed and developed, every day.

As I began to think about this, several questions flooded my mind. First, does God’s Presence influence your life? If so, then howWhat impact has God’s Presence in you made in your circle of influence?

We love to sing the song, “Jesus You’re the center of my joy, all that’s good and perfect comes from You; You’re the Heart of my contentment, Hope for all I do….” But when the music stops and your feet hit the ground, how’s your walk? In other words, does your video authenticate your audio? #ijs!!!

The Bible does not merely ask us to have faith to believe that God does exist. Lucifer and his hord of demons believe that God exists, however they don’t follow Him! As bona fide, Blood-washed, Born-Again Children of The Most High God, our lifestyle should attest to fact that not only do we believe that He exits, but we  also believe that God is who He says He is, that God is with us, that God is for us and that God will perform every promise that He’s sworn by GOD-self towards us! (Ref. Hebrew 11:6)  Hence, if we desire to please The Lord we must walk out our lives under the influence of His Presence, adhering to HIS instructions and exemplifying our beliefs throughout the course of daily living! #Didjaheardat? #SERIOUSLY!!!

Does your character reflect the Presence of God in your life? Does the influence of God’s Presence affect the choices that you make? Does your life style reflect the influence of God’s Presence? Whose chances of ending up in Heaven have increased because of the impact that you’ve made upon their life? Whose chances of ending up in Hell increased because you are in their life? Now, since our response and our responsibility carry eternal consequences, may I suggest that you carefully and conscientiously ponder the depth of your soul before answering the aforementioned questions? 

We are living epistles (letters) and folk are reading our mail, every day! How is the Presence of God in you influencing your readers? Just a thought! #ijs (Ref. 2 Corinthians 3:1-3)

The Bible says, we are the salt of the earth. I believe that means that we ought to make someone who doesn’t know God, thirsty for a drink of The Living Waters(Ref. Matthew 5:13-14)

As Christians, our greatest desire should be to allow the influence of God’s Presence to be reflected on those around us so much so that it provokes them to envy  and thirst for The God that we worship and  ultimately seek to claim Him as their personal Savior and Lord! 

Looking back, perhaps there where many times when we almost, and unfortunately, even more times where we flat-out missed opportunities to Glorify God! Thanks Be To God!  IT MATTERS NOT WHERE WE START, BUT HOW WE END!  The ground around The Cross of Calvary is level to all!  With each new day, GOD SO GRACIOUSLY GIVES US ANOTHER OPPORTUNITY TO BEGIN, AGAIN! #WOW! 

As this year slips into eternity past, instead of lingering in the land of pouting and doubting remember that BUT…by God’s Grace!  KEEP IT MOVIN’! SPEND TODAY WISELY! LIVE EACH DAY UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF GOD’S PRESENCE! 

BELOVED, MAY YOU EMBRACE A PRODUCTIVE AND PROSPEROUS NEW DAY!

SELAH! 

Pause, Ponder, Pray & Praiz!

Ann Caffee

REMEMBER GOD?

REMEMBER GOD 4

 

SELAH Daily Devotions!

 

I call to remembrance my song in the night: I commune with mine own heart: and my spirit made diligent search. Will the Lord cast off for ever? and will he be favourable no more? Is his mercy clean gone for ever? doth his promise fail for evermore? Hath God forgotten to be gracious? hath he in anger shut up his tender mercies? Selah. And I said, This is my infirmity: but I will remember the years of the right hand of the most High. Psalm 77:6-10

 

That’s Life! The ol’ skool church used to tell us, “Everyday ain’t the same, baby!” I guess that was their way of warning us to expect some days when your heart is overflowing with the Joy of the Lord and your mind is so consumed with the Peace of God that you can hardly restrain yourself from bum-rushing unsuspecting strangers who happen across your path, giving them a big hug and spewing out your testimony of how good life is and how Great your God is!

BUT! Then, there will be other days, when all hell is breaking out around you, the thief has broken into your world, robbing you of your joy, destroying your peace and killing every ounce of hope that the future will be any better than now! And to add insult to injury, the devil will send his lying prophet to your heart inquiring, “Where is your God now?” “Has God had enough of your mess?” Sound uncomfortably familiar, huh? Yep, been there and got a few T-shirts!

Life can be a complexing compilation of complaints and comfort! And guess what, believers are not exempt from either. For example, just look at King David, the God-Proclaimed ‘man after God’s own heart’. While David enjoyed an especially unique relationship with The God of Creation, he was also no stranger to abuse, resentment, rejection, bitterness, jealousy and anger steming from family, friends and enemies!

Time and time again, David sought refuge in the cavernous hillsides, surrounded by blood-thirsty enemies who relentlessly pursued him, barely escaping with his life through valleys overshadowed by death.

Inevitably, there would be days when the chaos of his life would come crashing down upon his wearied soul already overburdened by waves upon waves of unending oppression from every side, leaving him entrapped by desperation, depression and desolation. Nevertheless, David unable to find solace in the midst of his tears, humbly directed his soul to retreat to the One True Source of All Comfort!

Remembering days long past, the hours upon hours spent communing with The Lord, reminded David that no matter where he was, he was never away from The Presence of His Faithful Shepherd. Recounting the wondrous personal experiences with The Almighty God, leading and guiding him to green pastures, watching over him while he rested beside oasis of cool water, protecting him from ravenous beasts, singing songs as they fellowship throughout the nights, encouraged David’s heart, reassuring him of God’s Promise to love and keep him all the days of his life!

Isn’t it amazing how sometimes, just the thought of God can catapult the most grievous soul into The Throne Room of Grace and Mercy, igniting volcanic eruptions of pure worship and praise? Just a moment of intentional seeking and faith-filled prayer can immediately release a believer from the damnable clutches of fear and dread, thrusting you into the sanctity of confident trust inspiring earnest joy-filled expectation of HIS EMINENCE!

A lifetime of experiencing The Amazing Grace and Unrelenting Love and Faithfulness of his God kindled David’s heart to pen this personal testimony that  continues to console the wounded,  inspire contentment, bring solace to fractured hearts and nourishment to lean souls even to this day! 

“I was young and now I’m old, but I have never seen the righteous left all alone, have never seen their children begging for bread.” Psalm 37:25

Given the unstabilzed state of this 21st Century society, it’s no wonder that so many are facing seemingly impossible challenges, be it physical, finanancial, emotional or spiritual! Nevertheless, it’s just good to know that regardless of the circumstances, your life is hidden in The God of Life—The Impregnable Rock of Ages—JESUS!

WHEN YOU DON’T KNOW WHAT TO DO, REMEMBER GOD!  #GETIT?

SELAH!

Pause, Ponder, Pray & Praiz!

Ann Caffee

I NEED A DRINK!

I NEED A DRINK

 

SELAH Daily Devotions!

 

Jesus answered, “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” John 4:13-14

Is anyone thirsty? Come and drink–even if you have no money! Come, take your choice of wine or milk–it’s all free! Isaiah 55:1 NLT
Remember what they taught us in the ol’ church, first the natural then the spiritual? Most of us know that water is essential to our survival. Experts tell us that we can live without food a whole lot longer than we can live without water. As one who struggles to get anywhere near the recommended amount of water ingested daily, my 60 sumptin body quickly sounds the alarm, ‘you’re thirsty, fool! Drink some water’. Likewise, my spirit man has a innate personal service announcement alert system that lets me know that your soul is thirsting for The Living Water—JESUS!

The journey of Life has a way of siphoning out the wellspring of joy, strength, hope, calm, favor, peace and sheer delight of being a Child of The Eternal Father. We can become so distracted by the happenings of daily duties, drama and disappointments, that the benefits of our New Life in Christ takes a backseat, to the stress, chaos, depression, mumuring and complaining. Oh, is that too real 4 U? #ijs!

Like the Samaritan woman, many of us come to Jesus believing that our initial confession of faith will make life easier; not understanding that Christ doesn’t promise us a life gliding into Glory on a flowery bed of ease, but the power to overcome life’s challenges by trusting in His Faithfulness! As you learn to walk with Jesus, knowing that Christ (your personal Savior and Lord) lives in you, changes you, this newly-installed perspicacity revolutionizesempowers and enables you to live in a state of continual, hopefilled-joyREGARDLESS OF YOUR CIRCUMSTANCES! #WOW #Didjaheardat?

However, we must also understand that this is not a one-and-done-once-a-week-only transition! The Apostle Paul, a faithful companion, sheds insight as to how we can keep the stream of living water ever-flowing in the midst of  drought, famine, confusion and persecution that often encompasses us on this journey. “Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord” Ephesians 5:19

Saywhaaa? ‘Lady, you obviously don’t understand what I’m going through!’ Perhaps not, BUT GOD DOES! And not only does He know every detail but He’s the Only One who can solve every problem and bring you out better than you were coming in! Them Ol’ Skool Mothers said it like this, “Baby, u betta keep a song in your heart and a praise in your mouth, bcuz you’re gonna need it!”

Didjakno how doing this confuses hell? Imagine Satan’s hell hounds scratching their heads, having dealt that last blow, thinking that one would surely make you give up all hope and turn away from trusting Jesus! Ha! Ha! But instead, as you remind yourself of how good God’s been to you, suddenly, the flood gates burst erupting exuberate praise out of your belly, awakening a fresh view of GOD! #GREATGODALMIGHTY!

Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. 1 John 3:2

Precious one, when you’re tempted to fall head-first into the pit of hopelessness and accept the devil’s invitation to your own private pity party, just remember, HOW GREAT IS YOUR GOD! He Alone forgives all of your sins, heals all your diseases, redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion; satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagles. (Ref. Psalm 103:3-5)

And suddenly, your well swells up and fear turns to trust, dispair gives way to hope, grumbling flares-up into gratitude and your soul gets intoxicated on praise for all the blessings that God’s Grace avails!

Guess what? You don’t have to pay a dime for this experience? If you’re really thirsty, it’s free for the asking! #Seriously! 

Aaaawwww shucks, SOUNDS LIKE YOU’RE PRIMING THE PUMP, huh? ITZ ALL GOOD! GOD’S RESERVED AN UNLIMITED SUPPLY! THIRSTY? GO ‘HEAD..DRINK UP!

SELAH!

Pause, Ponder, Pray & Praiz!

Ann Caffee

 

HOLY WAR!

HOLY WAR

SELAH Daily Devotions!

 

And he said, Hearken ye, all Judah, and ye inhabitants of Jerusalem, and thou king Jehoshaphat, Thus saith the Lord unto you, Be not afraid nor dismayed by reason of this great multitude; for the battle is not yours, but God’s. 2 Chronicles 20:15

..”for nothing restrains the Lord from saving by many or by few” 1 Samuel 14:6b

 

In The 3rd Chapter of The Book of Ecclesiastics The Preacher, Solomon, offers his observations on the purpose of times and seasons that God appoints throughout our journey in an attempt to answer the age old question of humanity, “Why am I here?”  Reflecting back, I recognize that my time on Terra Firma continues to swiftly transition through certain uncertainties, predictable resistance and uncommon clarity, leaving me totally dependent upon my Creator!

The Holy Writ alerts us to the inevitable reality that there is a Devil on the loose, who has dedicated himself to fulfilling his #1 Mission: to steal, kill and destroy the peace, comfort, joy and hope of everyone who has been created in the image of God!  Hence, Beloved, contrary to this contemporized Millennuim psyche, there’s a war going on! Therefore, as The Apostle Peter advised, we should expect to be tempted by tests, trials, trouble, trauma and tragedy! (Ref. 1 Peter 4:12-13)

However, along with this ominous warning, our Heavenly Father also gives us His Eternal Assurance, “And the LORD, he it is that doth go before thee; he will be with thee, he will not fail thee, neither forsake thee: fear not, neither be dismayed.” Deuteronomy 31:8

Unfortunately, most of our attacks come from unseen forces! Satan has become quite proficient in throwing rocks and hiding his hands. Then he sits back relishing the chaos, confusion, havoc and vengence that we wreak upon one another. Notwithstanding, God has equipped, those who elect to walk by faith, with a Spirit of Discernment that forges beyond the natural, piercing into the real of the SUPERNATURAL!  Armed and readied  with weapons that are not carnal, but mighty through God, enables us to triumphantly invade and eradicate the forces of evil every time! (Ref. 2 Corinthians 10:4; Romans 8:37)

Just knowing that we’re encompassed about by enemy forces is not always enough, you gotta know when to hold ’em, and when to fold ’em, huh? In order to be successful in your conquest, it is vital that you remain strategically positioned to hear the instructions of The Captain of The Lord’s Host. TruthBtold, while God teaches our hands to war, some battles are not meant for us to fight! #Seriously!

Just like King Jehoshaphat, when we’re challenged by demonic intimidations, we must resist out flesh’s pressure to bow down to our fears and take matters into our own hands! But rather our response should be to immediately turn our face toward our Master in fervent prayer and worship! By making prayer your daily regiment, we build up our most holy faith. When the enemy comes upon us suddenly, instead of retreating to imminent defeat and surrendering to hopelessness and despair, we automatically fire up our faith in the Trustworthiness of The Power and Promises of God! God prefers Faithfulness above sacrafice!

Strapped in unwavering holy confidence that Greater is He who is in us than anything that stands against us, we boldly march towards adversity, trusting that our God will turn it around in our favor and make it work together for our highest good and His Greatest Glory! (Ref.  1 John 4:4; Romans 8:28)

Prayer and Praiz are the believers emblems, signifing that our hope rests in God and not in ourselves, ordaining The Strength of God to move, intervening on our behalf sending terror throughtout the enemies camp! 

Didjaheardat? When YOU REALLY BELIEVE GOD, IT JUS CONFUSES HELL! LOL! #HOLYWAR!

SELAH!

Pause, Ponder, Pray & Praiz!

Ann Caffee

STILL SAY YES?

STILL SAY YES

SELAH Daily Devotions!

For all the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us. 2 Corinthians 1:20

For indeed the gospel was preached to us as well as to them; but the word which they heard did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in those who heard it. Hebrews 4:2

 

WOW!

Just thinking about backndaday, when the Saints gathered on Sunday afternoon for Holy Convocation! Talkin’ about The Grand Ole Church of God In Christ. I’m here to tell ya, did we ever have some sho nuff churrch huh? I remember how I felt when the Elder would approach the pulpit and begin bellowing out our International COGIC Anthem, “YES LORD!” Still not sure whether it was meant to call the church to order, calm the shoutin saints down, to take up the offering or what. But what I do know is that just hearing those words that were first uttered from the mouth of our Founder, Charles H. Mason, always took our worship into another dimension of God’s Presence!

Unfortunately, you don’t hear that song sang much anymore. At least not in the same manner, huh? Don’t shout me down now! #ijs

 

The Holy Spirit just said, ‘that’s because My people aren’t saying ‘YES’ to Me that much anymore!’ OMG! Honestly, that really doesn’t suprise me! There’s so much noisey chatter going around the Christian Community these day, folk aren’t sure what’s of God and what’s not! One side of the church is saying, “It’s a new day and we’re no longer under The Law, we’re under Grace”! The other side is saying, “If you don’t have a new house, drive a certain car, live in a certain zip code, the favor of God is not on your life because you don’t have enuff faith!” And hardly anybody is preaching what God expects of those who claim His Son as Lord and Savior! (Ref. Micah 6:8)
We’re living in a day-n-time when every man wants to do what seems right in their own eyes. If we don’t like what that preacher’s preaching, we can keep driving until we find one that affirms and validates what we want to do, right? To make the transition easier, we can even search the internet until we find one that suits our lifestyle and  THEN there’s always e-church!

Problem is, while times have changed, The Word of God HASN’T! IT IS ETERNAL!!

While the world is busy colluding, electing, legislating and flaunting their rebellious unrighteousness, rest assured, it’s virtually impossible for mere man to dismiss the boundaries and rules for living that God has established! JESUS IS LORD!

 Saints,  I know, sometimes, we’d prefer to not acknowledge it, HOWEVRRR…there’s another side of God’s Holiness that the world (and even some church folk) has completely rejected! ‘The Lord is a jealous and avenging God; the Lord takes vengeance and is filled with wrath” (Nahum 1:2)

Hence, while it may seem as if God has turned His face away from this world and is allowing everything to fall apart, The Sovereign Creator God wants us to know that everything is falling right in place! Anybody remember, Goshen? “They saw not one another, neither rose any from his place for three days: but all the children of Israel had light in their dwellings.” Exodus 10:23

There’s no denying, the Adversary is working double-over-time attempting to persuade the Saints to give up all hope of anything getting better! But God says, there’s an appointed time and a purpose for all things! (Ref. Eccl. 3:1) TRUST2KNO, Satan ain’t running nothing! It is GOD who sits enthroned above the circle of the earth and He has and never will relinquish HIS POWER TO ANYONE OR ANYTHING! 

What does God want us to do? It’s simple, walk with HIM! Trust HIM, agree with HIM! Regardless of how the circumstantial evidence appears to contradict The Promises, have faith in The Immutable Word of God! (Ref. Proverbs 3:5-6)

Beloved, keep getting up in the morning, set your face toward JESUS and just keep right on saying ‘YES LORD’! #Didjaheardat?

SELAH!

Pause, Ponder, Pray & Praiz!

Ann Caffee

 

 

UNREASONABLE HOPE?

UNREASONABLE HOPE

SELAH Daily Devotions!

 

But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear: 1 Peter 3:15

 

Daily, the end-time prophetic utterances are being actualized in real-time-illustrated- sermons. You don’t have to be a Biblical Scholar or Seminar Theologian to recognize that we’re living in troubling times and that the end is nearer now than its ever been. The world is spirialing towards Eternity at the speed of life and there’s absolutely nothing man can do to effectively change the course of destiny! Except humble himself and surrender his life to His Creator! The problem is, far too many are yet unwilling to accept Truth even as it’s glaring at us right between our eyes. What’s up with dat?  Perhaps we might glean some insight from The Bible.

And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. John 3:19.

Honestly, The Bible never tells us that after we make the decision to live holy, as unto The Lord, that we can just relax stretched out on a flowery bed of ease. Yet, it does promise rewards of a better life than those who refuse to accept The Savior’s Amazing Grace. Nevertheless, far too many still opt to take the pathway of least resistance. Falling prey to the assumption that rejection liberates them from that pesty notion called ‘accountability’, they prefer the more popular alleyway of “I’m the master of my own destiny; therefore I’ll do whatever seems right in my own mind for as long as I feel like it! And IF there is a GOD, then I expect Him to calculate my good and evil deeds and compassionately determine that since I’m not like so and so, He’ll let me come thru The Pearly Gates.”

Unfortunately, sometimes the-saints don’t fare much better! When challenged by unfavorable situations, fear and doubt will slither in, causing us to erroneously accuse and attack the Faithfulness of Jehovah Jireh with a “Where are you GOD? Why is this happening to me? I am born-again, I’ve been baptized. I’m not perfect, but I deserve better than this. Besides, I thought we’re no longer under the Law but under The Dispensation of Grace. So EVEN if I still walk in unfaithful disobedience, God, you know my heart, right?”

Ironically, the more holy your lifestyle, the more of a target of unsavory rejection and reproof you become to those who choose not to live Godly. Evidently, your Godliness testifies against their Godlessness! (Ref. 2 Timothy 3:12) Is there any wonder that our (those of us who actually believe that The Holy Bible is The Word of God) attempts to share TRUTH are often ‘buked and scorned, castoff with disgust, as if we’re such an annoying nuisance? That is until The Adversary rips into their comfortable lives threatening to destroy their self-orchestrated world! Can I get a good Amen?

Oftimes, these frantic inquirers have no clue that trouble does not discriminate between the just and the unjust. In fact, it’s almost as if Satan gets a double-kick out of terrorizing the saints even more than those rebellious unbelievers. Kinda makes you wonder if demons are rewarded with trophies for bringing down God’s Elect!

Nonetheless, God allows tests and trials to strike our lives, knowing full well that there’s a group of haters watching and waiting for you to faith, fail and fall! Remember, “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. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.” Psalm 23:4-5

Hence, the greater the darkness, the brighter Light shines! It’s almost unfair, considering the supernatural advantage that we, who no longer rely on fate-based-circumstantial-evidence, have over the unregenerated souls. But, then again; favor ain’t fair!  #ijs

When the world sees you still standing, having endured the ravaging assault of hell’s fiery darts, surviving the very same pitfalls, hardships and struggles, yet determined to sanctify our hearts, trusting God regardless of what the circumstances look like! Talk about a REAL living testimony, huh?

Can you imagine the devastating gut-ravishing rage that your commitment to Christ causes in the Kingdom of Darkness? More importantly, can you imagine the joy, applauds, shouting and dancing erupting from Heaven’s angelic hosts, not to mention the cloud of witnesses cheering us on? (Ref. Hebrews 12:1) NOW AIN’T DAT AMAZING!

Come what may…whatever we go through, we have The Blessed Assurance that our Victory is inevitable! Okay, now that’s just too good to keep to yourself!

That’s exactly why we gotta keep telling everybody that what we have reaches far beyond this world and RESTS SOLELY IN THE ETERNAL HOPE PERSONIFIED, THE LORD JESUS CHRIST WHO REIGNS FOREVER! #SOUNDREASONABLE? #WOW!!!

SELAH!

Pause, Ponder, Pray & Praiz!

Ann Caffee