Category Archives: Change

CONSIDER THE COST…

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CONSIDER THE COST.jpg

SELAH Daily Devotions!

What shall I render unto the Lord for all his benefits toward me? I will take the cup of salvation, and call upon the name of the Lord. Psalm 116:12-13

I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. Romans 12:1-2

 

I’m not trying to start nuffin, BUT! Have you noticed that ‘hoof-n-mouth disease’ has reached pandemic proportions amongst so many church-folkes? #ijs

Perhaps that’s why other folk seem to so easily tell you what you should do in any given situation, ‘Because if it were me, I’d _____!” Someone once said, unless you walk in another man’s shoes, you’ll never appreciate the depth and weight of each footprint. Okay, I just made that one up, k? However, the point is, unless you personally experience each moment in every episode of that person’s journey, (which is virtually impossible) not from the perspective of a spectator, but as the starring participant, you can sympathize but not really empathize with them!

Even more perplexing is how long we struggle with submission to the commandments of The Only Savior as Lord of our lives! Could it be that we can never fully understand the passion of Jesus that caused Him, after being shamelessly mocked, brutally beaten, scorned and scourged all night then jokedly crowned with thorns, to make His way up Golgotha’s Hill, carrying that Ol’ Rugged Cross where His hands and feet were nailed, crucified for what you and I would do? Didjaheardat? #braintilt!

Awemazingly, the scriptures reveal that it was the Heavenly Father’s pleasure to see Jesus endure every second of this crushing death. (Ref. Isaiah 53:10)

Ever since the Garden of Eden, there are somethings that God never intended us to know. Why? Because He loves us too much to jus sit back and allow the fatality of sin to run it’s course, separating us from Him eternally? But, but? I know, that makes no sense at all!

We forget that His Thoughts are infinitely higher than ours and His Ways are incalculably above and beyond humanity’s limited capacity of understanding. (Ref. Isaiah 55:9) Astonishingly, Jesus agreed to this before the foundation of the world, and while we were yet sinners! (Ref.Romans 5:8) The Life dying in order for the dead to live? WOW! That’s Grace, huh?

According to Romans 12:1-2, all that God expects for so great a Salvation is for us to live out everyday, blessed, trusting in Him, as beaming reflections of His Love and Glory to a lost and dying world! Unfortunately, yet still many reckon that more than they are willing to give! (Ref. Luke 18:18-24)

However, there’s a remnant of believers who’ve sold out for the sake of The Cross and are gratefully committed to sacrifice their all to see more souls come into The Glorious Kingdom of God!

What shall U render? Well…HOW MUCH DO U OWE? #countupthecost

SELAH!

Pause, Ponder, Pray & Praiz!

Ann Caffee

 

THE HEART OF THE FATHER!

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THE HEART OF THE FATHER

 

SELAH Daily Devotions!

 

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. Psalm 23:1

Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? there is no searching of his understanding. 29 He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength. 30 Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall:31 But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. Isaiah 40:28-31

 
Uuuh forgive my intrusion into your alabaster box, howeverrrrr! Do you sometimes cry out, as I have, “God, don’t You see my tears? Can’t You see my broken heart? God, never mind me, but how can You bear to see the agony of my loved one? God, I know that You care. I just don’t understand why You don’t intervene in this situation right now. Why don’t You do something? And, God, why did you do that?”

Then,  in the midst of my lamenting heart,  I seem to hear His still, small voice whispering, “Ann, trust Me. I know what’s best.”

…And I’m left to wonder, “Hold up, Ms. Smarty pants, why  would  you ever think that you know better than God what’s best for yourself  or your loved one, huh?”

Perhaps, that kind of thinking is the product of humanity’s naivety to presume that once we finally surrender our hearts to The Saving Grace of Jesus Christ, from that point on life consists of floating down rose, hydrangea, tulip and lilly clad pathways of ease, on our way to the Pearly Gates of New Jerusalem!  Unfortunately, there’s nothing in The Holy Writ that remotely resembles such a scenario. In fact, there’s more evidence to support that following in the Footsteps of Jesus is more likely to parallel swallowing big gulps from the cup of imminent suffering and sacrifice! #SERIOUSLY!!!

Remember, “Man that is born of a woman is of few days and full of trouble.”  Job 14:1

Don’t get it twisted!  I am not being sacrilegious nor am I craaazzzy enough to dare imply that our Heavenly Father is a Dead-Beat Dad or some kinda Narcissistic Sadist! Quite the contrary!  I am fully persuaded that before the Beginning began, The Creator of Life, in the Sovereignty of His Own Will, determined that purpose trumps pain! Hence, God has Divinely orchestrated the terrains of our journey to include sporadic detours through wilderness pit stops as well as ecstatically triumphant mountain top encounters to perfect in us the same Godly Character and Radiant Glory of our Kinsmen Redeemer!

Remember, “His Ways are not our ways and His Thoughts supersede our severely limited intellectual capacity to comprehend the length, width and depth and wonder of His Omnipotent Omniscience! (Ref. Isaiah 55:8-9)

Nevertheless, by Faith, we know that all things work together for our highest good and His Greatest Glory! (Ref. Romans 8:28) Consequently,  as  Blood-washed, Born-again children of The Most High God, no matter what it looks like, in the end VICTORY BELONGS 2 JESUS! Thus, WE SHALL OVERCOME!  #DIDJAHEARDAT? #WOW!!!

 Beloved, thru test, trial, toil and tragedy, wisdom has revealed through experience that the quicker that you and I acquiesce to the promptings of The God In Me//You, the sooner our po-wearied-soul is encompassed about with the Comforting Presence, Joy and Peace of The Only Wise Savior and Lord of our Life! 

Holy Father, time and time again, You’ve  proven to be The Loving and Compassionate Shepherd who leads and guides my steps and stops according to what’s  best for me! Therefore, I humbly bow, submitting myself under Your Mighty Hands,  declaring and decreeing “Lord whatever You’re doing… don’t do it without me!  Abba, when my circumstances appear to contradict Your Promise and I am tempted  to doubt Your Faithfulness, please forgive me, help my unbelief and give me a double portion of Your Supernatural Grace 2 Trust  the Benevolence of Ur Heart  even more than what my natural eyes can see! In Jesus Name, AMEN 3X!

SELAH!

Pause, Ponder, Pray & Praiz!

Ann Caffee

EVERLASTING LOVE!

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SELAH Daily Devotions!

 

He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall: But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. Isaiah 40:29-31

And the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance for ever. Isaiah 32:17

 

The Apostle Paul describes life as a race. However, sometimes we tend to forget that real life is not a sprint, but a marathon! Unlike a physical marathon, rarely are we privy to advanced knowledge of our designated course. Hence, God doesn’t let us in on the specifics that we’ll encounter along the way that could potentially hinder, detour, derail our progress and ultimately keep us from finishing our course.

Whether you’ve been walking with Jesus for a long time or just recently made your decision to follow Jesus, none of us are exempted from faith stresses, test and trials!  In fact, The Prophet Isaiah alerts us, professing faith-walking Christians, to expect trying times. #SERIOUSLY!

Our Omniscient Fathers knows that even the young and physically strong, struggling with doubt, unbelief and fear, will become weak and faint. God also recognizes those seasoned in the Savior’s ways experience times where we’ve reached the end of our rope, become weary in well doing, stumble and even fall out of the race momentarily.

However, the antidoe for either season is prescribed by Isaiah encouraging words!  When forced to tred tightropes of uncertainties or trample through turbulent terrains and valleys surrounded by the shadows of death seemingly alone to fend for yourself, don’t stop—keep it moving; press on, trusting that every minute of every day, you’re never outside of God’s Presence and Power!

WHO KNU? The more things change, the more they stay the same, huh?  GOD DID!

That’s why The Prophet’s words yet ring out igniting faith and hope to the desperaate souls of 21st Century Saints of The Most High God, bringing comfort and assurance that Jehovah, our Provider, is the same, yesterday, today and forever!

Beloved, your God is not a dead-beat absentee Father! God never intended us to be struggling to handle things on our own, burdened and burnt out by the cares of this world. That’s exactly why He goes ahead of us into our tomorrows,  preparing designated rest areas along the road to renew and energize our spirit and soul!

Precious One, when the world around you seems to be falling apart, don’t fret yourself! BUT REST CONFIDENTLY IN THE LORD AND WAIT PATIENTLY FOR HIM! (Ref. Psalm 37:7) TRUST2KNO…Everything’s coming together… JUST LIKE GOD PLANNED!

“For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” Isa. 29:11 NLT

NEVER 4GET, TROUBLE HAS A PRE-SET TERMINATION DATE! BUT GOD’S FAITHFULNESS DOESN’T!  GOD’S LOVE REMAINS LOYAL! NOW THAT’S WHAT U CALL, ROCK SOLID EVERLASTING LOVE!

SELAH!

Pause, Ponder, Pray & Praiz!

Ann Caffee

WALKING IN THE LIGHT!

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WALKING IN THE LIGHT

 

SELAH Daily Devotions!

Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee. For, behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people: but the Lord shall arise upon thee, and his glory shall be seen upon thee. Isaiah 60:1-2

You belong to the light and live in the day. We don’t live in the night or belong to the dark. 1 Thess. 5:5 CEV

 

Face it, every day ain’t the same! Is that ever an understatement! When was the last time you popped out of bed, headed for the gates, fortified with the zeal to take over anything or anyone who dared to challenge your God-ordained authority in the earth! Dat long, huh?

I know we jus saanng that song last Sunday morning, some of us even cut a step, “I been running for Jesus along Time, and I’m not tired Yet!” But, once we left the Euphoric atmosphere of the sanctuary and went back to ‘da real-world’, chances are that behind the plastic smiles and the colloquial ‘Blessed and Highly Favored’ many of us were bowed down, burdened and overwhelmed by unimaginable weights of everyday existence! UbettaHush! Yall know we can’t admit it to them religious folk, huh? After all, how we feel has absolutely nothing to do with our relationship with God! We’re supposed to walk by faith, not by our feelings, right?

Over 2,000 years ago, there was a man who walked this earth; He was despised. rejected, tortured, spat on and left to die hanging between Heaven and Hell! Awemaazingly, most of His persecution came from the very ones He came to save, heal and deliver! WOW! Imagine that? YET! Despite of all that, He was willing to deny His feelings and endure it all to finish His assignment given by His Heavenly Father! And we think we have it rough, huh? 4REAL!

BUT WHO TOLD U, that the journey from earth to Glory would be easy? It certainly wasn’t Jesus! “Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.” Matthew 16:24

JESUS’ life was an illustrated sermon, to those of us who’d dare to name the Name of Christ, on how to take the hits and YET keep it moving! The scriptures reveal how our Savior was able to commit to God’s Process, even submitting to The Cross, death, hell and the grave! “Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:2 #Didjaheardat?

Jesus refused to focus on the moment, but with every step He took, His concentration remained fixed on THE BIG PICTURE! Hence, The Master Teacher taught us that in The Kingdom of God, purpose trumps pain! Before the foundation of the world, Jesus was perfectly committed to His Father’s Redemption Plan! The Joy of ensuring the restoration of God’s elect back to The Kingdom was His primary motivation! Aren’t you eternally glad that JESUS didn’t consider the price too extravagant, but a small thing to fulfill the Father’s Love?

It’s not our intent to minimize the severity nor the enormity of  issues challenging the faith, hope and peace of 21st Century Saints. LORD KNOWS, those who’ve walked with Jesus these past three decades, know that tremendous changes have taken place, howevrrrr, there’s one thing that has not changed! The Eternal Word of God! God knew from the beginning what NOW would be! God has called us to The Kingdom for such a time as this, to be The Light of this World! Consequently, in the midst of this lost, dying and hell-bound world, we, who put our personal trust in The Saving Grace of Jesus, are called to be reflectors of God’s Loving-kindness and Faithfulness!

Frankly! Some times, it seems like we kinda got this thing backwards, huh? We say, the world’s in darkness, yet they’re the ones laughing, partying, turnin it up! While, God’s people are walking around with our heads hung down. backs humped over and hearts weakened by doubt, uncertainty and quivering in fear to tell anybody about our GOD?Something is sho nuff wrong with that picture! #IJS! We’re heirs, joint-heir of The Kingdom of God!This is our heritage—righteousness, peace and joy in The Holy Ghost! (Ref. Romans 14:17)

I know we think we’re too sophisticated now to have Testimony Service, BUT! C’mon now, STOP acting like this is your first rodeo! Y’ALL KNOW, every single one of us gotta enuff personal history to unequivocally verify that trouble don’t last always! Joy is comin’ in the morning!

Perhaps today, you find yourself in the midst of a long dark night, and try as you might, you can’t see the sun NO WHERE, remember it’s still there! Likewise, if you’re experiencing a power shortage and feeling disconnected from The True Power Source, JESUS, The Son of The Living GOD, remember HE’S STILL THERE! (Ref. Heb. 13:5) Selah!

BELOVED, JUS BOW YOUR HEART, LIFT YOUR HANDS, REACH UP AND RECEIVE ALL THE LIGHT YOU WILL EVER NEED TO WALK IN THE GLORY OF HIS PRESENCE! AFTER ALL, HE’S ALREADY PAID THE BILL! ARISE & SHINE 4 HIS MERCY ENDURES 4EVER!

SELAH!
Pause, Ponder, Pray & Praiz!

Ann Caffee

 

 

 

UNAPOLOGETICALLY ME!

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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

I NEED A DRINK!

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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 revolutionizes, empowers and enables you to live in a state of continual, hopefilled-joy…REGARDLESS 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

 

MEMORIES, huh?

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MEMORIES, HUH

 

SELAH Daily Devotions!

 

When He slew them, then they sought Him; and they returned and inquired early after God. And they remembered that God was their rock, and the high God their Redeemer. Nevertheless they did flatter him with their mouth, and they lied unto him with their tongues. For their heart was not right with Him, neither were they steadfast in His covenant. But He, being full of compassion, forgave their iniquity and destroyed them not; yeah, many a time turned He his anger away and did not stir up all His wrath. For He remembered that they were but flesh, a wind passeth away, and cometh not again. Psalm 78:34-39

 

A few years back, (but who’s counting, huh?) Barbara Strissand recorded a hit song entitled ‘Memories’. This song pricked the hearts of all of us! Hence, we all have memories of days gone by that lure us back to the way we were. For some of us, when certain ticker-tapes of past personal experiences cross our minds, immediately we smile. Other flash-backs cause our hearts to flutter, skipping a beat… or two, remembering when. And then there are those special ones that yet…still prompt silent tears to crease our cheeks. Memories, huh? Some are fading and some, we only wish we could forget.

Like all of us, I indeed cling to God’s promises to keep my mind focused, sharp and sound. That being my faith stance, I must confess that—every now and then—I have to cash in what my kids call, one of my ‘senior moments’ vouchers. Now don’t look at me in that tone of voice. Can we be for real? I believe we all suffer a bout of ‘Spiritual Alzheimer’s’—every now and then.

Today’s scripture text recalls how the Israelites’ sporadic attacks of ‘forgetfulness’ provoked God’s wrath as He carried them through the wilderness. Now don’t be so hard on them. Truth be told, any one of us, drapped in this fickle-frail-flesh-frame, are just as prone to spiritual amnesia when it comes to recollecting the Wondrous works of God!

Time and time again, God has proven Himself a Faithful Provider, A Way-Out- of -No-Way, our Rock-in-A-Weary-Land, A Shelter-in our-Storm, A Strong Protector, Committed Redeemer and Eternal Hope of our Salvation.  HOWEVERRRR, in spite of our own personal memories of all that God has already done, the moment we’re faced with a new challenge, does our response reflect a confident trust in our Compassionate Merciful God of All Grace? Or do we suddenly forget to remember that if He Did It Before, He’ll Do It Again? Probably not, huh?  #ijs…

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Hebrews 13:8

BUT! THANKS BE 2 GOD! EVEN WHEN WE 4GET…GOD ALWAYS REMEMBERS…PRECIOUS MEMORIES, huh?

SELAH!

Pause, Ponder, Pray & Praiz!

Ann Caffee

 

A LISTENING GOD

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A LISTENING GOD

SELAH Daily Devotions!

 

Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything, according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him. 1 John 5:14-15  KJV

My purpose in writing is simply this: that you who believe in God’s Son will know beyond the shadow of a doubt that you have eternal life, the reality and not the illusion. And how bold and free we then become in his presence, freely asking according to his will, sure that he’s listening. And if we’re confident that he’s listening, we know that what we’ve asked for is as good as ours. 1 John 5:13-15 THE MESSAGE

 

Ever found yourself at the end of your rope? That’s silly; of course you have! We’ve all been there! But did you ever think that that’s exactly where GOD wants you? Probably NOT, huh?

According to 21st Century world view, we’ve been led to believe that you, as the master of your own life, will never face a challenge that you can’t get past. After all you’re an intellectually stimulated, highly educated, acutely sophisticated and exceptionally self-disciplined/self-sufficient individual, right? Wrong!

As you’ve probably figured out by now, this human experience (we call life} is plagued with sporatic incidental  ‘try as you may, you still don’t know how to fix this mess’, huh? But then again, it’s GOD Who sets it up, jus like dat? He never intended us to live life independent of GODSELF! Where do you think fellowship began? That’s exactly right; like everything else, in the mind of God!

Unfortunately, GOD knows that except we have these “impossible” situational intrusions, you know that thing that seems to just pop-up outta no where blocking our path, there’s a high probability that some of us wouldn’t even think we needed GOD! Don’t forget GOD knows your heart! So don’t even try to wiggle your way out of this Truth!

Every so often, we find ourselves smack-dab-in-the-middle of time-sensitive circumstances where you just need one somebody to talk it over with. Even if they can’t change your situation, right? So you call your Mama and your Daddy, your BFF, your Dawg and errrbody else you can think of; hoping, that if somebody just listened, it would ease the pain, frustration and helplessness jus enough to bring a bleep of clarity. Or, perhaps make you feel like at least they care! But then again, can you really trust them to not put your business out there on social media blast or even worst, alter their impression of you? #WOW!

Beloved, we have this confidence! God is never shocked by anything and He knows everything! And to top that, whenever we call Him, He shows up! And whenever He shows up, He’s never empty-handed. He has all the answers that you and I will ever need in this lifetime and the world to come. 

TRUTHBTOLD, at the end of the day, who else can you REALLY REALLY depend on BUT Jesus? C’mon nah, U already know what I’m talking about… that thing, that situation, that person who’s got your heart so troubled, k? Well, stop procrastinating and start talking to JESUS! HE’S ALWAYS WAITING!

C’mon Now! Bow your head (pride) and your heart (shame) and like them Ol’ Skool Mothers said, ‘Jus take it to The Lawd in pray’r’!

TRUST2KNO, GOD IS GRACIOUS AND HE SPECIALIZES IN MAKING WRONG THINGS RIGHT! OUR HEAVENLY FATHER LISTENS!

SELAH!

Pause, Ponder, Pray & Praiz!

Ann Caffee

 

LIFE GOES BETTER WITH CHRIST!

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LIFE GOES BETTER WITH CHRIST

SELAH Daily Devotions!

 

Thy vows are upon me, O God: I will render praises unto thee. For thou hast delivered my soul from death: wilt not thou deliver my feet from falling, that I may walk before God in the light of the living? Psalm 56:12-13

 I returned, and saw under the sun, that the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, neither yet bread to the wise, nor yet riches to men of understanding, nor yet favour to men of skill; but time and chance happeneth to them all. Ecclesiastes 9:11

 

The Bible is so real that it’s difficult to understand how too many yet consider it irrelevant to today’s contemporary society. Amassed within 66 Books, 929 chapters in the Old Testament and 260 chapters in the New Testament, GOD has captured every aspect of the human experience from eternity past, eternity present and eternity future!

Unlike many of my readers, I wasn’t born on the left-hand-back-pew of the church! In fact, I wasn’t even raised in a so-called Christian environment. Hence, I’ve lived on both sides of the Cross; therefore I’ve experienced both ends of the sin spectrum. I said all that to say,  unequivocably,  I truely believe  in the miraculous, uncomparable , incomprehensible depth and breath of God’s Grace and Mercy to transform the life of the  most ungodly into the sanctified! 

Sometimes, life comes at us fast and hits you hard! Nevertheless, how we respond to the unexpected, is ultimately a matter of perspective! King Solomon, dubbed as the wisest man in the known world, having been set-up from birth to inherit God’s riches blessings, decided to turn away from following in the footsteps of  his Father David, preferring to fulfill his fleshy lusts, eventually found himself plunging headlong into the endless pit of  darkness, desperation and dispair!

While Salvation does not guarantee automatic exemption from experiening test, trials or tragedy, as followers of Christ, we have this assurance, absolutely nothing happens that ever takes GOD by surprise!

He knows our endings from the beginning! Not one smile is ever unnoticed nor is one tear ever undocumented. (Ref. Psalm 56:8) Nothing that you’ve been thru; nothing you might be going through now escapes His Watch!  God doesn’t promise that every day will be a stroll in the park on a sunny day dancing through flowery beds of ease, but it behooves us to be content, confident that “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Ref. Hebrews 13:5)

As you voyage through The Scriptures, you’ll discover that God’s servants were tempted, tested and tried by the same tactics and schemes that we are; all launched by our common diabolical enemy, Satan. Nevertheless, they persevered and prevailed with the help of self-same Good Shepherd that’s available to you and me.

“Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.” Hebrews 13:8

GOD has promised to supply everything we will ever need to overcome and conquer every and any thing that attempts to resist or prevent the absolute fulfillment of every vow that He’s spoken over our lives. Don’t allow fear to limit your expectations of what GOD has prepared for you!

Don’t let your past cause you to doubt or settle for less than He’s promised! Take care that your steps don’t become slack lingering too long in what’s behind. Keep moving forward; remembering what God has for you is always in front of you!

While Life continues to be a journey into unchartered territories, keep walking; fully persuaded that you are never alone.  Yes! There will be some valleys to tread, some mountains to climb, some twists and turns to meander and some dead-ends to re-calculate from. Nevertheless, I encourage you to keep your hand in HIS HAND, confidently trusting in The Master of all Life; knowing that what’s ahead of you is always greater than anywhere you’ve been! IN THE END YOU WIN!

BELOVED, JUST KEEP WALKING, LOVING, LEARNING, LEANING AND LIVING! …LIFE GOES BETTER WITH CHRIST!

SELAH!

Pause, Ponder, Pray & Praiz!

Ann Caffee

GOD DID IT!

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GOD DID IT.1

SELAH Daily Devotions!

 

And thinkest thou this O man, that judgest them which do such things, and doest the same, that thou shalt escape the judgement of God? Or despisest thou the riches of His goodness, and forebearance and long-suffering; not kowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance? Romans 2:3-4

 O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?  I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin. Romans 7:24-25

 

A while ago, I heard a preacher confessing that at one time he was an avid believer and willing partaker of one of the greatest lies that Satan has perpetrated. As he went on to talk about his early perception of God, I began reflecting back on the  B.C. (Before Christ) in my own personal life, I humbly concluded, “You ain’t by yourself preacha!” If we would be honest, for real, a whole lot of us would have to raise both our hands and say “Amen 3X, Preacha!”

How many of you once believed that somewhere, way out there, there was a Great Big Ol’ Angry God, watching and recording every single thing you did? And when you had accumulated that mystical, unknown number of sins, His Hand of Wrath would suddenly appear from heaven, striking you down with a big sledge hammer, crush you and fling your po’ soul straight into the devil’s hell! Oh, C’mon nah; don’t play me like you never…

Perhaps you were with that other group—the self-righteous, who ascribe to the lie that when they get themselves together, they fully intend to start going to church but they’re not going to be no hypocrite, like all them other folk. They’re gonna be real about serving God! And we all know how that’s gonna turn out, huh?

Truth be told, this  sin-thing started way before any of us were born! Because of our original progenitor’s high treason against the Righteous instructions given by The Creator of Life, we are all born naughty by nature! Thus, every human born into the earth since our fore-parents’ willful rebellion is corrupted by an innate disorder called iniquity! Now, don’t look at me with that self-righteous attitude! (Ref. Ps. 51:5) 

But, it goes deeper! The Glory of Innocence that once covered Adam and us had now been disrupted by sin, exposing us to evil, guilt, shame and fear! That precious intimacy with God that man once enjoyed in Paradise was violently yanked from him plunging all of creation into gross darkness and utter chaos! And as they say, the rest is history, huh?

Now, just think about all those times GOD could’ve, should’ve, BUT didn’t serve you your just desserts! Remember all those unfulfilled promises you made (lies) just before GOD delivered you, again?  Evvrrr wonder, how many times God chose to withhold justice prefering to dispense Grace and Mercy towards us? WOW! Haven’t got a clue, huh? Neither do I! #ijs

Can we be for real? You and I will never, ever be good enough to remotely qualify as ‘acceptable’ to a HOLY GOD—SO….get over you! God already knew that we’d fall short numerous times, BEFORE AND AFTER WE RECEIVED JESUS!  That’s why, before we were even formed in our mother’s womb, God’s plan of Salvation was already established!

Ephesians 2:8 declares, “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:”! Didjaheardat? God never left it up to us! Salvation is God’s free gift.

That’s the GOSPEL! It’s called GRACE, YALL! And guess what?  This offer is still available to WHOSOEVER will humble themselves before God, acknowledge themselves as sinners who have no other Hope for Salvation but JESUS and accept His Amazingly-Gracious-Merciful GIFT OF FORGIVENESS!

NOW, don’t get it twisted! There is such a thing as frustrating the GRACE OF GOD! Hence, it behooves each of us to make a sincere concerted effort to daily live our lives doing those things that are pleasing to GOD! Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? GOD FORBID. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein? (Ref. Romans 6:1-2)

I KNOW THIS SOUNDS 2 good 2 be true!  YET, IT IS! GOD ALREADY DID EVERYTHING NEEDED 2 SAVE ANY ONE OF US! THAT’S JUS HOW GOOD GOD IS! NOW??? WHAT’S UR EXCUSE, huh?

SELAH!

Pause, Ponder, Pray & Praiz!

Ann Caffee