Category Archives: courageous faith

THE PERFECT STORM

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THE PERFECT STORM 2

SELAH Daily Devotions!

 

“One thing have I desired of the Lord, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to enquire in his temple. For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion: in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me; he shall set me up upon a rock.” Psalm 27:4-5

 

Aaawwwww…Fantasy! Believe it or not, that’s where many escape to when the painful realities of life become much more than a person can bear. Perhaps, this might explain why that 1965 Classic American Sitcom “I Dream of Genie” (staring Barbara Eden and Larry Hagman) drew such a faithful following!

Week after week families gathered around their b/w TV’s anxiously gasping for any momentary retreat from the real-time burdens facing our nation. I mean who wouldn’t jump at the opportunity to have anything their heart desired suddenly appear simply by swiping a lamp, right?  Yep, those were the good ol’ days, huh?

History records President Lyndon B. Johnson struggling to lead the nation through a multiplicity of vexing controversial challenges and at the same time maintain some semblance of the homeland security that many cleaved to so dearly.

Remember, The First Combat Boots landing in Viet Nam and the Dominican Republic, the arrest of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King along with 2,600 others in Selma Alabama for demonstrating against voter-registration rules. Malcom X was shot to death in a Harlem rally, while the newly recognized Afro-Americans were rioting in Watts and others were rudely awakened to the undeniable existence of racism in The Land of the Free? Yep! Yep! #thoseweredadays!

The point is, despite the torrid winds of time, we survived!

Truthfully, as long as we live and breathe on this earth, there will be storms of adversity. In today’s scripture text, the Psalmist offers a brilliant ray of confident hope, strength and encouragement to those who yet contend for the faith found only in an intimate personal relationship with The God of all flesh.

Having been victimized by jealously, hatred and malicious rejection from those closes to him on numerous occasions, David sticks out in history as a true, honest, God-revealing companion to the desperate and down casts. A recap of God’s servant’s life depicts one who repeatedly finds himself besieged by fear, doubt, betrayal, death and isolation from human kindness. Yet in the midst of chaos, terror and tragedy, The Shepherd boy/King, David discovers the Source of true solace under the watchful care of His Sovereign Lord!

Beloved, we’re living in a day in time where it’s easy to get caught up in the daily grind of hussle and bustle, striving for the world’s standards of successful accomplishments and accommodations! However,  in spite of those poignant pathetic prophetic voices declaring peace and prosperity, sometimes we are left trembling and shaken by the inscrutable ungodliness of the systems of this world!

Nevertheless, if we keep our eyes pointed Heavenward, we too can be blessed, revitalized and restored by that Peace that passes all understanding, swept over by the unspeakable joy and resting assured in the Presence of the One Savior and Lord that David delighted in, Jesus Christ!  THE PERFECT ANSWER TO THE PERFECT STORM!

SELAH!
 
PAUSE, PONDER, PRAY & PRAIZ!
 
Ann Caffee

KEEP’N IT 100

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KEEP'N IT 100

SELAH Daily Devotions!

 

Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity. 2 Timothy 2:19 
 

If the foundations be destroyed, what can the righteous do? Psalm 11:3 

 

God has given to those who have placed their personal trust in The Blood of Jesus for the saving of their souls, exceedingly great and precious promises!  Those of us who never ever believed that they could be invited to partake of so GREAT A SALVATION,  have latched on to this Blessed Hope as if our very lives depended upon it–and it does!  While rejoicing is indeed in order, it’s also important that we not indulge in THE WORD like it’s a smorgasbord… ‘eat’ the text we like and discard those that we don’t!
 
According to The Holy Writ, certain Promises are specifically-reserved for those who are walking daily in Christ with GOD!  “Can two walk together, except they be agreed?” (Amos 3:3) 

God recognizes those who have been called to Him by their willingness to submit to His Will and whosoever chooses to obey His Word, receive The Promises!

May I submit for your consideration that everybody that’s in the church building ain’t necessarily in Christ?  #OHNOSHEDIDN’T…OHYESSHEDID!

Some people can be religious (or as the Millennials say, SPIRITUAL) but not in an intimate relationship with The Lord Jesus Christ! Many may believe that the Bible is the Word of God, yet they don’t believe that it’s talking to them! Others may believe that God has power, however don’t essentially believe that God has the Power to change their lives!

Unfortunately, all of the blame is not on the people but must be shared by those in leadership in churches that have watered-down the Living Word in order to fill the pews, appease the congregation and appear more palatable to the world!  #ijs…Seriously?

I know, with so many opinions being perpetuated into our spirits from various medias, it’s becoming increasingly difficult to sift thru the fake news in an effort to decipher Truth from the fictitious, fabricated to manipulate the unsuspecting for personal gain! Hence, it behooves the true seekers to let every man be a liar and GOD BE THE TRUTH!

Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. 2 Timothy 2:15

Seasons change, opinions change, customs change, methods change BUT God’s Message will never change!

The Bible, aka The Eternal Word of God, plainly declares and decrees — If the foundations be destroyed, what can the righteous do?

While the New Millennium church is reaching forward and pressing on to get wherever we’re going, please don’t lose Jesus!  Remember, it doesn’t matter how high we go in this life, we’ll never get above GOD. #Didjaheardat?

For He knows them that are His!  JUS KEEP’N IT 100!  

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

I CHANGED MY MIND!

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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

THE MASTER’S BOUQUET

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THE MASTER'S BOUQUET PIC

SELAH Daily Devotions!

 

“I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth herself with her jewels. For as the earth bringeth forth her bud, and as the garden causeth the things that are sown in it to spring forth; so the Lord God will cause righteousness and praise to spring forth before all the nations.” Isaiah 61:10-11

 

Living on the East Coast,  allows us the opportunity to enjoy the experience of watching with sheer delight as the seasons transition displaying God awesomeness! BUT! Don’tchajusluv SPRING? 

WOW! Ever looked at it like this? The whole earth is waking up from a long cold winter’s night and suddenly exploding under the light of a brand new day, huh? Seems like everywhere you turn, flowers are bursting up with blossoms filling the air with the sweet frangrance of fresh!

The Light of HOPE springs ALIVE dismissing the dismal depths of past failures, disappointments and desolations, arousing passion, promises and potential. Feeldat? Aaaaahhhhh! Oh Yeah, LOVE is in the air!

Didjaheardat?  Even the birds are tweeting songs of thanksgiving and praise to the Faithfulness of their Benefactor’s sustaining Grace. Listen! The streets and playgrounds are filled with children’s lalughter, dancing beneath the afternoon showers as the joy revives the strength of many who have been wearied and burdened by  far too many lengthy tear-filled restless nights!

That’s simplly awemazing, huh? I mean, inspite of all that gossip, sibling bickering and too much unsolicited advice, once again families are gathered round banquet-sized tables, anxiously anticipating the first bite! That’s if PopPop ever gets finished boasting about his culinary skills and brings the BBQ chicken, ribs and those famous ever-so-slightly burned hot dogs and burgers to the table and puts them along side Aunt Bessie’s baked beans and Big Mama’s infamous potato salad!

OMG! Now where dem older kids, think they slippin off to? Funny how they think us old folk were born old! Ha! Ha! ‘Can somebody go tell them guys, if they keep walking back to the trucks, they ain’t gonna get no pig feet!’

‘Can you believe that Uncle D thinks he’s getting away with slipping all those extra cookies, candy and chips to dem kids (as if anyone could miss it—with all that noise behind the side of the house)!’

‘Can you tell Pastor to come bless the food, please?’

Gotta Luv It! NOW THAT’S LIFE—MORE ABUNDANT AND FILLED WITH GLORRAAA! THAT’S THE HANDIWORK OF THE MASTER’S BOUQUET! #um..um…umm! Can hardly wait, huh?

SELAH!

Pause, Ponder, Pray & Praiz!

Ann Caffee

DON’T SELL YOURSELF CHEAP!

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DON'T SELL URSELF CHEAP!

SELAH DAILY DEVOTIONS!

 

But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. 1 Peter 2:9

 

Granted, given the peer pressure of this 21st Century society that we live in, it ain’t no easy task, howeverrr, sometimes, we just gotta learn how to appreciate ourselves for the fearfully, wondrously and gloriously made creations of God that we are! (Ref. Psalm 139:14) #ijs!!!

 For some of us, by the time you get to Jesus, you’ve already suffered years of psychological damage, mis-use and abuse. As the psalmist said, we’ve been ‘ buked and scorned, lied on, cheated, talked about sure as we’re born; slammed and crushed by life that you’ve subconsciously de-valued yourselves so much so that when you hear some preacher say ‘God loves you’, your initial response is an overwhelmingly cynical—REALLY? But the Good News is that God is not intimidated by  your fragile-self-incriminating state. He specializes in restoring broken things!

As you continue to feed on The Word of God, through the enabling Power of The Holy Spirit, your eyes are opened to Truth and astonishingly, you will begin to see yourself through the “blood stained” Savior’s eyes. As God’s relentless Loving-kindness and Amazing Grace begins to penetrate the callousness of your heart, you get a revelation of the Magnificent Compassion that your Heavenly Father has toward you. Honestly, It’s almost unbelievable!

Come to think of it, no one BUT The Creator can determine the true worth of His creation! Remember, God Himself  deliberately and intentionally chose you in Christ Jesus before the foundation of the world! Once you have accepted God’s Love, there’s no need to crave validation from anybody else. REALLY! 

NOW AIN’T THAT AWEMAAZING? 

ITZ DA TRUTH!  BELOVED, ALWAYS REMEMBER THAT REGARDLESS OF WHAT ‘THEY’ SAY,  IN GOD’S EYES YOU’RE INDELIBLY PRICELESS! DON’T SELL YOURSELF CHEAP!

SELAH!

Pause, Ponder, Pray & Praiz!

Ann Caffee

THE FAITHFUL DELIVERER!

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THE FAITHFUL DELIVERER!

SELAH Daily Devtions!

“Many are the afflictions of the righteous; but the Lord delliverth him out of them all. Psalm 34:19

 

The Bible doesn’t lie to us! Neither does it sugarcoat the challenges facing our spirit to overcome a myriad of human experiences! 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!

It’s been suggested that David penned today’s scripture text, reminiscing back to a time where, once again, he found himself  having to flee from King Saul’s armies, being surrounded by his enemies, and narrowly escaping with his life. And here again, David testifies of God’s miraculous deliverance. (Ref. 1 Samuel 21:10-15)

We see The Apostle Paul declaring in 2 Timothy 3:12…’Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution,’ echoing David’s sentiment as he encourages his young protégée, Timothy, to expect afflictions and persecution as you walk with Jesus Christ.

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 and testifies against the Godlessness in others.

Afflictions, denotes suffering, pain and trouble that lasts for a loooong time. And many of us can raise both our hands and kick up our heels to attest to that fact ; YES!  We have been enduring afflictions, persecution, pain and trouble for what seems a long time. Nevertheless, I come to remind the saints of God that we do have a remedy for every single one of life’s maladies.

Psalm 34:17 says …“The righteous cry, and the Lord heareth, and delivereth them out of all their troubles.”

As believers, we’ve been instructed to walk by faith, not feelings or fear! It’s during these night seasons when you can’t see God’s Hand,  when you truly learn to trust His Heart and His Plan! No matter what you may be experiencing now, whether its physical, mental, financial or spiritual affliction, my precious sista, brother we can all rest assured because our God is always just one prayer away!

Your Adversary, Satan, feeds on your fear and works over-time to convince you that what’s now will be forever. BUT! As usual,  the devil is a liar and he ain’t running nuffin!  In fact, God knows exactly where you are and  before He allowed you to enter into this season of testings and trails, HE HAS PREDETERMINED THE EXACT MOMENT OF YOUR DELIVERANCE!  #didjaheardat? Oh Yeah! AIN’T NOBODY GOD BUT GOD! 

You must never allow intimidating circumstances to lure you away from Abba’s Love!  Commit yourself to The Sovereignty of The Lord Almighty. Afterall,  He’s The One Who says when enough is enough!

PRECIOUS ONE, BECAUSE GOD HAS COMMITTED HIMSELF TO FAITHFULLY DELIVER HIS CHILDREN, WHO CAN PREVENT HIM? #juskeepinit100–flatout! 

 

SELAH!

Pause, Ponder, Pray & Praiz!

Ann Caffee

TRUE GRIT…GRACE UNDER FIRE!

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TRUE GRIT 2

SELAH Daily Devotions!

And He said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee; For my strength is made perfect in weakness. 2 Corinthians 12:9

If you’re going to BE a boni-fied Christian, and live not just ‘a good life’ but a ‘GOD life’ it’s  mandatory that you become a willing participant in Jesus’ life-long apprenticeship program! And the only possible way that you’re going to achieve this lofty goal is by the continuous whoppin’ endowment of heavenly power called GRACE!

I realize, however, that some 21st Century New-Age-Faux-Theologians have diminished the amassment of Grace down to that short poem recited before gobbling down their hearty meal. While, the more refined others have encapsulated Grace as God’s unmerited favor. In other words, “much more mercy than we deserve and much less punishment than is required!” And to this, we joyfully agree! But we’d be remiss if we did not consider that other often neglected, under acknowledged and under- appreciated tense of Grace. Grace is Power to do what you’d never be able to do except for God, The Omnipotent Father, pouring out HIS Supernatural Power over our natural!

Admittedly, many 21st Century Saints don’t think they need nobody to teach or help us to live holy, right? But for the  remnant of us who have tried to do life for themselves or by themselves and failed time and time again, we understand that all of us need THE MASTER’s GRACE!

While God has ‘GRACED’ each of us with individual talents and giftings that we bring, not just to the church but to impact the world around us, the challenge becomes remaining humble and not getting arrogant when God is able to get a hold of enough of our flesh to get His Will done in the earth! (Ref. James 4: 6)

As our scripture text recounts, the great Apostle Paul having accomplished many things worthy of accolades before and after His Damascus Road experience, (Ref. Acts 9) finds himself struggling with his flesh. After seeking God’s deliverance three times , only to hear God say, “NO! But I’ll give you the power to get it done even in your weakness!” Can u imagine that?

God has an unlimited supply of Grace checks yet to be deposited into our life accounts. Nevertheless, being the Chief Stewart of every Good and Perfect Gift, He has Sovereignly set the parameters for interspersing! The requirement is a humble obedience rooted in the clear understanding that without His Grace we are nothing and outside of His Mercy we deserve nothing! (Ref. John 15:5)

Saints, can you even imagine what would happen in the world, if God’s representatives ever, really relying on HIM for everything, came together? IT WOULD BE REVOLUTIONARY!

HENCE, IF GOD DOESN’T MOVE IT, HE GIVES U THE GRACE TO GO THRU IT! WOW!!! #didjagetit?

TRUE GRIT…GRACE UNDER FIRE!

SELAH!

Pause, Ponder, Pray & Praiz!

Ann Caffee

CLIMB HIGHER!

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CLIMB HIGHER 3

SELAH Daily Devotions!

“It is he that sitteth upon the circle of the earth, and the inhabitants thereof are as grasshoppers; that stretcheth out the heavens as a curtain, and spreadeth them out as a tent to dwell in.” Isaiah 40:22

Several years ago, I heard a story which, much like a good wine fermented by test, agitated by maturity and textured by time yet still manages to profoundly impact my responses to life’s often tempestuous cyclonic events!

Once upon a day, just moments after take-off, an emergency call was made from an obviously distressed co-pilot to the Control Tower, informing them of an unusually awkward situation that threatened the safety of the lives of the full passenger payload and crew members of this 255,000 lb. Boeing 757. The urgent message to the Air Traffic Control Center went something like this, “Uh, somebody? We have a problem up here! We’ve discovered that there are all kinds of snakes in the cockpit!”

When the person on the other end of the line, heard this message and recognizing the terror in the co-pilots voice, panicked and ran out the Tower. Immediately, a recently retired Senior Air Traffic Controller, who just happened to be there visiting his former co-workers, stepped up to the Control Panel, picking up the headset (that was so abruptly discarded to the side by the young man) speaking calmly into the mic told the Co-Pilot, “Young man, this is Officer James Marshall, to whom am I speaking?” The voice on the other end answered, somewhat frantically, “Uh, Sir, my name is DeVaughn”. “Good afternoon, DeVaughn. Now, let’s see how we can get you back on track and get these folk to their destinations.” Still trembling and somewhat confused at this ol’ man’s obvious inability to fully comprehend the gravity of the circumstances, the confused co-pilot reluctantly agreed, “Yes Sir”.

“Now”, the retired ATC continued, “The first thing I want you to do is to take the breaks off of the aircraft and begin to climb higher!” “What?”, retorted the co-pilot, “What did you say?” At this point, totally convinced and exasperated by the guy on the other end’s lack of discernment for the potential threat that the aircraft and its passengers were facing, again inquired, “Could you repeat that, sir!”

Once again, the Senior repeated, “Take the breaks off and climb higher!”

What the young man didn’t know, was that this was not the ol man’s first encounter with this kind of traumatic experiences and since he’d been this way before, he knew how to respond to an otherwise catastrophic event. Once the aircraft reaches a certain level of elevation, snakes cannot survive the air pressure and will quickly die!

Saints, today, God told me to tell you that situation confronting you now, those snakes that are taunting and threatening to delay the safe arrival at your next destination and all the evidence stacked against you to convince you to abort the mission all together, can’t survive the atmospheric conditions that you’re about to enter into!

“I the Lord have called thee in righteousness, and will hold thine hand, and will keep thee, and give thee for a covenant of the people, for a light of the Gentiles”

Isaiah 42:5-6

Beloved, take the breaks off of God! He’s been this way before you! TRUST HIM AND CLIMB HIGHER!

SELAH!

Pause, Ponder, Pray & Praiz!

Ann Caffee

MAKING THE CUT!

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MAKING THE CUT 3

SELAH Daily Devotions!

“For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us; Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace; And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby:And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh. For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.” Ephesians 2:14-18

Remember, how it felt, as a child, standing amongst your peers, who were about to play a game; and one particular kid, the captain of the team, was authorized to hand-pick the members of his team? And there you are waiting, wanting, wondering and wishing “Pick me…please!”? Only to be overlooked and rejected, without a moment’s hesitation, as usual, in favor of the captain’s personal favs.

It didn’t matter how much you wanted to play or even how much better you could play, if given the opportunity, you never seemed quite enough to make the cut. But not so in The Kingdom of Faith!

“And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.” Rev. 22:17

The King of Kings and The Lord of Lords stands as The Gateway to The Father! Having torn down the barriers between the possessors of The Law and the Lawless, Jesus, bridging the gap, as a testament of The Heavenly Father’s immense mercy and incredible love towards the most precious of His creation—mankind.

No longer are we denied the right-hand-of fellowship because of our nationality, racial ethnicity or gender; but standing at the foot of the Cross of Christ  levels the field,  for all who will submit their hearts to the True Circumcision of The Holy Spirit.

Jesus, The Mediator sent from Heaven to reconcile both Jew and Gentile back to The Kingdom of God through the tearing of His own flesh, has fulfilled the greatest desire of the Father’s Heart, creating One New Man!

And you, who were once aliens to the Promise, had no clue! The Truth was hidden, in the darkness of sinful flesh, until you opened your heart, trusting in and embracing Jesus Christ alone as your only hope for salvation, allowing The Light of Glory to reveal that before you were formed in your mother’s womb, God has already chosen you for His own! (Ref. Ephesians 1:4)
 
THANK GOD, YOU MADE THE CUT!
 
SELAH!
 
“Have a WONDER-FILLED day!”
 
Ann Caffee

ROCK STEADY, BABY!

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ROCK STEADY 4

SELAH Daily Devotions!

O give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good: because his mercy endureth for ever. Let Israel now say, that his mercy endureth for ever. Let the house of Aaron now say, that his mercy endureth for ever. Let them now that fear the Lord say, that his mercy endureth for ever.

I called upon the Lord in distress: the Lord answered me, and set me in a large place.

The Lord is on my side; I will not fear: what can man do unto me? The Lord taketh my part with them that help me: therefore shall I see my desire upon them that hate me. It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man. Psalm 118:1-8 

Unless you just landed on Planet Earth early this morning, you’ve probably already recognized that real-life comes at you hard and fast!  It matters not whether you’ve been walking with Jesus for a long time or just recently made a decision to follow Christ.  Truthfully, none of us are excluded from life’s faith-stresses aka test and trials! In fact, The Holy Writ is ladened with numerous accountings to alert even the most sincerest of faith-talking-faith-walking-Christians among us, to expect trying times to pop-up when you least expect them!

The Apostle Paul describes life as a race, and we soon discover that it’s not a sprint, but a marathon! However, unlike The Boston Marathon, God doesn’t usually let us in on the specifics that we’ll encounter along the way that could potentially hinder, even derail our progress, ultimately keeping us from finishing our course.

Perhaps, it’s because the Omniscient One knows that if we had foreknowledge, most of us would re-calculate our journey to suit own will, or worst yet, start looking to external resources, other than GOD, to be our help!

Yes! We all experience those seasons when it feels like, while our lives are being torpedoed by Satan’s inferno darts, coupled with the tolls of living in this fallen world, even to the point where our own flesh turns against us and we ‘re almost persuaded that GOD has obviously just abandoned us in the valley of the shadows of death, hopelessly desperate to fend for ourselves, huh?

But, The Psalmist, David, having personally triumphantly trampled through turbulent terrains many times, extends to us this olive-branch of hope-filled-encouragement, don’t give up! Despite of what it looks like, never stop trusting God!

Why? Because David knew what Satan never wants us to know, that no matter what the enemy throws at you, we have a Forever Faithful Refuge on our side and HIS NAME IS JESUS!

The next time (and there will be a next time), the enemy tries to convince you that it’s over, defeat is imminent, there’s no place to run, no place to hide, everything you once stood on has now turned to sinking sand, trust and know that God Alone is your Impregnable Mountain of Righteousness!

Beloved, when darkness surrounds you, hiding His Face, press on, trusting His Heart to do whatever is necessary to keep you safely tucked in His Providential Care every minute of every day!

Don’t be afraid, little children! Remember, if Jehovah allows you to go to it, it means that He’s already gone before you, preparing Divinely designated rest areas along the road to comfort, renew and energize our spirit and soul!

GOD’S LOVE REMAINS—ROCK STEADY, BABY!

SELAH!

Pause, Ponder, Pray & Praiz!

 Ann Caffee