Category Archives: Deliverance

ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!!!

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ENUFF IS ENUFF 2

SELAH Daily Devotions!

 

So the Lord sent a pestilence upon Israel from the morning even to the time appointed: and there died of the people from Dan even to Beersheba seventy thousand men. And when the angel stretched out his hand upon Jerusalem to destroy it, the Lord repented him of the evil, and said to the angel that destroyed the people, It is enough: stay now thine hand. And the angel of the Lord was by the threshing place of Araunah the Jebusite. Samuel 24:15:16

 

To those who still doubt the authenticity of The Holy Bible, I say obviously you’ve never read this Book! It must be God! I mean, can you imagine any other person, being as openly-transparent about His own family? #ijs

Here we see Israel’s most celebrated King, David, God’s Elect, “Man after God’s Own Heart” exposed by The Light of Truth throughout all generations as an example and a warning!

While there yet remains much to admire, seeing the Favor of God exemplified raising up a shepherd boy to King reigning over HIS People, but we must never forget that David was mortal and not Divine. It’s okay to acknowledge and even emulate some of the more notable characteristics of God’s servant, however we must never fail to take into account David’s humanity! Therefore,  David was subject to the same proclivities of his frail, infirmed, flawed and failing flesh as we are!

As we further investigate today’s text, we get a glimpse into one of the more dimmer phases of his extraordinary life. As the story goes, during the latter part of his life, God allowed Satan to tempt David in order to test what was truly in his heart. At the height of his successful reign, apparently David began to think more highly of himself than he ought to. (Ref. Romans 12:3) Hence, opening the gateway to pride and vainglory, the King commanded an unauthorized census taken of his people, which was a deliberate violation of God’s Law. (Ref. Exodus 30:12)

Now before yall sanctified folk start judging David, remember “let He who is without sin, cast the first stone! (Ref. John 8:7)

How many times have you willfully over-ruled the urging of Holy Spirit and did what seemed right in your own eyes? Put your hands down! Right!

Truth is, every one of us has been GUILTY as charged! Nevertheless, when Justice demanded punishment, MERCY said NO! And while we might’ve suffered, to some extent, for our rebellious disobedience, GOD feeling the pain and the terror of His Beloved Children, stepped in the midst of our guilt-ridden, regret-laden, shame-filled consequences, rebuked Death and declared “Enough is Enough”!

David acknowledging his guilt, taking full responsibility for his actions, humbly committed himself into the Hands of the Loving Mercy Faithful Shepherd, prayed for forgiveness for himself and interceding on behalf of those who were innocently victimized because of his selfishness! #Didjaheardat?

WOW! Now, that right there should cause all of us to immediately follow David’s lead, huh?  Turn our faces back towards the One True God, sanctify your heart and lifestyle wholly unto our Holy God!

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

C’mon nah! AFTER ALL THAT GOD’S DONE FOR US, ENOUGH IS ENOUGH! #jusreasonable!

SELAH!

Pause, Ponder, Pray & Praiz!

Ann Caffee

 

 

ONE ON ONE

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1 on 1

 

SELAH Daily Devotions!

 

“For a day in thy courts is better than a thousand. I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness. For the Lord God is a sun and shield: the Lord will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly. O Lord of hosts, blessed is the man that trusteth in thee.” (Psalm 84:10-12 KJV)

Life is complicated! WOW! Talk about genuine ‘over-simplification’?

From beginning to end, effectively maneuvering through the matrix of 21st Century mores is no small achievement! Particularly for the more seasoned members of society who find ourselves pryingly wondering “Am I really smarter than a 5th Grader?” I remember when the word ‘text” referred to “the main body of a book or other piece of writing, printed work or document”. Who knew?

Nevertheless, broken down to its least-common denominator, we all have the same needs. That is, “to love and be loved among un-lovables, find solace amidst chaos, and ultimately gain insight and direction to sequester that all-too-often-elusive sense of true satisfaction and accomplishment”. Preferably, sooner than later!

We live in a culture where individualism is glorified and self-denial is discarded as a sign of weakness and failure. Unfortunately for too many, it’s only after we’ve reached the pinnacle of success (according to man’s interpretation) do we realize that while we were so busy getting, we lost track of what we’d been given. Prayerfully, it’s at that point we’ll ask, “What does GOD want from me?”

GOD summed it up like this, “He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?” (Micah 6:8)

While time is barreling towards eternity at the speed of life, there is One Constant Consistency! His Name is JESUS. Every day, GOD is watching, waiting, seeking those busy, desperately wearied souls to turn towards HIM!

GOD knows that the Answer to every longing heart’s hunger and thirst is SIMPLY JESUS! Time spent alone with HIM is never wasted. Jesus is our SAFE HOUSE! He’s so kind and patient; yet truthfully, HE can hardly wait to see you!

HE LEFT THE DOOR OPEN! STOP BY TODAY FOR SOME ONE-ON-ONE TIME!

SELAH!

“Have a WONDER-FILLED day!”

Ann Caffee

I LIVED!

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I LIVED 2

SELAH Daily Devotions!

I shall not die, but live, and declare the works of the LORD. The LORD hath chastened me sore : but he hath not given me over unto death. Psalm 118:17-18

Everything living changes! #Didjaheardat?

From the moment of beginning, life evolves, progressively spiraling from eternity past through present towards eternity future. The Eternal Life-Giver sets into motion HIS own pre-determined course, every thing according to the counsel of His Will and Good Pleasure. (Ref. Ecclesiastes 3:1)

So why are we so taken aback by the sudden shifts?

Perhaps it has a lot to do with the often brutal abrupt interruptions to the comfort and security of familiarity. Be it pleasant or unpleasant, there’s something about humanity’s expectation of normal that enables us to resign to a certain sense of contentment. Some might call it the spirit of survival or resilience.

Pass the mic and every one of us could undoubtedly recite times of suffering some kinda personal tragedy, un-relentless abuse, myriad temptations, bona fide threats through which we’ve already come. But almost as fluently, we can enumerate with timeless ecstacy those experiences where closed gates were opened before us, night weeping gave way to the morning joy, mourning bowed to dancing and desperation succumbed to determination. And yet life goes on!

As children of faith we must recognize that wherever we are, we’re never alone! God has planted us there not to die, but to grow through our wildernesses. As we learn to trust and confidently submit to His Will, GOD gives us Grace to come out better and not bitter, stronger and wiser and with a new life-giving, soul-stirring, encouraging, strengthening, empowering—“COME SEE WHAT THE LORD HAS DONE!” testimony!

Nevertheless, we, God’s Chosen, continue in hope for that time when happiness is unchanging, fear and doubt is terminated, and the foreboding darkness is consumed by the all encompassing Eternal Light of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!

“This is the LORD’S doing; it is marvellous in our eyes. This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.” Psalm 118:23-24

IS THERE ANYBODY WHO AIN’T AFRAID TO ADMIT, “THERE HAVE BEEN TIMES, I ALMOST…BUT! I LIVED!”??? #bothhandsup, huh?

SELAH!

Pause, Ponder, Pray & Praiz!

Ann Caffee

MY DEVELOPING ROOM

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MY DEVELOPING ROOM 2

SELAH Daily Devotions!

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

SELAH!

Pause, Ponder, Pray & Praiz!

Ann Caffee

THE FIRST RESPONDER!

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the-1st-responder2

SELAH Daily Devotions!

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Jesus, The First Responder!

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

EXCLUSIVE!

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EXCLUSIVE 2 JESUS WINKS

 

SELAH Daily Devotions!

 

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

SELAH!

Pause, Ponder, Pray & Praiz!

Ann Caffee

U AIN’T RIGHT!

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U AINT RIGHT

SELAH Daily Devotions!

And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith: That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death; Philippians 3:9-10

Are you proud of yourself!

Come on now; how many of us have, consciously or unconsciously, given ourselves a slight pat on the back or an inward nod because we did something better or knew more about something that no one else in our sphere of influence knew? Exactly!

Of course I’m not suggesting that we venture off to the other end of the spectrum and fall into self-debasement or self-loathing. I’m simply noting how easily the line between arrogance and self esteem can become blurred!

Taking pride in our successful accomplishments has its place in our lives. However when we over-compensate ourselves for what we’ve managed to attain to the point that we levitate through life as if our ‘performance’ gives us an edge above everyone else, WATCHOUT! You’re headed down a slippery ledge to destruction! (Ref. Proverb 16:18)

Sometimes even Christians find themselves ominously near the vicinity of Pharisee Blvd and Straight Street, when it comes to Righteousness. (Ref. Matthew 5:20) When our righteousness is based on our performance, we’ve missed it by miles! If we’re relying upon our good works to qualify us for a automatic ticket to Heaven, boy are we ever deceiving ourselves! When we equate our holiness according to the world’s standards, we’re sho nuff trippin’! So what hope do we have of reaching the lofty Pentacle of Acceptability to GOD?

Have I got some good news for you! There is a way to receive God’s Righteousness and it doesn’t involve anything that YOU can do on your own. It’s called Grace! Grace is God’s free Gift to us, something that we could never earn or merit—a right-standing with a Holy God!

God’s Righteousness is based solely upon personal acceptance, through faith in the finished works of Christ Jesus! The scripture say, ‘For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him. (2 Corinthians 5:21)

There is a well-spring of exhilarating freedom in just taking God at His Word; knowing that you ain’t right, BUT…JESUS IS!

SELAH!

Have a WONDER-FILLED day!

Ann Caffee

IT’S ABOUT TIME

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ITZ ABOUT TIME 2

SELAH Daily Devotions!

“For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?” Mark 8:36-37

 

“Time is filled with swift transition, Naught of earth unmoved can stand, Build your hopes on things eternal, Hold to God’s unchanging hand.” (saanngn yall)
 
Remember that one? It’s  the first verse to one of my favorite Gospel hymns (by Jennie Bain Wilson)! This song probes the core of every mortal’s soul provoking either aggravating or consoling intentional thought concerning its eternal destination.

While some would prefer to dismiss the  inevitable potency of its reality, there’s absolutely no escaping it. The most precious commodity in the earth is not silver, gold, oil or even real estate—BUT TIME!

This New Millennium Theology teaches “time is money”; but I beg to differ!

Time is much more valuable than mere mammon. Granted you’d probably never notice the slightest hint of this, given the media’s promotion of the extravagant lifestyles of the rich and famous; nevertheless, I think it not robbery to propose that if you’d ask any one of this world’s wealthiest man or woman,  retrospectfully glancing back over their life’s times achievements, how much they’d be willing to barter for one solitary moment of unrefined, unrequited love; one night of tranquil serene rest unhindered by foreboding betrayal; one day of normality without drug induced sense of well-being, many would ardently confess—“ALL…I’D GIVE UP ALL!”

Hence, that’s the crucible of every one of our lives! What makes life meaningful and more importantly what in this life that’s truly worth dying for?  “If in this life only we have hope, we are of all men most miserable.” 1 Corinthians 15:19.

But! Thanks Be To God! God is a Master Economist! He dispenses time and talents based on projected recompense. (Ref. Matthew 25:14-30) We have been given the gift of time called ‘TODAY’ to fulfill God’s Purpose for our lives, one day and one step at a time!

Someone once said (and I am not quoting) “The only thing that’s certain is uncertainty. Life is change and change is growth and growth is evolving into the ‘being’ that God has created in us”. 

Sounds like a wise person would count up the cost and build your life on things eternal, huh?

“For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” Philippians 1:21 
 
DON’T WASTE IT—LIVE LIFE TO LAST ETERNALLY! REMEMBER, IT’S ABOUT TIME!
 
SELAH!
 
Pause, Ponder, Pray & Praiz!
 
Ann Caffee

THE UNTOUCHABLES!

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The_Untouchables

SELAH Daily Devotions!

“For she said within herself, If I may but touch his garment, I shall be whole.” Matthew 9:21

A while back, there was a TV drama entitled, “Touch by An Angel” starring Roma Downey and Della Reese. The program was about “a female angel sent to Earth to help solve people’s problems with a touch of spiritual guidance”. Not surprising, it became quite popular and the series lasted from 1994-2003. Can you image how much better we’d be if all of our life’s crisis were eradicated by Divine intervention?Well guess what, it’s absolutely possible!

According to Free On-Line Dictionary, ‘touch’ means “To cause or permit a part of the body, especially the hand or fingers, to come in contact with so as to feel”. Just wondering, if you conducted a census of church attendees, what percentage of those on the rolls have actually personally touched or been touched by Christ?  I’ve discovered that talking about God or studying Theology (The Story of God) and actually experiencing GOD is as different as life and death!
 
According to studies, never in the history of the western world have we had so many people on church rolls as there are today. I’m talking about folk who ‘profess’ to know Christ! Unfortunately, these same studies conclude that the number of ‘committed’ Christians is at an all time low!

Evidently, it is possible to be in Church yet not in Christ! Don’t  u dare touch that delete key!

I’m simply submitting, for your consideration, the reason we have so many border-line-hypocritical-uncommitted folk in our churches today, is because you can’t really be faithful and committed to a god that you can’t touch or who can’t touch you! #FLATOUT!

There is an exclusively reserved GOD-size hole in each of us! And while some church folk are content with a theoretical relationship (living on the edge, in the vicinity of) with Christ, others of us have such an insatiable thirst, hunger, a longing for HIM that keeps us in constant pursuit for more and more of His Presence, His Grace, Peace and His Joy!

Just like the woman with the issues in today’s scripture text, we have come into contact with the ONLY TRUE, LIVING, HOLY, LOVING, DELIVERING SAVING GOD who can be touched even with our weaknesses!

“For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.” (Heb. 4:15)

DO YOU KNOW HIM OR R U yet THE UNTOUCHABLES? #jusaskining
 
SELAH!
 
“Have a WONDER-FILLED day!”
 
Ann Caffee 

FAITH TALKS!

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FAITH TALKS 3

SELAH Daily Devotions!

 

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.  Hebrew 11:1

 

Contrary to contemporary Millennium thinking, faith is not a new theological doctrine. Biblical faith doesn’t have to be complicated. Genuine Faith is simply a patient confident trust in the integrity and power of our Loving and Caring Heavenly Father. Didjaheardat?

Faith is the currency of exchange in the Kingdom of God! The Bible emphatically states that we can’t even approach The Creator of Heaven and earth, The True and Living God without first believing, not only that He exists, but that HE is WHO HE SAYS HE IS!  Furthermore, we can’t expect to get anything from God unless we believe that HE IS ABLE TO DO EVERYTHING HE SAYS HE WILL DO! #SERIOUSLY!

Hebrews 11:1 says, “NOW” faith, not “THEN” faith! The Eternal God reigns from Everlasting to Everlasting; and because JESUS is the same, yesterday, today and forever, we can expect Him to be the same God NOW that He’s always been! (Ref. Hebrews 13:8)

Beloved, words are powerful containers! Hence, as long as you continue to call those things that are, then you will continue to get jus whachasay! However, if you want to see  that situation change for the better, then start calling it whacha want! Jesus did! #ijs (Ref. Romans 4:17) 

Remember how them Ol’ Church Mothers used to encourage themselves while waiting on their Lord by singing faith songs like “GOD Specializes” and “I know the Lord Will Make a Way, Somehow”. Their hope, just like ours, was not in what we can see now, but what we can expect God to do. Faith says “I don’t know when and I don’t know how, but I just believe that God is already working on my situation; turning everything around to work in my favor and for His Greatest Glorrraaa!   (Ref. Romans8:28)

TRUST2KNO, Faith is not limited by our natural eyes…but says, “I don’t have to see it to believe it!  AMEN 3X…IT IS SO! FAITH TALKS!

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