Category Archives: Don’t Doubt God

I NEED A DRINK!

I NEED A DRINK

 

SELAH Daily Devotions!

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

SELAH!

Pause, Ponder, Pray & Praiz!

Ann Caffee

 

HOLY WAR!

HOLY WAR

SELAH Daily Devotions!

 

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

SELAH!

Pause, Ponder, Pray & Praiz!

Ann Caffee

STILL SAY YES?

STILL SAY YES

SELAH Daily Devotions!

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

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

 

WOW!

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

SELAH!

Pause, Ponder, Pray & Praiz!

Ann Caffee

 

 

UNREASONABLE HOPE?

UNREASONABLE HOPE

SELAH Daily Devotions!

 

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

Nonetheless, God allows tests and trials to strike our lives, knowing full well that there’s a group of haters watching and waiting for you to faith, fail and fall! Remember, “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.” Psalm 23:4-5

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

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

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

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

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

SELAH!

Pause, Ponder, Pray & Praiz!

Ann Caffee

MEMORIES, huh?

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

 

GOD DID IT!

 

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, againEvvrrr 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

 

STUPEFYING!

STUPEFYING

SELAH Daily Devotions!

 

And David said unto him, Fear not: for I will surely shew thee kindness for Jonathan thy father’s sake, and will restore thee all the land of Saul thy father; and thou shalt eat bread at my table continually. And he bowed himself, and said, What is thy servant, that thou shouldest look upon such a dead dog as I am? 2 Samuel 9:7-8
“Why me?”
 
How many times have we found ourselves spurting these words out of our mouths? Whether out of a sense of cynical-rhetorical contemptuousness or an overwhelming comeback to the lusciousness of God’s unexpected favoritism, we can all identify with Mephibosheth’s response to King David. (Ref. 2 Samuel 9) Especially, since none of us can honestly claim that we deserve to be so blessed in the first place, huh? Truthfully, any good that we do is generally accidental! So, as far as standing up to the standards of GOD’S RIGHTEOUSNESS, we’re all lame in both feet! (Ref. Romans 3:23) Can I get a holy Hallelujah and three AMENS?
 
But that’s the whole point! It’s the Wonder of God’s unmerited goodness that sets us apart from the rest of the world!
 
Knowing us from the inside-out, not just what you did–but why,  your Heavenly Father blessed you anyway! Despite all the justifiable circumstantial evidence to support our accuser’s objections, The Eternal Judge over-rules them, dismissing the case, covers you in HIS Royal Robe of Righteousness, leaving them (and sometimes even us) scratching their heads, dumbfounded and paralyzed uttering in amazement “What jus happened?” 
 
Creation clearly demonstrates God’s propensity for details. Behold, how marvelously God pieces the individual segments of our lives to fit perfectly jointed together for our highest good and His Greatest Glory! (Ref. Romans 8:28) His Handiwork, often mysteriously hidden behind the clouds, weaving the highs and the lows, the strides and the falls, the haves and the have nots, lovingly bonding the momentary to the eternal, paints a collage that captivates the attention of that passerby to stop and ponder; taking much needed periods of reflection, introspection, covetously inquires “Why not me?”
 
THANK GOD for that day when, like Mephibosheth, we finally get it! Casting off fear, we fall prostrate before our Benevolent Faithful King in humble obedience, with everlasting joy, declaring “For you O Lord are my Everlasting Hope!” (Ref. Psalm 16:5)

GOD SO LOVED…ME?  I KNOW IT MAKES NO SENSE, BUT…YES HE DOES!  AND HE ALWAYS WILL! #DIDJAGETIT???
 
SOOOO…WITH ABUNDANT JOY WE GRATEFULLY  SUCCUMB TO THE WONDER OF OUR GOD!  STUPEFYING, huh? #ijs #WOW!
 
SELAH!
 
Pause, Ponder, Pray & Praiz!”
 
Ann Caffee

A BURNING BUSH!

A BURNING BUSH 1

 

SELAH Daily Devotions!

 

 

And the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a flame of fire out of the midst of a bush and he looked, and behold, the bush burned with fire and, the bush was not consumed. Exodus 3:2

 

Moses probably began this day just as he’d began many others. The scripture says, he was doing what he’d normally do; taking care of his father-in-law, Jethro’s, sheep when his day abruptly takes a turn from the mundane to the extremely unusual. Anybody ever been there?

They say, that there’s nothing unusual about finding a bush in the desert, yet it would certainly make anyone stop to ponder, at least momentarily, huh? The scripture said as Moses looked, he noticed that the bush was burning, but it was not consumed. Not only did the fire not burn the bush up, but then the burning bush began to talk.

Wow! God really knows how to get your attention!

Sometimes we’re so pre-occupied with the demands of our 21st Century lifestyles that we miss those Divinely-orchestrated Interruptions.  Oh, l  get it, we’re so purpose driven now – that we can’t dare to spare a moment. After all, time is money, right? Amazingly, our society has become so consumed with pursuing our desires, goals, getting our degrees, larger houses, cars, and yes even our families that somehow, we never seem to include God in our time-lines. I mean, really? Ever heard that saying,‘you got what you wanted but you lost what you had’?

I believe, that sometimes God will interrupt our active lives and draw us to the backside of a mountain into a desert place, just to get your undivided attention. In other words, sometimes God starts some bush fires! #ijs!!!

Remember, that situation that seemed to jus pop off out of nowhere and now all of a sudden it’s burning out of control, threatening your peace, your joy, even disturbing your well being. And let’s not forget about that family-drama? I mean, as soon as you think you got it under control, something flares up on your job. The bushes just keep on burning. Could God possibly be trying to tell you something?

Remember how sweet life was, bacndaday? You know, when America was Great!  My…my… my, how times have changed, huh?  As the ol’ folk used to say, ‘Who knew that there’d be days like this!’ Surely, we’re living in the last of the last days, huh?  

Glancing around, it looks like this whole world has turned upside down! What used to be right, is now called wrong, what used to be in is now out and ain’t nobody got time to seek God for His opinion of nothing no more!  Nevertheless, God’s Faithful Compassion refuses to be intimidated by our negligence! #DIDJAHEARDAT?

Remember, God was there, waiting for Moses all along, but it was not until Moses turned aside, did God reveal GODself! The next time you find yourself ambushed by bush fires, instead of pitchin’ a hissy-fit, murmuring. complaining and blaming God, take a moment and seek the face of God.  Hence, He knows what’s up the road and we don’t!

TRUST2KNO, GOD’S NOT ONE TO BE IGNORED! HE’S — A CONSUMING FIRE!

SELAH!

Pause, Ponder, Pray & Praiz!

Ann Caffee

THURSDAYS’ PRAYERS!

prayn-and-fasting-pic

 

GOOD MORNING PRECIOUS SAINTS OF THE MOST HIGH! GOTTA MOMENT? AWESOME!

I am excited that you’ve decided to join us once again in our weekly Thursdays’ Corporate Prayer and Fasting! We are eternally grateful that God has extended His Scepter towards whosoever will entreat His Presence with our praise, petitions and supplications find Grace & Mercy, Wisdom and Understanding to withstand these last and evil days! SHALL WE GO IN…

Welcome Holy Spirit! We are IN YOUR PRESENCE! Fill us with Your POWER, LIVE INSIDE OF ME! YOU’RE MY LIVING WATER! NEVER-ENDING FOUNTAIN; COMFORTER & COUNSELOR; TAKE COMPLETE CONTROL…HOW GREAT IS OUR GOD! SING WITH ME HOW GREAT IS OUR GOD; FOR ALL 2 C HOW GREAT, HOW GREAT…IS OUR GOD!

Our Father and Our God, we come before You, once again, with our hands lifted up and our hearts tuned heavenward, giving Glory and Honor to You! For You Alone are Worthy of all praise! There is none like You, neither will there ever be! For You Alone are Holy and Righteous!

We bless You for revealing GODSELF to all who will call upon Your Name! We bless You for that day You opened the eyes of our understanding allowing us to behold The Light of Your Glory in the Face of Your Only Begotten Son, Jesus enabling us to accept His Life, Death, Burial & Resurrection as Substitutionary Atonement for our sin! We’re eternally grateful for Jesus’ Loving Obedience that caused Him to endure the suffering, despising the shame of Calvary’s Cross that we might be delivered, redeemed, vindicated, adopted to inherit the rich benefits of The Kingdom of God! For this cause we bow our hearts and our heads, in humble reverence crying out, Hallelujah to The Lamb of God!

We bless You Holy Father, for by Your Own Hand You have bought us unto GODSELF! For it is IN YOU that we live, move and have our very being! You are the Source and Sustainer Who Satisfies all life! We know that no man is justified by his own works but by faith IN THE LORD JESUS CHRIST alone are we saved! We bless You Holy Spirit for abiding in us, leading, guiding, enabling all who have placed our personal trust in Jesus to live our lives everyday, yielding to The Spirit of Truth, which is able to transform us from Grace to Grace, perfecting us that we might exemplify Your Divine Nature to this lost and dying world!

Sweet Jesus, You are The WORD PERSONIFIED! We bless You for teaching us how to walk upright, enduring the mockery of those who despise and reject Truth! Your unconditional Love, Kindness and forgiveness towards us, while we were yet sinners, provokes us to love and forgive others who offend us, knowing not what they do. We bless You for Your Patience and Compassion that yet allows You to look at us through Blood-Stained Eyes, remembering our human frailty—EVEN SINCE WE’VE BELIEVED—and so graciously offering us mercy instead of justice, washing us in The Precious Blood of Jesus, cleansing us from all unrighteousness and restoring our peaceful fellowship with You, as we quickly repent by confessing our sin against You!

For this cause, we gladly present our spirit, soul and body as a living holy sacrifice to be used for Your Greatest Glory!

Precious Lord, because no man can come to the Father except you draw them, we intercede on behalf of every unsaved soul, please quicken the Spirit of Godly-repentance in their heart and in their mind that they will come to you today confessing a“Sincere Yes” to your Amazing Gift of Grace and receive You as their personal Lord and Savior! We’re believing that You will Divinely orchestrate their footsteps settleling them into a local church home today.

Lord, we ask You to put a new Committed YES” in the heart and mind of every backslider! Let today be the day that they come back to You and come back to YOUR church where they will  fully submit their lives to the sound teachings of Your Word, and learn to love Your Word and live their lives walking in holiness in order to please You First!

Father, we pray that You will touch our brother, touch our sister whose body has been afflicted by sickness and disease, especially the spirit of cancer, kidney disease, heart/lung disease, dementia, sickle-cell, MS, Lupus and rheumatoid arthritis and rebuke and cast it out at the root, for Your Name Sake. Heavenly Father, You have decreed that You are Alpha and Omega, the same yesterday, today and forever! Therefore, even as You walked this earth healing all who were sick, feeble, lame we know that You’re Well Able to do the same right now! Your Word declares that Your stripes have redeemed and healed us and we’re yet standing on your promises that the prayer of faith shall save the sick and raise them up, In Jesus Name! Amen 3x!

Dear Lord, we’re believing for every believer who is yet holding on to Your Hand by faith today, that You will release Divine power, Supernatural Strength and Health, Wholeness, Provision, Prosperity and Protection! We’re trusting that You will preserve each and everyone of us thru the tests that we must go thru keeping us constantly aware of YOUR PRESENCE and fully-confident that at the appointed time, You, will bring us out wholly restored, renewed, refreshed and with the reward as You have promised in Your Holy Word!

Lord Jesus, we pray according to Your Will, for the leaders of our nation, corporate, judicial, education, financial institutions and our churches! We’re asking that You touch the minds and hearts, that You speak to them in the nighttime with dreams and visions! Let them know that You Who Sit Enthroned Above the Heavens is OMNSCIENT and keep records of the deeds of every man’s heart and will reward accordingly!

Abba, we ask that You encourage and comfort the souls of Your Elect who are overwhelmed with fear, doubt and worry because of the things that are going on in our personal lives and in this ungodly world systems! Send Assurance that we are never alone, and never without Your Very Present Help!

Father, we’re thanking You for an outpouring of Your Divine Favor upon each and every one of your children who are seeking employment, promotion, approval for student/car/home loans! We acknowledge YOU as Jehovah Jareh, Who shall supply all of our need according to Your Riches in Glory!
Father we decree that every demonic-induced spirit of addiction and fear is defeated NOW because of Your Anointing and that the Spirit of Love, Power and Sound-mindness and Purpose is being released in the lives of Your people now, in Jesus Name!

Heavenly Father, as we close our prayer, we bring so many souls before Your throne O God. Those who are broken hearten, trapped by sorrow and grief, feeble in body and spirit, the one at a crossroad of life, the ones addicted to harmful substances, our armed forces, policemen, fire and rescue personnel, nurses, doctors, pastors and leaders, missionaries far and near; our leaders of the world. We’re trusting You to send peace where there is confusion, send love where there is hate, send unity where there is division. Bless the fatherless and motherless. Keep us ALL in your care. These favors we ask in Jesus mighty name!!For we believe that YOU WILL KEEP ALL WHO WANT TO BE KEPT!

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

Abba Father, we stand in agreement with You Who hears ours prayers and forgives all our transgressions! Holy Father, because You have chosen to call us ‘MINE’, we shout with exceeding Joy unto The Hope of all the earth, believing that as Your face shines upon us, You are making Your Ways and Salvation known among all nations for You Guide and Rule justly!

Father, we thank You NOW, for WE believe that it is done! In The Exalted Name of Jesus. Amen 3X and It Is So!

Now every child of God who is standing in agreement with this prayer, GO TELL SOMEBODY THAT JESUS STILL SAVES! HALLELUJAH!

SELAH!

Pause, Ponder, Pray & Praiz!

Can You Hear Me Now???

CAN U HEAR ME NOW2

 

SELAH Daily Devotions!

 

But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother’s womb, and called me by his grace, to reveal his Son in me, that I might preach him among the heathen; immediately I conferred not with flesh and blood. Galatians 1:15-16

 

In today’s scripture text, we hear the testimonial of The Apostle Paul in response to The Lord’s prompting to go spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles. And we all know how that turned out, huh? GGGGLLLLORRRRRAAA 2 GOD! However, what stands out to me, is what Paul didn’t do!

The Apostle didn’t wait to get an Executive Order from The White House nor a congregational consensus before stepping out in faith. Instead of asking anybody what they thought about it, relying solely on his personal relationship with His Savior. Feeling no need for further validation, The Apostle Paul immediately obeyed God’s instructions!

How about you? When you’ve heard from God, what’s your initial response? Before you move, do you have to survey the opinions of your family and friends? Does the fear of failure, embarrassment, humiliation or retaliation cause you to stagger at God’s Word? Are you willing to take a leap of faith and just do what you believe God is asking of you?

As believers, we’re sometimes reluctant to move out on a WORD FROM GOD. Not so much because we’re not trusting God, but more often than not, it’s because of a spirit of difiance deeply rooted in the lack of self-confidence in our own ability. Ooops…#noshedidn’t! Yall kno she did!

In an attempt to re-assure ourselves that we’re in God’s will, like Gideon, we’ll ask God for a sign and come up with some kinda obtuse fleece as further proof that it is actually God speaking. (Ref.Judges 6) Particularly, when it’s something that causes us to move beyond the boundaries of our comfort zone! And while God so graciously granted Gideon’s request, twice, as believers, we must recognize that God often tests our trust and confidence by commissioning us to do what seems impossible!

Precious ones, that’s what our life in Christ is about. God doesn’t require us to walk by signs, but by hope-filled trust that whatever He asks us to do, by His Grace, we are well able to perform.

The Bible says, “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:” John 10:27. As we entreat His Presence daily in prayer, seeking Divine assistance, inquiring direction thru diligent study and meditation of His Word, we learn to distinguish His Voice from the chatter emanating from the world! That’s how HE teaches you what He wants of you!

That’s why it’s so important to build an intimate relationship with your Heavenly Father and not just show up at The Throne Room for emergency visits! God really cares about you! He is not a dead-beat Dad nor is He willing to settle for weekend visitations! God wants to be actively involved in every aspect of your life, every day!

The closer you get to JESUS the clearer He speaks and the sweeter His Voice becomes! #Didjaheardat?

WHEN YOU KNOW HIM, YOU WILL KNOW HIS WILL! WHEN YOU KNOW HIS WILL, YOU DON’T NEED TO CONFER WITH ANYBODY…BUT U GOTTA KNOW GOD’S VOICE4urself! #canuhearMEnow!

SELAH!

Pause, Ponder, Pray & Praiz!

Ann Caffee