Category Archives: Eternal Hope

THURSDAYS’ PRAYERS

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SELAH Daily Devotions!

 

Good Morning Family! GOTTA MOMENT? AWEMAAZIN!

Once again, we’re delighted to  have you join us today in our Weekly Corporate Thursdays’ Prayer and Fasting! While the world is foolishly looking to man to deliver us, we, Your Children, in faithful obedience, look to You, JESUS, The Author and Finisher of our Faith to cause us to NOT JUS SURVIVE BUT THRIVE in the day of evil!

BECAUSE OF WHO U R, WE GIVE U GLORAAA…BCUZ OF WHO U R, WE GIVE U PRAIZ! BECAUSE OF WHO U R, I WILL LIFT MY VOICE AND SAY, LORD, I WORSHIP U, BCUZ OF WHO U R…HERE WE ARE TO WORSHIP, HERE WE ARE TO BOW DOWN, HERE WE ARE TO SAY THAT YOU’RE OUR KING! YOU’RE ALTOGETHER LOVELY, ALTOGETHER WORTHY, ALTOGETER WONDERFUL! LET’S PRAY…

 

Father in Heaven, here we are once again! We come today with upstretched arms, open hands and grateful hearts, for this is the day that You have made!  As we celebrate The Birth of Your Only Begotten Son, we enter into The Splendor of Your Magnificent Glory, humbled yet rejoicing  because we know that it’s only because of Your Grace and Mercy, that You have allowed us one more day to enjoy this life of righteousness, peace, love, joy and wholeness!

We’re thankful for every new opportunity to surrender ourselves completely to Your Will, as living sacrifices, holy and acceptable unto You. From our Mother’s womb, You’ve proven Yourself to be Faithful and True; therefore, we’re trusting You to provide everything that we need today to sustain us thru whatever challenges that unfold during the course of this day! Abba Father, we know that You Alone are our God, Guard and Guide!

Daddy, before we go any further, we stand humbly before Your Sovereignty asking You to forgive us for everything that we have spoken, done and even thought that was not pleasing in Your sight. Open the eyes of our understanding that we might see sin through Your eyes, acknowledge it’s evilness and quicken our spirits to not make excuses, but to immediately repent, confess with our mouths our wrongdoing! For You, Heavenly Father, have assured us that if we would confess our sins, You will Faithfully forgive us, and wash us in The Precious Blood of Jesus, cleansing us from all unrighteousness, and restoring the breach that our disobedience has caused between our poor souls and our Lord and Savior, Jesus! As we embrace the day ahead, clear our minds so that we can hear from You and cleanse our hearts that we may deny ourselves, trust and obey Your Will.

Lord Jesus, when this world closes in on us, help us to follow our Redeemer’s example — to slip away and find a quiet place to pray. Knowing that prayer is our best response when we’re being pushed beyond our limits. We thank You because even when we can’t pray, You listen to our hearts and interpret every moan, groan and sigh of our spirits! Father, I thank You that despite our fractures and dysfunctions , You are yet able to use us to do Your will ensuring The You Alone get The Glory!

Abba Father, continue to bless us that we may be a blessing to others. Keep us strong that we may help the weak. Keep us uplifted that we may have words of encouragement for others. We pray for those who are lost and can’t find their way. We pray for those who are misjudged and misunderstood. We pray for those who don’t know You intimately. We pray for those who don’t believe that You sent Jesus, not to condemn us, but to convict us and to free us from the power, pain and penalty of Sin!

Father, help us to not complain about things that are out of our control. Help us to recognize that faith in God not only changes people, it changes me; and only You, O God have the Power to change things! We’re praising You for peace, unity, love and joy in our homes. We believing that Your Divine Favor is being poured out upon everyone now and their faith is rising to a level that they’re faithful and obedient to live everyday as You have commanded, allowing You to release supernatural abundance in every area of our lives, because they have committed to put You first, all their needs are met. In Jesus Name!

Father, we’re lifting up our children, our children’s children by faith, we’re committing them into Your care, realizing that You have a plan and purpose for their lives too; we have the blessed assurance that their steps and stops are being  Divinely orchestrated by Your eyes!

Abba, we know that You have instructed us, to look not at the temporary things but to the eternal, yet You know the frailness of our flesh, and how easily we’re provoked and tempted to lose our focus and become overwhelmed by the cares of this world! Sometimes our days seem to be spent beneath clouds of evil foreboding, while our nites are plagued with restlessness, despondency and hopelessness! You know whose hearts are burdened with the pressures of this life, wearied with fear, doubt, unbelief, sickness and disease, financial debt, broken relationships, unprovoked threats, depression, addictions, insecurities and grief, the widows, the downcast who have born the heat of the day, those who pushed and prayed us through! Lord, give them sweet Peace! Lord, keep us as only You can!

Lord, save, heal and deliver speedily all who are crying out to you, seeking Your Face at this very moment! Give us to know that because we belong to You, we are never too far that You can’t see us, reach us, and shield us from anything that the devil would rail against us. Help us to understand that Your Name, Jesus is a Strong Tower, and those that run into it and are saved!

Father, because the our steps are being ordered by You, You have committed Your Word towards us, no weapon that’s formed against us shall ever prosper and no trouble, test or trial can come near us, except You have allowed it to train us to live each day solely depending on You. We thank Holy Spirit, for fully persuading us of Your Providential Presence and Power to turn everything around to work in our favor and to bring about exuberant testimonies and praises of Your Eternal Magnificence, Honor and Glory!

Heavenly Father, we thank You for listening to the hearts of everyone praying with us. We thank You for hearing the hearts of those who have never accepted Your Son Jesus as their personal Savior and Lord! We are thankful that Holy Spirit is quickening that stony heart now that they shall come to You humbled by Your Lovingkindness,  in obedience to Your call  are crying out of a repentant heart a “sincere YES’ and are now receiving Your Gift of Mercy and Grace to Save. We Thank You for leading and guiding them to the local church, planting them in Your Vineyard, where they shall be taught and transformed by Your Word of Life to take their position in The Kingdom of Heaven. We pray for all those who have walked away from You today, Father arrest them In The Holy Ghost, convict them to declare a “commited YES” to Your Purpose for their lives, because You Alone are The Hope of This Life and The Life to come! 

Let today be the day that they come back to You and come back HOME to YOUR church where they will submit their lives to the sound teachings of Your Word, and learn to love and live their lives walking to please You First!

Heavenly Father, as You have instructed us, we pray for the leaders of our nation, corporate, judicial, education, financial institutions and our churches! We’re asking that You touch their minds and hearts, speak to them in dreams and visions letting them know that You Who Sit Enthroned Above the Heavens are keeping record of the deeds of every man’s heart and will reward accordingly! We believe that because their hearts are in Your Hands, they are being continuously opened to hear and obey Your Will  that their allegiance will be to the people of these United States and not to a party! Lord Jesus, we’re standing on Your Word as decreed that The government of this world shall rest upon Your shoulders and that You are The Eternal King of Kings and Lord of Lords!

Abba, we lift up every Bishop, Pastor, Overseer, Apostle, Evangelist, Preacher and Teacher. Undergird them with Your Anointing and conviction to carry out their assignment, under the direction of Holy Spirit. Cover them as they go in and out amongst Your people and those who would seek to discredit, hinder and even destroy their faith, faithfulness and ministry,You have ordained.

Lord, I pray for every believer who is struggling in their faith to hold on to Your Hand! We’re asking You for a Divine Intervention of Your Supernatural Power, Strength, Health, Encouragement, Provision, Prosperity and Protection! Keep us constantly aware of YOUR PRESENCE and fully confident that Christ in Us Is The Hope of Glorraa! Father we declare and decree that because we are more than conquers, every demonic-induced spirit of addiction and fear is defeated NOW because of Your Yoke Destroying, Burden Bearing Anointing that the Spirit of Love, Power a Sound-mind and Purpose is being released into the lives of Your people now, in Jesus Name!

Lord, while there are so many other things that we have yet to mention, we’re trusting that You are not just able, but You’re willing to do anything that we ask, according to You Perfect Will. We’re decreeing and believing You to fix it, Jesus, as only You can, in Jesus Name!

Abba Father, we wait in confidence and quietness, rejoicing in hope and trusting wholly that You have heard the voice of our weeping, our supplications and received our prayer as a sweet savor coming up before Your Sovereign Throne of Grace and Mercy! Father, we thank You and seal this Prayer In The Holy Ghost, for WE KNOW THAT IT IS DONE! In The Exalted Name of Jesus. Amen 3X

Now every child of God who is standing in agreement with this prayer, GO TELL SOMEBODY THAT JESUS LOVES AND CARES ABOUT U2!

SELAH!

Pause, Ponder, Pray & Praiz!

UNDER THE INFLUENCE

UNDER THE INFLUENCE 2

SELAH Daily Devotions!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

SELAH! 

Pause, Ponder, Pray & Praiz!

Ann Caffee

ABLAZED WITH GLORY!

ABLAZED WITH GLORY 2

SELAH Daily Devotions!

 

Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the Knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord, as His Divine power has given to us all things that pertain To life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue by which Have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be Partakers of the divine nature, having escaped The corruption that is in the world through lust. 2 Peter 1:1-4

 

Didjakno? Today’s scripture text is penned by The Apostle Simon Peter! You know Peter, right? He’s the same cussin’ Peter who rejected Jesus three times, cut off the soldier’s ear, stepped out of the boat on the stormy sea and walked on the water to Jesus. Well, now Peter is a self-proclaimed bond-servant, Divinely ordained and authorized to speak on behalf of Jesus Christ! Now this really excites me! Why? Because it assures me of the unfathomable Mercies of our Loving Savior and that nothing in your past has the power to keep you from fulfilling your Destiny! Now to me that’s a good place to praise God, huh? Hold my mule…Halleleujahhhh!

We, having no right to such loving kindness, yet our Heavenly Father has  so graciously endowed us with His Divine Power, giving us everything that we need to escape the corruption of this world and to live a holy and godly life, not in heaven, but in this present world! Didjaheardat? Unbelievable, I know; but it’s True!

God has equipped every true Believers with His Presence in the indwelling Power of  Holy Spirit, transforming us into His Chariots of Fire in this earth!

We love to sing Donnie McKlurkin’s song, “We fall down, but we get up, we fall down, but we get up…because a saint is just a sinner who fell down, and got up”! Don’t get me wrong, I like that song too. However,  we can get a little twisted in our mindset, because of the craftiness of the devil, and without knowing it, we can actually be masking a spirit of rebellion behind the cloak of faith!  #ijs

Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound…GOD FORBID!” Romans 6:1-2

As disciples of our Lord Jesus Christ, every one of us has been commissioned by God to reflect His Glory to this lost, dark and dying world.  Howeverrr, if we keep falling into the same old temptations over and over, flippantly counting on the favor of God to show up in our pit to rescue you out of the same old mess, how’s God’s Glory being manifested?

According to The Holy Ghost, True Glory is manifested when a believer demonstrates righteousness thru faithful obedience. When you make a genuine commitment to deny the ungodly appetites of your flesh, rather than to bring reproach to the Name of your Lord and Savior, not only are you relying upon God’s Power to deliver you, you’re also proving your love and gratitude for all that Jesus did to redeem you back to your Heavenly Father! Seriously!

Our journey to Heaven is plagued with unexpected, trouble, chaos and tragedy, however knowing that The Promise Keeper is able to open up pathways that you know not of, make ways out of no way, open doors that have been shut,  carries us triumphantly thru every valley to the mountaintops and fortifies our spirit with HOPE! As we experience His miraculous deliverances, it develops our confidence so much so that when our faith is challenged by difficulties, we don’t give up, we look up!

As a true carrier of God’s Glory, we plant our faith in the Eternal Word of God’s Grace!

Having done all to stand, we yet stand, steadfast, unmovable, always abounding, continuously expanding, exceeding all natural expectations, daring to taunt and frustrate the evil plans of the wicked, with holy boldness, testifying ‘Satan, every now and then, I might have to bend, BUT KNOW THIS, I REFUSE 2 BOW”!

NOW, IN TIMES LIKE THIS, YOU’RE JUS WHAT THE WORLD IS WAITING FOR! GO AHEAD, BURN BABY BURN! LIGHT UP THE WORLD PROCLAIMING, ‘TO GOD BE THE GLORY! KEEP THE FIYA BURNING!

SELAH!

Pause, Ponder, Pray & Praiz!

Ann Caffee

 

 

 

A PERSONAL KEEPER!

 

A PERSONAL KEEPER

SELAH Daily Devotions!

 

I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help…The lord is your keeper; The lord is your shade on your right hand. The sun will not smite you by day, Nor the moon by night. The lord will protect you from all evil…

PSALM 121:1; 5-7

 

If there’s one word that historians will attribute to cumulate this 21st Century Age it’s mostly likely be ‘grind’! #ijs! Ever notice how the millennials are always busy trying to get somewhere to do so much? I suppose that’s what being ‘goal oriented’ means, huh? Problem is that you miss so much of life on your way to getting to what you’re getting to! Gone are the days when folk looked forward to just relaxing! Seriously!

According to the scripture text, the pilgrims of old strived to meet the same needs and desires that we have, however, unlike the ‘fast-and- furious-go-get-it-for-myself’ mentality of today’s contemporaries, they recognized the value of preparing for personal encounters with the Only One Who could assure them of attaining  ultimate eternal success! As they ascended the pathways en route to the Temple, they geared-up their hearts and minds to enter into His Presence with songs of praise and adoration! I can hear ya nah! ‘AIN’T NOBODY GOT TIME 4 DAT!’ Really?

Chances are, the reason you’re still struggling to reach the epitome of ‘higher ground’ is because You still think you can do it all on your own! But God never intended man to do life independent of GODSELF! The saints of ol’ understood that without Him, I can do nothing!  Jesus is The Master Architect of man’s destiny! The heart of a man plans his way, but God establishes his steps! (Proverbs 16:9)

It’s been said that backndaday, the landscape of the hillsides were laden with numerous gods, in order not to exclude anyone from their individual right to put their trust in their personal preference, regardless of the inevitable hoping for help that would never come! Sounds uncomfortably  familiar, huh? Yet, there were a remnant of believers who lifted up their eyes, gazing towards Jerusalem, focusing all of their faith-filled prayers to The True and Living Sovereign Creator and Sustainer of all Life, Jehovah! 

“He made heaven and earth, the sea, and everything in them. He keeps every promise forever.” Psalm 146:6

Many choose to deny the reality that there is a real devil who’s committed (for lack of a better term) to his 3-fold mission; strategically designed to impede the progress of God’s elect with a myriad of tests and trials, threatenening to demolish all hope of ever successfully achieving your goals and fulfilling your God-ordained purpose and destiny!  Nevertheless, when the inevitable happens, they’re confronted with these questions,  “What, NOW?”, “Where do I look? Who do I turn to?”  My Beloved, may I submit for your most earnest consideration, “If it’s not JESUS then you’re on treading on some very slippery ground!”

In case there’s any doubters left among the naive or  insurrectionists, we’re living in those times that Big Mama ‘nem called ‘the last of the last days’! Check the social media newsfeed! Reads like the Bible Prophecy materializing in real-time!  Hence, it behoves us to remember that God does not have ‘grand-children’! So, Mama might have, Daddy might have, BUT GOD BLESS THE CHILD WHO HAS ITS OWN PERSONAL RELATIONSHIP WITH JESUS! #IJS

By the way, don’t be in such of a hurry? Remember, how long He waited on you? What we generally think are delays are actually God’s mercy and grace allowing us the space for our faith to mature, converting our perspective to align with heaven and preparing us to live eternally in HIS PRESENCE! #GOAL!
In the meantime, stop complaining and doubting God! TRUST2KNO, EVERYTHING that you’ve gone through was divinely orchestrated to prepare you for what you never believed possible!

But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. Isaiah 40:31

This is the confidence of the faithful and obedient followers of Christ, wherever we are GOD IS! Standing in the shadow of the Almighty, our trust is firmly fixed in The ETERNAL GOD who is always aware of everything that concerns us, the Source of all our strength and able to keep us from all evil…FOREVER! 

Uuuuhhhh, #Didjaheardat? Awemaazing!

NOW RELAX! JESUS IS YOUR PERSONAL KEEPER!

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

SIGN ME UP!

SIGN ME UP!

 

SELAH Daily Devotions!

 

And Moses said unto the people, Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD, which he will shew to you to day: for the Egyptians whom ye have seen to day, ye shall see them again no more for ever. Exodus 13:14

And these signs shall follow them that believe; Mark 16:17a

And Elisha prayed, and said, LORD, I pray thee, open his eyes, that he may see. And the LORD opened the eyes of the young man; and he saw: and, behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha. 2 Kings 6:17

 

EVVRVR NOTICE? There’s a message trending throughout The Body of Christ (imperceptible or deliberate) that if you truly believe The Word of God, you never need to require a sign of confirmation! Well, seems to me that makes a pandemic infectious  spirit of Gideon and Thomas in The Church, huh? Especially  considering all the traumatic events taking place in our world today. I’d venture to say that the souls of even the most sainted amongst us are being wearied and vexed. There’s no denying that there’s a whole lotta shaking going on! What used to be right is wrong, what used to be in is out; what used to be lies are now alternative facts! Don’t shout me down nah! #ijs

The fact of the matter is, every one of us clothed in human flesh is born spiritually- flawed. Except for a Divine-Interruption, our perception is severely limited by those things which can be seen by our natural sight! Remember, the mantra of this world is “Seeing is believing”, right? However, in The The Kingdom of God, the opposite is true! “We believe to see!”

With that being said, we must also take into account that everyone of us, who claim The Name of Jesus Christ, is under  the constant surveillance of The Adversary, Accuser and Master of Deception! Satan has no cut-cards! He strategically manipulates the affairs of mankind to to steal, kill, destroy or at least destabilize our confidence and trust in The Faithfulness of The True and Living God of All Mercy, Grace and Consolation! But we must always keep in mind, that Satan was, is,  AND neither shall he EVER BE  a THREAT to  The PURPOSE AND PLAN OF GOD!   DIDJAHEARDAT?

In order to out-last the Tempter’s pressure to diminish all hope for times getting better, Father God has dispatched the Indwelling Presence and Power of Holy Spirit to equip us to overcome the wiles of the devil  by leading and guiding us into all Truth!

NOW, DON’T GET IT TWISTED! STUDY the Book! Even the most acceptable and blameless of God’s servants were susceptible to seasons of suspicion and uncertainty!

Sometimes we forget Moses’ initial response to God’s Commission was not a resounding “YES LORD” but “WHO AM I?” Finally, God gave Him of a confirming sign (Ref. Exodus 3:12b) When God called Gideon, “The Mighty Man of Valor”, Gideon’s answer was , “Please, Lord, how can I save Israel? Behold, my clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my father’s house.” (Ref. Judges 6:15) Furthermore, we can’t omit Elisha’s servant, the eye-witness of numerous miraculous events while walking daily with his master (Ref. 2 Kings 6:17) WELL?

 #ijs! OBVIOUSLY, GOD IS NOT THE LEAST BIT INTIMIDATED BY OUR INADEQUACIES! TRUTHBTOLD, HE EXPECTS IT! YOU SEE, GOD NEVER INTENDED US TO LIVE THIS LIFE INDEPENDENT OF GODSELF!

Notice, God doesn’t chasten us for acknowledging our need for assurance! Hence, our Heavenly Father is absolutely delighted when we come boldly seeking Divine-Intervention for those time-sensitive-seemingly-impossible-situations! Honestly, that’s what a miracle is, yall! We don’t need a miracle for that which is already revealed!

Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom. (Luke 12:32) The Good Shepherd allows sporadic intervals of tests and trials to demonstrate that inspite of what it looks like, in the natural, we serve The SUPERNATURAL GOD of ALL POSSIBLE! #Didjaheardat?

IF YOU’RE SURROUNDED BY SO MUCH DARKNESS THAT YOU CAN’T SEE GOD, DON’T LOSE YOUR VISION! REST ASSURED, IT’S OK 2 ASK GOD 2 SIGN U UP! #Didjagetit? #HOPESO!!!

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

 

JUS TIME…

JUS 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

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing. 2 Timothy 4:7-8

 

“Time is filled with swift transition, Naught of earth unmoved can stand, Build your hopes on things eternal, Hold to God’s unchanging hand.” (still saanngn yall!)

Remember that one? It’s the first verse to one of my favorite Gospel hymns. It’s probably been a while but, yall do remember Hymns, right? 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 contemporized Millennium Sociology 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, in retrospect, glancing back over their life’s achievements, “How much would you 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? Might I venture to declaim, the response would be an overwhelming ardent acclamation of—’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! Elohim is a Master Economist! He dispenses time and talents based on projected recompense. (Ref. Matthew 25:14-30) Hence, 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”.

Listen up! I may not be the shiniest penny in the pocket, howevvrrr, sounds to me like a reasonably intelligent person would count up the cost and build their life on things eternal, huh?

DON’T WASTE IT—LIVE LIFE TO LAST ETERNALLY! REMEMBER, IT’S ALL ABOUT TIME!

 

SELAH!

Pause, Ponder, Pray & Praiz!

Ann Caffee

A LISTENING GOD

A LISTENING GOD

SELAH Daily Devotions!

 

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

SELAH!

Pause, Ponder, Pray & Praiz!

Ann Caffee

 

LIFE GOES BETTER WITH CHRIST!

LIFE GOES BETTER WITH CHRIST

SELAH Daily Devotions!

 

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

SELAH!

Pause, Ponder, Pray & Praiz!

Ann Caffee