Category Archives: faith

SHALLOW SAINTS?

SHALLOW SAINTS

 

SELAH Daily Devotions!

 

And now, children, stay with Christ. Live deeply in Christ. Then we’ll be ready for HIM when HE appears, ready to receive Him with open arms, with no cause for red-faced guilt or lame excuses when He arrives. Once you’re convinced that he is right and righteous, you’ll recognize that all who practice righteousness are God’s true children. 1 JOHN 2:28-29 THE MESSAGE

 
It jus might surprise you! One of the greatest deterrents to advancing The Kingdom of God in the earth is not ‘da devil’ BUT ‘Shallow Christians’What is that, you ask. Well they’re not that hard to recognize. In fact, they’re probably your pew partners. Whhhaaaa? #ikr! While they confess their faith in The Lord Jesus, their walk does not line up with their talk, and as a result, most likely they’re confusing many who’ve yet to invite Christ into their lives as their personal Savior and Lord!

OOOHHH Yessss I did go there! I know how churrch-folk are adamant about not judgingright? But, for your own safety,  check da BOOK!  #Seriously! The Bible says a tree is known by the fruit it bears! More importantly, GOD knows those who are His(Ref. 2 Timothy 2:19)

Without a doubt, the preaching and teaching of this Gospel of Christ is still the best way to get souls saved, but sometimes His PR staff could use a refreshers course on what it means to live deeply in Christ!

Rest assured, God is not mocked! (Ref. Galatians 6:7) While we might impress some people with our 11:00 A.M. Sunday morning tongue-talking, pew hopping, propha-lyin, shout’n and danc’n, GOD KNOWS the difference between those who are faking it ’till they make it and those who freely rejoice in the mercy, compassionate, longsuffering, unconditional Love of The Heavenly Fatheryet acknowledge that sometimes they miss the mark and have yet to reach perfection!

While shallow christians hide behind shameless excuses to continue to satisfy their ungodly cravings, when a true child of God is convicted by Holy Spirit, they will be quick to repent of willful or unwillful sin!  GOD KNOWS those who are genuinely striving everyday to mortify the deeds of their wicked flesh and live a life that pleases HIM… even to their own hurt! After all, we are living epistles! It’s our holy lifestyle  that will advertise and promote the True Answer to mankinds’ most dire and desperate need–THE SAVIOR OF THE WORLD, JESUS CHRIST!

I am by no means suggesting that this is easy nor is it a one and done thang! But God already took care of that too. He sent your Guardian, Holy Spirit, to live inside of you to teach and empower you to say NO to sin and YES to righteousness!

Sometimes, it looks like Satan is gaining the upper hand, huh?  Beloved, don’t fall for the devil’s tricks and please don’t blame God! TRUST2KNO, God ain’t scarred! Remember what happened when Jesus went to Hell, snatched the keys from his puny hands and got up proclaiming, ALL POWER IS IN MY HANDS? (Ref. Revelations 1:17-18)

God is raising up an army of disciples that no man can number; building a new nation of trusting believers who will obey His Voice; hewing out a community of courageous Believers who’re not ashamed to live righteously in the midst of darkness as a monument to HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS, POWER AND MAJESTY!

Examine yourself? REPRSENT JESUS? LIVE DEEPLY? SHALLOW SAINT? #WOW!

SELAH!

Pause, Ponder, Pray & Praiz!

Ann Caffee

THURSDAYS’ PRAYERS!

PRAYN AND FASTING PIC

 

SELAH Daily Devotions!

 

GOOD MORNING FAM! GOTTA MOMENT? Good God Almighty!

Once again, we are delighted that you’ve joined us in our Weekly Thursdays’ Corporate Fast and Prayer! In times like these, it’s necessary for all who believe in the WORD and WORTH of prayer, to band together, entreating the Face of our Lord, interceding on behalf of all of our brothers and sisters whose lives are being ravaged by unimaginable test, trials and devastating circumstances! We recognize that GOD, being A FAITHFUL and Compassionate Savior, will never be without a witness in the Earth! WE continue to look to the hills, from whence our help comes as we go before HIS MAJESTIC THRONE together! AMEN 3X!

 

My soul loves Jesus! My soul loves Jesus! My soul Loves JESUS, BLESS HIS NAME! HE’S A WONDER, IN MY SOUL! HE’S A WONDER, IN MY SOUL! HE’S A WONDER, IN MY SOUL, BLESS HIS NAME! Great is Thy faithfulness! Great is Thy faithfulness! Morning by morning new mercies I see; All I have needed Thy hand hath provided—Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me!” With our hands lifted up, and our mouths filled with praiz! With a heart of Thanksgiving, I WILL BLESS THEE, O LORD!”

Heavenly Father, we come today, In Jesus Name, first thanking You for blessing us to see one more day! We recognize it’s only because of Your Loving Kindness and Commitment that we’re able to embrace this opportunity to enjoy the abundance of Your Mercy, Your Grace, Your Power and Your Peace! We’re thankful that because You, knowing our frame, look beyond our human frailties, faults and iniquities yet You continue providing us our daily Bread!

Sweet Holy Spirit, as we embrace the day ahead, help us to start this day with an all consuming attitude of gratitude, trusting You to keep us safe from all hurt, harm and danger. Help us to make the best of each moment that You gift to us to glorify Your Name! Lord Jesus, clear our minds so that we can hear from You and cleanse our hearts that we may deny ourselves, trust and obey Your Will!

Sweet Jesus, as we look around this nation and seeing what’s going on in world, we pray that You will hold back the flood waters, rebuke the winds and bind the hand of death an destruction! Send hope, healing, deliverance and restoration wherever it’s needed! Loose Your legions of ministering agents to meet the needs of Your people, releasing blessings and breakthroughs into their lives! Bind the Spirits of Death, Poverty and Defeat, In Jesus Name!

Holy Father, please help us to not whine and whimper over things we have no control, and let us show our gratitude that things are as well as they are by faithfully adhering to Your Word!And when this world seems to close in on us, please help us to follow the example that our Redeemer has given us and slip away to our secret quiet place to pray. When we’re pushed beyond our limited abilities, let Prayer be our 1st response! Give us the mind to bow before Our Great High Priest, releasing our burdens and casting our cares upon the Only Wise God and Savior! We know than when we do that our hearts are comforted and our souls are calmed by the reality that even when we can’t find the words to pray, You’re yet able to listen to our hearts, interpreting every moan, groan and sigh of our spirits and release relief to our souls!

Abba Father, 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. Help us to be an effective witness and to pray for all 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.

Precious Jesus, as we pray for Your children everywhere, for every family member and friend, we’re believing and decreeing that a Spirit of Peace, Unity, Love, Hope and Joy is being released in our homes, places of employment, schools, communities, nation and church!We believe that Divine Favor is being poured out upon everyone who needs You and their faith is rising to a level that they shall be faithful and obedient to Your Word! Father, bless all of us who have made up in our minds, ‘COME WHAT MAY,’ we will sacrifice OUR will on The Altar of YOUR Will, expecting that You will reward us with supernatural abundance in every area of their lives!

We thank You for hearing the hearts of those who have never accepted Your Son Jesus as their personal Savior and Lord! We believe that Holy Spirit is quickening that stony heart with a sincere YES” allowing them to come to You, humbled by Your Unconditional Love, in obedienc3 to Your call and are now receiving Your Mercy and Grace to Save. We Thank You for leading and guiding them to their designated 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! Father, arrest them In The Holy Ghost, convict them to declare a “irrevocable committed YES” to Your Purpose for their lives, because You Alone are The Hope of This Life and The Life to come! Let today be their day to come back to You and back to YOUR church where they will restored as they submit their lives to the sound teachings of Your Word, and learn to love and live their lives walking to please You First!

Abba Father, we’re lifting up our children, our grands and great-grand children and by faith. we abort and overrule every curse that’s been ordered against their lives ! We cancel every scheme that Satan desires to inflict upon them! As we commit them into Your Providential care, realizing that ‘such were some of us’, however, at the appointed time You snatched our lives out of the pit of destruction. We thank You Sweet Jesus, that You also have a plan and purpose for their lives! Therefore, we have the Blessed Assurance that their steps are being ordered by Your eyes, no weapon that’s formed against them shall prosper and every tongue that speaks against them is already condemned! We speak The Peace of God over their spirits, minds and bodies. releasing a spirit of Love, Holiness and Excellence to fulfill their God ordained destiny!

Heavenly Father, according to Your WORD, 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! We bind principalities powers, rulers of darkness, spiritual wickedness in high places, every demonic strongman over this nation and the world. We shut down every ungodly portal and disable every line of communication that attempts to hinder the effectual feverent prayers of the Righteous and The Word of Truth! We’re yet 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, in the Name Lord Jesus!

 

Abba, we lift up every Bishop, Pastor, Overseer, Apostle, Evangelist, Preacher and Teacher, Missionary, Deacon, auxiliary leader/member, choir director/member, praise team and musician, usher, nurse, driver, parking attendant and custodial worker! 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 decimiate their faith, faithfulness and ministry that You have ordained! By faith in Your ability to establish our words, we release warring angels to annihilate spirits of witchcraft, false religions, prophets, teachers, deceptive spirits, perverted soul ties, curses, occult powers and the spirit of antichrist, in Jesus Name! AMEN 3X!

Abba, You know the frailness of our flesh, and how easily we’re provoked, tempted to lose our focus and become overwhelmed by the cares of this world! Sometimes our hearts are burdened with the pressures of this life, wearied with fear, doubt, unbelief, sickness and disease, financial debt, marital issues, broken relationships, unprovoked threats, depression, addictions, insecurities and grief, Father remember us! Lift up the widows, the caretakers, the downcast who have born the heat of the day, those who pushed and prayed us through! Lord, give them sweet Peace knowing that their labor is never in vain! 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 Adversary 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! Heavenly Father, we thank You for listening to the hearts of everyone whose spirits are united and fervently praying with us!

Father, because the our steps are being ordered by You, we walk confident that 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 Supernatural PRESENCE, Power, Strength, Health, Encouragement, Provision, Prosperity and Protection! Keep us constantly aware that Christ in Us Is The Hope of Glorraa!

 

We are more than conquers, therefore, 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!

Abba Father, as we patiently wait in confidence and quietness, we rejoice in hope, 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 and a HOLY HALLELUJAHHH!

Beloved, every child of God who is standing in agreement with this prayer, GO TELL SOMEBODY THAT JESUS LIVES, LOVES AND CARES 4 U 2!

 

SELAH!

Pause, Ponder, Pray & Praiz!

 

 

 

 

ALWAYS

 

ALWAYS

SELAH Daily Devotions!

 

Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake. Deut. 31:6 NIV

Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee. Isa. 26:3 KJV

I am with you always, even to the end of the age. Matthew 28:20 

 
One morning I received an email that took me back to an all too familiar place! As I read  on, I immediately realized that the lost sheep could very well had been me. Feel free to eavesdrop on the conversation,…
 
 “In the early 1980s I counseled a Christian young woman who was languishing in deep spiritual, mental and emotional torment. She wrote:
 
“Dear God, Where are you? How can you watch and not help me? I hurt so bad, and you don’t even care. If you cared you’d make it stop or let me die. I love you, but you seem so far away. I can’t hear you or feel you or see you, but I’m supposed to believe you’re here. Lord, I feel them and hear them. They are here. I know you’re real, God, but they are more real to me right now. Please make someone believe me, Lord. Why won’t you make it stop? Please, lord, please! If you love me you’ll let me die…A lost sheep”
 
I deal with many Christians who are filled with such confusion that their daily walk with Christ is unfulfilling and unproductive. When they try to pray, they begin thinking about a million things they should be doing. When they sit down to read the bible, they can’t concentrate. Whenever they have an opportunity to serve the Lord in some way, it comes up short by discouraging thoughts of self-doubt.
 
Having found freedom and deliverance, “the lost sheep” penned a response to her own prayer based on her new understanding of God’s provision in Christ.
 
“My dear lost sheep, You ask me where I am. My child, I am with you and I always will be. You are weak, but in me you are strong. I am so close that I feel everything you feel. Be crucified with me and I will live in you, and you shall live with me. I will direct you in paths of righteousness. My child, I love you and I will never forsake you, for you are truly mine…Love, God”
 
#CANWETALK?  Fortunately, the covers have been lifted and the stigma that once keep many suffering in silence and isolated by guilt and shame are not able to seek medical help  that was once shunned by the world, even by the church! Beloved, the struggle is real, BUT GOD’S LOVE IS GREATER!   By The Grace of God, while I too have experienced the freedom of  being delivered from the tormenting trauma and enslavement due to  clinical depression; however I will never everrrr forget to remember How Great A Salvation that The Lord wrought in my life!  I thank God for the medication that kept me long enough for God to get a hold of my mind, Divinely interrupting the forces of darkness, rebuking the lies and shining the Light of The Gospel of Jesus Christ into my spirit thereby transforming my being from death to LIFE!
 
It’s incumbent upon us to remember, this is not heaven, the devil is still a liar and God’s Word is Truth!  #IJS! If the saints are feeling the heat of the devil’s wicked devises, can you imagine what he’s putting the unsaved through? #EXACTLY!!!

Saints, ask God to open the eyes of your heart that you may see who’s hurting around you. If the whole world’s coming out the closetwe certainly can’t afford to be closet Christians! 

We have an awesome responsibility and an obligation to be the Love, Compassion and Hope of Christ to a lost generation! HENCE, You ought to tell one somebody that there is a Hope that’s out of this world…I mean, really?
 
C’mon nah! JUS TELL ‘EM…His Name is JESUS and He’s ALWAYS JUS A PRAYER AWAY!

SELAH!

Pause, Ponder, Pray & Praiz!

Ann Caffee

 

FACTS VS. FAITH?

 

FACTS VS. FAITH

SELAH Daily Devotions!

The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. John 10:10

Why do ye not understand my speech? even because ye cannot hear my word.Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it. And because I tell you the truth, ye believe me not. John 8:43-45

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

 

I’ve been told that in our Judicial system, oftimes a case is won or lost, based upon the credibility of the witnesses? Hence, I’d imagine that attorneys conduct pretty substantial investigations prior to putting an individual in the witness seat. Sometimes the prosecuting attorney will drop the case before it even reaches the court room, if the credibility of their star witness could potentially jeopardize their chances of a favorable verdict. At least, that’s the way that it used to be!

Unfortunately, in light of the gross corruption and the massive influx of deception trickling down from high places, most of us have become viciously suspicious of  what is often presented as truth versus reality! I mean, when our leaders stand in front of the Flag and proclaim, “Don’t believe what you see or what you hear from the major news networks, because it’s all fake news, but believe what I say!”  I, KNOW; WHO EVVRRR THOUGHT, huh?

And within the hour, The Washington Post Fact Checker, who is keeping a running list of the suspect statements since the innauguration, assert that “In the 497 days since he took the oath of office, POTUS has made 3,251 false or misleading claims (averaging about 6.5 alternative facts per day)!  #SERIOUSLY? Kinda makes it a bit hard to injest what’s REAL and what’s perverted conjecture and selfish manipulation, despite the corroborating videos! C’mon nah! #ijs! 

I wonder how these alternative facts impact The False Claim Act?  And does anybody remember when Pluto was a planet? Ooops, I digress! 

Beloved, throughtout the Scriptures we find our common adversary, Satan, adamantly accusing those of us who have trusted in the Saving Grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, before The Father day and night. He’s been at it for so long and surprisingly has far too many knotches on his belt. His primary SOP is to first target our will, confronting our pride, attacking our hearts and our conscious by reminding us of our failures and defeats. He knows that fear and doubt left unrestrained will soon paralyze our faith,  deminish any hope of receiving God’s Grace and eventually we’ll tap out! And then you know what happens, generally we find ourselves on the defense trying to justify ourselves rather repenting, asking God’s forgiveness and being restored to right-standing with the Father of All Mercies and God of All Comfort! (Ref. 2 Corinthians 1:3-5)

I don’t know about you, but I am tired of getting played like a three-strings guitar! Especially since, our Heavenly Father has already settled my case, once and for all! “And the LORD said unto Satan, The LORD rebuke thee, O Satan; even the LORD that hath chosen Jerusalem rebuke thee: is not this a brand plucked out of the fire?” (Zachariah 3:2)

Didjacdat? God shut the devil down…WITH THE TESTIMONY OF THE BLOOD OF JESUS!

I don’t care how much circumstantial evidence the da devil has presented against you today, you need to carefully consider the facts. The devil is a thief, a killer and a liar! On the other hand, based upon the testimony of Jesus Christ as outlined in the opening statements above, God’s Holiness, Integrity, Faithfulness and Trustworthiness is time tested. “For ever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven. (Psalm 119:89)

Oh, don’t get me wrong, my decisions do not always hail me to be shiniest penny in the pocket! However, my precious ones, there are two adjudications that I can wholeheartedly guarantee which have proven to be regret-free! JESUS IS THE BEST THING THAT HAS EVER HAPPEN TO ME and EVERYTHING I HAVE EVER NEEDED, I’VE  FOUND IN JESUS! Sounds pretty solid to me, huh?

According to the author of Hebrews, our faith is not transitory! But faith in God, while not validated by visible circumstances, is an inward conviction that fortifies our confidence to forge forward, trusting wholly that He Who Promised, is faithful to perform that which we Hope for! (Ref. Hebrews 10:23)  

Now, it’s not my business to tell you what to do,  howeverrrrr,  but simply to encourage you to make an informed decision based on the facts presented from the mouths of two or more witness, Amen?  

THE HOLY BIBLE confirms, “God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good? (Numbers 23:19)  Based on the incredible  amount of authenticated historical evidence accumulated and corroborated by the testimonials of a cloud of witnesses peering over the portals of heaven,  I’m stickin WITH THE ROCK!

It’s my profound belief that my readers are intellectually competent to make informed decisions! Amen?

NOW THAT THE EVIDENCE HAS BEEN PRESENTED TO YOU, IT’S TIME FOR YOU TO EXERCISE YOUR POWER OF CHOICE! WHO’S REPORT R U GONNA BELIEVE?  FACTS OR FAITH! #ijs #BOOM!!!!

SELAH!

Pause, Ponder, Pray & Praiz!

Ann Caffee

SHOUT-OUT!

SHOUT-OUT!

 

SELAH Daily Devotions!

 

One night the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision and told him, “Don’t be afraid! Speak out! Don’t be silent! For I am with you, and no one will attack and harm you, for many people in this city belong to Me.” Acts 18:9-10
Several years ago, The Grand Ole’ Church of God in Christ, came out with a slogan, guess what? Exactly! ‘I won’t be silent anymore!’  I wonder why I haven’t heard that one in a while! Especially in light of all the other voices that are bellowing out all kinds of crazy comments! #wink #wink!  Yall don’t mind granting a senior sista a few moments of folly, do you? AWESOME!

Have you noticed that every one and their cuzzins have come out of the colloquial closets, declaring and decreeing their rights. WOW! But where are the Saints? What’s the matter Zion? Perhaps, it’s got more to do with frustration and disenfranchisement than fear, huh? Them ol’ skool churrch Mothers were right! We’re living in times that will definitely try men’s souls. Seems as if everybody’s got rights…BUT THE CHURCH!

I ain’t scurred! Why are we the brunt of  such vicious accusations and slander, if we dare to uphold the moral standards clearly defined in The Word of God?  What happened to our freedom of speech rights? Why are we subjected to blatant mockery and defamation of character when we defend our Declaration of Dependance on The True and Living Creator of The Universe? #ijs The way things are going in America, we don’t know how much longer we’ll be able to freely speak-up for Jesus and not be martyred!

Last time I checked, The Holy Bible still says that there’d come a time when the people of God would be forced to make an individual conscientious decision, for Jesus I live, for Jesus I dieWell? Churrch, do we really believe The Word of God or are we pretending to fit in to get in?  Have we forgotten that the Ol’ Ship of Zion is not a cruiseliner but a battleship?  

It’s time to show this dark and dying world whatcha working with! Ain’t no where to run and no where to hide. The stage is set and the rubber is treading  the road. Timeout for playing church and teetering on the edge of the fence! You know what I mean;  “How close can you get to the world and still make it to Heaven?”  Baby, Either you’re all in THIS….OR UR OUTSIDE OF THE ARK! 

I still believe that the safest place in the whole wide world, IS IN THE WILL OF GOD!

Now, that’s just my two cents…do U, Boo!  BUT AS THE OL’ CHURRCH PREACHA USED TO SAY…AS 4 ME AND MY HOUSE….WE SHALL SERVE THE LORD!

TRUST2KNO! #SILENCEAIN’TBLISS! #datzmystoryugottaluvmehuh!  #NLOL #SPEAK-UP #SHOUT-OUT!

SELAH!

Pause, Ponder, Pray & Praiz!

Ann Caffee

GOD’S CHOICE!

GOD'S CHOICE 2

 

 

SELAH Daily Devotions!

 

And he LORD said, “Arise, anoint him, for this is the one.” Then Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the midst o his brothers, and the Spirit of the LORD came upon David from that day forward. So Samuel arose and went to Ramah. 1 Samuel 16:12b-13

 

In a perfect world one might expect to be valued for their compassion, kindness, integrity, selflessness, caring, thoughtfulness, humility, intestinal fortitude (grit), courage, loyalty and strength to be true to one’s self and others! Might I venture to say given the socially-challenged-spiritually-bankrupt state of humanity in this New Millennial society, a concordant manifestation of any combination of these heavenly attributes would be most welcomed, appreciated, admired and envied! Needless to say, we ain’t there yet! Can I get a strong AMEN 3x and double Hi-5?

TRUTHBTOLD, as far as we know, since that first infraction of our progenitors, Adam and Eve, in the Garden of Eden, mankind has lost the glorious innocence and sensitivity that once clothed the most precious of God’s creation! Hence, opening up the way for self preservation, shame, guilt, blame, hatred, inconsideration, covetousness, envy, jealousy and irresponsibility to become the new norm of the land! Could that be why God said, ‘don’t eat of the tree of good and evil’? UUUMMMMM?

Fortunately, God always had a plan to redeem and restore humanity back to HIS original intent, to surround Godself with an Eternal Family! He sent His Only Begotten Son, Jesus, serving as an illustrated sermon, to teach us the perfect, good and acceptable standard of Righteousness Personified!

Unfortunately, to attain such a lofty estate one must be transformed from faith to faith and glory to glory! This transition requires discipline and endurance,  which most of f us refuse to tolerate having little or no time for dat! A closer investigation of David, dubbed a man after God’s Own Heart, reveals that rarely does man and God come to the same conclusion when it comes to choosing candidates for the most likely to achieve success, IN GOD’S EYES! #ijs

Not only was David rejected by his father, he was not even considered remotely eligible to fill the position that Samuel was sent to appoint! Jessie lined his seven sons up before Samuel from the eldest on down; but much to his surprise, the oil refused to flow! And guess what, Samuel didn’t fair much better himself!  Looking at Eliab’s physical statue, he was confident that he had to be the best man for the mission! Until God corrected him!  “For the LORD does not see as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart!? (Ref. 1 Samuel 16:7) Finally, Samuel informed Jessie, “The LORD has not chosen these”! And inquired, “Are all the young men here?” Reluctantly, Jessie was forced to admit, “There remains yet the youngest, and he is, keeping the sheep.” (1 Samuel 16-10-11)

#DIDJACDAT? TALK ABOUT BEING OVERLOOKED, huh? #WOW!

You might think that someone would’ve remembered what happened the last time the people over-ruled God’s leadership preferring SAUL, the people’s CHOICE? And we all know how that turned out, right?

IS IT JUS ME? OR DOES THIS SOUND UNCOMFORTABLY 2 FAMILIAR?  YEP! SOMETIMES, YOU GET WHAT YOU WANTED, BUT LOSE WHAT YOU HAD, huh? Sounds like, ‘FATHER REALLY DOES KNOW WHAT’S BEST!’ Don’t shout me down nah!
Beloved, the LORD KNOWS them that are His, and He knows the gifts and callings He’s placed inside of you from your Mother’s womb! Don’t be dismayed or discouraged by those who fail to recognize your hidden treasure but are quick to acknowledge your inadequacies! Afterall, They can’t see what U C, because GOD DIDN’T SHOW IT 2 THEM! BESIDES THAT…GOD WASN’T TALKING TO THEM…HE WAS TALKING 2 U! Remember, God doesn’t usually call the qualified, BUT HE ALWAYS QUALIFIES THE CALLED!

PRECIOUS ONE, THE OIL IS FLOWING! NOW, THE CHOICE IS YOURS! WHO ARE U TRYING 2 BE, THE PEOPLE’S CHOICE OR GOD’S CHOICE? #ijs!

SELAH!

Pause, Ponder, Pray & Praiz!

Ann Caffee

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FAILURE AIN’T FATAL!

 

FAILURE AIN'T FATAL

SELAH Daily Devotions!

Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen. Jude 1:24-25

 

Isn’t is just annoying? I mean the constant bombarding of your mind with intimidating taunting thoughts designed to taint your perspective and ultimately sabotage your peace! #SERIOUSLY!!! Satan, aka da devil, knows fully well that he has absolutely no power to stop what God has planned for your future, nevertheless, he’s determined to strip away every ounce of  our in joy in the journey to our Final Destination…Heaven’s Glorious Salvation! Saints, regardless of his deceptive tactics, never 4get 2 remember, Satan is not GOD!  Notwithstanding, since his first encounter with our foreparents, Adam and Eve, he’s become quite adept in manipulating our thoughts and causing us to question the Faithfulness of God! How? Well, one of his favorite methods is to use your Memories!

Ever notice how the devil keeps bringing up your past mistakes and failures, reminding you of what you did and accusing you about what you should’ve done and didn’t? Oh Yeah, I gotta few witness, huh? Well, this morning I was reminded of something I heard many years ago ‘When the devil starts messing with your mind about your PAST, just remind him of his FUTURE!’

My Precious ones, we don’t have to tuck tail and squirm away in shame as if that’s the end of our story. BUT, AGREE WITH YOUR ADVERSARY QUICKLY? #4REAL! When we  remind the devil that what happened back then was just a chapter setting me up for future episodes of coming attractions, it terrorizes the Hell of o him!  Hence, The Bible says, let the redeedmed of the LORD tell their story!

Beloved, didjakno that the last thing that Satan wants to come up against, is a BIBLE BELIEVING BELIEVER! BUT THAT’S HIS PROBLEM not yours!  You have been Divinely authorized to speak The Word of God with such tenacity, Holy boldeness and confident assurance that  it will actually change your current circumstances!  It’s True!  The CHRIST IN YOU empowers You to call those things that be not, as though they were!

WOW!  Didjaheardat? Sounds like it’s time to let the devil know up front, you ain’t scarred, huh? You know, like that great R&B Prophet  James Brown, ‘SAY It loud! SAY it proud! 

So the next time you feel like giving up, jus remind yourself that “I AM the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus;  I’m not in this thing by myself and GOD SAID, that I shoud Glory in mine infirmities because when I am at my weakest that’s when THE POWER OF GOD’s GRACE RESTS UPON ME! (Ref. 2 Corinthians 12:9)  OMG! #GAMECHANGER!

WORSHIPING WARRIORS TAKE A STAND!  Let the devil know, “HOLD UP! Today ain’t looking that good for ya, and TRUTHBTOLD, tomorrow either! SOOOO, whatever you’re planning to trip me up, U might wanna reconsider! *ijs…Chances are, just like it didn’t work the last time, it won’t work this time either.” (Ref. Isaiah 54:17)

“My God has GGGggrrreeeaaaatt plans for me, for good and not for evil, and He swore by God-self, to bring me into an amazingly glorious future! And remember all that stuff you keep reminding me of, it’s covered, blotted out by the BLOOD!! I know it ain’t fair, it’s called‘favor’!” (Ref. Jeremiah 29:11)

“OOOOOh, Devil, QUESS WHAAA? UR STILL THE BIGGEST LOSER! I peeped  the back of the Book, and in the end, WE WIN! 

#BAMM!  #GOTTCHA! FAILURE AIN’T FATAL!

SELAH!

Pause, Ponder, Pray & Praiz!

Ann Caffee

 

HOW BAD DO U WANT HIM?

HOW BAD DO U WANT HIM

SELAH Daily Devotions!

 

That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death. Philippians 3:10

Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled. Matthew 5:6

 

One of the most intriguing topical discussions amongst expectant mothers and women who have become mothers (besides swapping labor stories) is the abnormally-intensified cravings that we experience during pregnancy awaiting the birth of their beautiful bouncing bundle of joy!

While, much to my amazement, my eldest is presently encroaching 50 years of age, yet, I can still summon up that daily occurrence of overwhelming ferociousness, provoking me to walk my big-belly-self five city blocks up to MLK Avenue to get my hands around a 6 in., lettuce and tomatoes, fried onions, mayo, ketchup and mustard, salt and pepper, heavily-loaded with pickles steak and cheese sandwich. This became such a ritual that the moment I wobbled through the threshold of the deli, the cashier would holla to the cook “Steak and Cheese Special for the big lady”. And off I’d be to our little one-bedroom apartment on Oakwood Street, five blocks back, just as happy as if I’d discovered a treasure chest filled with diamonds, rubies and gold.

Somehow, the journey back never seemed as difficult or as long, perhaps because I’d be that much closer to relishing the second I’d take my first bite of my bounty! Oh my, what we won’t do for love, huh?

Well guess what? That’s exactly how believers ought to be in our quest for Jesus Christ!

We see this truth evidenced in the life of The Apostle Paul. We can almost feel the earnest urgency with which The Apostle sought after his intentional personal, intimate- knowing and understanding of “The True One” Who had apprehended him on the Damascus Road. (Ref. Acts 9) It was as if Paul was driven by an uncommonly unique passionate desire that set him on a course that remains unchartered territory to even the most astutely-religious 21st Century church-goers today.

Yet, there is that remnant of us whose yearning for more JESUS consumes most of our waking moments and often invading our nights with dreams and images of His Awesomeness. Imagine my surprise at the realization that not everyone in the church shares this delight-filled insatiable lusting for The Living Water and The Bread of Life! #4REAL!

This might very well explain why some who profess Christ, are content with following Him a far off while others are compelled to dig-out the secret treasures hidden in The Word of God, diligently, intentionally searching the Scriptures daily that they might know HIM in ways that may never be actualized by the second-handed-casually-acquainted follower—experientially! (Ref. Acts 17:11)

The Word of God is Alive and gives LIFE to any who have a desire for The God Who Speaks revealing GOD-SELF through His Auto-Biography, inscribed through Genesis into Revelation, that all who seek Him with all of their hearts, minds, spirit, soul and body may know HIM (TRUTH) intimately. Sadly, not everyone who calls Him Savior seek Him as Lord, huh? #ijs Yall!

Therefore, much to their own sorrow, they miss out on the true wealth and reward of a personal, dynamic, GOD-involved relationship that awaits us who lend our hearts and attention to discovering The Father in the face of His First-Begotten Son, Jesus! (Ref. Colossians 1:15-16)

My precious one, seeking God, although often challenging, should never become be a chore! However, may I submit for your momentary consideration, that our response to His drawing is vindictive of the level of love, faith and commitment towards Him!

“O taste and see that the Lord is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him.” (Psalm 34:8)

HENCE, WHATEVER POSITION GOD OCCUPIES IN YOUR HEART DETERMINES HIS PRESENCE IN YOUR LIFE! #IJS HOW BAD DO U WANT HIM?  

 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Matthew 6:33

SELAH!

Pause, Ponder, Pray & Praiz!

Ann Caffee

 

GOD MATTERS?

GOD MATTERS

SELAH Daily Devotions!

 

If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. Colossians 3:1-2
Is it just me, or have you noticed the newest 21st Century jargon? The sheer variety of objectivity seem to suggests that there has been an awakening in the consciousness of The Millennials that has shifted away from ‘It’s all about me’ to ‘a genuine concern for the well-being of other than self’! Or NOT! Okay yall, I might as well let the cat outta the bag. I’m referring to the popular trending idiom ‘MATTERS’.

Apparently, everything and the kitchen sink, has taken on a persona of distinctive significance. And there’s a T-shirt somewhere out there to prove it! Hey, I’m not judging, simply highlighting the obvious, k? If you ask anybody what are some of the things that they’re most interested in, it’s guaranteed that their responses would be endless. However, may I suggest that given the innate nature of humans to be drawn to individual preferences, in order to secure its fundamental security and uniformity, certain things are essential to the future of any society!

Obviously, there will be those who’d swear that being ‘pet parents’ is no different from parenting ‘live human children’ or wearing pants 25 inches below your waist-line to a job interview is as acceptable as nudity in a court room. As long as you’re comfortable with yourself, huh? Now that The Supreme Court has determined that regardless of sexual orientation, Love Matters! The capitalist affirm that it’s the bottom line that counts, not human rights! Hence Money Matters! Since, The NRA ascribes to ‘the right to bear arms’, above the ‘right to live in a safe neighborhoods’ thus—everybody’s packin! Billions of funds are being funneled to Animal Rights activists discretly away from those insidious issues of education, homelessness and hunger! Seriously!

Of course, we are not implying that as Christians we’re not supposed to have interests outside of the church. But! Does anyone care about what Matters to God? Well?

Looking at the more contemporary-all-embracing, newly-enlightened, come-as-u-r-stay-as-u-r doctrines of the 21st Century church, apparently, ain’t nobody got time for dat? It’s common place, now that church-folk tend to gravitate (assembling together) to like-minded sophisticated folk who prefer creature comforts above christian character! And if the ol’ skool preacha insists on sticking to those irrevelant antiquated suggestions of The Holy Bible and preachilng against SIN, well we can just Google the net and find another church that’s more condusive to our religious persuasions!

#DON’TSHOUTMEDOWNNAH!

Far be it for me to infer that Father GOD knows what’s best for His Children! However, isn’t that the reason that He drew us out of the world? God wants us to be happy and holy! That’s why He sent The Holy Spirit to live in us, leading and guiding us through the maze of a hellish world, instilling godly morals to assure that we get safely home to Heaven’s Glory! “Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:” Heb. 12:14

It’s perfectly understandable that an unregenerated person has no hope beyond this life, hence their universe is focused on accumulating a wealth of materialistic trinkets! However, where did so many carnal-minded christians come from?

I still remember when those who have a personal trust in Christ, peering through the clarity of the Scriptures, wore our earthly life as a loose-fitting overcoat, easily discarded and replaced by the robes of righteousness, laced with Love, Loyalty, Grace and Mercy as garments of praiz while eagerly awaiting The Trump of GOD to sound beckoning the Faithful TO COME UP HITHER! WOW! #GOALS #RAPTUREREADY #GODMATTERS!

SELAH!

Pause, Ponder, Pray & Praiz!

Ann Caffee

 

THE WISDOM OF THIS WORLD

THE WISDOM OF THIS WORLD

 

SELAH Daily Devotions!

 

For you have trusted in your wickedness; You have said, ‘No one sees me’; Your wisdom and your knowledge have warped you; And you have said in your heart, “I am, and there is no one else besides me.’ Isaiah 47:10

For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel; not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect. For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness, but unto us which are saved; it is the power of God…for after that in the wisdom of God, the world by wisdom knew not God; it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe. 1 Corinthians 1:17-18, 20

 

Granted, in this new Millennium Church Age,  some challenge the relevancy and even the validity of ‘The preaching of the Cross’!  After all, we have so much going on, so much information available to us right at the tips of our fingers! And of course there’s always so much to accomplish and so little time, huh? 

Well, guess what? Contrary to Millennial pop culture, God knew before we knew how long and how far mankind would go to avoid accountability!

According to 2 Timothy 4:3, ‘For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but having itching ears, they shall heap to themselves teachers in accordance with their own lusts.’

In other words, the focus would no longer be how to live a holy and sanctified life, in this present world, but folk would religiously come to church to scratch an itch, you know, to satisfy their hunger for more and some more of the WORLD’S creature comforts.  Of course they’d use a more palatable vernacular, such as, “Give me a ‘word’ that will tell me how I can supersize my life!” Or perhaps, “I’ll give you a part of my ‘free day’ if you can make it worth my while; you know, cheer me up, make me feel good (bring on the hype)! “A’int nobody got time for foolishness!” And we’d certainly be remiss to ignore this one—“You can’t judge me, God knows My Heart!” 

TRUST2KNO, you’re absolutely right! But the fact that that alone doesn’t terrify you is in itself “self-incrimidating’! Think about it, GOD is Omnipresent, Omniscient and Omnipotent! Thus, He’s everywhere at the same time, knows everything about everything and is able to do anything at anytime! Hence, wherever you go, whatever you think and whatever you do, never takes GOD BY SURPRISE! #WOW! #ijs! 
I know we shouldn’t be shocked—but C’mon! This prevailing attitude of  ‘entitlement’  amongst the household of faith? Yeah, I mean, we’re not talking about ‘worldly sinners’ we’re talking–Church Folks! Don’t shout me down, nah!

But to those of us who yet believe in the Testimony of Jesus Christ and the Gospel message of that ol’ rugged cross, the preaching of the cross is not foolishness, but it is the Power of God to save the sinner man who will dare to believe that The Word of God is True!

Frankly, it’s easy to understand exactly why the Deceitful Destroyer works so diligently to keep humanity blinded from The Truth.  If we were in his position, we wouldn’t want this Good News on blast in mainstream media, either!  Obviously!!  The Bible says, if they only knew ‘They never would’ve crucified Christ’ in the first place. (1 Corinthians 2:8) Well guess what, devil, You’re over 2000 years too late!
 
To the weary wanderer, The Cross is the Place of Refuge! To the lost, The Cross is the Center of the Universe, where Eternity collided with Time and Mercy and Grace unashamedly kissed each other! To the unlovable faint of heart, The Cross is The Power and Love of God openly revealed and freely offered in exchange for our rebellion against God! To the spiritually bankrupt, The Cross the Place of Welcomed Surrender– where, you give Him your all, He Gives You His All!

To those who’re trapped in darkness, The Cross is where the Light of GOD’S Amazing Grace is still shining—beckoning us before the day of gross darkness overtakes you—COME!

DIDJAHEARDAT? THE WISDOM OF GOD HELPS US 2 SAFELY NAVIGATE  LIFE, AVOIDING SATANIC SNARES AND TRAPS DESIGNED TO DEPOSE OUR ETERNAL DESTINY! BUT, THANK GOD 4 THE  FOOLISHNESS OF PREACHING! So who’s the real fool?

SELAH!

Pause, Ponder, Pray & Praiz!

Ann CaffeeI