Category Archives: Fear and Worry

SURRENDER??

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SURRENDER

 

SELAH Daily Devotions!

 

“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.” Matthew 11:28-30 The Message

 

Back in the old’n days, one of my favorite things to do was watching the westerns on our black and white tv’s. Yeah! Those good ol’ shootem ups (as Daddy called them)! The bad guys always wore the black hats and the good guys never lost a fight. I remember, there would always be that scene when the bad guys would be hemmed in a cabin, a barn, or a dead end road, surrounded by the posse of good guys, with no way out! The sheriff would call out, ‘We’ve got you surrounded, so throw your guns out!’ ‘And come out with our hands up!’ After a moment or two, you’d see a white hankerchief being waved out of a window or door and the bad guy would holler, ‘Don’t shoot, we’re coming out’! They’d come stumbling out of their hiding place with both of their hands in the air high above their heads to surrender. Boy, those were the days, huh?

Surrender! WOW! That word is almost as bewildering as ‘commit’, right?

We stand in the sanctuary with our hands lifted in the air sanngin, “I surrender all, I surrender all, all to Jesus, I surrender, I surrender all!” However, what does it mean to surrender to Jesus? Surrender is just another way to say, submit! Ooops dat didn’t help much, huh?

Even Christians sometimes find this task elusive. Although we love the idea of receiving Christ as our Savior, we struggle to master the concept of surrendering according to The Word of God! Could it possibly be, because it grinds up against our pride and the innate insatiable need of being in control? #ijs

One day Saul, found himself in a strange place. And he did just what a lot of us do when we hear the Voice of God calling us to another level of anointing. Saul went and hid behind some stuff! But because God’s Word must come to past, Saul could not stay there. Eventually, Saul came out from his hiding place, threw up both his hands, and surrendered to the Will of God for his life! (Ref. 1 Samuel 10:22)

What stuff are you hiding behind? What’s keeping you from surrendering to Jesus? Are you hiding behind fear and anxiety of failure or succes? Is it doubt and personal insecurities? Perhaps it’s self righteousness or your own will! Could you be using your family or friends as an excuse for not embracing your destiny? Or, do you need to come out from behind your past and your sins?

Perhaps today, you’re surrounded, hemmed in, backed into a dead–end—no—win—place, let me assure you it ain’t what it looks like! God’s got you just where He wants you. Trust2know, it’s gets a whole lot easier to surrender when you know that it’s JESUS calling you to come!

When you get the revelation that God is simply asking you to trust your entire being to the Faithful Loving Care of the Unconditional Lover of your soul, you can throw down any and everything that’s hindering you from moving into your next phase of His Glory and gladly run to the shelter of His Almighty Arms! Afterall,  you said you wanna be like JESUS, huh? Your life is not your own. Remember, you were purchased by The Blood of The Precious Lamb of God!

‘My Beloved, empty out your heart; give in to Jesus and submit your all to My Will for your life. Stop resisting and yield! Give Me the right of Way in your life!’ #didjaheardat?

MAKE TODAY THE DAY THAT YOU SURRENDER YOUR ENTIRE EVERYDAY LIFE TO YOUR GOD! LET PEACE BE YOUR ANCHOR AND YOU’LL DISCOVER THAT JESUS ALONE IS THE REST FOR YOUR SOUL!

DON’T BE SCARRED! HIS GRACE IS ALWAYS SUFFICIENT TO UPHOLD AND CARRY YOU THRU, BY ANY MEANS NECESSARY, FROM WHEREVER YOU ARE TO WHEREVER HE’S CALLING YOU TO! IN JESUS NAME. IT IS SO! SURRENDER!

SELAH!

Pause, Ponder, Pray & Praiz!

Ann Caffee

WATER WALKERS

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WATER WALKERS

 

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. Hebrew 11:6

And it shall come to pass, that before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear. Isaiah 65:24
Honestly, it really doesn’t require a whole lot of faith to believe that GOD CAN! Just open your eyes, or better yet, shut them and continue to breath! However, believing that GOD WILL takes Biblical faith to an entirely different level that too many rarely attain. I’m not talking Bible-quoting, but water-walking empowering faith that moves you to get out of the boat, with nothing to stand on but The Word of God! (Ref. Matthew 14:28)
 
Quite frankly, it’s the after we make the decision that causes us the most conflict. Remember, before we got a personal revelation of Jesus Christ and committed to live holy as unto The Lord, rarely did we question or rebuke the enemy’s temptations to sin. Yet now that we’re saved, the enemy targets us relentlessly tempting us to surrender our faith in The Invisible God and put more confidence in The Liar! And that’s when the real tests come! It’s when you’re challenged to stop thinking about it and put your feet where you mouth is! That’s the scuuarry part, huh?
 
The Scriptures record numerous accounts where God’s people found themselves in dire straits and having no other recourse, but to cry out to The Lord, their God, trusting wholeheartedly that not only does God hear—but GOD Answers!
 
King David, reminiscing back to a time, having to flee from King Saul’s armies, being surrounded by his enemies, narrowly escaping with his life, penned these words, “Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the Lord delivereth him out of them all.” Psalm 34:19. David’s testimony still replenishes our hope today that even when it looks like there’s no way out, if you call on The Name of The Lord, GOD will show up and make a way out of no way!
 
In 2 Timothy 3:12, The Apostle Paul, echoing David’s sentiment, encourages his young protégée, Timothy, “as you walk with Jesus Christ, expect afflictions and persecution”. Yet, in the Eternal Purpose of God, compared to the Glorious future that God has stored up for us, it’s only a momentary light affliction! (Ref. Romans 8:18, Jeremiah 29:11)
 
Don’t even think that our Loving Savior sits idly aloof from His Beloved, leaving us to fend for ourselves. Not on your life! But The Lion of Judah moves compassionately towards every moan and groan of our being, intervening on our behalf, turning everything around to work in our favor! (Ref. Hebrew 4:15)
 
No matter what you may be experiencing now, God knew exactly where you’d be, even before He allowed you to enter into this season. Stay confident! Remember, GOD says when enough is enough; and who or what can stop HIM?

TRUST2KNOW! NOT ONLY IS GOD ABLE…HE WILL! WHATCHA WAITING ON? STEP OUT THE BOAT!

SELAH!

Pause, Ponder, Pray & Praiz!

Ann Caffee

COME BACK 2 THE TABLE

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COME BACK 2 THE TABLE

 

SELAH Daily Devotions!

 
And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me. After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, this cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me. 1 Corinthians 11:24-25

For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord’s body. 1 Corinthians 11:29

 

At our church, it’s every 1st Sunday! The table has been prepared by Deac, anticipating the moment when the scripture will be read and Pastor will extend the invitation to the congregation to come to the table and partake of the bread (wafer) and the wine (grape juice). The charge is given, to let every man examine his/her self and let them eat of that bread and drink of that cup, lest you bring a curse upon yourself by mocking the Body and The Blood of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ! #heartpounding, huh?

Unfortunately, since we don’t know what’s residing in the hearts of our brothers and sistas, how many folk refrain because their own hearts have condemned them or not just because they don’t want others to think that they’re not in right-standing with Christ? Anyway, it’s not my business, right? #juswondering

Chances are even some God-fearing-sanctified-baptised-holy-walking-tongue-talking believers don’t really understand the significance of The Communion Table and wrongfully approach this feast as a religious traditon ritual. Hence, this is just something we do 1st Sunday! Oh, Precious Ones, there’s so much more taking place that meets the eye! Journey with me as the Holy Spirit lluminates the spiritual reality, intimacy and implications of this sacred fellowship with The Risen Savior!

The Communion Table is Divinely instituted to take us back to The Cross of Calvary and The Blood that was shed for the remission of our sin. When we come to The Table, we’re revisiting remembering the whipping posts where The Lamb of God was beaten with 39 stripes + 1  before He was nailed to an ol’ rugged Cross atop Calvary! While many who watched self-righteously believing that they were doing God a favor,  there were a remnant of others who knew that Jesus was wounded for our transgressions and bruised for our iniquities and the stripes that He bore in His flesh were for our healing!

When we come to the Communion Table, remembering the Cross, you gotta come correct! Not in pride nor condemnation; but in joy-filled anticipation, humbled by Jesus’ humiliation! Come, humbled by Jesus’ Holiness, His Faithful submission to death, hell, the grave and to His Father’s Will–in order that we could have a right to eat the fruit of Eternal Life!

Come to the table, remembering the falability of your humanity and the infallability of His Divinity, acknowledging that not only do I need The Atoning Blood to get saved, but to stay saved!

The Word of God reminds us that there’s a devil who’s constantly plotting against us, determined to stop us from living holy and righteous before God. He’s always lurking about us, awaiting the opportunity to sneak up, entrapping you with that sin that so easily besets you, drapping your heart with burdens of guilt, shame and condemnation destroying your peace! He’s strategically scheming to flood your mind with fear,worry and doubt, drainining your spirit of the Jesus’ joy, strength and hope! But the Communion Table, reminds you that just One Drop of The sanctifying Blood applied to the door post of your heart and mind is enough to shake off temptation, depression, gloom and doom and lift you up out of the pit of hopelessness and dispair!

When you drink of The cup of Redemption, your strength is refreshed, renewed and your holy boldness is restored, empowering you to repel the firey darts of Satan. When you eat The Body, remember you now stand clad in The Full Armor of God, declaring to the kingdom of darkness, ‘I refuse to deny the Testimony of Jesus on The Cross – I gotcha covered, IT IS FINISHED!

Beloved, the next time you partake of the Communion Table, let the Blood cleanse your heart of the guilt by acknowledging that it was your sin that betrayed Jesus, even since you’ve been saved. The devil will choke on that, because you know He certainly was planning to throw that back in your face, k?

But be of good courage, that’s why Jesus suffered The Cross, once and for all who will receive Him as the propitiation of their sin. As you eat His Body and drink His Blood, remember, Jesus prayed, knowing you’d fail Him again before you leave this world. That’s why He asked The Father to send you The Helper to live on the inside of you to empower you to live faithfully and obedient to His commandments!

As you fellowship with The Savior, hear His plea, ‘All I want you to do, when you are converted is go strengthen your brother! Go tell them how much I still LOVE them! Go tell them about My Blood that frees them from sin! Go tell somebody how I saved, healed and delivered you! Go tell one somebody that if Jesus was able to saved me, a wretch undone, He can saved anybody! WOW! #didjaheardat?

Maybe you need to come back to the table? C’mon, THE BLOOD STILL WORKS!

SELAH!

Pause, Ponder, Pray & Praiz!

Ann Caffee

WHATZ STOPPIN’ U?

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Copyright - © Mike Grandmaison

 

SELAH Daily Devotions!

 

Abandoning that one, Isaac moved on and dug another well. This time there was no dispute over it, so Isaac named the place Rehoboth (which means “open space”), for he said, “At last the LORD has created enough space for us to prosper in this land.” Genesis 26:-22
Has God ever promised you something that seemed absurd not to mention impossible in your own mind? Well, you’re in good company! Remember, Abram and Sarai. When God promised to give them a son,  considering Abraham was 100 and Sarah 90 years old, (waaayyy past the childbrearing age), they both laughed at the very thought of such a thing happening. But God got the last laugh! At the appointed time, Isaac (laughter) was born to this barren couple! Is there anyting too hard for God?

Isaac grew up and married Rebekah. Everything was going well, until suddenly there was a famine in their land which drove them to move to Gerar, a land occupied by the Philistine King Abimelech. Isaac settled there, and planted crops in that land, and reaped a hundredfold in that same year, his cattled increased and so did his servants! Now, don’t miss it, K? Remember, they were in the midst of a famine and water, being extremely scarce, was as precious as gold. Therefore, the land was barely producing, but because God was with him, everything his hands touched, prospered and Isaac became filty rich! #Didjagetit?

Howeverrr, be prepared for the repercussions of  increase! #ijs!!! Everybody ain’t happy when things are going well for you, huh? Oh yeah, as God begins to elevate you, some folk will start disappearing from your life. Are you ready for some pruning!

Soon jealousy reared its ugly head and King Abimelech told Isaac ‘This land ain’t big enough for the both of us. You ain’t gotta go home, but you leaving here.’! To make sure that his land couldn’t produce, The King ordered the wells that Isaac had dug to be filled up with dirt. Have you ever known somebody who was so jealous about what you had that they didn’t, that they began to spread lies to tear down your character and tarnish your reputation? Hence, throwing dirt in your well?

Sometimes, to keep the peace and unity, it’s better to take the low road! Isaac moved to the Valley where he discovered wells of fresh water! Yet, this infuriated the herdsmen of Gerar even more! Time and time again they’d come claiming these wells as their own.

Beloved, don’t be surprised at the opposition that shows up whenever you make a decision to seek the Fountain of Living Water! Nevertheless, God says to ‘count it all joy’! (Ref. James 1:2-4) He only allows it to try your faith and prove your trust through a furnace of affliction! Isaac, refusing to let oppostion stop him, kept right on seeking and digging wells. He did not give in to the ways of the world just because his circumstances were not what he’d expected. HE WAS IN THE WILL OF GOD!

It’s important to note, Isaac didn’t rebel against the ol’ land marks but remained steadfast to the promises that God had given to his Father. Saints, we don’t have to come up with a new bunch of truths to inherit the promises of God! We certainly don’t change our beliefs just because the world says, times have changed.  Them ol’ skool Mothers said, “Yep, it’s a new day, but don’t throw the baby out with the bathwater! You might get what you want, but lose what you had!” It’s okay to dig new wells, but make sure that you build on the foundation of those who have gone on before us and make sure that we get where they are! #ijs… Amen!

Isaac moved three times, looking for new wells just to avoid conflict! Yet, Isaac had something that his enemies didn’t. He had the comforting assurance that no matter where he was, no matter what his circumstances, God’s Presence and Promises abided with him!

His hope, faith, trust and patience were rewarded in the end! They dug another well, and no one quarrel after this one. Isaac named it Rehoboth, meaning the Lord has made room for us and we will flourish!

Saints, you don’t have to push nobody down, lie, cheat, hook-crook-back-stab to get what God has planned for your life. Your gift will make room for you! (Ref. Jeremiah 29:11, Proverbs 18:16)

Some might look at Isaac and call him a whimp, but God looks at him and calls him BLESSED!

GOD DID EVERYTHING THAT HE PROMISED HE WOULD DO. AND IF HE DID IT FOR ISAAC, IF YOU REMAIN FAITHFUL AND OBEDIENT, YOU TOO SHALL EAT OF THE GOOD OF THIS LAND!  GOD SWORE MY GOD-SELF, NO GOOD THING WILL HE WITHOLD FROM YOU, AS YOU WALK UPRIGHT BEFORE HIM! SO, WHATZ STOPPING U? #RUSERIOUS??

SELAH!

Pause, Ponder, Pray & Praiz!

Ann Caffee

 

IT’S ONLY TEMPORARY

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IT'Z ONLY TEMPORARY

 

SELAH Daily Devotions!

 

For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal wieght of glory. While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things wich are not seen are eternal. 2 Corinthians 4:17-18

 

One of the most difficult things for us to comprehend , especially in the midst of chaos and drama, is the reality of our being creatures in time while God is Eternal. As creatures of time, we have a tendency to focus on the intensity of our current struggle, losing sight of the unchangeable nature of The Omnipresent, Omniscient, Omnipotent Creator and Sustainer of the Ages!

Despite personally experiencing numerous historical testaments of our previous deliverances, apparently there’s an innately human proclivity to suffer spontaneous outbreaks of accute spiritual amnesia when faced with a new challenge! Hence, we forget that the same God who brought us out the last time is still with us.

While there’s no known cure for this dis-ease, it is treatable! The Word of God subscribes that as a child of God, arm yourself with the Mind of Christ. Consider your present condition, in light of The Word of God rather than the intimidations and threats of the wicked, deceitful raving antics of God’s enemy, Satan! And Yessss, it’s easier said than done, nevertheless IT IS POSSIBLE!

How, you say? We do it all the time! Seriously! Just think about a cute lil’ cuddly brown and white kitty, can you see her in your mind? Okay, now think of a pit bull! Uuuhhh! What happened to the kittycat?

God has so wonderously created us with the ability to cast down images, overthrowing arguments, and every high thing lifting itself up against the knowledge of God, and taking captive every thought into the obedience of Christ. (Ref. 2 Corinthians 10:4-5)

If you make a conscious decision to rely upon your spiritual eyes regardless of what your natural eyes see, faith will always trump fear! In other words, the strongest man always wins!! Recognize the source. God has not given us the spirit of fear, but power, love and a sound mind, right? The devil is a thief, a liar and the father of lies! Well? Who you gonna trust? (Ref. 2 Timothy 1:7; John 10:10)

Keep in mind, your Heavenly Father is never taken by suprise, never caught off guard and will never scratch His Head saying, “Wheredatcomefrom?” The Holy Scriptures assure us that before we ask, He already knows what we need! And don’t forget, His delay does not mean automatic denial. The Good Shepherd doesn’t lead us anywhere that HIS GRACE can’t keep us.

Beloved, remember God does not move in time according to circumstances. He’s more interested in eqipping and furnishing you and I with His characteristics that your faith and trust is not easily moved, come what may! The ol’ skool Mothers said, ‘Baby, He may not come when you want Him, but He’s always on right on time, k?

During moments of stress and afflictions, God wants you to focus on the things which are not seen in order that the knowledge and assurance of His Amazing Grace will sustain us throughout Eternity may be perfected in us! Be not dismayed,Ye are spiritual beings, created in His Image! Encourage yourself to remember, this is only temporary! At any moment now, I know God ‘s gonna shall breakthru and change my circumstances around for my good and HIS GLORAAA.

Just like He brought me out of THAT, HE WILL BRING ME OUT OF THIS! When I come out of this, I’ll be able to tell somebody else, my God is Faithful and worthy of your trust, patience and praiz! This came to past not to stay!  SPEAK UPWORDS! IT’S ONLY TEMPORARY!
SELAH!

Pause, Ponder, Pray & Praiz!

Ann Caffee

 

IT’S TIME 2 PRODUCE

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IT'S TIME 2 PRODUCE

SELAH Daily Devotions!

 

Sing, O barren, thou that didst not bear; break forth into singing, and cry aloud, thou that didst not travail with child: for more are the children of the desolate than the children of the married wife, saith the Lord. Isaiah. 54:1

 

When I think of the word ‘barren’ I get an image of a desert, a wilderness, dry, desolate, unfruitful place. Obviously, The Prophet Isaiah could not be talking to God’s Chosen Ones. Or could he? I know this doesn’t quite fit in the New Millennium Church Prosperity Theology. After all, aren’t we the head and not the tail, above not beneath. Aren’t we the blessed coming in, and blessed going out, right?

Well, I don’t mean to intrude into your celestial comfort zone and burst your balloon, but for those of us who’ve been walking with The Lord for more than a week, can testify that sometimes real-life contradicts everything that we’ve ever heard, studied and believed about what it means to be “saved”.

Many times the saints believe because we love God and know that God loves us, the favor of God automatically guarantees a life of levitating thru this world on a flowery bed of ease; that is until life doesn’t produce the fruit of righteousness that we expect! That’s Barrenness! I’m talking about even after, we’ve made all of our faith confessions, planted faith seeds all across the nations; only to end up broker, busted and even more disgusted. Don’t shout me down, nah? #ijs!

What about when Prophet Lightning Buzz told you that your soul mate was on his way to you and up pops Sis. Rahab or Bro. Bozo and she or he snags the very one you just knew God said was yours? I’d call that a barren place!  #4REAL!!!

And what about this one, you make up your mind to stop robbing God and start paying your tithes and giving your offerings faithfully and consistently, and you still can’t make ends meet? Okay! Now you see what I’m talking about, huh?

Sometimes it appears as if God brought you into the L&D room, watched you suffer the pain, exposing you for everyone to see and then stitched up your womb and left the building!

O YE BARREN, HEAR YE THE WORDS OF THE LORD! “It ain’t what it looks like!” God uses our barrenness, to mature us and to prepare us to take possession of our heritage!

Perhaps, some of you have been wandering around the desert for quite a while, aimlessly drifting without direction or purpose. Have you considered that God’s been trying to bring you out, howevvrrrr, because you’ve refused to trust Him and keep trying to deliver yourself, you continue to go round and round in circles!  Beloved, might I offer an alternative perspective,  God had to make the brook dry up just to get you in position for your miracle!

Stop It! It’s time to go in and to take possession of everything that God has promised you.

Remember, your  next blessing is never in what you’ve lost, but it’s always in what you’ve got left! God can produce more in a famine than the wicked can in his wealth. It’s time for you to stop trying and start trusting.

O Ye barren; get ready to enlarge your tent! TRUST2KNO, IT’S TIME TO PRODUCE!

SELAH!

Pause, Ponder, Pray & Praiz!

Ann Caffee

I DON’T MIND WAITING

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I DON'T MIND WAITING!

 

SELAH Daily Devotions!

 

For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry. Habakkuk 2:3
If there’s anything that I find more detestable than eating okra, it’s gotta be waiting! Oh, don’t look at me with that tone of voice. I see your hand up too! Out of all of the spiritual gifts we crave, patience is probably at least next to the bottom of the list! The Ol’ Churrch Mothers used to say, ‘Baby, don’t ever ask God for patience, cause you’re inviting trouble to your door’!

But I’ve lived long enough to conclude, invited or not, Trouble’s bound to show up sooner or later. So it behooves us to not just expect it but to prepare for the unexpected. One of the first things on the ‘to do list’ of every soul who pledges allegiance to The Cross should be learning how to wait! While there’s little to none chance of escaping waiting, I’ve found it to be extremely efficacious to establish a few things at the onset!

Primarily, Who you’re waiting on has a direct affect on how you wait. Next, consider the probability of facilitation of your expectation. Lastly, what time constraints are you prepared to impose on the process? #WOW, huh?

Waiting on God is always our best bet! (Ref. Philippians 3:1-4) As you’ve probably realized by now, the odds of success when putting all of your confidence in any flesh, especially your own, is kinda like winning Power Ball Mega Millions the first time you purchased a lottery ticket. Exactly! Not that their intentions weren’t honorable; BUT! Sometimes, God will ordain those certain ONLY GOD types of situations to tutor us in ‘The Validity of Maintaining Confidence in His Trustworthiness’! God knows that as long as we can handle life on our own (or with the aid of that other person), chances are we’ll never come to Him! When we seek God first (not as a last resort), our faith is rewarded exceedingly beyond our expectations (Ref. Matthew 6:31-33)

GOD CANNOT LIE! (Ref Numbers 23:19) Once we’ve established the reliability of God’s Word, based conclusively upon a settled-realism that everything God ever promised already is, that all of the promises of God are Yea and Amen (Ref. 2 Corinthians 1:20) and that God has obligated Himself to bring every Word He’s ever spoken it to pass, we rest!  Hence,  personal trust blossomes through patient waiting, in quiet confident hope, knowing that our Harvest Time is coming! (Ref. Hebrews 6:18)

So the next time the devil asks, “Whatcha waiting on?”, don’t bother to respond! Just stretch out the cords, buckle down the hatches and get ready for the overflow!

When you’re expecting God, anytime He shows up is your season for Grace and Favor!  #ijs, DON’T MIND THE WAITING!

SELAH!

Pause, Ponder, Pray & Praiz!

Ann Caffee

 

BURN BABY, BURN!

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BURN BABY, BURN!

 

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 have been graciously endowed with His Divine Power and given 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 true Believers with indwelling Power of The 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!

“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. Yet, if we keep falling to 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? #ijs

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 His 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.

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 and carries us triumphantly  thru every valley to the mountaintops, we’re fortified 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!

A true carrier of God’s Glory plants his faith in the Word of God’s Grace! Having done all to stand, stands therefore, 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, I might have to Bend, but I refuse to Bow”!

NOW, YOU’RE JUS WHAT THE WORLD IS WAITING FOR! GO AHEAD…LIGHT UP THE WORLD PROCLAIMING, ‘TO GOD BE THE GLORY! KEEP THE FIYA BURNING!

SELAH!

Pause, Ponder, Pray & Praiz!

Ann Caffee

STAND YOUR GROUND!

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STAND UR GROUND 2

SELAH Daily Devotions!

“Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” Philippians 4:11-13

Once again, The Apostle Paul finds himself in a life-threatening situation, being unjustly accused by his former peers the Sadducees and the Pharisees, who now hold him in great contempt. Their hatred for Paul was so intense that they persisted, relentlessly, for several years to discredit and ultimately take his life. Regardless of how many times God frustrated their schemes, they were committed to his destruction. Kind of reminds me of the Devil, huh? And frightenly similar to the way some of the nation treated our President Barak Obama!

However, Paul’s accusers failed to recognize that Paul was a man on a mission for God! Since his Damascus Road conversion, the newly ordained Apostle had become so in tuned with the purposes of God that he refused to allow external circumstances to determine internal perseverance. Paul had discovered the secret of drawing on Christ’s power for strength rather than trusting in his own ability! Paul’s revelation that Jesus Is Lord, therefore in control of everything, gave him the fortitude to persevere in the midst of persecution, confident that none of these things will move me! (Ref. Acts 20:24)

In this day of 21st Century Christianity many of God’s people have been dupped by hefty doses of the more contemporized “Gospel Lite Theology”! Hence, in their minds, once you surrender your life to Christ, everyday is gonna be a tip-toe thru the tulips awaiting the Trumpet sound when they’ll be transported to the Pearly Gates of The Celesterial City. Unfortunately, real-life does not remotely resemble Hollywood’s version. Being a Christian does not promise we won’t experience test, trials and even tragedies. However, it does mean that God will be with us thru every single  challenge that we’ll ever face!

As we walk with The Good Shepherd, maintaing a consistent gratitude for what God has already done, a  hopeful expectation for the future and relying solely upon the All Encompassing Sufficiency of God’s Grace, we’ll learn to remain steadfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the Faithfulness of God’s Love! (Ref. 1 Corinthians 15:58)

I don’t care what’s or who’s threatenng to destroy your peace today arm yourself with the same Spirit of Faith that motivated, not only The Apostle Paul but our Ultimate Role Model of a man on a mission, The Lord Jesus Christ.

Oh, by the way don’t worry about threatening demonic forces who try to take you out, remember who created the bow and the archer! #ijs (Ref. Isaiah 54:16-17)

BELOVED, GOD HAS PERSONALLY POSITIONED YOU TO REPRESENT THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN TO A LOST AND DYING WORLD! STAND YOUR GROUND AND SHINE ON! 

SELAH!

Pause, Ponder, Pray & Praiz!

Ann Caffee

LET’S STAY TOGETHER

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LET'S STAY 2GETHER

 

SELAH Daily Devotions!

 

When I remember these things, I pour out my soul in me: for I had gone with the multitude, I went with them to the house of God, with the voice of joy and praise, with a multitude that kept holyday. Psalm 42:4
 
I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the Lord. Psalm 122:1

 

Perplexing, huh? Given all the chaos, turmoil, and just plain drama that people are going thru today, why aren’t all of our churches packed out, every service? When so many people’s minds are filled with fear, anxiety, doubt and uncertainty, why do so many stay away from the sanctuary of God’s House? Nonetheless, I’ve discovered that oftentimes when our hearts become overwhelmed by the woes of life, the absolutely last thing some of us want to do is actually the very first thing we ought to do–fellowship with our brothers and sistas in Christ! Am I right about it?

 
The Psalmist, understood how to survive his soul’s dis-eases—the times when the cares of his world left his spirit cast down, unsettled, and wearied to the point that he didn’t know what to do. David always found his answers and comfort in God’s Presence and among kindred believers!
 
The Word of God let’s us know that there is nothing, no temptation, no trial, no test that we will ever go through that somebody else has not already experienced and triumphantly overcome. (Ref. 1 Corinthians 10:13)  Yet, Satan, the Master of Deceit, wants us to think that we’re the only one who’s gone thru this. The devil feeds off of our fears and doubts to cause us to believe that our circumstances are so unique that nobody else can really understand what we’re going through.  Unfortunately,  for the carnally-minded saints, one of his most effective strategic deployment is isolation! 
 
BUT GOD, knowing how vulnerable we can be, always provides a way of escape. Jesus says,‘Come unto me and you shall find rest for your souls’. (Ref.Matthew 11:28) The Word of God further encourages and admonishes us to not neglect the refuge that awaits us in the sanctuary of His Church. (Ref. Hebrews 10:25) God promises an outpouring of a corporate anointing (God’s Grace) upon His people when they come together in fellowship, praise and worship. A Holy Synergy is released into the atmosphere as the people of God unite in prayer,  igniting the Divine Intervention of God’s Favor and turning our bad situations around to work for our higher good and His Greater Glory! Uuum, could that be why he works overtime to keep us from Church?
 
Well guess what, enough is enough! The next time that chump tries that, ignore him!  Getta stepp’n and say to yourself…“I was glad when they said unto me, let’s go to Chuurrch!!!”
 
Be encouraged, saints! There is strength in numbers and power in unity! Let’s Stay Together!

 

SELAH!

Pause, Ponder, Pray & Praiz!

Ann Caffee