Category Archives: Finished Work of The Cross

NON-NEGOTIABLE

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NON-NEGOTIABLE2

 

SELAH Daily Devotions!

 

And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom you will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD. Joshua 24:15

 

Who nu? Dictionary.com would have so many different definitions of the word ‘DEBATE’!

So, I’ve decided to add my compilation synopsis to the list. Here goes:

“To engage in formal/informal discussion, argumentation or disputation with another person or group, to deliberate upon, to consider and/or to contend for or over opposing viewpoints, in which the affirmative and negatives side of a proposition are advocated by opposing speakers”

Now, ain’t that a mouth-full? No wonder there’s seems to be no end to the perplexity of issues up for debate, huh?

The ancient Grecians were famous for their fascination with prolific debating practices. There’s still open-ending discussions regarding whether the art of Grecian debate played a significant role in developing today’s American society… or not. Apparently, while many antiquities of social traditions are extinct, the debate goes on and on!

One might ascertain that Humanity’s Inalienable Right to freely express his/her own opinions and to make choices regarding issues they presume relevant, sets us above all other creation, or not!

This concept of “either /or” has existed since the Garden of Eden. God allowed Adam to exercise his freedom of choice giving him access to a garden variety of luscious fruit to select from, with the exception of one particular tree; The Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. (Ref. Genesis 2:17) And we all know how that worked out! Huh?

Temptation makes it extremely difficult to resist engaging in some form of debate. Does chocolate taste better than vanilla? Are Marines better equipped than The Navy Seals? Is marriage better than remaining single? Creation vs. Evolution?

Logic leads us to this conclusion. Even though we do have the freedom and power to choose our actions, when it comes to the consequences of our decisions, it’s completely out of our hands. God’s Sovereignty over His Creation is NOT UP FOR DEBATE! Hence, there are some decisions that command intentional consciencous reflection, consultation and evaluation because the aftermath of an erroneous selection is irrevocable!

Unfortunately, this often doesn’t sit well with some. Many a disillusioned soul has taken issue to this kind of ‘authoritative manipulation’ resulting in habitual sinful rebellion. But! God looks down from His Throne and laughs at this foolish obstinacy! (Ref. Psalm 2:4)

The Great Debate continues to infiltrate various sects of society. Hence, Absolutes vs. No Absolutes! Either you are male or female, saved or lost, spiritual or religious, Calvinism vs. Arminianism? Does God exist or not? Is there One God or many? Is Jesus Lord of all or not at all? Apparently, there will always be those who disagree with with our preferences, yet there’s no denying that these tough issues warrant careful deliberation! 

Amazingly,  the Graciousness of a Holy God still allows man the power of choice to either bow now or bow later! #ijs

Beloved, may I submit for your consideration, BEFORE YOU RESPOND, TAKE A MOMENT TO PAUSE AND PONDER! AFTER ALL, THE CONSEQUENCES ARE ETERNAL! IT’S EITHER HEAVEN OR HELL! BELIEVE it or NOT, ultimately, The Word of God is NON-NEGOTIABLE!  #WOW #Didjaheardat?

SELAH!

Pause, Ponder, Pray & Praiz!

Ann Caffee

 

AIN’T DAT GOOD NEWS?

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AIN'T DAT GOOD NEWS 3

SELAH Daily Devotions!

 

Mornin Yall! Have I evvrr got some good news 4 u! No, seriously, check this out!

So we are Christ’s Ambassadors; God is making His appeal through us. We speak for Christ when we plead, “COME BACK TO GOD!” For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Jesus Christ. 2 Corinthians 5:20-21 
WHOAAHHH! Didjaheardat?

That’s the Gospel of Jesus Christ! God has made a way for us to be saved from the just penalty of our sin 4 evvvrrrr! I mean, once and for all! I know, sounds too good to be true, BUT IT IS! 

Beloved, Jesus took our place and now all that is required for us to come back into right relationship to God is prayerfully confessing with our mouths…AND True hearts…“FATHER I DO! I need a Savior… try as I might, I can’t save myself or live good enough to deserve Your forgiveness; but at Your Word, I humbly receive the sacrifice of JESUS, in my stead. With all of my heart, I now ask You to forgive me for my sin and make me Your child forever!” In Jesus Name! Amen 3x!”

Now precious one, if you sincerely believe that Jesus is The Son of God, Who loved you so much, that He freely shed His Blood, went thru HELL and three days later was resurrected from the dead, to ransom you back from the clutches of the Kingdom of Darkness, Death and Destruction, then guess what? IT’S A DONE DEAL!

TRUST2KNO, U R SAVED! WELL, DO U?

Unless you were born late last nite, or jus arrived on planet Earth, early this morning, you already know it’s getting darker and darker out there! #ijs! If you never needed God before, you sho nuff need HIM now, huh? Now ain’t you glad that the offer’s still on the table? Yesssirreee!  DATZ GOOD NEWS!!!

As one who’s eternally grateful to have seen Him do it in my own life, I beg of you, please confess this prayer 2 God 2 day! K? #CARE2SHARE …AWEMAAZING??? NOW THAT’S SOME REALLY GOOD NEWS! WELL…WHACHAWAITN4?

SELAH!

Pause, Ponder, Pray & Praiz!

Ann  Caffee

 

 

 

THURSDAYS’ PRAYERS!

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SELAH Daily Devotions!

 

Good morning Family! GOTTA MOMENT? Ooh Glorraa!

Welcome to one more new day! We’re so excited that you’ve joined us in our Weekly Thursdays’ Corporate Fasting & Prayer! We appreciate every opportunity that God allows us to entreat The Presence of our Great High Priest to pour out our hearts desires, petitions and supplications with Thanksgiving. We appreciatively acknowledge that our Heavenly Father delights in our embracing Him in earnest expectation, confident that He Reigns Forever by His Power and is willing and able to save and deliver us from any of life’s maladies! Shall we enter in?

My Hallelujah Belongs 2 U! My Hallelujah Belongs 2 U! MY HALLELUJAH BELONGS 2 U! U Deserve IT! U DESERVE IT! U DESERVE IT! All of The Praises Belongs 2 U! ALL OF THE PRAISES BELONGS 2 U! ALL OF THE PRAISES BELONGS 2 U! U DESERVE IT! U DESERVE IT! U DESERVE IT! ALL OF THE GLORRAA BELONGS 2 U! ALL OF THE GLORRAA BELONGS 2 U! ALL OF THE GLORRAA BELONGS 2 U! U DESERVE IT! U DESERVE IT! U DESERVE IT! U DESERVE IT! U DESERVE IT! U DESERVE IT! U DESERVE IT! U DESERVE IT! U DESERVE IT!

 

Our Father and our God! Creator of Heaven and Earth, once again, we come before You humbled by Your Loving-Kindness, Grace and Mercy! We’re eternally grateful for one more opportunity to behold The Glory of Your Majestic Presence! We know that it’s only Your Wisdom and Strength that has allowed us to be alive today! We thank You for revealing to us such wondrous treasures that were hidden from our understanding, when we walked surrounded by darkness, as dead men in the earth and without a God on our side! For this cause we bow in humble awe!

Abba Father, we come with joy-filled hearts, upstretched hands and lips forever magnifying and adoring You! Oh, how awesome are Your works amongst the children of men! For it is You Who preserve our lives and keep our feet from slipping!

Daddy, we thank You, for even knowing our frame, Your Faithful Compassion continuously allows You to look beyond our human frailties, faults, failures and iniquities seeing yet You minister to all of our need and even bless us with the desires of our hearts, as You see fit! We honor and praise You today, from a heart open to, depending and relying solely on You for renewed power, strength and understanding to apply Your righteous statues to our lives that we may enjoy the abundant lives that You have predestined for us now and forever!

Abba Father, kneeling our hearts before You, we ask You to forgive us for every act that we have committed, willfully and unwillfully, every word spoken or thought that was not pleasing in Your sight, causing grief to Holy Spirit! We believe, according to Your Promise that as we confess and repent from a heart of sincerity, that You are Faithful and Just to forgive us, remove our sins from us, casting them into the Sea of Your Selective Forgetfulness, and cleanse us from all unrighteousness through The Word and the Blood!

Lord Jesus, help us to rest assured that YOU ARE SOVEREIGN and always in absolute control of all things. In light of the continuous influx of profound arrogance,  the deceitfulness of ungodly-mankind, legalized immorality perpetrated upon Your people from ‘the powers that be’, and the revolting of the heavens, winds, earth and seas erupting all around us, encourage our hearts to cling to TRUTH! Bless us to find and affirm that Your Grace is sufficient to keep us saved, safe and sane! Father, in times when we find ourselves swallowed up in the cares of this world and overwhelmed by sadden hearts and wearied spirits, please convict and strengthen our hearts that we may never fail to express our gratitude for Your Faithfulness to keep every covenant-promise You’ve ever decreed over those who place our personal faith in You! You are Good and Your Mercy endures Forever!

We Thank You, Jesus for hiding Your Beloved under The BLOOD! And as You provided Light and Provision for Your people in Goshen, even as we endure these days of imminent terror, tragedy, chaos and destruction, we know that the safest place in this whole world is in YOUR perfect will! Therefore, we trust that no weapon that is formed against us shall prosper and every tongue that rises up again your children, thou shall condemn!

Lord, we pray for every one who is going thru a season of sorrow and grief at the lost of a loved one, those who are being victimized by institutionalized racism and systemic intimidation, Spirits of fear, rejection, disappointment and failure, divorce, lost of employment, bankruptcy and illegal foreclosures! We plead the Blood of Jesus over every demonic thought and prohibit demonic-induced assignments, spirits of anxiety, oppression, depression and confusion, because we know that You are not the author of these satanic thoughts and feelings, but You have given us who have put our personal trust in Your Son Jesus, Your Righteousness, a Spirit of Love, Peace, Joy and a Sound Mind!

Sweet Holy Spirit, because no man can come to the Father except You draw them, we interceded on behalf of every unsaved soul, asking You to quicken The Spirit of Godly-repentance in their heart and in their mind that they will come crying out to You, confessing with their mouths a “SINCERE YES” , accepting Your Grace Gift and are now receiving You as their personal Savior and Lord of their lives from this day forward! We’re believing, declaring and decreeing, that You are directing their footsteps, placing and settling them into a local church home where they are nurtured and encouraged to live holy, acceptable and committed to faithful obedience to Your Word!

Sweet Jesus, we ask You reclaim every soul that has turned their back and walked away from Your Will! Put a new “COMMITTED YES” in their heart, mind and soul and let today be the day that they come back to You and come back to The Body of Christ where they will submit their lives to the sound teachings of Your Word, learn to love and live their lives denying the lust of their flesh, walking daily to please and Glorify You to this lost, dark and dying world!

Father, as we pray, we believe that You will touch our brother, touch our sister whose body has been afflicted by all manner of sickness and disease, rebuke and casting it out at the root, for Your Name Sake! Heavenly Father, You are Alpha and Omega, the same yesterday, today and forever! Even as You walked in this earth healing all who were sick, feeble, lame we know that You’re Well Able to do the same right now! Lord Jesus, Your Word declares that Your stripes have redeemed and healed us and we’re yet standing on Your promises that the prayer of faith shall save the sick and raise them up, In Jesus Name! Amen 3x!

Lord, we pray that You will save, heal and deliver speedily by Your Mighty Hand, all those who are crying out to you, seeking Your Face at the 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 You hve declared the righteous run into it and are saved. Open up our minds and our hearts, filling us with Your Assurance, and confidence that at The Name of Jesus, every knee must bow and every tongue confess that You are Lord!

Abba Father, grace Your children with hope-filled trust that because You have committed Your Word towards us, no weapon that’s formed us shall ever prosper and except You allow it, no trouble, test or trial can come near us. Therefore, we are fully persuaded of Your Providential Presence and Power to turn everything around to work in our favor, to bring about exuberant testimonies and praizes of Your Eternal Magnificence, Honor and Glory!

Heavenly Father,  we pray, according to Your Will, lifting up the leaders of our nation, government, corporate, judicial, education, financial institutions and our churches! We’re asking that You touch their minds and hearts, visit them in the night, speak to them in dreams and visions and let them know that You Who Sit Enthroned Above the Heavens is keeping record of the deeds of every man’s heart and will reward accordingly!

Father, we’re trusting You to release a sudden downpour of Divine Favor upon each and every one of Your children who are challenged by seemingly time-sensitive situations such as marital relationships, wayward children, loneliness, financial, employment and promotion issues, approvals of student/car/home loans! Assure them that YOU are Jehovah Jareh, who shall supply all of their need according to Your Riches in Glory!

Father, we declare and decree that every demonic-induced spirit of addiction, perversion, poverty, doubt, failure, inadequacy and fear is defeated NOW because of Your Anointing and that the Spirit of Love, Power, Wisdom, Purpose and Prosperity is being released into every area of the lives of Your people now, in Jesus Name!

Lord Jesus, as we close our prayer, we confidently await Your Salvation in peace and quietness, rejoicing in hope and trusting wholly that all workers of iniquity are trembling, suddenly departing in shameful defeat, recognizing 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!

Abba Father, as Your Face shines upon us, we shout with joy unto The One to Whom EVERY MAN will bow in obedient reverence, The Hope of all the Ages!

Father, believing that IT IS DONE, In The Exalted Name of Jesus we offer up this prayer, IN JESUS NAME! Alleleujah! Amen 3X!

Now every child of God who is standing in agreement with this prayer, GO TELL SOMEBODY THAT JESUS LOVES YOU, YOU & YOU! #FRONTLINEMINISTRY

SELAH!

Pause, Ponder, Pray & Praiz!

 

 

WHAAA? AN ANEMIC CHURRCH???

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AN ANEMIC CHURCH 2

SELAH Daily Devotions!

 

He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the Kingdom of the Son of His love, in whom we have redemption through His Blood, the forgiveness of sins. Colossians 1:13-14

 

Recently, I’ve come into contact with several people who undergo Dialysis treatment due to severe kidney failure. I am certainly not an expert in these matters, so humor me in my attempt to describe, in my acutely limited understanding, how dialysis works. Okay, here goes?

Apparently, the dialysis process involves draining the blood from the patient’s body thru a machine which filters out the impurities in the blood system and returns the clean blood back into the body. The number of the times the patient visits the dialysis center weekly varies according to the level of kidney dysfunction of the individual. While the benefits outweigh the risks of this procedure, there are potentially critical consequences of this process. One being anemia. One of the markers that the physician looks at to determine the stage of anemia is the ratio of white blood cells to red blood cells.

Prayerfully, none of you will ever suffer through anything like this, in the natural; yet it prompted me to look at its similarities spiritually. It’s becoming profoundly evident that The New millennium church is suffering from a severe case of spiritual anemic. Somewhere along the way, there has been a gradual drifting away and a markedly diminishing of the revelation, significance and the Power of The Blood of Jesus!

Consequently, the church is in dire need of a blood transfusion. The problem is most of the times this dis-ease goes virtually unnoticed and undiagnosed until we find ourselves sprawled out on a gurney in the ER (the Altar) depleted physically, emotionally, financially, relationally scrapped and spiritually bankrupt.

Oh yeah, some of us have become quite adept at putting on our ‘church-game-face’ and can actually manage to press on, for a good while, conquering one hurdle after another before draining all our strength. But inevitably, we get to that place where we’ve no other option but to come clean. ‘That’s it…I’m through…Kapoop…there’s absolute nothing left…I’ve tried to stop lying and cussin’, drinking and dopin’… I tried to handle this adulterous relationship…I’ve done all I can think of to keep this house/business/church afloat, keep these kids from going to jail…but now …I’m at my wits end.” And… That’s when we turn to Jesus, the True Source of All Strength and Power…The Master Physician!

You see the problem is, God never intended us to do it (LIFE) alone! That’s why He sent Jesus to restore the connection severed by Adam’s rebellion. The Blood of God’s Sacrificial Lamb flows from The Righteous to the unrighteous. As it is applied daily to our hearts, minds, our will through prayer, worship and study of His Word, filtering into every area of our lives we are fortified and sanctified holy and acceptable to God!

The transforming Blood of Jesus purifies our sin-consciousness and empowers us to overcome all of this life’s maladies replenishing hope and healing to an anemic church and to a lost and unholy world! #Didjaheardat? #WOW!

THAT’S THE GOSPEL! NEED A BLOOD TRANSFUSION? #hookmeupLORD

SELAH!

Pause, Ponder, Pray & Praiz!

Ann Caffee

THURSDAYS’ PRAYERS!

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SELAH Daily Devotions!

 

Good Morning Family! GOTTA MOMENT? Ooh Glorraa!
Welcome to a new day! Today, we’re ecstatic that you have joined us in our Thursdays’ Day of Corporate Fasting & Prayer! We appreciate this opportunity and privilege to entreat The Presence of our Great High Priest, pouring out our hearts desires, concerns, petitions and supplications with Thanksgiving. We know that He delights in our embracing Him in earnest expectation, confident that He Rules Forever by His Power is able to save and deliver us from any of life’s maladies! Let’s go in together …

O, Sweet Wonder! Oh Sweet Wonder! Jesus, The Son of God! Ooohh Sweet Wonder! Oh! Sweet Wonder! Jesus! The Son of God! Here I am to worship, Here I am to bow down, Here I am to say that you’re my God,You’re altogether lovely, Altogether worthy, Altogether wonderful to me!

Our Father and God of Heaven and Earth, we come before You humbled by Your Loving-Kindness, Grace and Mercy! We’re eternally grateful for one more opportunity to behold The Glory of Your Presence! We know that it’s Your Wisdom and Strength that has kept us alive today! We thank You for revealing to us such wondrous treasures that were hidden from our understanding, when we walked surrounded by darkness, as dead men in the earth without a God on our side!

Abba Father, it’s only because of You, that we know to cherish this day and not take it for granted as if we have a right to live! Because of You we now live, move and have our being! We come with our hearts rejoicing, hands lifted up and our lips forever praizing You! Oh, how awesome are Your deeds! For You have preseved our lives and kept our feet from slipping!

Daddy, we thank You for being God of our Salvation, Hope of Deliverance, Breakthrough and Provision. We’re thankful that because You know our frame, Your Faithfulness and Compassion continuously allow You to look beyond our human frailties, faults and iniquities to see and minister to all of our real need!

We praise You today, for renewed strength, understanding and power that comes from a heart seeking , depending and relying wholly upon You. We praise You Lord, because no man can come to the Father except you draw them, Father, we interceded on behalf of every unsaved soul, please quicken the Spirit of Godly-repentance in their heart and in their mind that they will come confessing a “sincere Yes” to Your Precious Gift of Grace and receive You as their Lord and Savior! We’re believing that You will direct their footsteps and place them and settle them into a church home today.

Abba Father, we ‘re trusting You to put a “new commitment YES” in the heart and mind of every backslider and let today be the day that they come back to You and come back to YOUR church determined to submit their lives to the sound teachings of Your Word, learn to love and live their lives walking to please You First!

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

Lord, we lift up every believer who is yet holding on to Your Hand by faith today, trusting You to release Divine power, Supernatural Strength, Health, Provision, Prosperity and Protection. Father, we’re persuaded that You will preserve each of us thru the tests that You’ve allowed us to go thru and keep us constantly aware of YOUR PRESENCE and fully-confident that at the appointed time,You, will bring us out wholly restored, renewed, refreshed and with the reward as You have promised them in Your Word.

Heavenly Father, we pray according to Your Will, for the leaders of our nation, corporate, judicial, education, financial institutions and our churches! We’re asking that You touch the minds and hearts, that You speak to them in dreams and visions letting them know that You Who Sit Enthroned Above the Heavens is keeping record of the deeds of every man’s heart and will reward accordingly!

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

Father, we’re thanking You for an outpouring of Your Divine Favor upon each and every one of your children who are seeking employment, promotion, prompt approval for student/car/home loans as a sign that YOU are YET HE, Jehovah Jareh, Who supplies all of our need according to Your Riches in Glory!

Father, we decree that every demonic-induced spirit of addiction and fear is arrested and defeated NOW because of Your Anointing and that the Spirit of Love, Power and Sound-mindness and Purpose is being released in the lives of Your people now, in Jesus Name!

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

Abba Father, we boldly stand in agreement with You who hears and answers our prayers, and forgives our transgressions! Holy Father, because You have chosen us and brought us near to live in Your House, our souls are strengthened as we shout with joy unto The One to Whom all men will come! We bow in obedient reverence before The Hope of all the earth, believing that as Your face shines upon us that, You are making Your ways and salvation known among all nations for You Guide and Rule justly!

Father, we seal this prayer thanking You NOW, for WE believe that it is done according to Your Will! In The Exalted Name of Jesus. Amen 3X and It Is So! Now every child of God who is standing in agreement with this prayer, GO TELL SOMEBODY THAT JESUS LOVES EVERYBODY!

SELAH!

Pause, Ponder, Pray & Praiz!

 

RISKY BUSINESS

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RISKY BUSINESS

 

SELAH Daily Devotions!

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

 

At the hazard of being sacrilegious or sounding debasing, may I submit for your consideration that today’s scripture text may very well be the Preamble to God’s Covenant between every born-again, blood-washed believer and The Almighty Creator and Sustainer of Life! Truthfully, no one enters into a personal relationship with God without faith and without it, it’s impossible to please Him. (Ref. Hebrew 11:6) Yet, quiet as it’s kept, one of the hardest things for a Christian to do is to live by faith and not by sight.

The difficulty may stem from its decisive departure from the profound proclamation of this world’s culture, i.e., “seeing is believing”. Whereas, when we come into The Kingdom of God, we are taught “believe to see the invisible achieve the impossible”! (Ref. Psalm 27:13) Perhaps that’s why Christianity tends to defy the logic of the more mentally astute intellectuals. Expressly, if I can’t see it, touch it, smell it, taste it…it can’t possibly be real. Undeniably, faith demands risks that not everyone is willing to take!

Biblical Faith commands a conscious decision based solely on our willingness to trust in An Invisible Maker’s ability and commitment to fulfill yet unrealized promises. Specifically, we must first believe that there is A Holy God; Who before the foundation of the world, Sovereignly made immutable promises to His Chosen people which history has established GOD’s absolute commitment to fulfill every last one of them forever!

Coming out from a world where integrity is at an all time low, sometimes “trusting” can be an almost insurmountable challenge to even the most sincere hearted saints. However, as you continue to walk with Jesus, you discover that He is indeed Trustworthy and Forever Faithful! As you spend time in fellowship with HIM through prayer and studying The Word of God, you’ll unearth a perfecting of your faith and a level of trust mounting just like yeast in fresh dough.

A Living Faith is trusting the Promises of God, despite all of the circumstantial evidence that testifies to the pointlessness of expecting these things to somehow work together for our good and His Greatest Glory!  Just when everything within incites us to abandon all hope, suddenly out of  the depts of our inner-most being, a supernatural unction swells up igniting a Divine Impartation of Hope against hope! (Ref. Romans 4:18)

Can you imagine where we would be if Jesus had looked at us and decided, ‘What’s the point? Dad, scratch that! Let’s just start over again with a new batch”?  In Hell, probably, huh? But Thank God! Our Heavenly Father refused to leave so Great a Task up to the fickleness of our flawed flesh! The Bible says, Jesus looked beyond all our faults, seeing our needs, faithfully submitted Himself to do His Father’s Will and humbly came down to secure Eternal Salvation for any who would trust and accept His Divine Provision, GRACE!

WOW! KNOWING WHAT SOME OF US WERE B.C. (BEFORE CHRIST)…NOW THAT’S WHAT YOU CALL, TAKING A RISK…SERIOUSLY!

SELAH!

Pause, Ponder, Pray & Praiz!

Pastor Ann Caffee

 

 

PECULIAR?

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AIN'T DAT PECULIAR 3

 

SELAH Daily Devotions!

But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light; 1 Peter 2:9

 

If you’re a card-holding member of the baby-boomers community, you probably remember R&B recording Artist, Marvin Gayes’ 1965 hit song, “Ain’t That Peculiar!”. This song went on to become one of his best known signature solo-hits.

Now, of course we all realize that the object of the writer’s (Smokey Robinson) affection is a two-timing-unfaithful-serial-cheating-significant-other-who-would-never-return-his-misguided- affections, but if we read the last verse, perhaps we might express this same peculiar sentiment when we consider Our Savior’s heart towards His Beloved Creation –Man-kind. “I know love can last through years…But how can love last through tears?”

While the world looks at Christians as being peculiar, stupid, unintelligent, weak-minded, poverty-stricken individuals, who are desperately looking to escape reality with fantasy, GOD’s interpretation of peculiar differs drastically. According to the bible, peculiar not only means strange, but also connotes the exclusively chosen, uniquely selected, belonging to and set-apart for HIS Divine Purpose. Only God has the uncanny ability to hand-pick the foolish for Christ to confound the world’s wise and astute, bringing Praise and Glory to God!

WHO NU? Believers are God’s Very Own Special People! #didjaheardat? WOW! Seriously!

One of the most strangely awemazing things about God’s People is the reality that God ordained, before the foundation of the world, that He would have HIMSELF a people, who would be different from the world around them. Different because they’d be born-again, by The Spirit of God, adopted and transformed by the Indwelling Holy Spirit! Hence, you can’t even take credit for your own ELECT- Royal-Position!

It’s ALL GOD!!! GOD even gave us The Faith to trust in Him and it’s only by GOD’s GRACE that we are empowered to live holy, separated and sanctified thru HIS SPIRIT!

You already know that none  (not one) of us could ever live righteously enough to deserve this GRACE! BUT! While we were yet weak, powerless and enslaved to sin, at the appointed time, a LOVING FATHER sent and sacrificed HIS ONLY BEGOTTEN SON, JESUS, not to save us IN our sin, but to save us FROM our sin, reconciling us back into HIS KINGDOM FAMILY! (Ref. Romans 5:8) OH YEAH! THRU THE  SUBSTITUTIONARY ATONING DEATH, BURIAL AND RESURRECTION OF JESUS CHRIST, WE HAVE BECOME GOD’S PERSONAL INHERITANCE! #CANUBELIEVEIT?

WHOOAAAA!  I GUESS GOD’S LOVE DOES LAST THROUGH TEARS! NOW DATZ PECULIAR, HUH?

SELAH!

Pause, Ponder, Pray & Praiz!

Ann Caffee

ARISE & SHINE!

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SELAH Daily Devotions!

Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee. For, behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people: but the Lord shall arise upon thee, and his glory shall be seen upon thee. Isaiah 60:1-2

 

Face it, every day ain’t the same! Some of us can’t even remember the last time we popped out of bed, headed for the gates, fortified with the zeal to take over anything or anyone who dared to challenge our God-ordained authority in the earth!

I know we saanng that song last Sunday morning, some of us even cut a step, “I been running for Jesus along Time, and I’m not tired Yet!” But, once we left the Euphoric atmosphere of the sanctuary and went back to da real-world, chances are that behind the plastic smiles and the colloquial ‘Blessed and Highly Favored’ many of us were bowed down, burdened and overwhelmed by unimaginable weights of everyday existence! Hush!  Yall know we can’t admit it to them religious folk, huh?  After all, how we feel has absolutely nothing to do with our relationship with God! We’re supposed to walk by faith, not by our feeling, right?

I know a man who walked this earth over 2,000 years ago; Who was despised. rejected, tortured,spat on and left to die hanging between Heaven and Hell! Awemaazingly, most of His persecution came from the very ones He came to save, heal and deliver!  WOW! YET! He was willing to deny His feelings and endure it all to finish His assignment given by His Heavenly Father! WOW! And we think we have it rough, huh?

Nobody told us that this journey would be easy! In fact, the exact opposite is True. “Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.” Matthew 16:24

Nevertheless, this same JESUS, illustrated to us, who dare to name the Name of Christ, how to take the hits and keep it moving! The scriptures reveal how our Savior was able to commit to God’s Process, even submitting to The Cross, death, hell and the grave! “Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:2 #Didjaheardat?

Jesus did not focus on the moment, but He concentrated on THE BIG PICTURE! Hence, in The Kingdom of God, purpose trumps pain! Before the foundation of the world, Jesus was perfectly committed to His Father’s Redemption Plan! It was the Joy of ensuring the restoration of God’s elect back to The Kingdom that motivated Jesus! Thankfully, He did not consider the price too extravagant, but a small thing to fulfill the Father’s Love.

Please understand, it’s not our intent to minimize the severity nor enormity of the issues challenging the faith, hope and peace of 21st Century Saints. However, those of us who have walked with Jesus over these past three decades, know that there’s one thing that has not changed! That’s The Word of God! God has called us to be The Light of this World! We, who put our personal trust in Jesus , our Eternal King, are reflectors of God’s Loving-kindness and Faithfulness! C’mon now, we’ve ALL got some personal history to verify that trouble don’t last always! Joy is comin’ in the morning!

Seems like we got this thing kinda backwards, huh?  We say, the world’s in darkness, yet they’re laughing, partying, turnin it up! While, God’s people are walking around with our heads hung down and our backs humped over? Something is sho nuff wrong with that picture! We’re heirs, joint-heir of The Kingdom of God! This is our heritage—righteousness, peace and joy in The Holy Ghost!

Perhaps today, you find yourself in the midst of a long dark night, remember although you don’t see the sun, it’s still there! Beloved, if you’re experiencing a power shortage and need to be re-connected to The True Power Source, The Son, U NEED 2 KNOW…He’s STILL THERE! Bow your heart, lift your hands, reach up and receive The Glory! Afterall, He’s already paid the Bill! ARISE & SHINE 4 HIS MERCY ENDURES 4EVER!

SELAH!

Pause, Ponder, Pray & Praiz!

Ann Caffee

U AIN’T RIGHT!

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U AIN'T RIGHT 2

 

 

SELAH Daily Devotions!

 

 Understand, then, that it is not because of your righteous that the Lord your God is giving you this good land, for you are a stiff-necked people. Deuteronomy 9:6

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

Are you proud of yourself! Come on now; how many of us have, consciously or unconsciously, given ourselves a slight pat on the back or an inward nod because we did something better or knew more about something  that no one else in our sphere of influence knew?  Exactly!  Of course I’m not suggesting that we venture off to the other end of the spectrum and fall into self-debasement or self-loathing.  I’m simply noting how easily the line between arrogance and self esteem can become blurred!
 
Taking pride in our successful accomplishments has its place in our lives.  However when we over-compensate ourselves for what we’ve managed to attain to the point that we levitate through life as if our ‘performance’ gives us an edge above everyone else,  WATCHOUT! You’re  headed down a slippery ledge to destruction! (Ref. Proverb 16:18)  
 
Sometimes even Christians find themselves ominously near the vicinity of Pharisee Blvd and Straight Street, when it comes to Righteousness. (Ref. Matthew 5:20)  When our righteousness is based on our performance, we’ve missed it by miles! If we’re relying upon our good works to qualify us for a automatic ticket to Heaven, boy are we ever deceiving ourselves! When we equate our holiness according to the world’s standards, we’re sho nuff trippin’!  So what hope do we have of reaching the lofty Pentacle of Acceptability to GOD?
 
Have I got some good news for you! There is a way to receive God’s Righteousness and it doesn’t involve anything that YOU can do on your own.  It’s called Grace! Grace is God’s free Gift to us, something that we could never earn or merit—a right-standing with a Holy God!
 
God’s Righteousness is based solely upon personal acceptance, through faith in the finished works of Christ Jesus!  The scripture says, ‘For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him. (2 Corinthians 5:21)
 
There is a well-spring of exhilarating freedom in just taking God at His Word; knowing that you ain’t right, BUT…JESUS IS! 
 
SELAH!
 
Pause, Ponder, Pray & Praiz!
 
Ann Caffee
 

WORD PROCESSORS

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WORD PROCESSORS

 

SELAH Daily Devotions!

 

Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering into his rest, any of you should seem to come short of it. For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it. For we which have believed do enter into rest, as he said, As I have sworn in my wrath, if they shall enter into my rest: although the works were finished from the foundation of the world. Hebrews 4:1-3

 

As followers of the Lord Jesus Christ, we vow to live our lives according to the testimony God reveals in The Holy Bible. As our knowledge of God’s Word increases, we discover how God has ordained certain rights, privileges and promises to us and for us.Yet, even as confessing Believers, sometimes we fall short when it comes to experiencing the fulfillment of God’s exceedingly great and precious promises. Now don’t shout me down, yall!

Consequently, our churches are filled with frustrated, anxious, angry and unsatisfied folk who’re secretly disappointed with God. Amen? For the record, let’s concede this, God’s not the problem! His faithfulness is not on trial! God’s Word is Eternally Immutable, Faithful and True. Am I right about it? So what’s up? We go to church and hear the gospel—well most of the time—anyway, preached with power and conviction. We enjoy the sermon, buy the CD’s and the DVD’s. We’ll leave the sanctuary talking about “Man, we had CHUURCH today”. But, where’s the fruit? Where’s the evidence? How has the message profited our lives? For real, where’s the change in our personal situations and even more important, what’s changed in our personal relationship with Jesus Christ?

The Bible warns us how Satan, comes immediately to steal the Word before we can reap the benefit. The devil persistently preys on our frustrations, anxieties and fears with one goal in mind, to cause us to distrust God. Can we go a little deeper? Ask a Saint who knows a little Bible and they’ll religiously proclaim that The Gospel has the ability and power to save and transform the lives of anyone who believes it. But—the Bible also says, “be ye doers of the word and not hearers only”. (James 1:22)

Therein lies the underlying issue! If nothing changes, then nothing changes! However, thru the completion of proper processing (a series of actions, motions, or occurrences intended to achieve a certain results), you get the right results!

According to Hebrews 4:12, “For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” As followers of Christ, we know the Word is True, we must ultimately concur that the breakdown is not with the Word, but with the processing of the processor!

Mark 4, says, “the Sower sows the word” Hence, the preacher preaches the Word ; but, the harvest is determined by the condition of the soil. Wow! Didjaheardat? Sounds like The Word must be properly processed in order to produce the harvest! (Ref. Mark 4:15) How? By applying it to your everyday life through confession (speaking those things as though they were); meditating on the promises rather than your problems, meditating on who you are now in Christ Jesus, as opposed to who you were and acting on your convictions rather than impulse. (Ref. Romans 4:17)

It’s important to note, that The Advesary has been observing you from the moment you entered the earth realm. Hence, he knows just what buttons to push to get you to do what he wants you to do. Then he hides his hands, leaving you to deal with the guilt, shame and self-rejecting disappointment, causing you to exclude (thus disqualify) your ownself as an eligibile beneficiary for God’s Mercy and Grace!

Precious One, don’t let the devil intimdate you into allowing fear and frustration to cause you to abort your promise. Instead, embrace The penetrating Light of God’s Word to break up the hardness of your heart and be processed in the perfect ground of a yielded, trusting, believing rest-filled heart! 

BELOVED,  AS YOU DILIGENTLY WORK THE WORD, IT WILL WORK IN, FOR AND THROUGH YOU! TODAY, MAY YOU PURPOSE IN YOUR HEART TO REST IN THE FAITHFULNESS OF JESUS’ PROMISES, IN JESUS NAME! AMEN 3X #WORD PROCESSOR

SELAH!

Pause, Ponder, Pray & Praiz!

Ann Caffee