Category Archives: Hidden Treasures

WHATZ N YOUR HEART?

WHAT'S IN UR HEART

SELAH Daily Devotions!

 

And you shall remember the whole way that the Lord your God has led you these forty years in the wilderness, that he might humble you, testing you to know what was in your heart, whether you would keep his commandments or not. And he humbled you and let you hunger and fed you with manna, which you did not know, nor did your fathers know, that he might make you know that man does not live by bread alone, but man lives by every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord. Deuteronomy 8:2-3 ESV

 

We’ve all been there! At some point in this journey, we’ve found ourselves, barraged by seemingly insurmountable odds stacked against us, huh? There I was, sitting there unsuccessfuly attempting to make a 911 connection to The Throne Room. This one, was a time sensitive—not later—but I need YOU right nah—Lord situation! As my eyes skimmed over to my laptop and I realized that somehow it was in the middle of running an unscheduled scan! Immediately, I understood what the Holy Spirit was trying to do in me.

Remember when you thought you knew, but didn’t really know? Exactly! It’s during these moments of mental confusions and conflicting emotions that we need the aid of Holy Spirit. According to Isaiah 11:2, no one but The Spirit of Truth and Wisdom, can scan the the inner most chambers of the human heart, assess the situation, identify the dangerous infectious viral components, quarantine and eliminate them before they’re able to contaminate our heart’s drive! WOW, and He was doing this way before Bill Gates or Steve Job! Awemaazing, huh? 

With that being said, once again I had to admit that before I could make a right connection with Jesus, I had to clear the line! No, God was not saying that my issue was not valid, but that there was an even more life-threating situation that demanded immediate attention. There was something crucial going on in my heart that I was not willing to confront and deal with at the root! Sometimes we do that, you know? We like to justify our rebellion by playing the blame game. “Lord, if they hadn’t….then I never would’ve …” But God wasn’t buying none of that!

There’s no denying that there’s something embedded in the DNA of humanity that resists repentance.  C’mon, don’t shout me down nah! #ijs!!!

It’s difficult for us to acknowledge that we’re at fault. It’s a whole lot easier for us to judge others by their actions and ourselves by our good intentions, huh? But God is not intimidated by our self-deceiving, willful, prideful hearts NOR IS HE IMPRESSED BY OUR CHURCH TESTIMONIES!

God strategically sets up unscheduled heart scans to illuminate potentially critial viruses that left untreated could result in the hardening of the arteries causing damaging blockages. For instance, that spirit of jealosy, envy, anger, resentment, bitterness and yessss the unforgiveness haboring in the crevices of your heart against someone, who probably doesn’t even know it! You know how fake the saints can be sometimes. Problem is, chances are before the end of the day, you’ll probably gonna need somebody to forgive you for something! The scripture is clear on this, if you don’t forgive others, neither will Your Heavenly Father forgive you your faults! (Ref. Matthew 6:15) OMG! Kinda sheds a different light on it, huh?

Beloved, I don’t know about you, but I NEED THE MERCY AND GRACE OF GOD, ALL DAY…EVERY DAY! Don’t look at me with that tone of voice, Y’all know I ain’t by myself!

I know it’s not always easy, especially when you’re the one who’s been hurt. But considering the repercussions, sounds to me like, by GOD’S Grace, whatever the offense, we just need to release it, drop it, leave it and let God handle it! God always knows everything about everything –and we don’t!

SO, WHAT’S REALLY IN YOUR HEART? #GOD REALLY KNOWS!

SELAH!

Pause, Ponder, Pray & Praiz!

Ann Caffee

THURSDAYS’ PRAYERS!

PRAYN AND FASTING PIC

 

SELAH Daily Devotions!

 

 

GOOD MORNING FAMILY! GOTTA MOMENT? Awesome! Once again, we are excited that You’ve joined us today, in our weekly day of Corporate Prayer and Fasting! SHALL WE PRAY?

 

Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus And to take Him at His Word! Just to rest upon His promise. And to know thus saith the Lord! Jesus, Jesus how I trust Him
How I proved Him o’er and o’er. Jesus, Jesus, precious Jesus! Oh, for grace to trust Him more; Oh, for GRACE 2 Trust U more…We love U Lord, and we lift our voice; to worship U O my soul, rejoice! Take joy my KING, in what U hear, and let it be a sweet, sweet, sound in UR ears…let it be a sweet, sweet sound in URRR Ears…


Heavenly Father, we come one more time, to thank You for allowing us to see this new day! We have so much to thank You for, and we refuse to take anything for granted; therefore, we praise You for our being able to breathe, see, to hear, walk, talk and even think to pray! We’re blessed because You are a forgiving and an understanding God. Not because I am in anyway deserving of such favor, nevertheless You have already done so much for me, yet You keep right on blessing me over and over again! Abba Father, forgive me this day for everything I have done, said or thought that was not pleasing to Your Heart. I ask now for Your forgiveness, in The Precious Name of Jesus!

 

As the day ahead unfolds, help us to maintain a righteous attitude coupled with loads of gratitude! Keep us in the cleft of The Rock, safe from all hurt, harm and danger. Let us make the best of each moment that You gift to us! 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.

 

Help me Lord to not whine and whimper over things I have no control but help us to remember that because You are always in total control nothing happens to us that is random, but the steps and stops of the righteous are ordered and managed by Your Sovereignty! Open the eyes of our understanding that we may be able to see, discern and acknowledge the evilness of sin through the Redeeming Blood of Your Son Jesus! And when we do sin, quicken our spirits to repent immediately, confessing with our mouth our wrongdoing, and receive the Gracious forgiveness of our Covenant-Keeping Father and God of our Salvation!

 

And when the pressures, wickedness and chaos of this immoral world closes in on us, remind us to follow Jesus’ example — to slip away and find a quiet place to pray; confident that prayer is our best response when pushed beyond the limitations of self! We thank You that when we can’t pray, You are yet listening to our hearts and are able to interpret every moan, groan and sigh of our inner-man! Father, we thank You that despite of our fractures and dysfunctions , You are yet able to use us to do Your will ensuring The You Alone get The Glory!

 

Abba Father, continue to bless us that we may be a blessing to others. Keep us strong that we may help the weak.. Keep us uplifted that we may have words of encouragement for others. We pray for those who are lost and can’t find their way. We pray for those who are misjudged and misunderstood. We pray for those who don’t know You intimately. We pray for those who will delete this without sharing it with others. We pray for those who don’t believe that You sent Jesus, not to condemn us, but to convict us and to free us from the power, pain and penalty of Sin.

 

Looking back over our lives, we can’t help but cry out, Thankya for that Blessed Day when You opened our hearts and enabled us to believe and receive the revelation of the Saving Grace of Jesus Christ! Knowing that You are no respecter of persons, and that Your Grace is available to any who will ask, we intercede on behalf of everyone whose eyes have been blinded by the gods of this world, pierce through the darkness of their fallow hearts; awaken them with The Light of Your Glory and enable them to cry out, “What must I do to be saved?” Quicken the Spirit of Godly-repentance in their hearts and mouths witha sincere Yes” enabling them to receive Your Gift of Grace, confessing You as their personal Lord and Savior! We’re trusting You to direct their footsteps, place and settle them into a local church home today where they are welcomed, loved, nurtured and encouraged to live the remainder of their lives holy, acceptable, committed and faithfully obedience to Your Word!

 

Father, we know that faith in God not only changes people it changes us! And only You, O God have the Power to change circumstances! We’re praying for peace, unity, love and joy in our homes, communities, churches and nation. We believing that Your Divine Favor is being poured out upon everyone who has a desire and determination to please You and their faith is rising to a new level of faithfulness and obedience! We’re believing You to command a double-portion-supernatural-release of abundance in every area of their lives so that all their needs are met according to Your Richest in Glory! In Jesus Name, It IS SO!

 

Father, by faith, we now lift up our children, our grands and great grand-children, committing them into Your care! We realize that You love them and have pre-ordained their individual purpose and plan for being. We have the blessed assurance that their steps are being ordered by Your eyes, directing, guiding and instructing their footsteps into a face-to-face encounter with You where they will surrender their lives over to You and will be able to share their own testimony of what Faith in God can and will do!

 

Abba, we lift up every Bishop, Pastor, Overseer, Apostle, Evangelist, Preacher, Teacher Missionary, Deacon, musician choir director/member, praise team, liturgical dancer, usher and church member!Undergird them with Your Anointing and conviction to carry out their assignment, under the direction of Holy Spirit. Cover them as they go in and out amongst Your people and those who would seek to discredit, hinder and even destroy their faith, faithfulness and ministry, You have ordained!We speak LIFE, STRENGTH, ENCOURAGEMENT, CONFIDENCE, ASSURANCE, RESTORATION OF HOPE, TRUST into all those who are yet believing for immediate manifestation of that special miracle and the fulfillment of every vision that You’ve placed into their hearts! Reward those who are yet standing on the wall proclaiming Your Word with POWER, under the conviction and anointing of Holy Spirit. Grace them to be the TRUE WITNESSES and examples of Your Righteousness in their homes, churches and community that will cause everyone who comes into contact with them to fall in love with You, trust wholly in and commit to live the rest of their lives serving and glorifying You!

 

Trusting that You Sovereignly Rule and Reign over the affairs of mankind, we lift up the leaders of our nation, federal/local government, corporate, judicial, educational, health care providers and every arena of our society! Because their hearts are in Your Hands, we’re asking You to touch their minds and infiltrate their hearts a Godly Fear; let their hearts be continuously opened to hear and obey Your Will! Speak to them in dreams and visions alerting let them that You Who Sit Enthroned Above the Heavens are keeping record of the deeds of every man’s heart and will reward accordingly! Lord Jesus, we’re standing on Your Word as decreed that The governments of this world shall rest upon Your shoulders and that You are The Eternal King of kings and Lord of lords!

 

Indue the hearts of Your people with a peace that surpasses all understanding and a confident expectation that our times are in Your Hands and regardless of the deceitfulness of this world, You have promised to protect, provide and preserve the righteous who trust and obey Your Word! We pray for restoration in broken marital and family relationship! We ask that You continue opening the eyes of our understanding so that Your people are not easily deceived by those who would desire to entrap Your elect in bondage to anything which You have delivered us from! In Jesus Name, Amen 3x!

 

Father, we believe that as we’re praying, You are touching our brother, our sister whose body has been afflicted by all manner of sickness and disease, especially the spirit of cancer, strokes, heart attacks, kidney failure, liver disease, mental and emotional issues! We intercede on behalf of all those undergoing surgical procedures, those in recovery rooms. We’re praying for those who’re on life-support systems, not knowing that they’re even in this world! We’re declaring and decreeing that as we’re praying You’re walking through every ward, touching, healing, delivering, miraculously rebuking fatigue, mistakes, mishaps, misdiagnosis and premature death for Your Name Sake!

 

Declaring and decreeing You are Alpha and Omega, the same yesterday, today and forever, we plead the Blood of Jesus! 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! As Your Word declares that Your stripes have redeemed and healed us, we stand on Your promises that the prayer of faith shall save the sick and raise them up!

 

Holy Spirit, help us to remain faithful and keep a Kingdom mindset, relying on You to go before us and make our way prosperous. We believe You are dispensing overwhelming Favor, Prosperity, Peace and when these blessings are manifested, help us to walk in a spirit of humility giving Your Name all the Glory, Honor and Praiz!


We bind every wicked scheme that the enemy desires to assail against us and declare that we are well able to take possession of every promises that You’ve made to us! We pray for total deliverance from every cord that would bind Your people and come against our God -ordained Destiny! We rebuke the enemies of our minds, thanking You that nothing can stop the blessings or us from performing the greater works You have assigned to the covenant saints! We thankya for the courage and patience to stand, steadfast, consistent, always abounding in the work of our LORD!


We pray for consoling strength for all who have lost loved ones, we rebuke the demons of the minds, and emotions, disappointments, we believe that You are restoring power, love and sound minds, hope and the JOY of Your Salvation. Help us to understand that because we are royal priests, a holy nation unto You, failure is not final and our victorious testimonies shall provoke envy of other nations who have not submitted to The True God but who yet serve false gods!

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

Abba Father, we boldly stand in agreement with You Who hears and answers our prayers, and forgives our transgressions! Holy Father, our souls are strengthened as we shout with joy unto The One to Whom all men will come!

 

Father, bowing in reverent obedience, before The Hope of all the Earth, we thank You NOW, for WE believe that it is done! In The Exalted Name of Jesus. Amen 3X and It Is So!

 

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

 

SELAH!

Pause, Ponder, Pray & Praiz!

 

 

 

HE TURNED IT!

HE TURNED IT 2

 

SELAH Daily Devotions!

 

Behold, the whirlwind of the Lord goeth forth with fury, a continuing whirlwind: it shall fall with pain upon the head of the wicked. The fierce anger of the Lord shall not return, until he hath done it, and until he have performed the intents of his heart: in the latter days ye shall consider it. Jeremiah 30:23-24

 

LOOK OUT…then LOOK UP! There’s enuff circumstantial evidence out here today to verify that these are indeed the times prophesided in The Bible as Jacob’s deep trouble and distress! Glancing around, seeing  unrelenting tragedy, caducous corruption, deciduous deception and inconceivable injustice, one might erroneously conclude that the fires of darkness have prevailed, releasing double turmoil and chaos on the land, from which there is no recovery!

Obviously, the people of God have not been excluded from the suffering, pain and disparity. In the midst of the overwhelming darkness, some will succumb to fear and doubt, giving into the seducing spirits of the Tempter, turning their faces away from The Hope of Glory and drift over to the enemy’s fire, as if Satan has the power to save them!

However, don’t be befuddled by the jeers of the false prophets, GOD ALWAYS HAS A NUMBER WHO REFUSE TO BOW! Hence, there yet remains that Faithful Remnant who have determined, “COME WHAT MAY…I WILL trust in the One that the world has rejected, my proven Chief Corner Stone, with all of my heart, mind, soul and spirit!”

Jesus, The True and Faithful Witness, has given His chosen, everything that we shall ever need to endure these hardships as good soldiers! Hence, as we stand solidly on The Rock of our Salvation, taking God at His Word, in due season, we shall see the reward of the wicked and the servants of God exalted!

Always remember! Those who have deligetly embraced a personal faith relationship with The Redeemer and Restorer of our souls, have an Incorruptible Hope that excels far beyond this world! (Ref. 1 Peter 1:23)

The Righteous Judge has decreed, “I AM keeping watch over MY Word to perform it. Don’t be afraid! I AM WITH YOU ALWAYS! I see everything that you’re going through and I WILL enter into your darkness AND TURN IT AROUND to save and deliver you! AGAIN!

Don’t worry about those fair weather folk who mock and dismiss your faith as ‘hopeless fanatic ignorance’! But cling to ME, for you are MY very own people and I WILL BE YOUR VERY OWN GOD!”

My fellow sojourners, BE STEADFAST, UNMOVABLE ALWAYS ABOUNDING IN THE WORK OF OUR LORD! (Ref. 1 Corinthians 15:8)

WHEN THE DUST SETTLES, YOUR ENEMIES WILL BE LEFT GROVELING IN THE DIRT, HEADS SPINNING , MOUTHS GAPPING IN ABSOLUTE WONDER, “didjaseedat?”

CHECK THE BACK OF THE BOOK! JUSTICE PREVAILS! WE WIN AND ZION SHALL STAND FOREVER! GOD TURN’T IT!

SELAH!

Pause, Ponder, Pray & Praiz!

Ann Caffee

TRIAL-SIZED gODZ!

TRIAL SIZED gODS

 

SELAH Daily Devotions!

Thou shalt have no other gods before me. Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth. Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the Lord thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me. Exodus 20:3-5

 

I recognize that the mere suggestion of idol worship tends to rattle the righteous indignation in the spirit of a true Believer! As followers of Christ, we know how despicably foul such worship is in the nostrils of The Holy God of Heaven and Earth, RIGHT? And for the most part, we’d never consider breaking  such Holy Commandment! After all, we don’t bow down before carved images of God nor do we display at the entrances or scatter stone replicas of God throughout our homes or businesses, right? Yet, will closer investigation of our lives reflect closely guarded idols formed in the recesses of our most sacred imaginations?

According to the scriptures ‘O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.’ (Ref. Matthew 12:24)  Hence, while man will attempt to hide the true intents, insights and purpose for being, ultimately, his lifestyle will reflect the secret things of his heart and clearly define where their loyalty lies!

Do we worship our personal ‘trial-sized’ images of God?

Don’t look at me with that tone of voice! I see further explanation is in order! We have a tendency to make up our own images to represent who God is to us!  The problem is we will never be able to fit “The All Encompassing Is-ness of GOD” into the small-minded-frail-framed-carnal-comprehension of our temporal-flesh. In other words, it’s absolutely impossible for us to fathom “Unlimited Presence, Power, Perfection and Potential” within the limitations of our humanity!

While The Living God is Omnipresent, Omnipotent and Omniscient, HE can only be known through Divinely-Impartated-Revelation!

GOD reveals His character, His purpose and His plan for each of as we traverse through our individual life experiences. It’s the knowledge gained through following The Good Shepherd’s lead, cautiously climbing cloud-covered mountaintops and timidly trembling through the death-valleys of our everyday lives that we learn the rewards of faithful trust, patient obedience and the security of resting in The Eternal Hope!

Today’s takeaway?

Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his… 2 Timothy 2:19

Therefore, Beloved, as you continue to set the Lord before you, you shall walk in HIS Everlasting JOY!

AMERICA, WHO IS YOUR GOD?

SELAH!

Pause, Ponder, Pray & Praiz!

Ann Caffee

IT’S A MATTER OF THE HEART!

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SELAH Daily Devotions!

 

And the Lord said unto Cain, Why art thou wroth? and why is thy countenance fallen? If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted? and if thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door. And unto thee shall be his desire, and thou shalt rule over him. And Cain talked with Abel his brother: and it came to pass, when they were in the field, that Cain rose up against Abel his brother, and slew him. Genesis 4: 6-8
From the human perspective, favor ain’t always what we expect it to be! #ijs #CANIGETAWITNESS?

 

However, as we acknowledge the Sovereignty of our Heavenly Father, Who does all things well, we can only rightly conclude that Father knows best! While, the frailness of our frame limits our capacity to see, speculate and judge one another by appearances and actions, “the spirit of man is the candle to The Lord.” (Proverbs 20:27) Hence, The Omniscient Creator knows the hearts of each and everyone of us! OMG!!!
God saw crouched within the heart of Cain a spirit of resentment and jealousy which lead to anger and ultimately sin and death! God asked Cain, “Why are you angry?”
Down thru the years, many Biblical Scholars and Theologians have offered many alternative explanations to clarify the disparity between what was an acceptable offering and why one was rejected while the other preferred. Now, I’m not necessarily suggesting that I’ve conclusively determined the answer, k? Nevertheless, may I submit for your momentary consideration that perhaps, it’s not that God despised Cain’s gift per se’, but could it possibly have been the intent that motivated his giving that caused God’s response? UUUMMMM???

God saw the worship-filled sincerity within Abel’s offering to Him! Apparently, Abel knew that everything that He had came from and belonged to God and trusting that whatever he relinquished to God, God was well able and willing to restore unto him exceedingly, abundantly above and beyond anything he’d dared ask or imagine! #Didjaseedat?

On the other hand, it appears that Cain was quite pleased with himself; having tilled the ground, planted seeds and painstakingly kept them watered until it yielded the fruit of his labor. Naturally, he would expect that God would favor his sacrifice over that which his brother had presented, right?

But before we start throwing rocks at Cain, how many times have we seen the favor of God on someone’s life and instead of rejoicing and celebrating The Goodness of God with them, we secretly accused God of being unfair, considering all that we’ve done for the sake of The Kingdom, not to mention how faithfully we’ve strived to follow His teachings, huh? SERIOUSLY? #BOOM #NUFFSAID!

Precious ones, God being a Master Economist, distributes heaven’s treasures according to our personal capacity and potential to produce and to be good stewards over all what He gives us, assuring our highest good and His Greatest Glory!

Don’t get it twisted! None of us like waiting, YET! In the Ingenious Sovereignty of His Own Will, Purpose always trumps pain and disappointments! God has Divinely orchestrated the terrains of our life journey to perfect in us the same Radiant Glory of our Kinsmen Redeemer Jesus Christ!

*For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.” Hebrews 12:11 Nonetheless, His Ways continue to supersede our severely limited intellectual capacity to comprehend the length, width and depth and wonder of His Omnipotent Omniscient Benevolence!
“Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.” James 1:3-4

 

Beloved, God has not forgotten you, a delay is not a denial and GRACE IS UNDESERVED FAVOR! TRUST2KNO, Saints, it’s not about what’s in your hands, but what’s in your hearts that pleases God! Secure your VICTORY with a thankful heart!

SELAH!

Pause, Ponder, Pray & Praiz!

Ann E. Caffee

 

 

LIVING WATERS

LIVING WATERS 2

SELAH Daily Devotions!

 

He that believe on ME, as the Scripture has said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.” John 7:38

When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee. Isaiah 43:2

Because I give waters in the wilderness and rivers in the desert, to give drink to my people, my chosen…” Isaiah 43:20b

 

In the natural, most expectant mothers anticipating blessed arrival of her new baby with unrestrained excitement, shops until she drops! At the same time, the realization that before she actually holds her beautiful bouncing bundle of joy in her arms, she must first endure the grueling discomfort and pain of labor and delivery, can’t help but cause a certain degree of apprehension.

Every woman who has had a baby knows that as the labor progresses, the pain intensifies. Although we’re unable to accurately determine what the baby goes through, we can safely assume, by reason of anatomy, making its way through some extremely tight places causes a certain amount of discomfort for the child as well. For nine months, the womb has been his home and now, he’s reluctantly forced to transition into the next level of life.

Hence, spiritually, our rebirthing process also requires intense laboring for deliverance. Every blood washed, born-again, child of the Living God has been impregnated with purpose and potential. However, making our transition from one realm of spiritual reality into another, (from grace 2 grace) ultimately involves some degree of violent struggle. The ol’ church used to say, no pain – no gain!

Consequently, as we matriculate from one level of spiritual maturity to the next, we’re forced to navigate through some tight circumstances. Sometimes, just as in the natural birthing process, in order to hasten the birth and avoid the complications and dangers associated with a dry birth, the doctor may deliberately puncture the embryonic sack. This process is called “breaking the water”.

Likewise, to ensure that a believer transitions spiritually into our highest potential, the spiritual mid-wife, The Holy Spirit, fills His chosen with soul refreshing, sweet living waters drawn from the Wells of Salvation! This water is called Joy.  (Ref. Isaiah 12:3) This joy is not a state of mind neither is it a fleeting emotion; but to a believer facing the challenges and afflictions incurred through famine and drought of  the desert storms of life, JOY becomes a Weapon of Mass Destruction!

Saints, whatever you’re going through, YOU ARE NEVER ALONE!  While weeping may endure for a night, God has promised, Joy is coming in the morning!  (Ref. Psalm 30:5) God has chosen you as HIS very Own BELOVED!  Keep in mind that in God’s Kingdom, purpose always trumps pain! TRUST2KNOthat pain you’re now experiencing  is only a sign that Holy Spirit has just induced your labor and your water is about to break! 

Don’t sweat the process, God is positioning you into the next stage of Abundant Everlasting Life! #SERIOUSLY !!!

SELAH!

Pause, Ponder, Pray & Praiz!

Ann Caffee

 

PERSISTANCE PREVAILS!

PERSISTANCE PREVAILS2

SELAH Daily Devotions!

 

We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair, persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed—always carrying about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body. 2 Corinthians 4:8-10

For our light affliction which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory… 2 Corinthians 4:17-18a

 

Someone, with far more wisdom than you and I, penned these words, “Winners never quit, and quitters never win!” Granted, we’re living in times that could easily tempt us to just fall apart, succumb to our dire situations and even begin to doubt God‘s ability to turn things around in our favor. Yet, Jesus never told us to rely on what we think, we see or even what we feel. The Word admonishes us to put no confidence in flawed fickle flesh, particularly our own. Believers walk by faith and not by what it may look like in the natural. Believers believe!

When the enemy comes upon us flooding our hearts with intimidating fear, worry, doubt and discouragement, we must not ALLOW it to reign, but we remember that we, as Born-Again, Blood-Washed-Baptized-Spirit-filled Children of The Most High God, have been empowered to pull down strongholds and bring every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ!  (Ref. 2 Corinthians 10:5) When we acknowledge WHO WE ARE, IN CHRIST, a Spirit of Super Tenacity, and Holy Boldness, begins to flow up from the pit our inner most being and when it kicks inTRUST2KNO, it really doesn’t matter what we go thrua true believer will refuse to throw up our hands and give in! 

The Ol’ Skool Churrch used to say, “COME WHAT MAY, I’M IN IT, 2 WIN IT”! You see they knew something that’ll  still work in this new millennium Age—I don’t care who sanngs,  OUR God Reigns, therefore it ain’t over until God says it’s over! #Didjaheardat?

Beloved, when it appears that the circumstantial evidence against us pretty much guarantees we’re going down for the count, we have a secret weapon on the inside of us that assures us the victory! Greater is He that is in me than anything that comes against me! (1 John 4:4)

The Apostle Paul, encouraging a troubled Corinthian Church, lets us know we’re don’t have to deny the severity of our situation, we just deny it’s  power to work against us. (Ref. Isaiah 54:17) Didjaheardat? Yes, it’s okay to acknowledge what’s happening, but don’t just stop with the bad stuff,  BUT also keep in the forefront of your minds Who we have going right for us!

Okay, we might be feeling some pressure, but we’re still standing! We might not have all the answers, but we know The One who does! Our circumstances might not be what we expected, but God already knew about it before He allowed us to be in it! It may seem as if the burden is much more than we can take, but God’s Grace is sufficient! We might not know how long we’re be in it, but God knows! He’s predesignated a set time for our deliverance! And when God brings us out we don’t come out empty handed, but we come out with Greater Glory!

YEP! Believers may bend, but we don’t break! We hold fast to the Hope that is within us! (Ref. Colossians 1:27)

For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Hebrews 4:12

BELOVED, DON’T STOP, ‘TILL YOU GET IT! GET IT?

Seriously!  Obviously Satan didn’t get the text, huh? So you tell ’em, ‘Ain’t nobody got time 4 dat; check the back of the Book, WE WIN! Ain’t NO QUIT In ME BCUZ PERSISTANCE ALWAYS PREVAILS!

SELAH!

Pause, Ponder, Pray & Praiz!

Ann Caffee

 

 

WHO’S ON 1st?

 

WHO'S ON 1ST

SELAH Daily Devotions!

 

“Draw nigh to God, and He will draw nigh to you…” James 4:8a kjv
 

Ever heard the term ‘1st chair’?  Well, according to the Law, the Legal definition of First Chair is the lead attorney in a case.  However, The Farlex Trivia Dictionary defines First Chair as “The premier musician playing a particular instrument in an orchestra—seated closest to the audience, taking the lead for that instrument’s movements, and playing any solos. “ My point being, ‘WHO’S IN CHARGE OF RUNNING YOUR LIFE’?

Really? 

Then why are you still complaining? Apparently, there appears to be a direct correlation between the amount of time one spends in HIS Presence and the amount of time spent worrying, murmuring and complaining, questioning and judging God’s decisions regarding our lives. OMG! WHO KNU?

Seriously, the The Holy Scriptures is filled with testimonials that further substantiate this observation!  “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you”. Matthew 6:33 and…“Seek ye the Lord while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near.  Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the Lord, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.” Isaiah 55:6-7 

Let’s be for real! Too many of us are still trying to fix stuff that God never intended for us to. That’s why He invites us to come to Him with those things that are concerning us. Uuuh, isn’t that what prayer is all about?  #ijs It makes no sense to ask God to meet you on the rooftop when you’re stuck in the basement, right? Unless your pride is bent on self-reliance, which is  basically no help at all!  #Don’t shout me down nah!

Still need help? Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.” Psalm 16:11

Beloved, GOD doesn’t ask any of us to walk this journey of LIFE independent of His Awemmaazzing Grace! That’s why The WORD says, “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.”  Matthew 11:28-29

TRUST2KNO, whatever you’re struggling with today, God calls light-duty?

And guess what? GOD DON’T NEED NO CO-PILOT! WOW! #didjaheardat? Strap yourself in The Love of GOD and He’ll take You THERE–WHEREVER HE WANTS U 2 B!

Looks to me LIKE DATZ A RAP, huh?  Jus another perspective 4 U 2 PONDER! NOW, WHO’S ON 1st?

SELAH!
 
Pause, Ponder, Pray & Praiz!

Ann Caffee 

SHOW-OFF!

 

SHOW OFF

 

SELAH Daily Devotions!

“I called upon the Lord in distress; the Lord answered me and set me in a large place.” Psalm 118:5

Those who know me, already know how much I love to decorate, redecorate… and decorate again!  Yep! My name is Ann Caffee and I’m an HGTV/DIY addict!  LOL! Several years ago, there was a reformation in the Home Décor arena. Remember that old piece of furniture secretly sequestered in the backroom, garage or attic? Yeah, like your Mother-in-law’s first nightstand! Well it was no longer considered an eyesore, but it resurfaced as ‘shabby chic’!  WHO KNU, huh?

Of course furniture manufacturers picked up on it and immediately began to build new pieces that resembled those old used and somewhat abused pieces. What was once disgustingly dubbed ‘old-timey’ was now the new ‘distressed’! I can only imagine the timidity of the challenge to abandon traditional artistic craftsmanship to achieve this look.

OMG! The brutal assault and the punishment inflicted upon each piece—painstakingly beaten, burned, chipped and hammered with metal chains, and torched…but once the process was completed the item was pompously positioned on the showroom floor.

Now doesn’t that sound slightly too uncomfortably familiar to the what believers go through at the Hand of The Master. Oh, we know, no one actually told us that once we turned the reins of our lives over to Jesus, it would be smooth sailing on The Ol’ Ship of Zion; but for real—we had no clue that life would take on this new persona. After all, we came to Christ to get out of hellright?

While we’re encouraged to gravitate to the Covenant Promises of God, nevertheless, we’re totally oblivious to the progressive transformation from receiving Christ as Savior to submission to His Lordship! As disciples, we’re taught to pray and believe God to enlarge our territory, increase our anointing and give us wisdom to impact our families, church and communities and TRUST2KNO…God answers our prayers! Unfortunately, we tend to grossly misinterpret the process thru manifestation! It’s the refiner’s fire that produces the purest gold! 

Don’t get it twisted! Trusting God to take care of you in the midst of overwhelming stressful circumstances is quite a challenge; but that’s exactly what we must do!

The first step to this amazing transition is acknowledging that God is not trying to harm you. God loves you, and is committed to seeing you reach your highest potential!

Once this Truth  is firmly affixed in the seat of your soul, the devil knows he’s in big trouble!  That’s why he works double-time and a half to fill your heart with guilt, shame, condemnation to the point where you actually doubt that God knew exactly what He  was getting when HE CHOSE YOU!

HOWEVRRRR, being armed with a personal reality and intimacy of God’s Loyal Love enables you to walk in a state of inward rest, frees you to experience the strength and encoragement to live the-above-circumstances-abundant-life that Jesus’ sacrifice procured for you. (Ref. John 10:10)

Remember, no matter how out of control life  you think your life is,  there is NEVER a moment when  your Sovereign God is not in ABSOLUTE control of it ALL!

DISTRESSED? DIG-IN AND ENDURE! YOU’RE BEING PROCESSED FOR  SHOW ROOM PRESENTATION!

SELAH!

Pause, Ponder, Pray & Praiz!

Ann Caffee

SMALL BEGINNINGS!

SMALL BEGINNINGS

SELAH Daily Devotions!

And said to his servent, go up now, look toward the sea. And he went up and looked, and said. There is nothing. And he said, go up again seven times. And it came to pass at the seventh time, that he said, behold there ariseth a little cloud out of the sea, like a man’s hand. And he said, go up, say unto Ahab. Prepare thy chariot, and get thee down, that the rain stop thee not. And it came to pass in the meanwhile, that the heaven was black with clouds and wind, and there was a great rain. 1 Kings 18:43-45

For who hath despised the day of small things? for they shall rejoice, and shall see the plummet in the hand of Zerubbabel with those seven; they are the eyes of the LORD, which run to and fro through the whole earth.  Zechariah 4:10
Anybody can say I trust God, huh? However, it’s how we endure the proving time that determines the genuineness of our trust!

Life inevitably includes dark times when there’s no evidence to substantiate that God is with you and even less that He’s sees you or is even listening to your prayers. It’s during these times, when the pressure is on us to faint and to give up, that we learn how to dig in our heels and encourage ourselves, intentionally, by regurgitating what God has promised! It ain’t cheap! But it is possible! This kind of holy-boldness, that stares suffering in the face, determining that in spite of what it looks like, my heart shall remain fixed on God’s Eternal Word requires time-tested commitment, patience and endurance!

In this 21st Mellinium Age of high-tech instant gratification, waiting has become an endangered phenomenon! Can you imagine  Elijah’s servant’s frustration, running back and forth six times before he was able to see what His Master saw? I know I can. (Hint! Hint!) Thank God for Elijah’s faith, not to mention God’s compassionate patience to wait on the servant’s eyes to be opened, huh?

Like the Prophet Zerubbabel, I know,  all too well, the struggle involved to overcome the external and internal challenges of any Pastor, assigned to build a new ministry from the ground up! Especially, when it means persuading. encouraging and emboldening a small group of believers, firstly, that this is The Lord’s Doing and not ours! Secondly, we must be prepared to endure the ‘mean time’ armed with the realization that God’s vision for the church is always greater than natural eyes can conceive.

As leaders, we must also accept that everybody’s not going to be eager to jump onboard! Nevertheless,  God has assigned His number to lay the foundation and rejoices in the faithfulness of those who are willing to grab hold to His Word and move forward, convinced that despite of the opposition, under Jehovah’s watchful Eye and empowered by Holy Spirit, the vision shall come to pass!

Beloved, as Blood-washed-born-again-Children of The Most High God, we must understand that Satan’s never gong to High-5 us and say, ‘Uncle’! But from the cradle to the grave he’s going to work overtime to cause us to give up on our Lord! Hence, we must expect our faith to be stretched beyond our comfort zone!

Watching my son’s life ravished by sickness, unemployment, discouragement, depression, hope dispelled by hopelessness grieved my heart unlike anything I’d ever experience. Little did I know that in the midst of everything that the devil meant for evil, God was there waiting behind the cloud, leading and drawing him closer to Himself. I remember how my soul rejoiced hearing that he had given his life to The Lord during a bible study class the evening before! God used the storm to woo my son to seek Him for himself thereby positioning him for the showers of blessings that would follow!

Always remember, the prayers of the righteous don’t have an expiration date, but your troubles do! We must remain confident that God will do just what He needs to bring our loved ones into The Kingdom. While weeping may endure for a night, however, with every breaking of a new day, God reminds us of His Faithfulness to those who trust in Him.

Precious ones, when we can’t see our way, God guides us with his eyes! His vision is far greater than 20/20; it’s from eternity past, thru present, into eternity future!

Beloved,  if you find yourself smack-dab-in-the-middle of what  seems like the sun ain’t never gonna shine again, keep looking up! You’re not alone! TRUTHBTOLD, many of the saints are under satanic attack and afflicted by all manner of maladies. Tragically, some have lost their hope for life getting any better. But instead of surrendering to what you’re going through, can I offer you a ray of Son Light? Rest assured, absolutely nothings ever happens that takes your Heavenly Father by surprise!

Saints, your Heavenly Father works the night shift! Like Elijah and Zerubbabel, gird up the loins of your mind and remember WHO you’re trusting! He who promised is failthful!  Don’t allow the darkness to scare you! God is using the clouds to position to receive His Abundant Blessings! Look up, your Redeemer’s Hands are in the midst of the clouds!

Better is the end of a thing than the beginning thereof: and the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit. Eccl. 7:8  #SMALLBEGINNINGS!!!

SELAH!

Pause, Ponder, Pray & Praiz!

Ann Caffee