Category Archives: Let God Be God!

MY SOLID ROCK!

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SELAH Daily Devotions!

 

Truly my soul waiteth upon God: from him cometh my salvation. He only is my rock and my salvation; he is my defence; I shall not be greatly moved”…In God is my salvation and my glory: the rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God. Trust in him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart before him: God is a refuge for us. Selah….God hath spoken once; twice have I heard this; that power belongeth unto God. Psalm 62:1-2, 7-8, 11

 

“Everyday is not the same!” These were the words from a faithful friend to me to encourage me at a time when I found myself drowning in raging waters, attempting to maneuver my way through the valley overshadowed by Dred and Death! In retrospect, I’m almost tempted to say, “Sir, is dat ever an understatement!”

However, I’ve found myself speaking these same words to fellow sojourners I’ve encountered along the path. Only now, I offer them as a breath of refreshing wind to wayfaring souls, to console their storm-wearied hearts to keep moving, keep trusting, keep believing because NOW IS NOT FOREVER and GOD IS TOO FAITHFUL FOR YOU TO GIVE UP NOW!

My prayer is that the words penned by The Psalmist in today’s scripture text serve as a compass leading you to The True Source of Comfort and Peace and remind us of God’s Promise!

“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, only God knows what challenges you are facing at this writing, yet I hear the psalmist’s saying, when the cares of this ol’ world overwhelm us, there is an escape, a safe house that we can run into and be saved from the terrorist’s threats. Hence, we can run to the Mountain That is Higher than you and I!

My precious one, can we pray?

“Heavenly Father, here we are again bowing at The Throne of Your Mercy! We’re so grateful for the honor and privilege to come boldly, knowing that You hear and answer every petition we place before you.

We’re praying for the strength of The people of God, that we might be encouraged to stand strong, continue lifting up The Blood Stained Banner of our Lord and Savior. Trusting confidently that He  Who Rules and Reigns above The Heavens, is in ABSOLUTE CONTROL of the affairs of all mankind! We’re praying for the leaders of our country, fully persuaded that their hearts remain in God’s Hand, confident that The Omniscient Father never sleeps nor slumbers, is never taken by surprise, neither does He ever need to repent! EVERYTHING HE HAS PROMISED, HE WILL PERFORM!

We’re praying for our children, every parent who has been charged to instruct and rear them up in the fear and admonition of THE LORD will submit to the leading of Holy Spirit, walk upright before them that they may see our faith and commitment to THE GOD OF ALL HOPE!

We’re praying for those who are yet in darkness, being deceived by Satan into rejecting The Saving Grace of The Lord Jesus Christ will be snatched from the snares of sinfulness and repent before GOD, seeking forgiveness and salvation. We’re believing that the hearts of the backsliders will be pricked by The Spirit of The Living God so that they will make a decision to return to Jesus TODAY!

We’re praying for the comfort of those who are dealing with grief, depression, loneliness, fear, addictions, confusion, overwhelmed by financial commitments, sickness and diseases. We’re believing that the angels of the Lord are being sent to their sides to minister help, health and hope at this very moment.

We’re rejoicing in reality that the companionship of The Lord of All Comfort, Joy and Peace is never too far away  and that HE can be touched with the feelings of our infirmities.

We’re eternally grateful, Father, that regardless of what each day brings, YOU OH GOD REMAIN THE SAME, YESTERDAY, TODAY AND FOREVER FAITHFUL to protect and provide everthing we ever need.

ABBA FATHER, we’re thanking You now for Your Compassionate Loving Kindness, Tender Mercies and Unconditional Love that never leaves us nor forsakes those who place their personal trust in JESUS ALONE! THE SOLID ROCK!

We’re asking these things, recognizing that it’s because of The Majestic Name of Jesus that we rest assured in Hope  earnestly anticipating that it shall be so. In Jesus Name. AMEN 3X

SELAH!

Pause, Ponder, Pray & Praiz!

 Ann Caffee

THE LONGING!

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SELAH Daily Devotions!

 

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

 

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

While, at this writing, my eldest is 47 years old, yet, I can still summon up that daily occurrence of overwhelming intensity, provoking me to walk my big-belly-self five city blocks up to MLK Avenue to get my hands around a 6 in., lettuce and tomatoes, fried onions, mayo and mustard, salt and pepper, heavily-loaded with pickles steak and cheese sandwich. This became such a ritual that the moment I wobbled through the threshold of the deli, the cashier would holla to the cook “Steak and Cheese Special for the big lady”. And off I’d be to our little apartment on Oakwood Street, five blocks back, just as happy as if I’d discovered a treasure chest filled with diamonds and gold. Somehow, the journey back never seemed as difficult or as long, perhaps because I’d be that much closer to relishing the second I’d take my first bite of my bounty! Oh my, what we won’t do for love, huh?

Well guess what? That’s exactly how believers ought to be in our quest for Jesus Christ! We see this truth evidenced in the life of The Apostle Paul. We can almost feel the earnest urgency with which The Apostle sought after his personal, intimate- knowing and understanding of “The True One” Who had apprehended him on the Damascus Road. (Ref. Acts 9) It was as if Paul was driven by an uncommonly unique passionate desire that set him on a course that remains unchartered territory to even the most astutely-religious 21st Century church-goers today.

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

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

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

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

My precious one, seeking God, although often challenging, should never become be a chore! However, it is vindictive of the level of love, faith and commitment towards Him!

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

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

SELAH!

Pause, Ponder, Pray & Praiz!

Ann Caffee

ROCK STEADY, BABY!

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SELAH Daily Devotions!

O give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good: because his mercy endureth for ever. Let Israel now say, that his mercy endureth for ever. Let the house of Aaron now say, that his mercy endureth for ever. Let them now that fear the Lord say, that his mercy endureth for ever.

I called upon the Lord in distress: the Lord answered me, and set me in a large place.

The Lord is on my side; I will not fear: what can man do unto me? The Lord taketh my part with them that help me: therefore shall I see my desire upon them that hate me. It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man. Psalm 118:1-8 

Unless you just landed on Planet Earth early this morning, you’ve probably already recognized that real-life comes at you hard and fast!  It matters not whether you’ve been walking with Jesus for a long time or just recently made a decision to follow Christ.  Truthfully, none of us are excluded from life’s faith-stresses aka test and trials! In fact, The Holy Writ is ladened with numerous accountings to alert even the most sincerest of faith-talking-faith-walking-Christians among us, to expect trying times to pop-up when you least expect them!

The Apostle Paul describes life as a race, and we soon discover that it’s not a sprint, but a marathon! However, unlike The Boston Marathon, God doesn’t usually let us in on the specifics that we’ll encounter along the way that could potentially hinder, even derail our progress, ultimately keeping us from finishing our course.

Perhaps, it’s because the Omniscient One knows that if we had foreknowledge, most of us would re-calculate our journey to suit own will, or worst yet, start looking to external resources, other than GOD, to be our help!

Yes! We all experience those seasons when it feels like, while our lives are being torpedoed by Satan’s inferno darts, coupled with the tolls of living in this fallen world, even to the point where our own flesh turns against us and we ‘re almost persuaded that GOD has obviously just abandoned us in the valley of the shadows of death, hopelessly desperate to fend for ourselves, huh?

But, The Psalmist, David, having personally triumphantly trampled through turbulent terrains many times, extends to us this olive-branch of hope-filled-encouragement, don’t give up! Despite of what it looks like, never stop trusting God!

Why? Because David knew what Satan never wants us to know, that no matter what the enemy throws at you, we have a Forever Faithful Refuge on our side and HIS NAME IS JESUS!

The next time (and there will be a next time), the enemy tries to convince you that it’s over, defeat is imminent, there’s no place to run, no place to hide, everything you once stood on has now turned to sinking sand, trust and know that God Alone is your Impregnable Mountain of Righteousness!

Beloved, when darkness surrounds you, hiding His Face, press on, trusting His Heart to do whatever is necessary to keep you safely tucked in His Providential Care every minute of every day!

Don’t be afraid, little children! Remember, if Jehovah allows you to go to it, it means that He’s already gone before you, preparing Divinely designated rest areas along the road to comfort, renew and energize our spirit and soul!

GOD’S LOVE REMAINS—ROCK STEADY, BABY!

SELAH!

Pause, Ponder, Pray & Praiz!

 Ann Caffee

STAY IN TOUCH!

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STAY IN TOUCH

SELAH Daily Devotions!

“While he spake these things unto them, behold, there came a certain ruler, and worshipped him, saying, My daughter is even now dead: but come and lay thy hand upon her, and she shall live….And, behold, a woman, which was diseased with an issue of blood twelve years, came behind him, and touched the hem of his garment:For she said within herself, If I may but touch his garment, I shall be whole….But when the people were put forth, he went in, and took her by the hand, and the maid arose.” Matthew 9:18, 20-21, 25

Sometimes, what you know doesn’t always get you where you want to go! Perhaps that’s why there’s so much emphasis placed on social networking today. You’d probably be amazed at how quickly certain doors that were once off-limits to you could now be opened to you, if you have the right connections, huh?

As it is in the natural, so it is in the spiritual, huh? According to today’s scripture text, one day a certain ruler came to Jesus standing in proxy for his daughter who had just died. Yet, despite of this tremendously desperate situation and the looming circumstantial evidence starring him in his face, taunting him to ‘just accept it’; it’s too late’, ‘you waited too long’; you might as well just accept the fact and go home and bury your baby gurl, the text says that this local official mounting up some audacious-faith, came bowing crying out to Jesus saying, “Jesus, if you would come to my house and simply touch my daughter, she will live!” Jesus recognizing that this man’s astonishing-faith expectantly looked beyond the natural, piercing through the impossible, grabbed hold to The Supernatural to acquire that which his heart desired. Jesus proceeded to follow the ruler home!

On their way, they passed a woman, suffering from a blood disease that literally left her leaking the very life out of her body, everyday for the past twelve years! Having heard that Jesus was close by, risking everything, including being stoned to death if she was exposed, she made her way through the crowd, determining in herself to get close enough to put her finger on Jesus’ Robe, knowing that her life would be restored. Jesus recognizing that certain faith-touch, and that corresponding pull on His Anointing, instantaneously released healing from His Being.

Jesus, glancing back over the huge gathering, fixed His eyes on this one woman, whose faith out-shined that of all the spectators, immediately began to comfort and encourage her to not be afraid! At that moment, The Great High Priest assured her that her courageous faith had made a Kingdom Connection. Hence, that which she had believed for, she’d become! Not only was she healed, she was made whole! (Ref. Hebrews 4:14)

Continuing on to Jairus’ house, pushing past the nay-sayers, the doubters, the unbelievers and the mockers, Jesus went to the young damsel’s bedside. Taking her hand gently, pulling her from the gripping clutches of death, He restores her to life! When the word of Jesus’ miraculous powers spread around town, it sent shock-waves of gossipers pouring through the streets and the surrounding regions proclaiming that The Kingdom of Heaven has come to dwell in the earth!

Be encouraged my precious ones! Regardless of what it looks like, despite how long you’ve had to endure this present situation, it’s just temporary! ( Ref. Romans 8:17-18) BUT JESUS IS NOT!

As fellow-partakers of the faith, “keep your focus on Jesus, the apostle and high priest of our confession”. (Ref. Hebrew 3:1)

GOD IS STILL LOOKING FOR THOSE WHO ARE WILLING TO STRETCH THEIR FAITH WELL BEYOND THAT WHICH CAN BE SEEN, HEARD AND EVEN IMAGINED! TOUCH THE HEART THE COMPASSIONATE SAVIOR! …STAY IN TOUCH!

SELAH!

“Have a WONDER-FILLED day!”

 Ann Caffee

R U OPENED, OR CLOSED?

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R U OPEN OR CLOSED 3 2018

SELAH Daily Devotions!

 

When Jesus heard it, he saith unto them, They that are whole have no need of the physician, but they that are sick: I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” Mark 2:17

Remarkably, in following the footsteps of Jesus,  you’ll inevitably discover that His Walk was earmarked with as much skepticism as was faith-filled devotion!  A closer review of The Sacred Scriptures we’ll see recorded many instances where the very ones who should’ve recognized Him were His greatest critics! Time and time again, the religious scholars tried to bait Jesus into disqualifying Himself thereby discounting the rumors that were spreading like wild fire throughout Capernaum and Galilee that He is the Promised Messiah!

They were particularly perturbed by Jesus’ repeatedly allowing Himself to be drawn into the company of what was considered ‘the misfits’ who didn’t deserve their time of day. And in their minds, any REAL Prophet would’ve known better!  Their own pompous arrogance prevented them from seeing The Light that was right before their eyes!

Unlike some of today’s Gospel Icons, Jesus did not look down on sinners, neither did He consider Himself too Holy to be in their presence. While Jesus had compassion for the sinner, He never condoned sin! In fact, He openly pronounced that His mission for coming to Earth was to call sinners to repentance! Perhaps, this in a nutshell explains why Jesus’ behavior was considered totally reprehensible to the religious leaders of that day, who considered themselves holier, therefore worthier than any of their subjects! Imagine Dat!

Unfortunately, far too many of the 21st Century Church still ascribe to this ill-begotten-theology as well. Although they don’t actually say it, their actions typify that loud and clear. 

Case in point, when my husband and I were called to begin a new work in the Vineyard, God placed it upon my heart to order a banner that would be placed on the roof the the building that said, ‘SINNERS WELCOME!’  Much to our surprise and dismay, we were rebuked by the people of God for displaying such an invitation! “Pastor, don’tcha mean, ‘ALL VISITORS ARE WELCOME!’ Well, then we were really confused  because the last time we checked, the Bible clearly and emphatically discloses that “all have sinned and fall desperately short of God’s Righteousness”!  (Romans 3:23) Hence, every single human born into this world, must come by the Cross in order to enjoy the Divine Heritage that Jesus labored to freely give us!

Truthfully, sometimes we, seasoned saints, forget who we once were. (Ref. 1 Corinthians 6:11) For Real…the only difference between a sinner and a saint is Repentance, the core of the Gospel! Thankfully, it’s not our own self-righteousness—BUT the pure goodness of God’s Grace that causes any man to repent! (Ref. Romans 2:4)

Seriously! Think about it; what good does it do to tell people they’re a sinner and if they don’t quit sinning, they’re going to hell. Well I can tell you as a regenerated Spirit-Filled ex-habitual-sinner, sinners already know that they’re sinners! What they don’t know is that before the foundation of the world, GOD provided a way off of that easily-accessible-fatalistic-dead-end-hell-bound slippery-pathway and a that they have been pre-approved for a fully-paid 1st ticket to Heaven through The Precious Blood of Jesus,  awaiting their acceptance! (Ref. Revelations 13:8)

The problem is, too many of us who have accepted The Sacrificial Lamp’s offering, have a tendency to become so closed minded and mute-mouthed that we refuse to get the message that “JESUS SAVES” out of the CHURRCH and into this lost and dying world!  #OHYESISAIDIT!

In other words, instead of putting THE GOOD NEWS ON BLAST,  a whole of  us are quite comfortably content living lives as  “Secret Servants” aka “Under-cover Christians”!

OH, C’MON NAH! RELAX! I’m not talking about ‘you’, UNLESS I’m talking about ‘you’! OPENED or CLOSED?

SELAH!

Pause, Ponder, Pray & Praiz!

Ann Caffee

DEMAND & SUPPLY

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SELAH Daily Devotions!

Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: (Matthew 7:7)

Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk. (Acts 3:6)

While there are undoubtedly many attributes that can rightly be ascribed to our Lord and Savior, may I submit to you that there’s one that is often neglected—Jesus The Master Economist! Jesus specializes in managing the world to ensure that nothing’s wasted, missing or lacking. Every Word that He speaks never returns to Him void but completes the very intent to which it is sent! (Ref. Isaiah 55:11)
Jesus is intentional! Jesus was commissioned to come into this earth by His Heavenly Father for a specific purpose; the expansion of The Kingdom of God in the earth. Strangely, though He chose to accomplish this seemingly impossible task by releasing the Seed of Potential into the hearts of His elect, thereby expanding the faith of humanity! “I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat is planted in the soil and dies, it remains alone. But its death will produce many new kernels–a plentiful harvest of new lives.” John 12:24 NLT
The Master Carpenter has a habit of setting you up in custom-designed circumstances to stretch your faith. I believe that anyone of Jesus’ disciples would readily testify how Jesus was constantly pulling them outside of their comfort zone. Remember that day when Jesus was preaching out in the desert to about 20 thousand folk, and suddenly turned to them nonchalantly saying, ‘Ok, it’s getting late so let’s feed the people”. (Ref. Luke 9:16) Can you imagine them looking at one another shocked, confused and wondering which one of them had pre-ordered a banquet lunch before they left town?
And what about that widow of Zarepheth, finding herself hopelessly trapped in a desperate situation, resolved to fix this last meal for herself and her son—and die when suddenly interrupted by Elijah The Prophet, who insisted that she make him a pancake first! Yet, the scriptures tell us that her faithful obedience released an unexpected miracle that not only sustained her and her household but outlasted the famine! (Ref. 1 Kings 17:7-16)
Guess what, He’s still doing it today!
I know, we’ve all heard preachers preach (and it’s biblically correct) that God doesn’t put more on you than you can bear; however, we can’t deny that sometimesssss, Jesus will ask us to do things that are way beyond our personal realm of possibility, comprehension and ability! Amen??? What we must come to realize is that we’re beckoned to these challenging predicaments, not to diminish us but to grow us! While uncomfortable to our flesh, they are God-ordained opportunities to experience the Supernatural Encompassing Sufficiency of God’s Presence, Power and Providential Care!
Beloved, Jesus invites you into these holy moments to prove that His Strength is made perfect in our weaknesses! (Ref. 2 Corinthians 12:9)
It behooves us to stop focusing on what you don’t have (deficiency) and set your attention towards WHO you do have, huh? If you will give God your trust, even if it’s no greater than a mustard seed, He will always exceed your expectations! #ijs
Sooooo, what’s going on in your life now, that’s too hard for you and Jesus to handle?
REMEMBER, ANY PROBLEM + JESUS = VICTORY! DEMAND & SUPPLY!
SELAH!
Pause, Ponder, Pray & Praiz!
Ann Caffee