Category Archives: PEACE IN GOD

INVITATION ONLY

INVITATION ONLY

 

SELAH Daily Devotions!

 

For the commandment which I command you today is not too mysterious for you, nor is it far off. It is not in heaven, that you should say, ‘Who will ascend into the heaven for us and bring it to us, that we may hear it and do it?’ Nor is it beyond the sea, that you should say, ‘Who will go over the sea for us and bring it to us, that we may hear it, and do it?’ But the word is very nigh unto thee, in thy mouth, and in thy heart, that thou mayest do it. Deuteronomy 30:11-14

 

Who in this world would wanna make God’s Grace soooo complicated and difficult to acceptt? Dat lying devil, of course!  The last thing Satan wants a lost sinner to recognize is that God is the ONE who initiated Salvation IN THE 1ST PLACE and makes it available to all who will repent and return to The Maker of Heaven and Earth!  Appealing to the SIN that so easily besets us, ‘PRIDE’, Satan  manipulates our thoughts, enticing the lusts of our flesh to do those things which are unseemly, then slams the door condeming us to fear, doubt and utimate, logical, justifiable terminal  self-rejecting eternal damnation!

Uuuuummmm? So what exactly was Moses saying?  

Moses, God’s appointed Covenant Mediator, was telling God’s Chosen nation that God, knowing the inadeqacy of human’s frame, has always planned to restore His  wayward children back into right-relationship to Godself, independent of our  puny efforts to warrant such Wonderous Gift of Love!  

“And the LORD your God will circumcise your heart and the heart of your descendents, to love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul, that you may live.”…For the LORD will again rejoice over you for good as He rejoiced over your fathers, if you obey the voice of the LORD your God, to keep His commandments and His statutes which are written in this Book. “(Detuteronomy 30:6, 9b-10)

This is the core of  every true Gospel preaching! It’s encouraging diligent seeker to say the welcoming word to God—“Jesus is my Master”! Hence, embracing, body and soul, God’s work of doing in us what He did in raising Jesus from the dead.  That’s it!  #didjaheardat?   

You’re not “doinganything!  By simply calling out to God from a grateful and sincere heart, you’re trusting Him to do it for you. With your whole being you embrace God’s Mercy, setting things right, and then you say it, right out loud: “God has set everything right between Him and me!” That’s  the essence of SALVATION, yall!  

The word that saves is right here, as near as the tongue in your mouth, as close as the heart in your chest. It’s the word of faith that welcomes God to go to work and set things right for us and IN US!

Scripture reassures us, “No one who trusts God like this—heart and soul—will ever regret it.” It’s exactly the same no matter what  your religious affiliation may be! When any soul is depending solely upon The Cross of Jesus,  we receive all the benefits of the same God for all of us! God is no respecter of person! He demonstrates the same incredible generosity to everyone who crys out for help. “Everyone who calls, ‘Help, God!’ gets help.”Romans 10:13 THE MESSAGE  

AWEMAZING, huh?

GOD doesn’t bumrush HIS WAY in and crash your party, but Graciously awaits HIS Personal Invitation from YOUR heart to HIS heart!

Is GOD welcome in your house?  Is GOD welcome in your LIFE? Have you invited THE SAVIOR into your heart?

Your  SALVATION is as close to YOU as your TRUSTING heart’s cry! 

Shhhhh!  didjaheardat knocking?  REALLY? #whatRUwaiting4?
 
REMEMBER, SALVATION COMES BY  INVITATION ONLY!  #HALLELUJAHHHH!

SELAH!

Pause, Ponder, Pray & Praiz!

Ann Caffee

WAYFARING WIT

WAYFARING WIT2

 

SELAH Daily Devotions!

How much better to get wisdom than gold! and to get understanding rather to be chosen than silver! Proverbs 16:16

Receive my instruction, and not silver; and knowledge rather than choice gold. For wisdom is better than rubies; and all the things that may be desired are not to be compared to it. Proverbs 8:10-11

 

WOW! We’ve come a long way, Baby!

As far as the ingathering of information and the major technological accomplishments attained by this 21st Century New Millennium Age is concerned, undoubtedly, we’ve taken quantum leaps exceedingly well beyond the realm of possibility to even the most esteemed intellectuals and astute scientific calculus of days gone by.

In other words, (sigh)! It’s safe to say that knowledge abounds!

Unfortunately, the scarcity of wit, wisdom and truth is decisively profound! Generally the appeal for this degree of understanding is left to those few famished, disillusioned, disinfranchised, exhausted, wayfaring scavengers who wander off rush-hour-grid-locked-getting-byways and highways to worldly success and traditional religious rituals. For reasons, yet unknown, somehow some of us are being distinctly drawn to the under-passes, service roads, and trenches; seeking the hidden treasures, riches stored in secret places of The Kingdom of His Presence! (Ref. Isaiah 45:3)

Who knew that we’d be called to the Kingdom for such a time as this? Who knew that before we lived one day that our Master already had a plan, purpose,  and a hope-filled destination for our lives?

“It is the glory of God to conceal a thing: but the honour of kings is to search out a matter.” Proverbs 25:2

Wisdom is calling!

“But you have not called upon Me, O Jacob; And you have been weary of Me. O Israel” Isaiah 43:22

“But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.” 1Timothy 6:6-8

“Congratulations! You finally got what you wanted, BUT… lost what you had”!

Didjaheardat? Missed it, huh? WAYFARING WIT!

SELAH!

Pause, Ponder, Pray & Praiz!

Ann Caffee

EMPTY POTS

EMPTY POT 2

 

SELAH Daily Devotions!

“He feedeth on ashes: a deceived heart hath turned him aside, that he cannot deliver his soul, nor say, Is there not a lie in my right hand? Isaiah 44:20

I can only imagine what’s going on in the mind and heart of Elohim gazing down the the portals of time from Eternity, seeing the massive gathering of Sunday Morning worshipers.

Look at us, over there we’re suited down in our St. Johns and over here in our Sean Johns. Got our weaves looking fresh jus like dat and our hair perfectly trimmed tight. Etienne Aigner shoes and our New York Yankees designer hats neatly tucked under the pews, just in case the person next to us gets a bit too unruly.

Once the policeman re-directed the traffic to turn left (because the parking lot was already filled to its capacity) finally, we’re glad to be seated in our favorite row. The stage is set! The sound-man gives the nod, the lighting is in sync with the Minister of Music and the Choreographer has gotten the attention of the Liturgical Dancers, we’re ready! Let’s Get It Done…BAMM!

Not so fast! I see ‘yall’, BUT where’s ‘The Glory’? Where are the God-Seekers? Who’s actually among us here to Honor HIM?

“What’s up with you asking us these kinds of questions? How could you miss HIM? Didn’t you see all those fine automobiles parked outside of this grandiose sanctuary? I bet if you tallied up the cost that was spent at the hair salons this week, you’d probably could buy a small nation. And you know the price for an authentic custom-tailored suit these days ain’t cheap, given inflation. Not to mention the small fortune the church puts out to fuel up our Pastor’s jet. You got some nerve asking about GOD! Obviously GOD has been good to us!”

Okay! Granted, you got a whole lot of stuff going on. You can afford to sit back on your laurels proudly contented and cozy, belly full and satisfied, enjoying the fruit of your successful accomplishments, and resting in the warm of your own fire. Man! that’s the life that God promised us or is it?

When was the last time you actually talked to The God you claim to belong to and serve? Did you even thank HIM for waking you up this morning, giving you the strength to get up (under your own volition) and the mind to brush your teeth with a toothbrush and not a hair brush? Have you really forgotten that there was a time when going to church on a Sunday morning never crossed you mind and the only cross you carried was dangling from your rear view mirror as a token protector for you and your property? Remember when the only word you read with any consistency was your horoscope?

Yeah, Buddy! What a life!

And you call those folk—who just can’t wait to get to Church, not just on Sunday mornings, but Bible Study, prayer meetings, whatever and whenever the doors of the church are open, they gotta be in The House, in fellowship with like-minded spirits after being amidst a bunch of God-Haters all week/day long, we who are desperate for the times of refreshment found only in the Presence of The Lord—out of touch with reality! REALLY?

Come, let’s reason this thing out together.

IS GOD BLESSED BY YOUR WORSHIP OR IS IT A STINCH IN HIS NOSTRILS?

EMPTY POTS, huh?

SELAH!

“Have a WONDER-FILLED day!”

Ann Caffee

 

REST-DIRECTION!

REST-DIRECTION 3

SELAH Daily Devotions!

“Unto thee, O Lord, do I lift up my soul.” (Psalm 25:1)

 

Sometimes, we find ourselves oscillating by the turbulent waves of adversity, drowning in the depths of desperation and despair. While we all know that trouble doesn’t discriminate, harassing the just as much as the unjust, somehow knowing doesn’t make suffering any less traumatic, especially to those of us who intentionally strive to live circumspect fully according to teaching of The Bible.

Perhaps this explains why many believers prefer to deny rather than acknowledge that occasionally they experience a wrath of depression that causes you to shrink back into self-imposed exile, shrouded by terror, isolation and false humility! But today, allow the WORD OF GOD to emancipate you from the burden of secretcy and shame!

Remember David?  Well, on several occasions, we find The Psalmist , crying out of the hub of his soul to his True Source of Salvation, The Living God?

As we follow The King in The Scriptures,  we see David relentlessly bellowing out his distress before his Friend, The Lord Adonai, uninhibited by reputation, shame nor guilt, but fully persuaded that this was indeed what pleases God the most, trusting honesty.

David’s intimacy with his God, was the foundation of his every prayer!

Beloved, during seasons of overwhelming circumstances, instead of running away from God, The Psalmist recognized the value and privilege afforded to him  and entreated God’s Compassionate Heart with the same hope-filled tenacity that he embraced during moments of ease.

We do well to understand that earnest sincere-honest-heart prayer stirs-up the atmosphere of Heaven releasing favor, and guaranteeing Divine Intervention.

Don’t insult God’s Omniscience with phony, fake emotional repetitions, as if He doesn’t already know your heart. Just follow the ‘man after God’s own heart’  and expose the nakedness of your heart, own your emotions and confess “But unto thee have I cried, O Lord; and in the morning shall my prayer prevent thee. Lord, why castest thou off my soul? why hidest thou thy face from me?”  Psalm 88:13

GO ‘HEAD; GOD CAN TAKE IT!

Don’t just wallow in the muck and mire of fear, dread and desolation. Take full-advantage of the situation by reconnecting to The Shepherd! Recommit your life afresh to new purpose, focus and strength. Reaffirm the Foundation of God’s Inseparable Love, entrusting your heart to The Faithful Eternal Lord of Glory!

Truthfully, God orchestrates these momentary afflictions to set you up for Triumphant Victory. WHAA? #didjaheardat?

AAAAWWW! Rest-DIRECTION!

SELAH!

Pause, Ponder, Pray & Praiz!

Ann Caffee

LET GOD RUB OFF ON U!

LET GOD RUB OFF ON U3

 

SELAH Daily Devotions!

For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. Romans 8:29

The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple. Psalm 119:130 

Back in my B.C. (before Christ) days, I met this very special lady. Subsequently, Ms. Annette and I grew as close as two peas in a pod. Whoever coined the phrase “a little bit of country and a little bit of rock n’ roll” had to have met my friend “Anna” (self-identification of her alter-ego). By day, Ms. Annette was a successful-sophisticated-know-her-stuff-RN. BUT! By nite, that Hattiesburg-Mississippi-Black Water-Country-Ebonic-Talk’n-parta’-down-like it was 1999-Anna would emerge! And guess who would try to hang-out right with her? Exactly!

Evrrrr noticed, that if you spend a lot of time around someone you admire, who happens to have a strangely-peculiar personality, the strangely-peculiar affect they tend to have on you? Startlingly, without my consciousness (until my kids so happily pointed out) my conversation conspicuously became sporadically seasoned with some of the same words, same dialect and same mannerisms as my friend. Obviously, a little bit of “Anna” had rubbed off on me!

It works the exact same way when it comes to strengthening your personal relationship with God!

As believers, the Father’s Plan is to mold us into the image of Jesus. The moment you are born again, Holy Spirit begins the process of Supernatural Empowered Transformation of our spirit until it looks just like Him. Spiritually, you were instantly changed on the inside; however the progression of outward change depends largely upon us.

The amount of time spent pursuing things of the Spirit correlates directly to our spiritual growth and development. If most of your time is spent satisfying the lustful desires of your flesh, inevitably your spiritual growth will be stunted! #ijs However, as you begin to separate yourself apart from the worldly things of life and dedicate more time to studying The Word of God, mounting habitual alone-time with Him, The Holy Spirit will ecstatically teach, guide and share Christ-Likeness with you. He’s gonna rub off on you until His ways become your ways!

The more readily you yield the more of you to Him, abiding in His Presence in prayer, meditating in His Word and surrending yourself in worship, you will be absolutely amazed at the miraculous change that will take place on the inside and out! I’m telling you, personally, you’ll hardly recognize that new man in the mirror! Seriously!!!

Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the LORD is risen upon thee. Isaiah 60:1 #Didjaheardat?

Ohh, by the way, guess who introduced me to Jesus Christ? Yep, Anna! THANKYA JESUS!

I “D-DOUBLE-DARE” YA! LET GOD RUB OFF ON YOU!

SELAH!

Pause, Ponder, Pray & Praiz!

Ann Caffee

 

BUT, GOD!

BUT GOD!

 

SELAH Daily Devotions!

 

“Now it came to pass on a certain day, that he went into a ship with his disciples: and he said unto them, Let us go over unto the other side of the lake. And they launched forth. But as they sailed he fell asleep: and there came down a storm of wind on the lake; and they were filled with water, and were in jeopardy.  And they came to him, and awoke him, saying, Master, Master, we perish. Then he arose, and rebuked the wind and the raging of the water: and they ceased, and there was a calm. And he said unto them, Where is your faith? And they being afraid wondered, saying one to another, What manner of man is this! for he commandeth even the winds and water, and they obey him.” Luke 8:22-25

 

Oh, I know you’re saved, sanctified, filled with the Precious Gift of Holy Ghost and do speak in tongues as The Spirit gives utterance! BUT! Since you’ve been saved, have you ever felt like saying to God, “Lord, I know You say it’s an honor to be recommended by God to the devil, BUT…here lately, it seems that I’m the only one you’ve been pointing out. If You don’t mind, next time, could you please recommend somebody else!”

Have you ever considered telling God, “Jesus, the next time you decide to pull down the hedge around me and giving Satan a shot at me, I’d appreciate at least a heads-up!” No? Jus wondering!

Unless you just landed on Planet Earth early this morning or were born late last night, you already know that storms are a natural occurrence on the sea of life, whether you’re saved or unsaved! In fact The Holy Bible tells us “Man that is born of a woman is of few days and full of trouble.” Job 14:1 Hence, as long as there is breath in your body, you will experience some measure of adversity and affliction, temptation and trial, distress and disappointment and choas and calamity.

Today’s text shares a story of an average day in the lives of Jesus’ disciples and their response to an unexpected storm that popped-up out of no where. Sounds a bit too uncomfortably familiar, huh?

As the text opens, Jesus having finished teaching classes, traveling from town to town and village to village, decided to take some ‘down-time’ and go across the lake to the other side to escape the crowds that normally followed him. He told His disciples, “Let’s go to the other side” and went to catch a nap. The disciples also seemed to be enjoying the calm atmosphere as the boat sailed on the smooth waters. Until, suddenly a terrible windy storm arose causing turbulent waves to come pouring into their small vessel, threatening to capside at any minute, killing everyone on the boat. Someone thought to wake up Jesus and cried out, “Master, Master, can’t you see we’re about to drown?” As if The Omniscient One had vacated the premises!

The Scripture goes on to say that Jesus, standing up, spoke to the wind and the waves, “Silence, Peace Be Still!” to which they had no other recourse BUT to obey The Master Creator! Turning to His disciples, Jesus sorrowfully inquired, “Why can’t you trust me?”

My Precious Sistas and Brothers, perhaps Jesus is posing that same question to you today. I know it’s been rough out there. I know you have a mindset to follow Jesus all the way, to love Him with all of your heart, soul and body, yet still storms keep hitting your life on the left and the right. But Beloved, Jesus won’t jump ship like some other people might. Jesus has promised to stay with you all the way across the Lake of Life. No matter where you are today, Jesus is always with you.

There are some lessons that prove vital to your personal maturity and intimacy through understanding the attributes of the God Whom you serve you, that can only be learned in the midst of the storms!

Could this be why the astonished disciples inquired, “What kind of Man is this?”

So the next time that Ol’ Deceiving Tyrant comes slithering around, threatening to destroy your hope, joy and peace, jap-slap ’em with this, “I hear ya knocking…BUT! GOD!”

SELAH!

Pause, Ponder, Pray & Praiz!

Ann Caffee

 

 

THE FIRST RESPONDER!

the-1st-responder2

SELAH Daily Devotions!

“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
 
” lo am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.” Matthew 28:20b

 

Certain things just stick out at you!  Like, where you were and what you were doing on Tuesday, September 11, 2001?

If you were anywhere in the United States, you were probably sitting somewhere stunned and paralyzed, eyes glued to a TV screen at images that are now indelibly entrenched in your psyche!  Some of us initially were just trying to figure out what the heck was going on. Were our eyes betraying our thoughts or was this simply another advertising stunt vying for publicity?

But, as we listened intensively to the broadcaster’s pronouncement, inquisitively quickly gave way to awe, fear and helplessness! Millions of us sat paralyzed by not knowing where or when the next strike would hit. We watched masses of people running terrified away from buildings, aimlessly through the streets in an effort to escape the billowing clouds of gas-filled smoke and the menacing threat of flying glass and debris.  The sense of security and the superfluous naivety of an Invincible America tragically came falling down right before our eyes, shattered live and in color!

Just as the rain falls on the just as well as the unjust, tragedy and trouble are neither biased nor prejudice! Except you be some sadistic masochist, most of us are intrinsically wired to avoid pain. Perhaps, that’s why some of us might’ve secretly questioned the wisdom of those ‘first responders’. Nevertheless, we honor the courageous men and women who waived the threat of death in lieu of the prospect of rescuing the survivors and ran boldly into the face of catastrophe.

Perchance, that’s what makes GOD so appealing to that desperately lonely wayfaring stranger, crying out to The Heavenly Father, “Lord, save me!” 

Today’s scripture assures us that our Savior, Jesus, doesn’t sit uncaringly aloof, watching us meandering our way through life’s tumultuous terrain, endlessly giving way to hopelessness and despair. But so Graciously is our God, who Lovingly leans toward us, tenderly guarding and guiding us safely through overwhelming floodwaters of seemingly unconquerable test and trials!

May this note serve as a constant reminder, that whenever we find ourselves surrounded, constrained by dire circumstances, in the claws of the temptation to give up; we who have surrendered our lives to The Lordship of Christ, find consolation, encouragement and confidence by  faith, to look up–for Redemption is Always near!

Jesus, The First Responder!

SELAH! 
 
Pause, Ponder, Pray & Praiz!
 
Ann Caffee

THE PERFECT STORM

THE PERFECT STORM 2

SELAH Daily Devotions!

 

“One thing have I desired of the Lord, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to enquire in his temple. For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion: in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me; he shall set me up upon a rock.” Psalm 27:4-5

 

Aaawwwww…Fantasy! Believe it or not, that’s where many escape to when the painful realities of life become much more than a person can bear. Perhaps, this might explain why that 1965 Classic American Sitcom “I Dream of Genie” (staring Barbara Eden and Larry Hagman) drew such a faithful following!

Week after week families gathered around their b/w TV’s anxiously gasping for any momentary retreat from the real-time burdens facing our nation. I mean who wouldn’t jump at the opportunity to have anything their heart desired suddenly appear simply by swiping a lamp, right?  Yep, those were the good ol’ days, huh?

History records President Lyndon B. Johnson struggling to lead the nation through a multiplicity of vexing controversial challenges and at the same time maintain some semblance of the homeland security that many cleaved to so dearly.

Remember, The First Combat Boots landing in Viet Nam and the Dominican Republic, the arrest of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King along with 2,600 others in Selma Alabama for demonstrating against voter-registration rules. Malcom X was shot to death in a Harlem rally, while the newly recognized Afro-Americans were rioting in Watts and others were rudely awakened to the undeniable existence of racism in The Land of the FreeYep! Yep! #thoseweredadays!

The point is, despite the torrid winds of time, we survived!

Truthfully, as long as we live and breathe on this earth, there will be storms of adversity. In today’s scripture text, the Psalmist offers a brilliant ray of confident hope, strength and encouragement to those who yet contend for the faith found only in an intimate personal relationship with The God of all flesh.

Having been victimized by jealously, hatred and malicious rejection from those closes to him on numerous occasions, David sticks out in history as a true, honest, God-revealing companion to the desperate and down casts. A recap of God’s servant’s life depicts one who repeatedly finds himself besieged by fear, doubt, betrayal, death and isolation from human kindness. Yet in the midst of chaos, terror and tragedy, The Shepherd boy/King, David discovers the Source of true solace under the watchful care of His Sovereign Lord!

Beloved, we’re living in a day in time where it’s easy to get caught up in the daily grind of hussle and bustle, striving for the world’s standards of successful accomplishments and accommodations! However,  in spite of those poignant pathetic prophetic voices declaring peace and prosperity, sometimes we are left trembling and shaken by the inscrutable ungodliness of the systems of this world!

Nevertheless, if we keep our eyes pointed Heavenward, we too can be blessed, revitalized and restored by that Peace that passes all understanding, swept over by the unspeakable joy and resting assured in the Presence of the One Savior and Lord that David delighted in, Jesus Christ!  THE PERFECT ANSWER TO THE PERFECT STORM!

SELAH!
 
PAUSE, PONDER, PRAY & PRAIZ!
 
Ann Caffee

THE LONGING!

the-longing-2

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

UNDER CONSTRUCTION!

UNDER CONSTRUCTION

SELAH Daily Devotions!

 

Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ: Philippians 1:6

 

I wasn’t born and raised in the church like a lot of you. I was one of those who kinda fell up in the doors of the church after years of getting beat up and beat down by the devil’s abuse. But thanks be to GOD! The Gracious Compassion Savior took me in and saved me anyhow! Being naïve and overwhelmed with pure joy and gladness to be saved, I actually thought everybody would love, welcome, accept and celebrate with me, because they were so glad that I was now part of the family of God!

Needless to say, I was shocked to discover that people are still people—in and out of the church. I still remember Mother Annie Carter, (my 1st spiritual mentor) pulling me under her wing, warning me “Stay close to the praying part of the church, baby”.  At the time, I wasn’t quite sure what Mother was talkin about, howevrrrr, it didn’t take long for me to realize that only THE REAL TRUE GOD can make a saint!

Beloved, you see what I didn’t know was that the Church is a construction zone and the Master Builder is GOD! He doesn’t build His House with brick and mortar, but with flesh and blood (dirt and water)!  Through the Precious Blood of Jesus and the regenerating Power of THE WORD, Holy Ghost empowers ordinary, imperfect people to do extraordinary exploits!

While, some of us just need a few minor adjustments, others may require little more or even a major overhaul. TRUTHBTOLD, most of us were so jacked up that we needed a longer stay in the furnaces of afflictions than others before we’re done.  So don’t be surprized when you get a little too close to a brother or sista and get pricked by a thorn!

Always remember, there’s some good in the worst of us and some bad in the best of us, okay?  Nonetheless, we are all under construction according to The Master Carpenter’s specs and all of us  need the same GOD to help all of us!

Even if your intentions are just and honorable, sometimes helping people can hurt you! The Scriptures back this up numerous times!  Yes, even the most sainted, faithful and committed servants of The High God can become entrapped, disenfranchised, hopelessly discouraged and find ourselves retreating to dark caves or the backside of mountains and valleys.  It doesn’t matter how long or how far you’ve walked with The Lord, any of  God’s faithful-elect, can find themselves overwhelmed by the cares of this world to the point that you’re tempted to just give up and leave the church! #shuturmouth!

But, before you do something foolish, can I remind you of this one thing? There is NO PLAN B!

We’re it! God chose us name by name to expand His Kingdom in the earth, fully ware of the challenges of this seemingly impossible task.  That’s why He sent Holy Ghost to equip you to overcome!  Yep,  The Holy Ghost is your personal trainer! He takes your everyday life, places you on pathways strategically designed to stretch and strengthen your christian character, develop your trust, build up your confidence and fortify your commitment!

While it may not always look like God’s anywhere to be found, HE IS ALWAYS RIGHT THERE preparing you for a glorious future!  (Ref. Hebrew 13:5)

 BELOVED, TRUST2KNO, HELL CAN’T STOP ANYTHING THAT HEAVEN STARTS! GOD COMPLETES EVERYTHING HE STARTS!  UNDER CONSTRUCTION? UUUHHH… REALLY…MAKE SURE YOU’RE WEARING UR HARD HAT! #Didjaheardat?

SELAH!

Pause, Ponder, Pray & Praiz!

 Ann Caffee