Category Archives: perserverance

THURSDAYS’ PRAYERS!

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GOOD MORNING FAM! GOTTA MOMENT? AWEMAZING!

So glad that you’ve joined us for the first Thursdays’ Corporate Prayer and Fasting of 2017! This is the day that The Lord has made and we shall rejoice and be glad in it! For there’s no doubt in our mind, that if it had not been for The Lord on our side, our enemies would’ve swallowed us up! Yet, in the midst of chaos, confusion and corruption that many of us experienced in 2016, we’re yet standing strong, proclaiming that our God is Greater!

As we enter into The Majestic Throne Room of our Eternal King, our hearts cry, “O Lord, now I see it’s You I need, and with Your help,  I’m denying self and putting my hand in Yours!” “I’ll just say YES! You lead the way. I am not afraid of what it means for me to say; Ummmm, this life You gave, is not, my own! I am trusting YOU LORD to hear MY YES, and lead me on!!!!!!!! YES LORD, YOU ALONE ARE WORTHY TO BE PRAIZED and HONORED!” Shall we pray…
Father in Heaven, we come today with outstretched arms, open hands and grateful hearts rejoicing in The Splendor of Your Magnificent Glory! We know that it’s only because of Your Grace and Mercy, that we’re yet here! Because of Your love for us, You have allowed us one more day to enjoy life, health and strength. We’re grateful for this opportunity to present ourselves as living sacrifices, holy and acceptable unto You. From our Mother’s womb, You’ve proven Yourself to be Faithful and True; therefore, today, we’re trusting You to provide everything that we need to sustain us thru whatever challenges that unfold during the course of this day! Abba Father, we’re confidently content knowing that You Alone are our God, Guard and Guide! 

Father, we bless You for allowing us to enter into Your Throne Room, with hope-filed expectation and as we pour out these burdens that seem to overwhelm our hearts, releasing everything that concerns us into Your Hand, You will entreat us graciously! Lord Jesus, because we know that You are Omniscient, Omnipresent, You see and You already know everything about everyone of us, yet You welcome us to come to you  to find Grace and Mercy to comfort, strengthen and encourage us to hold on to every Word that You have spoken over our lives, before we were born!

Daddy, before we go any further, standing humbly before You, we’re asking You to forgive us for everything that we, your children, have spoken, done, or failed to do and even thought that was not pleasing in Your sight. Because You have assured us that if we would confess our sins, You, being Faithful and Just, will forgive us,  wash us in The Precious Blood of Jesus, cleanse us from all unrighteousness, and restore the breach that our disobedience has caused between our poor souls and our Lord and Savior, Jesus, we thank You now! Sweet Holy Spirit, we ask You to intercede on our behalf, our family, our friends, even our enemies, as we know that Your love is the same to each and everyone of us!

Abba, we know that You have instructed us, to look not at the temporary things, but to the eternal, yet  because of the frailness of our flesh, we’re easily provoked and tempted to become overwhelmed by the cares of this world, so that our hearts are burdened with the pressures of this life! You already know that some of us are wearied with fear, doubt, unbelief, sickness and disease, financial debt, broken relationships, unprovoked threats, oppression and depression, addictions, proclivities and insecurities. Lord You also know that sometimes we lose our focus on You causing our days to be spent beneath clouds of evil foreboding, while our nites are plagued with restlessness, despondency and hopelessness! Lord, keep us in Your Perfect Peace with a mind to submit to Your Will, as only You can!

Lord, we ask that You save, heal and deliver all those who are crying out to You, seeking Your Face at this very moment, speedily! Give us to know that because we belong to You, we are never too far that You can’t see us, reach us, and shield us from anything that the devil would rail against us. Help us to understand that Your Name, Jesus is a Strong Tower, and those that You have declared the righteous run into it and are saved. Open up our minds and our hearts, filling us with Your Assurance, and Confident Hope that at The Name of Jesus, every enemy shall bow and every tongue shall confess that You are Lord!

Sweet Jesus, as we embark upon The New Year of 2017,  grace your children with hope-filled trust that You,  Heavenly Father, have committed Your Word towards us that no weapon that’s formed us shall prosper and except You allow it, no trouble, test or trial can come near us. We thank You Lord, for fully persuading us of Your Providential Presence and Power to turn everything around to work in our favor and to bring about exuberant testimonies and praizes of Your Eternal Magnificence, Honor and Glory!

Abba Father, thank You now for listening to the hearts of those who have never trusted and accepted Your Son Jesus as Savior and Lord! Thankya Holy Spirit, for only You can quicken that stony heart and provoke a Spirit of Godly Repentance that enables us to come, humbled by Your Lovingkindness, in faithful obedience to Your call! We thank You for every soul who is now receiving Your Free Gifts of Mercy and Grace to Save. We pray for every backslider who has turned away from Your Favor and find themselves outside of You Covenant, we ask now that You lead and guide them to the local church, plant them in Your Vineyard, where they shall be taught and transformed by Your Word of Life and Love to take their position in The Kingdom of Heaven!

Father, we pray for those whose lives are distraught by grief and fear, the elderly, the widows, the care-givers, the downcast, all who have born the heat of the day,  who pushed and prayed us through! Father, give them sweet peace! 

Lord, we pray for every believer who is yet clinging to Your Hand! By faith, we’re declaring and decreeing that You are releasing Divine power, Supernatural strength and health, provision, prosperity and protection. Father, we’re trusting You to preserve them thru every trial and test; keep us, Lord Jesus, constantly aware of YOUR PRESENCE and fully-confident that at the appointed time, You will always bring us out wholly restored, renewed, refreshed and with the reward You have promised in Your Word!

Father, we thank You for an outpouring of a double-portion of Your Divine Favor upon each and every one of your children who are seeking employment, promotion, prompt approval for student/car/home loans and assure them that YOU are YET HE, Jehovah Jareh, who shall supply all of their need according to Your Riches in Glory!

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

Lord, we pray for the leaders of governments world-wide, remembering that their hearts are in Your Hands, we’re trusting You to visit them in the night season and command them to do Your Will. Abba, we lift up every Bishop, Pastor, Overseer, Apostle, Evangelist, Preacher and Teacher. Undergird them with Your Anointing 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 the ministryYou have ordained.

Lord, there are so many other things, that we have yet to mention, but we’re trusting, believing You to fix it, Jesus, as only You can! Lord, we know that You are not just able, but willing to do anything that we ask, in accordance to Your Word, in Jesus Name!

As we offer us this prayer, Father we wait in confidence and quietness, rejoicing in hope and trusting wholly that all workers of iniquity are suddenly trembling and departing in shameful defeat, 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!

Father, we thank You NOW, for down deep in our souls, WE believe that it is done! We seal this prayer In The Exalted Name of Jesus Amen 3X! Hallelujah!

Now every child of God who is standing in agreement with this prayer, GO TELL ONE SOMEBODY THAT THE DEVIL IS STILL A LIAR & JESUS STILL LOVES AND CARES 4 YOU 2!

SELAH!

Pause, Ponder, Pray & Praiz!

MY CUP

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my-cup

SELAH Daily Devotions!

But Jesus answered and said, Ye know not what ye ask. Are ye able to drink of the cup that I shall drink of, and to be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with? They say unto him, We are able. And he saith unto them, Ye shall drink indeed of my cup, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with: but to sit on my right hand, and on my left, is not mine to give, but it shall be given to them for whom it is prepared of my Father. Matthew 20:22-23

WOW! I’ll never forget that look that came across her face when I innocently reiterated that jealousy, envy, coveting and competitiveness had no place amongst the Saints of God! Was I really that naive or was I simply rightly dividing The Word of Truth? Either way, I must admit that there’s a whole lotta this stuff going on in the Body of Christ. And apparently, it started long before we came in, huh?

According to our scripture text, even those who literally walked with Jesus from the beginning of His Earthly ministry until His Ascension didn’t understand the real mission of The Kingdom of God in the earth. Mrs. Zebedee, the mother of James and John, went to Jesus, supposedly to worship Him, but was actually trying to get a hook-up for her boys. Seems like the more things change, the more they stay the same, huh? Hence, believe it or not, there are still folk today who play the same kinda religious games. Perpetrating, as if they’re following Jesus, but knowing their true motives,  Jesus also knows them that are His! Sunday after Sunday, folk will pack out churches everywhere; unfortunately, not out of a genuine personal love for Him or pure adoration for Who He Is, nor in sincere appreciation for all that He’s done, but rather for what they can get out of it! As if God is a Sugar Daddy! #Don’tshoutmedown! #ijs

Jesus warning the Mother, ‘be careful what you wish for, you just might get it! And chances are it won’t look like anything you thought it would.’ As a parent, naturally, we want our children to be successful, however, our personal desires must never take precedence over praying for God’s specific Will for their lives!

Turning to The Sons of Thunder, Jesus asked, ‘Can you drink the cup I’m going to drink?’ Both responded in ignorant arrogance, (having no idea what the true cost of The Anointing entailed) “We can!”  Finally, Jesus told them in so many words, ‘Ok, be it done unto you as you have said!’ And as history records, indeed they would! James would be imprisoned and eventually executed and John would be exiled for spreading The Gospel of The Kingdom!

Looking from the sidelines, perhaps bedazzled by the illusion of glitz and glamor, one might misinterpret the Glory of Transformation! (Ref. 1 Peter 1:16-18)  The lust for power, fame and wealth has lured many a soul to judge, criticize, complain and even compare themselves to someone that God’s using to carry out His Plan! However, wisdom suggests that until you’ve actually walked in their shoes, you don’t know the contents of the cup and the weight of the cross they’ve borne to prepare them for the Crown! Remember, to whom much is given, much is required!

Consequently,  21st Century Millenniums, who ascribe to the dictates of a ‘instant-gratification-go-getter-Burger King’ contemporary society, are ill-prepared for the challenges incurred while waiting on The Lord to promote them! In fact,  there are many who seek positions without persecution! Could this be the reason for so much back-biting, brown-nosing, coveting and competitions in churches, huh? You do know that  a slick suit, dob hat, pointed-toe leather shoes and an alligator briefcase does not denote a personal relationship with God anymore than carrying a BIG Bible, drapping your body in a prayer shawl, and wearing Red-Bottom  7 inch Stilettos equate one’s anointing?  That’s not what The Bible means by, ‘count up the cost’!  #4REAL!

Looking into The Cup, tasting the bitterness, seeing the pressure of Gethesemane, nevertheless, Jesus humbled Himself to the tyranny of human hatred, the bruising inflicted by the cat-of-nine tails, the shameful slander and mockery of His accusers, enduring the painful piercing of crucifixion, the unspeakable agony of being separated from His Father’s Presence, went through Hell for The Glory of redeeming you and I back  into rightstanding  with The God of Compassionate Grace and Mercy!  (Ref. Matthew 26:39) #Didjaheardat?

Beloved, Jesus’s Life was an illustrated sermon to teach us that real ministry means submitting to the process, making a courageous commitment to stand up for Jesus  in the face of testing and trials and power and authority based on serving rather than being served! Right? Question is, are you really willing to drink from His cup to follow Him?

SELAH!

Pause, Ponder, Pray & Praiz!

Ann Caffee

CHAINED OR CHANGED???

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chained-or-changed-2

SELAH Daily Devotions!

 

When crowds of people came out for baptism because it was the popular thing to do, John exploded, “Brood of snakes! What do you think you’re doing slithering down here to the river? Do you think a little water on your snakeskins is going to deflect God’s judgment? It’s your life that must change, not your skin. And don’t think you can pull rank by claiming Abraham as ‘father.’ Being a child of Abraham is neither here nor there—children of Abraham are a dime a dozen. God can make children from stones if he wants. What counts is your life. Is it green and blossoming? Because if it’s deadwood, it goes on the fire. Luke 3:7-9

 

Ever asked someone, “Are you saved?” to which they responded, ‘matter-of-factly’,“uuuhhh…Mama told me I been baptized!” or “I belong to First Bed-Rock of The Divine Pentecostal Kingdom Fellowship” Don’t shout me down, now yall….jus wondering?

Seems to be a lot of that going around, huh? We’re living in a world where pretty much everybody’s ‘saved’! I mean, just look at the explosion of ‘Mega Ministries’, that have popped up in this country alone, right? Kinda makes you wonder why Jesus hasn’t returned! Well, may I submit for your consideration, while church attendance is a critical component of our spiritual development,church membership doesn’t make you a Christian any more than living in a garage makes you a car!

I understand how one might be confused, given the ‘mob mentality’ of the more contemporary theological persuasions of The New Millennium Era, that more means better. This is nothing new! According to our scripture text, it’s been going on since the days of John The Baptist! One might wonder, given the number of churches and folk who pour into the buildings any Sunday morning, why we don’t see much change as individuals, in our families, communities, even as a nation?

Simply put, too many folk try to cut across the field, by-pass the cross and creep into the Kingdom through an imaginary backdoor!

That’s why some imposters casually enter the church house,‘carrying their chains, tuck them quietly under the plush pews, sanng, shout, dance up and down the aisle, sit like a bump on a log while the sermon is presented, Hi-5 your neighbor 10x, turn around 7x, repeat the benediction, greet your neighbor, pick up your chains and get back out there and do what u gotta do’! #OHYESSHEDIDSAYDAT!!!

Beloved! Jesus came not to set up another system of legalistic religious rituals, but to restore the personal intimate relationship, severed by our First Parents, Adam and Eve’s rebellion against the righteous commands of The True and Living God! And when He ascended back to The Throne Room on High, Father God sent The Holy Spirit to live inside of anyone who makes a conscious decision to humble themselves, repent and put their personal faith in The Only Saving Grace of Jesus Christ! The indwelling Presence of The Spirit of Jesus, empowers us to live a holy, separated, consecrated life of triumphant deliverance in the midst of this dark and depraved world! Didjaheardat?

“…for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose,” Philippians 2:13

Sadly, despite the finished work of the Cross, Satan has yet been able to keep too many of God’s precious ones, illegally chained to stuff that Jesus has already secured their glorious freedom from!  

But that’s why we’re here, right? To shine out for God by spreading the Good News,“If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.” John 8:36

CHAINED? OR CHANGED? #WOW

SELAH!

Pause, Ponder, Pray & Praiz!

Ann Caffee

DO U ANNOY GOD?

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DO U ANNOY GOD

 

SELAH Daily Devotions!

 
And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint. Saying, There was in a city a judge, which feared not God, neither regarded man: And there was a widow in that city; and she came unto him, saying, Avenge me of mine adversary. And he would not for a while: but afterward he said within himself, Though I fear not God, nor regard man;Yet because this widow troubleth me, I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me…And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them? Luke 18:1-5, 7

 

Do you ever feel like you’re annoying God? Hold on, don’t click me off. This question is not intended to condemn but to awaken your spirit to a liberating truth.

Some people think that if you repeatedly bring the same petitions or desires before The Lord, you run the risk of praying amiss. Apparently, based on the premise that by bringing it up again,  obviously you’re no longer operating in faith, but in doubt!

But, Jesus said that we should always pray! Truthfully, our Heavenly Father is ecstatically overjoyed when we come, as little children, boldly to the Throne of Grace and cast our cares upon Him. Hence, this lets God know that we’re yet trusting Him to respond to our prayers with Mercy and Grace.

Unlike the unjust judge, who responds out of annoyance, disgust and frustration, your Heavenly Father honors your faithful persistence with loving compassion. God is not intimidated by our persistent prayers. He knows that we’re simply acknowledging that He alone has the Power to bring to pass anything we ask of Him.  Ain’t dat amazing?

Don’t allow nothing or nobody to stop you from praying until you see God move in your situation. Because God empathizes with our feelings, He is never annoyed when we call out for His help.

Beloved, continue to trust Him to work His purpose through your situations knowing, even though it may tarry, the answer shall surely come! Don’t allow the pressures of your present situation to cause you to panic, but remain confident that at the  appointed time, He will speedily defend, protect and avenge the one whom He finds persistent in faithfulness!

But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. Hebrew 11:6

ANNOY GOD? IT’S OKAY; YOUR BREAKTHROUGH IS IN YOUR PERSISTENCE!

SELAH!

Pause, Ponder, Pray & Praiz!
 
Ann Caffee

LET’S STAY TOGETHER

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LET'S STAY 2GETHER

 

SELAH Daily Devotions!

 

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

 

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

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

 

SELAH!

Pause, Ponder, Pray & Praiz!

Ann Caffee

 

 

 

 

HELP IS ON THE WAY!

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HELP IS ON THE WAY

 

SELAH Daily Devotions!

 

Behold, the Lord God will help me, who is he who will condemn me? Lo, they all shall wax old and be worn out as a garment, the moth shall eat them up. Who is among you who reverently fears the lord, who obeys the voice of his servant, yet who walks in darkness and deep trouble and has no shining splendor in his heart? Let him rely on, trust and be confident in the name of the lord, and let him lean upon and be supported by his God. Isaiah 50:9-10

 

I gotta confess! It’s gotten to the point, where a lot of us no longer watch the evening news broadcast. OMG!  It’s not that we’re ignorant or unconcerned, but  because there’s so much wrong going on in the world we live in!  Some of us have come to the realization that rather than walking around in a constant state of fear, anxiety and depression, we’d prefer to take the unabating deluge of daily news in small doses! Truthfully, yall know, terror and trauma sells, right? And quite honestly, since the dubiousness of #45’s  texts and fake news, most of what we get is a little too copious for the intellectual palate to absorb! #ijs So generally, the most you can get out of a 30 minute time-frame is a 15 second spot of so called ‘good news’! 

However, there is Hope that’s expands far beyond this world! Every born-again, Blood-washed, Holy Ghost sanctified Believer has the assurance that regardless what they say, our Hope rests confidently upon Truth! Truth emphatically declares that the good news is that the bad news is not the final WORD FOR US! Therefore, we who are not ashamed of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, are fully persuaded that it is still the Power of God to save, heal and deliver us out of any of life’s maladies!

While our personal relationship with The Heavenly Father does not exempt us from the impact of this desperately-wicked-fallen world, we are yet able to rejoice in faith, assured that we are not alone, not abandoned nor forsaken! How? Because our Redeemer yet reigns and has no intention of RELINQUISHING HIS POWER NOR AUTHORITY TO ANY ONE OR THING!

Armed with this mindset, we wait in quiet confidence, even if we’re clueless as to why, what, when or where…we know WHO is able to do exceedingly, abundantly above all that we could ask or think! (Ref. Ephesians 3:20)

The ol’ skool church Mothers used to say, “He may not come when you want HIM, but He’ll Be There right on time”!

Beloved, when darkness, sorrow, trouble or tragedy comes rushing down upon you, remember you are a child of The King! There is a Protective Custody Order over your life that has been signed, ratified, sealed and delivered by The Blood of Jesus! Greater is He Who is in you than anything that the prince of darkness assails against you. (Ref. 1 John 4:4)

Don’t fall for the okey doke, saints! While the devil is persistent, remember ‘he ain’t running nuffin!’ No matter how dark dark gets, God knows exactly where you are! Hence, light and darkness are the same to Him. (Ref. Psalm 139:12)

As our knowledge of God increases so does HIS GRACE empowering us to trust him, even when we can’t trace him! REST ASSURED! God is near to all who confidently trust in Him and wait obediently and patiently for His appearance. Now that’s Good News, huh?

Trouble in your way today? Don’t give in to the pressures of contradictory circumstances and don’t even try to figure it out! Just hide yourself in HIS LOVE, grab hold to The Living Word, as if your very life depended upon because it surely does!!

BE STILL! TRUST 2 KNOW … HE WHO PROMISED SHALL PERFORM IT! YOUR HELP IS ON THE WAY!

“Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.” Psalm 27:14

SELAH!

Pause, Pondder, Pray & Praiz!

Ann Caffee

 

CONTRADICTIONS

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Contradictions!

SELAH Daily Devotions!

 

The Lord your God is with you, He is mighty to save.  He will take great delight in you, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing.
Zephaniah 3:17
 

I’ve heard that some scholarly skeptics, after critiquing the Holy Bible, conclude ‘how can they be taken in by this foolishness, considering that The Word of God appears to contradict itself!’ But! The devil is still a liar!  The Word of God emphatically states that, the secret things of God are sacred and cannot be discerned by the carnal mind.  (Ref. Deuteronomy 29:29) Oh, there’s no denying that we’re often challenged by circumstances and situations that appear to be totally contrary to the promises of God!
 
And yes, it’s difficult to hear that still small voice of comfort and reassurance, amidst the boisterous tempest of compelling circumstances! We’ve all had those periods where our experiences challenge our expectations. Yet, hope compels us to stand firm being confident in this sure thing!  God is not a liar and God is yet faithful!  Remember, if God did not hold back the sacrifice of His Only Begotten Son, the very best He had to offer, then how shall He not deliver you from the snare of the adversary again, and again!
 
Perhaps, today, it seems as if God has forgotten you or at least miscalculated just how much you can actually bear.  But He has not!  He is Alpha and Omega!  He planned every episode of your entire life from the end to the beginning.  Sometimes, it may seem like you’re not even on the winning team, huh? But rest assured, Beloved! God has decreed that though your beginnings appear humble now, and your problems seem to be overwhelming…..your Deliverer is about to arouse Himself to restore you to your rightful place. Everything you’re going through is a sure sign that you’re being positioned for purpose. (Ref. Mark 10:30)
 
Jesus is not impressed nor is He ever moved by anything that Satan is trying to do in your life! He already dealt with him on Calvary! Remember, Jesus said, ‘IT IS FINISHED’!  If God said it, He shall do it; if God spoke it, it shall come to pass.  His thoughts toward you are for good and not for evil and your future is brighter, joyful and more prosperous than you could ever imagine!
 
My precious saints, wait patiently on your God! He is the same God who came through for you in the past! He’s already proven His Faithfulness.  He’s already proven that He is worthy of your trust! He’ll do it again too!
 
Don’t focus on the contradictory circumstantial evidence, but continue to look to the Almighty God knowing that not only is He your sufficiency HE IS YOUR SOURCE!  (Ref. James 1:17-21)
 
Don’t take the enemy’s bait. Never allow your past experiences nor present conditions to determine your future destination!  The Promises of God supersede and overrule every apparent contradiction!  It ain’t what it looks like!  CONTRADICTIONS, huh?

SELAH!
 
Pause, Ponder, Pray & Praiz!

Ann Caffee

 

WHAT’S IN YOUR HEART?

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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 andfed 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[a] 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 now—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 True 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 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. 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!

I know it’s not always easy, especially since 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

CHALLENGED?

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Goliath meets his match

 

SELAH Daily Devotions!

 

And Eliab his eldest brother heard when he spake unto the men; and Eliab’s anger was kindled against David, and he said, Why camest thou down hither? and with whom hast thou left those few sheep in the wilderness? I know thy pride, and the naughtiness of thine heart; for thou art come down that thou mightest see the battle. And David said, What have I now done? Is there not a cause? 1 Samuel 17:28-29

The Lord is My Shepherd, I shall not want! Psalm 23:1

Life is challenging! That’s what I call grossly understated, huh? If you can’t say Amen, the ol’ saints used to say, ‘Jus keep getting up in the morning and going to bed in the evenings!’ There is always going to be something or someone who’s sole purpose in existing is to challenge your peace, patience, prosperity, position or your purpose. Okay?

Here’s the clincher! Sometimes your worst adversity comes from your own house! I mean, one might expect oppositon competing for a job, after all the unemployment rate being as high as it is. And of course, given the deminishing numbers of viable bachelors/bachelorettes these day you kinda know how steep the competition is for someone looking for the whole package (head, body and heart). But when you gotta overcome rejection and disrespect from those who are closest to you, even your own brothers and sistas, well that’s a whole different kinda beast!

Most of the time  when 1 Samuel 17 is preached or taught the focus is on Goliath, but upon closer observation of the context, David faced serious oppositon even before he dealt with the 10 ft. Philistine. Remember what happened that day God sent Samuel to anoint the next King of Israel? (Ref. 1 Samuel 16) Well, it was only after much resistance from his Father,  Jessie, that David was even considered an option. Isn’t it something when your own kinfolk can only see you the way you used to be or never acknowledge that where you are now is not necessarily your final destination?

Even more difficult, is rising above those who’re secretly intimidated by your desire to excel to dimensions beyond where they’ve chosen to settle in the comfort of complacency, paralyzed by their fears rather than risk failure. WOW! #OHNOSHEDIDN’T #YESSHEDID!

But the young shepherd boy had somehow learned that when you can’t find support or encouragement from without, don’t give up! Look to the only One truly qualified to determine your worth or define your destiny! The Creator and Giver of Life, The Lord Almighty! David drew strength, courage and unfailing unconditonal love abiding in the Presence of The True Shepherd, Yahweh, translated I  AM THE ONE,  or I AM WHAT I AM!

In the midst of  foreboding clouds of impending threats, persecutions, peer pressure, hopelessness and despair, David found respite rehearsing holy moments he’d spent searching the Heart of His Lord!

Like David, most of us can look back at those ‘almost’, and rekindle those ‘look what the Lord has done’ moments! But sometimes it takes us a while to regroup after we finally back  off looking for our own way out, huh? When you realize the folly of depending on self and others,  you’ll come to the realization that when God decides to bless you, it doesn’t matter who tries to curse you! Oh Gggglorrra!

Life has a way of teaching you that you can’t overcome what you’re not willing to confront! However, even more rewarding is understanding The Good News! God’s got a plan for your life and it’s all good! (Ref. Jeremiah 29:11)  You already got the victory; you jus gotta fight the good fight of faith! Didjaheardat? Trust2know! CHALLENGED?

SELAH!

Pause, Ponder, Pray and Praiz!

Ann Caffee

 

DRIVE AND GO FORWARD!

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DRIVE & GO FORWARD 2

 

SELAH Daily Devotions!

 

“Then she saddled an ass, and said to her servant, Drive, and go forward; slack not thy riding for me, except I bid thee.” 2 Kings 4:24

 

The context of today’s scripture text tells the story of a Shunammite woman’s unselfish generosity towards God’s Servant, Elisha! Being so grateful for their hospitality, The Prophet sent his apprentice, Gehazi, to find how they might be a blessing to her.

Sometimes people will do something for you yet their motives may be suspect, if you will? Sometimes, their generosity comes with strings attached. You know, you scratch my back and I’ll scratch yours. Remember, sometimes, you might get what you wanted but lose whatcha had, huh?

However, this woman’s generosity towards The Prophet was never intended to obligate him in any manner. She simply recognized a need and was convicted to meet it.

When Gehazi inquired if they could repay her by hooking her up with the King or the Captain of the Army or something, she respectfully declined. Yet, Elisha , determined to reward her kindness, refused to let it go. Then Gehazi spoke up, “Sir, I did notice that they don’t have any children .” Elisha immediately sent for the Shunammite woman! After thanking her and her husband again for their hospitality, the Prophet began to prophesy to her, telling her that “because of your kindness, this time next year you shall have a baby boy.” 

Can you imagine the astonishment of this woman? Obviously, nobody BUT GOD could’ve revealed this secret desire tucked away in the heart of this barren soul!

Nine months later, she gave birth to a son just as God’s Servant had spoken. The next several years their home was filled with such joyful laughter more than she ever thought possible. Until that day, while in the fields with his Dad, apparently from a sun stroke, and died sitting on his Mother’s lap. Has the devil tried to kill your promise?

After carrying her dead son upstairs and laying him on the same  bed that she’d prepared for Elisha, she immediately called for a servant to take her to see The Prophet. Shaken and perplexed, her husband inquired, “why you going to church, it ain’t even Sunday!” Sounds like some of our relatives, huh?

Not bothering to explain, she simply said, using today’s vernacular, “it’s all good”! When the servant arrived with the donkey, she instructed him, “Drive and go forward and don’t slack up until I tell you to”. She didn’t do what some of us do—throw up our hands and start accusing God and stop coming to church. But she kicked it into 4th gear, put the pedal to the metal and kept it moving!

I submit to you, my brothers and sisters, that in the seat of the soul of every individual, there is something that is driving them to either push beyond their inabilities or admit defeat and throw in the towel! What drives YOU?

Contrary to popular opinions, there are  many other things that drive a person besides sex. Some folk are driven by fear of rejection, a compulsive need to be the greatest, the bestest, the smartest; the cutest, an insatiable, unquenchable, uncompromisingly addiction to succeed no matter the cost or the loss!

Living in a world  hurling with gianormous (datz my word, yall) distractions, it’s easy to become entanged with seductive spirits that promise multiple avenues to epic fulfillment!  I’m talking, even God’s elect, yall! Hence, failure to keep your faith  firmly rooted and grounded in the faithfulness of God’s Love, you might suddenly find yourself stuck in spiritual quicksand, sucked under by a spirit of complacency, and ultimately lose your drive to go forward.

Perhaps, today you feel like you’ve hit a brass ceiling, reached a plateau in your level of consecration, your prayer life, even your relationship with Jesus? Well, honey, you are not alone!  Don’t allow what you’ve been going through, to shut you down. Know that Now is Not Always!  

Trusting God means not only trusting His Word but trusting His Timing! Beloved, if God is for you, regardless of what the circumstantial evidence says, it fails to compare with God’s plans for your future! (Ref.Jeremiah 29:11)  After all, WHO CAN STAY GOD’S HAND, huh?  (Ref. Romans 8:31) Just like the Shunammite  mother, you grab hold to  the promise God gave you in HIS Immutable Word and come hell or highwater keep saying “IT IS WELL!” Beloved, look around, someone’s depending on you to raise the bar!

Didjaheardat? DON’T SLACK UP NOW, “DRIVE AND GO FORWARD”!

SELAH!

Pause, Ponder, Pray & Praiz!

Ann Caffee