Category Archives: Savior

DENY THE POWER?

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The Earth Slowly Burns - Americas

 

SELAH Daily Devotions!

 

Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. 2 Timothy 3:5

 

Never! Is probably the initial response of most professing-salvation-sanctified-sainted-souls, even at the mere suggestion that we’d be included in ‘those’. Right? BUT!  Have we ever considered the remote possibility, if you will, the collateral damage of being so pre-occupied with ‘getting’ that we lose sight of what God has already ‘given’?

Remember that Ol’ skool churrch song, “Count your blessing! Name them one by one! Count your blessing, see what God has done!”? Think about it? The Israelites were taught to sing songs that rehearsed their history as a daily reminder of God’s loving care, strength and power as He delivered them out of Egyptian slavery, lead them through the wilderness into The Promised Land! A practice, no doubt even in this bustling 21st Century culture, one might find tremendously buffering amidst the new norm of environmental chaos, anxiety and stress.

Just imagine the possible ramifications of a daily allotment of time designated specifically to reflecting upon all the many blessings that The Lord has already so mercifully and graciously heaped upon us. WOW! What inevitable–mind-blowing heart-filled  sense of Gratitude, huh?

Could this be what The Apostle Paul was alluding to “according to the power that worketh in us”? (Ref. Ephesians 3:20)

Could a grateful heart pave the way for that “Greater than” we could ask or imagine? Could our pre-disposed poverty-mindedness and perverted sense of unworthiness, steeped in false humility be denying God the opportunity to show-off in our lives? Could we be guilty of having a form of godliness? GOD FORBID!

HOW GRATEFUL IS YOUR HEART? IS THAT HOW GREAT YOUR GOD IS? DENYING THE POWER? NEVER, huh? #juswondering…

SELAH!

Pause, Ponder, Pray & Praiz!

Ann Caffee

B…U!

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B...U2

 

SELAH Daily Devotions!

 

I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well. Psalm 139:14

 

One of the greatest discoveries in my life, is the emancipation from the bondage of being every “thing” and every “one” that everybody else expected me to be! Honestly, it was only after I got a personal revelation of my Creator that I was able to recognize and embrace WHO I am!

We live in a society where sameness is the rule and different is generally unacceptable. Not judging, jus an observation, k? We spend millions upon millions of cash, attempting to duplicate and imitate somebody else. If you can afford it, there’s somebody out there who can snip, slap it, fill it, tuck it, stretch it, shrink, sew it to look any way you want it. And as products of this amazing 21st Century Information Age, all worldly wisdom is simply a click away making ignorance a choice, rather an than inevitable malfunction.

Nevertheless, apparently, somewhere down the line, as children, we’re given subliminal messages that suggest we don’t quite measure up, as if Barbie is the epitome of beauty, Donald Trump is the litmus test for success and prosperity, Michael Jordon is the ultimate goal for the athletically inclined and Michael Jackson was World Renown Mr. Entertainment! And let’s not even mention the inked-up rock/rap artists that so many of our children admire and try to be like.

I remember a conversation with some ladies at the gym a while ago,  both of which were fair-skinned Black women. One of them looked at the other one and said, “You need to get some sun!” to which the other responded, “You ain’t that much darker than I am yourself.” I noticed a elderly Caucasian lady, glancing back at them and it hit me, why can’t we just be satisfied with what and who GOD made us.

Perhaps, it’s because, we don’t really know what GOD sees when He looks at us! GOD sees the most precious of all creation; a Masterpiece fashioned in His Image; His very own Handiwork; a Designer’s Original uniquely crafted, intentionally purposed, distinctively wonder-filled creature all for the Praise of HIS GLORY!

And as far as those personal peculiar idiosyncrasies, GOD’s already set your next appointment to come in and rub a little more of GODSELF off in you.

“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:” (Ref. Philippians 1:6)

NOW THAT YOU KNOW THE TRUTH, WORK that GRACE AND BE THE U GOD MADE!

SELAH!

Pause, Ponder, Pray & Praiz!

Ann Caffee

WHATZ YOUR SIGN?

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WHATZ UR SIGN

 

SELAH Daily Devotions!

When was the last time you heard a message preached on good ol’ fashioned forgiveness? With so many of the saints seeking the gifts of God, it kinda makes you wonder, ‘what happened to the Fruit of the Spirit of God?’ Don’t shout me down, yall! Jus thinking, k?

Well I got slammed this morning with one word. Forgiveness! So…perhaps somebody reading this (besides me) may be experiencing some situation that is screaming ‘YOU NEED TO FORGIVE and get on with life!’ I know, I know! We really hate when we’re challenged by The Holy Spirit to do something that goes completely against our core, especially when we honestly believe we have every right to hold on to unforgiveness. After all you were the one victimized by their actions, right? And besides that it’s the only thing that you have left to memorialize the pain, suffering and affliction that they did to you, Amen?

BUT! You’re a Christian now!

You’re the person who confessed your faith in The Saving Grace of The Lord Jesus Christ. Weren’t you the one who stood in the sanctuary that Sunday morning, with you hands lifted in the air and your heart filled with joy, sannging louder than anybody else, “TO BE LIKE JESUS, TO BE LIKE JESUS…OH HOW I LONG TO BE LIKE HIM!” ? Oh yeah, you’re the one! Well?

According to The Holy Scripture, you’re no longer of this world! You’re a citizen of a different Kingdom, bound by different rules and regulations that generally totally contradict the standards of ethics and morality of the world from which you have been delivered! BUT! What’s a child of God to do?

“Put on therefore as the elect of god, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekneess, longsuffering. Forbearing one another and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any, even as christ forgave you, so also do ye.” Colossians 3:12-13

Yep, yep, yep! I feel ya, baby! Sometimes, spiritual maturity requires serious open heart surgery at the Hand of Holy Spirit! That’s what the Bible calls, circumcision of the heart! The Sword of the Spirit skillfully cuts away the callous scars that have formed to protect the soft spots left by the cruel experiences of our lives!

Forgiving comes from the Greek root word “charizomon” which means grace, bestowing favor, unconditionally. Showing or treating the offending party graciously. Oooh my! Didjaheardat?

You need Bible on it, okay! “Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him, if he thirst, give him drink, for in so doing thou shall heap coals of fire on his head. Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.” Romans 12:20-21

When the saints of God show love by doing good, it brings the offender to shame, remorse, repentance and ultimately changes their attitude towards us! As a bonified Christian, you must resist the impulse to retaliate and make a faith decision to promote your sanctification and regeneration! In other words, show off the new man and glorify God by doing good to those who do evil to us. Hence, exhibiting your life of transformation before a watching world. (Ref. 2 Corinthians 3:2)

Beloved, don’t you remember how you used to know Christians before the days of bumper stickers and pens? WHAT’S YOUR SIGN? FORGIVENESS!

SELAH!

Pause, Ponder, Pray & Praiz!

Ann Caffee

 

GRATEFUL

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GRATEFUL

 

SELAH Daily Devotions!

Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith?1 Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. Matthew 6:30-32 

Whoa!!! Sometimes, you just got to put the brakes on life! Particularly in this 21st Century-go-getta- high-tech-higher-achiever-pop-culture! Relaxation is quickly becoming an ‘endangered art-form’ and if we don’t make it a deliberate priority, it’ll soon become extinct or at the very least an incidental phenomenon.

It’s easy to be enticed by the lure of the lust-filled-lifestyles of the rich and famous, especially when our own reality seems to be plagued with unrealized expectations layered by futility, frustration and disappointment. Commercialization, coupled with the collapse of viable standards of moral ethics within our communities favors the ideology of a self-centered-selfish-entitlement that fuels insatiable greed over contentment and gratitude towards GOD for HIS Faithfulness in meeting our basic needs.

The scripture  text describes the inevitable down-spiraling effect that such an attitude tends to harbor in the mindsets of those who live out their lives vicariously trying to compete and compare with the infamous “Jones’”. But those who know GOD and how GOD works, also know not to be so pre-occupied with ‘getting’ that we lose sight of what GOD is ‘giving’!

STOP! Failure to recognize GOD”S GRACE is generally ensued by Ungrateful Discontentment!  No wonder you can barely tell the saints from the aints, huh? #ijs 

Don’t worry about missing out on nothing. GOD’s GOTCHA! Relax and enjoy the PRESENT! BE GRATEFUL!

SELAH!

Pause, Ponder, Pray & Praiz!

Ann Caffee

YOUR WATER IS BREAKING

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My Water Is Breaking

 

SELAH Daily Devotions!

 

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

Saints, whatever you’re going through now, just remember while weeping may endure for a night, God has promised us that Joy is coming in the morning.  (Ref. Psalm 30:5) Beloved, keep this in the forefront of your mind, that if you’re experiencing pain, it is only a sign that God is moving and positioning you into the next stage of abundant everlasting life.

Don’t sweat the process, Holy Spirit’s just induced your labor and your water is about to break!

SELAH!

Pause, Ponder, Pray & Praiz!

Ann Caffee

EXTREME MAKEOVERS!

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EXTREME MAKEOVERS!

 

SELAH Daily Devotions!

I beseech you therefore bretheren by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world. But be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good and acceptable, and perfect will of God. Romans 12:1-2

Didja notice the new 21st Century rave sweeping across the nations of this world. It’s called ‘Makeovers’? We’re no longer stuck with what we got! Everywhere you look there’s someone, somewhere offering you another alternative. The media is bombarding our airways via TV, newspaper, magazines, and now social media the message, that not only do you have the right, but now you have the means to exercise your power of choice.

Technology has opened up all kinds of alternatives. Don’t like your nose? Lips too thin, chin too long? Hips to wide? No longer compatible with your mate/partner/gender–not a problem! If you’ve got the cash, they’ve got the solution! It’s no big deal. Right? They say, everybody’s doing a little nip-tuck thang.  While it’s being applauded by the ‘beautiful people’, it’s not just a ‘Hollywood thing’ anymore — even Mr., Mrs. and Ms. Average have caught on to this thing!

Can you see what’s happening in this world? The focus has become extremely top-heavy! Isn’t it time for you to make some changes in your own life? Is it time to lose some weight? I’m not just talking physically – but spiritually!

If you’re tired of the “same ol’ sameo”, same discontentment, same un-fulfillment, well then you don’t have to settle anymore!  Jus Go IT!

The Word of God offers a great solution to save you time, energy and yes, even money. The benefits are miraculous and guaranteed to last a lifetime, even throughout eternity!

The Master Architect has encapsulated on the pages of 66 Books specific directives to accomplishing extreme spiritual makeovers that don’t merely change your physical appearance but guarantee you will experience genuine enhancement of your character and your lifestyle.

Yes, it’s important to take care of our body. The Scriptures teach us that our body houses the Spirit of The Living God.(Ref. 1 Corinthians 3:16) However, physical exercise has its limitations, while a transformed mind has infinite value and potential with an unlimited guarantee benefits that are out of this world!  The Apostle Paul’s plea to the saints, admonishes us to get radical – BE YE SEPARATE—BE HOLY!

God never intended for His people to fit in with the world. We have been called out to be different, to be transformed and to transform the lives of others. Take life to the extreme and renew our minds by the Word of God.

What’s  makes this opportunity even more  awesome is that everyone is eligible. The only requirement is the willingness to open your whole heart, spirit, soul and body to the One who started that good work in you. (Ref. Philippians 1:6)

Go ahead! Make the decision to take your relationship with the Lord to the extreme.

Are you ready to become a faithful and committed Christian? Are you determined to live the life that others see more of Jesus and less of U?

Great, let’s pray and ask God for an extreme makeover!

Selah!

“Pause, Ponder, Pray & Praiz!”

Ann Caffee

WORTHY!

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WORTHY!

 

SELAH Daily Devotions!

Sing unto the Lord, all the earth; shew forth from day to day his salvation. Declare his glory among the heathen; his marvellous works among all nations. For great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised: he also is to be feared above all gods. For all the gods of the people are idols: but the Lord made the heavens. Glory and honour are in his presence; strength and gladness are in his place. 1 Chronicles 16:23-27

 

Today’s scripture text takes place when King David and the Levitical Priests were finally bringing The Ark of the Covenant home to Jerusalem, after their first attempt turned drastically wrong, releasing the burning Anger of God resulting in the death of the King’s servant, Uzzah, who unsuspectingly illegally handled The Ark. (Ref. 2 Samuel 6:6-11)

But GOD! In his infinite Mercy and Grace, allows David a second chance to restore The Presence of God to its rightful place, in the center of the City of David. This time, David sought instructions of The Lord rather than presuming that he already knew the Will of God. Oh Hallelujahhhhh!!!!

How many times have we run ahead of God, only to regrettably discover that our decisions landed us smack-dab-in-the middle of a dead-end situation? Oh, the folly of man’s failure to remember The Wonders of God’s Sovereignty is far too great to be limited by our past experiences or the inadequacy of human intellectual presupposition. Nevertheless,  our Condescending Savior’s Grace towards us is revealed time and time again as His Favor allows us the opportunity to repent and turn back to Him that He might Shepherd and direct us in the appropriate Ways we should go. Have I gotta a bonifide witness to tell da truth and shame da devil?

It’s no wonder David, overwhelmed with ecstasy, joy and delight, rejoiced, danced, singing a new song celebrated before the Lord without reserve, uninhibited by person, title, position, nor shame. Israel’s King recognized fully well, that GOD alone, having forgiven his rebellious presumptions sin, restoring him back into proper right-standing with The King of Kings was indeed worthy of unrelenting worship, praise, honor and glory!

When was the last time you abandoned your expectations, mistakes, predicaments and criticisms, and lost yourself to inflamed worship in The Shechinah Glory for another second chance?

” FOR THERE IS NONE ELSE IS LIKE YOU LORD! NONE ELSE TO COMPARE WITH YOUR MAJESTIC GLORY! FOR THIS CAUSE, WE BLESS AND MAGNIFY YOUR NAME, KING JESUS… TODAY AND FOREVER MORE! FOR YOU ALONE ARE WORTHY!”

Didjaheardat? WELL…LET IT GO! MY HALLELUJAH BELONGS 2 U! ALL OF THE GLORRRAAAA BELONG 2 U! U DESERVE IT….4 U ALONE R WORTHY!

SELAH!

Pause, Ponder, Pray & Praiz!

Ann Caffee

 

 

WHAT A DIFFERENCE A DAY MAKES!

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WHAT A DIFFERENCE A DAY MAKES

 

SELAH Daily Devotions!

“Behold, now is the day of salvation.” (2 Corinthians 6:2)

What is ‘The Gospel’?

Today, we hear so much stuff preached under the auspices of ‘The Gospel’ that it’s no wonder that a lot of folk are confused. In its purest essence, The Gospel is ‘The Good News’! I’ll go all out there and say that it’s ‘the bestest ever’ news that anyone can get in this life time!

Discovering that one day, before you or I were born, a man named Jesus, paid the penalty for a crime for all of man-kind, is life altering. Even more astounding, is the fact that He, Who was completely innocent of all charges, took the blame for us who were absolutely guilty!

Although, there were no cameras in the court room that day, but it’s been clearly documented (The Bible) that when the charges against HIM were read, Jesus never uttered a single word in His own defense but stood silently before His accusers, ready and willing to take the judgment and the punishment upon Himself rather than allow us to be condemned!

When the verdict came in and the gavel was slammed down, instead of you and I who should’ve been judged and sentenced to prison for life for our guilt and shame, Jesus was convicted and condemned to death on Calvary’s Cross!

That day, as recorded in history, because of Jesus, the prison doors that would’ve held all of mankind captive were broken wide open, releasing us from eternal damnation and freeing us to live forever in The Kingdom of God!

Oh Happy Day! Knowing that God loves us so much that He was willing to sacrifice His First-Born Son Jesus, to become sin that we might become righteous is almost unbelievable! But ! If we will believe it anyhow, we shall escape the penalty due for our own sin and be adopted into the Family of God!

Finding out that this deal is still on the table; available to anyone, talk about Good News! No matter who, what, or where you’ve been; be it prostitute, murderer, drug dealer, thief or even a churchgoer who never actually asked and received Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord, you’re still eligible! That’s Awesome!

Today is A New Day! By confessing that we’re sinners and trusting in The Life of Jesus Christ, we can begin, again! That’s the Good News!

When Satan tries to remind you of what you used to be, just inform him “Look stupid, obviously, you’ve got the wrong man!” Then, direct him to The Book! “If any man be in Christ Jesus, He is a NEW creation, old things are passed away; behold hold all things are become new” (2 Corinthians 5:17)

The door is open! What are you waiting for? What a difference a day makes!

SELAH!

“PAUSE, PONDER & PRAIZ!”

Ann Caffee

 

GIVE IT UP!

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give-it-up-2

 

SELAH Daily Devotions!

I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. Romans 12:1-2

Satan, the enemy of our soul has hoodwinked a lot of folk into believing that they can’t make the commitment to live for God because the sacrifice is more than they are able and truthfully, willing to make!

Then there are those who are waiting for the right time, some dramatic turn of events, a holy moment when they can come to God in a manner worthy of His acceptance.  And I can’t forget this one, “I DON’T WANT TO BE A HYPOCRIT! ANYWAY, GOD KNOWS MY HEART”.  You’re absolutely right!  So? 

Don’t u know? The death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ has completely satisfied God’s Righteous Justice!  Yet there are still so many who fail to take advantage of what Christ’s sacrificial death achieved for us. There are still many who reject this awesome Gift of Love and are trying to live their lives, the best they can and make it to heaven on their own merits!

My message for you today is simple, GIVE IT UP already! 

Duh…Stop trying to pay for what’s already been paid for! 

I love  how the  Amplified Bible puts it;  ‘take your everyday, ordinary life – your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, walking around life – and GIVE IT TO GOD AS A LIVING SACRIFICE! 

Jesus didn’t wait until YOU impressed Him with your good behavior before He gave His life for you.  But while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. (Ref. Romans 5:8) Don’t let this world continue to drag you down to the pit of desperation, discouragement, depression and hopelessness.

What does this world offer that’s so valuable to you, that’s worth holding onto to the extent that you’re willing to reject God’s Best for you!

What can the world promise that is more precious than your soul?  #R U SERIOUS?

No job, no degree, no house, no car, no title, no position, no reputation, no temporary pleasure — no man, no woman is worth clinging onto that will cause you to miss out on what God has already provided for you through the  Life, Blood, Death and the Resurrection of His Precious Son, Jesus The Christ!

What better time than right now to take all that you have, all that you haven’t got, all that you hope to get, all that you are, and all that you’re not and place it before God?  That’s ALL that He asks in return for what He’s already sacrificed!  He promised that He will take you just like you are, and change your whole life – from the inside out!

God offers the best deal in the universe!  But this offer won’t last forever!  RSVP, ASAP!  GIVE IT UP! 

SELAH!
 
Have a WONDER-FILLED day!
 
Ann Caffee

SHELTER

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SHELTER

SELAH Daily Devotions!

“The Lord is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that trust in him.” Nahum 1:7

One of those most prominent desires of humanity is a sense of security. Thanks to our ancestors, Adam and Eve, we lost that the moment we submitted to the Deceitful Tempter, Satan! Scriptures reveal the absolute perfection that they enjoyed walking in The Will of our Creator God! Any and everything their pure hearts desired was readily available for them for the asking. Yet, the one thing that God had required of them was the same thing that the devil used to lure them away from what God commanded, faithful obedience!

Since mankind’s expulsion from The Paradise of The Garden Eden, we’ve been trying to find our own piece of peace in the midst of this sin-fated world we’ve been forced to inhabit. Adding insult to injury, from the moment Abel’s blood hit the earth, all of Cain’s descendants, were destined to sojourn throughout the earth, cursed and marked for The Righteous Vengeance of The Lord! This spirit of rebellion soon gave way to anger, spiraling into murder nailing the coffin shut for any hope of returning to the blissful state of innocence and intimacy that once endowed God’s Most Precious Creation!

BUT! Thanks Be To GOD! Jehovah’s Loyal Love; refusing to be denied, had ordained before the foundation of the world, a Rest for anyone who cries out to Him earnestly, in sincere contrition for Salvation IN THE PERSON OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST! (Ref. 1 Peter 1:20)

Sometimes, looking back from this side of the Cross, it’s more convenient to blame the horrid conditions of our world on the careless apathy of our first parents. And, depending on the weight of the trial or struggle, we just might point our fist toward God. After all He’s God and could’ve stopped sin in it’s track, huh? Yet, Wisdom and Grace soon deter us from persisting in such foolishness! The truth of the matter is that seed of sin has regenerated, thus degenerating our morality, perverting our sense of right and wrong to the extent that we can no longer trust our own hearts!

BUT FOR THE GRACE OF GOD!

In the midst of these perilous times, we need to know that God has prepared (by God’s Own Hand), a safe haven for those of us, who will place our personal trust, confidence and absolute reliance in the immutability of God’s Righteous Character:Justice, Truth, Honor and Ability!

“The name of the Lords a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe.” Proverbs 18:10

When life is raging beyond what you can weather and the billows of trouble threaten to devour you, remember! There is Refuge! In God,  Believers, escaping from the cares of this world, can dwell under the Wings of Adonai ! There you find rest safe from all hurt and harm!

JESUS is A VERY PRESENT SHELTER IN THE TIME OF THE STORMS!

SELAH!

“Have a WONDER-FILLED day!”

Ann Caffee