Category Archives: suffficent

A FULL HOUSE

A FULL HOUSE

SELAH Daily Devotions!

 

Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Psalm 23:5

 

Anyone that knows me, already know, if they ever wanna win a card game, don’t pick Ann as a partner. The only game that I evrrr remember having a remote chance of winning was “Go Fish” or “I Declare War”! Uuum, maybe God was trying to tell me something, huh?

Anyhow, I took the liberty of Googling what ‘A Full House’ meant and ascertained that “Any three cards of the same rank together with any two cards of the same rank. However, “Aces full of Kings” is a bigger full house than “Kings full of Aces.” Evidently, when comparing full houses, the rank of the three cards determines which is higher, huh? Oh well, as you’ve probably already surmised, none of that means a hill of beans to me because Mama said ‘scarred money never wins’ and SINCE my money was terrified!  #gotit? Therefore, I ‘d better stick to what I’m best suited for, huh? Catching souls and slamming demons!

According to the historical Eastern culture tradition, The Bedouin Law of Hospitality, when a host wanted to let his guest know that he was truly welcomed and that in his house there was plenty to accommodate the comfort and happiness to his guest, he’d ask the guest to lift up his cup and the host would pour the wine into it, and keep on pouring wine until it overflowed and spilled out onto the carpeted banquet floor. The guest would then know that he was doubly honored and abundantly welcomed!

As part of this hospitality, guests would also be anointed with oil, so that their robes emanated a delightful fragrance, indicating that the host would anoint his honored guest, not sparingly but to the extent that their heads would glisten in the candle-lights! Failure to do this was recognized as a deliberate rebuff and insult! WOW!

Now I get that this might be difficult for most of us westerners to comprehend, given the fact that for the most part, hospitality has become a lost art! #ijs!!! However, thankfully, with God, it’s a tradition that shall never go out of style.  Our Heavenly Father’s  Benevolence is exuberantly extravagant! He lavishes His gifts upon all who will embrace His Gracious Loving-kindness with up-stretched hands and open hearts, anxiously awaiting His unending ever-flowing river of compassionate providential care!

In the Scriptures, oil is a figure of God The Holy Spirit. While it’s the mission of our arch-enemy, Satan, to suppress the Children of God, enslaving you in small places, confining us to poverty, lack and diminished hope, joy and peace, The Holy Spirit intercedes on your behalf, ushering you into large lands flooded with showers of blessings! (Ref. John 10:10)

Needless to say, faith in Christ does not exempt believers from experiencing trying times of tearful sorrow, being wearied by disappointment and enduring dishonor and rejection of shameful lies! Nevertheless, we’re yet able to rejoice as The Spirit of God infuses our soul with joy and gladness, grace upon grace, love without measure and peace beyond understanding!

Beloved, God is not content with your being satisfied with just enough! He’s The King of kings and Lord of lords! Therefore as His Heritage, He’s chosen to give us more than we could ask or think! (Ref. Ephesians 3:20)  Didjaheardat card jus hit da table? #BAMM Amazing, huh?

Our Great Shepherd invites you to be seated at the table He has prepared today, making a public announcement to your enemies—‘don’t even try it,’ lifting His cup over your head, signifying that as His honored guest, you’re not just getting leftovers, but you’ve got the keys to the whole house to enjoy the finest of provisions!  #BOOM

Hence, TRUST2KNO, your God delights in running your cup over so that you can’t contain the blessings, and will be able to share with others so that His Grace is reaching more and more people, multiplying praises with thanksgiving from grateful hearts to overflow to the Glory of God. (Ref. 2 Corinthians 4:15) 

Well, whatcha say?

“HERE’S MY CUP LORD, I LIFT IT UP, COME AND QUENCH THE THIRSTING OF MY SOUL!” …DRINK UP!  NOW DATZ A FULL HOUSE!

SELAH!

Pause, Ponder, Pray & Praiz!

Ann Caffee

CONTRADICTIONS

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

 

B…U!

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

THE WELL

THE WELL

 

SELAH Daily Devotions!

 

“Blessed is the man whose strength is in thee; in whose heart are theWays of them. Who passing through the valley of Baca make it a well; the rain also filleth the pools. They go from strength to strength, every one of them in Zion appeareth before God.” (Psalm 84:1-7)

 

James Cleveland penned the verses, “nobody told me that the road would be easy, but I don’t believe He brought me this far to leave me”! But can I add my personal P.S? Nobody told me that total surrendering of my life to the Lordship of Jesus Christ would just be the beginning of the process either!

Who knew?

Okay, John 15:2-3, does suggest that God has Divinely orchestrated and ordained precisely detailed terrains of testing’s and trials in order to produce Christlike character and strength in those whom He has chosen to be in intimate, personal relationship with.

And yes! The Psalmist does note that the road leading up to The Temple at Jerusalem required the sojourner to pass through the Valley of Baca, (a valley of weeping). Wait a minute, is this some sort of a clue that likewise, the Believer’s pathway to Glory, is often snagged by unforeseen uncertainties and all manner of deliberate satanically-induced abuses to entice you to give up and turn back?

I’m told that the experienced worshipers would make preparation for the drought seasons by digging pits to store up rainwater. And sure enough, their confidence would be rewarded as God opened up the windows of heaven to fill their earthen vessels. Not only would there be sufficient refreshment to meet their needs, but there would an abundance to help out others they might meet as they traveled along the way.

Granted, The King’s Highway is not always the quickest or easiest way, but we’re never alone! The Good Shepherd is always before us opening up The Way.  Our Messiah promised; He’ll faithfully meet every one of our needs – even if it’s one at a time! We go from one level of Grace to Grace, Joy to Joy, Prayer to Prayer, Word to Word, Anointing to Anointing and Glory to Glory!

My fellow Sojourner, take courage! While weeping may endure for a night, Joy is coming in the morning. It might still be dark, but don’t stop now. Keep leaning, keep trusting, trekking on in The Lord! Troubles don’t last, but God does!

Remember, the valley is not our destination, it’s a right of passage thru? The goal is just at the end of the road! Rest assured, while it may be lonely, the road ultimately crosses path with someone who’s needs to know what you have already come through.

Go ahead; jus take another drink! TRUST2KNO, He’s a WELL OF WATER 2 UR THIRSTY SOUL! 

SELAH!

Pause, Ponder, Pray & Praiz!

Ann Caffee

GIVE IT UP!

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

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

 

GOD’S VOICE

gods-voice-3

 

SELAH Daily Devotions!

 

But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother’s womb, and called me by his grace, to reveal his Son in me, that I might preach him among the heathen; immediately I conferred not with flesh and blood.  Galatians 1:15-16

In today’s scripture text, we hear the testimonial of The Apostle Paul in response to The Lord’s prompting to go spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles. And we all know how that turned out, huh? 

GGGGLLLLORRRRRAAA 2 GOD! However, what stands out to me, is what Paul didn’t do!

The Apostle didn’t wait to get an Executive Order from The White House nor a congregational consensus before stepping out by faith. Instead of asking anybody what they thought about it, relying solely on his personal relationship with His Savior, feeling no need for further validation, The Apostle Paul immediately obeyed God’s instructions!

How about you? When you’ve heard from God, what’s your initial response? Before you move, do you have to survey the opinions of your family and friends? Does the fear of failure, embarrassment, humiliation or retaliation cause you to stagger at God’s Word? Are you willing to take a leap of faith and just do what you believe God is asking of you?

As believers, we’re sometimes reluctant to move out on a WORD FROM GOD. Not so much because we’re not trusting God, but more often than not, it’s because of a spirit of difiance deeply rooted in the lack of self-confidence in our own ability. Ooops…#noshedidn’t!

In an attempt to re-assure ourselves that we’re in God’s will, like Gideon, we will ask God for a sign and come up with some kinda obtuse fleece as further proof that it is actually God speaking. ( Judges 6) And while God so graciously granted Gideon’s request, twice, as believers, we must recognize that God often tests our trust and confidence by commissioning us to do what seems impossible!

That’s what our life in Christ is about. God doesn’t require us to walk by signs, but by hope-filled trust that whatever He asks us to do, by His Grace, we are well able to perform.

The Bible says, “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:” John 10:27. As we entreat His Presence daily in prayer inquiring direction, thru diligent study  and meditation of His Word, we learn to distinguish His Voice from the chatter emanating from the world and He will teach you what He wants of you!

That’s why it’s so important to build an intimate relationship with your Heavenly Father and not just show up at The Throne Room for emergency visits! God really cares about you! He is not a dead-beat Dad nor is He willing to settle for weekend visitations! God wants to be actively involved in every aspect of your life, every day!

WHEN YOU KNOW HIM, YOU WILL KNOW HIS WILL!  WHEN YOU KNOW HIS WILL, YOU DON’T NEED TO CONFER WITH ANYBODY…BUT U GOTTA KNOW GOD’S VOICE! #canuhearMEnow!

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

 

 

ITZ ALL ABOUT THE CROWN

itz-all-about-the-crown-2

SELAH Daily Devotions!

 

Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.

He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death. Revelations 2:10-11

 

PARDON ME, again! I know this isn’t religiously correct, how—evrrrr sometimes, it’s just hard!

Here you are, as the ol’ saints used to say, ‘living all u know how 2 live for JESUS’, with everything in you clinging to The Testimony of God’s Faithful Witness, who is TRUTH, YET …EVERYWHERE U TURN, U GOT TROUBLE BREAKING OUT!!! #WHADA…???

Seriously, none of us normal human beings enjoy suffering, right?
Nevertheless, life has taught you (and even the Word admonishes us) that those who Name the Name of Jesus must expect trouble. Afterall, even “Jesus learned obedience through the things He suffered”! (Ref. Hebrew 5:8)

“Yeah, but but butt”…I feelya, okay? Yet, according to The Scriptures, God has Sovereignly linked suffering and glory into the lives of those who have confessed their trust in His Plan for our lives. Remember the words of The Apostle Paul? “As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.” Roman 8:36

I know, sometimes that doesn’t help MUCH! BUT! We have this confident assurance that before God permits sporadic seasons of tribulations He sets an expiration date before the test begin! Aren’t U Soooo glad, trouble don’t last always!

Beloved, there’s always a greater purpose behind our pain! And no, it ain’t always God punishing you for your disobedience! For His own reasons, God has elected to allow test, trials and trouble along the landscape of our journey to draw us closer to Him, to purify, purge and position us to partake of His Divine Nature—HOLINESS!

“For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.” Romans 8:18

This life has a way of putting you through the ringer, huh? But God has decreed, that nothing you will ever experiene can separate you from His Love! “For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:38-39

Rest Assured, GOD KNOWS!

Today, receive His Words to The church at Smyrna, as your very own! Don’t allow fear of this temporary situation to deter you from your eternal goal! The King of Glory has declared and decreed that I AM ALPHA and OMEGA! I WILL NEVER LEAVE YOU NOR FORSAKE YOU. LO I WILL BE WITH YOU ALWAY!  FOR WHO CAN STAY MY HAND! (Ref. Rev. 22:13; Heb. 13:5; Matt. 28:2o; Isa. 43:13) Didjaheardat? #WOW!!!

Precious ones,  endure persecution with fidelity, confident that “I AM THE RESURRECTION AND YOUR REWARDER! DON’T QUIT! YOUR CROWN AWAITS YOU!”

SELAH!

Pause, Ponder, Pray & Praiz!

Ann Caffee