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BURN BABY, BURN!

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BURN BABY, BURN!

 

SELAH Daily Devotions!

 

Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the Knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord, as His Divine power has given to us all things that pertain To life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue by which Have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be Partakers of the divine nature, having escaped The corruption that is in the world through lust. 2 Peter 1:1-4

 

Didjakno?  Today’s scripture text is penned by The Apostle Simon Peter! You know Peter, right? He’s the same cussin’ Peter who rejected Jesus three times, cut off the soldier’s ear, stepped out of the boat on the stormy sea and walked on the water to Jesus. Well,  now Peter is a self-proclaimed bond-servant, Divinely ordained and authorized to speak on behalf of Jesus Christ! Now this really excites me! Why? Because it assures me of the unfathomable Mercies of our Loving Savior and that nothing in your past has the power to keep you from fulfilling your Destiny! Now to me that’s a good place to praise God, huh?  Hold my mule…Halleleujahhhh!

We, having no right to such loving kindness, yet have been graciously endowed with His Divine Power and given everything that we need to escape the corruption of this world and to live a holy and godly life, not in heaven, but in this present world! Didjaheardat? Unbelievable, I know; but it’s True!

God has equipped true Believers with indwelling Power of The Holy Spirit, transforming us into His Chariots of Fire in this earth!

We  love to sing Donnie McKlurkin’s song, “We fall down, but we get up, we fall down, but we get up…because a saint is just a sinner who fell down, and got up”! Don’t get me wrong, I like that song too. However, we can get a little twisted in our mindset, because of the craftiness of the devil, and without knowing it, we can actually be masking a spirit of rebellion behind the cloak of faith!

“Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound…GOD FORBID!” Romans 6:1-2

As disciples of our Lord Jesus Christ, every one of us has been commissioned by God to reflect His Glory to this lost, dark and dying world. Yet, if we keep falling to the same old temptations over and over, flippantly counting on the favor of God to show up in our pit to rescue you out of the same old mess, how’s God’s Glory being manifested? #ijs

According to The Holy Ghost, True Glory is manifested when a believer demonstrates righteousness thru faithful obedience. When you make a genuine commitment to deny the ungodly appetites of your flesh, rather than to bring reproach to the Name of His Lord and Savior, not only are you relying upon God’s Power to deliver you, you’re also proving your love and gratitude for all that Jesus did to redeem you back to your Heavenly Father.

Our journey to Heaven is plagued with unexpected, trouble, chaos and tragedy, however knowing that The Promise Keeper is able to open up pathways that you know not of, make ways out of no way, open doors that have been shut and carries us triumphantly  thru every valley to the mountaintops, we’re fortified with Hope! As we experience His miraculous deliverances, it develops our confidence so much so that when our faith is challenged by difficulties, we don’t give up, we look up!

A true carrier of God’s Glory plants his faith in the Word of God’s Grace! Having done all to stand, stands therefore, steadfast, unmovable, always abounding, continuously expanding, exceeding all natural expectations, daring to taunt and frustrate the evil plans of the wicked, with holy boldness, testifying ‘Satan, I might have to Bend, but I refuse to Bow”!

NOW, YOU’RE JUS WHAT THE WORLD IS WAITING FOR! GO AHEAD…LIGHT UP THE WORLD PROCLAIMING, ‘TO GOD BE THE GLORY! KEEP THE FIYA BURNING!

SELAH!

Pause, Ponder, Pray & Praiz!

Ann Caffee

KEEP’N IT 100

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KEEP'N IT 100

SELAH Daily Devotions!

 

Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity. 2 Timothy 2:19 
 

If the foundations be destroyed, what can the righteous do? Psalm 11:3 

 

God has given to those who have placed their personal trust in The Blood of Jesus for the saving of their souls, exceedingly great and precious promises!  Those of us who never ever believed that they could be invited to partake of so GREAT A SALVATION,  have latched on to this Blessed Hope as if our very lives depended upon it–and it does!  While rejoicing is indeed in order, it’s also important that we not indulge in THE WORD like it’s a smorgasbord… ‘eat’ the text we like and discard those that we don’t!
 
According to The Holy Writ, certain Promises are specifically-reserved for those who are walking daily in Christ with GOD!  “Can two walk together, except they be agreed?” (Amos 3:3) 

God recognizes those who have been called to Him by their willingness to submit to His Will and whosoever chooses to obey His Word, receive The Promises!

May I submit for your consideration that everybody that’s in the church building ain’t necessarily in Christ?  #OHNOSHEDIDN’T…OHYESSHEDID!

Some people can be religious (or as the Millennials say, SPIRITUAL) but not in an intimate relationship with The Lord Jesus Christ! Many may believe that the Bible is the Word of God, yet they don’t believe that it’s talking to them! Others may believe that God has power, however don’t essentially believe that God has the Power to change their lives!

Unfortunately, all of the blame is not on the people but must be shared by those in leadership in churches that have watered-down the Living Word in order to fill the pews, appease the congregation and appear more palatable to the world!  #ijs…Seriously?

I know, with so many opinions being perpetuated into our spirits from various medias, it’s becoming increasingly difficult to sift thru the fake news in an effort to decipher Truth from the fictitious, fabricated to manipulate the unsuspecting for personal gain! Hence, it behooves the true seekers to let every man be a liar and GOD BE THE TRUTH!

Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. 2 Timothy 2:15

Seasons change, opinions change, customs change, methods change BUT God’s Message will never change!

The Bible, aka The Eternal Word of God, plainly declares and decrees — If the foundations be destroyed, what can the righteous do?

While the New Millennium church is reaching forward and pressing on to get wherever we’re going, please don’t lose Jesus!  Remember, it doesn’t matter how high we go in this life, we’ll never get above GOD. #Didjaheardat?

For He knows them that are His!  JUS KEEP’N IT 100!  

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

U TOOK MY SIDE…

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U TOOK MY SIDE...

SELAH Daily Devotions!

“I called upon thy name, O Lord, out of the low dungeon. Thou hast heard my voice: hide not thine ear at my breathing, at my cry. Thou drewest near in the day that I called upon thee: thou saidst, Fear not. O Lord, thou hast pleaded the causes of my soul; thou hast redeemed my life.” Lamentations 3:55-58

I must confess, I have a lot in common with The Weeping Prophet, Jeremiah! I guess you call it kindred spirits! I am, personally, persuaded that if you have The Love of Christ in you at all, I suspect you can identify with God’s Prophet also. The more things change, the more they stay the same, right?

Jeremiah’s pure love of God and his devotion to the people of God, often landed him swamped smack-dab-n-the-middle of backstabbing plots, the main attraction of malicious gossip, abuse, victimization and isolation! Basically, all because he dared to live godly in an ungodly environment! There goes that glitz. glam and prestigious mirage of the lifestyle of the true servants of God, huh?
Often times, in the midst of the excitement, honor, and humbling of being called, we underestimate the burden that comes along with the privilege of being used by God.

I would imagine Jeremiah was no different. Little did the he know that the weight of The Prophetic calling on his life meant being exposed to unimaginable, unparalleled suffering, grief, sorrow and yes even fear! Somebody called it—the  cost of the anointing!

Much like any faithful intercessor today, much of his ministry encompassed weeping and mourning, not just for his own life, but because he knew the certainty of ultimate destruction awaiting the nation of Israel if they persisted in flaunting their outrageous rebellion again their God!

While the Bible does make it clear, that because we represent another Kingdom and King, we should expected to be tagged alien intolerant troublers, BUT spit on, chased down and beaten, treated like last weeks garbage, thrown into an empty cistern, left to die in the muck and the mire? I know it’s not always easy to help hurting people! Oh, come on now!

Nevertheless, when the saints suffer persecution because of the ungodliness of others, there is great recompense of reward! According to today’s scripture text, when Jeremiah called out to God, God rescued him. Just as He does for us! Have I got a witness?

When we come to the end of ourselves and our lamenting heart cries out, “LORD HELP ME!” our Loving Father, looking down from on high, seeing the tears streaming from our eyes, comes near, saying “Don’t be afraid! It’s gonna be all right! I gotcha!”

Has God ever restored you with A WORD? Seriously! It only takes One Rhema Word from God to jump-start the most wearied heart and re-igniting the faintest hope, with His Peace. Thereby, allowing that you to rest assured in quiet expectation of imminent rescue and deliverance trusting solely in The Loving Caring Heart of The Faithful Friend!

THANKYA JESUS FOR TAKING MY SIDE!

SELAH!

“Have a WONDER-FILLED day!”

Ann Caffee

WHAT’S THAT SMELL?

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WHAZ DAT SMELL

SELAH Daily Devotions!

And Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, took either of them his censer, and put fire therein, and put incense thereon, and offered strange fire before the Lord, which he commanded them not. And there went out fire from the Lord, and devoured them, and they died before the Lord. Then Moses said unto Aaron, This is it that the Lord spake, saying, I will be sanctified in them that come nigh me, and before all the people I will be glorified. And Aaron held his peace.” Leviticus 10:1-3

You wouldn’t be the first person to accuse us Newton’s of having a peculiar sense of humor, okay?

But I gotta admit that’ I do so get a kick out of watching that strange look that suddenly appears on the face of the sales clerk at the department store’s perfume counter after she offers me that scented card to smell to which I immediately, ever so politely, of course, inform her, “Oh, don’t bother! I haven’t been able to smell nothing in years!” Then I hit her with, “ I had sinus surgery and they removed all of my smellers!” They normally respond, unspoken of course; “then what da heck are you doing at this perfume counter?” To which I offer, “I just like to smell good!” Considering the high cost of the most popular fragrances today, obviously I am not alone!

Unfortunately, this sentiment doesn’t always spill over into the spiritual realm. According to today’s scripture text, God doesn’t not appreciate neither does He accept any ol’ kind of worship! The Nerve of God, huh? Absolutely! Ain’t nobody else God BUT GOD! Hence, He Alone gets to set the parameters of Holy Worship!

Nevertheless, with us being so suchy much, we tend to have our own opinions about everything, including what’s acceptable service and worship of God. As if we could possibly have the spiritual fortitude to pick and choose what’s holy and unholy, huh?

Although, sometimes, you can’t really tell who’s who. We’ve become so proficient in covering up our true scent—at least between the hours of 11-1:30 on Sundays! But try following some of us to the parking lot—confusion-with a capital C!

Aaron’s son’s Nadab and Abihu are startling examples, of what foul worship can cost us! But they aren’t the only ones in the Holy Writ who profaned the sanctity of God’s Commandments. In fact, man-kind has a long history of being outright obstinate when it comes to following God’s Ways, completely ignoring that other side of God’s Righteousness, Justice!

NEWS FLASH!!! God hates Sin! Sin is a stench in God’s Nostrils! Sin separates us from God! BUT DO WE REALLY CARE?

Not according to Jeremiah 5 “Right and wrong mean nothing to them. They stand for nothing, stand up for no one; throw…Do you think I’ll stand by and do nothing about this?”… “Don’t you think I’ll take serious measures against a people like this?”

What does your praise small like when it hits GOD’s nostril! Does it exude a sweet smelling aroma…or as my grand-baby likes to say “uuhhhh DISGUSTIN’!” SMELL CHECK! OMG! WHAT’S THAT SMELL? #IJS

SELAH!

“Have a WONDER-FILLED day!”

 Ann Caffee

ROCK STEADY, BABY!

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ROCK STEADY 4

SELAH Daily Devotions!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

GOD’S LOVE REMAINS—ROCK STEADY, BABY!

SELAH!

Pause, Ponder, Pray & Praiz!

 Ann Caffee

SAVE THE BABY!

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SAVE THE BABY

SELAH Daily Devotions!

“Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word. With my whole heart have I sought thee: O let me not wander from thy commandments. Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee. Blessed art thou, O Lord: teach me thy statutes.
With my lips have I declared all the judgments of thy mouth. I have rejoiced in the way of thy testimonies, as much as in all riches. I will meditate in thy precepts, and have respect unto thy ways. I will delight myself in thy statutes: I will not forget thy word.” Psalm 119:9-16

Ever noticed how that sometimes 21th Century Church folk lifestyles assert the attitude ‘I’m gonna live just close enough to God to say I’m saved yet close enough to the world to fit in’?

Anybody remember when the deacons testified, “I come over here to stay!” and the Missionaries would haply proclaim “I’ve come too far to turn around!”?

It seems to me that once upon a time, the people of God reverenced God’s Gracious Gift of Salvation with such an holy awe that’s rarely experienced in the lives of converted believers today. It’s almost as if Jesus is type of ornate accessory to life as usual, which can be applied and removed at one’s own discretion. WOW! itain’tmybusiness2judge BUT…  I’m jus say’n, yall! What a stark divergence from church culture of yesterdays.

Imagine what a difference it might make if the world could see more saints actually living in divine fellowship with Jesus Christ—everyday! What if more of God’s people really trusted the Holy Bible to be The Only Infallible, God-Inspired-Written-Word for personal salvation, guidance and instructions to live consecrated according to God’s standards for Righteousness? What if, instead of bombarding the Gates of The Throne Room pleading for a man, woman, a better paying job, bigger homes, newer cars, another college degree, another spouse, the saints would entreat The Savior’s Presence crying out, “Just A Closer Walk with Thee”?

What if, instead of us sending subliminal messages to our young people that ‘it’s okay to do you, sow your wild oats, after all you got time’, the seasoned-sanctified-saints could humble ourselves to be transparent enough to encourage the future deacons, evangelists, pastors, preachers, teachers to surrender their hearts to The Savior now and not wait (regrettably, like many of us) until they’ve been beaten, broken down and tarnished and tainted by the world’s dainties, but while they have sound minds and strong bodies, to devote their lives to serving The Creator!

Don’t get me wrong, in retrospect there were a lotta things about the good ol’ days that I’m truly grateful to be delivered from. Nevertheless, considering the desperately despicable state of this New Millennium Age today, we might need to revisit and revamp a lot more of the ol’ church’s teachings. Perhaps then, we’d stop doing our Sunday morning church thang and BE The HOLY-WALKING True Bride of Christ earnestly anticipating the soon coming return of our King!

While change is inevitable, personal salvation is a choice! HENCE, DON’T THROW THE BABY OUT WITH THE BATH WATER!

SELAH!

“Have a WONDER-FILLED day!”

Ann Caffee