Tag Archives: challenges

HIGHER PRAIZ!

Leave a reply

HIGHER PRAIZ 2

SELAH Daily Devotions!

 

Praise waiteth for thee, O God, in Sion: and unto thee shall the vow be performed. O thou that hearest prayer, unto thee shall all flesh come. Psalm 65:1-2

We have thought, “O God, on Your lovingkindness, in the midst of Your temple.According to Your name, O God, So is Your praise to the ends of the earth; Your right hand is full of righteousness. Let Mount Zion rejoice. Let the daughters of Judah be glad, Because of Your judgments. Psalm 48:9-11

Lift up your hands in the sanctuary, and bless the LORD. Psalm 134:2

 

Being Pentecostal, born and bred, means that I am accustomed, and I might add, an extremely willing participant, to exuberant praise and worship. So can you imagine my surprise, to discover that God-Honored Adoration is not necessarily limited to loud singing, hand-clappin’, foot-stomppin, shoutin’ and dancing to drum thumping, key-board tickling, guitar pick’n tunes escalating His Glory!

WHOKNU? There is a high praise in God, where the weary souls, thirsty and hungry for an escape from the chaos and confusion of this world’s clamor, finding rest, peace, security, strength and hope, fall prostrate into HIS PRESENCE!

There’s a secret place, a Cleft hued out in The Impregnable Rock of Salvation, where mere words are no longer necessary, and sighs are welcomed, giving way to hope-filled silence, birthing unspoken-bellows of acceptable obedient prayers and God-Centered Praise and Worship!

There is an epiphany where we all must ascribe to reach in God, where we practice appreciation and respect for HIM by disciplining ourselves, focusing our minds and making a conscious decision that regardless of my circumstances, I’m going to Bless God—not just for all of His Goodness to me—BUT for WHO HE IS!

In this lofty estate, time spent waiting on The Lord is no longer full of anxious frustration, but quiet peaceful resting in child-like confident anticipation, trusting that you’re being kept safely, far from your conspirators’ reach, hidden in The Glory of His WONDEROUS PRESENCE.

As God’s Chosen, you’re surrounded by a Fortress, whose Builder and Maker is The Creator of The Universe, where we can breathe easily, waiting patiently, for as long as HE says,  fully assured that everything we will ever need and hope for comes from HIM—JESUS!

#DIDJAHEARDAT? The Holy Spirit is calling! Be still, in that ‘Peace-Filled-Knowing’ that all of your Help and Hope of Glory abides in The All-Powerful God,  EL SHADDAI…your FATHER AND your GOD!  NOW THAT’S A HIGHER PRAISE! #WOW #AWEMAAZIN, huh?

SELAH!

Pause, Ponder, Pray & Praiz!

Ann Caffee

WATER WALKIN’ FAITH!

Leave a reply

WATER-WALKING FAITH 2

SELAH Daily Devotions!

 

When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers,  they will not sweep over you.  Isaiah 43:2a NIV

When you’re in over your head, I’ll be there with you. When you’re in rough waters, you will not go down. Isaiah 43:2a THE MESSAGE

And it shall come to pass, that before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear. Isaiah 65:24 KJV
Honestly, when you think about it, it really doesn’t require a whole lot of faith to believe that GOD CAN! SERIOUSLY! Just open your eyes, or better yet, shut them and continue to breath!  See, THAT’S GOD! However, believing that GOD WILL takes Biblical faith to an entirely different level that too many rarely attain!  I’m not talking Bible-quoting, but water-walking empowering faith that moves you to get out of the boat, with nothing to stand on but The Word of God! (Ref. Matthew 14:28)

Quite frankly, it’s the after we make the decision that causes us the most conflict!

Remember, before we got a personal revelation of Jesus Christ and committed to ‘live holy as unto The Lord’, rarely did we question or rebuke the enemy’s temptations to sin. Yet now that we’re saved, the enemy targets us relentlessly pressuring us to surrender our faith in The Invisible God and put more confidence in The Liar! And that’s when the real tests come! Hence, it’s when you’re challenged to stop thinking about it and put your feet where you mouth is! That’s the scuuarry part, huh? C’mon nah! AM I RIGHT ABOUT IT?

The Scriptures record numerous accounts where God’s people found themselves in dire straits and having no other recourse, but to cry out to The Lord, their God, trusting wholeheartedly that not only does God hear—but GOD Answers!

King David, reminiscing back to a time when, narrowly escaping with his life, penned these words, “Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the Lord delivereth him out of them all.” Psalm 34:19. David’s testimony still replenishes our hope today that even when it looks like there’s no way out, if you call on The Name of The Lord, GOD will show up and make a way out of no way!

In 2 Timothy 3:12, The Apostle Paul, echoing David’s sentiments, encourages his young protégée, Timothy, “Expect afflictions and persecution”. Yet, in the Eternal Purpose of God, compared to the Glorious future that God has stored up for us, it’s only a momentary light affliction! (Ref. Romans 8:18, Jeremiah 29:11)

Our text today, we hear The Prophet Isaiah speaking to The Israelites, whose hearts were steeped in fear and remorse for their sinful ways that had landed them exiled in a strange land, encourages and comforts them to remember The Merciful Compassionate God who had chosen them as His Inheritance, above all other people was Faithful to a fault!

Granted, when the winds of adversity come barreling over you and the waves of fear, doubt and uncertainity are dragging you down into unchartered depths of woe-filled darkness, dumps of dispondency plugging you into utter hopelessness,  if you’re not careful to keep your heart and mind intentionaly focused on The Word of Your All-Caring, Covenant-Keeping, Storm Master and Creator God, when the blistering life’s storms flare up, you will surely drip away!  Particularly when it’s your own stiff-necked rebelliousness that has caused God’s judgement! #ijs!!! 
Can somebody say, ‘BUT GOD’!

Thanks be to God, we don’t serve an unjust King! Our Loving Savior will never sit idly aloof from His Beloved, leaving us to fend for ourselves! Not on your life!  He promised, I WILL NEVER, EVER LEAVE YOU OR FORSAKE YOU (Heb. 13:5)   When it looks like all reason to hope is exhaused, IT AIN’T WHAT IT LOOKS LIKE! Even when we can’t trace Him, The Lion of Judah is moving compassionately towards every moan and groan of our being, intervening on our behalf, turning everything around to work in our favor for His GREATEST GLORY! (Ref. Hebrew 4:15)

Precious One, nothing happens that ever takes God by surprise! And since HE’S GOD, He answers before you even ask!  No matter what you may be experiencing, God knew exactly where you’d be, even before He allowed you to enter into this season. Stay patiently-confident!  ONLY GOD says when enough is enough; and who or what can stop HIM?

TRUST2KNO! NOT ONLY IS GOD ABLE…HE WILL! SOOOO WHATCHA WAITING ON? GO ‘HEAD, STEP OUT THE BOAT, U WATER-WALKER U!

SELAH!

Pause, Ponder, Pray & Praiz!

Ann Caffee

 

THE LAST LAUGH!

1 Reply

THE LAST LAUGH

 

SELAH Daily Devotions!

 

Why the big noise, nations? Why the mean plots, peoples? Earth-leaders push for position, Demagogues and delegates meet for summit talks, The God-deniers, the Messiah-defiers: “Let’s get free of God! Cast loose from Messiah!” Heaven-throned God breaks out laughing. At first he’s amused at their presumption; Then he gets good and angry. Furiously, he shuts them up: “Don’t you know there’s a King in Zion? A coronation banquet Is spread for him on the holy summit.” Psalm 2:1-6 THE MESSAGE

So, rebel-kings, use your heads; Upstart-judges, learn your lesson: Worship God in adoring embrace, Celebrate in trembling awe. Kiss Messiah! Your very lives are in danger, you know; His anger is about to explode, But if you make a run for God—you won’t regret it! Ps. 2:10-12 THE MESSAGE

 

Since the initial act of high treason, which resulted in his being kicked out of Heaven, Satan has not ceased in his efforts to cast off the righteous restraints invoked by God! One might say, ‘He’s committed’, huh? Down thru The Ages, the Prime Minister of The Kingdom of Darkness has endeavored to recruit the most iniquitous, viciously wicked and evil of humanity to carry out his war against The God of Heaven’s Dominion in the earth!

Unfortunately, there’s been no shortage of available willing candidates for this dastardly deed! Hence, unbeknownst to those who, diabolically reject God’s holy commandments, eagerly gravitate to the lewd lustful perverted temptations of their own fleshly desires, are merely puppet prisoners dancing to the beat of their Master of Deception, Lucifer! While those who have enlisted as his leaders, rulers and foot soldiers, relishing in the arrogant ignorance of their presumed power, continue meticulously  plotting to make a mockery of The Lordship of God’s King, The Sovereign True and Living God, sitting Eternally Enthroned above The Heavens, laughs at the vanity of their futile attacks and the certainty of their inevitable destiny!

Didjaheardat? WOW!

Saints, granted, it’s not always easy to trust God! Especially when it seems that the unrighteous are prospering and we, who name the Name of Christ, are left behind to fend for ourselves, at their mercy! HOWEVERRRRR, can I submit this TRUTH, for your most earnest consideration? WE AIN’T IN HEAVEN, YET!

Beloved, God never promised us a trial-free life in the earth, however, HE PROMISES TO BE a TRIAL-PROVEN SAVIOR! “Many are the afflictions of the righteous, But the Lord delivers him out of them all.” Psalm 34:19

Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the Lord thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee. Deut. 31:6

OMG! #DIDJAGETIT? Everything that the enemy intends for evil, God will turn it around  and use it for our good!  (Ref. Genesis 50:20)

Precious one, The Creator and Sustainer of all LIFE, HOPE AND CONSOLATION has ESTABLISHED an EXECUTIVE DECREE that all those who embrace (kiss) THE SON, putting their absolute trust in HIS Saving Grace are already blessed! TRUTHBETOLD, we might not win every battle, but TRUST2KNO…WE SHALL WIN THE WAR! Check the back of THE BOOK! #ijs! #SERIOUSLY!

Satan, get a clue! LOOKS LIKE THE JOKE’S ON U! From where we’re seated, Devil, you ain’t never gonna win! As a Born-Again, Blood-Washed, God-Fearing- Believer, I shall never be defeated and I will never be denied! OUR GOD REIGNS 4EVER!

THE LAST LAUGH! #GAMECHANGER, huh?
SELAH!

Pause, Ponder, Pray & Praiz!

Ann Caffee

SHOUT-OUT!

Leave a reply

SHOUT-OUT!

 

SELAH Daily Devotions!

 

One night the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision and told him, “Don’t be afraid! Speak out! Don’t be silent! For I am with you, and no one will attack and harm you, for many people in this city belong to Me.” Acts 18:9-10
Several years ago, The Grand Ole’ Church of God in Christ, came out with a slogan, guess what? Exactly! ‘I won’t be silent anymore!’  I wonder why I haven’t heard that one in a while! Especially in light of all the other voices that are bellowing out all kinds of crazy comments! #wink #wink!  Yall don’t mind granting a senior sista a few moments of folly, do you? AWESOME!

Have you noticed that every one and their cuzzins have come out of the colloquial closets, declaring and decreeing their rights. WOW! But where are the Saints? What’s the matter Zion? Perhaps, it’s got more to do with frustration and disenfranchisement than fear, huh? Them ol’ skool churrch Mothers were right! We’re living in times that will definitely try men’s souls. Seems as if everybody’s got rights…BUT THE CHURCH!

I ain’t scurred! Why are we the brunt of  such vicious accusations and slander, if we dare to uphold the moral standards clearly defined in The Word of God?  What happened to our freedom of speech rights? Why are we subjected to blatant mockery and defamation of character when we defend our Declaration of Dependance on The True and Living Creator of The Universe? #ijs The way things are going in America, we don’t know how much longer we’ll be able to freely speak-up for Jesus and not be martyred!

Last time I checked, The Holy Bible still says that there’d come a time when the people of God would be forced to make an individual conscientious decision, for Jesus I live, for Jesus I die! Well? Churrch, do we really believe The Word of God or are we pretending to fit in to get in?  Have we forgotten that the Ol’ Ship of Zion is not a cruiseliner but a battleship?  

It’s time to show this dark and dying world whatcha working with! Ain’t no where to run and no where to hide. The stage is set and the rubber is treading  the road. Timeout for playing church and teetering on the edge of the fence! You know what I mean;  “How close can you get to the world and still make it to Heaven?”  Baby, Either you’re all in THIS….OR UR OUTSIDE OF THE ARK! 

I still believe that the safest place in the whole wide world, IS IN THE WILL OF GOD!

Now, that’s just my two cents…do U, Boo!  BUT AS THE OL’ CHURRCH PREACHA USED TO SAY…AS 4 ME AND MY HOUSE….WE SHALL SERVE THE LORD!

TRUST2KNO! #SILENCEAIN’TBLISS! #datzmystoryugottaluvmehuh!  #NLOL #SPEAK-UP #SHOUT-OUT!

SELAH!

Pause, Ponder, Pray & Praiz!

Ann Caffee

STORMS

1 Reply

 

STORMS

SELAH Daily Devotions!

 

When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee. Isaiah 43:2

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

 

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

Week after week families gathered around their b/w TV’s anxiously gasping for any momentary retreat from the real-time burdens facing our nation. I mean who wouldn’t jump at the opportunity to have anything their heart desired suddenly appear simply by swiping a lamp, right?  Yep, those were the good ol’ days, huh?  I suppose that’s what He mean’t by “LET’S MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN, too? #WOW!

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

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

The point is,When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee. Isaiah 43:2

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

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

 

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

Nevertheless, the Prophet Isaiah reaffirms The Eternal Promise of The Covenant-Keeping Creator and Sustainer of All Life  offers comfort to souls weired by the tremors of unexpected intrusive earth-quaking episodes that befall the saints as well as the sinners! Come what may, TRUST2KNO, WE ARE NEVER ALONE! GOD IS ALWAYS AS CLOSE AS A WHISPERED PRAYER from a BELIEVER’S TRUSTING HEART!  #Didjaheardat?

The real evidence of a believers faith is not cuttin’ a step, how high we jump or how fast we’re ruuning around the churrch, but how faithfully we stand in the midst of the storms!

Beloved, as we keep our eyes pointed Heavenward,  The God of All Comfort has declared that we too will be blessed, revitalized and restored by that Peace that passes all understanding, swept over by the unspeakable Joy and resting assured in the Presence of the One Savior and Lord that David delighted in, Jesus Christ! THE PERFECT ANSWER TO EVERY STORM!

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

DON’T DIE B4 U LIVE!

Leave a reply

DON'T DIE B4 U LIVE.jpg

 

SELAH Daily Devotions!

 

The thief cometh not but to steal, to kill and to destroy; I AM come that they might have life and that they might have it more abundantly.  John 10:10

Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints:  To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory; Colossians 1:26-27

 

One of the most tragic phenomenon befalling humanity is leaving here without ever knowing and becoming the fearfully, wonder-filled, exceptionally-crafted Masterpiece our Creator intended before you were formed in your Mother’s womb. (Ref. Jeremiah 1:5)

Could that be why some say that the richest piece of real estate in any city is the cemetery? Don’t get melancholic on me! In fact my objective is quite the opposite; to spawn enticing hope-filled adventurous tomorrows!

We live in a society where conformity is the paramount attribute of success. If you want to be in you’ve got to fit the mold, otherwise you’re considered not one of us but part of the others. Unfortunately that leaves a whole lot of us outside of the clique, huh?

But here’s where I stand on such matters; who gave you the authority to authenticate what God has made in the first place? Only the creator of a thing has the right to determine its true value and potential! Hence, too many of us walk around, ignorant of self-identity, self-rejecting, convicted and/or condemned to a lifetime of regret-filled apologizing to others for who I AM!

That is until we come into the personal saving knowledge of Christ Jesus and get a revelation of who and Whose you are! This personal encounter with The Source and Sustainer of The Universe opens up gargantuan possibilities,  unimaginable potential and inconceivable prospectives that eyes have not seen neither have ears heard of!  

Why waste another moment of the precious time alloted to you being a copy of anybody or everybody else when God has distinguished you from every other individual born in the earth. Check your fingerprints?

“Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?” 1 Corinthians 3:16

Locked up in you is the answer to someone’s question. You are designed to be the miracle that person’s waiting on! You are the gift of hope to some despondent soul! You are the treasure that one somebody’s been seeking for and was about to give up on, disgusted by a history of repetitious seconds and hand-me-downs! #Didjaheardat? 

Oh what liberating Truth erupts from our souls realizing that despite of what some folk may think or even said about you, in Christ, you have been empowered to stand-sure-footed in His Grace and profoundly proclaim, “I shall not allow anybody to deny me the right to be, become, have and do everything God ordained me 2 BE!  Because I belong to The King of Kings and The Lord of Lords,  I  can do all things through Christ Who Strengthens me! Therefore I CHOOSE LIFE!”

Beloved, TRUST2KNO, Absolutely Nobody, BUT GOD can make you who you are!  DON’T DIE B4 U LIVE! #GO4IT!

SELAH

Pause, Ponder, Pray & Praiz!

Ann Caffee

WHO’S ON 1st?

Leave a reply

 

WHO'S ON 1ST

SELAH Daily Devotions!

 

“Draw nigh to God, and He will draw nigh to you…” James 4:8a kjv
 

Ever heard the term ‘1st chair’?  Well, according to the Law, the Legal definition of First Chair is the lead attorney in a case.  However, The Farlex Trivia Dictionary defines First Chair as “The premier musician playing a particular instrument in an orchestra—seated closest to the audience, taking the lead for that instrument’s movements, and playing any solos. “ My point being, ‘WHO’S IN CHARGE OF RUNNING YOUR LIFE’?

Really? 

Then why are you still complaining? Apparently, there appears to be a direct correlation between the amount of time one spends in HIS Presence and the amount of time spent worrying, murmuring and complaining, questioning and judging God’s decisions regarding our lives. OMG! WHO KNU?

Seriously, the The Holy Scriptures is filled with testimonials that further substantiate this observation!  “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you”. Matthew 6:33 and…“Seek ye the Lord while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near.  Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the Lord, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.” Isaiah 55:6-7 

Let’s be for real! Too many of us are still trying to fix stuff that God never intended for us to. That’s why He invites us to come to Him with those things that are concerning us. Uuuh, isn’t that what prayer is all about?  #ijs It makes no sense to ask God to meet you on the rooftop when you’re stuck in the basement, right? Unless your pride is bent on self-reliance, which is  basically no help at all!  #Don’t shout me down nah!

Still need help? “Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.” Psalm 16:11

Beloved, GOD doesn’t ask any of us to walk this journey of LIFE independent of His Awemmaazzing Grace! That’s why The WORD says, “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.”  Matthew 11:28-29

TRUST2KNO, whatever you’re struggling with today, God calls light-duty?

And guess what? GOD DON’T NEED NO CO-PILOT! WOW! #didjaheardat? Strap yourself in The Love of GOD and He’ll take You THERE–WHEREVER HE WANTS U 2 B!

Looks to me LIKE DATZ A RAP, huh?  Jus another perspective 4 U 2 PONDER! NOW, WHO’S ON 1st?

SELAH!
 
Pause, Ponder, Pray & Praiz!

Ann Caffee 

SHOW-OFF!

Leave a reply

 

SHOW OFF

 

SELAH Daily Devotions!

“I called upon the Lord in distress; the Lord answered me and set me in a large place.” Psalm 118:5

Those who know me, already know how much I love to decorate, redecorate… and decorate again!  Yep! My name is Ann Caffee and I’m an HGTV/DIY addict!  LOL! Several years ago, there was a reformation in the Home Décor arena. Remember that old piece of furniture secretly sequestered in the backroom, garage or attic? Yeah, like your Mother-in-law’s first nightstand! Well it was no longer considered an eyesore, but it resurfaced as ‘shabby chic’!  WHO KNU, huh?

Of course furniture manufacturers picked up on it and immediately began to build new pieces that resembled those old used and somewhat abused pieces. What was once disgustingly dubbed ‘old-timey’ was now the new ‘distressed’! I can only imagine the timidity of the challenge to abandon traditional artistic craftsmanship to achieve this look.

OMG! The brutal assault and the punishment inflicted upon each piece—painstakingly beaten, burned, chipped and hammered with metal chains, and torched…but once the process was completed the item was pompously positioned on the showroom floor.

Now doesn’t that sound slightly too uncomfortably familiar to the what believers go through at the Hand of The Master. Oh, we know, no one actually told us that once we turned the reins of our lives over to Jesus, it would be smooth sailing on The Ol’ Ship of Zion; but for real—we had no clue that life would take on this new persona. After all, we came to Christ to get out of hell, right?

While we’re encouraged to gravitate to the Covenant Promises of God, nevertheless, we’re totally oblivious to the progressive transformation from receiving Christ as Savior to submission to His Lordship! As disciples, we’re taught to pray and believe God to enlarge our territory, increase our anointing and give us wisdom to impact our families, church and communities and TRUST2KNO…God answers our prayers! Unfortunately, we tend to grossly misinterpret the process thru manifestation! It’s the refiner’s fire that produces the purest gold! 

Don’t get it twisted! Trusting God to take care of you in the midst of overwhelming stressful circumstances is quite a challenge; but that’s exactly what we must do!

The first step to this amazing transition is acknowledging that God is not trying to harm you. God loves you, and is committed to seeing you reach your highest potential!

Once this Truth  is firmly affixed in the seat of your soul, the devil knows he’s in big trouble!  That’s why he works double-time and a half to fill your heart with guilt, shame, condemnation to the point where you actually doubt that God knew exactly what He  was getting when HE CHOSE YOU!

HOWEVRRRR, being armed with a personal reality and intimacy of God’s Loyal Love enables you to walk in a state of inward rest, frees you to experience the strength and encoragement to live the-above-circumstances-abundant-life that Jesus’ sacrifice procured for you. (Ref. John 10:10)

Remember, no matter how out of control life  you think your life is,  there is NEVER a moment when  your Sovereign God is not in ABSOLUTE control of it ALL!

DISTRESSED? DIG-IN AND ENDURE! YOU’RE BEING PROCESSED FOR  SHOW ROOM PRESENTATION!

SELAH!

Pause, Ponder, Pray & Praiz!

Ann Caffee

GOD’S CHOICE!

1 Reply

GOD'S CHOICE 2

 

 

SELAH Daily Devotions!

 

And he LORD said, “Arise, anoint him, for this is the one.” Then Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the midst o his brothers, and the Spirit of the LORD came upon David from that day forward. So Samuel arose and went to Ramah. 1 Samuel 16:12b-13

 

In a perfect world one might expect to be valued for their compassion, kindness, integrity, selflessness, caring, thoughtfulness, humility, intestinal fortitude (grit), courage, loyalty and strength to be true to one’s self and others! Might I venture to say given the socially-challenged-spiritually-bankrupt state of humanity in this New Millennial society, a concordant manifestation of any combination of these heavenly attributes would be most welcomed, appreciated, admired and envied! Needless to say, we ain’t there yet! Can I get a strong AMEN 3x and double Hi-5?

TRUTHBTOLD, as far as we know, since that first infraction of our progenitors, Adam and Eve, in the Garden of Eden, mankind has lost the glorious innocence and sensitivity that once clothed the most precious of God’s creation! Hence, opening up the way for self preservation, shame, guilt, blame, hatred, inconsideration, covetousness, envy, jealousy and irresponsibility to become the new norm of the land! Could that be why God said, ‘don’t eat of the tree of good and evil’? UUUMMMMM?

Fortunately, God always had a plan to redeem and restore humanity back to HIS original intent, to surround Godself with an Eternal Family! He sent His Only Begotten Son, Jesus, serving as an illustrated sermon, to teach us the perfect, good and acceptable standard of Righteousness Personified!

Unfortunately, to attain such a lofty estate one must be transformed from faith to faith and glory to glory! This transition requires discipline and endurance,  which most of f us refuse to tolerate having little or no time for dat! A closer investigation of David, dubbed a man after God’s Own Heart, reveals that rarely does man and God come to the same conclusion when it comes to choosing candidates for the most likely to achieve success, IN GOD’S EYES! #ijs

Not only was David rejected by his father, he was not even considered remotely eligible to fill the position that Samuel was sent to appoint! Jessie lined his seven sons up before Samuel from the eldest on down; but much to his surprise, the oil refused to flow! And guess what, Samuel didn’t fair much better himself!  Looking at Eliab’s physical statue, he was confident that he had to be the best man for the mission! Until God corrected him!  “For the LORD does not see as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart!? (Ref. 1 Samuel 16:7) Finally, Samuel informed Jessie, “The LORD has not chosen these”! And inquired, “Are all the young men here?” Reluctantly, Jessie was forced to admit, “There remains yet the youngest, and he is, keeping the sheep.” (1 Samuel 16-10-11)

#DIDJACDAT? TALK ABOUT BEING OVERLOOKED, huh? #WOW!

You might think that someone would’ve remembered what happened the last time the people over-ruled God’s leadership preferring SAUL, the people’s CHOICE? And we all know how that turned out, right?

IS IT JUS ME? OR DOES THIS SOUND UNCOMFORTABLY 2 FAMILIAR?  YEP! SOMETIMES, YOU GET WHAT YOU WANTED, BUT LOSE WHAT YOU HAD, huh? Sounds like, ‘FATHER REALLY DOES KNOW WHAT’S BEST!’ Don’t shout me down nah!
Beloved, the LORD KNOWS them that are His, and He knows the gifts and callings He’s placed inside of you from your Mother’s womb! Don’t be dismayed or discouraged by those who fail to recognize your hidden treasure but are quick to acknowledge your inadequacies! Afterall, They can’t see what U C, because GOD DIDN’T SHOW IT 2 THEM! BESIDES THAT…GOD WASN’T TALKING TO THEM…HE WAS TALKING 2 U! Remember, God doesn’t usually call the qualified, BUT HE ALWAYS QUALIFIES THE CALLED!

PRECIOUS ONE, THE OIL IS FLOWING! NOW, THE CHOICE IS YOURS! WHO ARE U TRYING 2 BE, THE PEOPLE’S CHOICE OR GOD’S CHOICE? #ijs!

SELAH!

Pause, Ponder, Pray & Praiz!

Ann Caffee

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FRONT-LINE WARFARE!

Leave a reply

FRONTLINE WARFARE

SELAH Daily Devotions!

 

Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.  2 Timothy 3:12
Thou therefore endure hardness, a a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No man that warreth entangled himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier. 2 Timothy 2:3-4

 

OMG! Do we ever love to sing those ol’ songs that tend to stir up our emotions and at the same time, placate the reality that each and any day of this life we might find ourselves on the front line of a battlefield!  Most of us recognize, at least on some cognitive level, that when we enlisted into The Lord’s Army, that Ol’ Ship of Zion is a battleship and not some luxurious ocean front cruise liner! Yet, there’s an innately human propensity to glamorize our voyage to the ultimate conquest, Eternal Life with our Heavenly Commander-in-Chief.

Sometimes,  season-saints can forget that Christianity has always attracted danger,  persecution and even death! Hence, our decision and commitment to become disciples of Jesus Christ must not be taken lightly, but emanating from a heart fully persuaded, entrusting wholly our spirit, soul, mind and body, that… come what may, He Who called you is well able and willing to keep us from  failing  and falling prey to the wicked devices of our common Adversary! (Ref. Jude 24-25)

Didjakno that your enrollment into God’s Kingdom demanded rebellion against your former slavemaster, Satan, Ruler of The Kingdom of Darkness and his host of enthusiastically organized agents of disastrously diabolical deeds? Remember how hard you had to fight to get out from under the clutches of his domineering cruelty? BUT for The Grace of God, you never could’ve, would’ve, should’ve made it, huh?

Nevertheless, sometimes—even, Born-Again-Blood-Washed Believers wearied and overburdened by the cares of this world, can become slouthful, letting down our guard, leaving a inch-sized crack in your armor, thereby exposing your vulnerability to Satanic strategies. How? Any good soldier knows the crucial sine qua nons of assuring that your weapons are kept  readily accessible and armed for optimal peformance in case of sneak attacks of your arch enemy. Therefore, it’s incumbent upon God’s footmen to engage in diligent daily exercises to ensure confident courageous valor!

According to the Scripture, The Apostle Paul, instructed his young protegee, “Timothy, your entire life’s experiences have been training ground for this assigment. And now, I admonish you to advance forward, fearless in your struggle, keeping a firm grip on the faith that was delivered down to you from your Mother and Grand-Mother. Son, this is a fight for your life! If you hope to succed in this mission, you must stay prayed-up! Pray every day and every way you know; pray about everything and every one!” “And above all, keep your faith energized and ablazed by The Power of The Holy Ghost, because this walk means you’re guaranteed to experience your share of suffering, simply for sharing The Gospel of Jesus Christ. BUT! If you will stay your life, focused, firmly faithful and rooted in the Love of Christ, regardless of what comes against you—your victory is imminent!”

The Apostle continues encouraging the young servant, “Timothy, run for your life, keep this commitment to the letter, don’t slack off and don’t ever give up. Arm yourself with the same mind as your Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, the Epitome of a True Warrior of Faith!”

Beloved, perhaps today life has launched you smack-dab-indamiddle of a spiritual war zone,  but GOD has already equipped you to win! Jus remember what them ol’ skool Mothers said? “GOD DON’T NEED NO COWARD SOLDIERS’! 

WELL? WHACHAGONNADO?  Hold fast to His Eternal Promises! Be strong and courageous. “Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake.”  (Deuteronomy 31:6)

 “For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds” 2 Corinthians 10:4

As an experienced 30+ veteran of the Faithulness of God, may I audaciously suggest your best option? “Stand your ground and guard your treasure with your life! Be faithful and with holy boldness, pass on His Word and The Grace of God will always keep you safe, secure and saved!”

B READY 2 RUMBLE…AFTER ALL, THIS IS FRONT-LINE SPIRITUAL WARFARE!

SELAH!

Pause, Ponder, Pray & Praiz!

Ann Caffee