Tag Archives: contentment

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

I’M WITH HIM!

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I'M WITH HIM

 

SELAH Daily Devotions!

 

Blessed be the God and Father of Our Lord Jesus Christ, Who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ. According as He hath chosen us in Him before the foundation of the world that we should be Holy and without blame before Him in love, having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His own will. To the praise of the Glory of His Grace wherein He had made us accepted in the Beloved. Ephesians 1:3-6.

 

Remember back in the day when you hopped from one partaa to the next with your friends? Sometimes, you had no clue who was giving the party! We used to call it, ‘crashing da party’.  Remember, how when you got there, somebody on the door would ask you, ‘who are you?’ You would automatically respond, ‘Oh, I’m with him, or I’m with her’. And if they recognized the person you were with, nine times out of ten you’d get in the party!

Well guess what, it works even more so, in the Kingdom of God! The Lord knows them that are His! (Ref. 2 Timothy 2:19) God has so graciously adopted everyone who has accepted Jesus as Savior and Lord. We are now part of the Royal Family of God. The same God that rules over the universe, we now are privileged to call Him Abba Father!  He’s our Daddy! Yeah, I know, right? #awesome!

Association leads to Assimilation! Because of that one decision you made, you are eternally in Christ Jesus, and now we can get into places that we would never have access to on our own! We got the hook up, yall!

Because of our connection in Christ Jesus, doors that would’ve (could’ve…should’ve) been closed in our faces, are now opened for us. Because of our personal relationship with Jesus, nothing shall be impossible with God, our Father! NOW there is always a way out of no way! #didjaheardat?

The next time that diabolical ol’ sloo foot devil attempts to keep you out, or tries to hinder you from possessing your inheritance, look down at him and confidently inform that fool, “I’M WITH HIM – YOU DO RECOGNIZE ‘HIM’ DON’T YOU? THE SON OF THE LIVING GOD! C’mon… YOU KNOW HIS NAME, right? IT’S JESUS! IN CASE YOU FORGOT, HE’S MY ELDER BROTHER; AND HE’S GIVEN ME THE POWER AND AUTHORITY TO USE HIS NAME!

SO AT THE NAME OF JESUS, YOU HAVE TWO CHOICES! FIRST, GETTA STEPPIN OR SECOND, BOW DOWN!  CUZ, I’M WITH HIM!”

SELAH!

Have a WONDER-FILLED day!

Ann Caffee

EITHER/OR???

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either-or-image-3

SELAH Daily Devotions!

And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom you will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD. Joshua 24:15

 

Who nu? Dictionary.com would have so many different definitions of the word ‘DEBATE’!

So, I’ve decided to add my compilation synopsis to the list. Here goes:

“to engage in formal/informal discussion, argumentation or disputation with another person or group, to deliberate upon, to consider and/or to contend for or over opposing viewpoints, in which the affirmative and negatives side of a proposition are advocated by opposing speakers” 

Now, ain’t that a mouth-full? No wonder there’s seems to be no end to the perplexity of issues up for debate, huh?

The ancient Grecians were famous for their fascination with prolific debating practices. There’s still open-ending discussions regarding whether the art of Grecian debate played a significant role in developing today’s American society… or not. Apparently, while many antiquities of social traditions are extinct, the debate goes on and on!

One might ascertain that Humanity’s Inalienable Right to freely express his/her own opinions and to make choices regarding issues they presume relevant, sets us above all other creation!

This concept of “either /or” has existed since the Garden of Eden. God allowed Adam to exercise his freedom of choice giving him access to a garden variety of luscious fruit to select from, with the exception of one particular tree; The Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. (Ref. Genesis 2:17) And we all know how that worked out! Huh?

Temptation makes it extremely difficult to resist engaging in some form of debate. Does chocolate taste better than vanilla? Are Marines better equipped than The Navy Seals? Is marriage better than remaining single? Creation vs. Evolution?

Logic leads us to this conclusion. Even though we do have the freedom and power to choose our actions, when it comes to the consequences of our decisions, it’s completely out of our hands. God’s Sovereignty over His Creation is NOT UP FOR DEBATE!

Unfortunately, this often doesn’t sit well with some. Many a disillusioned soul has taken issue to this kind of ‘authoritative manipulation’ resulting in habitual sinful rebellion. But! God looks down from His Throne and laughs at this foolish obstinacy! (Ref. Psalm 2:4)

Nevertheless, it still remains man’s choice either to bow now or bow later!

The Great Debate continues to infiltrate various sects of society. Hence, Absolutes vs. No Absolutes! Either you are male or female, saved or lost? Does God exist or not? Is there One God or many? Is Jesus Lord of all or not at all?

While there are those who might agree that these are tough issues that warrant careful consideration, at the end of the day, The Word Prevails! #WOW!

BEFORE YOU RESPOND, TAKE A MOMENT TO PAUSE AND PONDER! AFTER ALL, THE CONSEQUENCES ARE EITHER HEAVEN OR HELL! #ijs

SELAH!

Pause, Ponder, Pray & Praiz!

Ann Caffee

 

BUT, GOD!

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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

 

 

FEELIN SOME KINDA WAY…

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FEELIN SOME KINDA WAY

 

SELAH Daily Devotions!

 

“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)

 

I know I’m too old to be using this new slang! In fact, you probably have to be over 50 to even know what ‘slang’ is, right!

But from where I’m sitting, I believe that it’s an attempt to describe those unidentifiable unrefined emotions birthed out of the womb of unsettling situations. And there’s certainly been a lot of those going around lately, huh? The jandra “You never know” pretty much typifies the attitude of this 21st Century.

Despite all the technological advancements of our New Millennium Age and our fixation with pursuing our destiny, it doesn’t seem that we’re any closer to attaining that level of peace, comfort and contentment that every soul longs for.

I truly believe that The Creator deliberately left a GOD-size hole in the center of our hearts that can never be sufficiently filled through human efforts!

Surveying the state of humanity, there’s seems to be no end to the onslaught of strategically-designed-distractions launched by the gods of this world, to draw our focus away from The Eternal Word of God, leaving a lot of God’s Elect gasping, trembling and wavering hopelessly between faith and fear! Hence, ‘feeling some kinda way’!

There’s no denying that from an earthly-perspective, this world is spinning out of control causing the bottom of life (as we’d known) to fall out!

There’s a prevalent sense of entitlement which allows every man to do what seems right in his own eyes and that once endeared standard of morality apparently has plummeting to incomparable depths of new low.

But Truth remains! “Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. (2 Timothy 2:19)!

Granted, issues have a way of knocking at the door of our lives, unexpected and uninvited, leaving us off balance! But by GOD’s GRACE! We stand firm, our hearts fixed on this comforting assurance that absolutely nothing happens in your life that ever catches God by surprise! And while we may not know what challenges we’ll face during the course of any given day, God promised that He will never abandon nor leave us defenseless! (Ref. Isaiah 54:17)

It’s during these temporary moments of affliction that we, The Saints, evoke our privilege to cry out to our High Priest for Divine Help! (Hebrews 4:15)

The ol’ Mothers of Zion used to sang, “For He is a Battle Axe in the time of the struggle and a Shelter in the time of the Storm.”

THE NEXT TIME LIFE ASSAULTS YOU, LEAVING YOU ‘FEELING SOME KINDA WAY’, JUST CALL JESUS!

SELAH!

“Have a WONDER-FILLED day!”

Ann Caffee

 

MY DEVELOPING ROOM

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MY DEVELOPING ROOM 2

SELAH Daily Devotions!

“ In thee, O Lord, do I put my trust; let me never be ashamed: deliver me in thy righteousness. Bow down thine ear to me; deliver me speedily: be thou my strong rock, for an house of defence to save me.

For thou art my rock and my fortress; therefore for thy name’s sake lead me, and guide me. Pull me out of the net that they have laid privily for me: for thou art my strength. Into thine hand I commit my spirit: thou hast redeemed me, O Lord God of truth.” Psalm 31:1-5

 

Ever been in that cavernous place, alone entrapped in a den of hopelessness, despair and yes, even shame for allowing your circumstances to rupture the confident trust you enjoyed, just a short time ago?

Still confused how quickly things changed hurling you into this momentary pit of discontentment amassed by discouragement and terrorized by ‘what if”?

Truthfully, most of us have at some point in our lives and even more of us have had extended stays! However, by the Grace of The Almighty God, we’ve learned that the way out is looking up! Benevolence always descends!  Hence, instead of focusing on what’s going on around you re-set your attention on The One above The Heavens.

Gratefully, our Heavenly Father has gifted us with His Precious Holy Spirit! Not only is He able to investigate and translate the moaning of our sorrow-filled souls, but swiftly carries them to The Master’s listening Heart.

As we cry out to Him, much to our delight yet usually unbeknown to us, Your Presence has crept in, invaded, overshadowed and decapitated the gloominess of this prison cell pulling me up and out of the web that had so easily ensnared my soul. Where fear, doubt and confusion once raged, Your quietness whispers words of consolation, infusing and invigorating my wearied soul with such sweet unspeakable joy. Straight away, my sullen countenance is overwhelmed by the Luster from Your smile as You, in passing, suddenly wink at me!

As we still ‘self’ to listen obediently, You instruct our heart to follow the leading of Holy Spirit into a state of Blissful Peace that’s so far beyond my own understanding. (Ref. Isaiah 26:3)

Coming to myself, I am subliminally aware of my surroundings, and what I believed to be prison is just another developing room where You’re secretly hiding me; making me all that you have destined me to BE—COMES! MY DEVELOPING ROOM! #PURPOSE

SELAH!

Pause, Ponder, Pray & Praiz!

Ann Caffee

THE PERFECT STORM

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THE PERFECT STORM 2

SELAH Daily Devotions!

 

“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?

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 and others were rudely awakened to the undeniable existence of racism in The Land of the Free? Yep! Yep! #thoseweredadays!

The point is, despite the torrid winds of time, we survived!

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, if we keep our eyes pointed Heavenward, we too can 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 THE PERFECT STORM!

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

FILL ME UP LORD!

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FILL ME UP LORD3

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

 

In Ancient Near East, according to The Bedouin Law of Hospitality, it was the custom and duty to be hospitable to foreigners, strangers and travelers. The host was required by custom to provide food, water and shelter to the wayfaring traveler. In doing so the host was accepting the responsibility of protecting the traveler as long as he remains in his territory.

According to the historical Eastern culture tradition, 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 pure 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 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. However, thankfully, with God, it’s a tradition that never goes out of style. God’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 common arch-enemy, Satan to suppress the Children of God, enslaving you in small places, confined 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 trying times of tearful sorrow, wearied by disappointment, the 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) 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 guest, you’re not just getting leftovers, but you’ve got the keys to the whole house to enjoy the finest of provisions! 

Hence, 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 thanksgiving to overflow to the Glory of God. (Ref. 2 Corinthians 4:15)

Didjaheardat? Well, whatcha say?

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

SELAH!

Pause, Ponder, Pray & Praiz!

 Ann Caffee