Tag Archives: destiny

WHATZ UR THANG?

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WHATZ UR THANG

 

SELAH Daily Devotions!

Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me. Mark 10:21

 

This parable, commonly dubbed “The Parable of the Rich Young Ruler” is recorded in the each of the synoptic gospels. Most of the time when it’s preached, one of the first things that comes to our minds is “Oh shucks, here they go again trying to get my money”! But, hold on…there’s more meat to pick from that bone then our money!

As the scripture unfolds, Jesus is confronted by a young man running up to Him, kneeling down before Him, then asks Him a question. “Good Teacher, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?” In other words, ‘What can I do to be saved; what do I have to do to make Heaven my eternal home?” Jesus responded, ‘Why you asking me…the only one qualified to answer that question is God!’ And Jesus continues, ‘You know the commandments that Moses told you…you’re a Jew.’ And begins to quote from the 10 Commandments the 7th, 6th, 9th and the 5th Commandments.

Upon hearing this, the young man pompously proclaimes, ‘Oh that’s it, well I’ve been doing that since I was a kid, I’m straight then’. To which the Loving Shepherd responds, “One thing you lack; go your way, sell whatever you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven and come, take up the cross, and follow Me.”

The Bible teaches that when the rich young ruler heard these words, ‘he was grieved in his heart and went away sorrowful, because he had great possessions.’

Imagine that, ONLY One Thing! Now religious folk tend to think that Jesus was telling the rich ruler that his greed was enough to make him miss heaven. Some self-righteous others might say that his love of money outweighed his compassion for the welfare of his fellow human beings and that would disqualify him for heaven. However, might I offer, for your consideration, perhaps Jesus was trying to teach this young man (and what God is saying to us), is that the young man’s response was merely symptomatic of a greater issue—the failure to recognize the Lordship of Jesus Christ and a lack of trust in God’s ability to take care of him! WOW!

While it is true that those who have great riches, fame, influence are more likely to put their confidence in their money and in themselves than those who are impoverished and have to depend on The Hand of God for their daily bread, Jesus was not teaching, as some assume, that only those who are living in poverty, barely making it from payday to payday, can go to heaven! The Devil is a Liar!

However, could Jesus have been saying that it is virtually impossible for any man to be saved apart from God’s Mercy, Grace and Power? With men, it is impossible …but not with God! (Ref. Mark 10:27)

I believe each us can think of somebody that we know, who didn’t make it, but truthfully, it could’ve, it should’ve, it would’ve been me and you, BUT GOD! “And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.”1 Corinthians 6:11

None of us know what tomorrow holds for us, but as you advance to the close of our God-ordained destiny for 2018, arm yourselves with this mindset, “But I keep under my body, and bring [it] into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway. (Ref. 1 Corinthians 9:27)

Hence, it behooves each of us to ask Holy Spirit to search our hearts, daily, and then give us enuff GRACE to let go of ‘that thang’ that He reveals to us that’s occupying the Throne of our hearts, reserved for God Alone! #ijs!!! #Didjaheardat? 

Remember, it only takes ONE THANG 2 EARN ETERNAL DESTRUCTION! BUT, THE GOOD NEWS IS THAT JUST ONE DROP OF THE SANCTIFYING BLOOD OF JESUS STILL WASHES US WHITE AS SNOW! WHATZ UR THANG? #COVEREDWITHMERCY&GRACE

SELAH!

Pause, Ponder, Pray & Praiz!

Ann Caffee

SURRENDER??

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SURRENDER

 

SELAH Daily Devotions!

 

“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.” Matthew 11:28-30 The Message

 

Back in the old’n days, one of my favorite things to do was watching the westerns on our black and white tv’s. Yeah! Those good ol’ shootem ups (as Daddy called them)! The bad guys always wore the black hats and the good guys never lost a fight. I remember, there would always be that scene when the bad guys would be hemmed in a cabin, a barn, or a dead end road, surrounded by the posse of good guys, with no way out! The sheriff would call out, ‘We’ve got you surrounded, so throw your guns out!’ ‘And come out with our hands up!’ After a moment or two, you’d see a white hankerchief being waved out of a window or door and the bad guy would holler, ‘Don’t shoot, we’re coming out’! They’d come stumbling out of their hiding place with both of their hands in the air high above their heads to surrender. Boy, those were the days, huh?

Surrender! WOW! That word is almost as bewildering as ‘commit’, right?

We stand in the sanctuary with our hands lifted in the air sanngin, “I surrender all, I surrender all, all to Jesus, I surrender, I surrender all!” However, what does it mean to surrender to Jesus? Surrender is just another way to say, submit! Ooops dat didn’t help much, huh?

Even Christians sometimes find this task elusive. Although we love the idea of receiving Christ as our Savior, we struggle to master the concept of surrendering according to The Word of God! Could it possibly be, because it grinds up against our pride and the innate insatiable need of being in control? #ijs

One day Saul, found himself in a strange place. And he did just what a lot of us do when we hear the Voice of God calling us to another level of anointing. Saul went and hid behind some stuff! But because God’s Word must come to past, Saul could not stay there. Eventually, Saul came out from his hiding place, threw up both his hands, and surrendered to the Will of God for his life! (Ref. 1 Samuel 10:22)

What stuff are you hiding behind? What’s keeping you from surrendering to Jesus? Are you hiding behind fear and anxiety of failure or succes? Is it doubt and personal insecurities? Perhaps it’s self righteousness or your own will! Could you be using your family or friends as an excuse for not embracing your destiny? Or, do you need to come out from behind your past and your sins?

Perhaps today, you’re surrounded, hemmed in, backed into a dead–end—no—win—place, let me assure you it ain’t what it looks like! God’s got you just where He wants you. Trust2know, it’s gets a whole lot easier to surrender when you know that it’s JESUS calling you to come!

When you get the revelation that God is simply asking you to trust your entire being to the Faithful Loving Care of the Unconditional Lover of your soul, you can throw down any and everything that’s hindering you from moving into your next phase of His Glory and gladly run to the shelter of His Almighty Arms! Afterall,  you said you wanna be like JESUS, huh? Your life is not your own. Remember, you were purchased by The Blood of The Precious Lamb of God!

‘My Beloved, empty out your heart; give in to Jesus and submit your all to My Will for your life. Stop resisting and yield! Give Me the right of Way in your life!’ #didjaheardat?

MAKE TODAY THE DAY THAT YOU SURRENDER YOUR ENTIRE EVERYDAY LIFE TO YOUR GOD! LET PEACE BE YOUR ANCHOR AND YOU’LL DISCOVER THAT JESUS ALONE IS THE REST FOR YOUR SOUL!

DON’T BE SCARRED! HIS GRACE IS ALWAYS SUFFICIENT TO UPHOLD AND CARRY YOU THRU, BY ANY MEANS NECESSARY, FROM WHEREVER YOU ARE TO WHEREVER HE’S CALLING YOU TO! IN JESUS NAME. IT IS SO! SURRENDER!

SELAH!

Pause, Ponder, Pray & Praiz!

Ann Caffee

THE CROSS AND THE CROWN

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THE CROSS AND THE CROWN

 

 

SELAH Daily Devotions!

 

Anyone who does not carry his cross and follow me cannot be my disciple. Luke 14:27 NIV

 

Ever looked at anyone and admired their zeal, confidence, positive attitude and their success? Who hasn’t, right? Ever looked at somene and (secretly of course), coveted, envied, wondered why did they get all the breaks and not me? No? Right! #Juswondering

Well, for those of us who’re yet awaiting our hallos and wings, it’s not that uncommon to envy those who appear to have so easily overcome adversity, conquered conflict and triumphed to the pennacles of prosperity! That is, until we discover the real story behind their glory! As the Scripture reveals, the mind of a man plans his way, but The Lord directs his steps. (Proverbs 16:9) Unless you were born late last night or arrived on the planet earth early this morning, you already know that the journey of life is filled with just as many moments of misery as merriment. It matters not whether you were born sucking on the proverbial silverspoon, sprawled out on the back pew or crouched behind the dumpster, trouble, test, trials, tragedy and tyranny will be a non-discrimnatory uninvited interruption. (Ref. Job 14:1)

Every man must bear his own cross! But thanks be to God! The Omniscient Creator of The Universe has strategically ordained every single step and stop to assure that His Purpose for each one of our lives be fulfilled! The goal of our Lord for His Beloved is that we be transformed into His Image, demonstrating His character and reflecting His Glory into a dark, lost, dying, hellbound world. Sometimes, this process demands enduring physical, emotional and spiritual discomfort as we learn to walk by faith and not by sight, trusting wholly in The Faithful Lovingkindness of Our Invisible Savior!

However, The Master Architect works it all together for our greatest good and His Highest Glory! (Romans 8:28) Our Heavenly Father Sovereignly designs the exact dimensions of length, width and depth of the cross you’ll need to carry you safely across the tumultuous rivers, through dry valleys enabling you to meticulously ascend to predestined mountaintops enroute to your Eternal Destiny.

Kinda makes you go, uuuummm? Huh? Exactly! Can you really afford to judge another man’s crown?

Now imagine The Cross that Jesus carried, not for Himself,  not for us; not for them…BUT 4 ME!  YOU SEE, UNTIL WE MAKE IT PERSONAL, IT NOT REAL! Don’t know about you, but it makes me wanna holla and throw up both my hands, HALLELUJAH! THANKYA JESUS!

YOUR CROSS! YOUR CROWN!

SELAH!

Pause, Ponder, Pray & Praiz!

Ann Caffee

DISCOURAGED BY THE WAY

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DISCOURAGED BY THE WAY

 

SELAH Daily Devotions!

 

And they journeyed from Mount Hor by the way of the Red Sea, to compass the land of Edom and the soul of the people was much discouraged because of the way. Numbers 21:4
God had kept His promise to deliver His people out from under the gruesome bondage of their Egyptian captors. Time and time again, they saw The Mighty Hand of God’s miraculous power triumph over their enemies and now they were on the way to their prosperous place finally free to serve their God!

Yet, the very first time one of their enemies refused them passage through to the Promised Land, the people of God became so discouraged and began to murmur and complain. Some even had the nerve to accuse God of making promises that He couldn’t keep. IMAGINE DAT?

It’s amusing, how we tend to judge them so harshly! As if we would’ve handled the situation any differently, huh?. Hind sight is always 20/20. And in retrospect, given the way we’ve responded in our personal wilderness experiences, we probably can relate a whole lot more than we’d be willing to acknowledge in public. Really?

Nevertheless, we must admit that there are important lessons to be learned from the Israelites. Such as, don’t be deceived just because it appears that it’s taking too long to receive that thing God has promised. Be careful that you do not allow discouragement to cause you to murmur and complain about the way that God is leading you.

Don’t ever forget to be grateful for God’s provision while you’re  enroute to the promised land. And above all, never allow your past nor present circumstances to dictate your future.

While trouble might be on your itenerary, it’s not your destiny! Remember Job? (Ref. Job 23:10) Trust that God knows the way that you take! Not only is He your Guide but He’s also your Guard! 
 
DISCOURAGEMENT IS TOXIC. IF LEFT UNCONFINED,  IT WILL KILL THE FAITH OF A BELIEVER! #DIDJAHEARDAT? WELL..PRAIZ HIM ON THE WAY! #ijs

SELAH!

Pause, Ponder, Pray & Praiz!

Ann Caffee

 

THAT’S LIFE!

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THAT'S LIFE

 

SELAH Daily Devotions!

 

Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Proverbs 3:5-6 
 

There’s one thing that each of us faces as we tread through this 21st Century, both believers or unbelievers, and that’s ‘The uncertainty”.  Yes, it’s pretty much a guarantee at some point during our day we will all face some degree of uncertainty.  Whether it’s wondering if we’ll have a job tomorrow,  will there be a massive storm or will the sun be shining, what will the traffic be like, what will I come home to, will I have the finances to take that much needed and earnestly anticipated vacation?
 
Life always entails a mist of mystery that one might reckon to a confusing road trip. Sometimes, we might know where we want to go, but we’re rarely aware of the congestion, structural delays, not to mention the inexplicable road signs that seem to hamper our getting from where we are to where we’re going.

I’m not trying to be flippant, neither attempting to diminish the level of frustration that we’re surely forced to endure, but if I might borrow from Frank Sinatra’s 1966 Hit Song, “THAT’S LIFE”!

It’s been my experience that The Divine Architect of our lives  generally doesn’t pre-announce the details of His Master Plan, nor does He tend to incorporate our suggestions (no matter how excellent we think they are), but works it all out, according to the Counsel of His own Will. (Ephesians 1:11-12) However, He does give us this confident assurance, that as we keep our focus and trust in Him, at the end of our journey we shall realize that every thing we’ve experienced has all been for our highest good and for His Greatest Glory! (Romans 8:28, Jeremiah 29:11)

My fellow sojourner, as we make our way along life’s terrain, remember that our every step and stop has been lovingly ordered by The Good Shepherd who has committed His Presence to be with us always!!

SO, EVEN WHEN WE DON’T KNOW WHY, WE DO KNOW HOW? THAT’S LIFE! 

SELAH!

Pause, Ponder, Pray & Praiz!
 
Ann Caffee

YOUR WATER IS BREAKING

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My Water Is Breaking

 

SELAH Daily Devotions!

 

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

SELAH!

Pause, Ponder, Pray & Praiz!

Ann Caffee

THE LORD’S PLANTING!

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the-planting-of-the-lord

 

SELAH Daily Devotions!

To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he might be glorified. Isaiah 61:3

 

How many times have you gone on a job interview and the prospective employer asked “Have you cheated on your spouse; are your child support payments current?  Have you ever lied, stolen, or gossiped in your life “? I hear a overwhelming,’NOT EVERRRR!’ Of course not! In fact, we have laws to protect us from these kinds of civil infractions, right?

Quite frankly in this 21st Century New Millennium Age, it’s all about your gifts and talents; and generally, people no longer give a whole lot of credence to a man’s character. #ijs! It’s all about getting it done! However, there’s a significant difference from Heaven’s perspective and ours!

God doesn’t need your gifts in Heaven! Jesus is there! He, The Living Word of God, is The Greatest preacher, teacher, psalmist, physician, counselor, architect, carpenter, interior designer, botanist, etc…Ever! Hence, God looks at the heart of a man to determine our eligibility for HIS usefulness! (Ref. 1 Samuel 16:7)

The Eternal Creator God has strategically planted us in specific locations in the earth, giving each of us a purpose and a destiny. We have been equipped and fitted, physically and spiritually, to carry out that which He has called us to do every single day, one step at a time. Jesus made it clear what we are to do while we’re here, “Go ye into the world and spread the good news, make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of The Father, Son and Holy Spirit (Ref. Matthew 28:19)

We are commissioned by The Univeral Commander and Chief, The Lord Jesus Christ, to do His bidding and to recruit as many others as we can for the work of His Ministry, reconciling lost souls to our Heavenly Father! (Ref. 2 Corinthians 5:18)  While the harvest is indeed plentious; it’s hard to find good help these day!  WOW! #DIDJAHEARDAT?

This task can be daunting, not because of GOD! But because sometimes we get pre-occupied, trying to impress or fit in with everybody else, that we fail to maximize the creative potential that God has put in us!

Coud it be that some of God’s people have become so relaxed in the lap of self-serving apathy; intoxicated by the kings’ wine that we’ve neglected to share the“wine that maketh glad the heart of man, and oil to make his face to shine, and bread which strengtheneth man’s heart? (Psalm 104:15)

It’s almost as if some of us have forgotten this is not our home! As Grand-Ma would often remind me, “Babygurl, I didn’t come here to stay!”

OUR MISSION, IF WE CHOOSE TO ACCEPT IT, IS TO OCCUPY THE FIELD UNTIL THE GOOD MASTER RETURNS! STILL PLANTED? #OMG!

 

SELAH!

Pause, Ponder, Pray & Praiz!

Ann Caffee

 

INVITATION TO LIFE

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INVITATION 2 LIFE

 

SELAH Daily Devotions!

“HO, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy and eat, yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price. Wherefore do ye spend money for that which is not bread? And your labor for that which satisfieth not? Hearken diligently unto me, and eat ye that which is good, and let your soul delight itself in fatness. Incline your ear, and come unto me, hear and your soul shall live, and I will make an everlasting covenant with you, even the sure mercies of David.” Isaiah 55:1-4

Congratulations, you made it! Despite the much anticipated threat of total collapse of “Y2K”, not only have you crossed over into the 21st Century, a brand New Millennium, we’ve made it well into 2015!

For us, Baby Boomers, amazingly, we’ve become the “Jetson’s”! While those old b/w sci-fi movies depicted a slightly different reality of this Age, we’re still part of a New Era. Some might even venture to say we have finally arrived, or have we?

Many have emulated into the melting pot of the Great American Dream. More Yuppies and Buppies flood the airways and highways than ever before. Yes, we heard the blast of the information age with our computer technology. Just about every home in the country enjoys satellite, cable, digital TV, dishwashers, microwave ovens, desktops, laptops, Ipads,  (in just about every room). Not to mention how passionately we cling so to our Iphones to assure accessibility and flood the planet with selfies. After all, gotta stay connected at all times, right? On just about every corner, you’ll find a Drive-Thru offering you anything/everything from dinner to a wedding ceremony! Who knew? Yeah, you made it all right, or have you?

The Brothers got Black Power and the Sistas got ‘Loosed’ and the world is yet going on! However in the midst of all this ‘going on’, sometimes… we find our lives cluttered, messed up, and downright jacked up! In the quest for contentment, somehow… you’ve ended up desolate and stressed out! Instead of living the blissful life you dreamed of, many of us are struggling to survive this IMITATION OF LIFE! What’s missing?

Keep on living and you’ll inescapably ascertain that the latest will inevitably be replaced by the next!

Life is more than mere existence or striving to accumulate a bunch of stuff that will never quench the insatiable thirst or fill that deep-centered inexpressibly annoying sense of null and void.

Thanks be to God! There is Hope! Amidst the drama, trauma, tragedies and chaos, there is a Voice calling out to anyone who has an ear to hear. Shhhhh! Didjaheardat? IT’S JESUS!

Through Jesus Christ, God is extending a personal invitation to a life so extravagantly blessed that it’s far beyond this world! If you have Jesus, you have eternal life! (Ref. John 10:10; Hebrew 3:15)

WOW! There it is again!

TODAY, WHEN YOU HEAR MY VOICE, INCLINE YOUR HEART TO MY INVITATION TO REAL LIFE!
SELAH!

“Have a WONDER-FILLED life!”

Ann Caffee

LEAVE THE REST 2 JESUS!

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LEAVE THE REST2 JESUS 4

SELAH Daily Devotions!

“Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief” (Heb. 4:11)

 

There is a certain ‘place’ that every human, believer or unbeliever, inevitably seeks  to inhabit. However, you can’t locate in on Map Quest, Google or GPS. Amazingly, given all of the sophisticated technological advancement of our 2lst Century, it can’t be seen by telescope, satellite or heard by electronic ultra sonic sound systems. You can’t travel there walking, driving or riding in a bus, train, plane, rocket, cruise liner, submarine or battle ship!

Nevertheless, many a lifetime is spent meandering through days and nights pursuing it! Unfortunately, few ever get there. Some get closer than others, yet they’re left disappointed. For reasons unbeknownst to them, before they’re able to get a firm grasp, some way and some how, ‘it’ escapes to just beyond reach. Many have sought for it at the pinnacle of corporate, academia or entertainment world. Only to ascertain that despite the success, accolades, notoriety, wealth and privileges of the elite, there yet remains this insatiable unfulfilled inner-quest!

Where is this place that continues to evade so many a desperately wandering soul?

In case you haven’t figured it out, it’s called ‘REST’! And the reason so many fail to reach it, is because it is not a place but a person; and His Name is JESUS!

According to these Scriptures: “And to whom sware he that they should not enter into his rest, but to them that believed not?” (Heb. 3:18)

“Seeing therefore it remaineth that some must enter therein, and they to whom it was first preached entered not in because of unbelief” (Heb. 4:6)

Apparently, that which is impossible to man is always possible to God! (Ref. Matthew 19:26)

Didjaheardat? Amazingly, the very moment anyone places their ABSOLUTE trust in The Saving Grace of The Lord Jesus Christ, they have finally arrived, safe and sound, at their Destination—REST!

So do what you can. Pray about anything; trust God for everything and LEAVE THE REST TO JESUS! #GOTIT?? Aaawwwwmmmaaaazzzzzin!

SELAH!

Pause, Ponder, Pray & Praiz!

Ann Caffee