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WHAT? FAITH-Based INITIATIVE!!!

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WHAT FAITH-BASED INITIATIVE

SELAH Daily Devotions!

And it came to pass, when the Philistine arose, and came, and drew nigh to meet David, that David hastened, and ran toward the army to meet the Philistine. 1 Samuel 17:48

Therefore David ran, and stood upon the Philistine, and took his sword and drew it out of the sheath thereof, and slew him, and cut off his head therewith. And when the Philistines saw their champion was dead, they fled. 1 Samuel 17:51

 

Honestly, still not sure when it happened! Anyhow, us ‘baby-boomers’, have witnessed some major transformations to the systemic culture of this nation and the world at large!  We’ve seen the  so-called ‘powers that be’ set into motion a myriad of legal and judicial orders, reforms and deregulations calling for separation of church and state, which under the radar, were unquestionably directed to push the very Presence of God out of the focus of our daily lives.

This Satanically-induced plot was introduced under the guise of safeguards to protect our human rights, freedom of speech, freedom of religion, freedom of choice, etc. But while the flesh was enjoying its emancipation from the ‘antiquated codes of morality’ and moving into the land of parta hardy, it’s your thang, do what you wanna do, we were lured into a false sense of security. Never realizing that there would be consequences of this so-called liberation. When you eliminate God from the equation, what you’re left with is hell on earth!

Along with free love, free sex, free drugs, fast money, came increase in teen pregnancy, abortions, STD’s (and worse), drug addictions, divorce, fatherless homes, suicide, fraud, just to name a few by-products of an ‘it’s all about me’ generation! WHO KNU?

In January 2001, President George Bush signed an Executive Order establishing a program that would ‘Rally America’s Army of Compassion’ to stimulate and enable private, charitable and religious organizations to access federal funds for social service programs to address the rising challenges and concerns that the nation was experiencing. At least, these were the “TALKING POINTS”  of  what The White House Press Release report.

But in ‘laymen’s terms’, America was jacked up, unraveling at the roots, and they were clueless as to how to turn this mess around! Hence, somebody realized that the Church was the only real hope to preserve this nation. They invited churches and community leaders to come get this free money (grants) and do something to calm the restless beasts who were getting out of hand. Perhaps you’ve already guessed, this program was dubbed ‘Faith-Based Initiatives’.

#IJS! If the world got sense enough to know that God is the ONLY ONE who can fix the wiles of this world, what’s up with the real faith-based people—THE CHURCH OF THE LIVING GOD? Decades have passed, and what’s changed? TRUTHBTOLD, this world has pludged deeper into the depths of apostacy than we ever could’ve imagined!  Looking through the lense of the natural eye, which is generally aimed at getting a few more dollars in my pocket, unfortunately many (saved and unsaved) are rallying around the insane partisan ideology of  “LET’S MAKE AMERICA GREAT…AGAIN!

What are we waiting for? When will we start taking some faith-based initiative and start walking in the power and authority that we shout about in the sanctuary?

According to today’s scripture text, 1 Sam 17:45-51, we see one individual, David, who was bold enough to actually put his faith to work to impact the environment and to make a difference in the lives of the people. May I submit for your consideration, that the underlying strength of Satan’s kingdom is the persistently passive complacent ‘Saint.’ His whole kingdom is utterly reliant upon what I call the ‘spirit of toleration’ that has many believers shut-up and locked down by a ‘victim mentality’. DON’T SHOUT ME DOWN, NAH? #ijs

The Apostle James says, ‘You show me your faith without works, and I’ll show you my faith by what I do’. (Ref. James 2:14-26). The devil is not impressed because your faith gets a bigger house, a new car, 20 credit cards—for a season.  While you’re walking around so high and lofty=minded, that thieving liar knows that with you paying 32% interest rates, any time he’s ready, he can pull the rug right out from under you!  However, what Satan really fears is ‘a BELIEVING BELIEVER’ who actually takes their faith to the trenches of the marketplace, hospital rooms, schools, court room, prisons, crack house, state house and certainly not into your own house!-

Unfortunately, many of God’s elect have become lethargic, disgruntled and are merely biding their time, waiting for Jesus to show up and rapture them off to Heaven? Can you imagine what could happen if instead of blaming God for what’s going on in the earth somebody would actually believe that God is Sovereign and satan ain’t running nothing?  Quess ain’t nobody got time for dat, huh?

Saints, this is war! Like David, when challenged by Goliath, we must stop waiting for the devil to make his next move. The Bible says, “Since the days of John The Baptist, the Kingdom of God has suffered violence, but the violent shall take it by force.” (Matthew 11:12)

It’s time for the Church to take the initiative and confront the devil on our terms! God has given us weapons of mass destruction that enables us to pull down Satan’s strongholds — THE WORD OF GOD, PRAYER & PRAIZ!  “If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land”. 2 Chronicles 7:14

Those who recognize their Godly lineage and legacy, will not be content to sit behind the doors of the church, bracing for the devil’s next blow. There’s a remnant of true believers, who will activate their faith, as the Anointed Army of The Living God, and take dominion over the works of the kingdom of darkness!

Precious Warrior, God has not given us the spirit of fear, but a holy bodacious faith!

#SATANICSPOILERALERT! We ain’t scarred to let the devil know, “I am not losing my mind and I’m not giving in! I will bless The Lord at all times! I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me! I’m fully persuaded that Greater is He that’s in me. I am more than a conqueror through Christ and ain’t no devil in hell gonna walk on the Jesus in me! NOW BACK UP OFF OF ME, YOU LYING DEVIL!”

Didjagetit? NOW, GET UP AND DO SOMETHING! TAKE SOME FAITH-BASED INITIATIVE!

SELAH!

Pause, Ponder, Pray & Praiz!

Ann Caffee

 

WEIGHT ON THE LORD…STILL!

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WEIGHT ON THE LORD...STILL

SELAH Daily Devotions!

 

I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD. Psalm 27:13-14

Cast your burden on the Lord, And He shall sustain you;He shall never permit the righteous to be moved. Isaiah 55:22

 

A few years back I shared a similar post. Yall remember, I testified about that morning  I’d began my morning routine of preparing my coffee, glancing casually at the TV screen and hearing the early morning’s BREAKING NEWS reporting that sometime during the nite, while most of us slept in the comfort and safety of our homes, a group of bomb-strapped terrorist had stormed into a Pakistani school house killing over 120 people, including a number of 1st to 6th grade students, teachers and anyone else who crossed their sight lines! As I began filtering my hearing to the commentator, he continuied on to say that Isis had proudly stepped up, acclaiming responsibility for this heinous act in retaliation for a previous attack against their forces!

Precious Ones, this morning with a soul ladden with gut-wrenching sorrow, can I tell ya that the more things change, the more things stay the same! While we all hope and pray that these tragic incidents are just isolated bleeps on the scape of human history, it seems as if the worst just keeps on falling to new depths of low and lawlessness! Once again while the students of  a Parkland, FL HS were busy going out their daily class room activies,  a sin drenched soul stepped out of obscurity and began to assisinate at least 17 of his  former classmates!

Perhaps, my greatest sadness is buried in the reality that while  yet revolting, tragedy seems to have losted its fervidness to either shock or surprise us! 

I remember coming back up stairs that morning and asking my husband whether or not he’d heard about it, and he had. Almost simultaneously, both of us asked “What is this world coming to”? ” It’s as if nothing is sacred, nothing is restricted by basic human morality!

Then quite suddenly, the Holy Spirit cut into our conversation with an astounding; “The End!” I repeated, as if the light had just been cut on. “The End!” The world, as we’ve known, is coming to an end, in live and living HD color! Who would’ve imagined that the enormity of the extremely wicked cruelty episodes would be repeatedly perpetrated against even the most naive amongs us?

Those of us who claim The Name of Christ truly believe that this ol’ world has already been judged and condemned, right? YET, how many of us genuinely expected that The 21st century generation would be eye witnesses to the actualization of the antiquated prophetic utterances of God’s servants., huh? #SERIOUSLY???

I can still recall praying, “Lord, as Pastors, preachers, teachers, evangelists, your servants, what are we supposed to do? How can we continue to preach trust and hope to comfort and encourage your people surrounded by the presence of lawless gross darkness? Especially when we ourselves are fainting, wearied, overwhelmed and being choked by the cords of cares and chaos!”

Then, Thanks Be To GOD, Holy Spirit so abruptly interrupted my self-induced saga; “Tell them about JESUS! After all He is The Only Hope of the World! Preach, JESUS! The Eternal Light that yet shines out of the darkness. Remind them that all these things MUST be before The Kingdom of God ushers in The New Life! Hail to the scattered sheep that NOW is the time for Salvation! Warn them that time is winding up, spiraling intently towards eternity and NOW is the time to prepare to meet their Master in peace; for He could show up at any minute!”

“Encourage your fellow-sojourners to take full advantage of these days, not trembling in fearful foreboding but celebrating God all day, every day!”

Suddenly my mind drifted back to the wisdom of those ol’ skool Churrch Mothers! ‘Babygurl, you need to wear this world like a loose-fitting overcoat, that you can drop off at a moment’s notice!’ That was their way of reminding us that we are not home yet! We’re still passing through this barren land on our way to Heaven!

Beloved, if all your hope is wrapped up in what you can collect, seeking man’s approval and striving to attain society’s standard of success, then my precious one, the best you can expect to see in this world is constant decadence of morality and amplified misery. But as The Redeemed, we have an resounding advantage over those who are yet in darkness. GOD IS STILL GOD!

Hence, God is not surprised at anything that’s happening! He Reigns Supreme Ruler over ALL His Creation, astutely aware and actively involved in the intrinsic detailed affairs of man-kind! And to top it all off, God loves us with an Everlasting Love that compassionately invites us to come boldly before His Throne daily to find Hope AND Help in HIS Mercy and Grace!

“This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast ,and which enters the Presence behind the veil…” Hebrews 6:19a

Life is filled with change and challenges, and most of all unexpectaton! Nevertheless, our faith must be, rooted in The Certainty of The Eternal Love of God! Therefore, Beloved, we do not give up HOPE! BUT! As believers in The Testimony of Jesus Christ, we eontend for the faith, waiting patiently in earnest expectation, resting in quiet confidence and believing to see that THE ONE WHO HAS PROMISED IS FAITHFUL TO PERFORM! Didjaheardat?

YES, THE STRUGGLE IS REAL BUT GOD IS GREATER! WEIGHT ON THE LORD…STILL!

SELAH!

Pause, Ponder, Pray & Praiz!

Ann Caffee

 

A PERSONAL KEEPER!

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A PERSONAL KEEPER

SELAH Daily Devotions!

 

I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help…The lord is your keeper; The lord is your shade on your right hand. The sun will not smite you by day, Nor the moon by night. The lord will protect you from all evil…

PSALM 121:1; 5-7

 

If there’s one word that historians will attribute to cumulate this 21st Century Age it’s mostly likely be ‘grind’! #ijs! Ever notice how the millennials are always busy trying to get somewhere to do so much? I suppose that’s what being ‘goal oriented’ means, huh? Problem is that you miss so much of life on your way to getting to what you’re getting to! Gone are the days when folk looked forward to just relaxing! Seriously!

According to the scripture text, the pilgrims of old strived to meet the same needs and desires that we have, however, unlike the ‘fast-and- furious-go-get-it-for-myself’ mentality of today’s contemporaries, they recognized the value of preparing for personal encounters with the Only One Who could assure them of attaining  ultimate eternal success! As they ascended the pathways en route to the Temple, they geared-up their hearts and minds to enter into His Presence with songs of praise and adoration! I can hear ya nah! ‘AIN’T NOBODY GOT TIME 4 DAT!’ Really?

Chances are, the reason you’re still struggling to reach the epitome of ‘higher ground’ is because You still think you can do it all on your own! But God never intended man to do life independent of GODSELF! The saints of ol’ understood that without Him, I can do nothing!  Jesus is The Master Architect of man’s destiny! The heart of a man plans his way, but God establishes his steps! (Proverbs 16:9)

It’s been said that backndaday, the landscape of the hillsides were laden with numerous gods, in order not to exclude anyone from their individual right to put their trust in their personal preference, regardless of the inevitable hoping for help that would never come! Sounds uncomfortably  familiar, huh? Yet, there were a remnant of believers who lifted up their eyes, gazing towards Jerusalem, focusing all of their faith-filled prayers to The True and Living Sovereign Creator and Sustainer of all Life, Jehovah! 

“He made heaven and earth, the sea, and everything in them. He keeps every promise forever.” Psalm 146:6

Many choose to deny the reality that there is a real devil who’s committed (for lack of a better term) to his 3-fold mission; strategically designed to impede the progress of God’s elect with a myriad of tests and trials, threatenening to demolish all hope of ever successfully achieving your goals and fulfilling your God-ordained purpose and destiny!  Nevertheless, when the inevitable happens, they’re confronted with these questions,  “What, NOW?”, “Where do I look? Who do I turn to?”  My Beloved, may I submit for your most earnest consideration, “If it’s not JESUS then you’re on treading on some very slippery ground!”

In case there’s any doubters left among the naive or  insurrectionists, we’re living in those times that Big Mama ‘nem called ‘the last of the last days’! Check the social media newsfeed! Reads like the Bible Prophecy materializing in real-time!  Hence, it behoves us to remember that God does not have ‘grand-children’! So, Mama might have, Daddy might have, BUT GOD BLESS THE CHILD WHO HAS ITS OWN PERSONAL RELATIONSHIP WITH JESUS! #IJS

By the way, don’t be in such of a hurry? Remember, how long He waited on you? What we generally think are delays are actually God’s mercy and grace allowing us the space for our faith to mature, converting our perspective to align with heaven and preparing us to live eternally in HIS PRESENCE! #GOAL!
In the meantime, stop complaining and doubting God! TRUST2KNO, EVERYTHING that you’ve gone through was divinely orchestrated to prepare you for what you never believed possible!

But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. Isaiah 40:31

This is the confidence of the faithful and obedient followers of Christ, wherever we are GOD IS! Standing in the shadow of the Almighty, our trust is firmly fixed in The ETERNAL GOD who is always aware of everything that concerns us, the Source of all our strength and able to keep us from all evil…FOREVER! 

Uuuuhhhh, #Didjaheardat? Awemaazing!

NOW RELAX! JESUS IS YOUR PERSONAL KEEPER!

SELAH!

Pause, Ponder, Pray & Praiz!

Ann Caffee

 

 

 

 

THURSDAYS’ PRAYERS!

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SELAH Daily Devotions!

GOOD MORNING FAMILY! GOTTA MOMENT? GREAT GOD ALMIGHTY!

We’re so glad that you’ve joined us in our Weekly Thursdays’ Corporate Fasting and Prayer! What an awesome honor and privilege our Heavenly Father has allowed us to leave the daily grind of chaotic drama and slip into His Presence, finding treasures of unspeakable solace that this world knows not of! Shall we enter in together?

Spirit of the living God, fall afresh on me! Spirit of the living God, fall afresh on me! Melt me, mold me, fill me, use me! Spirit of the living God, fall afresh on me… Spirit of the living God, fall afresh on us! Spirit of the living God, fall afresh on us! Melt us, mold us, fill us, use us, Spirit of the living God, fall afresh on us! Lord, I hear of showers of blessings, Thou art scatt’ring full and free! Showers of thristy souls refreshing! Let some drops now fall on me! Even me, Lord, even me! Even me, Lord, even me! Let some drops; Let some drops! Let some drops, now fall on me! Even me, Lord! Even…me!

 

Our Father and our God, here we come again! We come into Your Presence delighted by the earnest expectation that in Your Presence is The Fullness of Joy; at Your Right Hand are pleasure forevermore! We wanna say Thankya for being A Great God! We Thankya for being a Mighty God! We Thankya for being a Good God! Thanka for Loving us so! We Thankya for being our Creator and our God! We Thankya for being the Source and Sustainer of every living creature! None else is Worthy! None else to compare, none else to worship; none else to Save us! None else to Deliver us! None else to Heal us! None else to Keep us! For You ALONE ARE GOD!

Abba Father, we Thankya for waking us up one more today to enjoy the freshness of Your Amazing Grace, Tender Mercy and Lovingkindness and Compassionate Care! We acknowledge that it’s because of Your Faithfulness that we were able to sleep thru last nite and it’s this same Blessedness that will shield, strengthen, comfort and carry us throughout this day! There’s absolutely no doubt that nothing we did or ever could do that would make us deserving of so GREAT A SALVATION! For this cause we bow, in Holy reverence before Your Throne of Majesty! For You Are The Eternal King of Kings and Lord of Lords forever and ever! Amen!

Heavenly Father, we pause now, to say Thankya for sending Your Son Jesus to die for us, paying the price to free us from eternal death and hell, forgiving us,  enabling us to be reconciled, engrafted into Your Kingdom as adopted sons and daughters, inheritors of the same rights, privileges and benefits as Your First Begotten, Lord Jesus!

Precious Lord, we will be eternally grateful for Your Unconditional Love that continuously permits You to look beyond our frail, flawed, fickled and sin-lusting flesh to forgive us, cleanse us in The Precious Blood of Jesus, restore us to a right-relationship and planting us firmly in Your Word provide everything that we will ever need pertaining to life and godliness in this world and the world to come!

Jesus, we know that You already know everything about every single one of us, because You are Omniscient and Omnipresent, but because You walked among us, allowing Yourself to be tempted at all point as we are, You learned what we experience in these earthly tabernacles and therefore You can be touched with the feelings of our infirmities! As our Great High Priest, You are uniqely qualified to intercede on our behalf; continuously searching and conveying the thoughts, intents, emotions and physical weaknesses that we’re often unable to articulate to The Father of All Grace, Compassion and Comfort! We Thankya Lord, for being our Very Present Help!

Sweet Jesus, while we try to please You by trusting in Your Word, You know that sometimes, it’s difficult to over-ride the noise of the pestilence, the chaos of uncertainty and the pain of condemnation, guilt, and shame that seems to lure us into the valleys shadowed with danger, fear, anger, bitterness, anxiety, hopelessness and self-doubt! That’s why we gladly run to You, daily, to find the refuge, peace, restoration that You have prepared for any who would come to You in hope-filled assurance that You will never deny Your Word!

Heavenly Father, we’re forever blessing You for continuing to renew our strength, understanding and power as we open our hearts to You,  depending and relying only on You. And as we yield our being before you, we pray for those who are unsaved, we’re believing You to ignite a spirit of Godly-repentance that they may say “Sincere YES” in their heart and mind that they will have a desire to come running to You today and receive You as their personal Savior and Lord!

Lord, we’re believing You to put a “Committed YES” in the hearts and minds of every backslider today that this will be their day to come back to You and come back to YOUR church where they will be nurtured in The Way of of Holiness, empowered to live the rest of their lives as beacons of Hope to a lost and dying world!

Father, we’re praying that You will touch our brother, touch our sister who has been afflicted by all manner of sickness and disease, including the spirit of cancer, kidney failure, high blood pressure, low blood pressure and rebuke and cast it out at the root, for Your Name Sake! We come into agreement with your Word and declare that Your stripes have redeemed and healed us and we’re yet standing on your promises that the prayer of faith shall save the sick and raise them up, In Jesus Name! And as You are strengthening these, we ask that you also invigorate, encourage and replenish the spirits, minds and bodies of those who are charged to care for their loved ones!

Precious Lord, as always, we pray for every believer who is yet holding on to Your Hand by faith today, trusting that You will release Divine power, Supernatural strength, consolation, health, provision, restoration in marriages, prosperity and protection. We pray also Father, that You preserve us thru every test that You have Sovereignly summoned us to go thru and keep us constantly aware of YOUR PRESENCE, convicted and fully-confident that Your appointed time, You shall bring us out wholly restored, renewed, refreshed and with every reward as You have promised in Your Word.

Abba Father, we lift up our children, our children’s children and by faith, canceling every scheme that Satan desires to inflict upon them, committing them into Your Providential care! We realize that You have a plan and purpose for their lives too and we have the blessed assurance that every one of their steps and stops are being ordered by Your eyes!

Father, stir up the hearts and minds of those who are professing Your Name ! Give them a fresh anointing that will cause them to seek Your Face for an even greater personal, intimate relationship with their Creator God through fellowship of Holy Spirit that they might prove what is the good, perfect and acceptable will of The Lord Jesus!

Father we lift up every spiritual leader, asking an immediate manifestation of that special miracle for each and every one of them who are yet standing on the wall proclaiming Your Word under the conviction and anointing of Holy Spirit. Jesus, we’re trusting and believing that you will Grace them to be the examples in their homes, churches and community that will cause everyone who comes into contact with them to fall in love with You, trust wholly in and commit to live the rest of their lives serving You!

Knowing that You Sovereignly Rule and Reign over the affairs of mankind, we’re praying and thanking You for the government/legislative/judicial/armed forces/public service employee/ health-care providers/educational system and corporate leaders of our nation and this world! Heavenly Father, we’re praying that You will visit them in the night seasons with dreams and visions, warning them that He who is pregnant with evil and conceives trouble gives birth to disillusionment. He who digs a hole and scoops it out will fall into the pit he has made. The trouble he causes recoils on himself and his violent schemes will come down on his own head!

We’re asking that You endow the hearts of the saints with a peace that surpasses all understanding and the confident expectation that our times are in Your Hands! Regardless of the deceitfulness of this world, You have promised to protect, provide and preserve the righteous who trust and obey Your Word! Give us a sign of Your Goodness, that our enemies may see it and be put to shame. For You, Who searches minds and hearts will continue to shield, help, comfort and save those whose hearts are upright before You!

Father, we believe that every demonic-induced spirit of temptation, addiction, oppression, depression, rejection, self-hate, suicide, fear and failure is already defeated by Your Anointing and that the Spirit of Love, Power and Sound-mindness is being released now, in Jesus Name!

Father, we now rejoice in confidence and quietness, trusting wholly that all workers of iniquity are trembling and suddenly departing in shameful defeat! We praise You, confidently assured that You have heard the voice of our weeping, our supplications and received our prayers as sweet savor coming up before Your Sovereign Throne of Grace and Mercy, You will not withhold Your Mercy from us and Your Love and Your Truth is a wall around us!

Abba Father, we revere, honor and praise You now, for we trust and believe that In The Exalted Name of Jesus it is done! Amen 3X and IT IS SO!

SELAH!

Pause, Ponder, Pray & Praiz!

 

 

 

 

 

STUPEFYING!

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STUPEFYING

SELAH Daily Devotions!

 

And David said unto him, Fear not: for I will surely shew thee kindness for Jonathan thy father’s sake, and will restore thee all the land of Saul thy father; and thou shalt eat bread at my table continually. And he bowed himself, and said, What is thy servant, that thou shouldest look upon such a dead dog as I am? 2 Samuel 9:7-8
“Why me?”
 
How many times have we found ourselves spurting these words out of our mouths? Whether out of a sense of cynical-rhetorical contemptuousness or an overwhelming comeback to the lusciousness of God’s unexpected favoritism, we can all identify with Mephibosheth’s response to King David. (Ref. 2 Samuel 9) Especially, since none of us can honestly claim that we deserve to be so blessed in the first place, huh? Truthfully, any good that we do is generally accidental! So, as far as standing up to the standards of GOD’S RIGHTEOUSNESS, we’re all lame in both feet! (Ref. Romans 3:23) Can I get a holy Hallelujah and three AMENS?
 
But that’s the whole point! It’s the Wonder of God’s unmerited goodness that sets us apart from the rest of the world!
 
Knowing us from the inside-out, not just what you did–but why,  your Heavenly Father blessed you anyway! Despite all the justifiable circumstantial evidence to support our accuser’s objections, The Eternal Judge over-rules them, dismissing the case, covers you in HIS Royal Robe of Righteousness, leaving them (and sometimes even us) scratching their heads, dumbfounded and paralyzed uttering in amazement “What jus happened?” 
 
Creation clearly demonstrates God’s propensity for details. Behold, how marvelously God pieces the individual segments of our lives to fit perfectly jointed together for our highest good and His Greatest Glory! (Ref. Romans 8:28) His Handiwork, often mysteriously hidden behind the clouds, weaving the highs and the lows, the strides and the falls, the haves and the have nots, lovingly bonding the momentary to the eternal, paints a collage that captivates the attention of that passerby to stop and ponder; taking much needed periods of reflection, introspection, covetously inquires “Why not me?”
 
THANK GOD for that day when, like Mephibosheth, we finally get it! Casting off fear, we fall prostrate before our Benevolent Faithful King in humble obedience, with everlasting joy, declaring “For you O Lord are my Everlasting Hope!” (Ref. Psalm 16:5)

GOD SO LOVED…ME?  I KNOW IT MAKES NO SENSE, BUT…YES HE DOES!  AND HE ALWAYS WILL! #DIDJAGETIT???
 
SOOOO…WITH ABUNDANT JOY WE GRATEFULLY  SUCCUMB TO THE WONDER OF OUR GOD!  STUPEFYING, huh? #ijs #WOW!
 
SELAH!
 
Pause, Ponder, Pray & Praiz!”
 
Ann Caffee

A BURNING BUSH!

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A BURNING BUSH 1

 

SELAH Daily Devotions!

 

 

And the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a flame of fire out of the midst of a bush and he looked, and behold, the bush burned with fire and, the bush was not consumed. Exodus 3:2

 

Moses probably began this day just as he’d began many others. The scripture says, he was doing what he’d normally do; taking care of his father-in-law, Jethro’s, sheep when his day abruptly takes a turn from the mundane to the extremely unusual. Anybody ever been there?

They say, that there’s nothing unusual about finding a bush in the desert, yet it would certainly make anyone stop to ponder, at least momentarily, huh? The scripture said as Moses looked, he noticed that the bush was burning, but it was not consumed. Not only did the fire not burn the bush up, but then the burning bush began to talk.

Wow! God really knows how to get your attention!

Sometimes we’re so pre-occupied with the demands of our 21st Century lifestyles that we miss those Divinely-orchestrated Interruptions.  Oh, l  get it, we’re so purpose driven now – that we can’t dare to spare a moment. After all, time is money, right? Amazingly, our society has become so consumed with pursuing our desires, goals, getting our degrees, larger houses, cars, and yes even our families that somehow, we never seem to include God in our time-lines. I mean, really? Ever heard that saying,‘you got what you wanted but you lost what you had’?

I believe, that sometimes God will interrupt our active lives and draw us to the backside of a mountain into a desert place, just to get your undivided attention. In other words, sometimes God starts some bush fires! #ijs!!!

Remember, that situation that seemed to jus pop off out of nowhere and now all of a sudden it’s burning out of control, threatening your peace, your joy, even disturbing your well being. And let’s not forget about that family-drama? I mean, as soon as you think you got it under control, something flares up on your job. The bushes just keep on burning. Could God possibly be trying to tell you something?

Remember how sweet life was, bacndaday? You know, when America was Great!  My…my… my, how times have changed, huh?  As the ol’ folk used to say, ‘Who knew that there’d be days like this!’ Surely, we’re living in the last of the last days, huh?  

Glancing around, it looks like this whole world has turned upside down! What used to be right, is now called wrong, what used to be in is now out and ain’t nobody got time to seek God for His opinion of nothing no more!  Nevertheless, God’s Faithful Compassion refuses to be intimidated by our negligence! #DIDJAHEARDAT?

Remember, God was there, waiting for Moses all along, but it was not until Moses turned aside, did God reveal GODself! The next time you find yourself ambushed by bush fires, instead of pitchin’ a hissy-fit, murmuring. complaining and blaming God, take a moment and seek the face of God.  Hence, He knows what’s up the road and we don’t!

TRUST2KNO, GOD’S NOT ONE TO BE IGNORED! HE’S — A CONSUMING FIRE!

SELAH!

Pause, Ponder, Pray & Praiz!

Ann Caffee

Can You Hear Me Now???

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CAN U HEAR ME NOW2

 

SELAH Daily Devotions!

 

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

 

In today’s scripture text, we hear the testimonial of The Apostle Paul in response to The Lord’s prompting to go spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles. And we all know how that turned out, huh? GGGGLLLLORRRRRAAA 2 GOD! However, what stands out to me, is what Paul didn’t do!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The closer you get to JESUS the clearer He speaks and the sweeter His Voice becomes! #Didjaheardat?

WHEN YOU KNOW HIM, YOU WILL KNOW HIS WILL! WHEN YOU KNOW HIS WILL, YOU DON’T NEED TO CONFER WITH ANYBODY…BUT U GOTTA KNOW GOD’S VOICE4urself! #canuhearMEnow!

SELAH!

Pause, Ponder, Pray & Praiz!

Ann Caffee

 

BEHOLD OUR GOD!

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BEHOLD OUR GOD

SELAH Daily Devotions!

 

Behold, God is my salvation, I will trust and not be afraid, for YAH, the Lord, is my strength and song; He also has become my salvation. Therefore with joy you will draw water From the wells of salvation. Isaiah 12:2-3

Behold, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands; your walls are ever before me. Isa. 49:16

 

In light of prevailing gross darkness and prevalent winds of foreboding devastation and desolation in our world today, it’s no wonder that we’re stressed out, huh? Even those who have placed their faith in the Saving Grace of Jesus very souls have been vexed by the state of this nation! In answer to my prayerful inquiry, ‘Precious Lord, what’s going on?’,  I was incited by the Comforting Presence of Holy Spirit to review the words of God’s Prophet, Isaiah, speaking to the remnant of God’s Elect nation.

According to the text, once again, God’s people find themselves facing eminent danger of massive destruction, yet we hear Isaiah offering  words of warning and hope that we’d do well to glean from today! The Prophet encourages them that no matter what’s happening around you, don’t be afraid, but keep trusting and praising our God! Isaiah, knowing God inhabits the praises of His people, speaks to souls wearied by the consequences of unwise choices and reminds them that their only hope of deliverance was to remain steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of their Lord! (Ref. 1 Corinthians 15:58)

Saints, the first step in overcoming any challenge is to keep the main thing the main thing! God is Holy, Righteous and Just! While He must punish the unjust, His Anger does not last forever! Unlike many of our earthly fathers, YAH is our covenant-keeping God and remains a Faithful Father, Saving Strength, Shield, Provider and Redeemer to all who call upon Him! From His own Mouth, Abba Father promises to wipe away the tears from our faces and keep us in perfect peace just because we trust in Him! #Didjaheardat?  WOW! (Ref. Isaiah 25:8, 26:3-4)

Beloved, when life is out of your control, set your affections on The Eternal Hope of the Ages and not the temporary circumstances of this present time! Rest assured, Jesus is always in control!  God’s Word declares that you are the apple of His eye and He has tatooed your name in the palm of His Hands forever. (Ref. Psalm 17:8; Isa. 49:16)

In the midst of these unsettling times, I adjourn you to keep your eyes on Jesus, The Joy of your Salvation! Precious ones, when you can’t see no way, why not confuse hell and praiz JESUS anyhow! Don’tchaknow? At the mere mentioning of THE NAME OF JESUS demons tremble and the angelic host is put on alert!

Ooooh Yeah! TRUST2KNOW, The Great and Holy One of Israel is closer than ever before! Therefore, Precious Ones, don’t be deceived by temporary circumstantial evidence! Hold on to every Promise we’ve been given by your Covenant Keeping Lord and “Behold, he who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.”  (Psalm 121:4)  LOOK UP AND BEHOLD YOUR GOD!

SELAH!

Pause, Ponder, Pray & Praiz!

Ann Caffee

NOT THERE YET!

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NOT THERE YET!

 

SELAH Daily Devotions!

 

Ye have compassed this mountain long enough: turn you northward. Deuteronomy 2:3

 

It’s been a few years ago that Holy Spirit pricked my heart prompting me to ask this question, ‘ARE WE THER YET?’ I’m sure that it caused you to reminisce about the 2005 film starring Nick Persons (Ice Cube) Nia Long and Aleisha Allen!

Sadly, once again many of my fellow kinsmen in Christ find ourselves trapped in this dilemma (whether we’re willing to acknowledge it publicly or even privately)! What am I talking about, NOW? While it gladdens our hearts to acknowledge the tremendous strides that we, as a nation, have taken as it relates to establishing ethnic, gender and social equality in the land of the free, on the other hand, we’re yet haunted by the insidious pink elephant in the room, chanting “We ain’t where we used to be, but we sho ain’t where we ought to be!” Don’ lost half my church, again, huh?

Granted, it’s been the custom of many of our leaders to ascribe to the notion of ‘separation of state and church’, yet, there has been a subtle reformation amongst a few to sneak preach their opposition to those who have, in no uncertain terms, expressed their earnest and impassioned desires to repeal and replace the furtherance of political, legislative, economic, social and religious progressions of the more contemporized inclusive mind-sets of 21st Century millenniums with the more partisan-palatable-self-engrandising traditions of their ancestral culture. Oooh NO SHE DIDN’T! #uknowidid!

Quite honestly, the recent events of the past year and a half,  plainly affirm the vociferous premise, “We ain’t there yet”!  Down thru the years, those of us who have witnessed numerous infractions of the civil and domestic rights, defined by The U.S. Constitution, of every citizen of this nation, have been stupefied, shocked and yes terrified by the attitude and inexpiable restraint of those who consistently choose to ignore the obvious and supplant distractions in an effort to excuse the inexcusable activity that’s been perpetuated upon us DAILY, in live and in living HD coverage!

I must confess, personally,  it’s becoming increasingly difficult for the saved and sane, who sincerely endeavor to obediently follow after the heart of God, to fake stupid and go along just to get along! Some of us actually believed our Grandma and Maya Angelo, “If someone repeatedly shows you who they are, BELIEVE THEM!” #IJS!!!

Life has a way of teaching us two of the greatest deterrents to successfully reaching our goals: contentment and indulgence!  Again, I’m not trying to negate the credibility of The Apostle Paul’s revelation “Not that I speak in respect to want, for I have learned in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content (Philippians 4:11) However, I AM simply reverberating the apparent, if we linger here too long, our contentment becomes a comfort zone that potentially diminishes our hope, dreams and drive for reaching better…there! GOD FORBID!

God promised to bring His Chosen people into their good land, flowing with milk and honey! But when they got so comfortable going around Mount Horeb that they were willing to settle for a piece of God’s Promise, this became unacceptable! When do we grow-up into a level of spiritual maturity that exemplifies God’s perspective of righteousness? Not only is partial obedience disobedience, but it also robs Him of the opportunity to fully express His Glory!

Beloved, it’s time out for pointing our fingers at them Israelites and not looking at our own lives to recognize how many times we’ve settled for less than God was offering! Yes, we are not called out to fight as the world, nevertheless, the weapons of our warfare are still mighty thru God! (Ref. 2 Chronicles 7:14) BUT! When we get thru praying that effectual fervent prayer of the righteous that availeth much, we get up and vote, show up at the city council, town hall, school board, PTA and home-owners association meetings!

I dare U shout on dat?

Please hear my heart, Precious One, God said, “It’s time to head northward! Shake the dust of compromise off your feet and getta steppin—FORWARD”!

Let’s lift up our heads! Remember, “…the race is not given to the swift neither to the strong, But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved”Matthew 24:13!

Nawh, we might not be there yet, BUT…GREATER IS HE THAT IS IN US THAN HE THAT’S IN THIS WORLD! Let the Spirit of Caleb rise up in you, exhale the spirit of doubt and fear and trust GOD 2 PREVAIL THRU UR FAITH AND FEET!

ARE YOU ‘THERE’ YET? SERIOUSLY?

SELAH!

Pause, Ponder, Pray & Praiz!

This is Ann Caffee and I pledge my allegiance to The Gospel!

 

THURSDAYS’ PRAYERS!

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SELAH Daily Devotions!

 

GOOD MORNIN’ FAMILY! GOTTA MOMENT! AWEMAAZIN!

 

Welcome to a new day! Today, we’re excited that you have joined us in our Thursdays’ Day of Corporate Fasting & Prayer! Once again, we appreciate the opportunity and privilege to entreat The Presence of our Great High Priest, pouring out our hearts desires, petitions and supplications with Thanksgiving. We know that He delights in our embracing Him in earnest expectation, confident that He Who Rules Forever by His Power is able to save and deliver us from any of life’s maladies! Shall we pray?

Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine; O what a foretaste of glory divine! Heir of salvation, purchase of God; Born of His Spirit, washed in His blood! This is my story, this is my song
Praising my Savior all the day long! This is my story, this is my song; Praising my SAVIOR ALL THE DAY LONG! OOOOHHH, Sweet Wonder! OOOOH Sweet Wonder! Jesus, The Son of God! OOOHH SWEET WONDER! OH! SWEET WONDER! JESUS, THE SON OF GOD!

 

Abba Father, it is with great joy that we entreat Thy Seat of Mercy today! We’re confident that You have afforded us this awesome honor and privilege, not because we deserve it, but based solely on Your Loving-Kindness towards us, we draw nigh into Your All Encompassing Presence! Lord, we Thankya for Your Faithful Obedience to please The Heart of The Father by sacrificing Your Life in our stead, that we might become Sons of The True and Living God! And for this cause, we bow in humble gratitude, fully aware that as we come before you, empty and void of anything that would warrant such awesome graciousness, but because Your Righteousness, we are now the beneficiary of All that You are in the eyes of God!

Sweet Jesus, we know that You already know everything about every single one of us, because of Your Omniscience and Omnipresence! Because You walked among us, allowing Yourself to be tempted at all point as we are, You learned what we experience in these earthly tabernacles and can be touched with the feelings of our infirmities! Therefore You, as our Great High Priest, are able to intercede on our behalf continuously searching and conveying the very thoughts, intents, emotions and physical weaknesses that we’re often unable to articulate to The Father of All Grace, Compassion and Comfort! We Thankya Lord Jesus, for being our Very Present Help!

Precious Lord, while we try to please You by trusting in Your Word, You know that sometimes, it’s difficult to over-ride the noise of the pestilence, the chaos of uncertainty and the pain of condemnation, guilt, and shame that seems to lure us into the valleys over-shadowed with danger, fear, anger, bitterness, anxiety, hopelessness and self-doubt! That’s why we gladly run to You, daily to find the forgiveness, refuge, peace, restoration that You have prepared for any who would come to You in hope-filled assurance that You will never deny Your Word!

Heavenly Father, we’re forever blessing You for continuing to renew our strength, understanding and power as we open our hearts to You,  depending and relying only on You. As we yield before You, we pray for those who are unsaved, we’re believing You to ignite a Spirit of Godly-repentance that they may respond with a “SINCERE Yes” from their heart and mind sparking  an unquenchable desire to come to You today, accepting Your invitation of Saving Grace to be their Lord and Savior!

Lord, we’re believing You to put a “COMMITTED Yes” in the heart and mind of every backslider! Make today their day to come back to You and  back to YOUR church, where they will be nurtured, encouraged and trained in The Ways of Holiness that they might live everyday of the rest of their lives glorifying You to a lost and dying world as their personal Lord and Savior!

Father,  touch our brother, touch our sister who has been afflicted by any sickness and disease, including the spirit of cancer, kidney failure, high blood pressure, low blood pressure and rebuke and cast it out at the root, for Your Name Sake. We come into agreement with your Word and declare that Your stripes have redeemed and healed us and we’re yet standing on your promises that the prayer of faith shall save the sick and raise them up, In Jesus Name! And as You are strengthening these, we ask that you also invigorate, encourage and replenish the spirits, minds and bodies of those who are charged to care for their loved ones!

We pray also Father, that You preserve every believer thru the tests that they must go thru and keep them constantly aware of YOUR PRESENCE and fully-confident that You will bring them out wholly restored, renewed, refreshed and with the reward as You have promised them in Your Word. Release Divine power, Supernatural strength, consolation, health, provision, prosperity and protection!

Abba Father, as we lift up our children, our grands and great-grandchildren, we’re trusting You to cancel every scheme that Satan desires to inflict upon them! Realizing that You have a plan and purpose for their lives also, we’re committing them into Your Providential Care, with the blessed assurance that their steps and stops are being ordered by Your eyes!

Father, stir up the hearts and minds of those who are professing Your Name that we may have a desire for an even greater personal, intimate relationship with Creator God through fellowship of Holy Spirit that they might prove what is the perfect and acceptable will of The Lord Jesus!

Abba Father, as we lift up every spiritual leader, we ask for an immediate manifestation of that special miracle for each and every one of them who are yet standing on the wall proclaiming Your Word under the conviction and anointing of Holy Spirit! Dear Jesus, we’re trusting and believing You to Grace them to be the examples in their homes, churches and community that will cause everyone who comes into contact with them to fall in love with You, trust wholly in and commit to live their lives serving You!

Knowing that You Sovereignly Rule and Reign over all the affairs of mankind, Heavenly Father we pray, according to Your Will, for the leaders of our nations, local and national government, corporate, judicial, education, financial institutions! We’re asking that You touch the minds and hearts,  speak to them in dreams and visions and let them know that You Who Sit Enthroned Above the Heavens are keeping record of the deeds of every man’s heart and will reward accordingly! He who is pregnant with evil and conceives trouble gives birth to disillusionment. He who digs a hole and scoops it out will fall into the pit he has made. The trouble he causes recoils on himself and his violent schemes will come down on his own head.

Heavenly Father, as we close our prayer, we bring so many before Your throne O God. Deliver all those who are broken hearted, feeble in body and spirit, the one at a crossroad of life, the ones addicted to harmful substances, our armed forces, policemen, fire and rescue personnel, nurses, doctors, pastors and leaders, missionaries far and near! We’re trusting You to send peace where there is confusion, send love where there is hate, send unity where there is division. Bless the fatherless and motherless.

Father, we believe that every demonic-induced spirit of temptation, addiction, rejection, self-hate, suicide, fear and failure is already defeated by Your Anointing and that the Spirit of Love, Power and Sound-mindness is being released now as You Faithfully keep us ALL in your care. in Jesus Mighty Name! 

Father, we now rejoice  in confident quietness, earnestly expecting and trusting wholly that all workers of iniquity are trembling and suddenly departing in shameful defeat! We are eternally grateful that You have listened and receive our prayers as sweet savor coming up before Your Sovereign Throne! Your Love and Truth surround us as a wall and NO GOOD THING  will You withhold from us as we walk upright before You!

Father, we thank You NOW, for WE believe that it is done! In The Exalted Name of Jesus. Amen 3X and HALLELUJAH!

Now every child of God who is standing in agreement with this prayer, GO TELL SOMEBODY THAT JESUS SAVES!

SELAH!

Pause, Ponder, Pray & Praiz!