Tag Archives: life

THE WISDOM OF THIS WORLD

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THE WISDOM OF THIS WORLD

 

SELAH Daily Devotions!

 

For you have trusted in your wickedness; You have said, ‘No one sees me’; Your wisdom and your knowledge have warped you; And you have said in your heart, “I am, and there is no one else besides me.’ Isaiah 47:10

For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel; not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect. For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness, but unto us which are saved; it is the power of God…for after that in the wisdom of God, the world by wisdom knew not God; it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe. 1 Corinthians 1:17-18, 20

 

Granted, in this new Millennium Church Age,  some challenge the relevancy and even the validity of ‘The preaching of the Cross’!  After all, we have so much going on, so much information available to us right at the tips of our fingers! And of course there’s always so much to accomplish and so little time, huh? 

Well, guess what? Contrary to Millennial pop culture, God knew before we knew how long and how far mankind would go to avoid accountability!

According to 2 Timothy 4:3, ‘For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but having itching ears, they shall heap to themselves teachers in accordance with their own lusts.’

In other words, the focus would no longer be how to live a holy and sanctified life, in this present world, but folk would religiously come to church to scratch an itch, you know, to satisfy their hunger for more and some more of the WORLD’S creature comforts.  Of course they’d use a more palatable vernacular, such as, “Give me a ‘word’ that will tell me how I can supersize my life!” Or perhaps, “I’ll give you a part of my ‘free day’ if you can make it worth my while; you know, cheer me up, make me feel good (bring on the hype)! “A’int nobody got time for foolishness!” And we’d certainly be remiss to ignore this one—“You can’t judge me, God knows My Heart!” 

TRUST2KNO, you’re absolutely right! But the fact that that alone doesn’t terrify you is in itself “self-incrimidating’! Think about it, GOD is Omnipresent, Omniscient and Omnipotent! Thus, He’s everywhere at the same time, knows everything about everything and is able to do anything at anytime! Hence, wherever you go, whatever you think and whatever you do, never takes GOD BY SURPRISE! #WOW! #ijs! 
I know we shouldn’t be shocked—but C’mon! This prevailing attitude of  ‘entitlement’  amongst the household of faith? Yeah, I mean, we’re not talking about ‘worldly sinners’ we’re talking–Church Folks! Don’t shout me down, nah!

But to those of us who yet believe in the Testimony of Jesus Christ and the Gospel message of that ol’ rugged cross, the preaching of the cross is not foolishness, but it is the Power of God to save the sinner man who will dare to believe that The Word of God is True!

Frankly, it’s easy to understand exactly why the Deceitful Destroyer works so diligently to keep humanity blinded from The Truth.  If we were in his position, we wouldn’t want this Good News on blast in mainstream media, either!  Obviously!!  The Bible says, if they only knew ‘They never would’ve crucified Christ’ in the first place. (1 Corinthians 2:8) Well guess what, devil, You’re over 2000 years too late!
 
To the weary wanderer, The Cross is the Place of Refuge! To the lost, The Cross is the Center of the Universe, where Eternity collided with Time and Mercy and Grace unashamedly kissed each other! To the unlovable faint of heart, The Cross is The Power and Love of God openly revealed and freely offered in exchange for our rebellion against God! To the spiritually bankrupt, The Cross the Place of Welcomed Surrender– where, you give Him your all, He Gives You His All!

To those who’re trapped in darkness, The Cross is where the Light of GOD’S Amazing Grace is still shining—beckoning us before the day of gross darkness overtakes you—COME!

DIDJAHEARDAT? THE WISDOM OF GOD HELPS US 2 SAFELY NAVIGATE  LIFE, AVOIDING SATANIC SNARES AND TRAPS DESIGNED TO DEPOSE OUR ETERNAL DESTINY! BUT, THANK GOD 4 THE  FOOLISHNESS OF PREACHING! So who’s the real fool?

SELAH!

Pause, Ponder, Pray & Praiz!

Ann CaffeeI

 

A REASON 4 HOPE???

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A REASON 4 HOPE

 

 

SELAH Daily Devotions!

But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear: 1 Peter 3:15

 

Daily, the end-time prophetic utterances are being actualized in real-time-illustrated-sermons. You don’t have to be a Biblical Scholar or Seminar Theologian to recognize that we’re living in unparalleled times much like the Bible describes  as  “The Times of Jacobs Troubles”! Those of us who’re spiritually awakened are astutely aware that the end is nearer now than its ever been! The world, as we know it,  is spiraling towards Eternity and there’s absolutely nothing man can do to effectively change the course of Divine Destiny! Except humble himself and surrender his life to His Creator! The problem is, far too many are still unwilling to accept Truth even as it’s glaring at us right before our eyes. Why would we do such a thing? Perhaps as we intentionally investigate the Holy Writ, prayerfully, we might glean further insight into this uniquely human propensity.

And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. John 3:19.

Contrary to the personal opinions of many hirelings, The Bible never tells us that after we make the decision to live holy, as unto The Lord, that we can just relax stretched out on a flowery bed of ease.Yet, it does promise rewards of a better life than those who refuse to accept The Savior’s Amazing Grace!

Unfortunately some still opt to take the pathway of least resistance. Falling prey to the assumption that rejection liberates them from that pesky notion called ‘accountability’ ,preferring the more popular alleyway of “I’m the master of my own destiny; therefore I’ll do whatever seems right in my own mind for as long as I feel like it! And IF there is a GOD, then I expect Him to calculate my good and evil deeds and compassionately determine that since I’m not like so and so, He’ll let me come thru The Pearly Gates.”

Regrettably, sometimes even the ‘so-called-saints’ don’t fare much better! When challenged by unfavorable situations, fear and doubt will slither in, causing them to erroneously accuse and attack the Faithfulness of Jehovah Jireh revealing the shallowness of their faith with a,“Where are you GOD? Why is this happening to me? I am born-again, I’ve been baptized. I’m not perfect, but I deserve better than this. Besides, I thought we’re no longer under the Law but under The Dispensation of Grace. So EVEN if I still walk in unfaithful disobedience, God,YOU  know my heart, right?”

Ironically, the more holy your lifestyle, the more of a target of unsavory rejection and reproof you become to those who choose not to live Godly! Evidently, your Godliness testifies against their Godlessness! (Ref. 2 Timothy 3:12) Is there any wonder why OUR (those of us who actually believe that The Holy Bible is The Word of God) attempts to share ETERNAL TRUTHS are often ‘buked and scorned, castoff with disgust, as if we’re nothing more than an annoying nuisance? That is until The Adversary rips into their comfortable lives threatening to destroy their self-orchestrated world! #don’tshoutmedownnah!

Frequently, these frantic inquirers have no clue that trouble does not discriminate between the just and the unjust. In fact, it’s almost as if Satan gets a double-kick out of terrorizing the saints even more than those rebellious unbelievers. Kinda makes you wonder if demons are rewarded with trophies for bringing down God’s Elect, huh?

Nonetheless, God allows tests and trials to strike our lives, knowing full well that there’s a group of haters watching and waiting for your faith to fail and fall facedown! However, much to their dismay, God has fortified you to triumph with His Promise, “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.” Psalm 23:4-5

Hence, the greater the darkness, the brighter Light shines! It’s almost unfair, considering the supernatural advantage that we, who no longer rely on fate-based-circumstantial-evidence, have over the unregenerated souls. But, then again; favor ain’t fair!

When the world sees you still standing, having endured the sting of hell’s fiery darts, surviving the very same pitfalls, hardships and struggles, yet determined to sanctify our hearts, trusting God regardless of what the circumstances look like, I MEAN WOW! Talk about a REAL living testimony, huh?

Can you imagine the devastating gut-ravishing rage that your commitment to Christ causes in the Kingdom of Darkness? More importantly, can you imagine the joy shouting, thundering applauds, exuberant dancing erupting from Heaven’s angelic hosts, not to mention the cloud of witnesses cheering us on? (Ref. Hebrews 12:1) NOW DATZ AMAZING!

Beloved, TRUST2KNO, whatever we go through, we have The Blessed Assurance that our Victory is inevitable! Okay, now that’s just too good to keep to yourself!

That’s exactly why we gotta keep telling everybody that what we have reaches far beyond this world and RESTS SOLELY IN THE ETERNAL HOPE PERSONIFIED, THE LORD JESUS CHRIST WHO REIGNS FOREVER! #SOUNDREASONABLE? #WOW!!! OOOHH GGLORRAAAA!

SELAH!

Pause, Ponder, Pray & Praiz!

Ann Caffee

 

THE GOD WHO NEVER FAILS!

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THE GOD WHO NEVER FAILS

 

SELAH Daily Devotions!

 

The LORD gave them rest all around, according to all that He had sworn to their fathers. And not a man of all their enemies stood against them; the LORD delivered all their enemies into their hand. Not a word failed of any good thing which the LORD had spoken to the house of Israel. All came to pass. Joshua 21:44-45

 

Anybody remember, ‘integrity’? Barely, huh?

Apparently, it’s relevancy has been cast aside as an ol’ antiquated byword resurrected only as necessary to mete out convenient manipulation! Just look at what’s happening in this world! Emanating from The Oval Office down, people are being embolden by a demonic-induced spirit of deception to qualify and quantify truth to suit their own evil intent! Henceforth, we’re living amidst a broken, untrustworthy system of disillusionment Those who we ought to be able to believe and trust have proven to be profound liars, totally devious and temperamental! Unfortunately, without the assistance of Truth Personified, there’s little hope for distinguishing reality from fake news!

According to our text, the promise God made to Abraham while he was in Ur, was fulfilled generations later when God intervened on their behalf, driving out all the inhabitants of the land and allowing Israel to go in and conquer the land under Joshua’s leadership! Not only did God give Abraham’s ancestors all the land He’d promised but He also gave them rest all around! #Didjaheardat!

God’s miraculous deliverance proved there’s yet One, you can count on to be Faithful, Dependable and Unfailing! Family and friends may try to be there for you, but as history has revealed, sometimes they’ll let you down. But TRUST2KNO, no matter what you may be going thru, with GOD a delay is not a denial! GOD WILL NEVER LET U DOWN! GOD WILL TAKE CARE OF YOU! (Ref. Hebrew 13:5)

TRUTHBETOLD!  Even in those dark seasons when it seems as if GOD’S response was a direct contradiction to what you were believing for, yet while we’re indulging in our ‘internal WHY’, we must realize that GOD is not a man that He should lie and seeing beyond our circumstances, GOD always operates in HIS SOVEREIGN PURPOSE & HIS WILL!

I recognize that Millennials may not be able to personally attest to all the Great and Mighty works that The Lord has done for His Chosen African-Americans, but if I could pass the proverbial ‘mic’, undoubtedly, there would be cloud of witnesses extolling testimonies of God’s Divine Interruptions, preventing imminent disasters and devastation from dangers seen and unseen, giving way to ineluctable eruptions of glorious praiz and adoration, culminating in “If it had not been for the LORD on my side, I never would’ve made it!” Yeah Baby, The Lord has brought us a Mighty, Mighty long way! And Thanks Be 2 God’s Grace and Mercy, God’s not ‘nary thru blessing all who will genuinely repent and seek His face in Truth!

Beloved, there’s no denying it, the struggle is real! However, GOD IS GREATER! It’s through the tests, trials and disappointments of life that God cultivates our faith, trust and confidence in HIM! As we travel the often tumultuous terrains,  tightly clasping The Hand of The Eternal Promise Keeper, it’s in our suffering, we learn that IF GOD SAID IT, HE’S ABLE AND WILLING TO BRING IT TO PAST! JUS HOLD ON! 4 OUR GOD IS FAITHFUL & NEVER FAILS! 

SELAH!

Pause, Ponder, Pray & Praiz!

Ann Caffee

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LOST TREASURES!

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LOST TREASURES

 

 

SELAH Daily Devotions!

 

 

For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation; of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he cometh in the glory of his Father with the holy angels. Romans 8:36-38

 

Didjahear the story about the two sistas who were at their Father’s repast? Finally, as they hovered together on Big-Mama’s favorite antique white loveseat, still covered in the plastic, they felt comfortable enough to say out loud what errrbody had been thinking secretly. without the appearance of disrespect or ingratitude! The Elder Sista leaning over to the younger Sista whispered, “WONDER HOW MUCH DID HE LEAVE?”

Mother Watermelon, who was about to offer them a piece of sweet potato pie, smiled and said, ‘ALL OF IT, HE LEFT ALL OF IT!”

While some would prefer to dismiss the inevitable potency of its reality, there’s absolutely no escaping it. The most precious commodity in the earth is not silver, gold, oil or even real estate—BUT TIME!

This contemporized Millennium Sociology teaches “Time is Money”; but I beg to differ!

Time is much more valuable than mere mammon! Granted, you’d probably never notice the slightest hint of this, given the media’s promotion of the extravagant lifestyles of the rich and famous. Nevertheless, I think it not robbery to propose that if you’d ask any one of this world’s wealthiest man or woman, in retrospect, glancing back over their life’s achievements, “How much would you be willing to barter for one solitary moment of unrefined, unrequited love; one night of tranquil serene rest unhindered by foreboding betrayal; one day of normality without drug induced sense of well-being? Might I venture to declaim, the response would be an overwhelming ardent acclamation of—’ALL…I’D GIVE UP ALL!’?

Hence, that’s the crucible of every one of our lives! What makes life meaningful, and more importantly. what in this life that’s truly worth dying for? “If in this life only we have hope, we are of all men most miserable.” 1 Corinthians 15:19.

Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal:20 But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal Matthew 6:19-20

The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life. John 10:10 NLT

Don’t waste ur entire life on the pleasures of  this world, or upon satisfying your fleshy lusts! When you make this life ALL ABOUT U, U BASICALLY NEUTRALIZE GOD! Remember, only what U do 4 Christ shall last! Afterall, CAN’T TAKE IT WITH YA! #ijs!!!

SELAH!

Pause, Ponder, Pray & Praiz!

Ann Caffee

 

 

 

 

 

THE HEART OF THE FATHER!

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THE HEART OF THE FATHER

 

SELAH Daily Devotions!

 

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. Psalm 23:1

Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? there is no searching of his understanding. 29 He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength. 30 Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall:31 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 40:28-31

 
Uuuh forgive my intrusion into your alabaster box, howeverrrrr! Do you sometimes cry out, as I have, “God, don’t You see my tears? Can’t You see my broken heart? God, never mind me, but how can You bear to see the agony of my loved one? God, I know that You care. I just don’t understand why You don’t intervene in this situation right now. Why don’t You do something? And, God, why did you do that?”

Then,  in the midst of my lamenting heart,  I seem to hear His still, small voice whispering, “Ann, trust Me. I know what’s best.”

…And I’m left to wonder, “Hold up, Ms. Smarty pants, why  would  you ever think that you know better than God what’s best for yourself  or your loved one, huh?”

Perhaps, that kind of thinking is the product of humanity’s naivety to presume that once we finally surrender our hearts to The Saving Grace of Jesus Christ, from that point on life consists of floating down rose, hydrangea, tulip and lilly clad pathways of ease, on our way to the Pearly Gates of New Jerusalem!  Unfortunately, there’s nothing in The Holy Writ that remotely resembles such a scenario. In fact, there’s more evidence to support that following in the Footsteps of Jesus is more likely to parallel swallowing big gulps from the cup of imminent suffering and sacrifice! #SERIOUSLY!!!

Remember, “Man that is born of a woman is of few days and full of trouble.”  Job 14:1

Don’t get it twisted!  I am not being sacrilegious nor am I craaazzzy enough to dare imply that our Heavenly Father is a Dead-Beat Dad or some kinda Narcissistic Sadist! Quite the contrary!  I am fully persuaded that before the Beginning began, The Creator of Life, in the Sovereignty of His Own Will, determined that purpose trumps pain! Hence, God has Divinely orchestrated the terrains of our journey to include sporadic detours through wilderness pit stops as well as ecstatically triumphant mountain top encounters to perfect in us the same Godly Character and Radiant Glory of our Kinsmen Redeemer!

Remember, “His Ways are not our ways and His Thoughts supersede our severely limited intellectual capacity to comprehend the length, width and depth and wonder of His Omnipotent Omniscience! (Ref. Isaiah 55:8-9)

Nevertheless, by Faith, we know that all things work together for our highest good and His Greatest Glory! (Ref. Romans 8:28) Consequently,  as  Blood-washed, Born-again children of The Most High God, no matter what it looks like, in the end VICTORY BELONGS 2 JESUS! Thus, WE SHALL OVERCOME!  #DIDJAHEARDAT? #WOW!!!

 Beloved, thru test, trial, toil and tragedy, wisdom has revealed through experience that the quicker that you and I acquiesce to the promptings of The God In Me//You, the sooner our po-wearied-soul is encompassed about with the Comforting Presence, Joy and Peace of The Only Wise Savior and Lord of our Life! 

Holy Father, time and time again, You’ve  proven to be The Loving and Compassionate Shepherd who leads and guides my steps and stops according to what’s  best for me! Therefore, I humbly bow, submitting myself under Your Mighty Hands,  declaring and decreeing “Lord whatever You’re doing… don’t do it without me!  Abba, when my circumstances appear to contradict Your Promise and I am tempted  to doubt Your Faithfulness, please forgive me, help my unbelief and give me a double portion of Your Supernatural Grace 2 Trust  the Benevolence of Ur Heart  even more than what my natural eyes can see! In Jesus Name, AMEN 3X!

SELAH!

Pause, Ponder, Pray & Praiz!

Ann Caffee

WALKING IN THE LIGHT!

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WALKING IN THE LIGHT

 

SELAH Daily Devotions!

Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee. For, behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people: but the Lord shall arise upon thee, and his glory shall be seen upon thee. Isaiah 60:1-2

You belong to the light and live in the day. We don’t live in the night or belong to the dark. 1 Thess. 5:5 CEV

 

Face it, every day ain’t the same! Is that ever an understatement! When was the last time you popped out of bed, headed for the gates, fortified with the zeal to take over anything or anyone who dared to challenge your God-ordained authority in the earth! Dat long, huh?

I know we jus saanng that song last Sunday morning, some of us even cut a step, “I been running for Jesus along Time, and I’m not tired Yet!” But, once we left the Euphoric atmosphere of the sanctuary and went back to ‘da real-world’, chances are that behind the plastic smiles and the colloquial ‘Blessed and Highly Favored’ many of us were bowed down, burdened and overwhelmed by unimaginable weights of everyday existence! UbettaHush! Yall know we can’t admit it to them religious folk, huh? After all, how we feel has absolutely nothing to do with our relationship with God! We’re supposed to walk by faith, not by our feelings, right?

Over 2,000 years ago, there was a man who walked this earth; He was despised. rejected, tortured, spat on and left to die hanging between Heaven and Hell! Awemaazingly, most of His persecution came from the very ones He came to save, heal and deliver! WOW! Imagine that? YET! Despite of all that, He was willing to deny His feelings and endure it all to finish His assignment given by His Heavenly Father! And we think we have it rough, huh? 4REAL!

BUT WHO TOLD U, that the journey from earth to Glory would be easy? It certainly wasn’t Jesus! “Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.” Matthew 16:24

JESUS’ life was an illustrated sermon, to those of us who’d dare to name the Name of Christ, on how to take the hits and YET keep it moving! The scriptures reveal how our Savior was able to commit to God’s Process, even submitting to The Cross, death, hell and the grave! “Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:2 #Didjaheardat?

Jesus refused to focus on the moment, but with every step He took, His concentration remained fixed on THE BIG PICTURE! Hence, The Master Teacher taught us that in The Kingdom of God, purpose trumps pain! Before the foundation of the world, Jesus was perfectly committed to His Father’s Redemption Plan! The Joy of ensuring the restoration of God’s elect back to The Kingdom was His primary motivation! Aren’t you eternally glad that JESUS didn’t consider the price too extravagant, but a small thing to fulfill the Father’s Love?

It’s not our intent to minimize the severity nor the enormity of  issues challenging the faith, hope and peace of 21st Century Saints. LORD KNOWS, those who’ve walked with Jesus these past three decades, know that tremendous changes have taken place, howevrrrr, there’s one thing that has not changed! The Eternal Word of God! God knew from the beginning what NOW would be! God has called us to The Kingdom for such a time as this, to be The Light of this World! Consequently, in the midst of this lost, dying and hell-bound world, we, who put our personal trust in The Saving Grace of Jesus, are called to be reflectors of God’s Loving-kindness and Faithfulness!

Frankly! Some times, it seems like we kinda got this thing backwards, huh? We say, the world’s in darkness, yet they’re the ones laughing, partying, turnin it up! While, God’s people are walking around with our heads hung down. backs humped over and hearts weakened by doubt, uncertainty and quivering in fear to tell anybody about our GOD?Something is sho nuff wrong with that picture! #IJS! We’re heirs, joint-heir of The Kingdom of God!This is our heritage—righteousness, peace and joy in The Holy Ghost! (Ref. Romans 14:17)

I know we think we’re too sophisticated now to have Testimony Service, BUT! C’mon now, STOP acting like this is your first rodeo! Y’ALL KNOW, every single one of us gotta enuff personal history to unequivocally verify that trouble don’t last always! Joy is comin’ in the morning!

Perhaps today, you find yourself in the midst of a long dark night, and try as you might, you can’t see the sun NO WHERE, remember it’s still there! Likewise, if you’re experiencing a power shortage and feeling disconnected from The True Power Source, JESUS, The Son of The Living GOD, remember HE’S STILL THERE! (Ref. Heb. 13:5) Selah!

BELOVED, JUS BOW YOUR HEART, LIFT YOUR HANDS, REACH UP AND RECEIVE ALL THE LIGHT YOU WILL EVER NEED TO WALK IN THE GLORY OF HIS PRESENCE! AFTER ALL, HE’S ALREADY PAID THE BILL! ARISE & SHINE 4 HIS MERCY ENDURES 4EVER!

SELAH!
Pause, Ponder, Pray & Praiz!

Ann Caffee

 

 

 

HALLELUJAH…ANYHOW!

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HALLELUJAH ANYHOW

 

SELAH Daily Devotions!

While he was in Bethany, reclining at the table in the home of a man known as Simon the Leper, a woman came with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume, made of pure nard. She broke the jar and poured the perfume on his head.Some of those present were saying indignantly to one another, “Why this waste of perfume? It could have been sold for more than a year’s wages and the money given to the poor.” And they rebuked her harshly. Mark 14:3-5

Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds,  for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.  And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. James 1:2-4

 

Ever noticed the devil’s plant in just about every church service? I call them the praise paparazzi! No? That’s understandable! You can’t always tell from the way they look. They’ve been trained to blend in just like the woodwork!

But here are just a few clues to help recognize them. First, they never smile in church, because being holy means looking ‘deep’. They appear to be a bit too sophisticated and far more educated then anyone else in the congregation and act as if coming to church is just another form of social networking!

They come expecting a progressively philosophically indoctrinated and adulterated, diluted gospel-lite that’s more condusively-conformable to the world at large, as they consider themselves to  be more spiritually enlightened then most of us common folk!

Usually, you find them highly critical of the ol-skool traditional preachas who fail to embrace and/or adapt to new methodologies to better relate to the 21st Century urbanized-contemporal mellinnials and stay away from tredding out that old corn, afterall—it’s too confrontational and no longer culturally acceptable!

They definitely don’t like the ol’ skool hymns...jus watch the starkness of their faces! It’s a dead give-a-way portraying the disdain curled up in their querying hearts  “Why ‘you all’ sing those ol’ congregational songs that none of us know; most of them are biblically incorrect, anyhow!”

Oh, can’t forget this one! They’re stingy! They’ll act like they’re so concerned about helping the poor, but the truth is they’re fearful and confused; because with all that they have, they still don’t have the joy, peace and hope that you have just dwelling in the Presence of Jesus Alone! 

Check for this, when you see them squirming and looking back and forth from their watch to their program…that’s your clue preacha… ‘It’s time for the benediction!’

Finally, they’re the first ones to critique your praise. After all, ‘It don’t take all that!’ You see them giving you that look that says, ‘PLEASE…why don’t you just sit down; it ain’t that serious.’

Oh well! Gotta love ’em! If they only had a clue that praise is the magnet that draws God’s Favor to us, they’d be praising HIM too!

Those of us who’ve walked through valleys overshadowed by death;  thrown then lifted from pits of despair; been victimized, rebuked and scorned by friendly fire; tormented, tortured and terrorized by analysis paralysis; revived from the treacherous grip of guilt, shame and the grief of what would’ve, could’ve, shoul’ve; stepped out the boat of familiary to walk on the waves of uncertainty, relying solely on The Word of God, perhaps they’d gain the treasure of trusting all to Jesus, the unsearchable PEACE and unspeakable  HOPE-FILLED JOYFUL AND UNFATHOMABLE FREEDOM just knowing that HE WHO HAS PROMISED TO LOVE YOU AND KEEP YOU FOREVER IS TRUSTWORTHY, FAITHFUL AND COMMITTED! 

I will never leave you, nor forsake you! Heb. 13:5

And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good,for those who are called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28

Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy,  To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen. Jude 24:25

WOW, WHEN YOU REALLY STOP 2 THINK ABOUT IT, kinda makes you feel sorry for them, huh?  SERIOUSLY!  IF THEY ONLY KNEW THE STORY BEHIND YOUR PRAISE, THEY’D KNOW THE WISDOM, POSSIBILITIES AND POWER OF YOUR HALLELUJAH …ANYHOW! #IJS!

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

 

THURSDAYS’ PRAYERS!

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prayn-and-fasting-pic

 

SELAH Daily Devotions!

 

GM FAM! GOTTA MOMENT? AWEMAZZING!

We’re excited that you’ve joined us, once again for our Weekly Thursdays’ Corporate Prayer and Fasting! We’re quickly approaching the end of 2017 and the beginning of a brand new day! If you’re like me, you can truly say, “If it had not been for the Lord on my side, where would I be?” Nevertheless we share the self same victorious testimony, “I am not ashamed of The Gospel of Jesus Christ! Oh, how our Lord has so faithfully blessed and preserved our coming in and our going out!” Amen 3x! Shall we boldly enter in The Majestic Throne Room of our Father, with eternal gratitude we bow before The God of All Creation, giving honor and glory to The King of Kings and Lord of Lords?

Lord, prepare me to be a sanctuary, pure and holy, tried and true! And with thanksgiving, I’ll be a living sanctuary, Lord for YOU! Ooooh how I love JESUS! Ooooh how I love JESUS! OOOOH HOW I LOVE JESUS! BECAUSE HE FIRST LOVED ME! So, here we are to worship, here we are to bow down! Here we are to say that You’re My God! You’re altogether Worthy, Altogether Lovely, Altogether WONDERFUL 2 ME! And when the battle is o’vr I shall wear a crown, I shall wear a crown, I shall wear a crown! When the battle is o’vr I shall wear a crown! I shall wear a golden crown!!!

Father of All Glory, here we are again! As we beseech Your Presence, acknowledging that there is none like You in Heaven above nor the earth below! For You Alone are GOD, THE HOLY ONE, THE GREAT I AM! It is with joy-filled praise that we lift our hearts and our hands heavenward, emptied of anything that would warrant Your Amazing Grace, but solely we cling to The Name that is above every other Name, trusting wholly that as we claim The Name of Jesus, we have direct access to all of the Favor that Heaven possesses!

Looking back, we know that it was no goodness of our own but  wholly Your Unfailing Love that allows us to be here to see one more brand new day! Therefore, we come thanking You Father for the honor and privilege bestowed upon all who will earnestly seek Your Face! For You are the Source of our Life, Strength, Love, Peace, and The Joy of our Hope, Wisdom and Understanding! In You we live, move and have our very being!

As we delight ourselves in glorifying Your Name, You continue to give us the desires of our hearts! As we look not at the things which are seen, but focus our faith on The benevolent Lovingkindness of The Eternal Father, Abba, we rest in The Peace that passes all understanding, confident that You are Sovereignly Ruling and Reigning over the affairs of humanity! We’re thankful that You have a Plan, Purpose and Destiny for each one that You’ve called before the foundation of this world! We’re thankful that You’re not a man that can lie, neither shall You ever need to repent! You have sworn by Your God-Self, that whosoever shall call upon Your Name, shall be saved! If You said it, it shall come to pass!

Abba Father, we come continuously blessing You for the day that You opened our hearts, enabling us to recognize and receive the saving Grace in the Life, Death, Burial and Resurrection of Your Son, Jesus! We acknowledge that because it pleased You, You Sovereignly choose us to be Your very own children, even though there was absolutely nothing in us lovable nor worthy of this honor and privilege! Lord Jesus, we are eternally grateful that we’re here now only because You so purposed in Your Heart and by Your Own Hand!

Sweet Jesus, we’re thankful that You, knowing our frame and because of the Unsearchable Richness of Your Faithfulness and Compassion, You look beyond our human frailties, faults and iniquities to see and minister to every one of our need! Therefore, we shall never fail to acknowledge that You are The True and Living God of our Salvation, our Deliverance, Breakthrough and Provision!  Heaven Father, we have so much to thank You for and absolutely nothing to complain about, so we refuse to take anything for granted! We praise You for allowing us to even think to pray this morning! We pray, Abba Father, forgive me this day for every and anything I’ve done, said or thought that was not pleasing to Your Heart! By faith, we believe and receive Your forgiveness, in The Precious Name of Jesus! 

 
Jesus, we bless You for being willing to sacrifice Your Life that we might receive Eternal Life! We thank You for The Atoning Precious Blood that You so freely offered in our stead, that our sins would be washed away, allowing us to become Sons of The Most High God, vessels empowered by Holy Spirit, to be a Light, reflecting The Love of God amidst the backdrop of darkness of a sin-filled, sin-lusting, sin-lead people, driving them to envy the unsearchable joy and peace that we have discovered thru developing a personal relationship with You!

Your Word has told us that while we’re in this world, we shall suffer test, trials and tribulations, yet because we are sojourners here, we are fully persuaded that as citizens of another Kingdom, we have an Eternal Hope, that’s beyond this world and as we walk thru the valleys, overshadowed with death, we shall fear no evil for You Shall Deliver Us from them All!  As we embrace this day ahead, Heavenly Father, wrap our minds with a new attitude and loads of gratitude!  Keep Your children safe from all hurt, harm and danger! Let us make the best of each moment that You have gifted to us! Lord Jesus, clear our minds so that we can hear from You and cleanse our hearts that we may deny ourselves, trust and obey Your Will!

Abba Father, because no man can come close to You, except You draw them, we pray that Your Blood-Stained Eyes will continue to search the hearts of mankind and blessing all those who crying out to You now! We’re interdeding on behalf of every unsaved soul, asking that You quicken the Spirit of Godly-repentance in their hearts and minds that they will come to you today with a “sincere YES” to Your Grace Gift and receive You as their personal Lord and Savior!

Eternal Father, we ask You to fill the hearts and minds of every backslider with a fresh “Committed YES’ and let this day be the day that they come running back to You and to Your local church! We’re believing that many of our unsaved loved ones and friends will be saved before the end of 2017 and become part of our Eternal Family! In Jesus Name Amen 3x!

Father, touch our brother, touch our sister whose body has been afflicted by sickness and disease, especially the spirit of cancer, high/low blood pressure, heart disease, kidney, lung failure, satanically induced depression/oppression/addictions and rebuke and cast it out at the root, for Your Name Sake! Lord, we’re holding on to the Infallible WORD which decreed that the stripes that Jesus bore on His back has already redeemed and healed us! Therefore, under the Eternal Authority of our Divine Creator and Ruler of the Ages, we also declare that the prayer of faith shall save the sick and raise them up, In Jesus Name!

Lord, as we intercede on behalf of our brother and sisters, we pray that you will remember those who are being overlooked, held down and even abused by undeniable racial prejudice in this country. We’re believing You to intervene on their behalf, releasing miraculous Favor and Prosperity, unexpected promotions, opening up opportunities for entrepreneurship, increased education grants, lower interest mortgage rates, debt cancellations, book contracts and overturning legal decisions to give us the victory!

Lord, we’re praying for every believer who is yet holding on to Your Hand by faith today, that from the portals of The Throne Room,You are releasing a double portion of Your overflowing Divine power, Supernatural Strength, Health, Provision, Prosperity and Protection. Father, we thanking You for an outpouring of Your Divine Favor upon each and every one of your children who are seeking employment, promotion, prompt approval for student/car/home loans!
Precious Lord, we’re believing You to preserve Your elect in the midst of these trying times! Father, as we’re looking towards the hills from whence cometh all our help, crying out, send now help from Zion, we ask that You comfort the hearts of Your children with restful-assuring peace, that confirms that regardless of who sits in The Oval Office, congress or supreme court, YOU ARE ETERNALLY SEATED UPON THE CIRCLE OF THE EARTH AND ABSOLUTE POWER BELONGS TO YOU and YOU are Jehovah Jareh, who shall supply all of their need according to Your Riches in Glory!

In faithful obedience, we lift up the political, social, judicial, business, civil/public service, military servant/leaders, trusting You to visit them in the nite seasons with visions and dreams as You touch and direct the hearts of each one of them!

Abba, we lift up every Bishop, Pastor, Overseer, Apostle, Evangelist, Preacher and Teacher. Undergird them with Your Anointing to carry out their assignment, under the direction of Holy Spirit. Cover them as they go in and out amongst Your people and those who would seek to discredit, hinder and even destroy their faith, faithfulness and the ministryYou have ordained. Grace them to be the holy humble examples in their homes, marketplace, communities and churches that will cause those who are in their sphere of influence to love, trust and live everyday of life serving and glorifying You, Our Heavenly Father!

Holy Spirit, as we pray, we’re asking You to touch the Mothers and Fathers of Zion, who have labored in the Vineyard interceding on our behalf. Many of which are yet believing for things that have yet to manifest! Comfort their hearts that our prayers have no expiration date and reward their faithfulness with sweet peace!

Lord, there are so many other things, that we have yet to mention, but we’re trusting, believing you to fix it, Jesus, as only You can! Lord, we know that You are not just able, but willing to do anything that we ask, in accordance to Your Word, in Jesus Name!

We’re believing that every demonic-induced spirit of fear, failure, rejection, hopelessness and disappointment be defeated by Your Anointing and that  The Spirit Love, Joy, Peace, Power and a Sound Mind is being released now, in Jesus Name! We’re trusting that each morning Your children will awaken empowered with assuring grace to accomplish every assignment and sleep peacefully every nite, confident of earnest hope-filled tomorrows!

Heavenly Father, continue to bless us that we may be a blessing to others. Keep us strong that we may help the weak.. Keep us uplifted, encourage our souls that we may share words of encouragement to those who need comfort and assurance that You are with them also!

As we offer up this prayer, Father we wait in confidence and quietness, rejoicing in hope and trusting wholly that all workers of iniquity are trembling and suddenly departing in shame, turning their backs from Your people, because You have heard the voice of our weeping, our supplications and received our prayer as a sweet savor coming up before Your Sovereign Throne of Grace and Mercy!

Father, we thank You NOW, for WE believe that IT IS DONE according To Your Perfect Will and Purpose for our lives! In The Exalted Name of Jesus. Amen 3X

Now every child of God who is standing in agreement with this prayer, GO TELL SOMEBODY THAT GOD’S MERCY IS EVERLASTING AND HIS TRUTH ENDURES FOREVER!

SELAH!

Pause, Ponder, Pray and Praiz!
 

UNDER THE INFLUENCE

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UNDER THE INFLUENCE 2

SELAH Daily Devotions!

But without faith it is impossible to please him; for he that cometh to god must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.’ Hebrews 11:6

The other day I heard someone say something that I thought was quite profound, at least thought provoking. It was said that “we are swirling towards eternity at the speed of life!” History is being written every day. Memories are being made, every day. Lessons are being taught and learned, every day. Attitudes are being formed and developed, every day.

As I began to think about this, several questions flooded my mind. First, does God’s Presence influence your life? If so, then how? What impact has God’s Presence in you made in your circle of influence?

We love to sing the song, “Jesus You’re the center of my joy, all that’s good and perfect comes from You; You’re the Heart of my contentment, Hope for all I do….” But when the music stops and your feet hit the ground, how’s your walk? In other words, does your video authenticate your audio? #ijs!!!

The Bible does not merely ask us to have faith to believe that God does exist. Lucifer and his hord of demons believe that God exists, however they don’t follow Him! As bona fide, Blood-washed, Born-Again Children of The Most High God, our lifestyle should attest to fact that not only do we believe that He exits, but we  also believe that God is who He says He is, that God is with us, that God is for us and that God will perform every promise that He’s sworn by GOD-self towards us! (Ref. Hebrew 11:6)  Hence, if we desire to please The Lord we must walk out our lives under the influence of His Presence, adhering to HIS instructions and exemplifying our beliefs throughout the course of daily living! #Didjaheardat? #SERIOUSLY!!!

Does your character reflect the Presence of God in your life? Does the influence of God’s Presence affect the choices that you make? Does your life style reflect the influence of God’s Presence? Whose chances of ending up in Heaven have increased because of the impact that you’ve made upon their life? Whose chances of ending up in Hell increased because you are in their life? Now, since our response and our responsibility carry eternal consequences, may I suggest that you carefully and conscientiously ponder the depth of your soul before answering the aforementioned questions? 

We are living epistles (letters) and folk are reading our mail, every day! How is the Presence of God in you influencing your readers? Just a thought! #ijs (Ref. 2 Corinthians 3:1-3)

The Bible says, we are the salt of the earth. I believe that means that we ought to make someone who doesn’t know God, thirsty for a drink of The Living Waters. (Ref. Matthew 5:13-14)

As Christians, our greatest desire should be to allow the influence of God’s Presence to be reflected on those around us so much so that it provokes them to envy  and thirst for The God that we worship and  ultimately seek to claim Him as their personal Savior and Lord! 

Looking back, perhaps there where many times when we almost, and unfortunately, even more times where we flat-out missed opportunities to Glorify God! Thanks Be To God!  IT MATTERS NOT WHERE WE START, BUT HOW WE END!  The ground around The Cross of Calvary is level to all!  With each new day, GOD SO GRACIOUSLY GIVES US ANOTHER OPPORTUNITY TO BEGIN, AGAIN! #WOW! 

As this year slips into eternity past, instead of lingering in the land of pouting and doubting remember that BUT…by God’s Grace!  KEEP IT MOVIN’! SPEND TODAY WISELY! LIVE EACH DAY UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF GOD’S PRESENCE! 

BELOVED, MAY YOU EMBRACE A PRODUCTIVE AND PROSPEROUS NEW DAY!

SELAH! 

Pause, Ponder, Pray & Praiz!

Ann Caffee

TRIAL SIZE gODs!

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TRIAL SIZED gODS

 

SELAH Daily Devotions!

Thou shalt have no other gods before me. Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth. Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the Lord thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me. (Exodus 20:3-5)

 

I recognize that the sheer suggestion of idol worship tends to rattle the righteous indignation in the spirit of a true Believer! As followers of Christ, we know how despicably foul such worship is in the nostrils of The Holy God of Heaven and Earth. And for the most part, we’d never consider breaking this Commandment. After all, we don’t bow down before carved images of God nor do we display at the entrances or scatter stone replicas of God throughout our homes or businesses, right? Yet, will closer investigation of our lives reflect closely guarded idols formed in the recesses of our imaginations?

According to the scriptures  ‘O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.’ (Ref. Matthew 12:24) Hence, while man will attempt to hide the true intents, insights and purpose for being, ultimately, his lifestyle will reflect the secret things of his heart and clearly define where their loyalty lies!

Do we worship our personal ‘trial-size’ images of God?

I see further explanation is in order! We have a tendency to make up our own images to represent who God is to us. The problem is we will never be able to fit “The All Encompassing Is-ness of GOD” into the small-minded-frail-framed-carnal-comprehension of our temporal-flesh. In other words, it’s absolutely impossible for us to fathom “Unlimited Presence, Power and Potential”within the limitations of our humanity! #Didjaheardat?

While The Living God is Omnipresent, Omnipotent and Omniscient, HE can only be known through Revelation!

GOD reveals His character, His purpose and His plan for each of as we traverse through our individual life experiences. It’s the knowledge gained through following The Good Shepherd’s lead, cautiously climbing cloud-covered mountaintops and timidly trembling through the death-valleys of our everyday lives that we learn the rewards of faithful trust, patient obedience and the security of resting in The Eternal Hope! 

Today’s takeaway?

Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his… 2 Timothy 2:19

Remember what the ol’ saints said, ‘Take the Lawd Gawd withya everywhere you go, cuz U gonna need HIM!” Therefore, Beloved, I encourage you to continue to set the Lord  before you and you shall surely walk in HIS Everlasting JOY! 

AMERICA, WHO IS YOUR GOD? WOW! Ooops! #ijs

SELAH!

Pause, Ponder, Pray & Praiz!

Ann Caffee