SELAH Daily Devotions!

 

And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them.  And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken: and immediately all the doors were opened, and every one’s bands were loosed. Acts 16:24-25

Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep. Psalm 121:4

 

Whether you’ve been walking with Jesus for a long time or just recently made your personal decision to follow Christ, Salvation doesn’t exclude any of us from experiencing faith’s stresses, test and trials! If you don’t have a clue about what I’m talking about, may I draw from dem ol’ skool Mothers’ terminology, “Baby, jus keep getting up in the mornin’ and going to bed at night, sooner or later you will encounter a season in your life when you’ll feel as though God has left you alone in the valley of the shadows of death to fend for yourself!”

While this kinda theology may seem a bit strange, even unbiblical, according to some Millennials, who’ve been spoon fed Gospel-Lite-Prosperity pablum prepared by the more sophisticated-socially-acceptable-all-ingratiating-all-inclusive preachers! But check The Book, it’s still in there! “Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you:” 1 Peter 4:12

According to Acts 16:24-25, God’s Apostles, Paul and Silas,  having been found guility they were  bound and thrown in prison, awaiting execution on death row for preaching The Gospel of Jesus Christ! Now  that what’s you call suffering for the CAUSE, huh?

Howevrrrr, what the enemy failed to take into account  was that  despite of their current circumstancces, there was something down on the inside working on the outside that kept them in perfect peace! It was their unwavering commitment to God that would fuel their faith and sustain their Hope that come what may, they would be victorious! Instead of murmuring, complaining and accusing God of being untrustworthy, they fliped the script and began to pray, praise and magnify God! TRUST2KNO, Praise Provokes GOD’S PRESENCE and when GOD moves, EVERYTHING CHANGES!

My beloved brothers and sistas, in times like these,  it behooves us to glean from those who’ve walked before us!  As you’re forced to trample through the turbulent terrains of this life, rest assured that your Heavenly Father is no dead-beat-absentee Dad!  Hold fast to God’s Eternal Word, remember it has no shelf-‘life expiration date! It’s still Light to the 21st Century Saints and potent enough  to comfort, strengthen and encourage those who dare seek Him!

While you already know that Satan’s constantly plotting to launch a diaboloical attack against you under the cloak of darknesss, aimed to diminish your confidence and siphon your trust in God,   you have A Watchman, Who is Sovereignly watching over you 24/7! He never naps! Day and night are the same to Him! Every step and stop you take is Divinely-choreographed by The Maestro of Heaven! Hence, He’s already gone before you preparing designated rest areas along the road to revive and re-energize our spirit and soul! #Didjaheardat? OMG!

Precious ones, perhaps, at this reading, you find yourself smack-dab-in-the-middle of a loooonnnnggg night and all the circumstantial evidence is  threatening your soul with overwhelming fear, anxiety and doubt, yet remember FACTS change BUT TRUTH remains! Therefore, even when you’re unable to trace God’s Face or feel His Hand, trust His Heart!

Beloved, when it seems as if everything around you is falling apart, Holy Spirit says, ‘It’s falling right in place’! Abba Father is weaving each tattered piece of your life together for your greatest good and His Highest Glory! And at the appointed time, He will flip it over  displaying His Magnificent Masterpiece! (Ref. Romans 8:28)

 For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favour is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning. Psalm 30:5

“Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.” 1 John 3:2

As we continue our pilgrimage through the gross immorality of this fallen world may out faith remain steadfast, abounding in the work of His Sustaining Power and Grace!

With uplifted hands, and mouths filled with praise and adoration, let us  CRY unto The Lord a MIDNITE SONG, proclaiming “THE GOD I SERVE WORKS THE NIGHT SHIFT AND HE SHALL LEAD ME SAFELY ALL MY LIFE LONG INTO THE CELESTIAL CITY,  WHERE I’LL CALL ETERNALLY HOME!! 

SELAH!

Pause, Ponder, Pray & Praiz!

Ann Caffee