Tag Archives: RISKS

HE REMEMBERS!

HE REMEMBERS2

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, devastation and desolation surrounding  our world today, it’s not uncommon that every now and then, even the most seasoned of God’s saints are driven to conclude, ‘Why even bother to hope, after all what’s the point”?  #Don’tshoutmedown, nah! Nonetheless! Instead of giving in to to despair, I was incited to review the words of God’s Prophet, Isaiah, speaking to the remnant of God’s Chosen nation.

While 21st Centry millennials are quick to refute the antiquated teachings of times long past as irrelevant, TRUTHBTOLD, the more things change, the more they stay the same! In other words, “THERE’S REALLY NOTHING NEW UNDER THE SUN!”

Now these things happened to them as an example, but they were written down for our instruction, on whom the end of the ages has come. 1 Corinthians 10:11

God’s people were facing eminent danger of massive destruction, yet we hear Isaiah offering a word of warning and a ray of 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 those who are forced to endure circumstances which are beyond their ability to control, reminding 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)

REMEMBER! 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 their faces and keep you in perfect peace because we trust in Him! (Ref. Isaiah 25:8, 26:3-4)

#DIDJAHEARDAT?

Beloved, when life is out of your control, rest assured, THERE’S NOT ONE MOMENT WHEN GOD IS NOT! JESUS IS ALWAYS IN ABSOLUTE CONTROL!

The Eternal Word IS FOREVER SETTLED IN HEAVEN! Jesus Himself testifies 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,  there’s no denying the myriad of  available distractions designed to cause even the most seasoned of saints to question whether or not The Sovereign Creator and Sustainer of All Life is REALLY concerned about what’s going on down here amongst the gross darkness of  this lost, unfaithful and rebellious world! Nevertheless, I adjure you to keep your eyes on Jesus, The Joy of your Salvation and your feet steadfast on THE WORD! Be confident of this very thing, HE THAT HAS BEGUN A GOOD WORK IN YOU IS FAITHFUL TO COMPLETE IT UNTIL THE DAY OF JESUS CHRIST! (Ref. Philippians 1:6)

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!  TRUST2KNO, The Great and Holy One of Israel is closer than ever before! Hence, don’t ever forget that YOUR GOD REMEMBERS!

SELAH!

Pause, Ponder, Pray & Praiz!

Ann Caffee

 

LIVING YESTERDAY

Living Yesterday 2

 

SELAH Daily Devotions!

 

THIS IS THE DAY WHICH THE LORD HATH MADE, REJOICE AND BE GLAD IN IT! PSALM 118:24

 

The Good ol’ Days!” WOW! Remember? But what is it about memories? Either time has a peculiar way of tainting our perspective or our minds automatically default to selective-perceptions when the moment ends.

#WOW! Somehow, as we reflect upon days gone by,  there will be times when we can actually feel that gut-wrenching pain (that you were utterly convinced was terminal) and the high that would get higher and the groove gets groovyur; the music never stopped; the laughter would become heartier and the flood of tears would never subside; the mornings came too soon and the nights were eternal; puppy love would grow into a couple, a family and divorce and you’d just…and recess lasts for a lifetime…and then it didn’t! BUT SUDDENLY, IT’S TODAY and you’re still alive! #wannacheckurpulse?

The infamous THEY said that the richest piece of real estate in any town, city, state or nation is the grave yard!  #DIDJAGETIT?  Can you imagine all of those hopes, dreams, secrets, recipes, thoughts, conversations, hugs, apologies, promises, potential, possibilities and plans that remain unfulfilled beneath the soil! WOW! 

BELOVED, release the coulda’s, woulda’s, shoulda’s! Smile triumphantly over conquests and the sweetness of successes! Sigh sheepishly over the guilts and regrets—then thank GOD for all the second chances!

My Precious Ones, whatever happened, good, bad, ugly and indifferent; you survived it ALL!

“You can’t alter your past, but you can always take your past to the Altar!” (unknown)

Thank GOD for the Sufficiency of yesterday’s Grace and Hope-Filled tomorrows!

BUT MOST IMPORTANTLY, THANK GOD FOR THIS BRAND-NEW BLESSING CALLED 2DAY! DON’T WASTE A SECOND OF IT! #ijs!!! LIVE LOUD TODAY AS IF IT WERE YOUR LAST! 

WHO KNOWS, IT COULD VERY WELL BE, huh? 

SELAH!

Pause, Ponder, Pray & Praiz!

Ann Caffee

THURSDAYS’ PRAYERS!

PRAYN AND FASTING PIC

 

SELAH Daily Devotions!

 

 

GOOD MORNING FAMILY! GOTTA MOMENT? Awesome! Once again, we are excited that You’ve joined us today, in our weekly day of Corporate Prayer and Fasting! SHALL WE PRAY?

 

Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus And to take Him at His Word! Just to rest upon His promise. And to know thus saith the Lord! Jesus, Jesus how I trust Him
How I proved Him o’er and o’er. Jesus, Jesus, precious Jesus! Oh, for grace to trust Him more; Oh, for GRACE 2 Trust U more…We love U Lord, and we lift our voice; to worship U O my soul, rejoice! Take joy my KING, in what U hear, and let it be a sweet, sweet, sound in UR ears…let it be a sweet, sweet sound in URRR Ears…


Heavenly Father, we come one more time, to thank You for allowing us to see this new day! We have so much to thank You for, and we refuse to take anything for granted; therefore, we praise You for our being able to breathe, see, to hear, walk, talk and even think to pray! We’re blessed because You are a forgiving and an understanding God. Not because I am in anyway deserving of such favor, nevertheless You have already done so much for me, yet You keep right on blessing me over and over again! Abba Father, forgive me this day for everything I have done, said or thought that was not pleasing to Your Heart. I ask now for Your forgiveness, in The Precious Name of Jesus!

 

As the day ahead unfolds, help us to maintain a righteous attitude coupled with loads of gratitude! Keep us in the cleft of The Rock, safe from all hurt, harm and danger. Let us make the best of each moment that You gift 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.

 

Help me Lord to not whine and whimper over things I have no control but help us to remember that because You are always in total control nothing happens to us that is random, but the steps and stops of the righteous are ordered and managed by Your Sovereignty! Open the eyes of our understanding that we may be able to see, discern and acknowledge the evilness of sin through the Redeeming Blood of Your Son Jesus! And when we do sin, quicken our spirits to repent immediately, confessing with our mouth our wrongdoing, and receive the Gracious forgiveness of our Covenant-Keeping Father and God of our Salvation!

 

And when the pressures, wickedness and chaos of this immoral world closes in on us, remind us to follow Jesus’ example — to slip away and find a quiet place to pray; confident that prayer is our best response when pushed beyond the limitations of self! We thank You that when we can’t pray, You are yet listening to our hearts and are able to interpret every moan, groan and sigh of our inner-man! Father, we thank You that despite of our fractures and dysfunctions , You are yet able to use us to do Your will ensuring The You Alone get The Glory!

 

Abba 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 that we may have words of encouragement for others. We pray for those who are lost and can’t find their way. We pray for those who are misjudged and misunderstood. We pray for those who don’t know You intimately. We pray for those who will delete this without sharing it with others. We pray for those who don’t believe that You sent Jesus, not to condemn us, but to convict us and to free us from the power, pain and penalty of Sin.

 

Looking back over our lives, we can’t help but cry out, Thankya for that Blessed Day when You opened our hearts and enabled us to believe and receive the revelation of the Saving Grace of Jesus Christ! Knowing that You are no respecter of persons, and that Your Grace is available to any who will ask, we intercede on behalf of everyone whose eyes have been blinded by the gods of this world, pierce through the darkness of their fallow hearts; awaken them with The Light of Your Glory and enable them to cry out, “What must I do to be saved?” Quicken the Spirit of Godly-repentance in their hearts and mouths witha sincere Yes” enabling them to receive Your Gift of Grace, confessing You as their personal Lord and Savior! We’re trusting You to direct their footsteps, place and settle them into a local church home today where they are welcomed, loved, nurtured and encouraged to live the remainder of their lives holy, acceptable, committed and faithfully obedience to Your Word!

 

Father, we know that faith in God not only changes people it changes us! And only You, O God have the Power to change circumstances! We’re praying for peace, unity, love and joy in our homes, communities, churches and nation. We believing that Your Divine Favor is being poured out upon everyone who has a desire and determination to please You and their faith is rising to a new level of faithfulness and obedience! We’re believing You to command a double-portion-supernatural-release of abundance in every area of their lives so that all their needs are met according to Your Richest in Glory! In Jesus Name, It IS SO!

 

Father, by faith, we now lift up our children, our grands and great grand-children, committing them into Your care! We realize that You love them and have pre-ordained their individual purpose and plan for being. We have the blessed assurance that their steps are being ordered by Your eyes, directing, guiding and instructing their footsteps into a face-to-face encounter with You where they will surrender their lives over to You and will be able to share their own testimony of what Faith in God can and will do!

 

Abba, we lift up every Bishop, Pastor, Overseer, Apostle, Evangelist, Preacher, Teacher Missionary, Deacon, musician choir director/member, praise team, liturgical dancer, usher and church member!Undergird them with Your Anointing and conviction 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 ministry, You have ordained!We speak LIFE, STRENGTH, ENCOURAGEMENT, CONFIDENCE, ASSURANCE, RESTORATION OF HOPE, TRUST into all those who are yet believing for immediate manifestation of that special miracle and the fulfillment of every vision that You’ve placed into their hearts! Reward those who are yet standing on the wall proclaiming Your Word with POWER, under the conviction and anointing of Holy Spirit. Grace them to be the TRUE WITNESSES and examples of Your Righteousness 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 and glorifying You!

 

Trusting that You Sovereignly Rule and Reign over the affairs of mankind, we lift up the leaders of our nation, federal/local government, corporate, judicial, educational, health care providers and every arena of our society! Because their hearts are in Your Hands, we’re asking You to touch their minds and infiltrate their hearts a Godly Fear; let their hearts be continuously opened to hear and obey Your Will! Speak to them in dreams and visions alerting let them that You Who Sit Enthroned Above the Heavens are keeping record of the deeds of every man’s heart and will reward accordingly! Lord Jesus, we’re standing on Your Word as decreed that The governments of this world shall rest upon Your shoulders and that You are The Eternal King of kings and Lord of lords!

 

Indue the hearts of Your people with a peace that surpasses all understanding and a confident expectation that our times are in Your Hands and regardless of the deceitfulness of this world, You have promised to protect, provide and preserve the righteous who trust and obey Your Word! We pray for restoration in broken marital and family relationship! We ask that You continue opening the eyes of our understanding so that Your people are not easily deceived by those who would desire to entrap Your elect in bondage to anything which You have delivered us from! In Jesus Name, Amen 3x!

 

Father, we believe that as we’re praying, You are touching our brother, our sister whose body has been afflicted by all manner of sickness and disease, especially the spirit of cancer, strokes, heart attacks, kidney failure, liver disease, mental and emotional issues! We intercede on behalf of all those undergoing surgical procedures, those in recovery rooms. We’re praying for those who’re on life-support systems, not knowing that they’re even in this world! We’re declaring and decreeing that as we’re praying You’re walking through every ward, touching, healing, delivering, miraculously rebuking fatigue, mistakes, mishaps, misdiagnosis and premature death for Your Name Sake!

 

Declaring and decreeing You are Alpha and Omega, the same yesterday, today and forever, we plead the Blood of Jesus! Even as You walked in this earth healing all who were sick, feeble, lame we know that You’re Well Able to do the same right now! As Your Word declares that Your stripes have redeemed and healed us, we stand on Your promises that the prayer of faith shall save the sick and raise them up!

 

Holy Spirit, help us to remain faithful and keep a Kingdom mindset, relying on You to go before us and make our way prosperous. We believe You are dispensing overwhelming Favor, Prosperity, Peace and when these blessings are manifested, help us to walk in a spirit of humility giving Your Name all the Glory, Honor and Praiz!


We bind every wicked scheme that the enemy desires to assail against us and declare that we are well able to take possession of every promises that You’ve made to us! We pray for total deliverance from every cord that would bind Your people and come against our God -ordained Destiny! We rebuke the enemies of our minds, thanking You that nothing can stop the blessings or us from performing the greater works You have assigned to the covenant saints! We thankya for the courage and patience to stand, steadfast, consistent, always abounding in the work of our LORD!


We pray for consoling strength for all who have lost loved ones, we rebuke the demons of the minds, and emotions, disappointments, we believe that You are restoring power, love and sound minds, hope and the JOY of Your Salvation. Help us to understand that because we are royal priests, a holy nation unto You, failure is not final and our victorious testimonies shall provoke envy of other nations who have not submitted to The True God but who yet serve false gods!

Father as we wait in confidence and quietness, we rejoice in hope, trusting wholly that all workers of iniquity are trembling and suddenly departing in shameful defeat, terrified 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!

Abba Father, we boldly stand in agreement with You Who hears and answers our prayers, and forgives our transgressions! Holy Father, our souls are strengthened as we shout with joy unto The One to Whom all men will come!

 

Father, bowing in reverent obedience, before The Hope of all the Earth, we thank You NOW, for WE believe that it is done! In The Exalted Name of Jesus. Amen 3X and It Is So!

 

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

 

SELAH!

Pause, Ponder, Pray & Praiz!

 

 

 

THE HIGH LIFE!

THE HIGH LIFE

SELAH Daily Devotions!

 

Thy vows are upon me, O God: I will render praises unto thee. For thou hast delivered my soul from death: wilt not thou deliver my feet from falling, that I may walk before God in the light of the living? Psalm 56:12-13

I returned, and saw under the sun, that the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, neither yet bread to the wise, nor yet riches to men of understanding, nor yet favour to men of skill; but time and chance happeneth to them all. Ecclesiastes 9:11

A highway will be there, a roadway, And it will be called the Highway of Holiness The unclean will not travel on it, But it will be for him who walks that way, And fools will not wander on it. Isaiah 35:8

 

The Bible is so real that it’s difficult to understand how so many folk yet consider it irrelevant to today’s contemporary society. Amassed within 66 Books, 929 chapters in the Old Testament and 260 chapters in the New Testament, GOD has captured every aspect of the human experience from eternity past, eternity present and eternity future!

Unlike many of my readers, I wasn’t born on the left-hand-back-pew of the church! In fact, I wasn’t even raised in a so-called Christian environment. Hence, I’ve lived on both sides of the Cross!  Therefore I’ve experienced both ends of the sin spectrum. I said all that to say, unequivocably, I truely believe in the miraculous, uncomparable , incomprehensible depth and breath of God’s Grace and Mercy to transform the life of the most ungodly into the sanctified!

Sometimes, life comes at us fast and hits you hard! Nevertheless, how we respond to the unexpected, is ultimately a matter of perspective! King Solomon, dubbed as the wisest man in the known world, having been set-up from birth to inherit God’s riches blessings, decided to turn away from following in the footsteps of his Father David. Like so many, who were raised up in the fear and admonition of the Lord,  preferring to fulfill his fleshy lusts,  Solomon eventually found himself plunging headlong into the endless pit of darkness, desperation and dispair!

While Salvation does not guarantee automatic exemption from experiening test, trials or tragedy, as followers of Christ, we have this assurance, absolutely nothing happens that ever takes GOD by surprise!

In fact, GOD knows our endings from the beginning! Not one smile is ever unnoticed nor is one tear ever undocumented. (Ref. Psalm 56:8) Nothing that you’ve been thru; nothing you might be going through now escapes His Watch!   However, God doesn’t promise that every day will be a stroll in the park on a sunny day dancing through flowery beds of ease, nevertheless, Beloved, it behooves us to be content and confident that “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Ref. Hebrews 13:5)

As you voyage through The Scriptures, you’ll discover that God’s servants were tempted, tested and tried by the same tactics and schemes that we are; all of which are strategically launched by our common diabolical enemy, Satan. Nevertheless, they  persevered and prevailed by the AWEMAZING GRACE  of  the self-same Good Shepherd that’s available to you and me.

“Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.” Hebrews 13:8

Didjaheardat?

GOD has promised to supply everything we will ever need to overcome and conquer every and any thing that attempts to resist or prevent the absolute fulfillment of every vow that He’s spoken over our lives!

Don’t allow fear to limit your expectations of what GOD has prepared for you! Don’t let your past cause you to doubt or settle for less than He’s promised! Take care that your steps don’t become slack lingering too long in what’s behind. Keep moving forward; remembering what God has for you is always in front of you!

While Life continues to be a journey into unchartered territories, keep walking; fully persuaded that you are never alone. Yes! There will be some valleys to tread, some mountains to climb, some twists and turns to meander and some dead-ends to re-calculate from. Nevertheless, I encourage you to keep your hand in HIS HAND, confidently trusting in The Master of all Life; knowing that what’s ahead of you is always greater than anywhere you’ve been! IN THE END YOU WIN!

BELOVED, JUST KEEP WALKING, LOVING, LEARNING, LEANING AND LIVING! LIFE GOES BETTER WITH CHRIST! HENCE, DON’T OPT FOR THE ROAD OF LEAST RESISTANCE,  CHOOSE THE PATH THAT LEADS TO THE HIGH LIFE!

SELAH!

Pause, Ponder, Pray & Praiz!

Ann Caffee

 

WATER WALKIN’ FAITH!

WATER-WALKING FAITH 2

SELAH Daily Devotions!

 

When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers,  they will not sweep over you.  Isaiah 43:2a NIV

When you’re in over your head, I’ll be there with you. When you’re in rough waters, you will not go down. Isaiah 43:2a THE MESSAGE

And it shall come to pass, that before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear. Isaiah 65:24 KJV
Honestly, when you think about it, it really doesn’t require a whole lot of faith to believe that GOD CAN! SERIOUSLY! Just open your eyes, or better yet, shut them and continue to breath!  See, THAT’S GOD! However, believing that GOD WILL takes Biblical faith to an entirely different level that too many rarely attain!  I’m not talking Bible-quoting, but water-walking empowering faith that moves you to get out of the boat, with nothing to stand on but The Word of God! (Ref. Matthew 14:28)

Quite frankly, it’s the after we make the decision that causes us the most conflict!

Remember, before we got a personal revelation of Jesus Christ and committed to ‘live holy as unto The Lord’, rarely did we question or rebuke the enemy’s temptations to sin. Yet now that we’re saved, the enemy targets us relentlessly pressuring us to surrender our faith in The Invisible God and put more confidence in The Liar! And that’s when the real tests come! Hence, it’s when you’re challenged to stop thinking about it and put your feet where you mouth is! That’s the scuuarry part, huh? C’mon nah! AM I RIGHT ABOUT IT?

The Scriptures record numerous accounts where God’s people found themselves in dire straits and having no other recourse, but to cry out to The Lord, their God, trusting wholeheartedly that not only does God hear—but GOD Answers!

King David, reminiscing back to a time when, narrowly escaping with his life, penned these words, “Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the Lord delivereth him out of them all.” Psalm 34:19. David’s testimony still replenishes our hope today that even when it looks like there’s no way out, if you call on The Name of The Lord, GOD will show up and make a way out of no way!

In 2 Timothy 3:12, The Apostle Paul, echoing David’s sentiments, encourages his young protégée, Timothy, “Expect afflictions and persecution”. Yet, in the Eternal Purpose of God, compared to the Glorious future that God has stored up for us, it’s only a momentary light affliction! (Ref. Romans 8:18, Jeremiah 29:11)

Our text today, we hear The Prophet Isaiah speaking to The Israelites, whose hearts were steeped in fear and remorse for their sinful ways that had landed them exiled in a strange land, encourages and comforts them to remember The Merciful Compassionate God who had chosen them as His Inheritance, above all other people was Faithful to a fault!

Granted, when the winds of adversity come barreling over you and the waves of fear, doubt and uncertainity are dragging you down into unchartered depths of woe-filled darkness, dumps of dispondency plugging you into utter hopelessness,  if you’re not careful to keep your heart and mind intentionaly focused on The Word of Your All-Caring, Covenant-Keeping, Storm Master and Creator God, when the blistering life’s storms flare up, you will surely drip away!  Particularly when it’s your own stiff-necked rebelliousness that has caused God’s judgement! #ijs!!! 
Can somebody say, ‘BUT GOD’!

Thanks be to God, we don’t serve an unjust King! Our Loving Savior will never sit idly aloof from His Beloved, leaving us to fend for ourselves! Not on your life!  He promised, I WILL NEVER, EVER LEAVE YOU OR FORSAKE YOU (Heb. 13:5)   When it looks like all reason to hope is exhaused, IT AIN’T WHAT IT LOOKS LIKE! Even when we can’t trace Him, The Lion of Judah is moving compassionately towards every moan and groan of our being, intervening on our behalf, turning everything around to work in our favor for His GREATEST GLORY! (Ref. Hebrew 4:15)

Precious One, nothing happens that ever takes God by surprise! And since HE’S GOD, He answers before you even ask!  No matter what you may be experiencing, God knew exactly where you’d be, even before He allowed you to enter into this season. Stay patiently-confident!  ONLY GOD says when enough is enough; and who or what can stop HIM?

TRUST2KNO! NOT ONLY IS GOD ABLE…HE WILL! SOOOO WHATCHA WAITING ON? GO ‘HEAD, STEP OUT THE BOAT, U WATER-WALKER U!

SELAH!

Pause, Ponder, Pray & Praiz!

Ann Caffee

 

THRIVE!

THRIVE 2

SELAH Daily Devotions!

Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage. Galatians 5:1 KJV

If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed. John 8:36 KJV

A thief is only there to steal and kill and destroy. I came so they can have real and eternal life, more and better life than they ever dreamed of. John 10:10 The Message

 

 SMH!!!!  Coming into another dimension of Revelation of the ‘almost too good to be true’ Gospel of Jesus Christ, my only appropriate response is shaking my head in wonder-filled absolute amazement!  I’m not a novice to this thing we call ‘Salvation’, by no means. I’ve been saved for more than thirty years! Yet, I’m almost embarrassed to admit it; nevertheless, for most of my walk with Christ, I’ve struggled secretly imprisoned by guilt and shame for sins I have committed. And I’m not just talking about those B.C. (before Christ). I’m talking about the since I’ve been saved stuff too! 

Just in case someone else out there knows what I’m talking about, I feel an urging in my spirit, compelling me to put myself out on blast just to let you know that there’s Hope for you also, and it’s “IN” Christ Jesus!

Now, don’t get it twisted!  I’m not trying to push the blame off on somebody else. I’m just acknowledging that for whatever reason I adapted a sense of ‘performance-based-legalism’ that followed me right into Christianity! Do good, get good—do bad, get bad!  This kind of thinking just about seals the deal—you’re doomed for failure and defeat, desolation and destruction because there’s no wiggle-room for our innately flawed human characteristics. You lie because you are a liar, you steal because you are a thief; you sin because you were born a sinner!

The Devil’s had a very long time to master deception and manipulation. Frankly,  he’s become quite proficient in using us against us! He cloaks his best handiwork in fostering our ‘self-righteousness, self-degradation and ultimate self-rejection’! Yall know how he just loves to throw a rock and hide his hand. Unfortunately there’s little need to change his tactics, after all, it still works!

TRUTHBTOLD, on our ‘bestest’ days, we still aren’t good enough to somehow deserve God’s Grace! BUT! That’s what’s so Great about Salvation! Even if we could, by accident, done some ‘right’ act it never would’ve equaled out all of the ‘wrong’ acts we’ve committed.

That’s why God sent Jesus!

God knew the first plan was not and never could work—because ‘they just don’t have it in them’! In Hebrews 10:18 Jesus said it something like this…”this new covenant will not be written on tablets of stone, but ‘I’m writing it in their hearts and in their minds’! Father, prepare me A Body… I, The Righteous One, will come to live in them and will empower them to become righteous and do right things the right way!

OMG, SMH…AGAIN! Didjaheardat?

It ain’t about ‘you’ it’s all about ‘JESUS’!!!

Beloved, it’s time to shut the devil down! How? By taking God at HIS WORD! Hence, God paid an hefty price to deliver our souls from the debt of sin! Don’t belittle the Sacrafice on the altar of false humility, self-pity, self-exclusion, as if it’s an act of penance!  Now, I mean no disrespect, we’re always to be grateful for every blessing God has bestowed upon us, howevvrrr, it’s not enuff to be content with ‘survival’ when God intended for us to live this life to the fullest, exceedingly, abundantly, above and beyond any and everything we could every deserve! Hence, GOD wants us to THRIVE! That’s what causes those who’ve yet to receive HIM as Savior and Lord to take a closer look at The Christ In U and begin to envy the Glory of your Heavenly Father resting upon your life! #ijs!

Hence, why keep trying to earn something that God’s already given you for free? Just accept Jesus’ unmerited Love and Loyalty by living  your life to the fullest every day in HIM!

That’s what it means to be ‘BORN AGAIN’ …saved and set free! THAT’S THE REAL BLESSING…I’M NO LONGER OBLIGATED TO FULFILL OTHER’S LIMITATIONS OF WHO I AM, WHAT I’M WORTH AND WHAT I CAN ACHIEVE! YEP, I CAN LIVE FREE! NO MORE CHAINS HOLDING ME!

When we place our personal confident trust not in ‘self’ –not in what we can’t do to earn such Amazing Grace—BUT IN WHAT JESUS CHRIST HAS ALREADY DONE, WE’RE FREE—TO BE, DO, HAVE and ENJOY EVERYTHING HE PURPOSED 4 US B4 THE FOUNDATION OF THE WORLD! IN OTHER WORDS–THRIVE!  YES…THRIVE!

SELAH!

Pause, Ponder, Pray & Praiz!

Ann Caffee