Tag Archives: Security

THURSDAYS’ PRAYERS!

prayn-and-fasting-pic

 

SELAH Daily Devotions!

 

Good Morning my Precious Chosen! GOTTA MOMENT? Didjaknow, that the only reason u r able to read this post is because Our Heavenly Father has blessed u to be alive one more day? Yep! And for that, please join me in exalting The Glorious Name of Jesus! As is our custom on Thursdays, once again we, encourage you to join us in our weekly day of Corporate Prayer and Fasting! There are many sickly, weak, afflicted, ill-treated or faint of heart among us, therefore as James 5:13 instructs, let us utilize the honor and privilege afforded us by our Heaven Father! Shall we pray?

WELCOME, INTO THIS PLACE! WELCOME INTO THIS BROKEN VESSEL! YOU DESIRE TO ABIDE IN THE PRAISES OF YOUR PEOPLE, SO WE LIFT OUR HANDS, AND WE LIFT OUT HEARTS AND WE OFFER UP THIS PRAISE UNTO YOUR NAME! WELCOME HOLY SPIRIT! WE ARE IN YOUR PRESENCE! FILL US WITH YOUR POWER…LIVE INSIDE OF ME! YOU’RE MY LIVING WATER, NEVERENDING FOUNTAIN! COMFORTER AND COUNSELOR, TAKE COMPLETE CONTROL…we bow down in HIS Presence…

 

Abba Father, it is with great joy that we entreat Thy Seat of Mercy today! Trusting confidently that You have afforded us this awesome privilege not because we deserve it, but based solely upon Your Loving-Kindness towards us, that draws us into Your All Emcompassing Presence.

Sweet Jesus, we Thankya for Your commitment, to so please The Heart of The Father, that You willingly sacrificed 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 of Your Righteousness we are now beneficiaries of All that You are in the Eyes of the Creator of All Living things!

Father, we know that You already know everything about every single one of us, because You are Omniscient and Omnipresent, but since You walked among us, allowing Your self to be tempted at all points as we are, You learned what we experience in these earthly tabernacles and can be touched with the feelings of our infirmities! Therefore You are our Great High Priest, able 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 and Comfort! We thankya Lord Jesus, for being our Very Present Help in troubling times!

Lord, while we try to please You by trusting in Your Word with all of our hearts and minds, 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 refuge, peace, strength and 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 lift our hands and our hearts yielded before You, we pray for those who are unsaved, believing You to ignite a spirit of Godly-repentance that they may confess “sincere YES” in their heart and mind provoking a desire to surrender their lives to You today and receive You as their personal Savior and Lord!

Lord, we’re believing You to put a “committed YES” in the heart and mind of every backslider that this will be the day that they come back to You and come back to YOUR church where they will be greeted with lovingkindness, nurtured in the Will and Ways of Your Word, dedicating the rest of their lives to glorifying You in these last and evil days to a lost and dying world!

Father, we ask that You touch our brother, touch our sister who is afflicted by any sickness and disease, including the spirit of cancer, kidney failure, heart and lung disease, diabetes, high/low blood pressure, those in need of transplants, those suffering from knee, back, hip and shoulder pain, we pray that You will 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! And as You are strengthening these, we ask that you also envigorate, encourage and replenish the spirits, minds and bodies of those who are charged to care for their loved ones In Jesus Name!

Lord, 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 and Wholeness, Favor, Provision, Prosperity, Protection and Peace. We ask, Father, that You preserve them thru the tests that they must go thru and keeping them hidden in the secret place YOUR PRESENCE, resting confident that at the appointed time You shall bring them out wholly restored, renewed, refreshed and with the reward as You have promised them in Your Word. Amen 3x!

Father, as we lift up our children, our childrens’ children and by faith, we cancel every scheme that Satan desires to inflict upon them, we commit them into Your Providential care, acknowledging that You have a plan and purpose for their lives, we have the blessed assurance that their steps and stops are being Divinely ordered by Your eyes! We rejoice in Thy Salvation!

Abba, we lift up every Bishop, Pastor, Overseer, Evangelist, Preach, Teacher, Deacon, auxiary leader and member! 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 Power, Conviction and Anointing of Holy Spirit. 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. Grace Your menservants and maidens to be authentic examples of holiness, in their homes, churches and community that will cause everyone who comes into contact with them to fall deeply in love, trust wholly in and live their lives faithfully serving You! In Jesus Name, AMEN 3X!

Father, we know that You keep Covenant with those who keep covenant with you; therefore in the midst of looming darkness and despair, we ask that You stir up the hearts and minds of those who are professing Your Name, empowering them with a fresh 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!

Knowing that You Sovereignly Rule and Reign over the affairs of mankind, we’re praying as You have instructed us, for the leaders of our nation and the world, every corporate, judicial, education, financial, health care institutions, public service and military individuals! We’re trusting that You are touching their minds and hearts, speaking to them in dreams and visions and letting 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!

We believe that because their hearts are in Your Hands, they are ears and hearts are being continuously opened to hear and obey Your Will! Lord Jesus, we’re standing on Your Word as decreed that The government of this world shall rest upon Your shoulders and that You are The Eternal King of Kings and Lord of Lords!

Precious Lord!, continue to open the eyes of our understanding so that Your people are not easily deceived by those who would desire to entrap Your children in bondage to that which You have delivered us from. Help us to understand that salvation only comes to those who trust in the Name of Your First Begotten Son, Jesus ALONE as the Only Power to save us.

Father, we believe that every demonic-induced spirit of anxiety, temptation, addiction, rejection, self-hate, suicide, fear and failure, guilt and shame 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 rejoice now in confiden quietness, trusting that all workers of iniquity are trembling and suddenly departing in shame, because 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!

ABBA FATHER, WE THANK, HONOR AND PRAISE YOU NOW! FOR WE THAT KNOW YOUR NAME AND PUT OUR TRUST IN YOU, KNOW THAT YOU LORD HAVE NOT FORSAKEN ANY THAT SEEK YOU! WE SEAL OUR PRAYER, IN THE EXALTED NAME OF JESUS. AMEN 3x!

SELAH!

Pause, Ponder, Pray & Praiz!

 

 

 

SIGN ME UP!

SIGN ME UP!

 

SELAH Daily Devotions!

 

And Moses said unto the people, Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD, which he will shew to you to day: for the Egyptians whom ye have seen to day, ye shall see them again no more for ever. Exodus 13:14

And these signs shall follow them that believe; Mark 16:17a

And Elisha prayed, and said, LORD, I pray thee, open his eyes, that he may see. And the LORD opened the eyes of the young man; and he saw: and, behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha. 2 Kings 6:17

 

EVVRVR NOTICE? There’s a message trending throughout The Body of Christ (imperceptible or deliberate) that if you truly believe The Word of God, you never need to require a sign of confirmation! Well, seems to me that makes a pandemic infectious  spirit of Gideon and Thomas in The Church, huh? Especially  considering all the traumatic events taking place in our world today. I’d venture to say that the souls of even the most sainted amongst us are being wearied and vexed. There’s no denying that there’s a whole lotta shaking going on! What used to be right is wrong, what used to be in is out; what used to be lies are now alternative facts! Don’t shout me down nah! #ijs

The fact of the matter is, every one of us clothed in human flesh is born spiritually- flawed. Except for a Divine-Interruption, our perception is severely limited by those things which can be seen by our natural sight! Remember, the mantra of this world is “Seeing is believing”, right? However, in The The Kingdom of God, the opposite is true! “We believe to see!”

With that being said, we must also take into account that everyone of us, who claim The Name of Jesus Christ, is under  the constant surveillance of The Adversary, Accuser and Master of Deception! Satan has no cut-cards! He strategically manipulates the affairs of mankind to to steal, kill, destroy or at least destabilize our confidence and trust in The Faithfulness of The True and Living God of All Mercy, Grace and Consolation! But we must always keep in mind, that Satan was, is,  AND neither shall he EVER BE  a THREAT to  The PURPOSE AND PLAN OF GOD!   DIDJAHEARDAT?

In order to out-last the Tempter’s pressure to diminish all hope for times getting better, Father God has dispatched the Indwelling Presence and Power of Holy Spirit to equip us to overcome the wiles of the devil  by leading and guiding us into all Truth!

NOW, DON’T GET IT TWISTED! STUDY the Book! Even the most acceptable and blameless of God’s servants were susceptible to seasons of suspicion and uncertainty!

Sometimes we forget Moses’ initial response to God’s Commission was not a resounding “YES LORD” but “WHO AM I?” Finally, God gave Him of a confirming sign (Ref. Exodus 3:12b) When God called Gideon, “The Mighty Man of Valor”, Gideon’s answer was , “Please, Lord, how can I save Israel? Behold, my clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my father’s house.” (Ref. Judges 6:15) Furthermore, we can’t omit Elisha’s servant, the eye-witness of numerous miraculous events while walking daily with his master (Ref. 2 Kings 6:17) WELL?

 #ijs! OBVIOUSLY, GOD IS NOT THE LEAST BIT INTIMIDATED BY OUR INADEQUACIES! TRUTHBTOLD, HE EXPECTS IT! YOU SEE, GOD NEVER INTENDED US TO LIVE THIS LIFE INDEPENDENT OF GODSELF!

Notice, God doesn’t chasten us for acknowledging our need for assurance! Hence, our Heavenly Father is absolutely delighted when we come boldly seeking Divine-Intervention for those time-sensitive-seemingly-impossible-situations! Honestly, that’s what a miracle is, yall! We don’t need a miracle for that which is already revealed!

Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom. (Luke 12:32) The Good Shepherd allows sporadic intervals of tests and trials to demonstrate that inspite of what it looks like, in the natural, we serve The SUPERNATURAL GOD of ALL POSSIBLE! #Didjaheardat?

IF YOU’RE SURROUNDED BY SO MUCH DARKNESS THAT YOU CAN’T SEE GOD, DON’T LOSE YOUR VISION! REST ASSURED, IT’S OK 2 ASK GOD 2 SIGN U UP! #Didjagetit? #HOPESO!!!

SELAH!

Pause, Ponder, Pray & Praiz!

Ann Caffee

MEMORIES, huh?

MEMORIES, HUH

 

SELAH Daily Devotions!

 

When He slew them, then they sought Him; and they returned and inquired early after God. And they remembered that God was their rock, and the high God their Redeemer. Nevertheless they did flatter him with their mouth, and they lied unto him with their tongues. For their heart was not right with Him, neither were they steadfast in His covenant. But He, being full of compassion, forgave their iniquity and destroyed them not; yeah, many a time turned He his anger away and did not stir up all His wrath. For He remembered that they were but flesh, a wind passeth away, and cometh not again. Psalm 78:34-39

 

A few years back, (but who’s counting, huh?) Barbara Strissand recorded a hit song entitled ‘Memories’. This song pricked the hearts of all of us! Hence, we all have memories of days gone by that lure us back to the way we were. For some of us, when certain ticker-tapes of past personal experiences cross our minds, immediately we smile. Other flash-backs cause our hearts to flutter, skipping a beat… or two, remembering when. And then there are those special ones that yet…still prompt silent tears to crease our cheeks. Memories, huh? Some are fading and some, we only wish we could forget.

Like all of us, I indeed cling to God’s promises to keep my mind focused, sharp and sound. That being my faith stance, I must confess that—every now and then—I have to cash in what my kids call, one of my ‘senior moments’ vouchers. Now don’t look at me in that tone of voice. Can we be for real? I believe we all suffer a bout of ‘Spiritual Alzheimer’s’—every now and then.

Today’s scripture text recalls how the Israelites’ sporadic attacks of ‘forgetfulness’ provoked God’s wrath as He carried them through the wilderness. Now don’t be so hard on them. Truth be told, any one of us, drapped in this fickle-frail-flesh-frame, are just as prone to spiritual amnesia when it comes to recollecting the Wondrous works of God!

Time and time again, God has proven Himself a Faithful Provider, A Way-Out- of -No-Way, our Rock-in-A-Weary-Land, A Shelter-in our-Storm, A Strong Protector, Committed Redeemer and Eternal Hope of our Salvation.  HOWEVERRRR, in spite of our own personal memories of all that God has already done, the moment we’re faced with a new challenge, does our response reflect a confident trust in our Compassionate Merciful God of All Grace? Or do we suddenly forget to remember that if He Did It Before, He’ll Do It Again? Probably not, huh?  #ijs…

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Hebrews 13:8

BUT! THANKS BE 2 GOD! EVEN WHEN WE 4GET…GOD ALWAYS REMEMBERS…PRECIOUS MEMORIES, huh?

SELAH!

Pause, Ponder, Pray & Praiz!

Ann Caffee

 

JUS TIME…

JUS TIME 2

 

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? Mark 8:36-37

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing. 2 Timothy 4:7-8

 

“Time is filled with swift transition, Naught of earth unmoved can stand, Build your hopes on things eternal, Hold to God’s unchanging hand.” (still saanngn yall!)

Remember that one? It’s the first verse to one of my favorite Gospel hymns. It’s probably been a while but, yall do remember Hymns, right? This song probes the core of every mortal’s soul provoking either aggravating or consoling intentional thought concerning its eternal destination!

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.

BUT! Thanks Be To God! Elohim is a Master Economist! He dispenses time and talents based on projected recompense. (Ref. Matthew 25:14-30) Hence, we have been given the gift of time called ‘TODAY’ to fulfill God’s Purpose for our lives, one day and one step at a time!

Someone once said (and I am not quoting) “The only thing that’s certain is uncertainty. Life is change and change is growth and growth is evolving into the ‘being’ that God has created in us”.

Listen up! I may not be the shiniest penny in the pocket, howevvrrr, sounds to me like a reasonably intelligent person would count up the cost and build their life on things eternal, huh?

DON’T WASTE IT—LIVE LIFE TO LAST ETERNALLY! REMEMBER, IT’S ALL ABOUT TIME!

 

SELAH!

Pause, Ponder, Pray & Praiz!

Ann Caffee

A LISTENING GOD

A LISTENING GOD

SELAH Daily Devotions!

 

Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything, according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him. 1 John 5:14-15  KJV

My purpose in writing is simply this: that you who believe in God’s Son will know beyond the shadow of a doubt that you have eternal life, the reality and not the illusion. And how bold and free we then become in his presence, freely asking according to his will, sure that he’s listening. And if we’re confident that he’s listening, we know that what we’ve asked for is as good as ours. 1 John 5:13-15 THE MESSAGE

 

Ever found yourself at the end of your rope? That’s silly; of course you have! We’ve all been there! But did you ever think that that’s exactly where GOD wants you? Probably NOT, huh?

According to 21st Century world view, we’ve been led to believe that you, as the master of your own life, will never face a challenge that you can’t get past. After all you’re an intellectually stimulated, highly educated, acutely sophisticated and exceptionally self-disciplined/self-sufficient individual, right? Wrong!

As you’ve probably figured out by now, this human experience (we call life} is plagued with sporatic incidental  ‘try as you may, you still don’t know how to fix this mess’, huh? But then again, it’s GOD Who sets it up, jus like dat? He never intended us to live life independent of GODSELF! Where do you think fellowship began? That’s exactly right; like everything else, in the mind of God!

Unfortunately, GOD knows that except we have these “impossible” situational intrusions, you know that thing that seems to just pop-up outta no where blocking our path, there’s a high probability that some of us wouldn’t even think we needed GOD! Don’t forget GOD knows your heart! So don’t even try to wiggle your way out of this Truth!

Every so often, we find ourselves smack-dab-in-the-middle of time-sensitive circumstances where you just need one somebody to talk it over with. Even if they can’t change your situation, right? So you call your Mama and your Daddy, your BFF, your Dawg and errrbody else you can think of; hoping, that if somebody just listened, it would ease the pain, frustration and helplessness jus enough to bring a bleep of clarity. Or, perhaps make you feel like at least they care! But then again, can you really trust them to not put your business out there on social media blast or even worst, alter their impression of you? #WOW!

Beloved, we have this confidence! God is never shocked by anything and He knows everything! And to top that, whenever we call Him, He shows up! And whenever He shows up, He’s never empty-handed. He has all the answers that you and I will ever need in this lifetime and the world to come. 

TRUTHBTOLD, at the end of the day, who else can you REALLY REALLY depend on BUT Jesus? C’mon nah, U already know what I’m talking about… that thing, that situation, that person who’s got your heart so troubled, k? Well, stop procrastinating and start talking to JESUS! HE’S ALWAYS WAITING!

C’mon Now! Bow your head (pride) and your heart (shame) and like them Ol’ Skool Mothers said, ‘Jus take it to The Lawd in pray’r’!

TRUST2KNO, GOD IS GRACIOUS AND HE SPECIALIZES IN MAKING WRONG THINGS RIGHT! OUR HEAVENLY FATHER LISTENS!

SELAH!

Pause, Ponder, Pray & Praiz!

Ann Caffee

 

STUPEFYING!

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

WHAT! NO MERCY?

WHAA, NO MERCY

SELAH Daily Devotions!

 

And when Moses saw that the people were naked; (for Aaron had made them naked unto their shame among their enemies:) Then Moses stood in the gate of the camp, and said, Who is on the Lord’s side? let him come unto me. And all the sons of Levi gathered themselves together unto him. And he said unto them, Thus saith the Lord God of Israel, Put every man his sword by his side, and go in and out from gate to gate throughout the camp, and slay every man his brother, and every man his companion, and every man his neighbour… Exodus 32:25-27

 

Does anybody remember the movie ‘The Ten Commandments’ staring Charleston Heston as Moses? It’s been dubbed “Hollywood’s version” of God’s miraculous deliverance of the Israelites out of Egyptian bondage, through the wilderness and into the Promised Land of Canaan. From the Biblical perspective, once again we see God extending awemazingly unmerited Lovingkindness and Grace to His rebellious disobedient people.

Now! Here’s where the TRUE story becomes a bit disconcerting! The Very Same God who brought them up out from under the cruelty of their Egyptian task masters, giving them a binding Covenant from His Own Hand, laying out in explicit details how His people were to be a holy, distinct, separated people envied by all other nations because of their unique relationship with The One True God, apparently flips the script; turning on the very same people that He’d personally chosen for Himself! But as you delve a little deeper, you see that other side of God’s Righteousness that we tend to close our eyes to—Justice! The Nerve of GOD, huh?

Evidently, there’s an inherent proclivity of our provocable flesh to profoundly resist accountability! IF it seems right and feels right, then just do it! But that type of logic fails to take into account the Sovereignty of our CREATOR GOD! Therefore, HE alone has the Power and Authority to establish the ways of man’s life. (Ref. Psalm 100:3) WE got some nerve!

Unfortunately, like our progenitors, The Israelites, we too have discovered that while, God allows us freedom of choice, when it comes to consequences of our decisions, we have no say so! The otherwise Loving, Caring, Benevolent Father of All Grace and Comfort has subjected GODSELF to His Word! In essence, sooner or later, all sinfulness must be reckoned with Justly , without partiality! HENCE, there is such a thing as frustrating GRACE!

For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world. Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works. (Titus 2:11-14)

The lines are being drawn daily, WHO’S ON THE LORD’S SIDE?

I know it’s extremely uncomfortable to speak of such things for many and sociably inappropriate for others, huh? Nevertheless, it’s TRUTH! GOD HAS ORDERED A DAY OF RECKONING for all mankind! DON’T GET CAUGHT WITH YOUR WORK UNDONE!

Make your reservations for Eternal Life before the expiration date!

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. 17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. John 3:16-17

Precious one, believe it or not, that Ol’ Ship of Zion is movin’ closer and closer! R U ready to board?

IF YOU ARE STILL ALIVE, THAT’S CONFIRMATION THAT THE OFFER IS STILL AVAILABLE…MERCY!

SELAH!

Pause, Ponder, Pray & Praiz!

Ann Caffee

 

NON-NEGOTIABLE

NON-NEGOTIABLE2

 

SELAH Daily Devotions!

 

And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom you will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD. Joshua 24:15

 

Who nu? Dictionary.com would have so many different definitions of the word ‘DEBATE’!

So, I’ve decided to add my compilation synopsis to the list. Here goes:

“To engage in formal/informal discussion, argumentation or disputation with another person or group, to deliberate upon, to consider and/or to contend for or over opposing viewpoints, in which the affirmative and negatives side of a proposition are advocated by opposing speakers”

Now, ain’t that a mouth-full? No wonder there’s seems to be no end to the perplexity of issues up for debate, huh?

The ancient Grecians were famous for their fascination with prolific debating practices. There’s still open-ending discussions regarding whether the art of Grecian debate played a significant role in developing today’s American society… or not. Apparently, while many antiquities of social traditions are extinct, the debate goes on and on!

One might ascertain that Humanity’s Inalienable Right to freely express his/her own opinions and to make choices regarding issues they presume relevant, sets us above all other creation, or not!

This concept of “either /or” has existed since the Garden of Eden. God allowed Adam to exercise his freedom of choice giving him access to a garden variety of luscious fruit to select from, with the exception of one particular tree; The Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. (Ref. Genesis 2:17) And we all know how that worked out! Huh?

Temptation makes it extremely difficult to resist engaging in some form of debate. Does chocolate taste better than vanilla? Are Marines better equipped than The Navy Seals? Is marriage better than remaining single? Creation vs. Evolution?

Logic leads us to this conclusion. Even though we do have the freedom and power to choose our actions, when it comes to the consequences of our decisions, it’s completely out of our hands. God’s Sovereignty over His Creation is NOT UP FOR DEBATE! Hence, there are some decisions that command intentional consciencous reflection, consultation and evaluation because the aftermath of an erroneous selection is irrevocable!

Unfortunately, this often doesn’t sit well with some. Many a disillusioned soul has taken issue to this kind of ‘authoritative manipulation’ resulting in habitual sinful rebellion. But! God looks down from His Throne and laughs at this foolish obstinacy! (Ref. Psalm 2:4)

The Great Debate continues to infiltrate various sects of society. Hence, Absolutes vs. No Absolutes! Either you are male or female, saved or lost, spiritual or religious, Calvinism vs. Arminianism? Does God exist or not? Is there One God or many? Is Jesus Lord of all or not at all? Apparently, there will always be those who disagree with with our preferences, yet there’s no denying that these tough issues warrant careful deliberation! 

Amazingly,  the Graciousness of a Holy God still allows man the power of choice to either bow now or bow later! #ijs

Beloved, may I submit for your consideration, BEFORE YOU RESPOND, TAKE A MOMENT TO PAUSE AND PONDER! AFTER ALL, THE CONSEQUENCES ARE ETERNAL! IT’S EITHER HEAVEN OR HELL! BELIEVE it or NOTultimately, The Word of God is NON-NEGOTIABLE!  #WOW #Didjaheardat?

SELAH!

Pause, Ponder, Pray & Praiz!

Ann Caffee

 

ROCK STEADY, BABY!

ROCK STEADY 4

 

SELAH Daily Devotions!

 

O give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good: because his mercy endureth for ever. Let Israel now say, that his mercy endureth for ever.  Let the house of Aaron now say, that his mercy endureth for ever. Let them now that fear the Lord say, that his mercy endureth for ever.

I called upon the Lord in distress: the Lord answered me, and set me in a large place.

The Lord is on my side; I will not fear: what can man do unto me? The Lord taketh my part with them that help me: therefore shall I see my desire upon them that hate me. It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man. Psalm 118:1-8

 

Unless you were born late last night or just landed on Planet Earth early this morning, you’ve probably already recognized that real-life comes at you hard and fast! It matters not whether you’ve been walking with Jesus for a long time or just recently made a decision to follow Christ! Truthfully, none of us are excluded from life’s faith-stresses aka test and trials! In fact, The Holy Writ is ladened with numerous accountings to alert even the most sincerest of faith-talking-faith-walking-Christians among us, to expect trying times to pop-up when you least expect them!

The Apostle Paul describes life as a race, and we soon discover that it’s not a sprint, but a marathon! However, unlike The Boston Marathon, God doesn’t usually let us in on the specifics that we’ll encounter along the way that could potentially hinder, even derail our progress, ultimately keeping us from finishing our course.

Perhaps, it’s because the Omniscient One knows that if we had foreknowledge, most of us would re-calculate our journey to suit own will, or worst yet, start looking to external resources, other than GOD, to be our help!

Yes! We all experience those seasons when it feels like our lives are being torpedoed by Satan’s inferno darts, coupled with the tolls of living in this fallen world, even to the point where our own flesh turns against us and we ‘re almost persuaded that GOD has obviously just abandoned us in the valley of the shadows of death, hopelessly desperate to fend for ourselves, huh?

But, The Psalmist, David, having personally triumphantly trampled through turbulent terrains many times, extends to us this olive-branch of hope-filled-encouragement, don’t give up! Despite of what it looks like, never stop trusting God!

Why? Because David knew what Satan never wants us to know, that no matter what the enemy throws at you, we have a Forever Faithful Refuge on our side and HIS NAME IS JESUS!

The next time (and there will be a next time), the enemy tries to convince you that it’s over, defeat is imminent, there’s no place to run, no place to hide, everything you once stood on has now turned to sinking sand, TRUST2KNO, God Alone is your Impregnable Mountain of Righteousness!

Beloved, when darkness surrounds you, hiding HIS Face, press on; trusting HIS Heart to do whatever is necessary to keep you safely tucked in HIS Providential Care every minute of every day! 

If our hearts condemn us, we know that God is greater than our hearts, and he knows everything. 1 John 3:20

Didjaheardat?

Don’t be afraid, little children! Remember, if Jehovah allows you to go to it, it means that He’s already gone before you, preparing Divinely designated rest areas along the road to comfort, renew and energize our spirit and soul!

GOD’S LOVE REMAINS—ROCK STEADY, BABY!

SELAH!

Pause, Ponder, Pray & Praiz!

Ann Caffee

A SAFE PLACE!

A SAFE PLACE 3

SELAH Daily Devotions!

 

Truly my soul waiteth upon God: from him cometh my salvation. He only is my rock and my salvation; he is my defence; I shall not be greatly moved”…In God is my salvation and my glory: the rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God. Trust in him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart before him: God is a refuge for us. Selah….God hath spoken once; twice have I heard this; that power belongeth unto God. Psalm 62:1-2, 7-8, 11

 The Lord is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that trust in him. Nahum 1:7

 

“Everyday is not the same!” These were the words from a faithful friend to me to encourage me at a time when I found myself drowning in raging waters, attempting to maneuver my way through the valley overshadowed by Dred and Death! In retrospect, I’m almost tempted to say, “Sir, is dat ever an understatement!”

Who knu?  I never would’ve dare to imagine that one day, I’d be the one offering these same words to fellow sojourners along my path as a breath of refreshing wind to wayfaring souls hoping to console their storm-wearied hearts to keep moving, keep trusting, keep believing because NOW IS NOT FOREVER and GOD IS TOO FAITHFUL FOR YOU TO GIVE UP NOW! GOD IS Awemaazin, huh?

My sincere prayer is that the treasured words of today’s text,  inspired by Holy Spirit, serve as a compass leading you to The True Source of Comfort and Peace as they remind us of The Eternal Truth and Faithfulness of every Word that proceeds out of God’s Mouth! 

The sum of Your word is truth, And every one of Your righteous ordinances is everlasting. Psalm 119:160

Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore. Psalm 16:11

Beloved, only God knows what challenges you are facing at this writing, yet I hear the Saints of ol’ saanging I Go To The Rock!’ It was those soul-stirring songs that taught us that when the cares of this ol’ world overwhelm us, there is an escape, a safe house that we can run into and be saved from the threatening terror! Hence, we can run to the Mountain That is Higher than you and I!

My precious one, can we pray?

“Heavenly Father, here we are again bowing at The Throne of Your Mercy! We’re so grateful for the honor and privilege to come boldly, knowing that You hear and answer every petition, supplication and inquiry we place before You.

We’re praying for the strength of The people of God, that we might be encouraged to stand strong, continue lifting up The Blood Stained Banner of our Lord and Savior. Trusting confidently that He Who Rules and Reigns above The Heavens, is in ABSOLUTE CONTROL of the affairs of all mankind! We’re praying for the leaders of our country, fully persuaded that their hearts remain in God’s Hand, confident that The Omniscient Father never sleeps nor slumbers, is never taken by surprise, neither does He ever need to repent! EVERYTHING HE HAS PROMISED, HE WILL PERFORM!

We’re praying for our children, every parent who has been charged to instruct and rear them up in the fear and admonition of THE LORD will submit to the leading of Holy Spirit, walk upright before them that they may see our faith and commitment to THE GOD OF ALL HOPE!

We’re praying for those who are yet in darkness, being deceived by Satan into rejecting The Saving Grace of The Lord Jesus Christ will be snatched from the snares of sinfulness and repent before GOD, seeking forgiveness and salvation. We’re believing that the hearts of the backsliders will be pricked by The Spirit of The Living God so that they will make a decision to return to Jesus TODAY!

We’re praying for the comfort of those who are dealing with grief, depression, loneliness, fear, addictions, confusion, overwhelmed by financial commitments, sickness and diseases. We’re believing that the angels of the Lord are being sent to their sides to minister help, health and hope at this very moment.

We’re rejoicing in reality that the companionship of The Lord of All Comfort, Joy and Peace is never too far away and that HE can be touched with the feelings of our infirmities.

We’re eternally grateful, Father, that regardless of what each day brings, YOU OH GOD REMAIN THE SAME, YESTERDAY, TODAY AND FOREVER FAITHFUL to protect and provide everthing we ever need.

ABBA FATHER, we’re thanking You now for Your Compassionate Loving Kindness, Tender Mercies and Unconditional Love that never leaves us nor forsakes those who place their personal trust in JESUS ALONE! THE SOLID ROCK!

We’re asking these things, recognizing that it’s because of The Majestic Name of Jesus that we yet rest assured in Hope, earnestly anticipating that it shall be so. In Jesus Name. AMEN 3X

LORD, AS YOU STAND BY ME, I’M IN MY SAFE PLACE!

SELAH!

Pause, Ponder, Pray & Praiz!

Ann Caffee