Tag Archives: temporary

STILL SAY YES?

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STILL SAY YES

SELAH Daily Devotions!

For all the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us. 2 Corinthians 1:20

For indeed the gospel was preached to us as well as to them; but the word which they heard did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in those who heard it. Hebrews 4:2

 

WOW!

Just thinking about backndaday, when the Saints gathered on Sunday afternoon for Holy Convocation! Talkin’ about The Grand Ole Church of God In Christ. I’m here to tell ya, did we ever have some sho nuff churrch huh? I remember how I felt when the Elder would approach the pulpit and begin bellowing out our International COGIC Anthem, “YES LORD!” Still not sure whether it was meant to call the church to order, calm the shoutin saints down, to take up the offering or what. But what I do know is that just hearing those words that were first uttered from the mouth of our Founder, Charles H. Mason, always took our worship into another dimension of God’s Presence!

Unfortunately, you don’t hear that song sang much anymore. At least not in the same manner, huh? Don’t shout me down now! #ijs

 

The Holy Spirit just said, ‘that’s because My people aren’t saying ‘YES’ to Me that much anymore!’ OMG! Honestly, that really doesn’t suprise me! There’s so much noisey chatter going around the Christian Community these day, folk aren’t sure what’s of God and what’s not! One side of the church is saying, “It’s a new day and we’re no longer under The Law, we’re under Grace”! The other side is saying, “If you don’t have a new house, drive a certain car, live in a certain zip code, the favor of God is not on your life because you don’t have enuff faith!” And hardly anybody is preaching what God expects of those who claim His Son as Lord and Savior! (Ref. Micah 6:8)
We’re living in a day-n-time when every man wants to do what seems right in their own eyes. If we don’t like what that preacher’s preaching, we can keep driving until we find one that affirms and validates what we want to do, right? To make the transition easier, we can even search the internet until we find one that suits our lifestyle and  THEN there’s always e-church!

Problem is, while times have changed, The Word of God HASN’T! IT IS ETERNAL!!

While the world is busy colluding, electing, legislating and flaunting their rebellious unrighteousness, rest assured, it’s virtually impossible for mere man to dismiss the boundaries and rules for living that God has established! JESUS IS LORD!

 Saints,  I know, sometimes, we’d prefer to not acknowledge it, HOWEVRRR…there’s another side of God’s Holiness that the world (and even some church folk) has completely rejected! ‘The Lord is a jealous and avenging God; the Lord takes vengeance and is filled with wrath” (Nahum 1:2)

Hence, while it may seem as if God has turned His face away from this world and is allowing everything to fall apart, The Sovereign Creator God wants us to know that everything is falling right in place! Anybody remember, Goshen? “They saw not one another, neither rose any from his place for three days: but all the children of Israel had light in their dwellings.” Exodus 10:23

There’s no denying, the Adversary is working double-over-time attempting to persuade the Saints to give up all hope of anything getting better! But God says, there’s an appointed time and a purpose for all things! (Ref. Eccl. 3:1) TRUST2KNO, Satan ain’t running nothing! It is GOD who sits enthroned above the circle of the earth and He has and never will relinquish HIS POWER TO ANYONE OR ANYTHING! 

What does God want us to do? It’s simple, walk with HIM! Trust HIM, agree with HIM! Regardless of how the circumstantial evidence appears to contradict The Promises, have faith in The Immutable Word of God! (Ref. Proverbs 3:5-6)

Beloved, keep getting up in the morning, set your face toward JESUS and just keep right on saying ‘YES LORD’! #Didjaheardat?

SELAH!

Pause, Ponder, Pray & Praiz!

Ann Caffee

 

 

ABOVE & BEYOND!

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NGS Picture ID:1181432

 

SELAH Daily Devotions!

 

But now thus saith the Lord that created thee, O Jacob, and he that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine. When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee. For I am the Lord thy God, the Holy One of Israel, thy Saviour: I gave Egypt for thy ransom, Ethiopia and Seba for thee. Since thou wast precious in my sight, thou hast been honourable, and I have loved thee: therefore will I give men for thee, and people for thy life. Fear not: for I am with thee:… Isaiah 43:1-5

 

One thing for certain, two things for sure: Life happens fast and furious! Preparing for the unexpected is a challenge for any of us! Saved or Unsaved, huh?

Yet as believers in The Lordship of Jesus Christ, we’re taught to do just that! The Word of God warns us that when faced with seemingly overwhelming circumstances, to resist the urge to give in to panic and anxiety! How many times has your circumstantial evidence threatened to destroy all hope for recovering the calmness that you once enjoyed walking in the comfort of God’s favor? #bothhandsup!

Nevertheless, time and wisdom have trained us that Satan delights in using the intermittent turbulent winds and upheaval waves of chaos, temptations and uncertainty to manipulate and vex the minds of unsuspecting sainted-souls of God’s elect.

From the beginning, The Master of Deceit, has proven himself quite adept in distracting our hearts away from what we know of God, derailing our commitment to trust and subccumbing to questioning, doubt, unbelief and ultimately dissipating our hope-filled confidence into pits of  desperation, fear and despair!

Although, sometimes it appears as if Satan has been declared the victor, it behooves you to not fall for the ‘ookey-doke’, and never ever underestimate The Power of God! God is Sovereign! Hence, your enemies can’t intrude into your life, except God allows! And the only reason that El–Shaddai everrrr temporarily permits the Hell Hounds to invade your personal space, is to prove that His greater purpose excels far beyond your temporary pain and discomfort!

Therefore, Beloved, don’t believe everything you see! The enemy’s arsenal is flanked by confusion, isolation, intimidation and fear. #FALSE EVIDENCE APPEARING REAL! Chances are, it ain’t what it looks like! Besides, God has not given us a spirit of fear, but as Children of Light, we’ve inherited HOLY GHOST POWER, LOVE AND SELF DISCIPLINE! (Ref. 1 Peter 4:12-14)  #WOW! #DIDJAHEADAT?

Regardless of what attempts to impede your trust and confident reliance on The Presence and Prominence of your Loving Heavenly Father, you stand your ground, cling steadfastly to what you’ve already experienced and continue to stride safely through the murky rivers of Life!  Albeit, some water gets into your boat, just keep in mind that The One who commands the sea and the waves is onboard, therefore your life is anchored in the Cleft of the Rock!

Precious Ones, faith in God’s Loving Care gives us eternal assurance that whenever life assails against us, we can ride out the storms resting in the quiet confidence that THE SELF-EXISTENT LORD WILL NEVER…NO NOT EVER… LEAVE OR FORSAKE US! (Ref. Hebrews 13:5) YEP!  REMEMBER, even if you’re going thru Hell, jus keep moving!  JESUS IS ALWAYS LOOKING OUT 4 U!

JESUS LIVED ABOVE AND BEYOND THE CIRCUMSTANCES! SO, WHAT’S UP WITH U?

SELAH!

Pause, Ponder, Pray & Praiz!

Ann Caffee

THE TOUCH!

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the-touch

 

SELAH Daily Devotions!

 

While he spake these things unto them, behold, there came a certain ruler, and worshiped him, saying, My daughter is even now dead: but come and lay thy hand upon her, and she shall live….And, behold, a woman, which was diseased with an issue of blood twelve years, came behind him, and touched the hem of his garment: For she said within herself, If I may but touch his garment, I shall be whole….But when the people were put forth, he went in, and took her by the hand, and the maid arose. Matthew 9:18, 20-21, 25

 

Sometimes, what you know doesn’t always get you where you want to go! Perhaps that’s why there’s so much emphasis placed on social media networking today. You’d probably be amazed at how quickly certain doors that were once off-limits to you could now be opened to you, if you have the right connections, huh?

As it is in the natural, so it is in the spiritual, huh? According to today’s scripture text, one day a certain ruler came to Jesus, standing in proxy for his daughter who was on the brink of death. Yet, despite of this tremendously desperate situation and the looming circumstantial evidence starring him in his face, taunting him to ‘just accept it; it’s too late, you waited too long; you might as well just go home and bury your baby gurl’, our text says that this local official, mounting up some audacious-faith, came bowing down and crying out  “Jesus, if you would come to my house and simply touch my daughter, she will live!” Jesus recognized that this man’s astonishing-faith expectantly looked beyond the natural, piercing through the impossible, grabbed hold to The Supernatural to acquire that which his heart desired.  Subsequently, The Savior proceeded to follow the ruler home!

On their way, they passed a woman, who’d suffered everyday for the past twelve years from a blood disease that literally left her leaking the very life out of her body! Having heard that Jesus was close by, risking everything, including being stoned to death if she was exposed, she made her way through the crowd, determining within herself to get close enough to put her finger on Jesus’ Robe, knowing that her life would be restored! The Compassionate Jesus, feeling that certain faith-touch, and that corresponding pull on His Anointing, instantaneously released healing from His Being!
Glancing back over the huge gathering, Jesus fixing His eyes on this one woman, whose faith out-shined that of all the spectators, immediately began to comfort and encourage her to not be afraid! At that moment, The Great High Priest assured her that her courageous faith had made a Kingdom Connection. Hence, that which she had believed for, she’d become! Not only was she healed, she was made whole! (Ref. Hebrews 4:14)

Pushing past the nay-sayers, the doubters, the unbelievers and the mockers and continuing on to Jairus’ house, Jesus went to the young damsel’s bedside. Taking her hand, gently pulling her from the gripping clutches of death,  Jesus restores her to life! When the word of Jesus’ miraculous powers spread around town, it sent shock-waves of gossipers pouring through the streets and the surrounding regions proclaiming that The Kingdom of Heaven has come to dwell in the earth!

Be encouraged my precious ones! Regardless of what it looks like and despite how long you’ve had to endure this present situation, always remember NOW IS NOT ALWAYS! This test, trial, tragedy or temptation is only temporary! BUT JESUS IS NOT! (Ref. Romans 8:17-18)

Precious one, as a fellow-partaker of the Divine Faithfulness of our Holy Redeemer, I adjure you to not allow temporal facts to distract you from The Truth! Stay focused on Jesus, The Eternal King, The Great Apostle and High Priest of our confession! (Ref. Hebrew 3:1) NO WORD FROM GOD WILL EVER FAIL! (Ref. Luke 1:37)

Beloved, GOD IS STILL LOOKING FOR THOSE WHO ARE WILLING TO STRETCH THEIR FAITH WELL BEYOND THAT WHICH CAN BE SEEN, HEARD AND EVEN IMAGINED! TODAY, IF YOU FEEL LIKE GIVING UP,  I ENCOURAGE YOU TO REACH OUT AND TOUCH THE HEART OF THE COMPASSIONATE SAVIOR!

SELAH!

Pause, Ponder, Pray & Praiz!

Ann Caffee

BELIEVERS’ DELIGHT!

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THE BELIEVERS' DELIGHT

 

SELAH Daily Devotions!

 

Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and in his law doeth he meditate day and night! Psalm 1:1-2 KJV

How well God must like you – you don’t hang out at Sin Saloon, you don’t slink along Dead-End Road, you don’t go to Smart-Mouth College.2 Instead you thrill to God’s Word, you chew on Scripture day and night. THE MESSAGE

 

When the Holy Ghost pricked my heart with this text, immediately my mind went to the scripture about the sisters, Mary and Martha. Martha was complaining to Jesus ‘Lord, it ain’t right that Mary should be sitting in here with all yall, while I’m in the kitchen working trying to get this food ready’. However, I don’t think she expected Jesus to respond like He did, huh? Jesus didn’t rebuke Mary, but he told Martha that Mary had chosen, ‘the best part’. (Ref. Luke 10:42) Unfortunately, Martha’s got a whole lot of sisters and brothers out here, even those who are in the Kingdom of God!

I gotta confess, I was totally shocked when I realized that not everyone who’s name is written in The Lambs’ Book of Life, finds the WORD OF GOD delightful. I’m not trying to be sanctimonious or self-righteous, I’m just giving my experience, k?

The truth of the matter is, Satan wants to keep all of us, saved and unsaved alike, from the WORD OF GOD—By Any Means Necessary! He works deligently to distract us from spending time, reading, studying, and particularly, meditation and prayilng the Word.

Case in point, how many times have you made a decision (especially at the beginning of a New Year), that ‘This year, I’m gonna get in my Bible and see what God has promised me! I want to know what God wants to say to me. I want to know WHO GOD IS AND WHO I AM in him’. And what happens? Suddenly—out of nowhere, here comes something or someone that needs your immediate attention. Seriously, fires just seem to pop up everywhere you look, right?

Beloved, don’t take the bait! Somebody said, the best defense is a good offense! Hence, it’s important for us to hide God’s Word in our hearts, so that when challenges, tests, trials and tragedies interrupt our lives, instead of caving in to the pressure of temporary circumstances, out of our hearts will flow the Eternal Well-spring of Life, a confident assuring hope that our ‘God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.’ (1 Cor. 10:13) When we make time to fill our spirit, with the Immutable Word of God, we might bend, but we won’t brake!

We must remember that while the issues of life are often a surprise to us—nothing that has, is going on now, or will ever happen in our life, will ever make God say “OOPS! WHERE DAT COME FROM – HOW DID THAT GET PASS ME”! #didjaheardat? Com’on now!

As believers, we must be fully persuaded that The God we serve is SOVEREIGN! HE IS ULTIMATELY ABSOLUTELY COMPLETELY IN CONTROL OF EVERYTHING. And when you know that you know this, YOU KNOW that SATAN AIN’T RUNNING NOTHING! In fact, before he can get to you—HE’S GOTTA GO THRU JESUS!

The scripture says, that ‘Greater is He who is in us, than who is in the world’. (1 john 4:4) and even when our own heart condemn us, “He’s greater than our hearts”. (1 John 3:20) WOW! Beloved, if you are truly Born-Again, Blood-Washed Believer, your spirit man is always on, we just need to stay tuned, and open to hear what the Spirit is speaking to our spirit. “Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not.” Jeremiah 33:3

Truthfully, many of God’s people are so busy, (just like Martha) caught up in the grid of daily life, trying to get their children to sports activities, a promotion, a new degree, upgrade their house, car, purse or spouse that there’s rarely time left to fellowship with Jesus around His Word!

Precious one, when we take time, pausing to delight ourselves in His Presence, meditating in His Word, GOD Will direct your steps, instruct your hearts and lead us in the right pathways! God delights in our deligent seeking and rewards us with Grace to walk secure in His Peace, regardless of what’s going on around, and even on the inside of us.

I know it ain’t my business, but I’m jus say’n, WHAT DELIGHTS U?

SELAH!

Pause, Ponder, Pray & Praiz!

Ann Caffee

IT’S ONLY TEMPORARY

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IT'Z ONLY TEMPORARY

 

SELAH Daily Devotions!

 

For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal wieght of glory. While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things wich are not seen are eternal. 2 Corinthians 4:17-18

 

One of the most difficult things for us to comprehend , especially in the midst of chaos and drama, is the reality of our being creatures in time while God is Eternal. As creatures of time, we have a tendency to focus on the intensity of our current struggle, losing sight of the unchangeable nature of The Omnipresent, Omniscient, Omnipotent Creator and Sustainer of the Ages!

Despite personally experiencing numerous historical testaments of our previous deliverances, apparently there’s an innately human proclivity to suffer spontaneous outbreaks of accute spiritual amnesia when faced with a new challenge! Hence, we forget that the same God who brought us out the last time is still with us.

While there’s no known cure for this dis-ease, it is treatable! The Word of God subscribes that as a child of God, arm yourself with the Mind of Christ. Consider your present condition, in light of The Word of God rather than the intimidations and threats of the wicked, deceitful raving antics of God’s enemy, Satan! And Yessss, it’s easier said than done, nevertheless IT IS POSSIBLE!

How, you say? We do it all the time! Seriously! Just think about a cute lil’ cuddly brown and white kitty, can you see her in your mind? Okay, now think of a pit bull! Uuuhhh! What happened to the kittycat?

God has so wonderously created us with the ability to cast down images, overthrowing arguments, and every high thing lifting itself up against the knowledge of God, and taking captive every thought into the obedience of Christ. (Ref. 2 Corinthians 10:4-5)

If you make a conscious decision to rely upon your spiritual eyes regardless of what your natural eyes see, faith will always trump fear! In other words, the strongest man always wins!! Recognize the source. God has not given us the spirit of fear, but power, love and a sound mind, right? The devil is a thief, a liar and the father of lies! Well? Who you gonna trust? (Ref. 2 Timothy 1:7; John 10:10)

Keep in mind, your Heavenly Father is never taken by suprise, never caught off guard and will never scratch His Head saying, “Wheredatcomefrom?” The Holy Scriptures assure us that before we ask, He already knows what we need! And don’t forget, His delay does not mean automatic denial. The Good Shepherd doesn’t lead us anywhere that HIS GRACE can’t keep us.

Beloved, remember God does not move in time according to circumstances. He’s more interested in eqipping and furnishing you and I with His characteristics that your faith and trust is not easily moved, come what may! The ol’ skool Mothers said, ‘Baby, He may not come when you want Him, but He’s always on right on time, k?

During moments of stress and afflictions, God wants you to focus on the things which are not seen in order that the knowledge and assurance of His Amazing Grace will sustain us throughout Eternity may be perfected in us! Be not dismayed,Ye are spiritual beings, created in His Image! Encourage yourself to remember, this is only temporary! At any moment now, I know God ‘s gonna shall breakthru and change my circumstances around for my good and HIS GLORAAA.

Just like He brought me out of THAT, HE WILL BRING ME OUT OF THIS! When I come out of this, I’ll be able to tell somebody else, my God is Faithful and worthy of your trust, patience and praiz! This came to past not to stay!  SPEAK UPWORDS! IT’S ONLY TEMPORARY!
SELAH!

Pause, Ponder, Pray & Praiz!

Ann Caffee

 

HELP IS ON THE WAY!

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HELP IS ON THE WAY

 

SELAH Daily Devotions!

 

Behold, the Lord God will help me, who is he who will condemn me? Lo, they all shall wax old and be worn out as a garment, the moth shall eat them up. Who is among you who reverently fears the lord, who obeys the voice of his servant, yet who walks in darkness and deep trouble and has no shining splendor in his heart? Let him rely on, trust and be confident in the name of the lord, and let him lean upon and be supported by his God. Isaiah 50:9-10

 

I gotta confess! It’s gotten to the point, where a lot of us no longer watch the evening news broadcast. OMG!  It’s not that we’re ignorant or unconcerned, but  because there’s so much wrong going on in the world we live in!  Some of us have come to the realization that rather than walking around in a constant state of fear, anxiety and depression, we’d prefer to take the unabating deluge of daily news in small doses! Truthfully, yall know, terror and trauma sells, right? And quite honestly, since the dubiousness of #45’s  texts and fake news, most of what we get is a little too copious for the intellectual palate to absorb! #ijs So generally, the most you can get out of a 30 minute time-frame is a 15 second spot of so called ‘good news’! 

However, there is Hope that’s expands far beyond this world! Every born-again, Blood-washed, Holy Ghost sanctified Believer has the assurance that regardless what they say, our Hope rests confidently upon Truth! Truth emphatically declares that the good news is that the bad news is not the final WORD FOR US! Therefore, we who are not ashamed of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, are fully persuaded that it is still the Power of God to save, heal and deliver us out of any of life’s maladies!

While our personal relationship with The Heavenly Father does not exempt us from the impact of this desperately-wicked-fallen world, we are yet able to rejoice in faith, assured that we are not alone, not abandoned nor forsaken! How? Because our Redeemer yet reigns and has no intention of RELINQUISHING HIS POWER NOR AUTHORITY TO ANY ONE OR THING!

Armed with this mindset, we wait in quiet confidence, even if we’re clueless as to why, what, when or where…we know WHO is able to do exceedingly, abundantly above all that we could ask or think! (Ref. Ephesians 3:20)

The ol’ skool church Mothers used to say, “He may not come when you want HIM, but He’ll Be There right on time”!

Beloved, when darkness, sorrow, trouble or tragedy comes rushing down upon you, remember you are a child of The King! There is a Protective Custody Order over your life that has been signed, ratified, sealed and delivered by The Blood of Jesus! Greater is He Who is in you than anything that the prince of darkness assails against you. (Ref. 1 John 4:4)

Don’t fall for the okey doke, saints! While the devil is persistent, remember ‘he ain’t running nuffin!’ No matter how dark dark gets, God knows exactly where you are! Hence, light and darkness are the same to Him. (Ref. Psalm 139:12)

As our knowledge of God increases so does HIS GRACE empowering us to trust him, even when we can’t trace him! REST ASSURED! God is near to all who confidently trust in Him and wait obediently and patiently for His appearance. Now that’s Good News, huh?

Trouble in your way today? Don’t give in to the pressures of contradictory circumstances and don’t even try to figure it out! Just hide yourself in HIS LOVE, grab hold to The Living Word, as if your very life depended upon because it surely does!!

BE STILL! TRUST 2 KNOW … HE WHO PROMISED SHALL PERFORM IT! YOUR HELP IS ON THE WAY!

“Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.” Psalm 27:14

SELAH!

Pause, Pondder, Pray & Praiz!

Ann Caffee

 

I CAN’T, BUT GOD CAN!

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i-cant-but-god-can-3

SELAH Daily Devotions!

“And being not weak in faith, he considered not his own body now dead, when he was about a hundred years old, neither yet the deadness of Sarah’s womb; He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God; And being fully persuaded that, what He had promised, He was able also to perform. And therefore it was imputed to him for righteousness.” Romans 4:19-22

As a remnant of the 20th Century Church, I’ve lived long enough to have a clearer understanding, why The God of The Bible adamantly commanded His Chosen Ones to resist amalgamating with those outside of covenant relationship with Him. (Ref. 2 Corinthians 6:17) And some of us thought that God just wanted to keep us from having any fun! Considering the way this world is headed, now we see the consequences of not distinguishing ourselves from unbelievers. Apparently, Father still knows best, huh?

Unfortunately, many who profess Christ, remain double-minded, straddling the fence! I can only assume their stance is depending on the group they happen to be in the midst of. Of course,  God never intended  for us to strut around robed in a spirit of self-righteous-arrogance, with our noses in the air, as if we are better than anybody else! Howeverrrr, spiritually speaking, as recipients of God’s Amazing Grace, it does make us better-off!  Oh no she didn’t!!! OOOHHH YES, I DID!

What’s the matter Zion?  Are we allowing the daily influx of mass media’s reportings  of  wide-spread chaos to leave us so traumatized by predictions of doom and gloom that they have muted our praise and drained us of Hope? If we’re walking around with our heads hung down and hearts inundated with fear and anxiety; worried about how we gonna make it, then what separates us from the Gentiles? #IJS…

Abraham,The Father of our faith, found himself in a seemingly hopeless situation. Not surprisingly, Abraham tried to fix the problem by himself. He got Ishmael (the child of the flesh) when God intended to give him Isaac (the child of Promise).When the drama and chaos had escalated to the point that Sarah gave him an ultimatum (it’s either her or me) suddenly, Abraham had an epiphany “the only hope that I have of this thing ever working is Divine Intervention.” In other words, “ Lord, I can’t do this, without Your Grace!”

OMG! Can we ever identify with Abraham! How many times have we been in a situation and we tried and tried, we cried and cried, murmured and complained, spent all we had and still came up short? It was not until we, like Abraham, made a conscious decision to stop depending on our inability, started relying on God’s Ability and turned it over to Jesus, that our hope was revived! As the text says, when all human reasoning for hope was exhausted, Abraham hoped on and God brought life into his dead situation. (Romans 4:17-18) Hence, when we come to the end of ourselves, God steps in and does what seemed impossible!

Stop listening to that devil telling you, “it’s too late, you might as well accept the situation for what it is –eminent defeat!” He’s still a liar! My precious saints, don’t allow your present (temporary) circumstances cause you to doubt the Faithful Power of God’s Eternal Word. Why settle for seconds? If you are Abraham’s seed, you are the heirs of righteousness! #didjaheardat? WOW! 

So… lift up your heads, O Ye Gates! You have been anointed as agents of change! Gird up the loins of your mind AND be confident and fully persuaded that  SINCE YOU ARE IN CHRIST, THE CHRIST IN YOU automatically gives you a Supernatural advantage over natural consequences! (Ref. Colossians 1:27; 2 Corinthians 2:14)

Beloved,TRUST 2 KNOW THAT WHATEVER GOD PROMISES, HE IS WELL ABLE TO PERFORM! ALWAYS REMEMBER…EVEN IF I CAN’T, GOD CAN!

SELAH!

Pause, Ponder, Pray & Praiz!

Ann Caffee

DON’T LOOK BACK!

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DON'T LOOK BACK

 

SELAH Daily Devotions!

 

How oft did they provoke Him in the wilderness, and grieve him in the desert! Yea, they turned back and tempted God, and limited the Holy One of Israel Psalm 78:40-41

Ever notice how memories have a way of distorting reality.  Somehow, once we’re no longer ‘there’  WE  have this proclivity  to delete all of the bad and ugly stuff that happened to us?

Have you ever wondered why in the midst of our tests and trials, how easily our minds revert back to an earlier time and subconsciously embellishes those former times as ‘the good ol days’?

Today’s scripture text, ‘them’ Israelites illustrate this innately human response to selectively reminisce over the episodes of history, particularly whenever we’re faced with the fear of the unknown.  Hence, the grass always looks greener and better on the other side, right?

It was only about a month after God had miraculously delivered over a million former slaves out from the cruelty of Egyptian bondage, when they began to feel differently about their utterly hopelessly distressful past circumstances.  The moment they were faced with a challenge, they began to murmur against Moses and Aaron and to make matters even worse, they accused God of bringing them out of Egypt only to die in the wilderness!  

‘We remember the fish, which we did eat in Egypt freely; the cucumbers, and the melons, and the leeks, and the onions, and the garlick: 6 But now our soul is dried away: there is nothing at all, beside this manna, before our eyes.’ (Numbers 11:5-6)

…Would to God we had died by the hand of the LORD in the land of Egypt, when we sat by the flesh pots, and when we did eat bread to the full; for ye have brought us forth into this wilderness, to kill this whole assembly with hunger” (Exodus 16:1-3) 

Somehow, they dismissed the reality, like we often do, that God had just lead His Chosen People to freedom, faithfully, supernaturally supplying everything they needed, yet they failed to appropriately appraise God’s Eternal Presence and Divine Favor based on unfamiliar temporary circumstances.

Saints, the truth is, nothing that you’ve been thru; nothing you’re going thru NOW should make you want to turn back. Remember what happened to Lots’ wife? (Ref. Luke 17:32)

Don’t make the same mistake that our forefathers made. Don’t limit your expectations of God to your former experiences! We forget that God has a panoramic view of our lives! What God has for you is always in front of you!!  Don’t worry about what you can’t see, remember GOD’s guiding us by His Eyes! So keep moving forward!  If He ever did it before, trust Him to do it again!

Our God “is well able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or thing, according to the power that works in us”. (Ephesians 3:20). 

Beloved, trust 2 Know…your future won’t  even fit in your past!  What God has prepared for you is always greater than anything you’ve been thru! 

For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. Romans 8:18

Check the end of the Book–YOU WIN! DON’T LOOK BACK! 

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

 

REST ASSURED!

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REST ASSURED

 

SELAH Daily Devotions!

“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour; whom resist steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world. But the God of all grace who hath called us unto his eternal glory in Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.To him be glory and dominion for ever and ever, amen.” 1 Peter 5:8-11

As a Blood-Washed Born-Again Believers, you have been given many awesome promises regarding your Eternal Destination. Nevertheless, while we’re yet living in this dispensation called time, we must understand that  our lives will be filled with transitional challenges.

We have an adversary, the devil, who is consumed with a passionate desire to steal, kill and to destroy God’s most glorious creation, mankind. (Ref. John 10:10)

Throughtout the ages, the enemy still uses basically the same stragegy. Unfortunately, its still proven to be quite effective. I’m talking about deception and hopeless isolation! Satan wants you to think that throughout the history of humanity, ‘you’re the only one who’s going through this! Trust a Mother—you are not the only one going through!

The Bible admonishes us to not assume that your ‘this’ is a strange phenomen! (Ref.1 Peter 4:12-19) Truthfully, every one born into the planet earth has the same enemy, therefore at some point in our lives faces the same tests, trials, challenges, struggles, temptations and afflictions.

Today’s text reveals the strategic details of Satan’s mission to terrorize, deplete and conquer God’s chosen! Satan fills up his time walking about, going to and fro, diligently in hot pursuit, seeking somebody to devour! He’s even bold enough to tell God to his face that that’s what he’s doing! (Ref. Job 1:6-12) The devil sets up stumbling blocks in your pathway,  intentionally designed to discourage and discredit you and deminish your faithfulness to God.

Don’t get it twisted! While he’s intent on destroying anyone who’s placed their personal faith in The Lord Jesus Christ, the real objective and root of his motivation is an overwhelming urge to challenge the Power and Authority of The One True King of Glory!

Acknowledging and implementing this Truth gives you a tremendous advantage over your arch enemy! Once you understand that regardless of what circumstances are threatening you, the reality is that it’s really not our battle. Therefore, the only thing that your Heavenly Father expects you to do is to be steadfast, immovable, patiently trusting and relying solely in The Testimony of Jesus!  On Calvary’s Cross,  Jesus overcame, putting  to naught every evil scheme and wicked divice that Satan can ever rail against us!

“Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.” Romans 8:37

 

Never forget that the only reason that the devil is able to come after you, is because God has given him His permission. And the only reason God has allowed it, is because He’s already fixed the outcome! WOW! Didjaheardat? Seriously, yall! 

As the songwriter penned, ‘I DON’T CARE WHAT’S GOING ON, YOU’RE NOT IN THIS THING ALONE; GOD WON’T LET IT LAST TOO LONG; YOU CAN MAKE IT’! REST ASSURED! #urcovered

SELAH!

“Have a WONDER-FILLED day!”

Ann Caffee

 

ITZ ALL ABOUT THE CROWN

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SELAH Daily Devotions!

 

Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.

He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death. Revelations 2:10-11

 

PARDON ME, again! I know this isn’t religiously correct, how—evrrrr sometimes, it’s just hard!

Here you are, as the ol’ saints used to say, ‘living all u know how 2 live for JESUS’, with everything in you clinging to The Testimony of God’s Faithful Witness, who is TRUTH, YET …EVERYWHERE U TURN, U GOT TROUBLE BREAKING OUT!!! #WHADA…???

Seriously, none of us normal human beings enjoy suffering, right?
Nevertheless, life has taught you (and even the Word admonishes us) that those who Name the Name of Jesus must expect trouble. Afterall, even “Jesus learned obedience through the things He suffered”! (Ref. Hebrew 5:8)

“Yeah, but but butt”…I feelya, okay? Yet, according to The Scriptures, God has Sovereignly linked suffering and glory into the lives of those who have confessed their trust in His Plan for our lives. Remember the words of The Apostle Paul? “As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.” Roman 8:36

I know, sometimes that doesn’t help MUCH! BUT! We have this confident assurance that before God permits sporadic seasons of tribulations He sets an expiration date before the test begin! Aren’t U Soooo glad, trouble don’t last always!

Beloved, there’s always a greater purpose behind our pain! And no, it ain’t always God punishing you for your disobedience! For His own reasons, God has elected to allow test, trials and trouble along the landscape of our journey to draw us closer to Him, to purify, purge and position us to partake of His Divine Nature—HOLINESS!

“For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.” Romans 8:18

This life has a way of putting you through the ringer, huh? But God has decreed, that nothing you will ever experiene can separate you from His Love! “For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:38-39

Rest Assured, GOD KNOWS!

Today, receive His Words to The church at Smyrna, as your very own! Don’t allow fear of this temporary situation to deter you from your eternal goal! The King of Glory has declared and decreed that I AM ALPHA and OMEGA! I WILL NEVER LEAVE YOU NOR FORSAKE YOU. LO I WILL BE WITH YOU ALWAY!  FOR WHO CAN STAY MY HAND! (Ref. Rev. 22:13; Heb. 13:5; Matt. 28:2o; Isa. 43:13) Didjaheardat? #WOW!!!

Precious ones,  endure persecution with fidelity, confident that “I AM THE RESURRECTION AND YOUR REWARDER! DON’T QUIT! YOUR CROWN AWAITS YOU!”

SELAH!

Pause, Ponder, Pray & Praiz!

Ann Caffee