Perspective Maintenance

Change Your Mind: It’s Not a Sin to Be Early!

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This morning, I leisurely sailed through a series of green lights, which put me on the early commuter train.  This opportunity was provided compliments of my children’s bus driver who arrived EARLY.  Since I purposed in my heart to be early this morning, I didn’t have to “run the bus down” (literally) to get my children on it – what a blessing, because I’ve done that on more occasions than I care to admit!  Our regular bus driver is always punctual – and quite often, she is early.  Conversely, our substitute bus driver is always late – consistently and without fail.  Which would you rather be said of you – that you’re dependably timely or that you’re regularly late?

I used to think it was a sin to be early – I know it sounds ridiculous, but in my mind, I thought, “Surely things can’t get started without ME being up in the mix!”  As I’ve matured, I’ve learned that things will pass me right on by if I’m not in proper position on time and prepared, and that I’m not as integral to the world continuing to rotate and revolve as I thought I was.  How humbling!

Challenge yourself to be early for everything you do for an entire day.  Then try it again the next day.  Before you know it, this good habit will have become part of your character – and a strong part of your silent testimony for our faithful God.  Don’t damage the credibility of your witness by “skidding in by the skin of your teeth” or “barely making it in just under the wire.”  Let God give you a transformative “mind makeover”…because you never know who’s watching and taking notice of your actions – and you may enjoy less stress and lower blood pressure, too!

“And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”
(Romans 12:2)

“Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:”
(Philippians 2:5)

 © Copyright 2013 by Kayren J. Cathcart

Whoa…Stop Calling Evil Good – It’s NOT!

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I’m speechless…nearly.  Because I saw something today that just wasn’t right.  A young lady was getting on the train as I exited, and I noticed her attire.  What caught my attention was the fact that she had gold cross symbols printed all over on her pants.  A good witness for Jesus during this season of celebrating the Resurrection, right?  Not so fast…

They were skintight leggings that hugged her every curve (and I do mean every, eww, Lord have mercy).  The saving message of the cross of Calvary was likely drowned out by those screaming bulges.  Yikes!

I take issue with the folks who designed, marketed, sold, and profited from creating that mess of a so-called fashion nightmare.  Yet, I say unto you, people of God, “Just because they make it in your size doesn’t mean you should A) buy it, or B) wear it outside your home.”

Choose to dress in tasteful modesty to conceal, not in lust-filled flamboyance to reveal; trust me, some stuff is better left to the imagination.  May the truth of God’s Word open your eyes to see what image is really staring back in the mirror before you (or your family members) step outside the door as a reflection of and ambassador for our precious Lord and Savior…

“Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter! Woe unto them that are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight!”
(Isaiah 5:20-21)

“I also want the women to dress modestly, with decency and propriety, adorning themselves, not with elaborate hairstyles or gold or pearls or expensive clothes, but with good deeds, appropriate for women who profess to worship God.”
(I Timothy 2:9-10, NIV)

“Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. Abstain from all appearance of evil. And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
(I Thessalonians 5:21-23)

© Copyright 2013 by Kayren J. Cathcart

The Delight of Deleting Audio Clutter to Savor the Sound of Silence

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Over the weekend, instead of watching TV while I munched on my afternoon salad, I sat in front of my bedroom window and peered out.  I didn’t see any birds or clouds moving, but guess what I did notice?  A twig on a sapling moving back and forth ever so slightly in the wind.  How serene; it spoke peace to my very spirit.  I ruminated, “If nature’s not in a hurry, why should I be?”  I would’ve never been conscious of something that miniscule with the distraction of an electronic box constantly flashing images at my eyes and blaring background noise into my ears.

This morning, I drove to work at a leisurely pace.  I kept the radio off.  And I relished the delicious sound of silence.  It was absolutely sublime.  I saw my commuter train pulling up as I parked and I decided not to run for it.  (Yes, if I’d run through 2 yellow lights, I could’ve been on that train, but refer to my previous posts – I have turned from my wicked ways!).  So I sat patiently in the (warm) car and waited to get on the next train that would arrive in 10 minutes – no harm, no foul.  I visually absorbed my surroundings before stepping out into the drizzle, and then I faced my morning with a smile instead of a dubiously furrowed brow – or worse yet, the “blahs of another dreaded day in the office.”

I am taking my own advice to SLOW DOWN and invest time to reflect on the beauty God has placed within arm’s length.  Are you?  I encourage you to take notice of something today that you haven’t appreciated lately – a delightful surprise might be closer than you think!

“In the multitude of my thoughts within me thy comforts delight my soul.”
(Psalm 94:19)

“Delight thyself also in the LORD: and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass.”
(Psalm 37:4-5)

 © Copyright 2013 by Kayren J. Cathcart

The Destructive Pace of Haste…& the Rat Race

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destructive – unhelpful, damaging, harsh, caustic, devastating, detrimental, injurious

haste – speed, rush, hurriedness, acceleration

If I truly believe that God is in control and that He orders my steps, do I really have to be in a hurry?  Is it just a bad habit I’ve acquired, or am I mimicking the ways of the world I see hustling and bustling around me?

I have decided to intentionally slow my pace and reflectively assess the difference at day’s end.  I anticipate a greater sense of peace and calm – due to being in the right place, at the right time, doing the right things, with the right people.  Not because I did anything to make it happen, but because the sovereign God cares enough about me to orchestrate the events and minutiae of my day and of my life – both of which belong to Him anyway!  By keeping this in mind, I can truly rest in the Lord, be thankful, and let the rat race and all its participants scurry on by.

“6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God;
7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”
 (Philippians 4:6-7, NKJV)

“Order my steps in thy word: and let not any iniquity have dominion over me.”
(Psalm 119:133)

“This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.”
(Psalm 118:24)

© Copyright 2013 by Kayren J. Cathcart

Can You Pass the Sobriety Test?

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sober – thoughtful, serious, restrained, temperate, moderate, clear-headed

Are you too drunk on the things of this world?  Do the intoxicating pleasures of the flesh ooze from your pores?  Maybe it’s not touching your finger to your nose, but I’m sure God has tested you with “walking a straight line” recently.  He often allows heat and pressure (i.e., circumstances, storms, trials, tribulations, etc.) to bring us into conformity with the image of His Son (Romans 8:29).  It’s time for the true church of the Lord Jesus Christ to sober up!

Has God challenged you to give up something (or someone, or some place) and your flesh “kicked” like an addict searching for a fix?  Identify the root cause of your resistance and ask your Creator (the One Who wrote the Owner’s Manual – the Holy Bible) to help you overcome it.  It’s better to get it right while you have time.  Can you pass the test God appoints for you – not necessarily the one you’ve been studying for?  You can’t omit or overlook basic principles because you’re working on something advanced; you must build on the solid foundation of the Word of God that’s already been laid – and don’t regress.

We don’t want any holes in our armor as we go out to battle the enemy.  Don’t make yourself an easy target because of disobedience and unwillingness to release sin and worldy habits.  It’s not worth holding onto that which could destroy you; it could be a matter of life and death – I know what I’m talking about.

“15 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world.  If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.
16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.
17 And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.”
(I John 2:15-17)

“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:”
(I Peter 5:8)

“For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.”
(Romans 12:3)

“But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation.”
(I Thessalonians 5:8)

 © Copyright 2013 by Kayren J. Cathcart

Keep It Real: Call Your OWN Sin Out!

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It’s time for us to start calling out our OWN sin, confessing, and repenting – for God’s glory, not just to “save our skin” or to make ourselves look holy or better.  Sure, it’s easy to see what’s wrong with somebody else – but can you admit what’s wrong in your own life and humbly ask God to purge and cleanse you with His blood?  After all, that’s what this Resurrection season is about…not candy, egg hunts, bunnies, baskets, etc.  We are to remember the significance of the cross, the crucifixion, Calvary, the tomb, and Christ having the keys of hell and of death (Revelation 1:18).

Just because we didn’t get caught the first or second time in our sin doesn’t make it right…the fulness of time (Ephesians 1:10) will come, says the Lord – and who am I to test Him?  Plus, Jesus paid (dearly – with His very life!) to cover my sin with His blood…I can’t lightly esteem that sacrifice by ignoring its value and feebly attempting to cover up my own junk.

May we consistently operate in righteousness and walk in obedience.  Why?  Because God sees EVERYTHING and EVERYBODY.  And because you never know which opportunity will be your last.

“I acknowledge my sin unto thee, and mine iniquity have I not hid. I said, I will confess my transgressions unto the Lord; and thou forgavest the iniquity of my sin. Selah.”
(Psalm 32:5)

“7 Sanctify yourselves therefore, and be ye holy: for I am the Lord your God.
26 And ye shall be holy unto me: for I the Lord am holy, and have severed you from other people, that ye should be mine.”
(Leviticus 20:7, 26)

“1 In the mean time, when there were gathered together an innumerable multitude of people, insomuch that they trode one upon another, he began to say unto his disciples first of all, Beware ye of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy.

2 For there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; neither hid, that shall not be known.

3 Therefore whatsoever ye have spoken in darkness shall be heard in the light; and that which ye have spoken in the ear in closets shall be proclaimed upon the housetops.”
(Luke 12:1-3)

© Copyright 2013 by Kayren J. Cathcart

Rationalizing Sin…It’s Just WRONG, so ‘Fess Up!

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Obedience cannot be conditional or situational for the believer. I cannot rationalize that, “It’s OK for me to speed so I’m not late for work – but any other time, it’s definitely against the law!” The standards of righteousness and holiness are NOT on a sliding scale. No question and no excuses – I was wrong when that officer pulled me over – as wrong as two left shoes.

I had to admit the truth, repent sincerely in my heart, ask God to forgive me – and then turn away from my wicked ways, never to return to them. No “yo-yo repentance” for the same issue every week – that ain’t true repentance! I was shaken and jarred to the point of sitting up a bit straighter and turning from my heavy lead-footed ways.

True repentance takes place when you are too busy confronting the sin facing you directly in your own mirror’s reflection to even concern yourself with someone else’s mess, issues, and stuff. So check yourself – are you living in a way that evidences that you’re carnally minded or spiritually minded? Confess and be cleansed!

“5 For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit.
6 For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.
7 Because the carnal mind is enmity with God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.
8 So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.
9 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.”
(Romans 8:5-9)

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
(I John 1:9)

© Copyright 2013 by Kayren J. Cathcart

Apprehending the Suspect: Caught Red-Handed

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apprehend – catch, arrest, detain, capture, stop, take in for questioning
suspect – accused, defendant, offender, culprit, perpetrator, wrongdoer, criminal 

En route to work this morning, I got pulled over by the police (cue “Bad Boys” theme music from “Cops”).  Why?  Because of my own impatience and subsequently feeble attempt to justify it in my own mind.  Seeing those bright flashing lights behind me in the dark was sobering – as if being out early in the freezing cold during Daylight Saving Time wasn’t bad enough…

A tightly-choreographed morning schedule that includes me driving across town to jump on a train (that runs at 10-minute intervals) to get to work is contingent on what time my children’s bus arrives – this impacts the number of lights that stop me at intersections, which railroad crossing arms catch me, and what traffic bottlenecks I encounter. So all of these variables inevitably led to my momentary lapse in judgment to run through the almost-lowered railroad crossing arms near my house – after all, it was on the front-end of my morning journey, right?  Wrong…terribly wrong.

The light at the intersection was green, I heard the train’s warning whistle afar off, and I saw the railroad crossing arms flashing as they began to lower.  I was in the left turning lane and would’ve gotten stuck waiting for the train, so I darted into the right lane, under the crossing arms and over the railroad tracks, and waited for the folks to turn left before I did, too – after all, that light was still green though the crossing arms had come down behind me.  So I’m heading smoothly on my regular morning drive when I see those blue flashing lights.  Uh oh…that sinking feeling hit the pit of my stomach when I realized “The Man” was indeed signaling ME.  SERIOUS uh oh.  I hadn’t seen a police car at all; then again, in my haste, I honestly hadn’t looked for one.  But ignorance of the law is no excuse…

I pulled over, reached into the glove compartment for my registration, and took my warm hat off my head so wouldn’t look any more “suspicious” than my illegal behavior had already made me.  The officer asked, “Good morning; do you know why I pulled you over?”  I humbly asked, “Why did you pull me over, sir?” He asked, “Did you realize that you sped through the crossing arms, then waited from the right lane to turn left in the middle of the intersection? I was the first one at the railroad crossing, and you passed me!  What’s the big rush this morning?”  I replied, “Yes sir, I did go ahead of the train to get that green light; my children’s bus was late yesterday, and I’m trying to be on time for work today.”  He said with a smile, “It’s better for the boss-man to be upset because you’re late than for you to drive like that.”  I agreed and said, “Or not to arrive at all.” (I’ve been painfully aware of human mortality over the past month, which should have quelled this behavior to begin with).

The officer continued, “I don’t write tickets, but I do lecture a whole lot.”  He looked at the two empty booster seats in my backseat and inquired, “I hope you don’t drive like that with your babies in here, ma’am.”  And I said, “No sir, I do not.”  He reminded me, “Please slow down ma’am and drive more carefully; have a good morning.”  As I reached out the window to shake his hand, I replied, “Thank you, sir.  I appreciate it – you are right, I can repent, and I will be telling my husband – I was wrong. I apologize, and I will not do that again.”  And I won’t – because I know better.

While Charlotte may be the home of the NASCAR Hall of Fame, that gives me no license to drive recklessly, break the law, or endanger lives (others’ or my own).  It was the grace of God that I didn’t get a ticket this morning (which I was fully preparing myself to have to explain to my hubby AND to pay for – yikes!), but I will neither exploit nor take advantage of that grace.  Since this morning’s incident, I’m proactively searching for the speed limit signs so I can obey them, and I even stopped at a yellow light just on general principle.  Because there’s really nothing that important worth rushing for and disobeying the law that’s put there for my own protection.

Consider your own attitude towards your natural and spiritual authority, and your current level of obedience.  Are there flashing blue lights waiting to apprehend YOU in a particular area of your life?  I urge you to yield to the Holy Spirit and avoid an accident – whether in the natural or in the spirit realm.  You must admit that I make a pretty compelling argument.  Selah.

“14 For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.

15 What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid.

16 Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?”

(Romans 6:14-16)

 © Copyright 2013 by Kayren J. Cathcart

God’s Grace is for Klutzes, Too!

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The other night, I was preparing THE healthy gourmet dinner of the century (in my humble, working wife/homework checking mom opinion) featuring steamed cabbage.  But catastrophe emerged after I reached for my fresh pepper grinder.  Following four vigorous twists of my new container, the top came off and peppercorns were flung everywhere (because I’ve been working out and building muscles, right?).  Mind you, I’ve intentionally TRIED – on multiple occasions – to remove the top from previous containers to get those last few precious peppercorns out, and have NEVER succeeded.  I stared in horror as the scene unfolded in 2 seconds like a bad slow-motion sci-fi flick…tiny black peppercorns rolled all over my floor…and landed like projectiles in my once lovely pot of cabbage.  Less than an eighth of the peppercorns remained in the container.  Awkward!

Needless to say, I stopped grinding and stared at the mess scattered around my feet – and dispersed throughout the pot.  Feebly attempting to maintain an optimistic outlook, I mused while trotting to grab the broom and dustpan, “Well, I guess I won’t need to add any of hubby’s fresh garden red peppers for flavor!”  But my chef’s balloon was utterly deflated.  Though multiple tastes from my children confirmed, “This is good, Mommy!” I was unconvinced.  And I knew it wouldn’t pass the hubby taste test.  A veggie-less dinner emergency was quickly averted by substituting a previously-made tossed salad.

I was still kinda moping around after putting dinner on the table, incredulous about the turn of events, my ruined pot of cabbage, and the lateness of the hour preventing me from starting afresh and anew with the other head of cabbage mocking me from the fridge.  I told my 7 year-old daughter, “I can’t believe I spilled all that pepper into the pot!”  And she peered at me with those beautiful brown eyes and said, “That’s in the PAST, Mom.  Let it go!”  And she was exactly right.  That really blessed my heart to hear her remind me of the truth.  No need in crying over spilled pepper, eh?

But do you think this type of thing was a once-in-a-lifetime freak occurrence?  Well, I can’t say whether my pepper predicament felt less klutzy than my recent praise scrape-up – read on…

While rendering a solo this past Sunday, I got the brilliant idea to punctuate my lyrics for “I’ve been set free” by crossing my wrists then pulling them apart to the beat of the music.  If it sounds awkward to read about it, just imagine me trying to execute it…and falling miserably short.   Bottom line: while pulling my hands apart, somehow the hand holding the microphone jerked and hit my lip, which subsequently hit my front tooth, and I felt (and tasted) blood.  While continuing to sing, I felt my top lip begin to swell.  Thank goodness half the song was over. Yes, in the twinkling of an eye, I got injured while singing a solo (so I can’t blame anyone else) – how clumsy is that?  Humbling! 🙂

No one noticed (I checked later; even my hubby couldn’t tell – and he was sitting 4 feet away from me), but if I hadn’t needed to finish the song before my Pastor began to preach the unadulterated Word of God, I probably would’ve collapsed into a riotous cacophony of giggles at my own ineptitude. And you’ve been singing with a microphone since age six…really?  LOL.  Aren’t you glad God’s grace is available to us in every uncomfortable, embarrassing, inelegant, uncoordinated, self-conscious moment we face?  I know I am!  Do you have any cares to cast on Him today?  Do it now…

“But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.”
(James 4:6)

© Copyright 2012 by Kayren J. Cathcart

Be Holy…Just Do It!

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As I prepare to minister in song today at my 94 year-old great-aunt’s funeral (she was the only living sister of my grandma, who was the baby of 11 children), I’m reflecting on the fact that my flesh just has to DIE.  Nothing like a funeral to remind you of how finite you are, eh?  There’s no way around it.  There’s no cute or politically correct way to deal with it.  The flesh just has to be subdued, overcome, and obliterated.  Because given one inch, that joker will take 2 miles and try to take me back to that familiar place that I left behind.  I have no business going back to Egypt, so I must make a conscious, intentional, deliberate decision to consecrate myself to the holy things of God.

I was also reminded that I won’t “just happen to fall into” consecration – I must plan to make holy choices, then execute them (ironically, execute means “to carry out or perform,” but it also means “to kill or put to death”).  Proper planning with poor implementation or execution does not lead to ultimate success.  Only when I walk faithfully in a God-given plan can I expect for Him to be glorified.  Once again, the outcome is contingent on my obedience – not my desires, intentions, or what I wish would happen, but just good, ol’ fashioned, nose-to-the-grindstone walking in agreement with God’s will and His Word.

During my (admittedly long-overdue) Quiet Time this morning, I thought I was gonna read James 4:10 about humbling myself.  Well, did God ever have a different direction in mind – He led me to Ezekiel 22 and Ezekiel 23 and went Old Testament on me about the idolatry in my own heart – whoa!  It was sobering to say the least (and humbling, too).  I strongly urge you to read these chapters today, for they put into perspective why we can’t pretend these perilous times are “business as usual” – because they’re not.  This is not the time to “play crazy” with the instructions of God; we must clean up our acts and get in right standing with our Creator.  We can’t righteously judge sin and idolatry in others when we’re participating in it or harboring it ourselves!  We must stay in proper position to minister (effectively and with power) to others, for the time is short.

NOW is the time to cleanse yourself of whatever idols are lurking and lingering in your life.  I challenge you to admit what has drawn away your affections from your First Love – then repent and get back into intimate fellowship, communion, and relationship with Him.  I won’t let pride keep me from sharing my personal prayer of repentance – may you be blessed as you experience His cleansing holiness and His unconditional love for you today!

Lord, You are evermore faithful to speak, but I just hadn’t been tuned into Your righteous frequency.  Forgive me and cleanse me now, I pray, Dear Father.  Forgive me for my acts of unrighteousness, idolatry, and whoredom against Your holiness.  I repent for allowing myself to gradually, incrementally, and progressively slide away from Your straight and narrow path, compromising Your unbending standard of holiness.  Truly, You change not, so help me not to change in the face of temptation, unrighteousness, and the lure of temporarily pleasing the flesh, which leads only to destruction and death.  In Jesus’ holy name I pray, Amen.

“But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.”
(I Peter 1:15-16)

© Copyright 2012 by Kayren J. Cathcart