Perspective Maintenance

Growing Into Oneness: The Process Requires Change

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“…grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ.”

(Ephesians 4:15)

By now, if you haven’t embraced last year’s Jubilee theme “Step Away From the Tree,” you’ve probably found it very difficult (or nearly impossible) to demonstrate and walk in “Oneness,” our theme for this year.  Stepping away from the tree means overcoming those fears, distractions, excuses, and weeds that have held you back for much too long.  And yes, it simply means choosing to do something different – and then doing it!

If you want to make a change, you must be willing to go through a process.  Immature people desire the end result (or “the blessing”), but don’t want to do the work of developing the character they’ll need to support them when they get there.  Though it may be uncomfortable, change is an essential part of growing into Oneness.  And if you are growing, you are changing. 

Three critical action steps for change and growth are:

  1. Accountability – enlisting key people to support and coach you as you make changes (but don’t expect them to do it for you!)
  2. Responsibility – admit mistakes and reward progress (keep moving, one step at a time – you cannot stay the same – it’s not an option!)
  3. Maturity – stand on your own feet (commit to move from milk to meat – it’s time out for spoon-feeding!)

Walking in agreement and being your brother’s keeper starts with you working on you.  Then you are able to offer something of significant value to others.  Are you willing to change and grow so your own purpose becomes unified with HIS will for your life? 

Lord, please show me how I can grow into ONENESS with You this week…

I know it will make a difference in my relationships with my brothers and sisters.

© Copyright 2007 by Kayren J. Cathcart

Controlling vs. Conquering Your Weakness – You ARE an Overcomer!

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*You must overcome your weakness – or it will overcome you!*

“To change means picking a fight with the status quo”

Taking Inventory

Let’s see – I know I still have some issues lurking, but I swept them under the rug.  I made sure nobody could see them, but I think a few folks with discernment are starting to suspect this growing mound under my rug – oh man, it’s getting lumpier – and taller.  Well, if I do all the “right” things and keep trying to look spiritual and “hold it all together,” maybe I can just blend in.  I think we were told from Genesis 1:28 to be fruitful, multiply, replenish, and subdue…okay, let me work on that for a minute.  But if I’m still holding onto old junk, then what am I being fruitful in growing?  Junk! I am making a mess!

Why change?  destiny, purpose (whatever doesn’t change – dies)

Growth = change, but change doesn’t always equal growth

You must CHOOSE to grow!

Characteristics of Controlling Behavior

Characteristics of Conquering Behavior
  • Co-dependent; making excuses
  • Taking responsibility
  • Keep it “just in case” I need something familiar/comfortable to fall back on
  • Kick the crutches away; Get rid of it because it’s holding me back/weighing me down
  • Hiding/pretending/projecting a false image (“frontin’”)
  • Exposure:

             light + sound = no secrecy
  • Pride makes me think I can handle it by myself
  • Victory = able to stand AND able to help someone else be delivered (Who really “has it all together” anyway??? Accountability matters)

Dieting

Lifestyle Change

Addiction/Lust/Destructive Habits

Deliverance!

Anger Management

“Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me”(Psalm 51:10)

Holding a grudge

Forgiveness

Criticizing others (fault-finding)

Committing to be the change I want to see

Overspending

Discipline!

Action Steps for Change and Growth

(Moving beyond my present situation/set of circumstances)

Accountability

  • Tell on yourself!
  • Surround yourself people who are strong in your area of weakness
  • Remain humble

Responsibility

  • Be honest with yourself
  • Be truthful with others
  • Admit mistakes and reward progress
  • Discipline your mind and body – you must feed your spirit with the WORD of God!

Maturity

  • Keep moving forward (one step at a time = progress)
  • Know when to ask for help (assistance = a hand up, not a handout)
  • Don’t expect someone else to rescue you or solve your problem – stand on your feet
  • Commit to move from milk to meat – time out for spoon-feeding!

The Process of Overcoming entails walking in the Big IDEA – O!

Integrity – according to the WORD, not yourself!

“All the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes; but the Lord weigheth the spirits.” (Proverbs 16:2)

Discipline – brings you to the results you need “..run in such a way to get the prize.” (I Corinthians 9:24b NIV)

Endurance – breeds consistency

“…be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises.”  (Hebrews 6:12)

Action (be active, not passive – expecting it to “just happen” or come to you)

“…now therefore arise, go over…” (Joshua 1:2)

Obedience – (no loopholes, shortcuts, or hypocrisy) “…to obey is better than sacrifice…” (I Samuel 15:22)

© Copyright 2007 by Kayren J. Cathcart

Enduring and Overcoming Adversity TOGETHER

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A Study from James 1

Marriage Enrichment Session Presenters:  Gibson & Kayren Cathcart 

Division is out there – don’t let it conquer your ministry of marriage!

– Adversity – hardship, difficulty, harsh conditions, hard times
– Division – separation, split, disagreement, discord, break, schism, divide, gulf

Tests & trials:
· Build faith – which brings maturity (James 1:2-4)
· Work patience (James 1:3)
· Bring an opportunity for growth (James 1:5)
· Set you up for blessing/promotion (James 1:12)
· Expose areas of inconsistency (James 1:6-8)
· Bring you closer to each other & to God (James 1:17-18)

Examples of adversity:
· Past – emotional baggage
· Present – financial strain/challenges
· Future – the unknown

Children/discipline issues, working vs. staying at home,
extended family (level of involvement/interaction), unresolved conflict, individual dreams and goals, physical changes or ailments…

Anything of great worth and value WILL be tested
· We must learn to solve problems together as a couple, not just as competent individuals
· Acknowledge strengths and weaknesses (your own and your spouse’s) – cover each other’s insecurities and vulnerabilities

– Endure – bear, undergo, continue, go on, carry on, keep on, persist
– Overcome – prevail over, rise above, triumph over, conquer, defeat
– Together – jointly, as one, collectively, in sync, mutually

Your perspective affects EVERYTHING!

 Combat the spirit of division with:
· Trust-building, open communication, flexibility, & adaptability
· Personal growth and development
· Individual and couples’ counseling
· Have fun together – get to know each other better! (we’re constantly changing)

Recognize the difference between a curse and God’s process…
– Curse – nuisance, pest, bother, irritation, annoyance
– Process – procedure, development, progression, route, course of action

6 Causes of curses:
1. Wickedness & backsliding
2. Did not hearken to the voice of the Lord
3. Would not keep the commandments and statutes
4. To be a sign and wonder to teach you and your children lessons forever
5. Because you did not serve the Lord with joyfulness & gladness of heart for the abundance of all things
6. Because you did not obey the voice of the Lord

Adversity is a tool God may use to take us to another level!

“We never know when our disappointment will be His appointment.” 

– Charles Swindoll

7 Laws of Prosperity:
1. God with man (Genesis 39:1-3)
2. Obedience (Deuteronomy 28:1-14)
3. Meditation (Joshua 1:8)
4. Faith (II Chronicles 20:20)
5. Seeking God (II Chronicles 26:5)
6. Goodness to Israel (Psalm 122:6)
7. Hospitality (Luke 6:38)

3 Reasons some do not prosper:
1. Rebellion against God (Deut. 28:29)
2. Covering sins (Prov. 28:13)
3. Fighting God (Is. 54:17)

Action Steps to Build ONENESS (this is deliberate and intentional!):
· Pray together (as well as individually for your spouse)
· Discuss/share about the Word regularly together
· Give your spouse grace – forgive!
· Speak the truth in love – don’t injure your spouse
· Seek God’s timing for communicating with your spouse

© Copyright 2007 by Kayren J. Cathcart & Gibson Cathcart

Go Forth in Obedience to Obtain God’s Promises in 2007

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“For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise.” 

(Hebrews 10:36) 

“Now therefore if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: for all the earth is mine: 

And ye shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and an holy nation.   

These are the words which thou shalt speak unto the house of Israel.” 

(Exodus 19:5-6) 

A few of Webster’s definitions for the action word “go” include: to proceed; to move or start to move; to engage in a specified activity; to function; to become; to enjoy participating in or partaking of; to happen; to succeed. 

I am ready to GO, Lord!  I’ve waited patiently ALL year long.  So where is this promise, God?  Oh – I glossed over the “after you have done the will of God” part of Hebrews 10:36?  Oops!  Help me to be obedient to your voice, Lord! 

If you’ve felt like you were running in place with God’s hand holding onto your shirt collar or your shoulders – get ready!  He’s about to release you in the greatness of His glory – and when you go forth, you’ll be like a rocket taking off with so much energy, drive, dynamism, and power that He’ll sit back watching you while saying, “Look at My child go!”  For Him to entrust His authority to us, we must prepare and plan to participate in the process as yielded vessels who have no problems saying, “Yes Lord, according to Your will be it unto me.” 

In order to prepare to go forth in His fullness, we must remember these essential components of obedience: 

1.      Make a decision to obey Him – it starts in the mind! 

2.      Commit to discipline ourselves – our flesh must be subject to His Holy Spirit! 

3.      Demonstrate determination and bring forth good fruit – we must persistently pursue His purpose for our lives exhibit 

We want the promises He has for us in 2007 – are we willing to pay the price? 

Obedience at ANY cost is what the Master requires of each of us…   

© Copyright 2006 by Kayren J. Cathcart

Running Water…and other niceties we take for granted

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How many times have you nonchalantly flipped on a light switch, flushed a toilet, or turned the key to your car’s ignition, unconsciously expecting something to happen automatically?

I must admit, I was doing that quite often…until last night.  This experience has heightened my sensitivity and caused my ear to be more sharply attuned to the Father’s voice.  He adjusts and tweaks us in unexpected ways, unique to each of us.  Because He designed us, He knows exactly how to get our attention.

Indoor plumbing enables us to bathe ourselves, keep our homes clean, and live with relative ease.  We view it as a necessity, but the truth is, compared to many parts of the world, it is a luxury.  Maintaining an attitude of gratitude will help us to keep these modern advancements in proper perspective.  Additionally, an “outage” or shortage reminds us to keep a healthy respect for the basic essence of what it takes to live.  I took several “extra steps” to ensure proper/appropriate hygiene – and had the privilege of heating my water in the microwave (thank goodness the power was on) to wash my face.

If running water represents the flow of the Holy Spirit in our lives, what are the ramifications when it’s no longer there?  Could it be that we’re disconnected from the Source?  It reminded me of all the different ways in which running water touches my life:  washing my hands, brushing my teeth, washing my face, and cooking, just to name a few.  The seemingly “little things” make a big difference in our comfort level, and in our ability to function efficiently.

So I became very grateful for the mere PRESENCE and availability of water (though it was in buckets) even though it wasn’t running.  There are times when the Holy Spirit isn’t flowing, but He is available to us – and we don’t appreciate Him until we REALLY need Him and experience that sensation of thirst or drought.

How many times have you not wanted to read your Word until you’ve lost power and can’t turn on the lights?  How many times have you wanted to take a bath (instead of a quick shower) – but realize that when you don’t have running water, you can’t have either?

Priorities/basic needs include food, water, shelter, and clothing.  Everything else is “nice to have,” but not a necessity.  Is the essential fresh water flowing through your life today?

“Doth a fountain send forth at the same place sweet water and bitter?

Can the fig tree, my brethren, bear olive berries? either a vine, figs? so can no fountain both yield salt water and fresh.”

(James 3:11-12)

© Copyright 2006 by Kayren J. Cathcart

Your Life’s Story

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“…my tongue is the pen of a ready writer.”

(Psalm 45:1)

 Your life is telling a story.  The words you say and the things you do are coming together right now to complete the next chapter of your book – the story of your life.

Is it a mystery, drama, fairy tale, non-fiction, or fiction?  Is it based on the truth or fantasy?  What type of book are you writing about your life?

Books serve many different purposes – some entertain, others inform, and many just express feelings.  When people see you, they are reading the pages of your book.  What are you telling them about yourself?  What is the message you want to leave with your readers?  A message of hope, encouragement, healing, or deliverance is needed by so many people you come in contact with every day.

What chapter are you writing now?  What decisions and choices are you making to prepare for the next chapter to be even better than this one?  God, Who spoke the entire UNIVERSE into existence with the power of a WORD, knows the plan He has for each of our lives.  We must yield to the process of learning to trust Him for not only the final outcome, but our very next step.

If the story you’re writing looks like it’s going to have a questionable ending, turn the writing over to the Author and Finisher of our faith.  Not only will He walk with you through the trials and tribulations that build your strength, endurance, and perseverance, but He is able to create a “happy ending” for you like no one else can.

© Copyright 2006 by Kayren J. Cathcart

Time for a Tune Up!

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If anyone had told me a couple of years ago that I could be on time for work, I would’ve laughed.  Yet, when I changed my mindset and accepted responsibility for the PRIVILEGE (not a right, especially not in this economy) of having a job and being given stewardship by God of that job, it took on a new meaning.  It wasn’t just about “being on time,” it became a matter of showing true gratitude to God for His goodness and mercy, and wanting to set an example that would cause others to take notice, evidence of my special relationship with Christ and my desire to please Him.

I must admit that I wrote this last year and am CONVICTED to pull it out and see that I have slipped from steadfastness into complacency once again.  But “thanks be to God who always causes us to triumph…” (II Corinthians 2:14).  When we repent and make a sincere commitment to change and improve, He dispenses the grace, resources, and support to make it manifest.

If you’re the kind of person whose attitude says “it doesn’t start until I arrive,” I encourage you to reconsider your position.  I used to think, “As long as I make up the time, it’s okay.”  However, what strength is added to my testimony when people see that I’m where I’m supposed to be when I’m supposed to be there, in place and ready to serve. 

Give your perspective on your own time management a tune-up…you may find some unexpected blessings are waiting for YOU!

One thing you can’t recycle is wasted time.

© Copyright 2006 by Kayren J. Cathcart

Taking Time to Smell the Flowers

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Today, I took time to smell the flowers – literally.  My manager had brought me beautiful hydrangeas on Tuesday.  Yet, here it is Friday, and it’s the first time I took a moment just to inhale the fragrance.  Don’t get too busy to appreciate and embrace the beauty all around.  Don’t let life pass you by in a blur.

“He hath made everything beautiful in his time…”

(Ecclesiastes 3:11)

© Copyright 2005 by Kayren J. Cathcart