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

Give Me Liberty or Give Me…

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Well, enough of my dramatic (yet patriotic, you must admit!) Patrick Henry allusions.  But the truth of the matter is this:  when we don’t choose life, we are indeed – even if by default – choosing death.  It may not be immediate, but eventually, something will die as a result of a choice that doesn’t line up with God’s instructions for our lives. 

As we reflect on the cost of freedom, let us appreciate the price our Savior paid for our own liberty.  May we daily choose life by walking in obedience to His Word, His will, and His way. 

“I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live:”

(Deuteronomy 30:19) 

© Copyright 2012 by Kayren J. Cathcart

Of Secrecy & Shame, Transparency & Truth

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We all know John 3:16 by heart, right?  But when I did a www.BibleGateway.com search for “truth and light,” John 3:21 popped up.  Then I chose to read the prior verse for proper context.  While reading a few more verses above that, something clicked:  When we walk in the light, we’re showing forth the love of God; conversely, when we walk in darkness, of course we realize that there’s no love in this.  I experienced a simple, yet significant, moment of awareness.

When we keep things to ourselves, attempting to hide our foibles and struggles, we’re not being honest with ourselves – or others.  What good is a pretty façade when the inside is crumbling?  Why act like you’ve got it all together when you’re really “tore up from the floor up?”

It takes courage to stand boldly in the truth…yep, the butt naked truth.  It can be intimidating at first, but it is indeed liberating and cathartic – as if a weight has been lifted from your shoulders.  Why?  Because you’re no longer trying to hold everything together with an amalgamation of scotch tape, paper clips, staples, and push pins.  Instead, you’re admitting, “This is a bit of a mess, and I need some help and support to get through it until things come together.”  And you know what?  After that, the help you need becomes available.  Transparency makes ya vulnerable (that’s the story of my life on this blog).  Downright exposed.  But it’s the only way to start a genuine healing process.  Bringing things into the light brings life.

So today, I typed up the progression of my blood pressure readings over the past few months to share with my doctor during tomorrow’s appointment.  I’m gonna do this while taking a deep breath (perhaps several!) – because I’ve been dodging her for a while.  However, since I want to be healthy from the inside out (and not just an outward show), this is my first step.  What’s yours?

“16 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.
18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.
19 And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.
20 For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.
21 But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.”
(John 3:16-21)

© Copyright 2012 by Kayren J. Cathcart

Critical Condition: Cut to the Core

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Talk about the boomerang effect!  It didn’t take long for the lessons in my previous post to come home to roost – again.  Today, I was called on the carpet with no recourse – except to implement some of the changes I’d been skirting for the longest.

At my request, a dear co-worker (who also has a medical background) took my blood pressure reading this morning; he was not pleased with the result.  I reasoned with him that we had just descended eleven flights of stairs for our unexpected fire drill.  Unconvinced, he came back (with stethoscope and all) an hour later to retake it.  My slightly decreased level was still elevated – enough to concern him.

He shot straight from the hip – again – as he had done on several other occasions.  Restating the disclaimer that he was not a doctor, he gave me four directives (which he recapped in an e-mail):

  1. Focus on weight loss – there’s no quick fix for this; a slow, steady process is the very best way to go.  (He noted that my blood pressure and cholesterol concerns would significantly diminish, if not be totally eliminated, when I’m within my target weight range; the chart’s goal is double my personal goal…but any weight loss at this point is desirable and welcome).
  2. Cut out salt – throw away your salt shaker; it’s better for the entire family.
  3. Keep up with your exercise – not less than 4-5 days per week.
  4. Make an appointment with your doctor to discuss these elevated readings since your physical 6 months ago.

Honestly, all of these were gonna be pretty grievous to my flesh, but I was especially apprehensive about the last one.  Because I don’t want to be put on medication like other family members.  But I guess my “hit or miss” efforts don’t really corroborate that desired outcome.  After a mental wrestling match, I called to schedule my doctor’s appointment – first available, next Wednesday morning.  Thank goodness, since my co-worker stopped by my cube to follow up with me less than two hours later.

Perhaps the most impactful thing he wrote (in all caps, so I guess that’s shouting?!) was, “KEEP FOCUSED AND DON’T CHEAT.  THE BENEFITS ARE HUGE.”  Well, it worked, because that truly resonated with me.  And he’s right.  Conversely, the risks and consequences of disobedience are also huge.  So begins my season of heightened accountability…

Perhaps your issue isn’t a health issue at all, but a matter of the heart.  Whatever it may be, I urge you to attend to it today, before it becomes critical, and possibly irreversible.

“When they heard these things, they were cut to the heart…”
(Acts 7:54a)

© Copyright 2012 by Kayren J. Cathcart

It’s a Matter of Principle…Right?

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principle – code, standard, belief, attitude, rule, law, notion, tenet

Have you ever held one set of rules or expectations for others, but operated according to a different set of principles for yourself?  Sadly, I have – and on more than one occasion.  I can tell you from experience that the charade eventually becomes overwhelmingly difficult to keep up – until it finally collapses.  Then you’re left to deal with the fallout of epic proportions…that was totally preventable.

For too long, I’d leave myself an “out,” calling it an exception, a loophole, or a “treat.”  But a bold sister in Christ recently told me what it really was:  self-sabotage.  I had to irrefutably admit that ignoring the unction of the Holy Spirit to do what I wanted to do (in a lame attempt to please my flesh ever so often) was just downright rebellion against God’s will and His perfect plan.  Ouch.  (Someone once said the truth hurts…)  Then (ironically), I’d end up running back to the Father to humbly ask Him to fix the mess I’d made because of my own disobedience…now that’s ludicrous, isn’t it?  But we allow ourselves to be trapped in these vicious cycles – and to what avail?

So before an unnecessarily dramatic finale ensues, come clean – with yourself and with your Creator.  (Hint:  He knows already!)  🙂  Today, make a declaration that you’ll keep only one set of books, and that it will sync up with the Word of God.  No more conditions (call them what they are:  excuses).  Identify what’s tripping you up, then ask God to strengthen you as you build a system of accountability incorporating trustworthy, responsible people who will help you mature in your walk with Christ.

The clock is ticking…it’s time to make the right decision – now.  And since you asked, yes I DID avoid the candy bowl at work today…it’s amazing how we experience victory through Christ when we yield to HIS leading – in issues great and small!  🙂

“And Elijah came unto all the people, and said, How long halt ye between two opinions? if the LORD be God, follow him: but if Baal, then follow him. And the people answered him not a word.”
(I Kings 18:21)

 “A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.”
(James 1:8)

© Copyright 2012 by Kayren J. Cathcart

The Parable of the Organic Spinach: Infinite Perpetuity is Not Promised

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What can spinach from my hubby’s garden teach me about the seasons of life?
Apparently, plenty…

See, I thought we’d have spinach at arm’s reach forever…until my hubby told me last week, “I think that’s it – the last of the spinach.”  My heart skipped a beat.  I was totally enjoying the fresh, tender leaves brightening up my morning egg white omelet.  I relished the tasty change from romaine lettuce on my sandwiches. But most of all, it was easier to clean than the romaine (which tends to be slug-prone at the roots – ick!).  Nevertheless, I understand that fresh spinach isn’t sustainable in 90° heat…it wilts – quickly.  Then I discovered that the fresh romaine was coming to an end, too.  Not that I would miss the slugs (by any stretch of the imagination), but it was quite nice not paying for lettuce!  So I resigned myself to the fact that those fresh greens are now gone.

But the good news?  We have another crop of yummy delights springing forth – because it’s their season to bloom.  So I’m learning to munch on squash and zucchini at my desk – and lots of it. (I’m open to your favorite recipe ideas).  No need for me mourn the spinach and romaine; I can rejoice with anticipation of cucumber and tomato salads in a few weeks!

Likewise, we must learn to appreciate the cycle of each harvest in our lives – including the periods of dormancy, separation, pruning, weeding, repositioning, and replanting.  Cycle implies that things won’t stay one way forever, that a series of events may occur in a particular sequence, and that progression will occur.  And for those of us who are naturally change-averse, it means we must learn to adjust – promptly!

I believe this cycle concept is applicable to relationships, too.  Many times, we grow at a different pace from people we’ve shared space with for a long time.  Sometimes our paths diverge from people we’d travelled with for years.  We have to learn to accept this as part of the cycle.  As I approach my 15-year college reunion (no, I’m not attending the festivities; yes, I’m in denial that I’ve been out of undergrad for that long – LOL!), I reflect that there are some people I was really tight with as a teenager, but now, we haven’t been in contact for years.  Are they bad people?  Not at all – but our relationship changed because our seasons changed.

So let us embrace the season we find ourselves in…for surely, it will change as time goes by.  May we allow the cycle God intends for us – individually and collectively – to take its course in order to bring about the growth and maturity needed for all parties involved.  And enjoy the spinach…until it’s time for squash…and as you wait for the cucumbers.  🙂

“To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:”
(Ecclesiastes 3:1)

 “Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice.”
(Philippians 4:4)

“7 Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.
8 For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.
9 And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.”
(Galatians 6:7-9)

© Copyright 2012 by Kayren J. Cathcart

Walk in Your Assignment: For Such a Time as This

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Have you ever had something impressed on you so strongly that you KNEW you had to start walking in that direction immediately…or else? I got a gigantic jolt of a reminder to that effect this weekend – and I don’t believe the holiday is called “Memorial Day” for naught. Oh, how well do I remember that very specific assignment God impressed on my heart many years ago. I worked on it diligently at first, but after a while, I fell off, got distracted, and allowed other things to start consuming larger portions of my time, energy, and attention. But the assignment never went away. God didn’t change His mind.

So here I find myself at the crossroads of Obedience and “But Lord, You know…” And the decision really is very simple. (Hint: Take the road of obedience!) 🙂

Opportunities present themselves all the time.  The question when they appear is:  are we prepared to receive them and walk in them? Have we effectively utilized our seasons of preparation, or did we fritter them away with nothing to show for it?  It’s “go” time – are you ready?  It’s time…for action, obedience, fruit…and for His perfect will to be made manifest in the earth.  My prayer is that each of us will deliberately walk in our assignment today and serve our Creator with joy.

“For if thou altogether holdest thy peace at this time, then shall there enlargement and deliverance arise to the Jews from another place; but thou and thy father’s house shall be destroyed: and who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?”

(Esther 4:14)

 “Whereupon, O king Agrippa, I was not disobedient unto the heavenly vision:”

(Acts 26:19)

© Copyright 2012 by Kayren J. Cathcart