Is Half-Done Good Enough?

I took an adventuresome foray into some frozen food after a quick grocery store trip (no, the “fun food” items that ended up in my buggy were NOT on my list).

It was a $7 experiment that was cheaper than a restaurant visit and satisfied my taste buds for a dish I’d never tried before.

I wondered if I should turn them over midway through. The directions didn’t specify. I chose to flip them halfway and of course I tasted a tiny nibble first.

But even after they fully cooked, I ended up tossing them – they just weren’t that good.

I’m grateful that Jesus completed His work on the cross for our sake and didn’t stop halfway through.

I need the fullness of ALL that His salvation covers! #HolyWeek

Half-done is never good enough when fully-baked is what’s required…

Blessings, Kayren

“37 And he took with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to be sorrowful and very heavy.

38 Then saith he unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death: tarry ye here, and watch with me.

39 And he went a little farther, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt.”

(Matthew 26:37-39)

Small Beginning, Great Purpose

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Decide to thrive! — *…like a grain of mustard seed…*

Greatness isn’t an end to itself. It’s always for a purpose.

Who is supporting your growth…so that you – in turn – can support others?

As we continue down Calvary road this #HolyWeek, let us reflect with gratitude on the selfless sacrifice Jesus made for us.

Blessings, Kayren

“30 And he said, Whereunto shall we liken the kingdom of God? or with what comparison shall we compare it?

31 It is like a grain of mustard seed, which, when it is sown in the earth, is less than all the seeds that be in the earth:

32 But when it is sown, it groweth up, and becometh greater than all herbs, and shooteth out great branches; so that the fowls of the air may lodge under the shadow of it.”

(Mark 4:30-32)

In the Face of Lions

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I’ve been studying Daniel 6; it’s full of intriguing lessons. 🦁 Since errybody is going through something, it becomes a matter of HOW we endure that distinguishes us.

While we don’t have a lion’s eye account 👀 of what happened throughout that night, I can imagine that Brother Daniel made an intentional decision, “Well, I’m here in the lions’ den; I know God’s faithful character and that He changes not, so Imma chill out, and continue to trust God.”

Perhaps he even purposed in his heart to enjoy the journey.

I’m not sure if it was quiet or if the lions roared a lot, but apparently they were famished since they DEVOURED Daniel’s accusers the next day (AND their family members…exactly how many lions were there crunching up the bones of all them folk after one li’l ol’ vegetarian Daniel sat with them all night?)…🤣

However, I digress… 😂

Daniel’s choice to stay calm and trust God in the midst of an overnight stay at the Lions’ Arms Inn likely set the atmosphere for and contributed to his safe deliverance by God’s awesome power (the lions didn’t smell fear on him).

Take me, for instance – when I’m in a jam and fear arises, I’m plottin’ and schemin’ how to get out (by my own <limited, finite> power…if fear is telling me I can speed things up apart from the divine timetable…hey, I didn’t say it made sense).

Building a makeshift ladder would’ve been noisy (and who brings tools with ‘em when being thrown into a lion’s den – besides a very prepared Boy Scout!)? Trying to dig his way out would’ve called more attention to himself. So it kinda behooved Daniel to wait on and trust IN the Lord.

👉🏽After all, there was an appointed time for his deliverance AND God was glorified in the outcome.

Daniel was surrounded by what appeared to be a problem (lions – likely hungry)…but GOD made it a non-issue for him! Since our God is no respecter of persons (Acts 10:34), I believe He can do the same for us today.

So what is our issue with waiting patiently on the Lord? #HolyWeek #PalmSunday

Blessings, Kayren 💓

“Then the king commanded, and they brought Daniel, and cast him into the den of lions. Now the king spake and said unto Daniel, Thy God whom thou servest continually, he will deliver thee.”

(Daniel 6:16)

“25 Then king Darius wrote unto all people, nations, and languages, that dwell in all the earth; Peace be multiplied unto you.
26 I make a decree, That in every dominion of my kingdom men tremble and fear before the God of Daniel: for he is the living God, and stedfast for ever, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed, and his dominion shall be even unto the end.
27 He delivereth and rescueth, and he worketh signs and wonders in heaven and in earth, who hath delivered Daniel from the power of the lions.”

(Daniel 6:25-27)

Taking the Long View

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The Truth About Time Management — *It’s about eternal purpose…*

What really, truly matters?

In light of eternity?

Sometimes we humans are challenged with prioritizing. It’s important that we take God’s view. Only He can help us see the true priority of things in the light of His divine plan.

It’s all a matter of perspective. I’m sharing this scripture in both the King James Version and Amplified version for meditation.

Drop a comment in the chat if you’d like to share something you’ve learned about looking beyond what you see today. #HolyWeek

Blessings, Kayren

“7 But whatever former things were gains to me [as I thought then], these things [once regarded as advancements in merit] I have come to consider as loss [absolutely worthless] for the sake of Christ [and the purpose which He has given my life].

8 But more than that, I count everything as loss compared to the priceless privilege and supreme advantage of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord [and of growing more deeply and thoroughly acquainted with Him—a joy unequaled]. For His sake I have lost everything, and I consider it all garbage, so that I may gain Christ,”

(Philippians 3:7-8, Amplified)

“7 But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ.

8 Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ,”

(Philippians 3:7-8)

Stuck or Constrained?

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Have you ever felt like you were stuck somewhere you just couldn’t escape?

It could’ve been a mindset, situation, circumstance, or even a physical location – and try as you might, you just couldn’t get free of it.

I’ve learned that sometimes I’m still in the same place because I’m fighting the will of God. And I’ve also learned that it’s a battle I’m not going to win – no matter how long I try, no matter how many tears accompany my prayers to be released from the pressure, or how many times I say, “Jesus take the wheel” before I gently grasp or willfully grab it back.

Truth be told, I’m there right now.

And it’s a VERY uncomfortable place. I think I’ve been wiggling and trying to squirm my way out. I’ve stopped short of trying to pay my way out, but I’ve certainly asked others to help me get out.

Yielding to His Will is THE ONLY WAY. HE makes the way of escape.

For He is the Way. The Truth. The Life (John 14:6). #HolyWeek

Blessings, Kayren

“There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but 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.”

(I Corinthians 10:13, KJV)

“No temptation [regardless of its source] has overtaken or enticed you that is not common to human experience [nor is any temptation unusual or beyond human resistance]; but God is faithful [to His word—He is compassionate and trustworthy], and He will not let you be tempted beyond your ability [to resist], but along with the temptation He [has in the past and is now and] will [always] provide the way out as well, so that you will be able to endure it [without yielding, and will overcome temptation with joy].”

(I Corinthians 10:13, Amplified)

Times and Seasons

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So a few days later, I realize that I’ve been using the hashtag #HolyWeek…a week early.

But really, isn’t mindfulness and awareness of God’s presence and gratitude for the sacrifice of His Son Jesus the entire point of the Lenten season?

It’s not about a specific date on the calendar…after all, “The earth is the Lord’s, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein.” (Psalm 24:1)

And shouldn’t we reverence, hallow, and deem significant EVERY day as holy unto God?

It’s about our heart condition.

This week. Next week. Every week.

Grateful to be growing in faith, Kayren

“…This day is holy unto the Lord your God…”

(Nehemiah 8:9)

“Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me.”

(John 15:4)

Choosing the Good Part

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He will beautify the meek with salvation

Time with God is always well-spent. I grabbed a few moments between the “stuff of life” and it was the refreshing my soul needed right then.

Cuz there’s always SOMETHING else that needs to be done…

But I don’t wanna leave my Friend waiting for me. He is so faithful!

Can the same be said of me?

It starts with one intentional, deliberate choice to prioritize Him.

Over. Everything Else.

#HolyWeek

“41 But the Lord replied to her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and bothered and anxious about so many things;

42 but only one thing is necessary, for Mary has chosen the good part [that which is to her advantage], which will not be taken away from her.”

(Luke 10:41-42, AMP)

“Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.”

(Revelation 3:20)

No Greater Love

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A popular group once sang, “What about your friends?”

I wonder how Jesus felt knowing that those He called friends – and was about to willingly lay down His life for – would turn on Him by the end of the week.

Then I thought about how I respond when a friend of mine – one I certainly don’t expect to physically die for – does something that hurts me.

The responses are miles apart. The difference is like night and day.

But I’m working on it – every day.

I believe the walk of a believer is to consistently allow God to develop our character until we’re conformed to the image of Christ.

We cannot measure ourselves against any other standard but Him.

We can’t even compare our progress with our old selves.

Unconditional love is unspeakably powerful. It’s unending and unchanging.

Amazing love…#HolyWeek

Blessings, Kayren

“12 This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you.

13 Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.

14 Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.”

(John 15:12-14)

“9 Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.

10 Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;”

(Romans 12:9-10)

Being Made Conformable

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Clay In the Potter's Hand — *How malleable are you?*

No, that wasn’t a typo. This post is definitely NOT about being made comfortable!

Sometimes when we know a person on a surface level and they wanna bring us into closer relationship, they may show us a scar or wound we’ve never seen before, or that we’re unaware they even had.

While some of these are grimace-worthy and might catch us off-guard (did I really need to see that?!), it does connect us on another level.

They’re inviting us to know them in a way most folks don’t and aren’t privy to.

Because it’s challenging to know something or someone intimately without firsthand knowledge or fellowship.

This #HolyWeek, let us be intentional about committing to know Christ more – as the Amplified Bible puts it in Philippians 3:10, “experientially, becoming more thoroughly acquainted with Him, understanding the remarkable wonders of His Person more completely.”

In this way, we are “being continually conformed [inwardly into His likeness even] to His death.”

Whew.

I’m beginning to comprehend the weightiness of drinking of the same cup as Christ – and the depth of His great love that was demonstrated through His sacrifice (Matthew 20:22, Mark 10:39).

Blessings as we enter Holy Week with open hearts, Kayren

“That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;”

(Philippians 3:10, KJV)

“And this, so that I may know Him [experientially, becoming more thoroughly acquainted with Him, understanding the remarkable wonders of His Person more completely] and [in that same way experience] the power of His resurrection [which overflows and is active in believers], and [that I may share] the fellowship of His sufferings, by being continually conformed [inwardly into His likeness even] to His death [dying as He did];”

(Philippians 3:10, AMP)

Choosing Better

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Truth is one size fits all — *I’ll say it again for those in the back…*

My previous healthy choices don’t give me a license to transgress and make unwise decisions today.

#RealTalk from the gal who posted a salad pic earlier this week.

Those fleeting “livin’ in the moment so throw caution to the wind with careless abandon” choices show up later.

Trust me…I know.

There’s also an impact to those walking with me, and those coming after me.

No excuses…I’ve gotta choose better and build consistency.

Cuz I know better. And I like the results of choosing better.

Blessings, Kayren

p.s. How about you? Drop a healthy tip that’s helped you stay on track in the comments…there’s strength in accountability.

“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)

Kayren Cathcart's Blog

Observations on daily life and inspiration for spiritual growth…

change

Is Half-Done Good Enough?

Small Beginning, Great Purpose

In the Face of Lions

Taking the Long View

Stuck or Constrained?

Times and Seasons

Choosing the Good Part

No Greater Love

Being Made Conformable

Choosing Better