Let HIM Change You

Truly knowing Christ will change you forever…

The power of lasting transformation lies within the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

For too long, I’ve looked at change from the standpoint of my own personal strength, which is limited and finite. Willpower and desire are great, but they can’t sustain and maintain change.

The correct perspective is from HIS. #HolyWeek

May we continue to seek to truly know Him…and experience the extravagant love that took Him all the way to the cross – for us.

Blessings, 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)

Is Half-Done Good Enough?

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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)

What Do You Hear – and Heed?

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Meek and quiet spirit — spiritual bling…is there such a thing?
my sparkly li’l heart says YES…

And what do you have?

It is good to consider the answer to these questions from God’s perspective (and not just from our own).

This passage was a timely reminder to watch the standard by which we measure.

A teachable heart is humble, willing to listen to wisdom, and in a position to learn.

This is the posture we should desire to take on as we draw nigh to the Savior of our souls.

I’m excited to hear His voice as He speaks to us and adorns us through His Word. #HolyWeek

Blessings, Kayren

“23 If any man have ears to hear, let him hear.

24 And he said unto them, Take heed what ye hear: with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you: and unto you that hear shall more be given.

25 For he that hath, to him shall be given: and he that hath not, from him shall be taken even that which he hath.”

(Mark 4:23-25, KJV)

“23 If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear and heed My words.”

24 Then He said to them, “Pay attention to what you hear. By your own standard of measurement [that is, to the extent that you study spiritual truth and apply godly wisdom] it will be measured to you [and you will be given even greater ability to respond]—and more will be given to you besides.

25 For whoever has [a teachable heart], to him more [understanding] will be given; and whoever does not have [a yearning for truth], even what he has will be taken away from him.”

(Mark 4:23-25, AMP)

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)

Compassed About

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compass (verb) – encompass, surround, enclose, envelop

I found comfort in Psalm 32, so I thought I’d share…

When God is my hiding place, He preserves me from trouble. He keeps me in the midst of every circumstance and situation.

When He surrounds me with songs of deliverance, how can I help but to rest in the truth that He covers me and is caring for me?

The Lord will perfect that which concerns me (Psalm 138:8).

He is trustworthy. Dependable. Faithful and true. Always making a way. #HolyWeek

Be encouraged, Kayren

“7 Thou art my hiding place; thou shalt preserve me from trouble; thou shalt compass me about with songs of deliverance. Selah.

8 I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye.”

(Psalm 32:7-8)

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)

Kayren Cathcart's Blog

Observations on daily life and inspiration for spiritual growth…

choices

Let HIM Change You

Is Half-Done Good Enough?

What Do You Hear – and Heed?

Small Beginning, Great Purpose

Compassed About

Taking the Long View

Stuck or Constrained?

Times and Seasons

Choosing the Good Part

No Greater Love