choices

positive (+) vs. negative (-): Are YOU Sitting in the Seat of the Scornful?

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scornful – contemptuous, disdainful, disrespectful, mocking, derisive, disparaging, sneering
cynical – pessimistic, mocking, skeptical, sarcastic, distrustful, suspicious, disparaging, detracting, sneering, scornful, derisive, negative, misanthropic, scoffing, sardonic, scathing
sarcastic – ironic, mocking, sardonic, cynical, acerbic, mordant, derisive, satirical, caustic

As many times as I’ve read Psalm 1:1, I can’t say that I ever interpreted it to mean that I should search myself to see if I was the one sitting in that scornful seat. I usually focused on the “blessed is the man that doesn’t walk, stand, or sit with those folks” part. Until today, when I had to examine my current position in relation to God’s Word from a fresh perspective – stripped bare of any camouflage, disguise, or mask. Last night, I read Psalm 1 because I was at an emotional impasse and just needed to simplify some things. Since I wasn’t feeling particularly full of praise, I decided to start at the beginning of the book on praise. When I saw the word “scornful,” I looked it up in my concordance and cringed; I had neither comprehended nor appreciated how intense scorn actually is.

Over the past 24 hours, God’s been revealing to me how much of a “repeat offender” I’ve been in the scorn department. I grew up watching (and mimicking) SNL humor in the 1990s (or “back in the day” as my children remind me) – sarcasm, satire, scoffing, and cynicism at its best. I thought most of the skits (before they got utterly raunchy, tasteless, crass, and uncouth) were just plain funny. However, many of the laughs are at the expense of others, are less than uplifting, and are full of scorn.

After looking at the synonyms for scorn, I realize how “unpretty” this is in me. Today, I read a health and fitness article about what to do to stay on track with your goals. It suggested a good exercise: to choose a positive attitude during challenging moments by writing down 10 positive things that could result from something particularly negative or challenging. Well wasn’t this just a timely gift?  I had several challenging moments I could try this with, so I commenced with writing my list – or at least I attempted to. But after each painstaking entry I wrote, I had a surprisingly strong snappy, cynical, and sarcastic (= negative) thought to counter it with…which kinda defeated the whole purpose of the “positivity activity,” right? I kept seeing that half-full glass as half-empty, and I realized how deeply rooted this thing was in me.

Sure, people used to call me Little Betty Sunshine and accuse me of chronic Bubbly Personality Disorder. But I guess I’ve become a little grizzled by life (in a sparkly, glitterholic kinda way) and I see things a bit differently now. I’m still able to see the positive, but I admit that I probably focus more of the negative than I should as I age, um, I mean, as I mature. Nothing like editing oneself, is there? But I want (and need) to change this…and not just because I’m not getting any younger – LOL. Prospering (according to God’s definition) has a direct correlation with me not sitting in the seat of the scornful. In light of current events, it’s easy to be negative, cynical, sarcastic, and scornful. But as believers who profess Christ in us as the hope of glory, we’re held to a higher standard, and we have the power of the Holy Spirit to strengthen us in the face of tough times.

As we continue to adjust, change, transform, and be conformed to the image of Christ, may we turn from scornful ways (seriously!) – whether in others or in ourselves – and find our delight in the law of the Lord, meditating in it day and night. I believe that’s when we’ll start living the real blessing of Psalm 1.

“1 Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.
2 But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.
3 And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.”
(Psalm 1:1-3)

 © Copyright 2015 by Kayren J. Cathcart

Matters of the Heart: Recognizing the Un-Gift

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Kayren’s generic definition of “un-gift” – a masquerading “blessing” that will likely end up being a curse due to its intrinsic or inherent value (or lack thereof)

The other day, a restaurant near my job e-mailed me some coupons. Now anyone who knows me is aware of how much I love getting a deal, a perk, or a freebie. However, as I looked at the nutritional info for the lunch item to be discounted, I realized that in my right mind, I can’t afford to receive and use their coupon because it makes no sense for a person on blood pressure medication to knowingly ingest over 1200mg of sodium in one entree. “But it’s on sale…yeah, but it’s gonna take you somewhere you don’t need to be, fool!” Back and forth I argued in my mind, until I tentatively scheduled when I’d cross the street to try this disaster of a meal choice (since the coupon expired within 2 weeks – of course, creating an urgency to hop aboard this train wreck of an externally-influenced decision). Finally, I confessed to my family when I got home that I had been tempted by this cleverly-disguised, flesh-tickling “offer.” However, knowing that it wouldn’t benefit me (or my family if my blood pressure skyrocketed), I asked for their support as I made myself accountable to them (once again) with my personal health stewardship. 

I should’ve gotten a clue when that same week, I got a separate “congratulatory” message from this same restaurant telling me I’d “earned” a “reward” for a dessert I don’t even like (they are few and far between, but they do exist – LOL). So let’s see here, I’m getting the “opportunity” to pay 99 cents for a food item I don’t like, one I probably wouldn’t eat even if it was free, and I’m ingesting extra calories and sugar I’ll have to work off in the meanwhile? No thank you! Honestly, I’d been contemplating whether to unsubscribe from this restaurant’s e-mails because their suggestions for food I hadn’t even been considering is moving from slight annoyance to constant bombardment. I can turn off the faucet to their cleverly-marketed “gifts” with one click – that may be the best gift for my health!

It seems simple, but every day, we’re faced with innumerable choices to receive “gifts” offered to us. It’s helpful to remember that just because something is offered doesn’t mean we have to accept it! If we actually take a moment to evaluate the pros AND cons before receiving an offer, it will help us stay aligned with the will of God for our lives instead of getting sidetracked, derailed, or distracted by ungodly, untimely, unwanted, or unwarranted options sent on assignment by the enemy of our souls. Whether well-intentioned or not, if a gift isn’t of value or benefit, it’s not really a gift. My prayer is that we stay alert and aware to keep and guard our hearts with all diligence (Proverbs 4:23) – not only in this Valentine’s Day season when emotions may be more vulnerable than usual, but each and every day. There’s no sin in responding “Return to Sender” for some gifts (or un-gifts)! 

“He that blesseth his friend with a loud voice, rising early in the morning, it shall be counted a curse to him.”
(Proverbs 27:14)

© Copyright 2015 by Kayren J. Cathcart

Sparkle & Shine: Confessions of a Glitterholic

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sparkle – to produce small flashes of light; to be or become bright and lively
shine – to give off light
glitter – to shine by reflection with many small flashes of brilliant light;
to be brilliantly attractive, lavish, or spectacular
light – the form of energy that makes it possible to see things;
spiritual illumination

Happy New Year to everyone in the blogosphere! I’ve been celebrating my birthday ALL month long (okay, I’ve really been celebrating LIFE, love, family, and the joy of the Lord since Thanksgiving 2014…and it showed up in my annual physical, so I’m gonna keep working on that). 🙂 I’m just a year shy of the milestone “big four oh,” but I’ve purposed in my heart that I would celebrate each and every day this year instead of waiting for a round number to make it special. And boy oh boy, have I been having FUN!

I decided to get outta my familiar box (some would call it a rut of routine mundaneness) and try some new things. One of those was an indulgence in my love for all things glittery, sparkly, and shiny – not just for “special occasions,” but for anytime. I feature a photo of my birthday nails in this post because it’s a tiny representation of the sparkle and shine that I’m going to allow to radiate through my life this year. Sometimes we get weighed down, dulled, and downright tarnished by the everyday cares of life. This year, I’ve determined that even if those cares are still present, I’m not going to focus or dwell on them – but I will instead meditate on the good (Philippians 4:8-9).
K's sparkly bday nails 2015

Granted, as one with a CGH (Compulsive Glitter Habit – a harmless and relatively inexpensive passion, in my humble opinion), I add glitter to my gel manicure 99.9% of the time (thanks, Sophie – big shout out to my awesome nail tech in the University area!). However, the extra “bling” of the rhinestones along with a new-to-me polish color (who knew pink could be so much fun at this age?!) took me to a new level of euphoria as I left the nail shop. Was pink glitter with bling the most practical choice for work in the corporate setting? Probably not. Was it necessary for my day-to-day activities as a mom? Nope. But has it significantly increased my daily level of sheer delight, bliss, and elation? Absolutely! Every time I look down at my nails while typing, I smile and think, “I did something different – I went just a little beyond my comfort zone and regular boundaries of ordinary tedium and monotony. Why? Because today is worth celebrating with the Light of the World living on the inside of me!”

I was recently introduced to the glee of adding glitter stickers to my scripture journal during personal Quiet Time in the Word…whoa, talk about kickin’ it up a notch – BAM! 🙂 My prayer for you in 2015 is that you find your personal glitter, sparkle, and shine this year that makes your heart sing. The joy of the Lord is around every corner…may you run smack dab into the middle of it and wallow in His goodness all year long, letting your light shine for His glory. 

“8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
9 Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.”
(Philippians 4:8-9)

 “14 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.
15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.
16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”
(Matthew 5:14-16)

© Copyright 2015 by Kayren J. Cathcart

Back to Basics: Sufficiency, Satiety, and Satisfaction

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satiety – the quality or state of being fed or gratified to or beyond capacity; the revulsion or disgust caused by overindulgence or excess

Do we really believe that God is big enough to supply all of our needs, fulfill us, and satisfy us? Do we rest in the fact that He is able to provide for us spiritually, emotionally, financially, and physically – in an all-encompassing way? If so, we have a strange way of walking by faith in the fact that what we currently have is a-plenty. When we’re honest with ourselves, we can admit that we often see inconsistencies in ourselves before others do.

In today’s American culture, I’m not sure how much “revulsion or disgust” we have for overindulgence or excess. On the contrary, we’re infatuated and obsessed with obtaining “more.” If we watch a 30-minute TV program, we’re tempted by the offer to “binge watch” the entire season of episodes with one effortless download. No consideration of wasting an entire day (or more!) of productivity when we can have a glut of what we just tasted…it’s within easy reach. We want everything better, faster, in greater quantities – and we want it NOW. Even infomercials that offer us “the next big trinket” hook us with the promise of something EVEN BETTER than the fantabulous deal we’re already salivating over, baiting us with the nauseatingly predictable “but wait – there’s MORE…we’ll double your order for FREE if you call within the next 8 minutes!” And you know when they suggest that you give the extra one away as a gift, most of us end up with it sitting in a drawer, under a cabinet, or on a shelf collecting dust for months (or years). Even though we can only use one item at a time, we want more…because we’re never grateful enough to be satisfied with what we already have.

Godliness with contentment is great gain (I Timothy 6:6), but are we ever really content with what we have? Or are we subconsciously striving for “the next thing” instead of valuing our present state? My church’s theme for the past year has been “Looking Unto Jesus to Maximize and Strengthen What We Have.” If we thoughtfully and thoroughly count our blessings, we must realize and conclude that we need to take better stewardship to be effective with what we already have before we receive an additional drop of anything. Before lusting after that new pair of shoes/boots/outfit/purse/jewelry/home décor item, evaluate what we’re doing with the pile of similar items currently occupying our closet or running out of our drawers. I was particularly convicted when I acknowledged that before we’d finished our plenteous Thanksgiving meal leftovers, I was already wondering what we’d have for our Christmas feast. And yes, that type of overindulgence and excess will be taking me straight to the gym next week…and for MANY weeks to come…

As we reflect on the entirety of 2014 rapidly coming to a close, my prayer is that 2015 will be a year in which we fully and wholeheartedly embrace what God has for us – and appreciate it – no matter how it looks. In spite of whatever warped, perverted messages or misrepresentations advertisers and marketers attempt to bombard us with, may we receive the truth in our hearts that Jesus is the only One Who can satisfy, fulfill, and complete us. 

“1 Bless the Lord, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name.
2 Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits:
3 Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases;
4 Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies;
5 Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle’s.”
(Psalm 103:1-5)

 © Copyright 2014 by Kayren J. Cathcart

Obedience to Authority is NOT Grievous: Stay Under the Umbrella of Protection

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“Obedience is better than sacrifice!” My mama used to drill this into my head as a child (which isn’t altogether a bad thing, now that I reflect upon it). Usually, it was to remind me to just go ahead do what she’d said instead of analyzing it first, then putting my own “personalized interpretation” on it, and possibly getting around to doing what she’d told me to do much later than she desired. The scripture verse referenced comes from the story of King Saul who – to his own detriment, demise, and utter downfall – decided to “do his own thing” because he thought his idea was better than God’s (or perhaps he imprudently figured that God wouldn’t realize he did something different from what was instructed… and grossly miscalculated – I dunno).

Earlier today, I had the opportunity to minister encouragement to a precious sister in Christ. I was led to gently (but firmly) remind her that God had placed her husband in her life for her protection, and therefore she should stop trying to “figure it out” by herself, and receive the wisdom and counsel coming from within her own house, and apply it (in a timely manner) for her benefit. Well, wouldn’t you know I got tested on that very same thing within less than an hour of saying it to her?

My wonderful husband is fiercely protective of our family. Since I’m certain it has something to do with him taking seriously the fact that he will have to stand before God and give an account of how he cared for those he was given stewardship over, I really try not to give the brother a hard time! Being the health/safety/well-being oriented person (and hence weather-watcher) that he is, he was mindful of the fact that our area (multiple counties – indeed a great part of the state) is under a tornado warning until 10 p.m. Now I wouldn’t necessarily call myself a Doubting Thomas, but even after seeing the headlines on two local news websites and checking the weather app with the big ol’ red shading over 1/3 of the state, it really didn’t faze me; I was prepared to carry on with my planned evening routine…that is, until my hubby pulled rank and the emergency brake, and my plan came to a screeching halt.

His phone call during my commute was crisp, curt, and to-the-point, “I see how the weather is looking on this side of town; call and cancel the children’s piano lesson tonight.” Casually glancing around at the balmy sunshine and fluffy white clouds, I opened my mouth, then closed it after many thoughts zoomed through my head but I wouldn’t let them outta my lips, “It’s probably not gonna even do anything over this way…the piano teacher is 5 houses down the street from ours…even if something did happen, I’m sure we could get home safely…” It wasn’t worth a protest, or even asking my infamous “what if” since no commentary, opinion, or feedback had been invited or solicited. He had spoken; it was my turn to obey. So I did. (Score 10 “spiritually maturing wife” points for the short girl – she finally learned to just roll with the prophetic unction without asking 50 zillion questions because she didn’t have all the details). 🙂

By the time I’d picked up both children and we were heading home, little splotches of raindrops had turned into an all-out steady rain – who knew those pretty white clouds held such amounts of water on a sunny day? And if tornadoes were featured on The Weather Channel last night and thunderstorms were in the forecast, they were definitely heading this way. Needless to say, I’m glad to be where I’m supposed to be right now – at home in the ark of safety and under the Shadow of the Almighty – just like my hubby told me to be. As the piano teacher said, “I respect the power of those storms; no problem rescheduling their lessons!” Likewise, we must respect the power of those in authority over us who are merely trying to save our lives from hurt, harm, danger, and destruction. I don’t have to see debris flying all around me to realize the need for protection. No more walking the “obedience tightrope” without a net, hoping to thumb my nose after the fact and say, “See? I knew nothing would happen.”

Things I’ve learned about obedience:

    • Delayed obedience = DISOBEDIENCE.
    • There’s no such thing as “creative obedience” or “intended but poorly executed obedience.” That’s an obscure, self-deceiving excuse.
    • We can call it any of these “other” things, but if it’s not obedience…it’s just not obedience! trying it my way first; testing out an option; eventually getting around to the original instruction; making a variation; proposing an alternative; being open to adaptation; allowing a modification; tolerating a glaring disparity or discrepancy; reworking; alteration; deviation; departure; distinction; difference…and the list goes on…

Call me apocalyptic (in light of the deluge and onslaught of current earthquakes, tsunamis, pestilence, plagues, and epidemics, do you really blame me?), but my prayer is that we hearken to the truth (and obey!)…no matter how the message is delivered. Pay attention, saints! It’s time out for foolishness in any form…selah.

“And Samuel said, Hath the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams.”
(I Samuel 15:22)

 © Copyright 2014 by Kayren J. Cathcart

Spammed!

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spam – disruptive messages, especially commercial messages posted on a computer network or sent as e-mail; unsolicited, undesired e-mail; the e-mail version of junk mail

Thank goodness my self-esteem is intact enough today that I didn’t fall for a fake ego trip (again – LOL; it’s true what they say about being older and wiser…). I got a comment from an unknown poster complimenting my writing skills (go figure – that college degree is coming in handy) and blog layout (it’s a template, for heaven’s sake). Since it appeared to be a link to a bootleg online luxury products outlet (again, age and deliverance make a healthy combination), I decided to Google the link in the attempted flatterer’s signature instead of clicking on it. (I absolutely detest internet “cookies,” and the thought of getting unending pop-up ads for who-knows-what makes me livid). When that initial search didn’t give me adequate or specific details about my phony admirer from afar, I searched the text “I am really impressed with your writing skills” and lo and behold if that site wasn’t listed multiple times, and in various languages. My suspicious hunch was right. With a few clicks, I’d confirmed that the message wasn’t from someone who genuinely appreciated my literary prowess (ha!), but instead, it was a sham from someone who wanted to squat on my web property for free advertising. Kinda like realizing that you’ve gotten a photocopied “love letter…” and you feel just a bit less-than-special…Needless to say, I hit delete on that message.

Rather ironic, since I just retrieved an e-mail message I’d been awaiting since last month – only to find out yesterday that it had – unbeknownst to me – been relegated to my “Junk” folder – yikes! The sender had been awaiting my response…and I’d been completely unaware that the important information had been sent to my attention weeks ago. Then I felt horrible that my delay had impacted my ability to disseminate the information to other people who needed it. What a ripple effect – ugh!

The value of a message can be determined by the identity of the sender, right? Unwanted message gets received, desired message doesn’t get received…I’m no techno-whiz, but it’s nearly a herculean feat to keep track of my own electronic traffic these days. And who (or what algorithm) determines that I should get daily shoe sale e-mails in my Inbox, while important personal messages get condemned to the abysmal Junk folder?!?

How often do we get spammed in a spiritual sense? We’re having a great day, focused on the goodness of the Lord, then – WHAMMO! – something unauthorized and definitely not legit comes from outta the blue that sends us spinning off course. Saints of the Most High, we must be on guard for potential intruders and distractions that desire to run roughshod and ramshackle through our emotional and spiritual well-being, leaving overturned tables and broken vases in the wake of their forced entry. What disruptive, unsolicited, or undesired messages have been bombarding you lately? In these last and evil days, our recourse is in the Person of the Holy Spirit. We need His discernment, wisdom, guidance, and protection. I dare assert that He is the ultimate spam blocker!

“1 Hear my cry, O God; attend unto my prayer.
2 From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I.
3 For thou hast been a shelter for me, and a strong tower from the enemy.
4 I will abide in thy tabernacle for ever: I will trust in the covert of thy wings. Selah.”
(Psalm 61:1-4)

© Copyright 2014 by Kayren J. Cathcart

The Linguistics of Lyingese

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fluent – smooth, cogent, natural, well-versed, eloquent, effortless, flowing

I recently reconnected with a young lady from the Democratic Republic of the Congo who speaks fluent French. I enjoyed taking 5 years of French in high school (merci beaucoup, Madame Burwell – je t’aime!), but that was a couple of decades ago, and it seems that Spanish is in greater use in this part of the country. So when her husband asked me, “Where did you learn your French?” I grinned broadly and with my best Southern Belle twang, I drawled, “Virginia! Why do you ask – do I sound country?” and we all laughed. After being in the US for just 2 years, she tells me, “Your French is good; I’m trying to get better at English,” as we both work to bridge the steadily narrowing communication gap.

We all know how important it is to speak the same language when you expect someone to understand you and comprehend the meaning of what you’re saying. So when God illuminated this statement to me, I did a double take: “Firmly REJECT the lies of the devil – truth is a foreign language that he cannot speak fluently!” This means that the enemy of our soul is miserably inarticulate and absolutely unintelligible in the language of truth – which is the only language God the Father speaks. There is no way to translate the devil’s foolishness into something acceptable in the kingdom of God! Therefore, we cannot afford to be passive about “not receiving” a lie – as saints of the Most High, we should proactively REJECT lies in every form and iteration.

We must be steadfastly convinced of the need to incorporate this mindset into our spiritual communications. When we don’t resolutely and decisively reject what the devil introduces, suggests, or implies to us (remember – it’s a lie, because the only language he can speak as the father of lies is Lyingese), then by default, we’re agreeing with our enemy instead of with God. And that’s a dangerous spot to be in. So ask yourself today who you rollin’ with…and who’s your daddy? If you need to repent and adjust your position in light of God’s Word, I encourage you to do so right now…

“42 Jesus said unto them, If God were your Father, ye would love me: for I proceeded forth and came from God; neither came I of myself, but he sent me.

43 Why do ye not understand my speech? even because ye cannot hear my word.

44 Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.”
(John 8:42-44)

© Copyright 2014 by Kayren J. Cathcart

Let God’s Word Pressure Wash Your Heart

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I’m watching my hubby pressure wash our deck and chairs.  Personally, I thought everything was okay “as is.”  Not so for him!  He has prepped and planned for this day for over a week – the precursor for staining it, applying protective water seal, and getting us more active outside as a family.  Until I saw the murky water running off the side, I didn’t realize how much dirt and grime had built up on the wood.  But he knew, and he wanted to get rid of it.

Now isn’t that like us when we consider the condition of our own hearts?  We reason and rationalize:  “I’m just fine…I don’t have to change…it’ll be okay if I wait until later to deal with that.”  And all the while, God (who has already examined us) is tugging on our heartstrings, encouraging us to allow Him to make much-needed change and adjustments in us.

A new-looking deck is now beaming back at me and beckoning me to spend time on it once it dries.  Yet, the wood had to yield to the pressure for cleansing – and somebody (my hubby) had to put in some elbow grease to “get ‘r done!”  This week, may we yield to the pressure God allows in our lives to remove the buildup and residue of the world – so we can be thoroughly cleansed.  Then He’ll apply the protective seal of the Holy Spirit to keep us in this “new and improved” condition.  You’ll likely be able to identify the “before and after” distinctions encountered when restoring a valuable work of art…after all, we are His workmanship. 🙂

“Now when I passed by thee, and looked upon thee, behold, thy time was the time of love; and I spread my skirt over thee, and covered thy nakedness: yea, I sware unto thee, and entered into a covenant with thee, saith the Lord GOD, and thou becamest mine. Then washed I thee with water; yea, I throughly washed away thy blood from thee, and I anointed thee with oil.”
(Ezekiel 16:8-9)

“Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.”
(Ephesians 5:25-27)

“Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.”
(Hebrews 10:22)

“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.”
(Ephesians 2:10)

 © Copyright 2013 by Kayren J. Cathcart

You Choose: The Light of the World vs. The Weight of the World

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encumber – burden, hinder, hamper, load, handicap

Do you ever feel heavy, weighed down, sluggish, ho-hum, blah, out-of-it?  Sometimes we get so busy doing stuff that we don’t place adequate focus on who we’re in the process of becoming – or on Who orchestrates that process for His divine purposes.

In this season of reflecting on the death, burial, and resurrection of our glorious Savior, let us truly see Him as the Light of the world Who takes away our sin.  As we look unto Jesus, we’ll see that many things we’ve allowed to weigh on us weren’t really ours to carry in the first place.  He went to the cross in our stead and conquered death and the grave so that we wouldn’t have to bear the burden of our own sin.

Because of the gift of salvation, we can experience the joy that freedom in Christ affords – on a daily basis!  Yet, it’s an intentional and deliberate choice.  So unpack your bag and offload some of the extra accumulations that you just don’t need for this leg of the journey.  Then rejoice!

“But Martha was cumbered about much serving…”
(Luke 10:40a)

“Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.”
(Hebrews 12:1-2)

“Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.”
(I Peter 5:7)

“They looked unto him, and were lightened: and their faces were not ashamed.”
(Psalm 34:5)

“Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.”
(John 8:12)

“I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.”
(Revelation 1:18)

 © Copyright 2013 by Kayren J. Cathcart

Your Permissive Will vs. God’s Perfect Will

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Have you ever contemplated and desired to know God’s perfect will for you in a given situation?  A dearly departed relative used to tell me, “I know what you’re saying, but God has a permissive will, too.”  While this may be true, she often said this coupled with something she was trying to influence (or manipulate – more accurately) me to do to her liking.

Out of His great love for us, God has given each of us a free will – we are not robots.  Yet, He desires that we would make the wisest godly choice – and then He generously lays out the best plan according to His perfect will for each of our lives that points out (with flashing lights, bells, and whistles), “Pick THIS ONE! This is the way, walk in it!”

How much simpler could it be?  It’s not rocket science – find out what God is instructing you to do, and do that.  Ta-dah!  Save yourself some heartache – even though you have a wide array of choices, choose the way God instructs.  His blessed path leads to life everlasting.

“Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.”
(Hebrews 13:20-21)

 “And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left.”
(Isaiah 30:21)

 “Oh that my people had hearkened unto me, and Israel had walked in my ways!”
(Psalm 81:13)

 “Blessed is every one that feareth the LORD; that walketh in his ways.”
(Psalm 128:1)

© Copyright 2013 by Kayren J. Cathcart