Can You Pass the Sobriety Test?

sober – thoughtful, serious, restrained, temperate, moderate, clear-headed

Are you too drunk on the things of this world?  Do the intoxicating pleasures of the flesh ooze from your pores?  Maybe it’s not touching your finger to your nose, but I’m sure God has tested you with “walking a straight line” recently.  He often allows heat and pressure (i.e., circumstances, storms, trials, tribulations, etc.) to bring us into conformity with the image of His Son (Romans 8:29).  It’s time for the true church of the Lord Jesus Christ to sober up!

Has God challenged you to give up something (or someone, or some place) and your flesh “kicked” like an addict searching for a fix?  Identify the root cause of your resistance and ask your Creator (the One Who wrote the Owner’s Manual – the Holy Bible) to help you overcome it.  It’s better to get it right while you have time.  Can you pass the test God appoints for you – not necessarily the one you’ve been studying for?  You can’t omit or overlook basic principles because you’re working on something advanced; you must build on the solid foundation of the Word of God that’s already been laid – and don’t regress.

We don’t want any holes in our armor as we go out to battle the enemy.  Don’t make yourself an easy target because of disobedience and unwillingness to release sin and worldy habits.  It’s not worth holding onto that which could destroy you; it could be a matter of life and death – I know what I’m talking about.

“15 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world.  If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.
16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.
17 And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.”

(I John 2:15-17)

Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:”
(I Peter 5:8)

“For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.”
(Romans 12:3)

“But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation.”
(I Thessalonians 5:8)

 © Copyright 2013 by Kayren J. Cathcart

God’s Grace is for Klutzes, Too!

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

Of Secrecy & Shame, Transparency & Truth

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

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?

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

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

Autumn…or Fall? 9 Lessons from the Leaves

fall – tumble, drop, collapse, cascade, sink, decrease, reduce, come down, descend, plummet

While driving home yesterday (on the same route I take every day), I noticed something markedly different.  What captured my attention?  The gentle but steady rain coming down?  No.  The lulling classical music I listen to during my commute to keep me patient in the midst of innumerable inconsiderate drivers?  Nope, I didn’t have the radio on; my only accompaniment was the symphony bubbling in my heart.  Well, what then?  I was acutely aware of the fall leaves wafting in the wind.  When a big gust blew, they came down in a swirling torrent of golden color as my car plodded on to pick up the children from afterschool care.  I smiled as I took it all in and was overwhelmed by the goodness of the God Who created this beautiful splendor.

Mind you, I love to watch leaves fall – really.  Especially when I’m sitting in front of a window or on the porch watching a tree in my yard.  Maybe for you, that’s just a boring step above watching paint dry or grass grow, but for me, it’s very calming, soothing, and relaxing.  In those pensive moments of solitude, I’m reminded that I should just let go and trust God – always, no matter what.  As we approach this season of thanksgiving (and giving thanks for the greatest Gift ever!), what meditative and contemplative activities will you take time for?  Indulge me as I go out on a limb (pun intended!) and take a bit of literary liberty to personify the thoughts of the lowly leaves…

9 Lessons from the Leaves

  1. Leaves let go when it’s time and take the plunge – they don’t try to cling to past or the old season because it’s comfortable, familiar, or predictable.  Wheeee!
  2. Leaves aren’t afraid to get low – they’re willing to humble themselves and come down to another level, even if they were previously soaring many feet above the ground.
  3. Leaves aren’t troubled about where they’ll land – they float, soar, glide, and drift along unrestrained, uninhibited, and with careless abandon in whatever direction the wind carries them.  In the same way, shouldn’t we trust God to lead, guide, and direct our paths?
  4. Leaves don’t worry about how they look or the fact that they’re changing – they know they’re supposed to look different than they did a few weeks ago…it’s called progress, growth, and maturity.
  5. Leaves don’t concern themselves with other leaves are doing – they’re focused on doing what they’re supposed to do, regardless of what it looks like others may (or may not) be doing.
  6. Leaves aren’t anxious about self-preservation, but they’re motivated by purpose – they know the cycle will start all over again; after a period of dormancy, more of their kind will spring forth.
  7. Leaves always have a smooth landing – they don’t try to fight gravity or the fact that they’re supposed to fall in this season; it’s part of their process.
  8. Leaves take the change of seasons in stride – they’re not in a rush to get it over with, but neither are they apprehensive or trying to avoid the inevitable, impending changes.  They appreciate each moment for what it is.
  9. Leaves know that change is part of their makeup – they’re created to change – not stay the same; it’s built into their structure, so they embrace it.

Let me leave (another pun intended!) you with these parting thoughts:

I challenge you to take a few lessons from the leaves…perhaps it will influence how you manage the season you’re in.  After all, the Lord of the harvest has a plan for your life…trust Him to bring it to pass as you walk in obedience to His Word, His way, and His will.

“Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:  Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.”

(I Peter 5:6-7)

© Copyright 2011 by Kayren J. Cathcart

“Armed” & Dangerous…and Fit for the Master’s Use!

“Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:”
(Philippians 1:6)

“If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master’s use,
and prepared unto every good work.”
(II Timothy 2:21)

Our faithful God healed my son’s broken arm in a matter of a few weeks – I was truly amazed at His handiwork and thankful for His touch.  To see the x-rays progress over the weeks of follow-up doctor appointments was incredible.  With each visit came further proof of significant improvement as he regained strength and mobility in his dominant arm – hallelujah!

Now he’s back to his regular routine and frolicking on the playground as if July never happened.  Children have short memories, eh?  I’m sure I remember more readily since I’m still getting medical bills in the mail…but bless God that He’s already made provision for those to be covered. 🙂

Perhaps there are some dry bones in your life and you’ve been wondering if they can live.  I encourage you to look unto the Author and Finisher of your faith to see the glorious outcome.  Activate your faith, belief, and trust in Him and watch the newness of life that will come forth when His Word touches what appears to be languishing.  It’s not over – God has the final say!

“3 And he said unto me, Son of man, can these bones live? And I answered, O Lord GOD, thou knowest.

4 Again he said unto me, Prophesy upon these bones, and say unto them, O ye dry bones, hear the word of the LORD.

5 Thus saith the Lord GOD unto these bones; Behold, I will cause breath to enter into you, and ye shall live:

6 And I will lay sinews upon you, and will bring up flesh upon you, and cover you with skin, and put breath in you, and ye shall live;
and ye shall know that I am the LORD.

7 So I prophesied as I was commanded: and as I prophesied, there was a noise, and behold a shaking, and the bones came together, bone to his bone.”
(Ezekiel 37:3-7)

© Copyright 2011 by Kayren J. Cathcart

Are You Allergic to Sin?

allergic – sensitive to, affected by

allergy – reaction, aversion, hypersensitivity

antipathy – hatred, opposition, ill feeling

When she began to light up her cigarette, before I knew it, I told the lady I’d been casually chatting with from the train station, “I’m allergic, so I’m gonna cross the street here.  Have a good day!”  I don’t know if I’m really allergic to tobacco smoke, but I have such a strong aversion to it that I try to steer clear of it at all costs.  I’m not judging anyone, but I have a personal preference to be in a smoke-free environment 24/7.  When I see someone on the sidewalk ahead of me with a cigar, I’ll go out of my way to avoid walking through the revolting cloud.  At the very least, I’ll hold my breath as long as I can, so as not to get the ickiness in my lungs, throat, and nasal passages. Cigar smoke repulses (and literally nauseates) me.

As Christians, we should be the same way with sin – but are we?  Not just what we think of or categorize as sin (i.e., what we label as “the biggies” – though God doesn’t categorize sin), but what God Himself calls sin (unrighteousness; whatever doesn’t line up with His Word).  Not only the outwardly apparent stuff, but especially those inner matters of the heart that no one but God sees when we try (and miserably fail) to hide them.  The effect of sin (including our own!) in our presence should be an automatically righteous response – but this comes by disciplining ourselves with (and submitting consistently to) the Word of God.  We must constantly desire to walk in light and truth instead of getting comfortable in darkness and “grey areas” of compromise.

Do you hate sin – in yourself as well as in others?  Since sin blocks, pollutes, taints, and contaminates the flow of relationship with our Creator (and consequently impacts our relationships with our brothers and sisters), ask God to give you a hatred toward the things He hates.  As we 1) humble ourselves in His presence, 2) honestly admit the (numerous) areas we come up short, and 3) genuinely repent (evidenced by a change of heart and behavior), He is faithful to cleanse us so we can experience unbroken fellowship with Him.  Run (don’t walk!) to His refreshing well of pure, life-giving water and be cleansed today!

“Neither shall they defile themselves any more with their idols, nor with their detestable things, nor with any of their transgressions: but I will save them out of all their dwellingplaces, wherein they have sinned, and will cleanse them: so shall they be my people, and I will be their God.”

(Ezekiel 37:23)

“But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.”

(John 4:14)

© Copyright 2011 by Kayren J. Cathcart

Peculiar or Familiar?

peculiar – strange, unusual, uncharacteristic, atypical, distinctive, individual, special

familiar – common, customary, typical, regular, traditional, usual

Wow – what CONVICTION came over me upon the reminder and realization that “there’s no way you can be peculiar when you’re familiar.” My heart was pricked from the time I left work, and I went straight to repenting (yes, again) – during my entire commute home.  How could I continue to feed myself the enemy’s fare from a smorgasbord of heist getaways, lust, and deceit – and expect to walk in righteousness?  I was setting myself up for a fall.

So with resolute intention, I deleted more shows from my DVR: “In Plain Sight” for taking the Lord’s name in vain – repeatedly and remorselessly (along with unapologetic fornication – yeah, I’m married, but I don’t need that seed planted in my spirit); “White Collar” for two women kissing as if there’s nothing wrong with it; and “Law and Order: Criminal Intent” for repeated variations of murderous plots – I don’t need to be desensitized. In and of themselves, I didn’t think the programs were bad.  I took issue with the no-longer-subtle but now painfully obvious, overt, blatantly antichrist agenda that has become so prevalent in the story lines.  If it’s not originating from the heart of God, do I need to partake of it?  How can I expect any good thing to come from a sewer or cesspool?  It’s a collecting place for filth!  Should I be surprised with any of the base depravity and vile wickedness the world presents these days?  They’re just showing evidence of their “anything goes; if it feels good, do it” philosophy.  But that is utterly CONTRARY to God’s Word.

I’d set these programs to record for the entire season, but with a QUICKNESS, I deleted any episode that had already been recorded, and cancelled the “record the season” command.  I have to vigilantly protect the treasure God has placed in my earthen vessel – and so do you!  As we grow closer in our walk with the Lord, He shows us more areas we can yield to His sovereignty.  He won’t force us, but He invites us into closer relationship and deeper intimacy with Him.  Because God is holy and there is no unrighteousness in Him, He desires for us to be holy like Him.

I willingly surrendered the TV programs because I don’t want anything to impede, obstruct, hamper, or impair my relationship with my Creator – or become an idol that takes precedence over the true and living God.  A TV show – or ANYTHING else, for that matter – is NOT worth forfeiting my eternity with Christ. Asking God to cleanse me while rolling around in a mud hole (or playing near one while wearing a white outfit) is ludicrous.  So my walk increases as the heat intensifies and He seeks His Bride without spot, wrinkle, or blemish.  Find me hidden in You, Lord – beneath the shadow of Your cross, I pray.  Amen.

Where do you stand?  Are you peculiar, consecrated, and set apart unto God – or are you familiar, comfortable, and cozy with the world and its carnal mindset?

“Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God?
whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.”

(James 4:4)

“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)

“But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light;”

(I Peter 2:9)

© Copyright 2011 by Kayren J. Cathcart