What Do You Hear – and Heed?

Posted by kayrencathcart

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

Posted by kayrencathcart

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

Posted by kayrencathcart

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)

In the Face of Lions

Posted by kayrencathcart

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

Posted by kayrencathcart

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)

No Greater Love

Posted by kayrencathcart

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

Posted by kayrencathcart

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

Posted by kayrencathcart

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)

Living for the Likes

Posted by kayrencathcart

As a recovering people-pleaser, I can admit that it feels good to be affirmed, accepted, and appreciated.

And as a maturing woman, I’ve learned that GETTING affirmation, approval, and acceptance cannot be my motivation.

It’s too fleeting. People are too fickle.

And there’s more to life than what other people think of me – which is certainly prone to shift at any given moment.

So what’s the solution? There’s no quick fix, but trusting God and resting in HIS Word (and what He’s already said about me) is the starting point.

Meditating in His Word night and day.

Remembering that He changes not and loves me with an everlasting love.

So “like, share, and subscribe” if you choose (I appreciate it and enjoy connecting with like-minded folks).

But if you don’t, I cannot and will not let that shake me.

‘Cuz living for the likes of another imperfect and fallible human is no way to live the abundant life.

Blessings, Kayren

“3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:

4 According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:

5 Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,

6 To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.”

(Ephesians 1:3-6)

ICYMI: One Year Later REPLAY

Posted by kayrencathcart

Because I LOVE to share good gifts, here’s the replay link – I pray it blesses your soul, cuz I certainly had a blast reflecting on where God has brought me from in just one year!

One year ago, I was recovering from major surgery. Check out my One Year Later Virtual Celebration for timely encouragement…trouble don’t last always!

Blessings, Kayren

“…how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?”

(Matthew 7:11b)

Kayren Cathcart's Blog

Observations on daily life and inspiration for spiritual growth…

observation

What Do You Hear – and Heed?

Small Beginning, Great Purpose

Compassed About

In the Face of Lions

Taking the Long View

No Greater Love

Being Made Conformable

Choosing Better

Living for the Likes

ICYMI: One Year Later REPLAY