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)

Rationalizing Sin…It’s Just WRONG, so ‘Fess Up!

Posted by kayrencathcart

Obedience cannot be conditional or situational for the believer. I cannot rationalize that, “It’s OK for me to speed so I’m not late for work – but any other time, it’s definitely against the law!” The standards of righteousness and holiness are NOT on a sliding scale. No question and no excuses – I was wrong when that officer pulled me over – as wrong as two left shoes.

I had to admit the truth, repent sincerely in my heart, ask God to forgive me – and then turn away from my wicked ways, never to return to them. No “yo-yo repentance” for the same issue every week – that ain’t true repentance! I was shaken and jarred to the point of sitting up a bit straighter and turning from my heavy lead-footed ways.

True repentance takes place when you are too busy confronting the sin facing you directly in your own mirror’s reflection to even concern yourself with someone else’s mess, issues, and stuff. So check yourself – are you living in a way that evidences that you’re carnally minded or spiritually minded? Confess and be cleansed!

“5 For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit.
6 For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.
7 Because the carnal mind is enmity with God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.
8 So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.
9 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.”
(Romans 8:5-9)

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
(I John 1:9)

Apprehending the Suspect: Caught Red-Handed

Posted by kayrencathcart

apprehend – catch, arrest, detain, capture, stop, take in for questioning
suspect – accused, defendant, offender, culprit, perpetrator, wrongdoer, criminal

En route to work this morning, I got pulled over by the police (cue “Bad Boys” theme music from “Cops”). Why? Because of my own impatience and subsequently feeble attempt to justify it in my own mind. Seeing those bright flashing lights behind me in the dark was sobering – as if being out early in the freezing cold during Daylight Saving Time wasn’t bad enough…

A tightly-choreographed morning schedule that includes me driving across town to jump on a train (that runs at 10-minute intervals) to get to work is contingent on what time my children’s bus arrives – this impacts the number of lights that stop me at intersections, which railroad crossing arms catch me, and what traffic bottlenecks I encounter. So all of these variables inevitably led to my momentary lapse in judgment to run through the almost-lowered railroad crossing arms near my house – after all, it was on the front-end of my morning journey, right? Wrong…terribly wrong.

The light at the intersection was green, I heard the train’s warning whistle afar off, and I saw the railroad crossing arms flashing as they began to lower. I was in the left turning lane and would’ve gotten stuck waiting for the train, so I darted into the right lane, under the crossing arms and over the railroad tracks, and waited for the folks to turn left before I did, too – after all, that light was still green though the crossing arms had come down behind me. So I’m heading smoothly on my regular morning drive when I see those blue flashing lights. Uh oh…that sinking feeling hit the pit of my stomach when I realized “The Man” was indeed signaling ME. SERIOUS uh oh. I hadn’t seen a police car at all; then again, in my haste, I honestly hadn’t looked for one. But ignorance of the law is no excuse…

I pulled over, reached into the glove compartment for my registration, and took my warm hat off my head so wouldn’t look any more “suspicious” than my illegal behavior had already made me. The officer asked, “Good morning; do you know why I pulled you over?” I humbly asked, “Why did you pull me over, sir?” He asked, “Did you realize that you sped through the crossing arms, then waited from the right lane to turn left in the middle of the intersection? I was the first one at the railroad crossing, and you passed me! What’s the big rush this morning?” I replied, “Yes sir, I did go ahead of the train to get that green light; my children’s bus was late yesterday, and I’m trying to be on time for work today.” He said with a smile, “It’s better for the boss-man to be upset because you’re late than for you to drive like that.” I agreed and said, “Or not to arrive at all.” (I’ve been painfully aware of human mortality over the past month, which should have quelled this behavior to begin with).

The officer continued, “I don’t write tickets, but I do lecture a whole lot.” He looked at the two empty booster seats in my backseat and inquired, “I hope you don’t drive like that with your babies in here, ma’am.” And I said, “No sir, I do not.” He reminded me, “Please slow down ma’am and drive more carefully; have a good morning.” As I reached out the window to shake his hand, I replied, “Thank you, sir. I appreciate it – you are right, I can repent, and I will be telling my husband – I was wrong. I apologize, and I will not do that again.” And I won’t – because I know better.

While Charlotte may be the home of the NASCAR Hall of Fame, that gives me no license to drive recklessly, break the law, or endanger lives (others’ or my own). It was the grace of God that I didn’t get a ticket this morning (which I was fully preparing myself to have to explain to my hubby AND to pay for – yikes!), but I will neither exploit nor take advantage of that grace. Since this morning’s incident, I’m proactively searching for the speed limit signs so I can obey them, and I even stopped at a yellow light just on general principle. Because there’s really nothing that important worth rushing for and disobeying the law that’s put there for my own protection.

Consider your own attitude towards your natural and spiritual authority, and your current level of obedience. Are there flashing blue lights waiting to apprehend YOU in a particular area of your life? I urge you to yield to the Holy Spirit and avoid an accident – whether in the natural or in the spirit realm. You must admit that I make a pretty compelling argument. Selah.

“14 For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.

15 What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid.

16 Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?”

(Romans 6:14-16)

God’s Grace is for Klutzes, Too!

Posted by kayrencathcart

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)

Be Holy…Just Do It!

Posted by kayrencathcart

As I prepare to minister in song today at my 94 year-old great-aunt’s funeral (she was the only living sister of my grandma, who was the baby of 11 children), I’m reflecting on the fact that my flesh just has to DIE. Nothing like a funeral to remind you of how finite you are, eh? There’s no way around it. There’s no cute or politically correct way to deal with it. The flesh just has to be subdued, overcome, and obliterated. Because given one inch, that joker will take 2 miles and try to take me back to that familiar place that I left behind. I have no business going back to Egypt, so I must make a conscious, intentional, deliberate decision to consecrate myself to the holy things of God.

I was also reminded that I won’t “just happen to fall into” consecration – I must plan to make holy choices, then execute them (ironically, execute means “to carry out or perform,” but it also means “to kill or put to death”). Proper planning with poor implementation or execution does not lead to ultimate success. Only when I walk faithfully in a God-given plan can I expect for Him to be glorified. Once again, the outcome is contingent on my obedience – not my desires, intentions, or what I wish would happen, but just good, ol’ fashioned, nose-to-the-grindstone walking in agreement with God’s will and His Word.

During my (admittedly long-overdue) Quiet Time this morning, I thought I was gonna read James 4:10 about humbling myself. Well, did God ever have a different direction in mind – He led me to Ezekiel 22 and Ezekiel 23 and went Old Testament on me about the idolatry in my own heart – whoa! It was sobering to say the least (and humbling, too). I strongly urge you to read these chapters today, for they put into perspective why we can’t pretend these perilous times are “business as usual” – because they’re not. This is not the time to “play crazy” with the instructions of God; we must clean up our acts and get in right standing with our Creator. We can’t righteously judge sin and idolatry in others when we’re participating in it or harboring it ourselves! We must stay in proper position to minister (effectively and with power) to others, for the time is short.

NOW is the time to cleanse yourself of whatever idols are lurking and lingering in your life. I challenge you to admit what has drawn away your affections from your First Love – then repent and get back into intimate fellowship, communion, and relationship with Him. I won’t let pride keep me from sharing my personal prayer of repentance – may you be blessed as you experience His cleansing holiness and His unconditional love for you today!

Lord, You are evermore faithful to speak, but I just hadn’t been tuned into Your righteous frequency. Forgive me and cleanse me now, I pray, Dear Father. Forgive me for my acts of unrighteousness, idolatry, and whoredom against Your holiness. I repent for allowing myself to gradually, incrementally, and progressively slide away from Your straight and narrow path, compromising Your unbending standard of holiness. Truly, You change not, so help me not to change in the face of temptation, unrighteousness, and the lure of temporarily pleasing the flesh, which leads only to destruction and death. In Jesus’ holy name I pray, Amen.

“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)

Critical Condition: Cut to the Core

Posted by kayrencathcart

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):

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).
Cut out salt – throw away your salt shaker; it’s better for the entire family.
Keep up with your exercise – not less than 4-5 days per week.
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)

A Cardinal Convention

Posted by kayrencathcart

cardinal – basic, fundamental, key, prime, serious, chief, important, principal, essential, central, core

In addition to gardening, my hubby is pretty much into “all things outdoors-y.” As such, he’s put up more bird feeders around the yard than I can keep up with. But it makes for a most melodious morning wake-up (um, noisy to non-optimists) and brings a great flurry of winged activity during bird mealtimes (interesting to those with short attention spans).

One morning this week, as I was about to open the door heading to work, I noticed a cardinal on the walkway. I didn’t want to open the door and make it fly away, so I just peered through the glass, observing its movements for a few moments. Then I noticed its mate in the tree. When I finally had to open the door and prepare to start my commute, I saw an entire flock of birds, it seemed, gleaning seeds that had dropped to the ground from the feeder on one sturdy tree branch. Doves, pigeons, bluebirds, a hummingbird, (a partridge in a pear tree?), and Lord knows what else…so many colors, sizes, and shapes.

It was an unexpected delight to behold! May your day be filled with a multitude of delights from your Heavenly Father, Creator of the most magnificent joys…open your eyes to what’s all around you – His presence! Make Him your first priority today and allow your perspective to be adjusted to see what’s really important…

“In the multitude of my thoughts within me thy comforts delight my soul.”

(Psalm 94:19)

“Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?”

(Matthew 6:26)

“The LORD will perfect that which concerneth me: thy mercy, O LORD, endureth for ever: forsake not the works of thine own hands.”

(Psalm 138:8)

Extreme Makeover: Arm Edition

Posted by kayrencathcart

“Make me to hear joy and gladness; that the bones which thou hast broken may rejoice.”

(Psalm 51:8)

A bit o’ humor…since sometimes you have to laugh to keep from crying… 🙂

Back in August, my son told our pastor that “God had done this to him.” He was quickly corrected when Pastor asked, “YOU chose to disobey your father, didn’t you?” My son nodded in agreement. “So that was your choice to jump off the sliding board/monkey bars – God didn’t do that to you, did He?” “No sir,” was the penitent reply.

How many times do we put things on others (including God) when we’re really just reaping the consequences of our own unwise, impulsive, or deviously calculated poor decisions?

I remembered seeing my firstborn laying in the Emergency Room hooked to the IV going in and out of consciousness saying, “Daddy’s gonna spank me…” I just caressed his face, attempting to calm and soothe him, but knowing that when he was healed up, this was gonna be the lesson of a lifetime. His injury (and its accompanying pain and discomfort) were already speaking louder than any physical discipline that could be administered.

Plans can change so quickly – in an instant. I’d taken Friday afternoon as a vacation ½ day so we could get ahead of traffic for our scheduled ministry-related short road trip. We’d arranged a hotel reservation for our family and were looking forward to hearing the Word. Even so, we never know how a day will end.

Our God is gracious and His lovingkindness endures to His children forever – even in the midst of painful processes. In retrospect, I can say this wasn’t the worst thing that could have happened to my child. He was even blessed enough to get his cast off the very DAY before the new school year began – though I’m sure he wouldn’t have minded not writing for a few weeks! Sure, it was no fun for an energetic boy to have to sit out from Physical Education and recess for the first month of school, but it was part of his lesson on the consequences of our actions. Some things just can’t be erased by saying, “I’m sorry” or “I won’t do that again.”

But two months later, he has been restored. The doctors tell me that the mended, regenerated bones that were broken are probably stronger now than the bones in his other (unharmed) arm. Isn’t that just like our God – to make us better than we had been as we yield to His process? Who wouldn’t allow Him to work on the inside each day? After all, He is our Creator; He knows what He’s doing to bring about our expected end. I challenge you to trust the Lord with your inner makeover…starting now.

“He keepeth all his bones: not one of them is broken.”

(Psalm 34:20)

“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.”

(Jeremiah 29:11)

A Joyful Heart, A Right Attitude

Posted by kayrencathcart

While waiting for this morning’s train, I saw an older gentleman doing his job. It’s not what he was doing that caught my attention as much as how he did it. You see, he wore plastic gloves and a fluorescent safety vest for visibility, and he was wiping down the railings near the train stop. It wasn’t a particularly prestigious task, and he was hardly noticed by most of the waiting commuters. However, the vigor and intention with which he wiped down those posts really ministered to me!

I thought, “If I had this brother’s positive outlook while doing my own work, what could I accomplish today that would bring honor to God?” In that moment, that man was engaged in pure worship to his Creator. He was thankful for having a job, and that was evident in his purposeful actions, pace, upbeat attitude, and demeanor. He commanded respect; he was so focused that I wanted to greet him with a hearty, “Good morning, sir!” It didn’t matter that he wasn’t wearing a 3-piece suit or working on a job making a 6-figure salary. He carried himself in a way that exuded gratitude, and that was a great practical devotion for me!

Today, check what you’re emitting. If it’s time for an attitude adjustment because others don’t see the joy of the Lord in you as you progress through your workday, give God full access to your control panel – and allow Him to tweak you for His glory.

“Who shall ascend into the hill of the LORD? or who shall stand in his holy place?

He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully.

He shall receive the blessing from the LORD, and righteousness from the God of his salvation.”

(Psalm 24:3-5)

“Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God;

And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;

Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.”

(Colossians 3:22-24)

Ignoring the Obvious: Do You Hear What I Hear?

Posted by kayrencathcart

On an old SNL skit, whenever someone said something displeasing or annoying while she was supposed to be providing customer service, “The Vancome Lady” character (aptly played by Nicole Sullivan) would to cover her ears, look away, and say loudly, “La la la la la la la la la – I’m not listening to you! La la la la la la la la la…”

I had an “ah-ha” moment the other day when I realized I’d been doing this to God…and it wasn’t funny. I was drinking a glass of water when I acknowledged that I hadn’t heeded what He said a long time ago that I’d made food an idol (among other things). “Surely not me, Lord! You can’t possibly be referring to me,” I reasoned. But indeed, He had my name, address, and zip code – He knew exactly and precisely to whom He was speaking. And He was right. But I had been in denial.

When we ignore someone, we imply by our actions that we esteem them lightly – if we esteem them at all. We disregard them and everything they stand for and represent. Take inventory of your own attitude to see if you’ve scornfully despised, disdainfully disrespected, discounted, overlooked, passed over, written off, cancelled, or nullified someone God put into your space for a specific purpose in this season.

A wise son heeds his father’s advice. So it is with us as children of the Most High. Why should He dispense the wisdom of the ages when we won’t obey? We must take obedient action; we’re accountable for what we’ve heard through God’s Word and His ambassadors.

“I spake unto thee in thy prosperity; but thou saidst, I will not hear. This hath been thy manner from thy youth, that thou obeyedst not my voice.”

(Jeremiah 22:21)

“Take ye heed, watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is.”

(Mark 13:33)

Kayren Cathcart's Blog

Observations on daily life and inspiration for spiritual growth…

Perspective Maintenance

Can You Pass the Sobriety Test?

Rationalizing Sin…It’s Just WRONG, so ‘Fess Up!

Apprehending the Suspect: Caught Red-Handed

God’s Grace is for Klutzes, Too!

Be Holy…Just Do It!

Critical Condition: Cut to the Core

A Cardinal Convention

Extreme Makeover: Arm Edition

A Joyful Heart, A Right Attitude

Ignoring the Obvious: Do You Hear What I Hear?