Perspective Maintenance

Contents Under Pressure

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“We do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about the hardships we suffered in the province of Asia.  We were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired even of life.  Indeed, in our hearts we felt the sentence of death.  But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead.”

(II Corinthians 1:8-9, NIV)

Is it just me, or is this a time of intense (and yet increasing) pressure?  Pressure can be defined as “force, weight, heaviness, stress, strain, demand, load, burden, or difficulty.”  Does any of that sound familiar to you?  Everywhere you look these days, pressure is evident.  Sometimes it feels like more than we can bear, but we must keep putting one foot in front of the other to make progress – no matter how fast or slow we seem to be moving.

We’re all hesitant to shake a warm soda can before opening it.  Why?  Because the contents have been packaged under pressure.  When we “pop the top,” the pressure is released, and what was on the inside definitely comes out.  When the pressure you’re under now is released, what will flow from you?  Will it be true worship, praise, thanksgiving, and adoration to God for bringing you through the trial?  Our attitude when navigating through the tests will determine what comes out when the pressure diminishes.

Make no mistake – pressure exists, and today’s pressure is real.  However, the purpose of pressure in the life of a Christian is significant and undeniable.  Pressure is what transforms a lump of coal into a diamond, what differentiates a victim from a victor, and what converts a worrier into an intercessor.  Through the pressure in your life, choose to rely on God even more, then watch Him mold, shape, and form you as He sees fit.

Are you a diamond in the rough or a jewel in the making?

Yield to the pressure and allow God to transform you for HIS glory!

© Copyright 2009 by Kayren J. Cathcart

Make A Determined Decision To Be Disciplined

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I fell off the wagon again…in my dedication to working out.  Yeah, I’m referring to the exercise routine I excitedly testified about a month ago.  The good news:  after somewhat successfully ducking my trainer for over three weeks (though we attend the same church), I repented and got back on track.  Why?  Because I need the results and I want the benefits.  When I tried to find a loophole by LYING to myself, “I’ll just work out at home by myself tomorrow” (and subsequently I saw the image of myself getting cozy with a half gallon of ice cream), I immediately sent a text message to my trainer asking, “What time are we meeting to work out tomorrow?”  Romans 13:14 tells us to make no provision for the flesh; I had to shut down that rationalizing quickly!  So once more, I find myself in the uncomfortable place of full disclosure and utter transparency.  Yet, that’s the only way to live free, for confession is good for the soul (James 5:16).  I’m not perfect, but I am being perfected!

For me, it’s not just about exercising – it’s about being disciplined in every area of my life.  And it’s about obedience to God, which is better than any sacrifice I can make.  Avoidance of discipline in one area just magnifies the fact that something is going on in another part of my life.  God wants us to deal with the things we attempt to sweep under the rug.  There’s something strangely cathartic about “coming clean” and straightening up.  I feel as if heaven and earth are moving to help me get into the right position; in this season, I’m so grateful God has given me:

  • a patient manager who models great habits for me to emulate;
  • a firm, pull-no-punches, yet loving husband who consistently practices what he preaches and encourages me to do the same; and
  • supportive pastors, friends, co-workers, and fellow church members who hold me accountable.

Each individual holds a piece of the puzzle and plays a role in helping me advance to the next level of growth, development, and maturity.  “Gee whiz!” I thought incredulously.  “I must’ve really tried to circumvent this process on a regular basis throughout the years…and here I am, still having to face it…and deal with it.”  Coasting on your talents and gifts cannot take the place of living a disciplined life.  I should know, because I’ve tried to get around it – and God repeatedly headed me off at the pass!  The excuses of sticking to a written schedule being “limiting to my creativity,” healthy eating being “restrictive to my taste buds,” getting up early being “diametrically opposed to my natural night-owl tendencies,” and using files instead piles for my papers being “counterproductive to my personal system of organization” don’t amount to a hill of beans!  I am responsible for being a good steward over what God entrusts to me, which often requires change from doing business as usual.  And sustaining any long-lasting change requires – ugh! – discipline.

A few weeks ago, I attended the National Holy Ghost Jubilee Conference in Chicago.  Our theme “For the Pulling Down of Strongholds” was thoroughly explored. I was challenged to change by excellent teaching and preaching with messages including:

“Get the Devil Outta Your Mind” (Elder Kenneth Dunlap), “Dimensions of Deliverance – They’re Not All Equal” (Pastor Reginald Blackmon), and “It’s Time for Some Execution!” (Bishop Charles A. Gibson).  Armed with all of that Word, I returned to NC and still had to face ME!  I’d like to share some nuggets I’ve learned by experience this month – I hope they’re helpful:

  • You can tell that your standard has shifted when you now tolerate what used to aggravate you.
  • Set clear boundaries that don’t blur when your mood changes.
  • It ceases to be a battle when you make up your mind for real – you only struggle with what you want to hold onto.
  • Stop fixating on your problem/issue/concern – focus on Christ and HIS solution…it’s custom tailored to fit YOU!

If you’re like me, you spend an inordinate amount of time anticipating what might go wrong.  This is futile and fruitless activity!  Purpose not to be the roadblock to your own blessings.  Make the necessary corrections when you’re convicted; don’t keep going down the wrong path!  Wisdom is putting good information to good use.  Go forth in victory as you make a determined decision to be disciplined in your own life. 

© Copyright 2008 by Kayren J. Cathcart

The Power of Purpose: Making Your Life Count

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“Before I shaped you in the womb, I knew all about you.
Before you saw the light of day, I had holy plans for you:
A prophet to the nations – that’s what I had in mind for you.”

Jeremiah 1:5 (The Message)

It is powerful to know your true identity and why you exist.  The Bible gives in-depth illustrations of many people who either arrived on the scene knowing why they were created or, through the course of life, discovered their guiding purpose for being on the planet.

  • Jeremiah received personal assurance from God that he was equipped to take on the tasks appointed to him – despite his age. 
  • Deborah was a prophetess who gave insight for a great national victory during wartime – a well-respected and honorable woman in a male-dominated society. 
  • Joseph was destined for greatness and achieved it – regardless of the “haters” within his family. 
  • Esther delivered her people from utter destruction – by her obedience, wisdom, dedication to prayer, and willingness to take a risk. 
  • Daniel was set apart for wise leadership and empowered to pass every test placed before him – from interpretation of a king’s forgotten dreams to deliverance from a lion’s den.
  • Mary was hand-selected to bring forth God’s greatest gift – above all others. 

The list goes on.  I have good news: you are included in this list!  Whenever you examine, discover, and embrace your purpose, the heart’s cry, “Why am I here, Lord?” is inevitably addressed.

Luke 1:31-33 depicts how Jesus’ purpose and greatness was made known to His mother before He was in her womb.  Jesus’ earthly ministry lasted three years, and much preparation took place before he launched out.  Yet, those three years were packed with power, miracles, changed lives, and the demonstration of God’s glory.  Quality of time, not quantity, made the difference as Jesus impacted those who came across His path.  To some, three years seems like a short time; to others, it’s a long time – it all depends on what you’re setting out to accomplish.  Romans 14:12 reminds us that “every one of us shall give account of himself to God.” How are you living in light of that fact?

As a person of faith, you may often reflect on the fact that you have been given the priceless gift of life – and with that, a certain amount of time (your life span) is allotted for you to fulfill the purpose God created just for you.  In Luke 16, Jesus told the story of a rich man with a servant who got “called on the carpet.”  His master confronted him, “Give an account of your stewardship!”  When this man realized his position was in jeopardy, he immediately got busy being productive for his master’s benefit.

Each of us faces a similar moment of truth today.  When God glimpses you, does He see you fervently serving Him – or your own interests?  He expects His faithful children to commit to using the gifts He entrusted to them (time, talent, energy, skills, abilities, etc.) to profit and promote His Kingdom.  Over 2,000 years later, Jesus’ life holds a legacy that we continue to benefit from.  Are your actions today creating a legacy that will bless those who look beneath the surface of your life?  Power in action will cause you to be a wise investor and not a resource waster! 

Knowing your purpose and the power provided for you to fulfill it will guide and direct your path, help you select the activities in which you participate, influence where you decide to invest your time, and impact the people (positive or negative) you allow to sow into your lives.  During your personal time of meditation, consider reading Psalm 139:13-16 and Isaiah 49:1-5 to appreciate the fact that you were designed for a specific purpose.  Greatness lies within YOU.  Tap in and allow God to powerfully direct your purpose; it will make a difference in your life.

After all, walking in your purpose with power is what life is all about.

Enjoy the journey…

© Copyright 2008 by Kayren J. Cathcart

Your Life – Make It Count!

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“So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.”

(Romans 14:12)

Jesus’ earthly ministry lasted three years.  Yet, those three years were packed with power, miracles, changed lives, and the demonstration of God’s glory.  Quality of time, not quantity, made the difference as Jesus impacted those who came across His path.  To some, three years seems like a short time; to others, it’s a long time – it all depends on what you’re setting out to accomplish. 

As Christians, we are approaching the greatest celebration of life, the Resurrection of Jesus Christ.  During this season, reflect on the fact that you have been given the priceless gift of life – and with that, a certain amount of time (your life span) is allotted for you to fulfill the purpose God created just for you.  In Luke 16, Jesus told the story of a rich man with a servant who got “called on the carpet.”  His master confronted him, “Give an account of your stewardship!”  When this man realized his position was in jeopardy, he immediately got busy being productive for his master’s benefit.

Each of us faces a similar moment of truth today.  When God glimpses you, does He see you fervently serving Him – or your own interests?  He expects His faithful children to commit to using the gifts He entrusted to them (time, talent, energy, skills, abilities, etc.) to profit and promote His Kingdom.  Over 2,000 years later, Jesus’ life holds a legacy that we continue to benefit from.  Are your actions today creating a legacy that will bless those who look beneath the surface of your life?  Resurrection power in action will cause you to be a wise investor and not a resource waster!

What are you doing with the precious life God has given you?

© Copyright 2008 by Kayren J. Cathcart

Don’t EVEN Go There!

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“Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;

And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled.”

(II Corinthians 10:5-6)

Why do we do things we have no business doing and say things we have no business saying?  Because we allow ourselves to think things we have no business thinking!  How do I know?  Because I’m Culprit #1!   I’m sitting here at my desk munching on a rice cake, and I recall the instruction on the package “Do not microwave.”  So I start pondering and wondering, “What’s the worst that could happen if I put it in the microwave?”  Then I looked around stealthily (as if someone were actually watching me in my cube) and said to myself, “Surely nothing bad could happen in 5 seconds if I tested this out…”

This is a lighthearted (but true) example of how quickly things can get out of proportion and out of hand.

Guard the seeds that are planted in your mind and what you allow to grow there.  If a wayward thought takes root, it’s gonna be harder to get rid of it once it’s growing.  Take preventive action – don’t let it settle in!

 © Copyright 2007 by Kayren J. Cathcart

Fill ‘Er Up! Lessons From the Gas Station of Life

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“Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking,

be put away from you, with all malice:

And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another,

even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.”

(Ephesians 4:31-32)

Background From Last Night

So I was aggravated with someone yesterday.  (Yes, with all of my own idiosyncrasies and quirks, I had the nerve and unmitigated gall to be irritated by one of God’s children – audacious, I know).  My annoyance over a very minor thing with them probably didn’t start yesterday, but it had accumulated when I didn’t deal with the tiny seed of irritation when it first appeared.  Last night, I tried to shake it off, but the more I thought about it, the more frustrated I became.  As my hubby reminded me, this person had probably moved on and was sleeping very well.  So I tried to pray before going to bed (realizing I was blocking my own blessings if I didn’t forgive and release this person), I tried to “calm myself down,” I even tried to think about something else and take my mind off the situation by doing a puzzle.  This morning, I’m not sure if any of this really worked that well, but I did finally go to sleep around 2 a.m.  And it’s not that I wasn’t tired (because I LOVE sleep – it’s a hobby); I was just agitated in my spirit and in my flesh. 

Snapshot From This Morning

During this morning’s commute, I stopped to attend to the gas needle looming ominously near “E.”  The first indicator that I’d happened upon a gas pump with an attitude was when I set it to auto pump, got back in the car with the kids, then noticed (30 seconds later) that the numbers weren’t moving.  It was going NOWHERE – fast.  So I got out again, reset the pump, and got back in the car as the gas (finally) pumped.  Up I watched the numbers climb – whew, what it takes to fill a tank these days!  After a few moments of bantering with my kids and singing along with the radio, I heard the man at the pump next to me banging on my gas tank. (I admit that my first fleeting thought was, “Oh Lord, is he trying to do something to my kids in the backseat?!”).  Then he quickly stopped the gas pump and told me, “Ma’am, your tank was overflowing and your gas was spilling out.”  I sheepishly thanked him for his act of kindness, then pulled off fuming as I wondered how many extra pennies from my budget had run out onto the pavement.  Yet, I tried to shake that off and let it go, too.  I know God is my Provider, and He hasn’t stopped doing His job.  Are you starting to see how vexed I was?  Can you relate?

The Point

As I pulled off from the gas station, indignant with the faulty pump (how ridiculous, I know!), I realized that last night’s episode was a precursor and foreshadowing to this morning’s gas incident.  My own tank (my heart) was so full of junk that I couldn’t even sing along with the worship music without feeling like a hypocrite.  I knew something had to give.  I had to get rid of that stuff – and FAST.  Last night I had enough sense to realize that I didn’t want to pass away with that stuff lingering in my heart.  I repented for wasting the precious time God was gracious enough to give me.

Take Action – Make a Change

So the question for all of us today:  What are you already full of?  What are you trying to pump in?  Is there room for anything else in your tank?  If so, would there be a place in your heart for the Holy Spirit to come and dwell, or would He be crowded out by bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, evil speaking, and malice?

I encourage you to join me in getting rid of the junk in your tank today so you can make room for the priceless substance of the Holy Spirit’s presence.  We’ll go a lot further – and get better gas mileage!  Now if you’ll excuse me, I think I have a phone call to make.  I need to release this person and move on with my day.

p.s. If y’all have any tips for how YOU let stuff go right away instead of letting it get under your skin, please e-mail me!  God’s got my attention and (in spite of what it feels like) I am determined to allow Him to work on me for HIS glory, for there is no good thing in flesh!

© Copyright 2007 by Kayren J. Cathcart

Always Enough

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“But my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.”

(Philippians 4:19)

Yesterday, I decided to finish some filing I’d put off for much too long.  The stack of papers threatened to overtake a significant corner on my desk, so I finally conceded that it was time to do something about it.  I went to look for some plastic tabs to label and insert into the hanging file folders.  I had 25 reports to file, I knew I had 25 folders, but I started getting anxious when I realized I didn’t have enough plastic tabs. 

I went to the supply area, hopeful that I’d find tons of plastic tabs lying around.  I didn’t – I only saw a few plastic tabs in the bottom of a container.  So I started counting.  It was near the end of the day, the administrators had gone home, and if there weren’t enough, I’d have to put off completing my task yet one more day.  Wouldn’t you know that I ended up with exactly 25 plastic tabs?  God made sure I had enough to meet my need and complete my task.  And I felt silly for fretting and worrying over something so minor.  Yet, we do that all the time, when God assures us in His Word that He will supply all that we need by precious His Son.

What “plastic tabs” do you need today?  Trust God to supply EXACTLY what you need – He’s your Heavenly Father, and He’s faithful!  I’m a witness that He won’t leave you “hanging.”  It sounds simple, but I challenge you to remember that He is the God of more than enough.

p.s.  ’Tis the season for thanksgiving…don’t forget to be GRATEFUL! 

© Copyright 2007 by Kayren J. Cathcart

The Perfection Misconception

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“The Lord will perfect that which concerns me; Your mercy, O Lord, endures forever; Do not forsake the work of Your hands.”

(Psalm 138:8, NKJV)

Have you ever waited for just the right set of circumstances or conditions?  You want everything to be in its proper place and “just so.”  You don’t want to risk making any “mistakes.”  You’re reaching for perfection (a misconception and a work of the flesh) instead of excellence (flowing from the Spirit of God).

I am so guilty of this!  And you know what?  That elusive perfection never comes – it’s an illusion and a delusion.  Then you procrastinate.  By that time, you’re out of God’s perfect will.  When you try to play catch up, you’re asking Him for provision in an area that He’s not obligated to cover you in – because you led yourself there!

Did you think I was talking about you?  I was actually talking about myself!  But you know the old saying:  if the shoe fits…

I welcome you to the first of many submissions for The Writer’s Corner.  It’s been a long time coming – and I almost missed my window of opportunity.  But God gave me this chance, and today, I am seizing the moment.  I hope you’ll do the same today.

Faith requires stepping out of your comfort zone and beyond what your intellect can fathom, particularly when you can’t see how something will turn out.  It leaves us open and vulnerable, but it also creates an awesome atmosphere and environment for God to show Himself strong and mighty in and through us.  When we come to the end of ourselves, His glory manifests, and it’s absolutely magnificent to behold.

Have a productive day as you obey His voice and instructions to you – don’t act like you don’t hear Him talking to you!

© 2007 by Kayren J. Cathcart

Residual Heat

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“So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spue thee out of my mouth.” 

(Revelation 3:16)

Have you ever thought you were finished curling your hair, only to look in the mirror and see one set of strands you missed?  So you grab the curling iron you turned off 3 minutes ago, and try to use the “heat that’s left in it” to get that last curl to look like all the rest of them?  (Am I the only who’s ever done this???  I know I’m not!). 

That’s how I felt this morning.  I couldn’t get started.  I snoozed several times too many.  Getting up late made me rush my toddlers – and you KNOW toddlers don’t rush getting ready unless they FEEL like it, which is rare with morning preparation routines.  I should’ve laid their clothes out the night before, but I convinced myself, “Oh, I know where the shirt is in the drawer that I want to put on her.”  I was impressed that my son had selected his outfit last night, so that was squared away.  To my chagrin, this morning he had a fashion revelation and decided that last night’s selection just wouldn’t do for today.  I was exasperated.  But you know what?  It was my own doing.  Had I taken a few steps to prepare last night (though I’d convinced myself I was “just too tired,” I could’ve left the house earlier, avoided some rush hour traffic, and had a better start for my day.

© Copyright 2007 by Kayren J. Cathcart

Preparing To Embrace Transition

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“To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven.”

(Ecclesiastes 3:1)

During last month’s Life Application classes, we identified a “cure for the common life.”  This month, we’ll develop an unquenchable thirst for God’s presence.  Applying the combination of these two themes to our lives promises to bring us into a new season – we won’t be able to stay the same!  So how do we prepare for the upcoming transition?  What mindset do we need to embrace so we can do something different from what we’re already doing?

As we approach a change of natural seasons (moving from Summer into Fall), take a moment to hear what God is saying to you about your own spiritual season.  Don’t be discouraged if it doesn’t look like you’re where you think you should be.  God is preparing a place for you at the same time He is preparing you for that place!  Be encouraged and know that He has an expected end for you (Jeremiah 29:11).  

Surely, there is an appointed season and timeframe for your blessing, your miracle, your healing, your deliverance, your promotion, and your breakthrough.  Realize that it may not happen overnight, in a week, or even in a month; transition occurs through a process.  You must listen closely to God’s plan and obey His instructions to satisfy the conditions and be in position for the transition. 

God is faithful and He is taking you somewhere…

Are you preparing to embrace the transition God has for you?

© Copyright 2007 by Kayren J. Cathcart