reflection

Go Forth in Obedience to Obtain God’s Promises in 2007

Posted by

0

“For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise.” 

(Hebrews 10:36) 

“Now therefore if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: for all the earth is mine: 

And ye shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and an holy nation.   

These are the words which thou shalt speak unto the house of Israel.” 

(Exodus 19:5-6) 

A few of Webster’s definitions for the action word “go” include: to proceed; to move or start to move; to engage in a specified activity; to function; to become; to enjoy participating in or partaking of; to happen; to succeed. 

I am ready to GO, Lord!  I’ve waited patiently ALL year long.  So where is this promise, God?  Oh – I glossed over the “after you have done the will of God” part of Hebrews 10:36?  Oops!  Help me to be obedient to your voice, Lord! 

If you’ve felt like you were running in place with God’s hand holding onto your shirt collar or your shoulders – get ready!  He’s about to release you in the greatness of His glory – and when you go forth, you’ll be like a rocket taking off with so much energy, drive, dynamism, and power that He’ll sit back watching you while saying, “Look at My child go!”  For Him to entrust His authority to us, we must prepare and plan to participate in the process as yielded vessels who have no problems saying, “Yes Lord, according to Your will be it unto me.” 

In order to prepare to go forth in His fullness, we must remember these essential components of obedience: 

1.      Make a decision to obey Him – it starts in the mind! 

2.      Commit to discipline ourselves – our flesh must be subject to His Holy Spirit! 

3.      Demonstrate determination and bring forth good fruit – we must persistently pursue His purpose for our lives exhibit 

We want the promises He has for us in 2007 – are we willing to pay the price? 

Obedience at ANY cost is what the Master requires of each of us…   

© Copyright 2006 by Kayren J. Cathcart

Running Water…and other niceties we take for granted

Posted by

0

How many times have you nonchalantly flipped on a light switch, flushed a toilet, or turned the key to your car’s ignition, unconsciously expecting something to happen automatically?

I must admit, I was doing that quite often…until last night.  This experience has heightened my sensitivity and caused my ear to be more sharply attuned to the Father’s voice.  He adjusts and tweaks us in unexpected ways, unique to each of us.  Because He designed us, He knows exactly how to get our attention.

Indoor plumbing enables us to bathe ourselves, keep our homes clean, and live with relative ease.  We view it as a necessity, but the truth is, compared to many parts of the world, it is a luxury.  Maintaining an attitude of gratitude will help us to keep these modern advancements in proper perspective.  Additionally, an “outage” or shortage reminds us to keep a healthy respect for the basic essence of what it takes to live.  I took several “extra steps” to ensure proper/appropriate hygiene – and had the privilege of heating my water in the microwave (thank goodness the power was on) to wash my face.

If running water represents the flow of the Holy Spirit in our lives, what are the ramifications when it’s no longer there?  Could it be that we’re disconnected from the Source?  It reminded me of all the different ways in which running water touches my life:  washing my hands, brushing my teeth, washing my face, and cooking, just to name a few.  The seemingly “little things” make a big difference in our comfort level, and in our ability to function efficiently.

So I became very grateful for the mere PRESENCE and availability of water (though it was in buckets) even though it wasn’t running.  There are times when the Holy Spirit isn’t flowing, but He is available to us – and we don’t appreciate Him until we REALLY need Him and experience that sensation of thirst or drought.

How many times have you not wanted to read your Word until you’ve lost power and can’t turn on the lights?  How many times have you wanted to take a bath (instead of a quick shower) – but realize that when you don’t have running water, you can’t have either?

Priorities/basic needs include food, water, shelter, and clothing.  Everything else is “nice to have,” but not a necessity.  Is the essential fresh water flowing through your life today?

“Doth a fountain send forth at the same place sweet water and bitter?

Can the fig tree, my brethren, bear olive berries? either a vine, figs? so can no fountain both yield salt water and fresh.”

(James 3:11-12)

© Copyright 2006 by Kayren J. Cathcart

Your Life’s Story

Posted by

0

“…my tongue is the pen of a ready writer.”

(Psalm 45:1)

 Your life is telling a story.  The words you say and the things you do are coming together right now to complete the next chapter of your book – the story of your life.

Is it a mystery, drama, fairy tale, non-fiction, or fiction?  Is it based on the truth or fantasy?  What type of book are you writing about your life?

Books serve many different purposes – some entertain, others inform, and many just express feelings.  When people see you, they are reading the pages of your book.  What are you telling them about yourself?  What is the message you want to leave with your readers?  A message of hope, encouragement, healing, or deliverance is needed by so many people you come in contact with every day.

What chapter are you writing now?  What decisions and choices are you making to prepare for the next chapter to be even better than this one?  God, Who spoke the entire UNIVERSE into existence with the power of a WORD, knows the plan He has for each of our lives.  We must yield to the process of learning to trust Him for not only the final outcome, but our very next step.

If the story you’re writing looks like it’s going to have a questionable ending, turn the writing over to the Author and Finisher of our faith.  Not only will He walk with you through the trials and tribulations that build your strength, endurance, and perseverance, but He is able to create a “happy ending” for you like no one else can.

© Copyright 2006 by Kayren J. Cathcart

Whose Time Is It Anyway?

Posted by

0

If anyone had told me I could be on time for work, I would’ve laughed.  Yet, when I changed my mindset and accepted responsibility for the PRIVILEGE (not a right, especially not in this economy) of having a job and being given stewardship by God of that job, it took on a new meaning.  It wasn’t just about “being on time,” it became a matter of showing true gratitude to God for His goodness and mercy, and wanting to set an example that would cause others to take notice, evidence of my special relationship with Christ and my desire to please Him.

If you’re the kind of person whose attitude says “it doesn’t start until I arrive,” reconsider your position.  I used to think, “As long as I make up the time, it’s okay.”  However, what a strength to my testimony when people see that I’m where I’m supposed to be when I’m supposed to be there, in place and ready to serve.  Try it – you may find some unexpected blessings are waiting for YOU!

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

(Ecclesiastes 3:1)

© Copyright 2005 by Kayren J. Cathcart

Taking Time to Smell the Flowers

Posted by

0

Today, I took time to smell the flowers – literally.  My manager had brought me beautiful hydrangeas on Tuesday.  Yet, here it is Friday, and it’s the first time I took a moment just to inhale the fragrance.  Don’t get too busy to appreciate and embrace the beauty all around.  Don’t let life pass you by in a blur.

“He hath made everything beautiful in his time…”

(Ecclesiastes 3:11)

© Copyright 2005 by Kayren J. Cathcart