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)

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)

Stuck or Constrained?

Posted by kayrencathcart

Have you ever felt like you were stuck somewhere you just couldn’t escape?

It could’ve been a mindset, situation, circumstance, or even a physical location – and try as you might, you just couldn’t get free of it.

I’ve learned that sometimes I’m still in the same place because I’m fighting the will of God. And I’ve also learned that it’s a battle I’m not going to win – no matter how long I try, no matter how many tears accompany my prayers to be released from the pressure, or how many times I say, “Jesus take the wheel” before I gently grasp or willfully grab it back.

Truth be told, I’m there right now.

And it’s a VERY uncomfortable place. I think I’ve been wiggling and trying to squirm my way out. I’ve stopped short of trying to pay my way out, but I’ve certainly asked others to help me get out.

Yielding to His Will is THE ONLY WAY. HE makes the way of escape.

For He is the Way. The Truth. The Life (John 14:6). #HolyWeek

Blessings, Kayren

“There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.”

(I Corinthians 10:13, KJV)

“No temptation [regardless of its source] has overtaken or enticed you that is not common to human experience [nor is any temptation unusual or beyond human resistance]; but God is faithful [to His word—He is compassionate and trustworthy], and He will not let you be tempted beyond your ability [to resist], but along with the temptation He [has in the past and is now and] will [always] provide the way out as well, so that you will be able to endure it [without yielding, and will overcome temptation with joy].”

(I Corinthians 10:13, Amplified)

Times and Seasons

Posted by kayrencathcart

So a few days later, I realize that I’ve been using the hashtag #HolyWeek…a week early.

But really, isn’t mindfulness and awareness of God’s presence and gratitude for the sacrifice of His Son Jesus the entire point of the Lenten season?

It’s not about a specific date on the calendar…after all, “The earth is the Lord’s, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein.” (Psalm 24:1)

And shouldn’t we reverence, hallow, and deem significant EVERY day as holy unto God?

It’s about our heart condition.

This week. Next week. Every week.

Grateful to be growing in faith, Kayren

“…This day is holy unto the Lord your God…”

(Nehemiah 8:9)

“Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me.”

(John 15:4)

Choosing the Good Part

Posted by kayrencathcart

He will beautify the meek with salvation

Time with God is always well-spent. I grabbed a few moments between the “stuff of life” and it was the refreshing my soul needed right then.

Cuz there’s always SOMETHING else that needs to be done…

But I don’t wanna leave my Friend waiting for me. He is so faithful!

Can the same be said of me?

It starts with one intentional, deliberate choice to prioritize Him.

Over. Everything Else.

#HolyWeek

“41 But the Lord replied to her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and bothered and anxious about so many things;

42 but only one thing is necessary, for Mary has chosen the good part [that which is to her advantage], which will not be taken away from her.”

(Luke 10:41-42, AMP)

“Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.”

(Revelation 3:20)

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)

Fun Size or Farce?

Posted by kayrencathcart

Fun Fact: Eating 8 “fun size” pieces of candy in one day WILL NOT equate to ME being a fun size. 😬

Marketing can be really sneaky. And downright misleading.

Alas…I even walked after work.

Then I was super-tired during a late-night work session, and my resistance was low. It was a crime of opportunity and I kept going back to the pantry.

And just because somebody else can do it and it looks like they’re “getting away with it,” don’t be deceived.

At least that’s the admonition I’m giving myself.

I know the truth about the wages of sin…so why would I willfully PAY for those results?

Why indeed…

“21 What fruit had ye then in those things whereof ye are now ashamed? for the end of those things is death.

22 But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life.

23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”

(Romans 6:21-23)

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)

Kayren Cathcart's Blog

Observations on daily life and inspiration for spiritual growth…

transformation

What Do You Hear – and Heed?

Small Beginning, Great Purpose

Taking the Long View

Stuck or Constrained?

Times and Seasons

Choosing the Good Part

Being Made Conformable

Choosing Better

Fun Size or Farce?

Living for the Likes