A Joyful Heart, A Right Attitude

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)

 © Copyright 2011 by Kayren J. Cathcart

It Is Finished!

“And about the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani? that is to say, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?”

(Matthew 27:46)

 “When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost.”

(John 19:30)

After weeks and months of agonizing, planning, preparing, and executing, The Great 2^nd Grade Science Fair Project of 2011 has finally been handed in – hallelujah!  We concluded the experiment.  We finished the research paper BEFORE Spring Break (no minor feat to keep a 2^nd grader focused in the house when they’d rather be outside playing).  We printed the hypothesis, cut out graphics, and pasted until our hearts were content.  Not only did I survive, but I emerged from the process stronger than I expected.  I’m glad it’s done (really glad – trust me!), but I have a greater appreciation for why God made me face my own science project angst and trepidation head-on.

See, I went into this with the mindset, “I’ve already earned my degree(s) – why, oh why must I go through this dreadful torture again?!?”  However, God showed me so many things through the course of working with my child on this project, including how very alike we are (in more ways than I care to admit), including:

• Bright with natural aptitude = wanting to rush through the process to reach a conclusion (can’t see the forest for the trees)
• Inclined to take the path of least resistance = being more focused on reaching the destination than enjoying the journey
• Intense, perfectionist, self-critical = not being patient with the process, and sometimes getting unduly frustrated with the little things

I had plenty of opportunities for teachable moments – as teacher and as student.  For example, I overcame the urge to finish the report myself just so it would be done – because I’d be robbing my child of his learning process.  When one particular milestone progress report was due, we were solidly in the midst of the 21-day fast.  I was irate, aggravated, and hungry; what I wouldn’t have given for some junk food that Saturday!  Yet, God showed Himself strong and mighty, and HE ALONE sustained me through that episode without the crutch of emotionally eating chocolate or carbs! 

So here’s the bottom line praise report:  This week, my child was selected as one of the TOP THREE 2^nd Graders to advance a project to the school’s Science Fair!  My initial goal had been simply to “get it done and turn it in.”  Sad to admit, but I wasn’t aiming for excellence – “pretty good” would’ve been fine with me.  But my child saw the guidelines for having a great project and he really wanted to win.  Since we serve a God of excellence (not mediocrity), I had to practice what I preach and give my best effort.  After all of my foot-dragging, complaining about how I didn’t want to do this because it’s just one more thing on my already full plate, yada yada yada…God showed that He was in the midst of the whole thing.  Like I didn’t have a sneaking suspicion from the time the assignment came home…

So it really was never about me at all. :-)  It never is!  It’s always for God’s purposes.  And this time, I believe God wanted to see a snaggle-toothed smile from a boy who won a prize full of science gold – complete with modeling clay, slinky, microscope, and who knows what else is in that package.  He had his moment in the spotlight – being featured on the morning announcements, receiving congratulatory cheers from his classmates, standing on the stage beaming in front of peers and parents, and getting his picture taken by his little sister who was genuinely proud of him.

Did he win First Place in the School Science Fair?  Nope – not even Second or Third Place.  My hubby claims, “We was robbed!” and I’m rather inclined to agree with him…who me – biased?  Nah!  But in our eyes, he stood head and shoulders above the competition (including 3^rd through 5^th Graders).  He represented us well, and our whole family was there to support him for his hard work and to celebrate his accomplishments.  We have the certificates to prove it – and that big tri-fold board in the corner that I won’t soon forget.  I think my hubby wants to frame the entire board.  And I don’t blame him.  As Editor-in-Chief of www.PaperPolisher.com, I declare that working on this project and report with my child may have been some of my finest work yet. 

We must learn to see priorities from God’s perspective, and then commit to grow through the process He chooses for us.  My daughter will have to do science projects, too – won’t she?

“Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.

For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.”

(Ecclesiastes 12:13-14)

© Copyright 2011 by Kayren J. Cathcart

The Beauty of Being Hidden

Well, in the event that anyone missed hearing from me via this blog, hello again!  Where have I been?  A little of here, there, and everywhere – so I won’t try to stuff almost two months’ worth of experiences into a single post, but I’ll unfold it over the next few weeks.  After writing a blog entry entitled Talk Back to Your Flesh, I shouldn’t have had one ounce of surprise when my Pastor called our church to a 21-day fast.  Consequently, my fast included sacrificing some digital media access – including my beloved inspirational blog. :-)  Reducing, curtailing, and eliminating many distractions (electronic, food, etc.) helped me to settle into a place of peace where I could hear Him more clearly.  Our God is evermore faithful – He knows exactly what we need and when we need it!

Sometimes we fight against the very thing God is doing in our lives for His glory and, most of the time unbeknownst to us, for our benefit.  Have you ever been “under the radar” – hidden so deep you could hardly find yourself?  And when you tried to emerge from the place where God had you covered, He pressed you back into the position where He’d concealed you in the first place?  I have years of personal experience with this!  But be encouraged – it’s not a bad thing to be hidden by God; it’s just one of the ways He protects us. :-)  I’ve recently gained an even greater appreciation for His means and methods of sheltering His children.  Allow me to share some key points from a few verses God dropped into my spirit this evening.

Confidently Anticipate God’s Provision 

“For it was so, when Jezebel cut off the prophets of the LORD, that Obadiah took an hundred prophets, and hid them by fifty in a cave, and fed them with bread and water.”

(I Kings 18:4) 

1. A dark, damp cave can save your life when it’s appointed by God!
2. Luxury isn’t a prerequisite for being sustained – bread and water will get the job done in a pinch.
3. God is more than able to maintain – for His ultimate glory – what man attempts to cut off.

 Can You Handle Being Under the Radar? 

“… and I, even I only, am left; and they seek my life, to take it away.”

(I Kings 19:10) 

1. Remain where God places you for the season He designates!  Don’t pop up like the “Whack-A-Mole” game – stay low and humble yourself…you’re out of the public eye for His purposes!  
2. Shut down the pity party – know that He’s got you separated unto Himself for good reason:  so He can directly feed you the nutrients and nourishment He needs you to have. 
3. Let God work on you – even when (and especially when) it’s uncomfortable and requires you to change.  He knows the areas you need to be strengthened in for the next assignment or battle you haven’t foreseen.

 Rest in God’s Reassurance

 “Yet I have left me seven thousand in Israel, all the knees which have not bowed unto Baal, and every mouth which hath not kissed him.”

(I Kings 19:18) 

1. You can hear God’s voice clearly when you commit to be still in His presence; He is the Answer you seek.
2. Believe that God’s plan is more extensive and comprehensive than what your finite mind is capable of comprehending.
3. God will punish idolatry – even in these “modern” times; check yourself and make sure you’re not compromising with any of Baal’s stuff (his people, representatives, mindsets, systems, places, etc.)!

 A brief scan of the headlines for earthquakes, tsunamis, floods, and tornadoes will remind us that these are serious times indeed.  May we find ourselves in the center of God’s perfect will, committed to obeying His every command to us – individually and collectively.  When this occurs, we will experience – and trust – His protection as He hides us …like only He can.

“He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.

 I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.”

(Psalm 91:1-2)

 © Copyright 2011 by Kayren J. Cathcart

Change My Heart, O God

My Pastor is teaching a series entitled “Excellence of Ministry – Why Do We Need to Press?”  I’ve given members of the Music Ministry weekly assignments that correspond to the teaching.  As a leader, I’ve chosen to complete the assignments, too.  Here is my homework response for the third week…be honest as you challenge yourself to earnestly ask the title question.

During Sunday morning’s sermon, I heard the song “He Wants It All Today” running through my head.  All – that’s so encompassing, Lord.  Everything?  Yes, everything.  Even that?  Yes child, even that.  Especially that.

After thinking I’d already given up soooo much (but not unto dying on a cross!), God pointed out something else I need to release to Him.  News flash – this isn’t “press out” week…so I thought.  Reverse News Flash:  EVERY DAY is “press out” day!  Truthfully, it’s not that hard to release this one; I just have to DO IT.  He won’t have to pry it out of my stiff fingers – I am willingly placing it on the altar in obedience to the Lord…because I don’t want anything to block my communication with Him.

Background:  I really enjoy watching suspense shows – anything with undercover spies, double agents, conspiracies, mystery, government cover-ups…they all intrigue me.  With two young children, I don’t spend a ton of time watching TV to begin with…and when I do, it’s usually cartoons.  So when I found “Nikita” (a remake of “La Femme Nikita,” one of my favorite spy-thriller action shows from “back in the day”), I set the DVR to record it.  I was so excited!  One hour a week, for one season, that’s not so bad, right?  I’d even convinced myself that I was using good stewardship (yay – Seven Spiritual Principles!) by fast-forwarding through the commercials…it wouldn’t even take me a whole hour to watch it.  Yeah, right!

This past week, I watched the 4^th episode of the new season.  A key undercover agent was now “on the outside” of the training compound (yes, trained to be a violent mercenary, killing a few people “for the greater good of humanity”).  One line from her superiors kept resonating, “Live the lie until the lie becomes your life.”  Now even though that premise makes sense for a spy, I knew I couldn’t receive that as truth.  But I pushed that line out of my way through 4 episodes because I wanted to see “what’s gonna happen next.”  The story line was about to get more complex because she was interacting with people – including her male apartment complex neighbor – who didn’t know she was an undercover agent.  Well, Episode 4 ended with her “getting closer” with her male neighbor.  Sure, they had clothes on, but I knew where this was going – and I couldn’t go there.  I sighed, knowing in the back of my mind (and from that tugging feeling in my gut), that I wasn’t gonna be able to watch this every week.  Not if I wanted to effectively minister to the Lord.  This was nothing more than a nighttime soap opera in disguise, packaged with sophisticated weapons and a better script.  It was gonna consume my time – and my mind – if I allowed it to.

Over the course of YEARS, God has delivered me from lust (and from being gripped by the addictions and hang-ups that accompany that spirit).  So why would I want to flirt with watching a program where folks are OBVIOUSLY fornicating?  I tried to rationalize, “It’s not THAT bad, right?  It’s on prime-time network TV – not even cable!  And there’s no cussin’!”  But is it righteous?  Um, no.  Then I countered, “They’re not showing anything, and I’m watching it for the suspense plot, not to see somebody’s skin!”  And the Holy Spirit gently admonished, “But what thoughts are being planted in your mind by the enemy during that time?”  Hmm…I didn’t have a quick (or legitimate) comeback for that one either.  If I made allowances for this area of my flesh in 1Q2011, what else might I consent to down the road?

News Flash:  Married people have to deal with lust, too.  Just because you’re married does NOT mean that issue goes away if you don’t #1) deal with it, and #2) get delivered from it.

As a wife and mother who works hard to fulfill both roles in excellence, I know that I deserve “me time.”  But I can’t fill my “me time” with stuff that doesn’t build me spiritually.  If I continue to watch this program, it will erode my spiritual foundation.  In the 90s, I used to watch Ally McBeal, a lawyer comedy on Fox; I liked the witty dialogue.  However, after a couple of seasons, it progressed from men and women colleagues using a unisex bathroom to an on-screen kiss between two women.  Needless to say, that was the end of me watching Ally McBeal.

Why would I want to compromise my witness with a gray area, thinking I could “get over” because of perceived “special grace” or exemption from total, complete, and utter obedience?  If I wouldn’t watch this program with my children in the room, why should I allow my own spirit to be subjected to trash?  I’m not a garbage can, so I can’t allow rubbish to reside in the place where I’m inviting and expecting God to dwell.  For a couple of days, I thought about deleting this program from the “auto-record” function on my DVR.  I wasn’t expecting God to change His mind, I guess it just felt so FINAL – after all, I’d set it to record the whole season!  I pulled the plug on Tuesday, making no provision for the devil, “Oh, it recorded this week, I’ll just watch it this one last time…”

So did I make it an idol?  Not yet.  But I have a sneaking suspicion that this will prevent the program from ever attaining idol status in my life.  And for that I’m grateful.  Because God knows what’s best for me.  And He knows my inner workings, triggers, hidden places, and weaknesses – because He made me.  He created me for HIS glory – not to incubate and meditate on the ideas of the world system.

Since I deliberately chose to stand up to compromise in my own life, the Holy Spirit sharpened my discernment in other areas of my influence.  While I was in another room while listening to my son do his 20 minutes of reading in the living room, my ears perked up to hear him say “vampire” and “magic wand.”  Exqueeze me?!?  What business does a 2^nd grader (or anyone, for that matter) have reading about vampires???  I went in to investigate, then used it as a teachable moment to fortify our foundation of faith.   Now consider:  What kind of hypocritical witness would that have been for me to tell my child to put away that ungodly storybook, if I knew that – once a week – I’d be spending time with my neatly tucked-away little secret?  Not that the show’s so terrible – because we can CERTAINLY find worse things on TV, but God told me to let it go.  I would’ve been ineffective and powerless until I got rid of the accursed thing from my own camp (Joshua 7).  God’s not tolerating foolishness or lukewarmness.  It’s time out for us telling other folk to “do right” when we ain’t doin’ right ourselves!

Lord, please cleanse me so I don’t desire to partake of anything that’s an affront to Your holiness, purity, and righteousness.  Do I truly hate sin, or just have a mild dislike for it?  I don’t want to offend, insult, disrespect, or anger You – the One Who made the supreme sacrifice for me.  I am Your servant, here to do YOUR good pleasure.  Change my heart, O God…

“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)

© Copyright 2011 by Kayren J. Cathcart

The Truth About Time Management – Plain and Simple

Note:  There’s a tangible gift that follows reading through this entire entry.  You can skip to the bottom immediately and click the link if you must, but the background information will help prepare your heart to receive what God has for you.  Blessings to you, Kayren

Sometimes the truth hurts.  Sometimes it cuts like a knife.  Other times, it burns like fire.  My friend, whatever it feels like, rest assured that change – in some way, shape, or form – is coming.  Many folks call truth cold, harsh, ugly, or brutal.  However, there’s something liberating about truth:  you are free to move forward in victory after what was hidden has been exposed, because there are no more secrets.

We often marvel in awe, amazement, and admiration at folks who wear multiple hats (on just one head) and juggle numerous roles (that leave little time to breathe, let alone time to stop and smell the roses).  In spite of their appearance that they’ve “got it all together,” we don’t see their lack of inner peace or their soul’s cry for rest.  We merely see the cloud of dust kicked up by constant activity…but is it true productivity?  After much experience and observation – during my time as a single person, and as a wife and working mother – I would assert that we’re praising a façade that’s just not real or sustainable.

Through the years (yes, over a decade), I’ve attended numerous time management workshops, had one-on-one sessions with professional life coaches and personal accountability partners, and resolved to make it different this time – seemingly to no avail.  I’ve started (and subsequently stopped prior to completion) various projects – more than I care to admit.  Recently, I had a moment of revelation as I surveyed piles of notebooks containing clever things I’ve yet to publish.  I share it with you in yet another moment of exposure and transparency, hoping that my self-disclosure will help someone break free of the enemy’s trap of bondage.

Poor time management is an indication of stewardship issues.  It’s saying “I want it all…even though I’m not in a position to handle what I’ve already got.”  Not only is it placing my own priorities higher than God’s will, but it’s actively choosing to bury in the ground a precious commodity that wasn’t mine to keep in the first place.  How dare I squander God’s gifts?  Of time, talent, substance, ability, energy…conviction and repentance set in as I lament what could’ve already been completed and accomplished by merely following God’s plan instead of trying to rationalize and figure out how to execute my own plan!

So I’ve been sowing disorganization and complacency, only to reap slothfulness and discontentment with the status quo.  Wow.  To admit this is one thing, but to take steps in the opposite direction to change it is quite another thing.  One nugget of wisdom that lifted my head this week was a radio teacher noting that some seeds remain dormant for a whole year before becoming productive.  And I know it’s high time for mature saints to start producing fruit.

Poor time management is a symptom of disobedience.  I never saw it this way until I realized all the “to do” lists I’d accumulated through days, weeks, and months of putting off things I thought were simply “good ideas.”  Most of them were instructions from the Lord.  And if I’d completed them WHEN He told me to, I wouldn’t have this overwhelmed feeling of being “behind” and playing catch-up from procrastination.  See, I’m very aware that delayed obedience = disobedience.  But I wasn’t walking in that truth; I was making excuses and creating illusory loopholes for myself.  Until today.

Hence, here I am with a major “productivity undertaking” for the new year to commence walking in the right direction (God’s direction!):  I am posting for your perusal a link to the eBook version of Court Etiquette: Approaching the King’s Throne, my inspirational daily devotional published several years ago.  My gift to you – it’s FREE!  Please visit the link to my inspirational eBook on Smashwords.com and, if you’re so inclined, let me know what God speaks to your heart.  It’s important to realize that others are waiting on our obedience.  I pray that you are blessed as a result of my obedience, and that you choose to walk in His will this year like never before.

Your sister in Christ,

Kayren

Inspirational daily devotional

p.s.  At the Holy Spirit’s nudging, I prepared much of this verbiage in January 2011, before I knew my paperback publisher would be closing its doors.  When I submitted Court Etiquette for eBook publication, it took a little longer than I expected, but now it’s ready and available – yeah, more process!  Please share with others…thanks!

“For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.”

(Philippians 2:13)

“That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;”

(Colossians 1:10)

© Copyright 2011 by Kayren J. Cathcart

Which Way, Lord?

Hint:  Ask God first before making a major decision.  You’ll be glad you did…

“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)

“Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.

In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil.”

(Proverbs 3:5-7) 

 

“For the commandment is a lamp; and the law is light; and reproofs of instruction are the way of life:”

(Proverbs 6:23)

“He is in the way of life that keepeth instruction: but he that refuseth reproof erreth.”

(Proverbs 10:17)

“Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.”

(Matthew 7:14)

© Copyright 2011 by Kayren J. Cathcart

Chronicles of a Backward Glance: The Power of Suggestion

Yes y’all, I’m tellin’ it ALL about what I’ve learned.  Why?  Prayerfully, my missteps will prevent someone else from taking the same detour from God’s will.  I encourage you to stay the course He has charted for your life…

The funny thing – or perhaps more accurately, the ironic thing – about me getting into that home-based business last year?  I’d done it before and seen that it wasn’t the best fit for me and my family.  I knew it wouldn’t cause me to “get rich quick” – but I still secretly hoped it would.  I knew it would take more time, energy, and effort than I currently had available – but I foolishly wanted to try anyway.  I saw the “Bridge Out Ahead” signs – but I valiantly forged ahead (maybe I absurdly thought I’d sprout wings to keep me from busting my backside).

I even called myself praying and asking God what His will was for me concerning entering this venture.  My biggest mistake:  I didn’t wait to hear His response!  I asked, then while waiting for His answer, someone called for my decision…and I leaped before I looked closely enough.  I thought, “THIS time will be different!  I can do it now.”  I allowed someone else to influence my decision instead of relying on the Holy Spirit to lead, guide, and direct me.  I could’ve said, “I’ll get back to you.”  But I didn’t.  There was an (unseen by me) undetected desire to gamble, get something-for-nothing, get a hook-up, see a huge return on my small investment…and I ended up paying for that – because the house always wins – the system is intentionally set up that way, folks!!!

I initially reasoned, “It doesn’t cost that much – it’s the equivalent of a couple of lunches!”  Well, in the end, I discovered that my peace of mind and having a settled, undisturbed spirit was more priceless than that “small” initial activation fee.  At the beginning of the year, I was starting to get rid of my household clutter, but in the end, getting products in the mail gave me more reason to accumulate stuff.  Do I wish my husband had told me, “No sweetie, you can’t do this” from the beginning?  Yes.  But would I have gained the depth of appreciation for this lesson if I hadn’t gone through the process?  Probably not.  I really don’t wanna go down this wearisome path again.  Trying to do things in my own strength was like running on a hamster wheel and being unable to stop.

The person who invited me to the opportunity was not the problem; she is a great person who I enjoy being around.  The problem was that I allowed myself to be distracted from God’s original, primary assignment for me in that season by an external suggestion.  I lost focus, and it cost me.  But I am grateful to know what was really in my heart, because when I stopped denying the ugly truth, God was able to remove those impure desires so I could agree with His will for my life.  And so I run on…

“Teach me thy way, O LORD; I will walk in thy truth: unite my heart to fear thy name.”

(Psalm 86:11)

 “For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.”

(Hebrews 4:12)

© Copyright 2011 by Kayren J. Cathcart

Standard of Measure: Who Are You Trying to Keep Up With?

Weariness of body, mind, and soul ensues when you’re running a race and competing with the wrong motive.  Adding a layer of self-deception to veil your true intentions just complicates matters and prolongs the arrival of an inevitable outcome.  Trust me, I know…

Are you racing yourself?  Trying to overcome something from your past?  What are you out to prove – or disprove?

Are you racing someone else?  How do you know what’s driving them?  If you surpass them, what will it benefit you?  Have you considered that they may not be an accurate measuring stick by which to gauge your own personal progress?

Will a temporary “win” really translate into a permanent loss?  Carry it out beyond the finish line…what does your “dream win” look, feel, taste, smell, and sound like?  Is it worth what you’re putting into it? 

Are you more stimulated by the “thrill of the chase” than the desire to attain your set objective?  What will you do once you achieve your perceived goal?  Will you be content and satisfied, or will you keep striving for an elusive and nebulous ambition?

God created each of us to be unique – we are fearfully and wonderfully made.  No need to be a cookie cutter impression when you’re designed to be an exclusively distinct original!  Just some thoughts to consider while counting the cost and reflecting where the bulk of your time, energy, and effort are being funneled….

“Again, I considered all travail, and every right work, that for this a man is envied of his neighbour. This is also vanity and vexation of spirit.”

(Ecclesiastes 4:4)

© Copyright 2011 by Kayren J. Cathcart

Where Are You On the Totem Pole?

During a recent conversation with a brother in Christ, I mentioned several of these things, and his response was, “That sounds like a blog entry to me!”  So I’m sharing this with you in obedience…may you meditate on God’s Word to those He loves. After all, this season is about reflecting on His extravagant love, demonstrated through the precious gift of Christ…oh, how we need Him!

In these turbulent times, it pays to be in proper position according to God’s will.  Often, we feel that we should be in a higher position at work, paid more, given more responsibility, recognized more.  Have you ever considered that, at least for this season, you’re exactly where God wants you to be?  In order to learn, you have to admit that you don’t know everything – OUCH!  If you’re in the role of a student, you’re learning something new, or you’re someone who has a manager and is being managed, there’s a reason!  In my first job straight out of college, I thought I was ready for a management position until I was honest with myself and admitted, “I really need a manager; I don’t have it together like I thought I did!  There are some skills I must sharpen before I’m truly prepared to accept a role with that level responsibility.”

As we celebrate the season of the birth of Christ, we must acknowledge that a stable was not the expected point of entry for a King, right?  However, that’s exactly how God planned it.  When we are humble, it’s easier to condescend to men of low estate than when we are high-minded and haughty (Romans 12:16).  Being what others consider the “low man on the totem pole” may be a position of safety, security, and provision for you.  Getting out from under that umbrella may expose you to undue problems and complications.  As my husband says, “I don’t need to be important; during war, “important people” get killed first.”

We cannot assess worth and significance based solely on what our natural senses tell us.  Only God knows when a washpot has more value than a Ming vase.  The vase may look exquisite when displayed on a shelf, but what practical purpose does it serve?  The washpot gets used daily – multiple times a day.  So how are you allowing God to use you these days?  Is He receiving glory from your life because you’re submitted to His will, even when (and especially when) it punishes your flesh?

Stay low.  Humble yourself under the mighty hand of God.  Then watch what He will do next… 

“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)

“Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.

 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:

 Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.”

(I Peter 5:5-7)

© Copyright 2010 by Kayren J. Cathcart

Obedience vs. the Sloppy Seconds of “Doing God a Favor”

favor – act of kindness, good deed, help, aid 

Have you ever felt like you were “doing God a favor?”  Like He should be content that at least you did A and B, even though you didn’t do C like He instructed?

Tell the truth – there was a day when showing up at church on a non-holiday was a major accomplishment for you, and you felt like God should be completely satisfied now that you’d “checked the box” for the year.  As if your mere presence would be considered the greatest gift since sliced bread.  As if He didn’t desire to bless you for coming to learn His character, to be strengthened and challenged by His Word, and to fellowship with your brothers and sisters in Christ.  As if you wouldn’t grow, develop, and mature the more you were exposed to the truth of His Word.  As if it was all about your comfort and pleasure, instead of you glorifying, serving, and worshipping Him with your life.  As if.

I am convinced that God doesn’t need my help; He requires my obedience.  And that’s better than any sacrifice I can offer as an alternative, substitution, or replacement for what He asks of me.  Even when it’s hard on my flesh.  Especially when it’s hard on my flesh.  Are you listening to His voice?  Let Him work in you…

“And Samuel said, Hath the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams.”

(I Samuel 15:22)

 

“For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.”

(Philippians 2:13) 

© Copyright 2010 by Kayren J. Cathcart