Cage Free Voices Spoken Devotionals

The True Meaning of Being Blessed: Exploring "Ashrei" and the Beatitudes

In this enlightening episode, we look into the true meaning of being blessed by exploring the Hebrew word "ashrei" and its implications in both the Old and New Testaments. Discover how "ashrei" translates to a happy, fortunate, or good life, and what this signifies according to biblical teachings.

We take a closer look at the Beatitudes from Matthew 5:3-12, where Jesus describes various states of being blessed, and connect these teachings to the concept of building loving relationships with God and others. We also revisit Psalm 1 to understand how avoiding negative influences and nurturing healthy relationships contribute to a blessed life.

Join us as we uncover the essence of true blessings, which go beyond material gains and are rooted in love, mercy, and peace. Learn how fostering good relationships can lead to a prosperous and fulfilling life, both spiritually and emotionally.

The Battle of Roles: Finding Your Place in the Fight Against Injustice

In this compelling episode, we delve into the internal struggle of finding one's role in the fight against injustice. The Queen Bathsheba shares her personal conflict between staying behind the scenes and stepping into the spotlight. She explores the importance of understanding where each of us is meant to contribute, whether it's through prayer, protest, or strategic planning.

Highlighting the diverse ways individuals can participate, the episode encourages listeners to engage in meaningful conversations, educate others, and reflect on their own actions. It calls for a collective effort in addressing and combating systemic racism and injustice, while emphasizing the significance of each role, no matter how small it may seem.

Join us as we reflect on the importance of staying true to our purpose, building with intention, and transcending barriers to create lasting change. Remember, be cage-free.

Understanding Forgiveness: Mercy, Justice, and Vengeance

Welcome back to Cage-Free Spoken Devotionals. In this episode, we explore the multifaceted concept of forgiveness. What does it truly mean to forgive someone? We delve into common misconceptions and clarify that forgiveness is neither forgetting nor necessarily reconciling with the wrongdoer.

We define forgiveness as an act of mercy, which involves not giving people the punishment they deserve for their wrongdoing. Drawing from biblical teachings, we discuss how to handle situations where someone refuses to acknowledge their mistakes, emphasizing the importance of keeping your heart free from vengeance.

We also differentiate between vengeance and justice, noting that while vengeance is impulsive and personal, justice seeks fairness and societal balance. Forgiveness can coexist with the pursuit of justice, especially to prevent harm to others.  God's vengeance is righteous in seeing that He knows what is best for His children.

Join us as we reflect on Matthew 18:15-21 and consider the implications of Jesus' teachings on forgiveness, agreements, and the role of mercy. Stay tuned for our next episode, where we'll discuss the concept of grace.

Part II: The War of the 'Wait" by Bathsheba Smithen

The past few days I have felt overwhelmed by my "wait."  Yes, I mean w-a-i-t, not w-e-i-g-h-t.  Consequently, I have probably put on some weight, by indulging in my frustration and neglecting my physical needs constantly stuck in my head, contemplating when God is going to meet my timetable.  Sometimes I wish I could just walk into those pearly gates and see God's calendar because apparently mine seems to be completely off.  Certainly by this time, this baby should be walking, my mother should be strolling back into our family amusement park, and all of these Job-like boils and Joseph-like experiences in the pit should have subsided.  Don't get me wrong, I am very grateful for how far God has brought me, but have you ever been in the middle of your wait?

 

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The "Wait" Is Heavy by Bathsheba Smithen

I've sat here looking at this computer trying to determine which of my experiences this past weekend, I should share.  Well, it's not necessarily an experience, but it's the adventures I go on in my mind.  I have been in the amusement park of my thoughts, and the water slides are amazing--the roller-coasters, not so much. If you've ever been to an amusement park, you know the process of planning required to have a fun-filled time. You need to pack refreshments, towels, and maybe even a change of clothes.  Nothing else can be cramped into the day because in between the times of riding the roller-coasters, going to the simulations, and eating funnel cakes, you must consider the walk and the heat of the sun.

While enjoying the entertainment, we mustn't forget the long walks between the rides and sometimes having to figure out things by reading one of those park maps. You know the ones you open and turn multiple times, but still can't find a daggon thing.

The mind appears to be very similar when we are in the process of waiting for something--whether that's waiting a dream to be fulfilled, a wayward child to return, financial stability, the end of a crisis, reconciliation, or whatever it is God has promised us.  Well, I know I'm not alone when I say this but: "Waiting is HARRRDDDDD!!!!"

 

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Chips of Mercy by Bathsheba Smithen

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The Eyes of Grace by Bathsheba Smithen

When you begin to face yourself in the mirror, you'll realize two things: 1) You like what you see or you don't; 2) You are not "better" than the person or people you ridicule and/or criticize. Why?  Because, being overly critical and judgmental of others is rooted in pride and self-righteousness.  Pointing out someone else's flaws is an attempt to prove that we are more worthy of love than they are, when the truth is, we are all worthy of love.   We, too, are ill -- and need to be forgiven "seven times seventy times ......"

 

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Beautiful Ugly Part II: Love Is A Formidable Opponent

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Too Many Tabs Open by Bathsheba Smithen

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Beautiful Ugly by Bathsheba Smithen

Ugh!  I can't get rid of this.  I've tried to pray it away but it's as if years of suppressed aggression is now surfacing and I'm sitting over the porcelain throne, tossing up my guts for hours; puking up my dysfunction. Nothing has gone or is going the way I want it to.  I'm good....so I should have the finer things.  But that's the religiosity speaking.  I'm leaking with self-righteousness. Pride. Bitterness. Jealousy.....and RAGE.  All of my ugly is coming out on this page and I can't contain it any longer.  I've been taking it to the altar, reading the Word of God, but it won't disappear and I'm near the cross.  Why do I feel loss, like I can't find me in this sea of despair--anger.

And now, I'm condemning myself for being in pain and actually dealing with the feelings associated with the hurts that were never expressed.  Frustrated that my sins are exposing themselves,  looking in the mirror and seeing my beautiful ugly, I've discovered that the Word of God does not function like a microwave although I've treated it that way.  Some healing will take time.  However, the desire to expedite the process gnaws at me like an irritating gnat that won't go away.

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