Top Headlines

Question to think about: How will your daily life be reviewed?

At the dawn of each New Year, the last year’s headlines are often reviewed. When you get down to it, headlines reflect where we have been and where we are going. Have you ever wondered what the media would choose as your top daily life headlines to review the past year?

Of course we would hope to have a positive review:
Woke up with anticipation for the day . . . lived each moment to the fullest.
Grateful . . . no complaints.
Gave away . . . incredible amounts of time, talent, and money to help others.
A friend . . . to all.

In reality the review of last year’s headlines would include some common-place challenges:
Overslept . . . household in chaos.
Bills are due . . . money in short supply.
Need to lose weight . . . will diet soon.
Kids are fighting . . . grounded for life.


Meditate on the headlines that were announced the day Christ, God with us, came to earth:
Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
"Glory to God in the highest,
and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests." (Luke 2:13-14, NIV)

God issued peace (well-being) to the world. It is a choice to receive the peace of God . . . which is the key to living well. The headlines might say:
Rejected . . . now loved.
Lost . . . now found.
Hopeless . . . now hopeful.
Sorrowful . . . now filled with joy.
Broken . . . now healed.
Bored . . . now passionate.
Focused on self . . . now loves all . . . serves all.

Take time to review your top headlines of this past year. How does Christ make a difference in your headlines?
Give up one thing (fast) for more time and clarity with God . . . to make Christ-filled headlines in the New Year.

Learning with you to make Christ-filled headlines,
Shalom,
Kerrie

May you begin this New Year with anticipation for something more than you have asked, thought or imagined. (Ephesians 3:19-21).

(All devotions written by Kerrie Palmer ©2008 All Rights Reserved)

The Legacy That Matters

Question to think about: What is your legacy?

We passed a funeral home and their cemetery on a well-traveled highway while we were doing some errands. There was a huge sign in the front of the funeral home that caught my eye . . . but . . . it took me a few moments to comprehend what it said: "Holiday Special: Two plots for the price of one!" Well . . . wow . . that is one way to celebrate Christmas and the New Year. Of course most of us would agree that life gains meaning when we are aware of the brevity and fragility of life . . . and. . . planning ahead for the end-of-life makes a great difference to those left behind . . . however . . . ultimately the legacy we leave behind is how we have lived the life we were given.

So, how do we leave a legacy that matters?

Look at the legacy of Joseph, Mary, and some shepherds that Luke describes:
And Joseph also went up from Galilee from the town of Nazareth to Judea, to the town of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David,To be enrolled with Mary, his espoused (married) wife, who was about to become a mother. And while they were there, the time came for her delivery, And she gave birth to her Son, her Firstborn; and she wrapped Him in swaddling clothes and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room or place for them in the inn.And in that vicinity there were shepherds living [out under the open sky] in the field, watching [in shifts] over their flock by night. And behold, an angel of the Lord stood by them, and the glory of the Lord flashed and shone all about them, and they were terribly frightened. But the angel said to them, Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of a great joy which will come to all the people. For to you is born this day in the town of David a Savior, Who is Christ (the Messiah) the Lord!And this will be a sign for you [by which you will recognize Him]: you will find [after searching] a Baby wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger. [I Sam. 2:34; II Kings 19:29; Isa. 7:14.] (Luke 2:5-12, AMP)

Luke not only wrote about the in-breaking of God into the daily life of humanity but also about the individuals who participated in the God-event. The story of Christ, God with us, would not be the same without Joseph, Mary, and the shepherds. Their legacy, recorded in the scriptures, powerfully demonstrates how humanity is given the opportunity to participate and engage with the activity of God in this world.

Evaluate your legacy.
Will your legacy matter?
Is God revealed in your legacy?
Stop.
Be still.
Know the presence of God.
Seek God.
Ask God to be revealed in your legacy that you might be remembered for who you are in Christ: "Not I, but Christ" (Galatians 2:20, KJV)
Give up one thing (fast) until the New Year for more time and clarity with God . . . determine how your legacy will reveal Christ.

Learning with you to leave a legacy that matters,
Shalom,
Kerrie
(All devotions written by Kerrie Palmer ©2008 All Rights Reserved)

Bursting and Dancing

Question to think about: How do you respond?

The result of the current "Arctic blast" is foreign to those of us who live in the Pacific Northwest. We are slated to have more snow on the ground on Christmas day than has ever been recorded. So . . . we are facing another challenging day . . . roads are closed . . . travelers are being delayed . . . and events are being canceled as more snow comes our way. Chaos and crankiness are more common than rare.

What can we learn about responding to the inconveniences of life?

Look at Mary . . . young . . . engaged . . . and suddenly pregnant. She could have seen the interruption of God in her life as a major inconvenience; however, her response allows us to see what occurs within an individual who seized the opportunity to fully participate with God:
And Mary said,

I'm bursting with God-news;
I'm dancing the song of my Savior God.
God took one good look at me, and look what happened—
I'm the most fortunate woman on earth!
What God has done for me will never be forgotten,
the God whose very name is holy, set apart from all others.
His mercy flows in wave after wave
on those who are in awe before him.
He bared his arm and showed his strength,
scattered the bluffing braggarts.
He knocked tyrants off their high horses,
pulled victims out of the mud.
The starving poor sat down to a banquet;
the callous rich were left out in the cold.
He embraced his chosen child, Israel;
he remembered and piled on the mercies, piled them high.
It's exactly what he promised,
beginning with Abraham and right up to now.
(Luke 1:46-55, The Message)

The Message delineates:
Mary as . . .
Bursting with God-news
Dancing the song of Savior God
Because
God's mercy flows wave after wave and is piled high.

At the end of the day, our life is not measured by the circumstances we face but how we manage our life.
Seize every opportunity to live well.
Manage circumstances with faith that God is working.
Refuse to be sucked into chaos or crankiness.
Burst with God-news . . . let your life reveal the presence of God in words and actions. (I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. Galatians 2:20, NKV)
Dance the song of Savior God (Jerusalem will be told: "Don't be afraid. Dear Zion, don't despair. Your God is present among you, a strong Warrior there to save you/ Happy to have you back, he'll calm you with his love and delight you with his songs. Zephaniah 3:16-17).

Give up one thing (fast) until the New Year for more time and clarity with God . . . and burst with God-news and dance the song of Savior God.

Learning with you to burst and dance,
Shalom,
Kerrie
(All devotions written by Kerrie Palmer ©2008 All Rights Reserved)

Coming Home

Question to think about:
Are you at home in the heart of God?

Our friends have been waiting for their son to come home from the other side of the world. The waiting is over. Their son, a member of the "SCREAMING EAGLES," is due to arrive tonight at Fort Campbell, Kentucky. He has chosen to live out the belief that it is his duty to serve. The belief has a cost . . . extended periods of separation from family and friends . . . but . . . tonight they are reunited . . . a time of great celebration . . . their son is home.

Does your belief lead you to the heart of God?

We are created to believe God . . . to draw close into the heart of God . . . to purposefully participate and engage with the presence, power, and peace of God. Ultimately, how we live reflects our actual beliefs. Elizabeth told Mary she was blessed for believing God:
Blessed are you who believed that what was spoken to you by the Lord would be fulfilled." (Luke 1:45, NAS)

Mary had to wait for what God said would be fulfilled. Waiting is difficult and is part of the cost of believing God. There is a point in the waiting process that the choice to continue to believe or to disregard the belief must be made. Thus, the waiting process reveals if we actually believe God. When the waiting is finally over . . . and we continue to believe God . . . we are stronger:

But those who wait on the LORD
Shall renew their strength;
They shall mount up with wings like eagles,
They shall run and not be weary,
They shall walk and not faint.
(Isaiah 40:31, NKJ)

Become stronger. Wait on God in belief. . . mounting up with wings like eagles. Celebrate the process of belief . . . waiting in belief . . . in the heart of God.

Come home to the heart of God.
Believe God.
Believe that what God says will be fulfilled.
Wait . . . become stronger . . . and mount up with wings like eagles.
Give up one thing (fast) until the New Year for more time and clarity with God . . . to learn how to be at home in the heart of God.

Learning with you to come home,
Shalom,
Kerrie
(All devotions written by Kerrie Palmer ©2008 All Rights Reserved)

It's A Wonderful Life

Question to think about: Do you have a wonderful life?

According to local weather reports our area has not seen our current record snow fall and cold temperatures for over forty years. When we moved to McMinnville, Oregon, a little over a year ago, I assumed we would have little or no snow . . . since I love snow . . . I had a sense of disappointment . . . but not any more. I have renamed our little community to be Bedford Falls taken from Frank Capra's movie, It's a Wonderful Life (1946). Seriously, looking down the town streets with the Christmas Lights, old fashioned store fronts and the pile of snow . . . I can almost hear the angel, Clarence, telling George Bailey, "You've been given a great gift, George: A chance to see what the world would be like without you."

There is no mistake . . . the world would be different if you and I would never have been born . . . whether for good or bad . . . our life impacts this world.

How do we make sure that we live a wonderful life, a life that:

Counts
Has purpose
and
Makes a difference.

We do not have a lot of facts about Elizabeth, Zechariah's wife; however, we know that God chose her not only to birth John who would prepare the way for Christ but to make a difference in Mary's life. Apparently, Mary did not want to be home after receiving the message from God So, she went to Elizabeth, who spoke truth, gave encouragement, and set the tone of celebrative joy:
During those days Mary set out and traveled to the hill country in haste to a town of Judah, where she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the infant leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth, filled with the holy Spirit, cried out in a loud voice and said, "Most blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. And how does this happen to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For at the moment the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the infant in my womb leaped for joy.(Luke 1:39-44, NAS)

Mary needed to know how to manage the task of being the mother of Christ, God with us. Elizabeth helped Mary to see the wonder of being called out by God to carry Christ into the world. Elizabeth focused on the blessing and joy of being used by God. At the end of the day, life is not wonderful because of wonderful circumstances but the ability to impact lives.

As the story goes . . . George Bailey dreamed of traveling and building around the world. Even so, he never left his hometown, Bedford Falls. He invested his life in his family and friends. Until he reviewed his life, it appeared that the result of staying in his hometown would be the loss of his business, bankruptcy, and imprisonment. At the end of the story, George realized that his life had counted, was purposeful, and had made a difference.

Clarence told George, "Remember, George: no man is a failure who has friends."

Determine to live a wonderful life today.
Make your life count for Christ.
Be purposeful.
Find a way to make a difference.
Give up one thing (fast) until the New Year for more time and clarity with God . . . ask how to make your life count, how to live with purpose, and how to make a difference in this coming year.

Learning with you that it's a wonderful life.
Shalom,
Kerrie
(All devotions written by Kerrie Palmer ©2008 All Rights Reserved)

How Can It Be?

Question to think about: What will you do?

My sister flew in last night to celebrate my graduation from seminary. The ride home from the airport was slow and tedious as we made our way through the fog and snow-covered-icy-roads. We listened to the weather report on the radio to keep updated; however; it seemed more like a comedy routine than a report . . . it just couldn't be right . . . it didn't make sense . . . maybe because it was late at night . . . maybe because my sister and I love to laugh together . . . maybe because the weatherman loved the drama of his report . . . or maybe because we had planned her visit for months to coincide with my graduation.

He said . . . and I quote:
"We are expecting the most dangerous winter storm . . . ever." The two words, "dangerous" and "ever" were repeated over and over. Are you kidding me . . . now?

Then, he said, "There is just one question to ask yourself. What will you do when the power goes off?"

I am not sure what this means but one thing I have learned is that our response to circumstances defines the impact of our life.

Look at Mary's response to life. Her plans were interrupted. She was asked to do something that would change her life forever:
Mary said to the angel, "How can this be, since I am a virgin?"
The angel answered and said to her, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; and for that reason the holy Child shall be called the Son of God. And behold, even your relative Elizabeth has also conceived a son in her old age; and she who was called barren is now in her sixth month. For nothing will be impossible with God.
And Mary said, "Behold, the bondslave of the Lord; may it be done to me according to your word."
And the angel departed from her. (Luke 1:34-38, NAS)

Mary understood the key to living fully engaged with God. She was not responsible to make the impossible happen but to surrender to the power of God. The decision to participate in the work of God occurs through the belief that God has something more than we can ever think, ask, or imagine for our life . . . and while life may not go like we thought it would go . . . the adventure of life comes through surrender, trusting that nothing is impossible with God.

Stay tuned.
God has something more than you can think, ask, or imagine.
Remember nothing is impossible with God.
Believe.
Surrender.
Enjoy the adventure.
Give up one thing (fast) until the New Year for more time and clarity with God . . . surrender to the work of God.
Celebrate that nothing is impossible with God!

Learning with you to surrender to the power of God.
Shalom,
Kerrie
(All devotions written by Kerrie Palmer ©2008 All Rights Reserved)

You Have Nothing To Fear

Question to think about: Are you fearless?

I have a friend that is incredibly smart. The thing is . . . he can not only see problems for what they are . . . but the plausible outcome. Those of us that listen to him could easily become anxious . . . worried . . . stressed . . . and fearful when he describes the horrible . . . no good . . . down-right depressing problems that loom in the future from the problems of the present.

When anxiety begins to creep in . . . I remember that my friend has failed to remember that God broke through the plight of humanity. Lamentations 3 speaks the great truth into our spirit for us not to be consumed with problems but with the presence of God:

Yet this I call to mind
and therefore I have hope:
Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed,
for his compassions never fail.
They are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness.
(Lamentations 3:19-21, NIV)

The above passage needs to be anchored into the core of our being. We do not need to be stuck in fear but can be renewed every day in the love of God. We need to stop . . . breathe . . . focus on the presence of God . . . remembering the faithfulness of God . . . refusing to be ruled by fear . . . choosing to respond in faith . . . believing the mercy of God is new every day . . . trusting God will be faithful to provide a way through absolutely every problem.

Look at Mary. Gabriel came and announced that God would break through humanity by using her. Though her life would never be the same, the angel assured her that she had nothing to fear:
She was thoroughly shaken, wondering what was behind a greeting like that. But the angel assured her, "Mary, you have nothing to fear. God has a surprise for you: You will become pregnant and give birth to a son and call his name Jesus.
He will be great,
be called 'Son of the Highest.'
The Lord God will give him
the throne of his father David;
He will rule Jacob's house forever—
no end, ever, to his kingdom." (Luke 1:29-33, The Message)

The angel brought the good news that God broke through humanity.
God continually breaks through . . . with love that is beyond comprehension . . . making the day new . . . bringing hope.
Refocus.
God is with us. There is nothing to fear.
Give up one thing (fast) until the New Year for more time and clarity with God . . . ask God to remove your fear and fill you with faith.
Celebrate the presence of God!

Learning with you not to fear.
Shalom,
Kerrie
(All devotions written by Kerrie Palmer ©2008 All Rights Reserved)

Unexpected!

Question to think about: Are you ready?

We just don't expect the arctic winter weather in our area. In the past few days we have had unusual cold weather with snow and ice which has led to closures and delays. In turn, the weather has messed with schedules, plans, and the all-mighty to-do lists. The problem is that few people are equipped or trained to manage anything beyond our typical winter rainy days.

The unexpected happens . . . whether we are ready or not.

The young woman, Mary, was unexpectedly visited by the angel, Gabriel:
During Elizabeth's sixth month of pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, to a virgin. She was engaged to marry a man named Joseph from the family of David. Her name was Mary. The angel came to her and said, "Greetings! The Lord has blessed you and is with you." (Luke 1:26-28, NCV)

Can you imagine receiving a message from God through Gabriel? One thing is for sure . . . schedules and plans would not be our primary focus . . . all that we would be able to think of would be the message of God . . . it would take our full attention . . . and we would tell about it.

The thing is . . . the Spirit of God speaks to us through the Word . . . which is beyond comprehension . . . do we realize the power . . . the miracle . . . of God's message to us?

Look at the message in Isaiah 42:16 . . . it is a message from God . . . "I will" . . .

I will bring the blind by a way they did not know;
I will lead them in paths they have not known.
I will make darkness light before them,
And crooked places straight.
These things I will do for them,
And not forsake them. (Isaiah 42:16, NKJ)

What is the message from God?
I will bring the blind by a way they did not know . . . God will give us vision . . . perception . . . giving understanding in unexpected ways.
I will lead them in paths they have not known . . . God will lead us . . . in an unexpected pathway and direction.
I will make darkness light before them . . . even in the darkest of times . . . when hope seems lost . . . God will make our darkness light.
And crooked places straight. . . when we think that nothing will change . . . everything is wrong . . . God comes in . . . with an unexpected transforming power . . . the impossible becomes possible . . . the crooked places are made straight.
These things I will do for them . . . it is a choice to respond with belief that God will do the unexpected.
And not forsake them . . . God is always present . . . we will leave and forsake God and others . . . God will never leave us or forsake us . . . never.
Receive the message of God.
Focus on the message.
Look for the unexpected work of God.
Give up one thing (fast) until the New Year for more time and clarity with God . . . ask God to get you ready for the unexpected.
Stop . . . Breathe . . . Get Ready . . . Receive the Message of God . . . Celebrate the unexpected work of God!

Learning with you how to be ready for the unexpected work of God.
Shalom,
Kerrie
(All devotions written by Kerrie Palmer ©2008 All Rights Reserved)

The Future

Question to think about: What do you see for your future?

We live in such an interesting time. . . we are able to know what is occurring in the world almost immediately. Subsequently, we may unintentionally respond to the reported news without intentionally filtering the information. The thing is . . . we know the media does not see it all or know it all . . . even so . . . we rely on the media's perspective of the world.

Perspective drives the way we manage life.

Anxiety . . . stress . . . distress . . . may result from the perspective we have formed. So . . . how do we intentionally change our perspective?

We need to determine if we actually believe God:
"For I know the plans that I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope." (Jeremiah 29:11, NASB)

If, we believe God, then, we must believe that our welfare, which can be defined as well-being, has been planned. Yikes . . . that changes how we see tomorrow and the coming days.

Look at Zachariah and Elizabeth . . . they lived with a problem that defined their past and present. Wouldn't it have seemed reasonable that the problem would remain in their future? The answer is yes; however, God intervened and changed their future:
When the course of his priestly assignment was completed, he went back home. It wasn't long before his wife, Elizabeth, conceived. She went off by herself for five months, relishing her pregnancy. "So, this is how God acts to remedy my unfortunate condition!" she said. Luke 1:23-25, The Message)

Most of us would share the perspective that an older couple like Zachariah and Elizabeth would remain childless . . . it makes biological sense . . . yet . . . that perspective does not factor in the plan of God.

So . . . how do we understand what happened . . . we need to see that this was not about the problem but about the fact that God invited Zachariah and Elizabeth to participate in the plan for the world . . . for humanity to live in a relationship with God through Christ.

What problem has captured your attention and drives your perspective?
Take time to reframe your perspective.
Ask yourself: "Do I believe that God plans for my welfare . . . well-being?"
Take time to assess your perspective.
Give up one thing (fast) until the New Year for more time and clarity with God . . . ask God how to perceive life.
Stop.
Breathe . . . be still and know God.
Let go of any and all consuming thoughts.
Seek God.
Focus on the presence of Christ.
See life through an active and participating relationship with Christ.
Celebrate!

Learning with you how to see the future.
Shalom,
Kerrie
(All devotions written by Kerrie Palmer ©2008 All Rights Reserved)

Rings of Hope

Question to think about: Will you intentionally engage in the activity of Christ today?

We are ringing the bell today for the Salvation Army in a mall, a Christmas tradition for our family. The Salvation Army brings help and hope around the world. Ringing the bell in a mall not only reminds shoppers of the need in the world but offers an opportunity to engage in the activity of Christ . . . Hope.

We either distract or draw people to the activity of God . . . Hope. In the first chapter of Luke, we read how the actions of the priest, Zachariah, revealed more about his unbelief than the activity of God:
When he finally did come out, he couldn’t speak to them. Then they realized from his gestures and his silence that he must have seen a vision in the sanctuary.(Luke 1:22, NLT)

Think about it . . . Zachariah received a message of hope that he could not communicate because of unbelief.

Think about it . . . Zachariah was old. He and Elizabeth did not have a child to carry on their priestly lineage. Common sense indicated that nothing would change.

Think about it . . . God broke through the problem . . . past common sense . . . changing life . . . forever. . . defining Hope.

Think about it . . . Christ, God with us, broke through humanity's hopelessness . . . we are invited to receive hope and ring it out to the world through our attitude and actions.

Intentionally let your life become a ring hope.
Stop.
Breathe.
Be aware of the presence of Christ.
Look for the activity of God rather than focusing upon a problem.
Listen with your heart for the Spirit of God to direct you.
Respond . . . let others know about the hope of Christ, God with us.
Give up one thing (fast) until the New Year for more time and clarity with God . . . ask God how you are to reveal Hope.
Celebrate . . . the rings of hope will echo throughout eternity.

Learning with you how to ring out the message of Hope.
Shalom,
Kerrie
(All devotions written by Kerrie Palmer ©2008 All Rights Reserved)

Your Part in the Story of God

Question to think about: What words describe your part in the story of God?

I am officiating at a funeral tomorrow for an individual that has been described as "tough, forgiving, and loving." Using the words, "tough," with the words, "loving and forgiving" is unusual. The family explained their beloved family member endured tough circumstances with forgiveness and unfailing love for people, including the individuals who created trouble in the tough times.

Our life is a story told with specific words and has a part in the story of God. So, what words would describe your part in the story of God?

The word, "unbelief," is a part of Zacharias' story. There were consequences to his unbelief:
The people were waiting for Zacharias, and were wondering at his delay in the temple. But when he came out, he was unable to speak to them; and they realized that he had seen a vision in the temple; and he kept making signs to them, and remained mute. (Luke 1:20-21, NASB)

Think about your part in the story of God.
What words describe you?
What words would you like to describe you?
Give up one thing (fast) until the New Year for more time and clarity with God . . . ask God for words that define your purpose.
Live out the words of purpose on a daily basis.

Learning with you how to live out the story of God.
Shalom,
Kerrie
(All devotions written by Kerrie Palmer ©2008 All Rights Reserved)

Are You Ready For God To Interrupt?

Question to think about: Are you open to the work of God in your life?

I am out-of-control-excited . . . I am finishing my last class in seminary today! Without a doubt, God led me to and through the learning process. That said, I would never have dreamed, asked, thought, or imagined the process to be a part of my life. I am surprised and grateful.

One thing I have learned: Be open to the work of God . . . which perpetuates a continual adventure.

Zachariah could not wrap his mind around what was happening to him. Do you blame him?
He was just doing his job . . . minding his business . . . when a messenger of God . . . an angel . . . pops in to tell him that God would do an all-out miracle in his life. Can you imagine?
The thing is . . . he could not believe that God do the impossible.
Do you believe that God could interrupt your life and do something you think to be impossible?
Are you open to God interrupting your life and doing something new in your life?


Think about the questions and meditate on the words:

But the angel said, "I am Gabriel, the sentinel of God, sent especially to bring you this glad news. But because you won't believe me, you'll be unable to say a word until the day of your son's birth. Every word I've spoken to you will come true on time—God's time." (Luke 1:19-20, The Message)

Are you open to the work of God?
Give up one thing (fast) until the New Year for more time and clarity with God . . . asking God how to help you be open to a divine interruption.
Wait in expectation for a new work of God in your life.

Learning with you to be ready for a divine interruption.
Shalom,
Kerrie
(All devotions written by Kerrie Palmer ©2008 All Rights Reserved)

Are you sure it will happen?

Question to think about: How do you see the future?

I participated in a meeting with representatives from various organizations who are willing to volunteer their services in a disaster. Turns out there are lists of possible disasters that could strike our community and county. Good to know . . . good to be prepared . . . but not good to be focused on or worried about.

Most of us have made a mental list of possible future challenges, difficulties, and disasters; however, if we are not careful the list can lead to an experience of worry, depression, and even despair before anything ever happens. Conversely, when we make a list of possible good and even great happenings we are encouraged, energized, and at peace through hope in the future. Our perspective of the future impacts our life in the present.

God messed with Zechariah's perspective of the future: Zechariah said to the angel, “How can I be sure this will happen? I’m an old man now, and my wife is also well along in years.” (Luke 1: 18, NLT)

Zechariah asked a valid question: "How can I be sure this will happen?"

The future is unknown to you and I; however, God has the whole perspective:
"For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope." (Jeremiah 29:11, NLT)

Do you see hope for your future?
Give up one thing (fast) until the New Year for more time and clarity with God . . . asking God how to see your future.
Make a list of things to hope for in your future.
Look forward to the future . . . great things will happen.

Learning with you to know great things will happen.
Shalom,
Kerrie
(All devotions written by Kerrie Palmer ©2008 All Rights Reserved)

Give Hope

Question to think about: Do you give hope?

My friend oversees the ministry, Tree of Hope, which provides a way for people to reach out to members in our community and county during Christmas. There appeared to be more need than help. People prayed.

And, then it happened . . . people began lining up at the Tree of Hope counter on Sunday to help people and a $1,000 check arrived from Wal-Mart to help. Need remains . . . but hope is renewed.

Hope changes lives . . . when all seems lost . . . and life is lived in darkness . . . in pain . . . in sorrow . . . in hopelessness . . . Hope arrives . . . Light enters . . . pain becomes a tool . . . life changes.

God's messenger brought a message of hope:
"He'll drink neither wine nor beer. He'll be filled with the Holy Spirit from the moment he leaves his mother's womb. He will turn many sons and daughters of Israel back to their God. He will herald God's arrival in the style and strength of Elijah, soften the hearts of parents to children, and kindle devout understanding among hardened skeptics—he'll get the people ready for God." (Luke 1: 15-17, The Message)

Get people ready for Christmas . . . the day we acknowledge the coming of Christ, God with us:
Give hope.
Give up one thing (fast) until the New Year for more time and clarity with God . . . asking God what to do.
Give people an opportunity to meet Hope . . . Christ, God with us.

Learning with you to give hope.
Shalom,
Kerrie
(All devotions written by Kerrie Palmer ©2008 All Rights Reserved)

Shadows

Question to think about: Are you willing to give up one thing?

Pressures and problems are lurking shadows that increasingly consume thoughts, discussions, and actions of humanity. I have spoken with many people that express the feeling and fear of impending doom. The thing is . . . the feelings and fear of doom will increase unless something changes.

What needs to change?

We need to move into the Light . . . where the shadows of darkness are unable to exist.

So, how do we move into the Light?

Consider giving up one thing (a fast) between now and the New Year to give you more time and clarity to meditate, worship, and pray. For some, it might be one or more meals . . . or watching television . . . or reading the newspaper . . . something that gives more time to be aware of the presence, power, and peace of God.

God is present and at work all the time. The thing is . . . we often fail to see the presence and the work of God. Zachariah and Elizabeth had spent a lifetime with the shadow of failure; however, God interrupted their lives with the announcement of a plan that would turn their lives upside down. When Light enters into our life . . . the shadows . . . the things that are hidden within our life . . . shame . . . blame . . . pain . . . frustrations . . . fears . . . are dissipated . . . broken up . . . and driven off.

We are told: The Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it. (John 1:5, NASB)

Transformation occurs when we invite the Light into the shadows that lurk in our lives. Light invades and overpowers the darkness. Think about it . . . when you enter a dark room and turn on a light . . . the darkness is gone . . . darkness is unable to exist in the Light.

What is the result of the dissipation of darkness?

Joy.

The Messenger of God explained: And you shall have joy and exultant delight, and many will rejoice over his birth . . . (Luke 1:14, Amp)

Look for the presence and work of God.
Choose to give up (fast) one thing until the New Year.
Use the time and clarity to move into the Light through meditation, worship, and prayer.
Learning with you to move into the Light.
Shalom,
Kerrie
(All devotions written by Kerrie Palmer ©2008 All Rights Reserved)

Possible and Impossible

Question to think about: Have you invited God into every detail of the day?

Details, no matter how small, can change our perspective. Yesterday I intended to say: "Take a stand in belief that nothing is impossible with God." The two letters, "i" and "m," were omitted. The sentence changed: "Take a stand in belief that nothing is possible with God." Those omitted details changed the meaning.

Details are important. Details make a difference in the overall picture of life. When we invite God into the details . . . life changes from impossible to possible. That said, we often try to manage the details on our own until a detail becomes a problem.

Do you and I believe that "nothing is impossible with God" and "with God all things are possible" in each detail? Do we take the time to invite God into each detail?

Zechariah and Elizabeth were in Luke's detailed account of the birth of Christ, God with us. Luke highlighted the details of their lives which included:
1. They were old.
2. They were known as pure people.
3. They were both from a priestly lineage.
4. They were barren.
5. They went about their assignments, including the once in a life-time task of going into the temple.

The thing is . . . when an angel interrupted Zechariah's task, he was afraid . . . he was not prepared for a divine intervention. Luke gave more details:

But the angel said, “Don’t be afraid, Zechariah! God has heard your prayer. Your wife, Elizabeth, will give you a son, and you are to name him John. (Luke 1:13, NLT)

Look at the detail. God heard their prayers. They had invited God into the detail of their problem; however, in their perception the details had not changed and their age indicated that nothing was possible . . . and that it was impossible to have a baby.

The angel brought the news that they would have a son named John. God changes the details of our life . . . absolutely nothing is impossible with God . . . all things are possible with God.

Meditate on what possible and impossible mean in the details of your day.
Have you invited God into each detail?
Live with expectation . . . that nothing is impossible and all things are possible.

Learning with you to see that details change when God is invited.
Shalom,
Kerrie
(All devotions written by Kerrie Palmer ©2008 All Rights Reserved)

Problems: God's Tools

Question to think about: What problems are you facing that could be a tool of God?

I listened as two individuals described similar problems they were facing:
One perceives that nothing is working.
One believes that with God nothing is impossible.
One is focused on problems.
One sees possible solutions.
One blames.
One takes responsibility.
The list goes on . . . but the truth of the matter will be revealed in the outcome. I have seen it:
One will remain closed to the work of God.
One will receive the work of God.
One will experience increased pressure.
One will experience peace.
One will say, "Nothing is working."
One will say, "All is well."

Problems can lead to a pathway of peace for those who see that God is more powerful than any challenge in life. Problems can become God's tools. Look at the story of Zachariah. Everyone knew that Zachariah and Elizabeth were old and barren. They had failed to produce children to carry on the priestly lineage. Even so, they did the work they were assigned to do; however, they did not anticipate that God would use their problem to prepare the world for Christ, God with us:

It so happened that as Zachariah was carrying out his priestly duties before God, working the shift assigned to his regiment, it came his one turn in life to enter the sanctuary of God and burn incense. The congregation was gathered and praying outside the Temple at the hour of the incense offering. Unannounced, an angel of God appeared just to the right of the altar of incense. Zachariah was paralyzed in fear. (Luke 1:8-12, The Message)

Zachariah was paralyzed with fear when an angel of God interrupted his work. It would take nine months for him to process the fact that his problem would be used as God's tool.

What problem are you facing?
Are you willing to trust God to use the problem as a tool?
Take a stand in belief that nothing is impossible with God.
Surrender to the work of God.
Receive peace.
Look for the ways God will use your problem as a tool

Learning with you to experience problems as a tool of God.
Shalom,
Kerrie
(All devotions written by Kerrie Palmer ©2008 All Rights Reserved)

Hope . . . Now It Happened

Question to think about: Do you trust God to be working in your life when you face difficulties?

What do you do when you lose your job? My friend sent me an email after receiving a pink slip. The thing is . . . the job solely provided for their family of four. They had been challenged with trying to make it on one income. What will they do without any income? It seems too hard; however, they are choosing to have hope.

In the phrase, "now it happened," Luke 1:8 reveals how God uses our problems. It is a part of God's story of hope, revealed through Zechariah and Elizabeth who had faced a lifetime of "barrenness." They had been unable to have children and, subsequently, could not ensure their priestly lineage would continue on. In the ancient days, barrenness was a problem that impacted every facet of their life.

At one time or another, problems lead to a sense of barrenness . . . a feeling of emptiness and aloneness.

Take time to meditate on the words Luke wrote: "Now it happened that while he was performing his priestly service before God in the appointed order of his division, according to the custom of the priestly office, he was chosen by lot to enter the temple of the Lord and burn incense." (Luke 1:8-9, NAB)
Though Zechariah and Elizabeth did not have a clue that God would use their problem in the story of the birth of Christ, they continued to serve. God used their service to transform their lives and the world.

What is your greatest challenge today?
Acknowledge the presence of God in the midst of what you are facing.
Trust God to provide a way through the problem.
Hope . . . because it will happen . . . God has a plan.

Learning with you to trust God.
Shalom,
Kerrie
(All devotions written by Kerrie Palmer ©2008 All Rights Reserved)

But . . .

Question to think about: How are you managing the pressures and problems of daily life?

Are you looking forward to your day or do you have a sense of dread?
Would you like to avoid something in your day?
Is there someone or something that has created chaos in your life?

The thing is . . . part of living on earth is managing pressures and problems. When you get down to the experience of life . . . it is not as much about the specifics of the challenges but how we manage life.

The opening story in the book of Luke is fascinating. The author, Luke, wrote the story of how Christ, God with us, came. Luke opens with the story about the problem that a priest named Zechariah and his wife Elizabeth faced.
In the days of Herod, King of Judea, there was a priest named Zechariah of the priestly division of Abijah; his wife was from the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth. Both were righteous in the eyes of God, observing all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blamelessly. But they had no child, because Elizabeth was barren and both were advanced in years. (Luke 1:5-7, NAB)

Both Zechariah and Elizabeth were named as a part of a lineage of the priesthood, a privileged position. Their marriage provided a way for the lineage to continue. If you notice . . . there is a "but" (verse 7) which indicates a problem. The word, "but," in the scriptures indicates an exception or a problem. In this case, the "but," is really big . . . they were old and had no children . . . their priesthood lineage would end. If you study the history of the ancient days, you will find that each generation bore the responsibility for the next generation . . . BUT . . . continuing the lineage of the priesthood was thought to be vital for the people of God.

Their problem would become the way the world would be prepared for Christ, God with us, to come.

What is your story today?
Take a moment to look at any problem(s) you face: Life would be good BUT . . .
Gain new perspective: Can you trust God to use your problem to prepare the way?

Learning with you to see beyond the problem.
Shalom,
Kerrie
(All devotions written by Kerrie Palmer ©2008 All Rights Reserved)

The Last Day

Question to think about: Do you live as if this is your last day on earth?

Life changes in a moment. My friend will tell you that she had no idea that life would change when she headed home after work. It did. A semi-truck driver did not see her and pulled out on the country road that my friend was traveling on. The thought that life might end for her or her kids had not occurred to her. And . . . then . . . she crashed into the truck. In one moment, life on earth could have ended. The car was horribly wrecked; however, no one was harmed.

We could make a list of questions:
Why did the truck driver miss seeing my friend coming towards him?
Why did the truck driver choose that moment to pull out?
What circumstances led to the moment that truck driver and my friend crashed?
Why did my friend and her children as well as the truck driver escape injury and death?
The list of questions goes on; however, our actions may be more important than our answer. Perhaps we need to rethink how we live every day . . . with a distinct and specific purpose . . . a message that transcends circumstances . . . making every day count with the intensity as if it is the last day on earth.

So . . . how do we begin to live out a distinct and specific purpose in what we do and say on a daily basis? The core of a Christ follower's purpose can be determined in the last words that Zechariah had as he told about the future coming of Christ:

. . . To guide our feet into the way of peace. ( Luke 1:79b,NASB)
Christ followers have the distinct purpose of demonstrating the way to live . . . the way of peace . . . well-being.

Each day we need to ask ourselves . . . do my words, behavior, and actions guide others to the way of peace?

Live today as if it is your last day on earth.
Live out the message of Christ.
Guide others to the way of peace through your words, behavior, and actions . . . which begins with inner peace . . . well-being.


Learning with you to live as if it is the last day on earth.
Shalom,
Kerrie
(All devotions written by Kerrie Palmer ©2008 All Rights Reserved)

On Your Feet

Question to think about: Are you willing to live your gratefulness on your feet?

I listened to an individual complain about everything. I mean everything. It made me tired. The list of complaints seemed to be non-ending. I took advantage of a momentary pause and asked, "Is there anything in your life that you are grateful about?"

The answer revealed the heart: "Not really."

Nothing will seem right when gratefulness is missing. The thing is . . . gratefulness requires attention, choice, and action. The process of gratefulness is spelled out in Psalm 100:

On your feet now—applaud God! Bring a gift of laughter,
sing yourselves into his presence.

Know this: God is God, and God, God.
He made us; we didn't make him.
We're his people, his well-tended sheep.

Enter with the password: "Thank you!"
Make yourselves at home, talking praise.
Thank him. Worship him.

For God is sheer beauty,
all-generous in love,
loyal always and ever.
(The Message)

Gratefulness energizes and contributes to our health while complaining is wearing on the body, mind, and heart.

So . . .

On your feet . . . applaud God . . . and remember "thank you" is the password to enter into living a life worth living.

Learning with you to get on my feet and actively be grateful.
Shalom,
Kerrie
(All devotions written by Kerrie Palmer ©2008 All Rights Reserved)

Take A Break

Question to think about: Are you willing to take gratefulness breaks?

There is usually a time in life that individuals want to live better. They want to experience more joy, more peace, and more love. It seems as life happens . . . life can become messy and less fulfilling . . . which makes people want and look for a way to live better. Gratefulness is an essential element of living better.

Authentic gratefulness is as much a learned art as it is an attitude:
So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise.
Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days.
Don’t act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do.
Don’t be drunk with wine, because that will ruin your life. Instead, be filled with the Holy Spirit,
singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, and making music to the Lord in your hearts.
And give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
(Ephesians 5:15-20, NLT)

Live better. Take a break and follow the life pattern that develops the art and attitude of gratitude:

1. Live carefully . . . be intentional in how thoughts, words, and actions are employed.

2. Make the most of every opportunity. God always makes a way. It is our choice to proceed in the way that God provides.

3. Surrender everything to the presence of God . . . be filled with the Spirit of Christ.

4. Sing . . . sing to God . . . be a part of the symphony of Life.

5. Give thanks for absolutely everything . . . believing that God does not waste anything and will use everything to accomplish the plans of hope for you and I.

6. Intentionally be grateful to God in and through the name of Jesus.

Learning with you to take a break to be grateful.
Shalom,
Kerrie
(All devotions written by Kerrie Palmer ©2008 All Rights Reserved)

Grateful for the Grip

Question to think about: Are you grateful for God's grip on your life?

The U.S. is preparing to celebrate the holiday, Thanksgiving, in a difficult time. We must decide if we will be grateful despite the tough times. The thing is we are created to be grateful; however, we often fail to be grateful.

How do we develop gratefulness?

The first principle of developing gratefulness is to acknowledge that God will never leave or fail us . . . never. NEVER! God grips you and I with a love that never stops. NEVER!

It is hard to do . . . but . . . we must take our eyes off the "stuff" of life to the "weight" of life, which is the presence of God:
Let your character or moral disposition be free from love of money
[including greed, avarice, lust, and craving for earthly possessions]
and be satisfied with your present
[circumstances and with what you have];
for He [God] Himself has said,
I will not in any way fail you
nor give you up
nor leave you without support.
[I will] not,
[I will] not,
[I will] not
in any degree leave you helpless
nor forsake
nor let [you] down (relax My hold on you)!
[Assuredly not!]
(Hebrews 13:5, Amplified)

God will never leave us. . . fail us . . . give us up . . . leave us helpless . . .or . . . take away the grip of love on us. NEVER!

Consciously be aware of God's grip on you.
Be grateful.
Give thanks for the relentless grip of love that God has on you.

Learning with you to be grateful for the grip of God.
Shalom,
Kerrie
(All devotions written by Kerrie Palmer ©2008 All Rights Reserved)

Sweating Over The Small Stuff!

Question to think about: What is the point?

Sometimes I think we try too hard. During a discussion, a friend reminded our group: "Don't sweat the small stuff." It really is great advice that can't be any clearer. When you get down to it . . . the things we make a big deal over usually reveal what we personally need to work through internally in order to experience life to the fullest.

How do we let go of the "small stuff" to gain clarity of what is really important?

Jesus explained:
"But my purpose is not to get your vote, and not to appeal to mere human testimony. I'm speaking to you this way so that you will be saved. John was a torch, blazing and bright, and you were glad enough to dance for an hour or so in his bright light. But the witness that really confirms me far exceeds John's witness. It's the work the Father gave me to complete. These very tasks, as I go about completing them, confirm that the Father, in fact, sent me. The Father who sent me, confirmed me. And you missed it. You never heard his voice, you never saw his appearance. There is nothing left in your memory of his Message because you do not take his Messenger seriously. (John 34-38, The Message)

At the end of the day, when all is said and done, we can relax knowing that the point of everything we face is the presence of Christ. How do we know Christ is present? Peace. Peace is the key.

Jesus said: Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give it to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid. (John 14: 27, NAB)

Are you burdened? Are you sweating over the small stuff? Is your mind on overload . . . do you find yourself replaying details of an incident, a problem, an expectation, a need, or something that has distressed you?
Surrender.
Refuse to sweat the small stuff.
Realize that the point of everything in our life is to revolve around the presence of Christ.
Invite Christ, God with us, to be present in your thoughts, feelings, words, and actions.
Receive the peace of Christ's presence . . . know the power of Shalom . . . well-being . . . God is with you . . . all is well.

Learning with you to refuse to sweat the small stuff.
Shalom,
Kerrie
(All devotions written by Kerrie Palmer ©2008 All Rights Reserved)

What Do You Intend To Do?

Question to think about: What are your intentions today?

I have a friend who has determined to spend the second half of his life with intentional joy. He woke up one day and realized that he spent more time worried than at peace, consumed with what he had to accomplish and the ensuing feeling of possible failure. His change of attitude would be more understandable if his circumstances had made life easier for him . . . but that is not the case . . . in fact quite the opposite . . . his work and responsibilities have increased and he has a greater load to carry than in the past. Regardless of the pressures, he chooses on a daily basis to have the attitude of joy.

From my perspective . . . his joy is not only contagious but reveals an underlying message. How is it possible to intentionally live beyond daily pressures and problems?

First, we must determine the message of our intentional living. Our message to others is more in how we live than in what we say. The author, John, wrote that another John was discussed in the meeting between Jesus and the Jewish leaders:
If I testify on my own behalf, my testimony cannot be verified. But there is another who testifies on my behalf, and I know that the testimony he gives on my behalf is true. You sent emissaries to John, and he testified to the truth.(John 5:30, NAB)

John, known as John the Baptist, lived out the message of Christ, intentionally preparing the way for Christ, God with us, to be revealed to humanity. John was known for the way he lived as well as what he said. His words were emphasized by his daily decisions and overall lifestyle.

Intentional living requires guidance and empowerment from God:

The Lord will give you the bread you need and the water for which you thirst. No longer will your Teacher hide himself, but with your own eyes you shall see your Teacher, While from behind, a voice shall sound in your ears: "This is the way; walk in it," when you would turn to the right or to the left. (Isaiah 30:20-21, NAB)

Intentional living is a daily process.
The Lord will give you bread and water: Seek God to provide the capacity and ability to intentionally live out the message.
Jesus said to them, "I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me will never hunger, and whoever (John 6:35, NAB)
Whoever believes in me, as scripture says: 'Rivers of living water will flow from within him.'" (John 7:38, NAB)
This is the way; walk in it: Our daily choices reveal the way we go. God always makes a way through circumstances . . . choose to go where God goes . . . count the cost . . . pick up your cross . . . follow Christ.
Then he said to all, "If anyone wishes to come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me." (Luke 9:23, NAB)

Learning with you to intentionally live out the message of Christ.
Shalom,
Kerrie
(All devotions written by Kerrie Palmer ©2008 All Rights Reserved)

An Issue of Trust

Question to think about: Have you decided if you believe enough to trust God when things go wrong?

It always amazes me how people respond to life differently, especially those who are experiencing the same circumstance. The thing is . . . how we respond in life is a choice. This is almost a no-brainer . . . we either live in fear or trust God. The point is not whether difficult and even disastrous challenges will occur, but if we trust God.

So, how do we change our view of life during tough times?

Christ, God with us, came to show humanity how to live in a relationship with God.
Christ told the Jewish rulers:

I cannot do anything on my own; I judge as I hear, and my judgment is just, because I do not seek my own will but the will of the one who sent me. (John 5:30, NAB)

The will of God could be described as the purpose of God. There is nothing random with God . . . the plan to bring humanity into relationship with God is dynamically purposeful. Christ made it clear that the will of God is the will of God . . . there is nothing better or that compares with the will of God. Christ has a distinct nature from God, the Father; however, Christ is God with us . . . one God . . . one will.

We are invited to trust the purpose for our life, which is to be intimately, actively, and purposefully engaged in an ongoing relationship with God regardless of the circumstances.

So, how do we trust God, especially when we are faced with extreme challenges?

The process of trust is discussed in Proverbs:

Trust in the Lord with all of your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. (Proverbs 3:5-6).

Trust in the Lord:
With all of your heart: Ask the Spirit to search your mind, emotions, behavior, and beliefs for fear . . . surrender the fear and choose to trust completely without reserve . . . . give it all to God . . . all.
Lean not on your own understanding: Too often, we are problem-focused. We need to be solution-oriented. With Christ, there is always a solution . . . nothing is impossible with God . . . nothing.
And He will make your paths straight: Regardless of the challenges . . . God always makes a way . . . always.
Learning with you to completely trust God.
Shalom,
Kerrie
(All devotions written by Kerrie Palmer ©2008 All Rights Reserved)

Purposefully Serving and Sacrificing

Question to think about: What will determine how you will live your life today . . . are you demonstrating it through service and sacrifice?

The U.S. federal government recognizes today, Veteran's Day, as a holiday. The point of the holiday is to put time aside to honor the service and sacrifice of the men and women that have defended the nation's freedom. When you get down to it, the individuals who have spent a portion or most of their life in service and sacrifice have impacted countless lives, paving a courageous pathway throughout history. They are to be honored.

Service and sacrifice is the highest calling of humanity . . . it is what Christ, God with us, demonstrated. At the end of the day, humanity could not grasp how to live with God in an active, participating relationship . . . so God came . . . and explained to the Jewish rulers:

"It's urgent that you get this right: The time has arrived—I mean right now!—when dead men and women will hear the voice of the Son of God and, hearing, will come alive. Just as the Father has life in himself, he has conferred on the Son life in himself. And he has given him the authority, simply because he is the Son of Man, to decide and carry out matters of Judgment. "Don't act so surprised at all this. The time is coming when everyone dead and buried will hear his voice. Those who have lived the right way will walk out into a resurrection Life; those who have lived the wrong way, into a resurrection Judgment.
(John 5:25-29, The Message)

The whole point to the service and sacrifice of Christ has been to bring life to humanity; however, every individual has a choice. While it might not always make sense, we are called to purposefully serve God with a willingness to sacrifice our needs, desires, expectations, dreams, time . . . laying our life down to do the work of God. It could be as simple as encouraging someone with an email or as complicated as changing your plans. Whatever it takes . . . Christ, God with us, has revealed what really matters . . . living a resurrected Life . . . laying down what matters to you . . . to purposefully serve and sacrifice for the sake of Christ.

Choose to live the resurrected Life:
Stop what you are doing.
Seek God and ask what your purpose is today.
Lay down what matters to you.
Purposefully serve and sacrifice.
You will change the course of history when you serve and sacrifice.

Learning with you to purposefully serve and sacrifice.
Shalom,
Kerrie
(All devotions written by Kerrie Palmer ©2008 All Rights Reserved)

Working on Attitude

Question to think about: What is your attitude today?

We used to repeatedly tell our kids that "attitude is everything!" Attitude defines who we are at the core of our being. Yesterday, I talked with a family who were struggling with severe life challenges. Even so, the family had an upbeat and positive attitude. Why?

They told me that they believed that God would get them through it all. I decided right then and there to work on my attitude about life. When you get down to it, joy is an attitude.

In the back of the book of Philippians, the Apostle Paul, imprisoned at the time he wrote the words, explained how to develop the attitude of joy:

Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:4-7)

To develop joy we need to:
1. Rejoice (living joy out loud).
2. Rejoice again.
3. Refuse to be harsh to anyone . . . be gentle to everyone.
4. Be still . . . know the presence of God . . . the Lord is near.
5. Do not worry about anything . . . we must refuse to worry . . . since worry is contagious and we live in a stress-filled era at a time when a good portion of people are worried . . . this will be a matter of continual surrender through prayer and thanksgiving.
6. Tell it all to God in prayer . . . dump it.
7. Live in thanksgiving . . . invest your time in giving thanks rather than focusing on a list of worries . . . easy to say . . . this is a discipline to develop.
8. Receive the peace of God . . . which will guard the heart and mind from distress.

The central component of working on the attitude of joy is inviting the presence of Christ into our thinking, speaking, and behavior. In other words, we do not live on our own but through the presence of Christ, God with us. Jesus explained to the Jewish leaders that the only way to live is through the living presence of God:

Indeed, just as the Father raises the dead and gives them life, so also the Son gives life to whomever he wishes. (John 5:26, NRS)

Take time to work on your attitude today.
Develop the attitude of joy through the living presence of Christ.
Rejoice . . . be gentle . . . be still and know the presence of God . . . do not worry . . . pray . . . be grateful . . . receive the peace of God.

Learning with you to work on the attitude of joy.
Shalom,
Kerrie
(All devotions written by Kerrie Palmer ©2008 All Rights Reserved)

Stormy Days

Question to think about: What do you do when stormy days come into your life?

We have had more rain in the first week of November than in the whole month of October. The thing is . . . people living in the Pacific Northwest should be accustomed to stormy days. Even so, the word, "should" is relative when it comes to accommodating the darkened skies, wind, and rain on an ordinary fall day in the Pacific Northwest.

Likewise, everyone will face at least one storm in life. That said, none of us want storms . . . but history reveals the storms are a part of living . . . and it is our choice of how we will live through the storms.

What is the first thing to do when the winds of adversity stir and the storm begins to come our way?

We need to become still to know the presence, power, and peace of God:

God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear, Even though the earth be removed, And though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;
Though its waters roar and be troubled, Though the mountains shake with its swelling. Selah
There is a river whose streams shall make glad the city of God, The holy place of the tabernacle of the Most High.
God is in the midst of her, she shall not be moved; God shall help her, just at the break of dawn.
The nations raged, the kingdoms were moved; He uttered His voice, the earth melted.
The LORD of hosts is with us; The God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah
Come, behold the works of the LORD, Who has made desolations in the earth.
He makes wars cease to the end of the earth; He breaks the bow and cuts the spear in two; He burns the chariot in the fire.
Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!
The LORD of hosts is with us; The God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah (Psalm 46, NKJ)

The key component to face and manage a storm is to make the choice to rest in the presence, power, and peace of God who is our Refuge.

Christ assured the Jewish leaders and assures you and I:
"And I assure you that the time is coming, in fact it is here, when the dead will hear my voice -- the voice of the Son of God. And those who listen will live.
(John 5:25, NLT)

When we rely and rest in God, our Refuge, we discover that there is Life in the greatest storm.
Be still.
Seek.
Listen.
Receive.
Live fully and wholly even in the midst of a storm.

Learning with you to seek the Refuge in stormy days,
Shalom,
Kerrie
(All devotions written by Kerrie Palmer ©2008 All Rights Reserved)

Life and Death

Question to think about: What is your life about today?

We sometimes wonder what life is all about . . . it is Christ.
There is never an impossibility with Christ . . . there is a possibility.
There is never a hopeless moment with Christ . . . there is hope.
There is never chaos with Christ . . . there is a purpose.
There is never fear with Christ . . . there is a plan.
There is never unrest with Christ . . . there is peace.
There is never death with Christ . . . there is Life.

The Jewish leaders wanted to kill Christ, God with us. Death became their solution to the problems Christ had created in their religious way of thinking, behaving, and acting. Christ's response was focused on life.

And the Father leaves all judgment to his Son,
so that everyone will honor the Son, just as they honor the Father. But if you refuse to honor the Son, then you are certainly not honoring the Father who sent him.
"I assure you, those who listen to my message and believe in God who sent me have eternal life. They will never be condemned for their sins, but they have already passed from death into life.(John 5:22-24, NLT)

There is never a dead-end with Christ . . . there is a way to live freely and fully.
Christ invites us to live . . . an invitation to enter a living and active relationship with God that does not stop when we are at the end of our time on earth. The presence of Christ in our life is Life.

Learning with you to realize that with Christ there is more than can be imagined,
Shalom,
Kerrie
(All devotions written by Kerrie Palmer ©2008 All Rights Reserved)

You Will Be Astonished

Question to think about: Do you assume or are you astonished?


The United States has finally come to the last day of the 2008 political races. Regardless of their party affiliation, the politicians have spent a good portion of their time making accusations about their opponents and using negative campaign tactics. We tend to blame the politicians for their lack of restraint; however, statistics reveal that people are influenced by the negative information . . . regardless of the actual accuracy.

One of the first principles we learned in nursing school can be used as a life principle: never assume.

The Jewish leaders assumed that Jesus would wreck and ruin their religion. They could not see the presence of God . . . they could not see the purpose of God . . . they could not see the plan of God. Their assumptions blinded them to the truth.

The truth did not and will not change . . . God is at work on behalf of humanity:
"The LORD your God is the God of gods and Lord of lords. He is the great God, mighty and awesome, who shows no partiality and takes no bribes. He gives justice to orphans and widows. He shows love to the foreigners living among you and gives them food and clothing. You, too, must show love to foreigners, for you yourselves were once foreigners in the land of Egypt. You must fear the LORD your God and worship him and cling to him. Your oaths must be in his name alone. He is your God, the one who is worthy of your praise, the one who has done mighty miracles that you yourselves have seen.” (Deuteronomy 10: 17-21, NLT)

Jesus responded to the Jewish leaders:
“For the Father loves the Son and tells him everything he is doing, and the Son will do far greater things than healing this man. You will be astonished at what he does. He will even raise from the dead anyone he wants to, just as the Father does.” (John 5:20-21, NLT)

Christ was not limited by the assumptions and accusations of the Jewish leaders. The purpose of God has and always will be carried out. “He is the great God, mighty and awesome, who shows no partiality and takes no bribes . . . You will be astonished at what he does.”

Refuse to assume.
Be still and know that God is present . . . God is purposeful . . . God has a plan.
You will be astonished at what God does.


Learning with you to see the astonishing work of God,
Shalom,
Kerrie
(All devotions written by Kerrie Palmer ©2008 All Rights Reserved)

Break Out and Mess Around

Question to think about: Can you let Jesus mess with everything you know to be true?

We were able to watch Tim's two soccer games this weekend. The intensity and competitiveness at the university level is . . . well . . . interesting. Players willingly break the rules in order to make a save, blocking and stopping a shot. Rules are rules. Though the players are dramatically surprised, they are penalized for breaking the rules.

Humanity uses rules to keep order and peace. Rules are tools; however, if we are not careful, rules will become a way of life rather than a tool . . . and we will become irritated when someone messes with the way we do things.

The Jewish leaders wanted to kill Jesus for messing with their rules:

So the Jewish leaders tried all the more to kill him. In addition to disobeying the Sabbath rules, he had spoken of God as his Father, thereby making himself equal with God. Jesus replied, "I assure you, the Son can do nothing by himself. He does only what he sees the Father doing. Whatever the Father does, the Son also does. (John 5:18-19, NLT)

The rules were broken. The Jewish leaders were not necessarily the "bad guys." Gradually, throughout the generations, the rules had become an important component of their faith. The Jewish leaders had taken on the task of making sure the people followed the rules. Jesus had gone too far . . . they thought they were God's defenders.

What did they know about Jesus?

Jesus had grown up in a Jewish home learning the Jewish faith . . . when he was 12 . . . the Jewish leaders were amazed at what he knew:

When Jesus was twelve years old, they attended the festival as usual. After the celebration was over, they started home to Nazareth, but Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem. His parents didn't miss him at first, because they assumed he was with friends among the other travelers. But when he didn't show up that evening, they started to look for him among their relatives and friends. When they couldn't find him, they went back to Jerusalem to search for him there. Three days later they finally discovered him. He was in the Temple, sitting among the religious teachers, discussing deep questions with them. And all who heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers. (Luke 2:42-47, NLT)

All were amazed. The scene was not routine. Religious leaders were set apart . . . known for their wisdom . . . and did not spend their time discussing deep questions with twelve year old boys. It was not something that could have been kept quiet. Most likely the leaders had discussed Jesus . . . looking forward to Jesus participating in leadership as he grew into a man; however, when all was said and done, Jesus was seen as a man not as God.

We can look backwards and wonder at their inability to see and believe . . . but we need to remember that to believe that Jesus was more than a man messed with everything they knew to be true.

To think that God would take on the task of being part of humanity to reveal love . . . to give grace . . . to invite humanity into an active participating relationship makes no sense . . . and . . . changes the way we think, behave, and what we do.

Let Jesus mess with you today.
Break out of your routine and the way you do things this week.
Participate in the work of Christ.
Mess with someone else . . . through the love and grace of God.

Learning with you to break out of the daily routine and mess around,
Shalom,
Kerrie
(All devotions written by Kerrie Palmer ©2008 All Rights Reserved)

Carpe Diem

Question to think about: Will you seize the day because God is at work?

It is hard to believe that it is the last day of October. Seriously, where does the time go? In the midst of busyness, it is difficult to find any extra time . . . well . . . technically there is an exception . . . in our area of the world . . . we are gaining an hour . . . when we manually put the time back an hour on Sunday morning. The thing is . . . we need to appreciate all of the time we are given. In other words we need to "seize the day" as the Latin phrase, carpe diem, so aptly states.

When you get down to it, we often are more consumed with what we are doing than with what God is doing. In turn, we miss experiencing the value of the day.
But Jesus replied, “My Father is always working, and so am I.” (John 5:17, NLT)

God is always working.
Refocus on what God is doing rather than on what you are doing.
Seize the day . . . Carpe diem.

Learning with you to seize the day,
Shalom,
Kerrie
(All devotions written by Kerrie Palmer ©2008 All Rights Reserved)

The Shoulds

Question to think about: What are the "shoulds" in your life?

An individual tried to convince me that I should have new and improved rain gutters. Apparently, I should have them. Yet, another individual, thought I should have a new coffee maker. Apparently, I should have one. One of my professors thought I should write a specific paper. Apparently, I should write it. The more I think about it. . . there are a lot of "shoulds" in this world.

What are your shoulds?
What should you have in your possession?
What should you do?
What should you say?
What should you feel?

No one escapes the "shoulds" of life. The Jewish leaders had a list of "shoulds" for the Sabbath that Christ did not follow: So the Jewish leaders began harassing Jesus for breaking the Sabbath rules.
John 5:16, NLT)
They missed the point. The Jewish leaders had designed a set of rules that limited them in their relationship with God. "Shoulds" are constraining. We are not created to live under the burden of "shoulds" but to be free through the presence and peace of Christ. Even so, we often get caught up in the "shoulds." Christ invites us to live free of the "shoulds" through living beyond the restraints of circumstances in the power of the Spirit:
So Christ has really set us free. Now make sure that you stay free, and don't get tied up again in slavery to the law. (Galatians 5:1, NLT)

The thing is, Christ did not come to force us to live by rules but to live in relationship with God.
Seek freedom through Christ.
Refuse to be constrained or ruled by the "shoulds."
Live as you have been created to live: free in the Spirit.


Learning with you to be free,
Shalom,
Kerrie
(All devotions written by Kerrie Palmer ©2008 All Rights Reserved)

Skunks Stink

Question to think about: Will you waver and revert to fear or respond in faith when the work of God is questioned?

Our house was skunked last night. We never saw the skunk; however, it left a stinkin' calling card. The stink permeated the air outside and crept inside our home. The smell is completely distinguishable. No one and nothing else can stink like a skunk.

Whether we like it or not, the presence of fear in our life is very similar to the stink of a skunk. Fear stinks. It messes with our personal life and impacts others. Fear is distinguishable.

Christ encountered a man that lived in fear rather than in faith:
Then the man went to find the Jewish leaders and told them it was Jesus who had healed him.(John 5:15, NLT)

What led the man to actively look for the Jewish leaders? Did he tell the Jewish leaders about Jesus out of faith or fear? Was the man trying to escape trouble from breaking the religious leaders' Sabbath rules?

Evaluate the process:
1. In his initial conversation with Christ, the man made excuses for unhealthy living for 38 years when he answered the "duh" question, "Would you like to get well?" (John 5:8b, NLT)
2. Christ did not enter into the excuses of the man but rather told him to:
"Stand up, pick up your sleeping mat, and walk!" (John 5:8, NLT)
3. When faced with making the choice of wellness he had . . . to choose the stance of health . . . to choose to change his unhealthy behavior by picking up the sleeping mat . . . and to choose to walk in health whether he felt like it or not.
Instantly, the man was healed! He rolled up the mat and began walking! (John 5:9, NLT)
4. The man's choice to be healthy was challenged: "You can't work on the Sabbath! It's illegal to carry that sleeping mat!" (John 5:10b, NLT)
5. The man did not confess his personal participation in the work of God. He said, "The man who healed me said to me, 'Pick up your sleeping mat and walk.' " (John 5:11b, NLT)
6. Jesus found the man and told him to stop sinning. "Now you are well; so stop sinning, or something even worse may happen to you." (John 5:14, NLT) The thing is, sin separates humanity from living a healthy and whole life. Something is always missing when someone lives apart from God, which is faith.
7. The man looked for the Jewish leaders to tell them it was Jesus who had healed him on the Sabbath.

Apparently, the man reverted to his old ways. He looked for an escape route to avoid responsibility for his choices, told the leaders that Jesus had been responsible for his healing on the Sabbath, and missed the point of the miracle. When all is said and done, fear was the root problem for excusing his behavior and dismissing his responsibility in the choice to live healthy.
The man was more comfortable with living in fear than in faith.
Fear leaves a stinkin' calling card.
Fear invades our body, mind, and soul.
Fear is contagious.
Fear strengthens as fear rules our thoughts, conversation, and behavior.
Refuse fear.
Choose faith.

Learning with you to refuse to stink with fear,
Shalom,
Kerrie
(All devotions written by Kerrie Palmer ©2008 All Rights Reserved)

Defined and Driven

Question to think about: What will define and drive your thoughts, conversation, and behavior today?

We have a deer problem. The deer come into our yard and eat our plants . . . until the plants appear to be sticks coming out of the ground. The thing is . . . these deer are not afraid of human beings . . . they are so accustomed to human interaction that they stand and stare at our attempts to move them out of the yard. The battle is not over.

Deer do not belong in neighborhoods. Deer are not supposed to feel comfortable with human beings. But they do! Likewise, human beings find themselves in places of life that they do not belong; however, they find themselves increasingly comfortable in that place of life. When you get down to it, life is a series of choices that define and drive how we live.

John wrote about a man that was defined and driven by an illness for 38 years. Jesus made him well:
But afterward Jesus found him in the Temple and told him, "Now you are well; so stop sinning, or something even worse may happen to you." (John 5:15, NLT)

Jesus made it clear that sin would interrupt the healed man's well-being. The thing is, sin is not a list of "wrongs" and "things not to do." Sin is a state of being, a heart condition. In spiritual terms, the heart is the innermost part of our being that defines who we are and drives or motivates what we do. Sin cuts off the flow of life from the heart, leaving it weakened and ineffective.
As a face is reflected in water, so the heart reflects the person. (Proverbs 27: 19, NLT)

There is no question that the man who had been sick for 38 years experienced an incredible healing; however, there was a question if he would remain well. The man had to make some choices . . . to live healthy or unhealthy . . . to allow the encounter with Jesus to lead to transformation . . . or to revert back being defined and driven by an illness that separated him from Life.

Evaluate the condition of your heart.

Are you defined and driven by the presence, peace, and power of Christ?
Is your spiritual heart healthy?
Is your heart filled with Life, the presence of Christ?
Are there any areas of your heart cut off from the flowing presence of Life?
Are you defined and driven by the presence and power of sin in any area of your life? In other words, have you experienced weakness and/or ineffectiveness in specific areas of your life?

Surrender what needs to be surrendered. Change what needs to be changed. Pursue living healthy and whole through the presence, peace, and power of Christ, God with us.

Learning with you to live fully and wholly defined and driven by Christ,
Shalom,
Kerrie
(All devotions written by Kerrie Palmer ©2008 All Rights Reserved)

Locked In

Question to think about: Is there a circumstance, habit, or issue that is controlling you?

I had dinner with a group of moms. One was late. Her reason for being late was a classic . . . memorable. She went to school to pick up her two little boys. The building is new and the staff is still adjusting to all of the quirks. A teacher took the "after-school" kids out to the inner courtyard unaware that the lock had an automatic timer. Yep . . . you guessed it . . . the door locked . . . for the night. No one could get in or out. The teacher used her cell phone to call for help. Parents arrived to pick up kids. They could see their kids through the windows but could not get to them . . . no one could figure out how to open the door . . . a picture of the other side of cool technology. Finally, someone figured out that if, the fire alarm went off . . . then, the automatic lock system would shut off. They set off the alarm. The kids were freed.

There are things in life that lock us in.

Illness locked in a man from living healthy for 38 years. He survived those years; however, he missed the gift of living until he encountered Jesus. He was freed. Think what it would have been like to experience complete freedom after being dictated by an illness for 38 years of life. It seems that the people around him would have been speechless . . . God allowed them to see the miracle . . . to be present in the miracle . . . to believe. But there were some Jewish leaders that did not focus on God:

So the Jewish leaders objected. They said to the man who was cured, "You can't work on the Sabbath! It's illegal to carry that sleeping mat!"
He replied, "The man who healed me said to me, 'Pick up your sleeping mat and walk.' "
"Who said such a thing as that?" they demanded.
The man didn't know, for Jesus had disappeared into the crowd. (John 5:10-13, NLT)
The man knew and said he was healed. Speaking about liberation is a powerful component of remaining free. Along the journey of life we will meet people that will not see or believe that God is at work. We must make a decision: Will we let those who do not believe lock us into their unbelief or if we will trust God with the belief?

An angel told the virgin, Mary: "For nothing is impossible with God."
Mary responded, "I am the Lord's servant, and I am willing to accept whatever he wants. May everything you have said come true." And then the angel left. (Luke 1:37-38, NLT)

Do what God calls you to do.
You are the Lord's servant.
Be willing to accept whatever God wants.
There is a divine plan for you and I to experience a life of freedom through an ongoing, participating, active relationship with God.

Refuse to be locked in by circumstances, habits, issues, feelings, bitterness, gossip, or ________.
Remember that nothing is impossible with God!
Experience the liberation of God.
Live your liberation out loud.

Learning with you to refuse to be locked in,
Shalom,
Kerrie
(All devotions written by Kerrie Palmer ©2008 All Rights Reserved)

No Buts About It!

Question to think about: Is it possible to trust without reserve?

For those that follow the news of the day . . . the world's economy is down. Depressing . . . down right depressing . . . BUT . . . the thing is . . . the news leaves out the presence of God and what God is doing in our midst . . . there is more to the story . . . God is present . . . God is working . . . God is in control. Most of us could fill in the blank without much thinking: It would be easier to believe God is at work if __________.

The work of God changes the way we live. One man experienced a miracle when he encountered Christ:
. . . BUT this miracle happened on the Sabbath day. (John 5:9b)
Even though a miracle occurred . . . the word, "but," alerts the reader that there is something that isn't quite right.

The ancient world recognized that the Jewish people observed the Sabbath. The people were to rest on the Sabbath; it was considered a holy day. Just as a portion of their earnings were to be reserved for God, so was a portion of their time to be reserved for God. The time reserved was a sign of their covenantal relationship made with God.

BUT, many of the religious leaders had lost sight of the meaning of Sabbath. They spent an inordinate amount of time interpreting what was or was not appropriate for Sabbath. Their top priority centered on the rules rather than their relationship with God.

So . . . Christ, God with us, healed a man on the Sabbath. The religious leaders focused on what they thought was important rather than what God did.


Before, we gang up on the religious leaders of the day . . . don't we do the same thing? If, God does not do what we think is important . . . we often think something is wrong. Could it be that our top priority is not always about a relationship with God . . . but . . . about getting what we want?

In these difficult times we need to focus on our relationship with God, completely trusting God to be present and at work . . . no BUTs about it!
Learning with you to trust without reserve,
Shalom,
Kerrie
(All devotions written by Kerrie Palmer ©2008 All Rights Reserved)

The Catalyst That Makes You Fly

Question to think about: What does it take to change your unhealthy ways?

C.S. Lewis said, "It may be hard for an egg to turn into a bird: it would be {a jolly sight} harder for it to learn to fly while remaining an egg. We are like eggs at present. And you cannot go on indefinitely being just an ordinary, decent egg. We must be hatched or go bad."

Change can be hard. Change can be growth. Change can be freedom. The man who had been ill for 38 years changed:
Instantly, the man was healed! He rolled up the mat and began walking . . . (John 5:8a, NLT).
The longer we live with unhealthy behavior, the more difficult it is to break free of our unhealthy ways. The catalyst to change has to overrule the power of habitual living. A catalyst is something that changes the rate of a process . . . a chemical reaction to a chemical substance. What was the catalyst?
The man encountered the presence of Christ, God with us.
The man heard and received the words of Christ.
The man responded to the presence and words of Christ.
The man participated with the work of Christ . . . by taking action.

What does this mean for you and I?
To change we need to be unsatisfied with being an "ordinary egg" and surrender to the catalyst of the presence and power of Christ . . . then . . . hatch and fly:
Acknowledge any unhealthy behavior.
Submit to the abiding presence and power of Christ.
Learn, receive, and respond to the Word of God.
Start now . . . the man did not say he would think about it . . . he got up, rolled up his mat and immediately gave up his unhealthy ways.

Enjoy your flight!
Learning with you to respond to the catalyst of the presence of Christ and fly,
Shalom,
Kerrie
(All devotions written by Kerrie Palmer ©2008 All Rights Reserved)

Stand up. Pick up your mat. Walk.

Question to think about: Are you waiting for life to happen to you or are you actively engaged with the work of God?

Christ invites humanity to be a part of the work of God. There are people that know God but they choose to live on the sidelines. Why? Participating with the work of God requires action, living beyond what can be seen and often in an uncomfortable place. That said, those who actively engage with the work of God live with passion and purpose.

The sick man had to make a decision to do what Jesus said to do. He had spent a lifetime of letting life happen.
Jesus told him, "Stand up, pick up your sleeping mat, and walk!" (John 5:8, NLT)
Jesus asked the man to take action:

1.Stand up. Along the way, we must determine what our stance in life will be. Will we live stuck in fear or stand in faith? Christ, God with us, told the man to stand up. The man had not stood for thirty-eight years. He would have been incredibly weak. The thing is, when we choose faith, God will empower and strengthen us to stand. "LORD, by Your favor You have made my mountain stand strong." (Psalm 30:6a, NKJV)

2. Pick up your sleeping mat. We need to acknowledge our responsibility in how we live. The man relied on his sleeping mat. It was his band-aid answer for life. While it was not a place of health for him, it was where he felt comfortable. When unhealthy behavior is repeated, it becomes comfortable. God has created us for a purpose; however, God leaves us with the choice of how we will live. Christ, God with us, purposed for the man to be well. The man had the responsibility in becoming well by changing his behavior. In other words, we are invited to engage our life with the divine work of God. "The LORD will fulfill his purpose for me"(Psalm 138:8a, NRS)

3. Walk. Living the way we are created to live requires action. The man had not walked for thirty-eight years. Can you imagine what it must have felt like to be told to walk by Christ, God with us? Certainly, he must have thought about what it would be like to walk . . . he had positioned himself at the edge of the pool where others had been healed . . . wanting to be free of the illness. Freedom from the things that oppress us require action. Jesus told the man to do it. The man could have told Jesus that walking would be impossible, refusing to take action. When we chose to go the way that God leads, we will discover a pathway that pushes through the impossibilities. "Teach me your way, O LORD, that I may walk in your truth; give me an undivided heart to revere your name." (Psalm 86:11, NRS)
Stand up.
Pick up your mat.
Walk.
Learning with you to do what God says to do,
Shalom,
Kerrie
(All devotions written by Kerrie Palmer ©2008 All Rights Reserved)