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)
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Monday, December 29, 2008
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)
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)
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
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)
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)
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
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)
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)
Monday, December 22, 2008
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:
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)
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)
Friday, December 19, 2008
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)
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)
Thursday, December 18, 2008
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)
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)
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
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)
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)
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
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)
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)
Monday, December 15, 2008
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)
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)
Friday, December 12, 2008
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)
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)
Thursday, December 11, 2008
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)
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)
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
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)
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)
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
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)
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)
Monday, December 8, 2008
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.
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?
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)
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)
Friday, December 5, 2008
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)
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)
Thursday, December 4, 2008
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)
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)
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
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)
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)
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
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)
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)
Monday, December 1, 2008
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)
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)
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