And hope does not disappoint us, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us.
(Romans 5:5, NRS).
I have a friend that seems to always be hoping for something. The thing is most of what he hopes for has nothing to do with reality. His hope is based on a pie-in-the-sky wish list. He will be the first to tell you that he doesn't really believe that the wish list will come true . . . but he has hope. What does that mean?
Hope has a tangible and real quality. Romans 5:5 reminds us that true hope will not disappoint us because it is based on the love of God poured into us through the presence of the Spirit. True hope, the kind of hope that you can count on, is based on the reality of Christ. Rather than a wish list, true hope becomes an anchor in our life.
Hebrews 6:9 puts hope into the word picture of an anchor:
We have this hope, a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters the inner shrine behind the curtain (NRS).
Do you experience hope as an anchor in your life?
Does hope anchor you when adversity arises?
Are you anchored in the reality of hope through the presence of Christ?
Take time today to mediate on the anchor of hope.
Learning with you to be anchored,
Shalom,
Kerrie
(All devotions written by Kerrie Palmer ©2008 All Rights Reserved)
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Trust
The LORD is good to those who wait for him, to the soul that seeks him. (Lamentations 3:25, NRS).
In an about an hour I will be at the hospital to pray with someone that is going into surgery. When you think about it, surgery requires an individual to have total trust. The surgeon has a fair amount of control on the outcome of the surgery while a patient basically loses all control once the surgery begins.
Trust is difficult but can be freeing when we surrender and abandon every hesitation to God. One of the greatest obstacles to trusting is fear of the unknown. Even so, it is when we face something that requires trust that we learn to trust. Trusting involves waiting. During a season of waiting we discover the value of trust.
The author of Lamentations wrote that God is good to those who wait. In other words, waiting allows us to personally experience the goodness of God. The process of trust requires on-going surrender of our thoughts, words, and actions that eventually will be revealed through the course of a day. The thing is, trust will rarely be tested or revealed in what we control; however, actively trusting God and letting go of what little control we possess will bring a new clarity and confidence.
Trust is explained succinctly in Psalm 37:
Trust in the LORD, and do good; so you will live in the land, and enjoy security.
Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart.
Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him, and he will act. (Psalm 37: 3-5, NRS)
Trust is a daily decision.
Will you trust God today?
Will you completely trust God today?
Are you willing to wait on God with trust?
Learning with you to trust and wait on God,
Shalom,
Kerrie
(All devotions written by Kerrie Palmer ©2008 All Rights Reserved)
In an about an hour I will be at the hospital to pray with someone that is going into surgery. When you think about it, surgery requires an individual to have total trust. The surgeon has a fair amount of control on the outcome of the surgery while a patient basically loses all control once the surgery begins.
Trust is difficult but can be freeing when we surrender and abandon every hesitation to God. One of the greatest obstacles to trusting is fear of the unknown. Even so, it is when we face something that requires trust that we learn to trust. Trusting involves waiting. During a season of waiting we discover the value of trust.
The author of Lamentations wrote that God is good to those who wait. In other words, waiting allows us to personally experience the goodness of God. The process of trust requires on-going surrender of our thoughts, words, and actions that eventually will be revealed through the course of a day. The thing is, trust will rarely be tested or revealed in what we control; however, actively trusting God and letting go of what little control we possess will bring a new clarity and confidence.
Trust is explained succinctly in Psalm 37:
Trust in the LORD, and do good; so you will live in the land, and enjoy security.
Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart.
Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him, and he will act. (Psalm 37: 3-5, NRS)
Trust is a daily decision.
Will you trust God today?
Will you completely trust God today?
Are you willing to wait on God with trust?
Learning with you to trust and wait on God,
Shalom,
Kerrie
(All devotions written by Kerrie Palmer ©2008 All Rights Reserved)
Monday, April 28, 2008
A Space For Quietness
"The LORD is my portion," says my soul, "therefore I will hope in him" (Lamentations 3:24, NRS).
It has been over a week since I wrote devotions. Sometimes we have to let go of something for a segment of time to create space for quietness. I needed quietness and rest in the midst of a fast-paced schedule. You and I need a daily sacred space to be quiet and rest in the presence of God.
The human mind and heart needs release from the pressures of the day to remain healthy. Transformation occurs when we shut everything out in a space of time to purposefully focus on God. Our state of mind and attitude are quieted when we enter into a sacred meeting with God.
The Lamentations writer explained that the human soul finds life through God: "The Lord is my portion."
One of my mentors often referenced this Lamentations passage with Isaiah 30:15: "In returning and rest you shall be saved; in quietness and in trust shall be your strength.”
Quiet and rest are found in the presence of God. The thing is, God will not rush or hurry us along. God assures us, bringing us confidence through quietness and rest. The mind and heart are given rest from the daily pressures in the quietness of the sacred meeting.
Determine to create space in your day for quietness.
Choose to have a sacred meeting with God.
Let your mind and heart be quieted.
Rest in the presence of God.
Relax.
Learning with you to make a space for quietness,
Shalom,
Kerrie
(All devotions written by Kerrie Palmer ©2008 All Rights Reserved)
It has been over a week since I wrote devotions. Sometimes we have to let go of something for a segment of time to create space for quietness. I needed quietness and rest in the midst of a fast-paced schedule. You and I need a daily sacred space to be quiet and rest in the presence of God.
The human mind and heart needs release from the pressures of the day to remain healthy. Transformation occurs when we shut everything out in a space of time to purposefully focus on God. Our state of mind and attitude are quieted when we enter into a sacred meeting with God.
The Lamentations writer explained that the human soul finds life through God: "The Lord is my portion."
One of my mentors often referenced this Lamentations passage with Isaiah 30:15: "In returning and rest you shall be saved; in quietness and in trust shall be your strength.”
Quiet and rest are found in the presence of God. The thing is, God will not rush or hurry us along. God assures us, bringing us confidence through quietness and rest. The mind and heart are given rest from the daily pressures in the quietness of the sacred meeting.
Determine to create space in your day for quietness.
Choose to have a sacred meeting with God.
Let your mind and heart be quieted.
Rest in the presence of God.
Relax.
Learning with you to make a space for quietness,
Shalom,
Kerrie
(All devotions written by Kerrie Palmer ©2008 All Rights Reserved)
Friday, April 11, 2008
One Long Day
They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. (Lamentations 3:23, NIV)
I love getting up early in the morning. The new day is a miracle . . . after all we start fresh and have a new beginning every 24 hours. Think about it. God is faithful to give us a new day, which signifies a new work in our life. God could have created one long day . . . a day that never ends. Yikes! How boring, tedious, and mundane does that sound?
The Lamentations writer wanted the people to know that the mercy of God was fresh and new every day. God's faithfulness is never old and mundane but blows into our life like a fresh wind. The fresh mercy sets humanity free from what has held us captive.
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! (II Corinthians 5:17, NIV)
God has created more than one long day for you and I to experience.
Celebrate the new day.
Let the new mercy of God cover you each new day.
Be made new every day.
Learning with you to experience being made new every day,
Shalom,
Kerrie
(All devotions written by Kerrie Palmer ©2008 All Rights Reserved)
I love getting up early in the morning. The new day is a miracle . . . after all we start fresh and have a new beginning every 24 hours. Think about it. God is faithful to give us a new day, which signifies a new work in our life. God could have created one long day . . . a day that never ends. Yikes! How boring, tedious, and mundane does that sound?
The Lamentations writer wanted the people to know that the mercy of God was fresh and new every day. God's faithfulness is never old and mundane but blows into our life like a fresh wind. The fresh mercy sets humanity free from what has held us captive.
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! (II Corinthians 5:17, NIV)
God has created more than one long day for you and I to experience.
Celebrate the new day.
Let the new mercy of God cover you each new day.
Be made new every day.
Learning with you to experience being made new every day,
Shalom,
Kerrie
(All devotions written by Kerrie Palmer ©2008 All Rights Reserved)
Thursday, April 10, 2008
Not Consumed . . . seriously?
Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. (Lamentations 3:22, NIV)
My friend told me that he has balance in his life. Always. He is never overwhelmed or consumed with life. I asked him how long he had had a problem with dishonesty. Seriously . . . are you kidding me? No one lives in this era without some imbalance and feelings of being overwhelmed at least once in a while.
The author of Lamentations describes an overwhelming era, a time when people were consumed with their circumstances. But . . . the author points out that the power of God's love covers the most overwhelming-out-of-control-consuming life situation.
In other words, we can experience peace in the worst of times since peace is based upon knowing and trusting the presence of God rather than our circumstances.
Rather than being consumed, you and I can receive joy and peace through trusting God:
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.(Romans 15:13, NIV)
Refuse to be consumed.
Trust God.
Receive joy and peace.
Learning with you to not be consumed,
Shalom,
Kerrie
(All devotions written by Kerrie Palmer ©2008 All Rights Reserved)
My friend told me that he has balance in his life. Always. He is never overwhelmed or consumed with life. I asked him how long he had had a problem with dishonesty. Seriously . . . are you kidding me? No one lives in this era without some imbalance and feelings of being overwhelmed at least once in a while.
The author of Lamentations describes an overwhelming era, a time when people were consumed with their circumstances. But . . . the author points out that the power of God's love covers the most overwhelming-out-of-control-consuming life situation.
In other words, we can experience peace in the worst of times since peace is based upon knowing and trusting the presence of God rather than our circumstances.
Rather than being consumed, you and I can receive joy and peace through trusting God:
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.(Romans 15:13, NIV)
Refuse to be consumed.
Trust God.
Receive joy and peace.
Learning with you to not be consumed,
Shalom,
Kerrie
(All devotions written by Kerrie Palmer ©2008 All Rights Reserved)
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
The Already and Not Yet of Hope
Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope . . . (Lamentations 3:21, NIV).
Humanity has been created with the need for hope as well as the ability to hope. What is seen in the world as reality is often a stark contradiction to the unseen of hope. There is a tension between the "already" and "not yet" of hope.
Through the presence of God we are able to live in hope regardless of hopeless circumstances. Hope through the presence and power of the love of God creates a strength to face today and tomorrow.
Allow the hope of God to fill your thoughts, words, and actions. Ask the Spirit of God to exchange hopelessness for hope: Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will live in hope Acts 2:26, Psalm 16, NIV).
Be still for a few minutes. Be aware of the love of Christ. Concentrate on Christ, God with us, the "already" of hope: And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us. (Romans 5:5, NIV)
Refocus. Put aside all the details of the day and focus on the "not yet" of hope: For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what he already has? But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently. (Romans 8:24-25, NIV)
Ask God to open your eyes to the "already" and the "not yet" of hope through the life you have received: I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints (Ephesians 1:18, NIV)
Meditate on the power of the "already" and "not yet" of your experience of hope: But Christ is faithful as a son over God's house. And we are his house, if we hold on to our courage and the hope of which we boast. (Hebrews 3:8, NIV)
Take time to thank God for the "already" and "not yet" of hope: Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade-- kept in heaven for you,(I Peter 1:3-4, NIV)
Live in hope.
Learning with you to receive the "already" and "not yet" of hope,
Shalom,
Kerrie
(All devotions written by Kerrie Palmer ©2008 All Rights Reserved)
Humanity has been created with the need for hope as well as the ability to hope. What is seen in the world as reality is often a stark contradiction to the unseen of hope. There is a tension between the "already" and "not yet" of hope.
Through the presence of God we are able to live in hope regardless of hopeless circumstances. Hope through the presence and power of the love of God creates a strength to face today and tomorrow.
Take time to meditate on hope found through the power and presence of God. Receive hope through the active work of the Spirit:
Allow the hope of God to fill your thoughts, words, and actions. Ask the Spirit of God to exchange hopelessness for hope: Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will live in hope Acts 2:26, Psalm 16, NIV).
Be still for a few minutes. Be aware of the love of Christ. Concentrate on Christ, God with us, the "already" of hope: And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us. (Romans 5:5, NIV)
Refocus. Put aside all the details of the day and focus on the "not yet" of hope: For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what he already has? But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently. (Romans 8:24-25, NIV)
Ask God to open your eyes to the "already" and the "not yet" of hope through the life you have received: I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints (Ephesians 1:18, NIV)
Meditate on the power of the "already" and "not yet" of your experience of hope: But Christ is faithful as a son over God's house. And we are his house, if we hold on to our courage and the hope of which we boast. (Hebrews 3:8, NIV)
Take time to thank God for the "already" and "not yet" of hope: Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade-- kept in heaven for you,(I Peter 1:3-4, NIV)
Live in hope.
Learning with you to receive the "already" and "not yet" of hope,
Shalom,
Kerrie
(All devotions written by Kerrie Palmer ©2008 All Rights Reserved)
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
Sing With The Mountains
I well remember them, and my soul is downcast within me. (Lamentations 3:20)
Sometimes I can't believe the horrible circumstances that people endure. In my perspective, the worst of any hardship occurs when children are part of it. Accordingly, the adults in this world need to make sure children are protected and loved, even at the risk of their own comfort and happiness.
The writer of Lamentations, describes horrific circumstances, writing, "My eyes fail from weeping, I am in torment within, my heart is poured out on the ground because my people are destroyed, because children and infants faint in the streets of the city" (Lamentations 2:11, NIV).
The image of children and infants on the streets of the city depict utter destruction and devastation. Remembering this kind of event creates an unspeakable and life altering pain.
Relief from pain of this magnitude comes through God's liberation and restoration. We are promised freedom and restoration through a relationship with God.
This is what the LORD says: "In the time of my favor I will answer you, and in the day of salvation I will help you; I will keep you and will make you to be a covenant for the people, to restore the land and to reassign its desolate inheritances,to say to the captives, 'Come out,' and to those in darkness, 'Be free!' "They will feed beside the roads and find pasture on every barren hill.They will neither hunger nor thirst, nor will the desert heat or the sun beat upon them. He who has compassion on them will guide them and lead them beside springs of water. I will turn all my mountains into roads, and my highways will be raised up. See, they will come from afar-- some from the north, some from the west, some from the region of Aswan." Shout for joy, O heavens; rejoice, O earth;
For the LORD comforts his people and will have compassion on his afflicted ones. (Isaiah 49:8-13, NIV).
Restoration of the land was to occur through returning to a relationship with God.
Participating in a relationship with God liberates humanity from the pain of whatever holds us captive (hurts, habits, and circumstances), moving us out of the darkness into the light with sustenance and refreshment.
Receive the comfort and compassion of God and sing with the mountains . . . God frees and restores all of His children!
Learning with you to sing with the mountains ,
Shalom,
Kerrie
(All devotions written by Kerrie Palmer ©2008 All Rights Reserved)
Sometimes I can't believe the horrible circumstances that people endure. In my perspective, the worst of any hardship occurs when children are part of it. Accordingly, the adults in this world need to make sure children are protected and loved, even at the risk of their own comfort and happiness.
The writer of Lamentations, describes horrific circumstances, writing, "My eyes fail from weeping, I am in torment within, my heart is poured out on the ground because my people are destroyed, because children and infants faint in the streets of the city" (Lamentations 2:11, NIV).
The image of children and infants on the streets of the city depict utter destruction and devastation. Remembering this kind of event creates an unspeakable and life altering pain.
Relief from pain of this magnitude comes through God's liberation and restoration. We are promised freedom and restoration through a relationship with God.
This is what the LORD says: "In the time of my favor I will answer you, and in the day of salvation I will help you; I will keep you and will make you to be a covenant for the people, to restore the land and to reassign its desolate inheritances,to say to the captives, 'Come out,' and to those in darkness, 'Be free!' "They will feed beside the roads and find pasture on every barren hill.They will neither hunger nor thirst, nor will the desert heat or the sun beat upon them. He who has compassion on them will guide them and lead them beside springs of water. I will turn all my mountains into roads, and my highways will be raised up. See, they will come from afar-- some from the north, some from the west, some from the region of Aswan." Shout for joy, O heavens; rejoice, O earth;
burst into song, O mountains!
For the LORD comforts his people and will have compassion on his afflicted ones. (Isaiah 49:8-13, NIV).
Restoration of the land was to occur through returning to a relationship with God.
Participating in a relationship with God liberates humanity from the pain of whatever holds us captive (hurts, habits, and circumstances), moving us out of the darkness into the light with sustenance and refreshment.
Receive the comfort and compassion of God and sing with the mountains . . . God frees and restores all of His children!
Learning with you to sing with the mountains ,
Shalom,
Kerrie
(All devotions written by Kerrie Palmer ©2008 All Rights Reserved)
Monday, April 7, 2008
Tough Times
I remember my affliction and my wandering, the bitterness and the gall. (Lamentations 3:19, NIV)
Life can be tough. And . . . in the tough times we discover what matters. I talked with two individuals that are going through chemo treatments. One individual has experienced incredible peace, while the other not only has suffered the physical impact of cancer and chemo treatments but, also, crushing anxiety and worry about the future.
How can two people have such different responses in life?
There is not a simple answer; however, at the end of the day we each form a different perspective. In other words, we see life through our personal experience and reality.
The author of Lamentations had seen and remembered the affliction of the people in exile. There had been tremendous loss of life, property, and possessions. The thoughts and responses of the people were dictated by their sufferings. Accordingly, their sufferings were impressed deep within the recess of their thoughts. At some point, the people had felt that God had been silent and distant.
It reminds me of the scene when the disciples were with Jesus during a stormy night on the sea. While they were experienced at sea, the storm at sea had frightened them. So, it must have been an unusually fierce and violent storm. The fierce winds would have been roaring as rain hit them from every side, while the sea pushed and pulled at the boat. Even so, Jesus was asleep on the boat and . . . then . . . there was a striking scene . . . a hold your breath moment . . . and a realization that God is present in the worst storm of their lives
The author of Lamentations had seen and remembered the affliction of the people in exile. There had been tremendous loss of life, property, and possessions. The thoughts and responses of the people were dictated by their suffereings. Accordingly, their sufferings were impressed deep within the recess of their thoughts. At some point, the people had felt that God had been silent and distant.
It reminds me of the scene when the disciples were with Jesus during a stormy night on the sea. While they were experienced at sea, the storm at sea had frightened them. So, it must have been an unusally fierce and violent storm. The fierce winds would have been roaring as rain hit them from every side, while the sea pushed and pulled at the boat. Even so, Jesus was asleep on the boat and . . . then . . . there was a striking scene . . . a hold your breath moment . . . and a realization that God is present in the worst storm of their lives:
24 And suddenly a great tempest arose on the sea, so that the boat was covered with the waves. But He was asleep.
25 Then His disciples came to Him and awoke Him, saying, "Lord, save us! We are perishing!"
26 But He said to them, "Why are you fearful, O you of little faith?" Then He arose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm. (Matthew 8, NKJ)
When all is said and done, God is with us.
God will calm the storms of life and bring peace.
Be at peace . . . God is present . . .
Learning with you to remember God is present,
Shalom,
Kerrie
(All devotions written by Kerrie Palmer ©2008 All Rights Reserved)
Life can be tough. And . . . in the tough times we discover what matters. I talked with two individuals that are going through chemo treatments. One individual has experienced incredible peace, while the other not only has suffered the physical impact of cancer and chemo treatments but, also, crushing anxiety and worry about the future.
How can two people have such different responses in life?
There is not a simple answer; however, at the end of the day we each form a different perspective. In other words, we see life through our personal experience and reality.
The author of Lamentations had seen and remembered the affliction of the people in exile. There had been tremendous loss of life, property, and possessions. The thoughts and responses of the people were dictated by their sufferings. Accordingly, their sufferings were impressed deep within the recess of their thoughts. At some point, the people had felt that God had been silent and distant.
It reminds me of the scene when the disciples were with Jesus during a stormy night on the sea. While they were experienced at sea, the storm at sea had frightened them. So, it must have been an unusually fierce and violent storm. The fierce winds would have been roaring as rain hit them from every side, while the sea pushed and pulled at the boat. Even so, Jesus was asleep on the boat and . . . then . . . there was a striking scene . . . a hold your breath moment . . . and a realization that God is present in the worst storm of their lives
The author of Lamentations had seen and remembered the affliction of the people in exile. There had been tremendous loss of life, property, and possessions. The thoughts and responses of the people were dictated by their suffereings. Accordingly, their sufferings were impressed deep within the recess of their thoughts. At some point, the people had felt that God had been silent and distant.
It reminds me of the scene when the disciples were with Jesus during a stormy night on the sea. While they were experienced at sea, the storm at sea had frightened them. So, it must have been an unusally fierce and violent storm. The fierce winds would have been roaring as rain hit them from every side, while the sea pushed and pulled at the boat. Even so, Jesus was asleep on the boat and . . . then . . . there was a striking scene . . . a hold your breath moment . . . and a realization that God is present in the worst storm of their lives:
24 And suddenly a great tempest arose on the sea, so that the boat was covered with the waves. But He was asleep.
25 Then His disciples came to Him and awoke Him, saying, "Lord, save us! We are perishing!"
26 But He said to them, "Why are you fearful, O you of little faith?" Then He arose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm. (Matthew 8, NKJ)
When all is said and done, God is with us.
God will calm the storms of life and bring peace.
Be at peace . . . God is present . . .
Learning with you to remember God is present,
Shalom,
Kerrie
(All devotions written by Kerrie Palmer ©2008 All Rights Reserved)
Friday, April 4, 2008
Crashed
For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. (Matthew 6:21, NIV)
My computer crashed early in the morning on April 3rd, which happens to be my birthday. I was using a program that evidently does not have the best rating, which I had not been told until my computer crashed . . . so happy birthday to me. Seriously, there should be a warning label put on computers.
Warning: This computer may crash at any given time, day or night, consuming your time and creating havoc in your life.
Eventually, I realized that it was time to refocus. Too often we become consumed with the drama of the day rather than the One who has made the day.
Is our attention drawn to the details that impact us or the presence of God?
Have we connected with the presence of God?
God desires for us to know His presence, to participate in His presence, and to be transformed by His presence. Christ, God with us, said that what we focus on, our treasure, reveals what really matters to us . . . what defines our life.
So, how do we connect with the presence of God and focus on God when the tensions and pressures of circumstances are challenging or overwhelming?
The writer of Lamentations reflects on the depressing and overpowering sense of despair that the people were going through; however, the author says there is a way to get through it and receive peace:
I remember my affliction and my wandering, the bitterness and the gall.
I well remember them, and my soul is downcast within me.
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.
I say to myself, "The LORD is my portion; therefore I will wait for him."
The LORD is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him;it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the LORD. (Lamentations 3:19-26)
I have focused on this scripture quite often in my life and want to unpack this next week. For today . . . look at the one little phrase . . . therefore I will wait for him.
Waiting is trust. Waiting restores. Waiting frees. Wait and know the presence of God.
Learning with you to wait rather than to crash,
Shalom,
Kerrie
(All devotions written by Kerrie Palmer ©2008 All Rights Reserved)
My computer crashed early in the morning on April 3rd, which happens to be my birthday. I was using a program that evidently does not have the best rating, which I had not been told until my computer crashed . . . so happy birthday to me. Seriously, there should be a warning label put on computers.
Warning: This computer may crash at any given time, day or night, consuming your time and creating havoc in your life.
Eventually, I realized that it was time to refocus. Too often we become consumed with the drama of the day rather than the One who has made the day.
Is our attention drawn to the details that impact us or the presence of God?
Have we connected with the presence of God?
God desires for us to know His presence, to participate in His presence, and to be transformed by His presence. Christ, God with us, said that what we focus on, our treasure, reveals what really matters to us . . . what defines our life.
So, how do we connect with the presence of God and focus on God when the tensions and pressures of circumstances are challenging or overwhelming?
The writer of Lamentations reflects on the depressing and overpowering sense of despair that the people were going through; however, the author says there is a way to get through it and receive peace:
I remember my affliction and my wandering, the bitterness and the gall.
I well remember them, and my soul is downcast within me.
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.
I say to myself, "The LORD is my portion; therefore I will wait for him."
The LORD is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him;it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the LORD. (Lamentations 3:19-26)
I have focused on this scripture quite often in my life and want to unpack this next week. For today . . . look at the one little phrase . . . therefore I will wait for him.
Waiting is trust. Waiting restores. Waiting frees. Wait and know the presence of God.
Learning with you to wait rather than to crash,
Shalom,
Kerrie
(All devotions written by Kerrie Palmer ©2008 All Rights Reserved)
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
The Legacy That Matters
But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal (Matthew 6:20, NLT).
How do we know our life matters?
The answer lies in what our legacy will be when we leave this earth.
Today I am joining a man's family and friends to celebrate the life he lived on earth. He left a powerful legacy: love. When it comes down to it, relationships were his primary concern.
Too often, relationships are last on the list for people living in the Western world, those that "have" more than the rest of the world. It seems to me, those that "have" tend to worry and spend a lot of time on making sure they "have" more.
So, how do we make sure that we leave a legacy that matters rather than trying to "have" more?
The answer has to do with how we expend our time and effort. Jesus sat on a mountain discussing the stuff of life with people. Jesus said: Store up for yourselves treasures in heaven.
The treasure that matters . . . that is stored in heaven is love . . . love for God and love for others. The greatest way to demonstrate love is to serve others.
Determine what your legacy will be when you leave this earth.
Choose to leave the legacy that matters every day.
Love all.
Serve all.
Learning with you to leave the legacy that matters,
Shalom,
Kerrie
(All devotions written by Kerrie Palmer ©2008 All Rights Reserved)
How do we know our life matters?
The answer lies in what our legacy will be when we leave this earth.
Today I am joining a man's family and friends to celebrate the life he lived on earth. He left a powerful legacy: love. When it comes down to it, relationships were his primary concern.
Too often, relationships are last on the list for people living in the Western world, those that "have" more than the rest of the world. It seems to me, those that "have" tend to worry and spend a lot of time on making sure they "have" more.
So, how do we make sure that we leave a legacy that matters rather than trying to "have" more?
The answer has to do with how we expend our time and effort. Jesus sat on a mountain discussing the stuff of life with people. Jesus said: Store up for yourselves treasures in heaven.
The treasure that matters . . . that is stored in heaven is love . . . love for God and love for others. The greatest way to demonstrate love is to serve others.
Determine what your legacy will be when you leave this earth.
Choose to leave the legacy that matters every day.
Love all.
Serve all.
Learning with you to leave the legacy that matters,
Shalom,
Kerrie
(All devotions written by Kerrie Palmer ©2008 All Rights Reserved)
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
We Can Be Dumb
Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. (Matthew 6:19, NLT)
We can spend a lot of time in our lives doing nothing. Seriously, there are things that take all of our time and attention which will have no lasting value at the end of our lives. Why do we waste our time? The first thought that comes to mind is that humanity can be dumb. I said it. I stand by it. We can be dumb. Princeton's online definition states to be dumb is "to be slow to learn or understand." Study the lives of people in the Bible, history books, or in today's newspaper . . . the word dumb may be an adjective to describe some things that we human beings can do.
The thing is, Christ made it clear in Matthew 6 that we could waste our time on earth. And . . . because humanity can be rather slow to learn and understand, we must be careful to evaluate our thoughts that lead us to say and do things that will either be of value or will dissipate at the end of our lives.
We are given guidelines in Philippians 4:
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable-- if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-- think about such things.
Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me-- put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. (8, NIV)
We need to intentionally filter our thoughts before putting our thoughts into action.
The result? We will know that what we are doing on earth matters . . . investing our time on things that have value . . . receiving the peace of God that will remain with us.
Filter your thoughts through the Philippians 4:8 grid.
Think before you take action.
Receive the peace of God.
Learning with you to think before taking action,
Shalom,
Kerrie
(All devotions written by Kerrie Palmer ©2008 All Rights Reserved)
We can spend a lot of time in our lives doing nothing. Seriously, there are things that take all of our time and attention which will have no lasting value at the end of our lives. Why do we waste our time? The first thought that comes to mind is that humanity can be dumb. I said it. I stand by it. We can be dumb. Princeton's online definition states to be dumb is "to be slow to learn or understand." Study the lives of people in the Bible, history books, or in today's newspaper . . . the word dumb may be an adjective to describe some things that we human beings can do.
The thing is, Christ made it clear in Matthew 6 that we could waste our time on earth. And . . . because humanity can be rather slow to learn and understand, we must be careful to evaluate our thoughts that lead us to say and do things that will either be of value or will dissipate at the end of our lives.
We are given guidelines in Philippians 4:
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable-- if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-- think about such things.
Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me-- put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. (8, NIV)
We need to intentionally filter our thoughts before putting our thoughts into action.
The result? We will know that what we are doing on earth matters . . . investing our time on things that have value . . . receiving the peace of God that will remain with us.
Filter your thoughts through the Philippians 4:8 grid.
Think before you take action.
Receive the peace of God.
Learning with you to think before taking action,
Shalom,
Kerrie
(All devotions written by Kerrie Palmer ©2008 All Rights Reserved)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
