Question to think about: Are you willing to live your gratefulness on your feet?
I listened to an individual complain about everything. I mean everything. It made me tired. The list of complaints seemed to be non-ending. I took advantage of a momentary pause and asked, "Is there anything in your life that you are grateful about?"
The answer revealed the heart: "Not really."
Nothing will seem right when gratefulness is missing. The thing is . . . gratefulness requires attention, choice, and action. The process of gratefulness is spelled out in Psalm 100:
On your feet now—applaud God! Bring a gift of laughter,
sing yourselves into his presence.
Know this: God is God, and God, God.
He made us; we didn't make him.
We're his people, his well-tended sheep.
Enter with the password: "Thank you!"
Make yourselves at home, talking praise.
Thank him. Worship him.
For God is sheer beauty,
all-generous in love,
loyal always and ever.
(The Message)
Gratefulness energizes and contributes to our health while complaining is wearing on the body, mind, and heart.
So . . .
On your feet . . . applaud God . . . and remember "thank you" is the password to enter into living a life worth living.
Learning with you to get on my feet and actively be grateful.
Shalom,
Kerrie
(All devotions written by Kerrie Palmer ©2008 All Rights Reserved)
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Take A Break
Question to think about: Are you willing to take gratefulness breaks?
There is usually a time in life that individuals want to live better. They want to experience more joy, more peace, and more love. It seems as life happens . . . life can become messy and less fulfilling . . . which makes people want and look for a way to live better. Gratefulness is an essential element of living better.
Authentic gratefulness is as much a learned art as it is an attitude:
So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise.
Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days.
Don’t act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do.
Don’t be drunk with wine, because that will ruin your life. Instead, be filled with the Holy Spirit,
singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, and making music to the Lord in your hearts.
And give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
(Ephesians 5:15-20, NLT)
Live better. Take a break and follow the life pattern that develops the art and attitude of gratitude:
1. Live carefully . . . be intentional in how thoughts, words, and actions are employed.
2. Make the most of every opportunity. God always makes a way. It is our choice to proceed in the way that God provides.
3. Surrender everything to the presence of God . . . be filled with the Spirit of Christ.
4. Sing . . . sing to God . . . be a part of the symphony of Life.
5. Give thanks for absolutely everything . . . believing that God does not waste anything and will use everything to accomplish the plans of hope for you and I.
6. Intentionally be grateful to God in and through the name of Jesus.
Learning with you to take a break to be grateful.
Shalom,
Kerrie
(All devotions written by Kerrie Palmer ©2008 All Rights Reserved)
There is usually a time in life that individuals want to live better. They want to experience more joy, more peace, and more love. It seems as life happens . . . life can become messy and less fulfilling . . . which makes people want and look for a way to live better. Gratefulness is an essential element of living better.
Authentic gratefulness is as much a learned art as it is an attitude:
So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise.
Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days.
Don’t act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do.
Don’t be drunk with wine, because that will ruin your life. Instead, be filled with the Holy Spirit,
singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, and making music to the Lord in your hearts.
And give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
(Ephesians 5:15-20, NLT)
Live better. Take a break and follow the life pattern that develops the art and attitude of gratitude:
1. Live carefully . . . be intentional in how thoughts, words, and actions are employed.
2. Make the most of every opportunity. God always makes a way. It is our choice to proceed in the way that God provides.
3. Surrender everything to the presence of God . . . be filled with the Spirit of Christ.
4. Sing . . . sing to God . . . be a part of the symphony of Life.
5. Give thanks for absolutely everything . . . believing that God does not waste anything and will use everything to accomplish the plans of hope for you and I.
6. Intentionally be grateful to God in and through the name of Jesus.
Learning with you to take a break to be grateful.
Shalom,
Kerrie
(All devotions written by Kerrie Palmer ©2008 All Rights Reserved)
Monday, November 24, 2008
Grateful for the Grip
Question to think about: Are you grateful for God's grip on your life?
The U.S. is preparing to celebrate the holiday, Thanksgiving, in a difficult time. We must decide if we will be grateful despite the tough times. The thing is we are created to be grateful; however, we often fail to be grateful.
How do we develop gratefulness?
The first principle of developing gratefulness is to acknowledge that God will never leave or fail us . . . never. NEVER! God grips you and I with a love that never stops. NEVER!
It is hard to do . . . but . . . we must take our eyes off the "stuff" of life to the "weight" of life, which is the presence of God:
Let your character or moral disposition be free from love of money
[including greed, avarice, lust, and craving for earthly possessions]
and be satisfied with your present
[circumstances and with what you have];
for He [God] Himself has said,
I will not in any way fail you
nor give you up
nor leave you without support.
[I will] not,
[I will] not,
[I will] not
in any degree leave you helpless
nor forsake
nor let [you] down (relax My hold on you)!
[Assuredly not!]
(Hebrews 13:5, Amplified)
God will never leave us. . . fail us . . . give us up . . . leave us helpless . . .or . . . take away the grip of love on us. NEVER!
Consciously be aware of God's grip on you.
Be grateful.
Give thanks for the relentless grip of love that God has on you.
Learning with you to be grateful for the grip of God.
Shalom,
Kerrie
(All devotions written by Kerrie Palmer ©2008 All Rights Reserved)
The U.S. is preparing to celebrate the holiday, Thanksgiving, in a difficult time. We must decide if we will be grateful despite the tough times. The thing is we are created to be grateful; however, we often fail to be grateful.
How do we develop gratefulness?
The first principle of developing gratefulness is to acknowledge that God will never leave or fail us . . . never. NEVER! God grips you and I with a love that never stops. NEVER!
It is hard to do . . . but . . . we must take our eyes off the "stuff" of life to the "weight" of life, which is the presence of God:
Let your character or moral disposition be free from love of money
[including greed, avarice, lust, and craving for earthly possessions]
and be satisfied with your present
[circumstances and with what you have];
for He [God] Himself has said,
I will not in any way fail you
nor give you up
nor leave you without support.
[I will] not,
[I will] not,
[I will] not
in any degree leave you helpless
nor forsake
nor let [you] down (relax My hold on you)!
[Assuredly not!]
(Hebrews 13:5, Amplified)
God will never leave us. . . fail us . . . give us up . . . leave us helpless . . .or . . . take away the grip of love on us. NEVER!
Consciously be aware of God's grip on you.
Be grateful.
Give thanks for the relentless grip of love that God has on you.
Learning with you to be grateful for the grip of God.
Shalom,
Kerrie
(All devotions written by Kerrie Palmer ©2008 All Rights Reserved)
Friday, November 14, 2008
Sweating Over The Small Stuff!
Question to think about: What is the point?
Sometimes I think we try too hard. During a discussion, a friend reminded our group: "Don't sweat the small stuff." It really is great advice that can't be any clearer. When you get down to it . . . the things we make a big deal over usually reveal what we personally need to work through internally in order to experience life to the fullest.
How do we let go of the "small stuff" to gain clarity of what is really important?
Jesus explained:
"But my purpose is not to get your vote, and not to appeal to mere human testimony. I'm speaking to you this way so that you will be saved. John was a torch, blazing and bright, and you were glad enough to dance for an hour or so in his bright light. But the witness that really confirms me far exceeds John's witness. It's the work the Father gave me to complete. These very tasks, as I go about completing them, confirm that the Father, in fact, sent me. The Father who sent me, confirmed me. And you missed it. You never heard his voice, you never saw his appearance. There is nothing left in your memory of his Message because you do not take his Messenger seriously. (John 34-38, The Message)
At the end of the day, when all is said and done, we can relax knowing that the point of everything we face is the presence of Christ. How do we know Christ is present? Peace. Peace is the key.
Jesus said: Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give it to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid. (John 14: 27, NAB)
Are you burdened? Are you sweating over the small stuff? Is your mind on overload . . . do you find yourself replaying details of an incident, a problem, an expectation, a need, or something that has distressed you?
Surrender.
Refuse to sweat the small stuff.
Realize that the point of everything in our life is to revolve around the presence of Christ.
Invite Christ, God with us, to be present in your thoughts, feelings, words, and actions.
Receive the peace of Christ's presence . . . know the power of Shalom . . . well-being . . . God is with you . . . all is well.
Learning with you to refuse to sweat the small stuff.
Shalom,
Kerrie
(All devotions written by Kerrie Palmer ©2008 All Rights Reserved)
Sometimes I think we try too hard. During a discussion, a friend reminded our group: "Don't sweat the small stuff." It really is great advice that can't be any clearer. When you get down to it . . . the things we make a big deal over usually reveal what we personally need to work through internally in order to experience life to the fullest.
How do we let go of the "small stuff" to gain clarity of what is really important?
Jesus explained:
"But my purpose is not to get your vote, and not to appeal to mere human testimony. I'm speaking to you this way so that you will be saved. John was a torch, blazing and bright, and you were glad enough to dance for an hour or so in his bright light. But the witness that really confirms me far exceeds John's witness. It's the work the Father gave me to complete. These very tasks, as I go about completing them, confirm that the Father, in fact, sent me. The Father who sent me, confirmed me. And you missed it. You never heard his voice, you never saw his appearance. There is nothing left in your memory of his Message because you do not take his Messenger seriously. (John 34-38, The Message)
At the end of the day, when all is said and done, we can relax knowing that the point of everything we face is the presence of Christ. How do we know Christ is present? Peace. Peace is the key.
Jesus said: Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give it to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid. (John 14: 27, NAB)
Are you burdened? Are you sweating over the small stuff? Is your mind on overload . . . do you find yourself replaying details of an incident, a problem, an expectation, a need, or something that has distressed you?
Surrender.
Refuse to sweat the small stuff.
Realize that the point of everything in our life is to revolve around the presence of Christ.
Invite Christ, God with us, to be present in your thoughts, feelings, words, and actions.
Receive the peace of Christ's presence . . . know the power of Shalom . . . well-being . . . God is with you . . . all is well.
Learning with you to refuse to sweat the small stuff.
Shalom,
Kerrie
(All devotions written by Kerrie Palmer ©2008 All Rights Reserved)
Thursday, November 13, 2008
What Do You Intend To Do?
Question to think about: What are your intentions today?
I have a friend who has determined to spend the second half of his life with intentional joy. He woke up one day and realized that he spent more time worried than at peace, consumed with what he had to accomplish and the ensuing feeling of possible failure. His change of attitude would be more understandable if his circumstances had made life easier for him . . . but that is not the case . . . in fact quite the opposite . . . his work and responsibilities have increased and he has a greater load to carry than in the past. Regardless of the pressures, he chooses on a daily basis to have the attitude of joy.
From my perspective . . . his joy is not only contagious but reveals an underlying message. How is it possible to intentionally live beyond daily pressures and problems?
First, we must determine the message of our intentional living. Our message to others is more in how we live than in what we say. The author, John, wrote that another John was discussed in the meeting between Jesus and the Jewish leaders:
If I testify on my own behalf, my testimony cannot be verified. But there is another who testifies on my behalf, and I know that the testimony he gives on my behalf is true. You sent emissaries to John, and he testified to the truth.(John 5:30, NAB)
John, known as John the Baptist, lived out the message of Christ, intentionally preparing the way for Christ, God with us, to be revealed to humanity. John was known for the way he lived as well as what he said. His words were emphasized by his daily decisions and overall lifestyle.
Intentional living requires guidance and empowerment from God:
Intentional living is a daily process.
The Lord will give you bread and water: Seek God to provide the capacity and ability to intentionally live out the message.
Jesus said to them, "I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me will never hunger, and whoever (John 6:35, NAB)
Whoever believes in me, as scripture says: 'Rivers of living water will flow from within him.'" (John 7:38, NAB)
This is the way; walk in it: Our daily choices reveal the way we go. God always makes a way through circumstances . . . choose to go where God goes . . . count the cost . . . pick up your cross . . . follow Christ.
Then he said to all, "If anyone wishes to come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me." (Luke 9:23, NAB)
Learning with you to intentionally live out the message of Christ.
Shalom,
Kerrie
(All devotions written by Kerrie Palmer ©2008 All Rights Reserved)
I have a friend who has determined to spend the second half of his life with intentional joy. He woke up one day and realized that he spent more time worried than at peace, consumed with what he had to accomplish and the ensuing feeling of possible failure. His change of attitude would be more understandable if his circumstances had made life easier for him . . . but that is not the case . . . in fact quite the opposite . . . his work and responsibilities have increased and he has a greater load to carry than in the past. Regardless of the pressures, he chooses on a daily basis to have the attitude of joy.
From my perspective . . . his joy is not only contagious but reveals an underlying message. How is it possible to intentionally live beyond daily pressures and problems?
First, we must determine the message of our intentional living. Our message to others is more in how we live than in what we say. The author, John, wrote that another John was discussed in the meeting between Jesus and the Jewish leaders:
If I testify on my own behalf, my testimony cannot be verified. But there is another who testifies on my behalf, and I know that the testimony he gives on my behalf is true. You sent emissaries to John, and he testified to the truth.(John 5:30, NAB)
John, known as John the Baptist, lived out the message of Christ, intentionally preparing the way for Christ, God with us, to be revealed to humanity. John was known for the way he lived as well as what he said. His words were emphasized by his daily decisions and overall lifestyle.
Intentional living requires guidance and empowerment from God:
The Lord will give you the bread you need and the water for which you thirst. No longer will your Teacher hide himself, but with your own eyes you shall see your Teacher, While from behind, a voice shall sound in your ears: "This is the way; walk in it," when you would turn to the right or to the left. (Isaiah 30:20-21, NAB)
Intentional living is a daily process.
The Lord will give you bread and water: Seek God to provide the capacity and ability to intentionally live out the message.
Jesus said to them, "I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me will never hunger, and whoever (John 6:35, NAB)
Whoever believes in me, as scripture says: 'Rivers of living water will flow from within him.'" (John 7:38, NAB)
This is the way; walk in it: Our daily choices reveal the way we go. God always makes a way through circumstances . . . choose to go where God goes . . . count the cost . . . pick up your cross . . . follow Christ.
Then he said to all, "If anyone wishes to come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me." (Luke 9:23, NAB)
Learning with you to intentionally live out the message of Christ.
Shalom,
Kerrie
(All devotions written by Kerrie Palmer ©2008 All Rights Reserved)
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
An Issue of Trust
Question to think about: Have you decided if you believe enough to trust God when things go wrong?
It always amazes me how people respond to life differently, especially those who are experiencing the same circumstance. The thing is . . . how we respond in life is a choice. This is almost a no-brainer . . . we either live in fear or trust God. The point is not whether difficult and even disastrous challenges will occur, but if we trust God.
So, how do we change our view of life during tough times?
Christ, God with us, came to show humanity how to live in a relationship with God.
Christ told the Jewish rulers:
The will of God could be described as the purpose of God. There is nothing random with God . . . the plan to bring humanity into relationship with God is dynamically purposeful. Christ made it clear that the will of God is the will of God . . . there is nothing better or that compares with the will of God. Christ has a distinct nature from God, the Father; however, Christ is God with us . . . one God . . . one will.
We are invited to trust the purpose for our life, which is to be intimately, actively, and purposefully engaged in an ongoing relationship with God regardless of the circumstances.
So, how do we trust God, especially when we are faced with extreme challenges?
The process of trust is discussed in Proverbs:
Trust in the Lord:
With all of your heart: Ask the Spirit to search your mind, emotions, behavior, and beliefs for fear . . . surrender the fear and choose to trust completely without reserve . . . . give it all to God . . . all.
Lean not on your own understanding: Too often, we are problem-focused. We need to be solution-oriented. With Christ, there is always a solution . . . nothing is impossible with God . . . nothing.
And He will make your paths straight: Regardless of the challenges . . . God always makes a way . . . always.
Learning with you to completely trust God.
Shalom,
Kerrie
(All devotions written by Kerrie Palmer ©2008 All Rights Reserved)
It always amazes me how people respond to life differently, especially those who are experiencing the same circumstance. The thing is . . . how we respond in life is a choice. This is almost a no-brainer . . . we either live in fear or trust God. The point is not whether difficult and even disastrous challenges will occur, but if we trust God.
So, how do we change our view of life during tough times?
Christ, God with us, came to show humanity how to live in a relationship with God.
Christ told the Jewish rulers:
I cannot do anything on my own; I judge as I hear, and my judgment is just, because I do not seek my own will but the will of the one who sent me. (John 5:30, NAB)
The will of God could be described as the purpose of God. There is nothing random with God . . . the plan to bring humanity into relationship with God is dynamically purposeful. Christ made it clear that the will of God is the will of God . . . there is nothing better or that compares with the will of God. Christ has a distinct nature from God, the Father; however, Christ is God with us . . . one God . . . one will.
We are invited to trust the purpose for our life, which is to be intimately, actively, and purposefully engaged in an ongoing relationship with God regardless of the circumstances.
So, how do we trust God, especially when we are faced with extreme challenges?
The process of trust is discussed in Proverbs:
Trust in the Lord with all of your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. (Proverbs 3:5-6).
Trust in the Lord:
With all of your heart: Ask the Spirit to search your mind, emotions, behavior, and beliefs for fear . . . surrender the fear and choose to trust completely without reserve . . . . give it all to God . . . all.
Lean not on your own understanding: Too often, we are problem-focused. We need to be solution-oriented. With Christ, there is always a solution . . . nothing is impossible with God . . . nothing.
And He will make your paths straight: Regardless of the challenges . . . God always makes a way . . . always.
Learning with you to completely trust God.
Shalom,
Kerrie
(All devotions written by Kerrie Palmer ©2008 All Rights Reserved)
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Purposefully Serving and Sacrificing
Question to think about: What will determine how you will live your life today . . . are you demonstrating it through service and sacrifice?
The U.S. federal government recognizes today, Veteran's Day, as a holiday. The point of the holiday is to put time aside to honor the service and sacrifice of the men and women that have defended the nation's freedom. When you get down to it, the individuals who have spent a portion or most of their life in service and sacrifice have impacted countless lives, paving a courageous pathway throughout history. They are to be honored.
Service and sacrifice is the highest calling of humanity . . . it is what Christ, God with us, demonstrated. At the end of the day, humanity could not grasp how to live with God in an active, participating relationship . . . so God came . . . and explained to the Jewish rulers:
The whole point to the service and sacrifice of Christ has been to bring life to humanity; however, every individual has a choice. While it might not always make sense, we are called to purposefully serve God with a willingness to sacrifice our needs, desires, expectations, dreams, time . . . laying our life down to do the work of God. It could be as simple as encouraging someone with an email or as complicated as changing your plans. Whatever it takes . . . Christ, God with us, has revealed what really matters . . . living a resurrected Life . . . laying down what matters to you . . . to purposefully serve and sacrifice for the sake of Christ.
Choose to live the resurrected Life:
Stop what you are doing.
Seek God and ask what your purpose is today.
Lay down what matters to you.
Purposefully serve and sacrifice.
You will change the course of history when you serve and sacrifice.
Learning with you to purposefully serve and sacrifice.
Shalom,
Kerrie
(All devotions written by Kerrie Palmer ©2008 All Rights Reserved)
The U.S. federal government recognizes today, Veteran's Day, as a holiday. The point of the holiday is to put time aside to honor the service and sacrifice of the men and women that have defended the nation's freedom. When you get down to it, the individuals who have spent a portion or most of their life in service and sacrifice have impacted countless lives, paving a courageous pathway throughout history. They are to be honored.
Service and sacrifice is the highest calling of humanity . . . it is what Christ, God with us, demonstrated. At the end of the day, humanity could not grasp how to live with God in an active, participating relationship . . . so God came . . . and explained to the Jewish rulers:
"It's urgent that you get this right: The time has arrived—I mean right now!—when dead men and women will hear the voice of the Son of God and, hearing, will come alive. Just as the Father has life in himself, he has conferred on the Son life in himself. And he has given him the authority, simply because he is the Son of Man, to decide and carry out matters of Judgment. "Don't act so surprised at all this. The time is coming when everyone dead and buried will hear his voice. Those who have lived the right way will walk out into a resurrection Life; those who have lived the wrong way, into a resurrection Judgment.
(John 5:25-29, The Message)
The whole point to the service and sacrifice of Christ has been to bring life to humanity; however, every individual has a choice. While it might not always make sense, we are called to purposefully serve God with a willingness to sacrifice our needs, desires, expectations, dreams, time . . . laying our life down to do the work of God. It could be as simple as encouraging someone with an email or as complicated as changing your plans. Whatever it takes . . . Christ, God with us, has revealed what really matters . . . living a resurrected Life . . . laying down what matters to you . . . to purposefully serve and sacrifice for the sake of Christ.
Choose to live the resurrected Life:
Stop what you are doing.
Seek God and ask what your purpose is today.
Lay down what matters to you.
Purposefully serve and sacrifice.
You will change the course of history when you serve and sacrifice.
Learning with you to purposefully serve and sacrifice.
Shalom,
Kerrie
(All devotions written by Kerrie Palmer ©2008 All Rights Reserved)
Monday, November 10, 2008
Working on Attitude
Question to think about: What is your attitude today?
We used to repeatedly tell our kids that "attitude is everything!" Attitude defines who we are at the core of our being. Yesterday, I talked with a family who were struggling with severe life challenges. Even so, the family had an upbeat and positive attitude. Why?
They told me that they believed that God would get them through it all. I decided right then and there to work on my attitude about life. When you get down to it, joy is an attitude.
In the back of the book of Philippians, the Apostle Paul, imprisoned at the time he wrote the words, explained how to develop the attitude of joy:
To develop joy we need to:
1. Rejoice (living joy out loud).
2. Rejoice again.
3. Refuse to be harsh to anyone . . . be gentle to everyone.
4. Be still . . . know the presence of God . . . the Lord is near.
5. Do not worry about anything . . . we must refuse to worry . . . since worry is contagious and we live in a stress-filled era at a time when a good portion of people are worried . . . this will be a matter of continual surrender through prayer and thanksgiving.
6. Tell it all to God in prayer . . . dump it.
7. Live in thanksgiving . . . invest your time in giving thanks rather than focusing on a list of worries . . . easy to say . . . this is a discipline to develop.
8. Receive the peace of God . . . which will guard the heart and mind from distress.
The central component of working on the attitude of joy is inviting the presence of Christ into our thinking, speaking, and behavior. In other words, we do not live on our own but through the presence of Christ, God with us. Jesus explained to the Jewish leaders that the only way to live is through the living presence of God:
Indeed, just as the Father raises the dead and gives them life, so also the Son gives life to whomever he wishes. (John 5:26, NRS)
Take time to work on your attitude today.
Develop the attitude of joy through the living presence of Christ.
Rejoice . . . be gentle . . . be still and know the presence of God . . . do not worry . . . pray . . . be grateful . . . receive the peace of God.
Learning with you to work on the attitude of joy.
Shalom,
Kerrie
(All devotions written by Kerrie Palmer ©2008 All Rights Reserved)
We used to repeatedly tell our kids that "attitude is everything!" Attitude defines who we are at the core of our being. Yesterday, I talked with a family who were struggling with severe life challenges. Even so, the family had an upbeat and positive attitude. Why?
They told me that they believed that God would get them through it all. I decided right then and there to work on my attitude about life. When you get down to it, joy is an attitude.
In the back of the book of Philippians, the Apostle Paul, imprisoned at the time he wrote the words, explained how to develop the attitude of joy:
Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:4-7)
To develop joy we need to:
1. Rejoice (living joy out loud).
2. Rejoice again.
3. Refuse to be harsh to anyone . . . be gentle to everyone.
4. Be still . . . know the presence of God . . . the Lord is near.
5. Do not worry about anything . . . we must refuse to worry . . . since worry is contagious and we live in a stress-filled era at a time when a good portion of people are worried . . . this will be a matter of continual surrender through prayer and thanksgiving.
6. Tell it all to God in prayer . . . dump it.
7. Live in thanksgiving . . . invest your time in giving thanks rather than focusing on a list of worries . . . easy to say . . . this is a discipline to develop.
8. Receive the peace of God . . . which will guard the heart and mind from distress.
The central component of working on the attitude of joy is inviting the presence of Christ into our thinking, speaking, and behavior. In other words, we do not live on our own but through the presence of Christ, God with us. Jesus explained to the Jewish leaders that the only way to live is through the living presence of God:
Indeed, just as the Father raises the dead and gives them life, so also the Son gives life to whomever he wishes. (John 5:26, NRS)
Take time to work on your attitude today.
Develop the attitude of joy through the living presence of Christ.
Rejoice . . . be gentle . . . be still and know the presence of God . . . do not worry . . . pray . . . be grateful . . . receive the peace of God.
Learning with you to work on the attitude of joy.
Shalom,
Kerrie
(All devotions written by Kerrie Palmer ©2008 All Rights Reserved)
Friday, November 7, 2008
Stormy Days
Question to think about: What do you do when stormy days come into your life?
We have had more rain in the first week of November than in the whole month of October. The thing is . . . people living in the Pacific Northwest should be accustomed to stormy days. Even so, the word, "should" is relative when it comes to accommodating the darkened skies, wind, and rain on an ordinary fall day in the Pacific Northwest.
Likewise, everyone will face at least one storm in life. That said, none of us want storms . . . but history reveals the storms are a part of living . . . and it is our choice of how we will live through the storms.
What is the first thing to do when the winds of adversity stir and the storm begins to come our way?
We need to become still to know the presence, power, and peace of God:
God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear, Even though the earth be removed, And though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;
Though its waters roar and be troubled, Though the mountains shake with its swelling. Selah
There is a river whose streams shall make glad the city of God, The holy place of the tabernacle of the Most High.
God is in the midst of her, she shall not be moved; God shall help her, just at the break of dawn.
The nations raged, the kingdoms were moved; He uttered His voice, the earth melted.
The LORD of hosts is with us; The God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah
Come, behold the works of the LORD, Who has made desolations in the earth.
He makes wars cease to the end of the earth; He breaks the bow and cuts the spear in two; He burns the chariot in the fire.
Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!
The LORD of hosts is with us; The God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah (Psalm 46, NKJ)
The key component to face and manage a storm is to make the choice to rest in the presence, power, and peace of God who is our Refuge.
Christ assured the Jewish leaders and assures you and I:
"And I assure you that the time is coming, in fact it is here, when the dead will hear my voice -- the voice of the Son of God. And those who listen will live.
(John 5:25, NLT)
When we rely and rest in God, our Refuge, we discover that there is Life in the greatest storm.
Be still.
Seek.
Listen.
Receive.
Live fully and wholly even in the midst of a storm.
Learning with you to seek the Refuge in stormy days,
Shalom,
Kerrie
(All devotions written by Kerrie Palmer ©2008 All Rights Reserved)
We have had more rain in the first week of November than in the whole month of October. The thing is . . . people living in the Pacific Northwest should be accustomed to stormy days. Even so, the word, "should" is relative when it comes to accommodating the darkened skies, wind, and rain on an ordinary fall day in the Pacific Northwest.
Likewise, everyone will face at least one storm in life. That said, none of us want storms . . . but history reveals the storms are a part of living . . . and it is our choice of how we will live through the storms.
What is the first thing to do when the winds of adversity stir and the storm begins to come our way?
We need to become still to know the presence, power, and peace of God:
God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear, Even though the earth be removed, And though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;
Though its waters roar and be troubled, Though the mountains shake with its swelling. Selah
There is a river whose streams shall make glad the city of God, The holy place of the tabernacle of the Most High.
God is in the midst of her, she shall not be moved; God shall help her, just at the break of dawn.
The nations raged, the kingdoms were moved; He uttered His voice, the earth melted.
The LORD of hosts is with us; The God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah
Come, behold the works of the LORD, Who has made desolations in the earth.
He makes wars cease to the end of the earth; He breaks the bow and cuts the spear in two; He burns the chariot in the fire.
Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!
The LORD of hosts is with us; The God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah (Psalm 46, NKJ)
The key component to face and manage a storm is to make the choice to rest in the presence, power, and peace of God who is our Refuge.
Christ assured the Jewish leaders and assures you and I:
"And I assure you that the time is coming, in fact it is here, when the dead will hear my voice -- the voice of the Son of God. And those who listen will live.
(John 5:25, NLT)
When we rely and rest in God, our Refuge, we discover that there is Life in the greatest storm.
Be still.
Seek.
Listen.
Receive.
Live fully and wholly even in the midst of a storm.
Learning with you to seek the Refuge in stormy days,
Shalom,
Kerrie
(All devotions written by Kerrie Palmer ©2008 All Rights Reserved)
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Life and Death
Question to think about: What is your life about today?
We sometimes wonder what life is all about . . . it is Christ.
There is never an impossibility with Christ . . . there is a possibility.
There is never a hopeless moment with Christ . . . there is hope.
There is never chaos with Christ . . . there is a purpose.
There is never fear with Christ . . . there is a plan.
There is never unrest with Christ . . . there is peace.
There is never death with Christ . . . there is Life.
The Jewish leaders wanted to kill Christ, God with us. Death became their solution to the problems Christ had created in their religious way of thinking, behaving, and acting. Christ's response was focused on life.
There is never a dead-end with Christ . . . there is a way to live freely and fully.
Christ invites us to live . . . an invitation to enter a living and active relationship with God that does not stop when we are at the end of our time on earth. The presence of Christ in our life is Life.
Learning with you to realize that with Christ there is more than can be imagined,
Shalom,
Kerrie
(All devotions written by Kerrie Palmer ©2008 All Rights Reserved)
We sometimes wonder what life is all about . . . it is Christ.
There is never an impossibility with Christ . . . there is a possibility.
There is never a hopeless moment with Christ . . . there is hope.
There is never chaos with Christ . . . there is a purpose.
There is never fear with Christ . . . there is a plan.
There is never unrest with Christ . . . there is peace.
There is never death with Christ . . . there is Life.
The Jewish leaders wanted to kill Christ, God with us. Death became their solution to the problems Christ had created in their religious way of thinking, behaving, and acting. Christ's response was focused on life.
And the Father leaves all judgment to his Son,
so that everyone will honor the Son, just as they honor the Father. But if you refuse to honor the Son, then you are certainly not honoring the Father who sent him.
"I assure you, those who listen to my message and believe in God who sent me have eternal life. They will never be condemned for their sins, but they have already passed from death into life.(John 5:22-24, NLT)
There is never a dead-end with Christ . . . there is a way to live freely and fully.
Christ invites us to live . . . an invitation to enter a living and active relationship with God that does not stop when we are at the end of our time on earth. The presence of Christ in our life is Life.
Learning with you to realize that with Christ there is more than can be imagined,
Shalom,
Kerrie
(All devotions written by Kerrie Palmer ©2008 All Rights Reserved)
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
You Will Be Astonished
Question to think about: Do you assume or are you astonished?
The United States has finally come to the last day of the 2008 political races. Regardless of their party affiliation, the politicians have spent a good portion of their time making accusations about their opponents and using negative campaign tactics. We tend to blame the politicians for their lack of restraint; however, statistics reveal that people are influenced by the negative information . . . regardless of the actual accuracy.
One of the first principles we learned in nursing school can be used as a life principle: never assume.
The Jewish leaders assumed that Jesus would wreck and ruin their religion. They could not see the presence of God . . . they could not see the purpose of God . . . they could not see the plan of God. Their assumptions blinded them to the truth.
The truth did not and will not change . . . God is at work on behalf of humanity:
"The LORD your God is the God of gods and Lord of lords. He is the great God, mighty and awesome, who shows no partiality and takes no bribes. He gives justice to orphans and widows. He shows love to the foreigners living among you and gives them food and clothing. You, too, must show love to foreigners, for you yourselves were once foreigners in the land of Egypt. You must fear the LORD your God and worship him and cling to him. Your oaths must be in his name alone. He is your God, the one who is worthy of your praise, the one who has done mighty miracles that you yourselves have seen.” (Deuteronomy 10: 17-21, NLT)
Jesus responded to the Jewish leaders:
“For the Father loves the Son and tells him everything he is doing, and the Son will do far greater things than healing this man. You will be astonished at what he does. He will even raise from the dead anyone he wants to, just as the Father does.” (John 5:20-21, NLT)
Christ was not limited by the assumptions and accusations of the Jewish leaders. The purpose of God has and always will be carried out. “He is the great God, mighty and awesome, who shows no partiality and takes no bribes . . . You will be astonished at what he does.”
Refuse to assume.
Be still and know that God is present . . . God is purposeful . . . God has a plan.
You will be astonished at what God does.
Learning with you to see the astonishing work of God,
Shalom,
Kerrie
(All devotions written by Kerrie Palmer ©2008 All Rights Reserved)
The United States has finally come to the last day of the 2008 political races. Regardless of their party affiliation, the politicians have spent a good portion of their time making accusations about their opponents and using negative campaign tactics. We tend to blame the politicians for their lack of restraint; however, statistics reveal that people are influenced by the negative information . . . regardless of the actual accuracy.
One of the first principles we learned in nursing school can be used as a life principle: never assume.
The Jewish leaders assumed that Jesus would wreck and ruin their religion. They could not see the presence of God . . . they could not see the purpose of God . . . they could not see the plan of God. Their assumptions blinded them to the truth.
The truth did not and will not change . . . God is at work on behalf of humanity:
"The LORD your God is the God of gods and Lord of lords. He is the great God, mighty and awesome, who shows no partiality and takes no bribes. He gives justice to orphans and widows. He shows love to the foreigners living among you and gives them food and clothing. You, too, must show love to foreigners, for you yourselves were once foreigners in the land of Egypt. You must fear the LORD your God and worship him and cling to him. Your oaths must be in his name alone. He is your God, the one who is worthy of your praise, the one who has done mighty miracles that you yourselves have seen.” (Deuteronomy 10: 17-21, NLT)
Jesus responded to the Jewish leaders:
“For the Father loves the Son and tells him everything he is doing, and the Son will do far greater things than healing this man. You will be astonished at what he does. He will even raise from the dead anyone he wants to, just as the Father does.” (John 5:20-21, NLT)
Christ was not limited by the assumptions and accusations of the Jewish leaders. The purpose of God has and always will be carried out. “He is the great God, mighty and awesome, who shows no partiality and takes no bribes . . . You will be astonished at what he does.”
Refuse to assume.
Be still and know that God is present . . . God is purposeful . . . God has a plan.
You will be astonished at what God does.
Learning with you to see the astonishing work of God,
Shalom,
Kerrie
(All devotions written by Kerrie Palmer ©2008 All Rights Reserved)
Monday, November 3, 2008
Break Out and Mess Around
Question to think about: Can you let Jesus mess with everything you know to be true?
We were able to watch Tim's two soccer games this weekend. The intensity and competitiveness at the university level is . . . well . . . interesting. Players willingly break the rules in order to make a save, blocking and stopping a shot. Rules are rules. Though the players are dramatically surprised, they are penalized for breaking the rules.
Humanity uses rules to keep order and peace. Rules are tools; however, if we are not careful, rules will become a way of life rather than a tool . . . and we will become irritated when someone messes with the way we do things.
The Jewish leaders wanted to kill Jesus for messing with their rules:
The rules were broken. The Jewish leaders were not necessarily the "bad guys." Gradually, throughout the generations, the rules had become an important component of their faith. The Jewish leaders had taken on the task of making sure the people followed the rules. Jesus had gone too far . . . they thought they were God's defenders.
What did they know about Jesus?
Jesus had grown up in a Jewish home learning the Jewish faith . . . when he was 12 . . . the Jewish leaders were amazed at what he knew:
All were amazed. The scene was not routine. Religious leaders were set apart . . . known for their wisdom . . . and did not spend their time discussing deep questions with twelve year old boys. It was not something that could have been kept quiet. Most likely the leaders had discussed Jesus . . . looking forward to Jesus participating in leadership as he grew into a man; however, when all was said and done, Jesus was seen as a man not as God.
We can look backwards and wonder at their inability to see and believe . . . but we need to remember that to believe that Jesus was more than a man messed with everything they knew to be true.
To think that God would take on the task of being part of humanity to reveal love . . . to give grace . . . to invite humanity into an active participating relationship makes no sense . . . and . . . changes the way we think, behave, and what we do.
Let Jesus mess with you today.
Break out of your routine and the way you do things this week.
Participate in the work of Christ.
Mess with someone else . . . through the love and grace of God.
Learning with you to break out of the daily routine and mess around,
Shalom,
Kerrie
(All devotions written by Kerrie Palmer ©2008 All Rights Reserved)
We were able to watch Tim's two soccer games this weekend. The intensity and competitiveness at the university level is . . . well . . . interesting. Players willingly break the rules in order to make a save, blocking and stopping a shot. Rules are rules. Though the players are dramatically surprised, they are penalized for breaking the rules.
Humanity uses rules to keep order and peace. Rules are tools; however, if we are not careful, rules will become a way of life rather than a tool . . . and we will become irritated when someone messes with the way we do things.
The Jewish leaders wanted to kill Jesus for messing with their rules:
So the Jewish leaders tried all the more to kill him. In addition to disobeying the Sabbath rules, he had spoken of God as his Father, thereby making himself equal with God. Jesus replied, "I assure you, the Son can do nothing by himself. He does only what he sees the Father doing. Whatever the Father does, the Son also does. (John 5:18-19, NLT)
The rules were broken. The Jewish leaders were not necessarily the "bad guys." Gradually, throughout the generations, the rules had become an important component of their faith. The Jewish leaders had taken on the task of making sure the people followed the rules. Jesus had gone too far . . . they thought they were God's defenders.
What did they know about Jesus?
Jesus had grown up in a Jewish home learning the Jewish faith . . . when he was 12 . . . the Jewish leaders were amazed at what he knew:
When Jesus was twelve years old, they attended the festival as usual. After the celebration was over, they started home to Nazareth, but Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem. His parents didn't miss him at first, because they assumed he was with friends among the other travelers. But when he didn't show up that evening, they started to look for him among their relatives and friends. When they couldn't find him, they went back to Jerusalem to search for him there. Three days later they finally discovered him. He was in the Temple, sitting among the religious teachers, discussing deep questions with them. And all who heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers. (Luke 2:42-47, NLT)
All were amazed. The scene was not routine. Religious leaders were set apart . . . known for their wisdom . . . and did not spend their time discussing deep questions with twelve year old boys. It was not something that could have been kept quiet. Most likely the leaders had discussed Jesus . . . looking forward to Jesus participating in leadership as he grew into a man; however, when all was said and done, Jesus was seen as a man not as God.
We can look backwards and wonder at their inability to see and believe . . . but we need to remember that to believe that Jesus was more than a man messed with everything they knew to be true.
To think that God would take on the task of being part of humanity to reveal love . . . to give grace . . . to invite humanity into an active participating relationship makes no sense . . . and . . . changes the way we think, behave, and what we do.
Let Jesus mess with you today.
Break out of your routine and the way you do things this week.
Participate in the work of Christ.
Mess with someone else . . . through the love and grace of God.
Learning with you to break out of the daily routine and mess around,
Shalom,
Kerrie
(All devotions written by Kerrie Palmer ©2008 All Rights Reserved)
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