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)
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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