Stay The Course, Collaborate, Serve

So the people of Israel walked through the sea on dry ground, with walls of water on each side! (Exodus 14: 22, NLT)

I talked with an individual who has lost most of the function of his body due to an illness. Even so, he approaches life with passion and a great sense of humor. His strategy:

Stay the course.
Collaborate with others.
Serve others---volunteer.

The Israelites struggled; however, they stayed the course. In turn they walked through the Red Sea on dry ground with walls of water on each side-- a walk of a lifetime. How did they do it? They did it together.

Once the decision to stay the course is made, collaboration and service are key to an individual’s health and well-being.

Stay the course: Endure and persist, regardless of challenges and difficulties, to reach the goal of _________.
Collaborate: Work with others and reach the goal of _________.
Serve others (volunteer): Give yourself to others and reach the goal of _________.

Mother Teresa explained:
"There is a light in this world, a healing spirit
more powerful than any darkness we may encounter.
We sometimes lose sight of this force
when there is suffering, too much pain.
Then suddenly the spirit will emerge
through the lives of ordinary people
who hear a call and answer
in extraordinary ways."

Answer the call—
Stay the course—
Collaborate—
Serve others.

Learning with you to stay the course, collaborate, and serve,
Shalom,
Kerrie

(All devotions written by Kerrie Palmer ©2007 All Rights Reserved)

Release

Then Moses raised his hand over the sea, and the LORD opened up a path through the water with a strong east wind. The wind blew all that night, turning the seabed into dry land. (Exodus 14: 21, NLT)

As I taught childbirth classes last night, I reminded the students that breathing slowly and deeply will be a life skill for both women and men. We tend to breathe too shallowly because of stressful living. I encourage everyone to take five slow and deep breaths every waking hour while consciously releasing muscle tension. It never fails; everyone is always surprised how taking a few moments in an hour to breathe and release tension can actually give an energy boost.

We tend to get used to living with tension and stress, failing to realize the difference in living without it. The picture of the Israelites’ release depicts humanity’s need for deliverance from the pressures and power of problems.

I am not sure anyone would really be prepared for the deliverance scene in Exodus . . . Moses raises his hand over the sea . . . a path opens through the water . . . a strong east wind rises . . . blows all night . . . a gigantic blow dryer . . . and the bottom of the sea becomes dry land. The Israelites had perceived life through their experience of oppression; however, the parting waters and dry ground created a visual image of God making a way for the people to fully experience freedom.

The Apostle Paul explained in 2 Corinthians 3:17: Now, the Lord is the Spirit, and wherever the Spirit of the Lord is, he gives freedom.

God makes a way for humanity to experience freedom from the weight of problems, challenges, and messes in life. Freedom doesn’t make sense because humanity experiences the pressure of living every day. Even so, God has made a way to be free through surrendering to the presence of Christ. The act of surrender releases you and I to receive His peace, Shalom.

Remember God always makes a way for you to be delivered from the pressures and power of problems and trials.
Take time to slow down today.
Breathe.
Breathe deeply and slowly.
Become aware of the presence of God.
Release your tension.
Surrender your pressure.
Receive the shalom of God.
Give thanks for freedom.
Celebrate.
Learning with you to be released from pressures to live freely,
Shalom,
Kerrie

(All devotions written by Kerrie Palmer ©2007 All Rights Reserved)

In The Darkness

The cloud settled between the Israelite and Egyptian camps. As night came, the pillar of cloud turned into a pillar of fire, lighting the Israelite camp. But the cloud became darkness to the Egyptians, and they couldn't find the Israelites. (Exodus 14: 20, NLT)

I have left work the last two days after dark. Two nights ago, the lights in the parking lot were off. It was difficult to see, which decreased safety and security. Last night the parking lot lights were on. Safety and security increases with light.

Light makes a difference.

Light is part of our spiritual journey.

Then God said, "Let there be light," and there was light.
And God saw that it was good. Then he separated the light from the darkness. (Genesis 1:3-4, NLT)

Those who follow God live in light. Those who are separated from God live in the darkness. The ancient day Exodus story encapsulates the steps of the journey we take either in the darkness or light. We freely choose to follow God, a choice that leads us in the light. The Exodus story contrasts the differences between two camps . . . light and dark . . . following God . . . going their own way.

Have you ever been in the dark? The kind of dark without light . . . absolute darkness . . . pitch black . . . nothing can be seen . . . nothing. The Egyptians were in darkness. They were chasing after what they wanted for themselves . . . their slaves. Their camp was completely dark. Imagine the fear and frustration of the Egyptians.

Next door to the dark Egyptian camp, the Israelites’ camp was lit with the light of God. Two camps . . . side by side . . . light . . . dark . . . a picture of humanity. Light and dark separate our lives.

God said that Light is good, separating light from the darkness.
Every thought, word, or action is either of the light or darkness.
Living in the dark is purposeless.
Invite others to join you in the Light.
Learning with you to live in the Light fully and wholly,
Shalom,
Kerrie

(All devotions written by Kerrie Palmer ©2007 All Rights Reserved)

Revealed

Then the angel of God, who had been leading the people of Israel, moved to the rear of the camp. The pillar of cloud also moved from the front and stood behind them. (Exodus 14: 19, NLT)

Well, I messed up. Shocker . . . hmm. . . but true. Our college pastor corrected the figures used in the devotion yesterday. Actually, the American Christmas spending budget has been 450 billion dollars rather than 4.5 billion dollars. Talk about being a little off. . . but wait there is more . . the National Retail Federation revealed their plan for American spending to increase 4 percent to $474.5 billion this year. Crazy . . . ridiculous . . . what does this mean about Americans?

Of course, we all know that Christ did not come for the sake of the economy. That would be a “duh” answer . . . and, yet, look at the facts and figures . . . Christ-followers need to think about what it means to follow Christ at Christmas.

So . . . what are we supposed to do?

First things first . . . ask God to reveal what you are to do. God reveals Himself to those who desire to go His way. Look at the followers in the ancient days . . . an angel and a pillar of cloud led them. God revealed His will when the angel and pillar of cloud changed positions and moved to the rear of the camp. Think of this . . . God actively revealed that the followers were to be protected from their oppressors.

God uses the mind of a follower to actively reveal His plan. The mind is created to connect and understand what God is revealing. You might say the pieces of the puzzle come together and the will of God is understood.
Refuse to buy into the American Christmas spending plan.
Seek God to reveal His will for Christmas.
Follow Him.
Learning with you to see the revealed way to celebrate Christmas,
Shalom,
Kerrie

(All devotions written by Kerrie Palmer ©2007 All Rights Reserved)

Christmas Canceled

When I defeat the king, his chariot drivers, and chariots, the Egyptians will know that I am the LORD." (Exodus 14: 18, NCV)

Did you know that Christmas was canceled in England in the 1640’s? An extreme amount of time and money were expended on the day. Celebrating in excess became a normal component of the season. The government decided to cancel Christmas so that the people would focus on Christ.

Rather than investing time in giving thanks this past weekend, many Americans were spending time and money on Christmas. The college pastor at our church researched spending habits on Americans during the Christmas season. The total amount of dollars spent on Christmas in the United States is an incredible 4.5 billion dollars. He has asked us to join him in a Christmas Reformation. Do you think we need a reformation? Yikes! Yes!

Think about Christmas . . . do we celebrate through spending too much money and time on excess . . . the unnecessary . . . or invest time and resources on behalf of Immanuel . . . God with us.

The book of Exodus records the wealth of the Egyptians. God promised that His presence would overpower the Egyptians and their extreme materialistic power. Today, as in the ancient days, the economy seems to dictate how the world lives. Even so, the presence of God gives the ultimate value to life.

Christmas is about the presence of God entering our world. To the world, buying and spending dictates the Christmas season. Ask God how to approach this Christmas season . . . what can be canceled . . . what is unnecessary?

It is a simple choice: cancel the unnecessary this Christmas season.
Be aware of the presence of God . . . Immanuel . . . God with us.
Seek what Immanuel would have you do this Christmas season.
Cancel the unnecessary this Christmas season.
Focus on Christ in everything you think, say, and do.
Learning with you to cancel the unnecessary,
Shalom,
Kerrie

(All devotions written by Kerrie Palmer ©2007 All Rights Reserved)

When Life Goes Wrong . . .

And I will harden the hearts of the Egyptians, and they will charge in after the Israelites. My great glory will be displayed through Pharaoh and his troops, his chariots, and his charioteers.(Exodus 14: 17, NLT)

Many Americans are preparing to celebrate Thanksgiving tomorrow . . . taking time to eat a specially prepared meal with friends and family . . . around a table . . . giving thanks together. While eating with friends and family continues to be a part of the holiday, fewer individuals spend time verbalizing gratefulness. Actually, there will be more Americans stressed over what seems to be going wrong than grateful for the life they have received. Stress easily overpowers gratefulness.

The plight of stressed-out Americans can only change through a broadened perspective of what life is really about. Is that possible? While I have no statistics to back me up, it seems that many Americans tend to get cranky when things are not working out and crazed when there are too many things to work out.

Well, then again, all of humanity does seem to have dealt with the cranky-crazed issue throughout the course of history. The book of Exodus records the people of God being cranky and crazed; however, in the course of time . . . they chose to seek God rather than to stay focused on the details that they percieved to have gone wrong . . . for a while . . . and they were promised to see God. Of course, the Egyptians were also cranky and crazed, unable to see beyond their personal lives. Things were not working out and there was too much to work out.

The Egyptians were afraid for themselves when they liberated their slaves. They did not have a warm-good-feeling from doing the right thing and freeing their slaves. Liberation meant that their productivity would decrease while their personal work load would increase and their economy would take a no-return nose dive. Yikes!

The Egyptians were enslaved to their problems to the point that they became a problem to the children of God. When you and I focus on our needs, desires, and problems, our perspective narrows and our awareness of God decreases. We can either be cranky and crazed over the circumstances of life or give thanks to God . . . a simple choice.

Refocus.

Refuse to focus on whatever has "gone wrong."

Focus on God.

Give thanks.
Learning with you to focus on God and give thanks,
Shalom,
Kerrie
(All devotions written by Kerrie Palmer ©2007 All Rights Reserved)

Is The Impossible . . . Possible?

Use your shepherd's staff -- hold it out over the water, and a path will open up before you through the sea. Then all the people of Israel will walk through on dry ground. Exodus 14: 16, NLT)

My friend spent the last few months fighting cancer. After surgery she was told that it had not spread; however, some routine testing revealed the cancer metastasized to her lungs. So . . . she went through treatments. Recovery takes time but the doctors determined she could return to work. Except while she was battling cancer . . . the business closed . . . it was reported she had died.

Now what? Is it possible to move forward when life is so difficult?

While we may have more technology and information than the people of God had in the ancient days, nothing really has changed. People get stuck in the difficulties and trials of living. Throughout the course of life we come to dead ends . . . a place where nothing seems to work . . . a time that nobody can seem to help . . . and nothing seems right.

Moses, the leader of the people of God, had to make a choice. He had to decide that God would make the waters part and make the mushy wet sea bottom dry so the people could cross over to the other side.

Okay . . . we know the story . . . but wouldn’t you think someone who happened to be your leader was crazy to explain he had to have enough faith to raise his staff over the sea and God would make a way?

I am afraid that my response might have been filled with dismay and a call for people to wrestle the crazy leader to the ground. Trusting God can seem really crazy . . . but that is what faith is . . . believing God will do what He has promised to do . . . to make the impossible . . . possible. Moving out of difficult challenges requires seeking God, believing God can do more than you think is possible, and following His directions.

Seek God.
Study His Word for direction.
Give thanks the work of God—He will make a way. He makes all things possible.

Learning with you to believe the impossible is possible,
Shalom,
Kerrie
(All devotions written by Kerrie Palmer ©2007 All Rights Reserved)

Get Moving!

Then the LORD said to Moses, "Why are you crying out to me? Tell the people to get moving!(Exodus 14: 15, NKJ)

Last night we had dinner with a group of people experiencing the pain of loss. Through a series of events, the individuals lost most or all of their resources, family, and a place to belong. Most of the people said they had no where to go, no one to help, and no idea of what to do to change their present situation. It makes sense that the pressures of their problems have created an ongoing fear of the future.

How do we have faith in the midst of experiencing what we fear?

Look at the interchange between Moses and God.

The people of God were freed from slavery; however, their previous slave owners wanted them back . . . slavery was the strategy to their success. There was no place for the people of God to go but into the Red Sea. The people were afraid and complained. Their fear makes sense. You and I can read ahead to find out that God planned to part the Red Sea and provide a way out, but, the people could not see ahead.

After Moses instructed the people to stand still and see the deliverance of God, he turned to God and cried out for deliverance. The answer was clear:

Get moving!

Easier said than done . . . we must let go of fear to move forward in faith.
Letting go of fear is an ongoing decision.
Letting go of fear allows you and I to connect with the peace of God . . . the Shalom.
Get moving!
Let go of fear.
Receive peace . . . Shalom.
Move forward in faith.

Learning with you to get moving,
Shalom,
Kerrie
(All devotions written by Kerrie Palmer ©2007 All Rights Reserved)

A Sign Of God's Presence

The LORD will fight for you, and you shall hold your peace. (Exodus 14: 14, NKJ)

Have you ever been so aware of God that you were changed? My friend has been struggling with the pain of a broken relationship for over a year. A few nights ago, my friend woke up and knew God was present. In the darkness of the night, God gave my friend peace. That said, my friend has already had a continual peace of knowing the presence of God; however, the pain of the broken relationship had created an emotional upheaval. While most people would never have known my friend was struggling, God knew. God came. God liberated my friend from the emotional upheaval.

How do we know God is present?

A peace, that passes all human understanding, is present.
The peace of God . . .
Connecting with the pain of one individual . . .
Healing . . .
Restoring . . .
Relational . . .
Shalom.

Exodus tells the story of the people of God being far from peace. They were freed from slavery; however, their oppressors chased after them. The problem of their pursuers stressed them until they could not move on. Moses explained that God would fight for them.

The people had to make choices. Did they beleive the power of God was greater than their problems. Were they willing to be in peace in the midst of an unrelenting powerful problem?

Humanity is not free from problems. Even so, the liberating power of God frees humanity from the power of problems. Peace comes when an individual relies on the power of God rather than becoming entangled with the problem.

Enter into the relational peace of God . . . Shalom.
Refuse to allow problems to have power over you.
Rest in the power of God.
Live in the peace of God.
Shalom.
Learning with you to live in peace,
Shalom,
Kerrie
(All devotions written by Kerrie Palmer ©2007 All Rights Reserved)

Fire!

And Moses said to the people, "Do not be afraid. Stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD, which He will accomplish for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall see again no more forever. (Exodus 14: 13, NKJ)

Interruptions are always interesting.
I was scheduled to teach a class last night. I arranged the class room . . . put the class materials in order . . . and engaged in pre-class conversation.
The time came for class to start . . . a crowd began to form outside of the classroom . . . someone said there was a fire at the other end of the building . . . the fire alarm went off . . . we evacuated . . . emergency vehicles arrived as we waited outside . . . a small electrical fire took precedence . . . class was canceled.

Plans were changed. A new schedule will have to be planned. And, when all is said and done, in the process of time that is how life goes.

The people of God had finally been released from slavery. They were free; however, they turned around and saw their oppressors coming after them. They literally saw their past catching up with them. It was not what they planned. Evidently, though their previous attempts of release had been interrupted, the people did not think it would occur again. They thought freedom meant being free of problems.

Hmmm. . . sound familiar? Ouch!

Moses’ advice for an interruption of life remains applicable for our own life:
Do not be anxious: Refuse to become anxious or stressed. Consciously relax.
Stand still: Breathe. Become aware of the presence of God.
See the salvation of the Lord: Broaden your perspective. Look beyond the moment and believe God is in control.
Learning with you to see beyond interruptions,
Shalom,
Kerrie
(All devotions written by Kerrie Palmer ©2007 All Rights Reserved)

What Is Your Complaint?

As Pharaoh and his army approached, the people of Israel could see them in the distance, marching toward them. The people began to panic, and they cried out to the LORD for help. Then they turned against Moses and complained, "Why did you bring us out here to die in the wilderness? Weren't there enough graves for us in Egypt? Why did you make us leave? Didn't we tell you to leave us alone while we were still in Egypt? Our Egyptian slavery was far better than dying out here in the wilderness!"
(Exodus 14: 10-12, NLT)

I have a friend that listens to complaints all day long. He manages a large customer service department. Evidently, there are few that are willing to take time to say thanks. Most people visit customer service with a detailed list of problems. We have talked about the challenge of listening to complaints all day long.

Can you imagine . . . all day long . . . listening to complaining people?

Yikes . . . I would be complaining to God, and anyone that would listen to me, about people that complain. Seriously . . . I would complain about the complainers.

One of the best stories about complainers can be found in the book of Exodus. The people of God had been oppressed, living in slavery for 430 years . . . until . . . miracle of miracles . . . the people were let go. LET GO! And, then, of course . . . the slave owners began to think about what their life would be like without their slaves . . . an economic disaster. So, they chased after them . . . of course.

The people of God saw their oppressors coming at them . . . and saw the Red Sea before them. They had been comfortable in their oppression and feared change. The people complained . . . they were done . . . they saw problems rather than possibilities.

How do we see beyond problems to see possibilities?

The complaints of the people of God were rooted within their anxiety. Your perspective changes with gratefulness. You see more than problems . . . you see possibilities through thanksgiving.

Remember what the Apostle Paul said: “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God” (Philippians 4:6, NIV).
Refuse to complain . . . complaining is draining.
Pray and make your requests known to God with thanksgiving.
Give thanks to God.
Give thanks.... giving thanks is energizing.
Learning with you to be grateful,
Shalom,
Kerrie
(All devotions written by Kerrie Palmer ©2007 All Rights Reserved)

I Have Nothing

God heard their groaning, and God remembered his covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. God looked upon the Israelites, and God took notice of them.
(Exodus 2: 24-25, NRS)

I remember the first time I heard an individual say these words, “I have nothing . . . I have nobody . . . nothing matters . . . I am done.” At the time, I was a young nurse and could not imagine anyone thinking that way. Through the course of the years, I have come to understand that the hardships and difficulties of this world are relentless at times. Life can be unimaginably difficult.

What can we do to help others during tough times?
I have learned when times are tough:

People need to be heard.
People need to know that someone cares and will not forget them.
People need to know they are seen and not invisible because of their difficulties.
People need to know they are noticed and will be helped.
People need to know they will be okay.

In the ancient days, the people of God were oppressed. They were slaves. Their life belonged to the slave owner. After centuries of living in oppression, the people called out to God. And:
God heard their groaning,
God remembered his covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
God looked upon the Israelites
God took notice of them.

Christ-followers are called to serve others for Christ.
Life changes when we call out to Christ and reach out to others as He leads.
Make a difference today.
Take time to pray for someone that has nothing—really pray---not just a quick prayer—but a sit down—be still moment to pray and connect with God on behalf of someone that has a great need.
Experience the activity of God.
Be a part of His activity and reach out to the specific individual through the leading of Christ.
Give thanks to God.
Learning with you to call out to God and reach out to others,
Shalom,
Kerrie
(All devotions written by Kerrie Palmer ©2007 All Rights Reserved)

Unexpected Death

Long ago, even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes.
(Ephesians 1: 4, NLT)

I attended a funeral this weekend for a man. In my perspective, he was too young to die. His death was unexpected. No one was prepared for him to die. Then again, death usually catches us by surprise.

I think he would have been stunned to see the church filled up with so many people and to hear their stories about how he had made a difference in their life. As people shared their personal connection, I was struck with the fact that we often only know an individual in one context. I knew more about his struggles than about his creative abilities, musical talent, and passion for fishing. And . . . I did not realize how much he loved and served people in simple ways . . . all the time . . . regardless of his personal circumstances. And there is more . . . he loved living.

He leaves a powerful legacy: Regardless of what we struggle with in life . . . we can love and serve people and enjoy the simple things of life. Life can be hard; however, when all said and done, how we live our life is a daily choice.

Is it really that simple to make a difference and enjoy life when life gets complicated and difficult?

The Apostle Paul wrote that every person has been chosen and loved, to live fully and wholly through Christ, before the beginning of time. To put it simply, God determined that the world could not do without a specific individual in a specific era and time. Each day has been chosen for us to live in Christ. In turn, we need to reformat and broaden our perspective beyond ourselves on a daily basis . . . to see there is a planned daily purpose . . . to love all . . . to serve all . . . to be grateful for life . . . to make each day count . . . regardless of the struggles of living.

We have a specific number of days to live. We know we will die; however, death would be unexpected today or in the near future for most of us.
Choose to live beyond your struggles.
Love all.
Serve all.
Be grateful for life.
Learning with you to make each day count . . .
Shalom,
Kerrie
(All devotions written by Kerrie Palmer ©2007 All Rights Reserved)

Let The Wall Fall

. . . “who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms
because we belong to Christ.”
(Ephesians 1: 3, NLT)

November 9, 1989 marked the historical fall of the Berlin wall. Within the historical annals of time, it has been recorded that courageous people stood at the wall praying for unity. Eighteen years ago, people around the world understood that the impossible had occurred. The Berlin wall had separated East Germany, ruled by the communist regime, from West Germany’s democracy. November 9, 1989 marked a new era of unity in Germany.

History holds valuable information for humanity. History repeats itself. In other words, what happened in the past will repeat itself in the present. While we learn about human behavior from historical records, we also understand that ultimately the impossible becomes possible through the liberating power of God.

The oppressed see the impossibilities created by their oppressors. The liberated see the possibilities produced through their Liberator. Liberation occurs through the Liberator, Christ; however, humanity often denies the liberating power of Christ to work within them.

The Apostle Paul explained there IS more available to Christ-followers. Why? Christ-followers belong to Christ. Think about it . . . what does it mean to belong to Christ . . . He liberates the oppressed. Christ invites humanity to experience liberation saying,

Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. (Matthew 11:28)

Pray . . . Think about it . . . seek the liberating power of Christ.
Let the heavy walls of oppression fall . . . over commitment . . . busyness . . . financial pressure . . . broken relationships . . . disappointment . . . depression . . .
Surrender your burden.
Rest.
Learning with you to let the walls of oppression fall through the power of the Liberator . . .
Shalom,
Kerrie
(All devotions written by Kerrie Palmer ©2007 All Rights Reserved)

What Is Your Excuse?

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ,
(Ephesians 1: 3a, Message)

I have a friend who has abounding energy. My friend believes that the average adult expends more energy on making excuses than actually doing something in life. My friend is in her nineties. She is an active volunteer, walks two miles a day, and is known for her acts of kindness. Actually, excuses irritate my friend.

Listen carefully to yourself and those around you. The most used excuse is the busyness excuse . . . “I couldn’t do this because I was doing that.” Yikes! I must be honest . . . I do make the busyness excuse . . . seriously . . . I am busy. We are not called to do everything; however, what we do needs to be accomplished with energy and enthusiasm with no excuses. There is no excuse for excuse-living.

How can we live without excuses with energy and enthusiasm in all we do?
Receive the spiritual blessing God has for you to live your day.
Excuses become an obstacle to receiving spiritual blessings.

The Apostle Paul wrote that every spiritual blessing imaginable is available for the Christ-follower. The available spiritual blessings are not always received. Why? We make excuses about our specific circumstances.

Regardless of circumstances, living in the realm of spiritual blessings rather than making excuses, changes the outcome of how we live.

Excuses are derived from thoughts.
Reformat your thoughts. Ask Christ Jesus to manage your thought process.
The way we think directs what we do.

Excuses indicate a lack of responsibility for setting boundaries to do only what is ours to do.
Review your daily task list and ask God for wisdom of what to do . . . evaluate the tasks that need to be accomplished and the tasks that need to be released.

Excuses limit life experiences.
Rely on the Spirit of God to give you divine energy.

Remember making excuses expends energy and removes enthusiasm.

Rejoice . . . live with abounding energy and enthusiasm through the spiritual blessings of God.

Learning with you to refuse to make an excuse,
Kerrie
(All devotions written by Kerrie Palmer ©2007 All Rights Reserved)

Do You Enjoy Your Life?

If you decide for God, living a life of God-worship, it follows that you don't fuss about what's on the table at mealtimes or whether the clothes in your closet are in fashion. There is far more to your life than the food you put in your stomach, more to your outer appearance than the clothes you hang on your body. Look at the birds, free and unfettered, not tied down to a job description, careless in the care of God. And you count far more to him than birds. (Matthew 5: 25-26, Message)

I watched children, of all ages, playing in a pile of leaves. Each one seemed to be weightless, falling into the gold and orange leaves, laughing as they buried themselves under the leaf piles. While most people take a few moments to enjoy the changing colors of the leaves, few individuals take the time to experience the feel and textures of the falling leaves.

Why? Most individuals are more focused on the details of living rather than enjoying the gift of their life. Do you take time to enjoy your life?

Seriously, we live in an era with seriously . . . fussy. . . worried . . . anxious . . . cranky . . . unhappy people. It is easy to let the problems of this world consume us. Because of technology, we engage with the problems by simply turning on a computer or cell phone or television with visual and oral reports. While awareness of what others are going through is a vital component to a Christ-follower caring for others, we need to balance life with the freedom to enjoy it. The Message translates Jesus to say we are not to “fuss” about the details of living, particularly when it comes to the personal details of our own life. We need to take time to enjoy the gift of life.

How do we avoid fussing and enjoy life on a daily basis?

According to Christ Jesus we need to intentionally refuse to fuss about the details of life, meaning we are to refuse worry . . . refuse fretting . . . refuse anxiety . . . refuse nagging God for what we do not have and giving thanks for life itself. Rather than fuss . . . intentionally take breaks during the day . . . say thank you to God and enjoy your day. I mean . . . what would happen if we intentionally enjoy a portion of daily life? It does make sense that the gift of life is to be enjoyed.

Release . . . let go of the tension . . . intentionally refuse to fuss.
Choose a God-worship lifestyle.
Give thanks for the gift of life.
Enjoy the life God has given you.

Learning with you to enjoy life,
Kerrie
(All devotions written by Kerrie Palmer ©2007 All Rights Reserved)

As Time Goes By . . .

. .. For He Himself has said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you." (Hebrews 5: 13b, NKJ).
. . . And He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness." (2 Corinthians 12:9).
. . . And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:7, NKJ).

We participated in “Family Weekend” at Timothy’s university. We drove about sixteen hours from home to campus and then back home. Time goes by rather slowly during a sixteen hour car trip. While we were at the university, clocks were changed and put back one hour . . . we gained one hour of time . . . and . . . because we live in a different time zone, we gained another hour when we crossed back over the Oregon border. . . so . . . based on the technicality of the elusive gain of time, we made the trip home in a shorter amount of time . . . well . . . think about it.

As time goes by. . . we learn that life is based on how we live rather than how much time we do or do not have to live.

In reality, beyond the restraints of time and space, Christ-followers are given the eternal presence, power, and peace of Christ. The awareness of the presence of Christ changes the perception of circumstances. The awareness of the dynamic power of Christ changes the management of circumstances. The awareness of the peace of Christ, changes the impact of circumstance.

Christ promised to never leave or forsake us (Hebrews 13:5b).
Develop an awareness of His promise to never leave you . . . ever.

Christ promised to be our strength in the weakness of our humanity (II Corinthians 12:9).
Develop an awareness of the strength He makes available for you to endure and persist in the race of life.

Christ promised to give peace that passes all understanding (Philippians 4:7).
Develop an awareness of the Shalom— His presence and goodness.

As time goes by
Choose to live . . .
In the presence . . .
In the power . . .
In the peace . . .
of Christ.

Learning with you to live in and through Christ as time goes by,
Kerrie
(All devotions written by Kerrie Palmer ©2007 All Rights Reserved)

Stay The Course

I'm not saying that I have this all together, that I have it made. But I am well on my way, reaching out for Christ, who has so wondrously reached out for me. Friends, don't get me wrong: By no means do I count myself an expert in all of this, but I've got my eye on the goal, where God is beckoning us onward—to Jesus. I'm off and running, and I'm not turning back. (Philippians 3:12-14, The Message)

Yesterday, geese, in a perfect “V” formation flew overhead. There were three geese lagging behind. They seemed to be trying to catch up, which made me wonder . . .
Were the birds lagging behind or part of a tag team?
How do the geese know which part of the “V” is their responsibility?
Do birds ever miss their deadline to fly north?
Do birds ever veer off course?

Well . . . I’m just saying . . . we might be able to learn something from our feathered friends. . . there is a purposeful rhythm in a bird’s life span . . . go north for the winter . . . south for the summer . . . purposefully staying the course . . . together.

The Message translates the Apostle Paul description of life as reaching out for Christ as God beckons us onward. Actually, this is an explanation of how to stay the course . . . in community with others.

Reach out for Christ . . .
Move onward . . .
Stay the course. . .

Learning with you to stay the course,
Kerrie
(All devotions written by Kerrie Palmer ©2007 All Rights Reserved)

The Miracle of Giving Up

So no one can become my disciple without giving up everything for me.
(Luke 14:33, NLT)

I have permission to tell a true story that occurred this week:
A young couple with young children felt drawn to invite a single mother, her parents, and two children for dinner.

The young couple had a small amount of food.

The single mother had none.

The young couple, through faith, gave up their food to those who were hungry.

The young couple gave up their fear of running out of food.

The young couple gave up their time to fix dinner and share a meal with the single mother, her parents, and her two children.

After everything had been put away and their dinner guests had left, the young couple realized there had not only been enough but there had been more than enough—their refrigerator was filled with leftovers.

Impossible . . . incredible . . . I mean seriously . . . it happened. . . a miracle. . . a bon fide miracle!!!

We are given the opportunity to give up ourselves, including worry and fear, to simply do what God leads us to do. Jesus asks us to count the cost and then follow Him. The cost is giving up a self-centered lifestyle for a Christ-centered lifestyle.

Count the cost of giving up everything on a daily basis.
Consciously think about what you need to give up including: thoughts, attitudes, desires, needs, words, and actions.
Follow Christ and give up your whole mind, heart, and soul centered on Him.
Experience the miracle of giving up everything to follow Christ.

Learning with you to give up everything to Christ,
Kerrie
(All devotions written by Kerrie Palmer ©2007 All Rights Reserved)