Question to think about: Is your mind held hostage by limited thinking?
Three months before he died, Saint Thomas Aquinas said: “I can no longer write, for God has given me such glorious knowledge that all contained in my works are as straw - barely fit to absorb the holy wonders that fall in a stable.”
Think on what that Aquinas' statement means. What knowledge did Saint Thomas Aquinas refer to?
We often try to fit God into how we perceive life through our personal experience and reality which limits how we think. A limited mind-set holds our perception hostage and we fail to see more.
To see more . . .
to see beyond the limitations and constraints of circumstances . . .
we must seek God . . .
and ask God to break through what is perceived.
The break-through of a limited mind-set changes our perception, producing vision of something more. And, God always has something more. Faith that God has something more comes through an active and participating relationship with Christ:
Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. (Philippians 2:1-2)
At first glance, being like-minded with Christ . . .
seems hard . . . .
and impossible.
But, look again, to be like-minded with Christ, is to be
released
and
freed from the weight of pressures and problems.
In reality, the process that releases us from the limitations that holds the mind hostage requires frequent attention with the intention to break free. The critical solution for release from a limited mindset is to invite Christ to move into all of the mind.
Continue the self-imposed spiritual boot camp to strengthen your mind . . . asking God to empower the way you think . . . to be like-minded with Christ . . . believing that God always has more.
Learning with you to be like-minded with Christ,
Kerrie
(All devotions written by Kerrie Palmer ©2009 All Rights Reserved)
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Unthinkable
Question to think about: Do you worry?
He was stuck.
He wrote a note . . . describing a life that seemed like everything and everyone had come against him.
He gave up . . . there seemed to be nothing else to do.
He left family and friends.
It was unthinkable . . .
that such a brilliant individual, with so much to offer, could give up everything.
As the years have passed,
The one thing I know is that there would have been something more for him.
God always gives more.
Is it possible to find more when everything and everyone seems to be against us?
Meditate on Romans 12:2: And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect. (NASB)
Our thoughts easily conform to the problems and pressures of life.
How do we move from conformed to transformed thinking?
We need intentional training of the mind . . . a self-imposed spiritual boot camp.
So how do we train to think beyond problems and pressures?
Let go of worry . . . refuse to allow worry to be in your mind . . . do not let worry disturb your way of thinking: “I will not worry about anything. I will pray . . . giving up my worry, surrendering God in trust.”
Do not fret or have any anxiety about anything, but in every circumstance and in everything, by prayer and petition (definite requests), with thanksgiving, continue to make your wants known to God. (Philippians 4:6, Amp)
Place a shield around your mind . . . by putting trust rather than worry into practice.
Learning with you to refuse to let problems and pressures conform my thoughts,
Kerrie
(All devotions written by Kerrie Palmer ©2009 All Rights Reserved)
He was stuck.
He wrote a note . . . describing a life that seemed like everything and everyone had come against him.
He gave up . . . there seemed to be nothing else to do.
He left family and friends.
It was unthinkable . . .
that such a brilliant individual, with so much to offer, could give up everything.
As the years have passed,
I have wondered what he would have done with more life on earth.
The one thing I know is that there would have been something more for him.
God always gives more.
Is it possible to find more when everything and everyone seems to be against us?
Meditate on Romans 12:2: And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect. (NASB)
Our thoughts easily conform to the problems and pressures of life.
How do we move from conformed to transformed thinking?
We need intentional training of the mind . . . a self-imposed spiritual boot camp.
So how do we train to think beyond problems and pressures?
Let go of worry . . . refuse to allow worry to be in your mind . . . do not let worry disturb your way of thinking: “I will not worry about anything. I will pray . . . giving up my worry, surrendering God in trust.”
Do not fret or have any anxiety about anything, but in every circumstance and in everything, by prayer and petition (definite requests), with thanksgiving, continue to make your wants known to God. (Philippians 4:6, Amp)
Place a shield around your mind . . . by putting trust rather than worry into practice.
Learning with you to refuse to let problems and pressures conform my thoughts,
Kerrie
(All devotions written by Kerrie Palmer ©2009 All Rights Reserved)
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Really . . . aliens?
Question to think about: How do you think?
On October 30, 1938 a dramatic presentation began with a news alert which announced aliens, specifically from Mars, had invaded the New England states. In actuality, the report was part of a radio drama that had been adapted from the book, War of the Worlds by H.G. Wells. The announcer, Orson Welles, had the idea to present the story on the radio through actors playing the parts of radio announcers, newscasters, and scientists that reported from different locations. No one expected that the drama produced to increase ratings would create a mass panic amongst listeners across the United States.
It seems ridiculous now . . . however . . . the media continues to be ratings-driven with significant power to impact the way the world thinks.
The way we think . . . is the way we live. What forms your thoughts?
Changing the way we think requires intentional training . . . with a spiritual boot camp approach. Before you enter a boot camp . . . there must be a clear commitment and willingness to put in hard work.
Make a commitment to start a rigorous boot camp regime to increase the health of the way you think.
To begin: evaluate how your thoughts conform to this world. Meditate on the word, conform (suschematizo, Greek) which means to conform to a specific pattern.
Ask the Spirit of God to help you understand the way you think.
Be encouraged in the process. God will provide the power to think more effectively which produces life-changing results.
Learning with you to think the way God intends,
Kerrie
(All devotions written by Kerrie Palmer ©2009 All Rights Reserved)
On October 30, 1938 a dramatic presentation began with a news alert which announced aliens, specifically from Mars, had invaded the New England states. In actuality, the report was part of a radio drama that had been adapted from the book, War of the Worlds by H.G. Wells. The announcer, Orson Welles, had the idea to present the story on the radio through actors playing the parts of radio announcers, newscasters, and scientists that reported from different locations. No one expected that the drama produced to increase ratings would create a mass panic amongst listeners across the United States.
It seems ridiculous now . . . however . . . the media continues to be ratings-driven with significant power to impact the way the world thinks.
The way we think . . . is the way we live. What forms your thoughts?
Study Romans 12:2: And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect (NASB)
Changing the way we think requires intentional training . . . with a spiritual boot camp approach. Before you enter a boot camp . . . there must be a clear commitment and willingness to put in hard work.
Make a commitment to start a rigorous boot camp regime to increase the health of the way you think.
To begin: evaluate how your thoughts conform to this world. Meditate on the word, conform (suschematizo, Greek) which means to conform to a specific pattern.
Ask the Spirit of God to help you understand the way you think.
Be encouraged in the process. God will provide the power to think more effectively which produces life-changing results.
Learning with you to think the way God intends,
Kerrie
(All devotions written by Kerrie Palmer ©2009 All Rights Reserved)
Monday, June 15, 2009
He Left
Question to think about: Do you love?
“Why did you leave?”
His children posed the question as they said good-bye to him.
Now at the end of his life . . .
he admitted that he regretted leaving his family.
What he understood now . . .
what he did not understand then . . .
is that . . .
love is what matters.
Was it too late?
With the power of God, it is never too late to love.
That said, damage occurs when love is disregarded.
The land mines of hurt and harm explode when an individual refuses to love.
The Spirit of God works through Christ followers to be a part of restorative and healing love:
". . . and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us." (Romans 5:5, NASB)
Regardless of how hopeless the situation looks, hope in God will not disappoint us, the Spirit of God pours out the love of God into and out of our life.
When all is said and done, love is at the center of the greatest two life-laws:
"Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?" Jesus replied: " 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.
And the second command is like the first: Love your neighbor as you love yourself.’” (Matthew 22:36-39, NASB)
Pay attention to the greatest two life laws.
Evaluate your life.
Where is love needed?
Love God with all your heart . . . soul . . . and mind. Love your neighbors as yourself.
Learning with you to love,
Kerrie
(All devotions written by Kerrie Palmer ©2009 All Rights Reserved)
“Why did you leave?”
His children posed the question as they said good-bye to him.
Now at the end of his life . . .
he admitted that he regretted leaving his family.
What he understood now . . .
what he did not understand then . . .
is that . . .
love is what matters.
Was it too late?
With the power of God, it is never too late to love.
That said, damage occurs when love is disregarded.
The land mines of hurt and harm explode when an individual refuses to love.
The Spirit of God works through Christ followers to be a part of restorative and healing love:
". . . and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us." (Romans 5:5, NASB)
Regardless of how hopeless the situation looks, hope in God will not disappoint us, the Spirit of God pours out the love of God into and out of our life.
When all is said and done, love is at the center of the greatest two life-laws:
"Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?" Jesus replied: " 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.
And the second command is like the first: Love your neighbor as you love yourself.’” (Matthew 22:36-39, NASB)
Pay attention to the greatest two life laws.
Evaluate your life.
Where is love needed?
Love God with all your heart . . . soul . . . and mind. Love your neighbors as yourself.
Learning with you to love,
Kerrie
(All devotions written by Kerrie Palmer ©2009 All Rights Reserved)
Friday, June 12, 2009
Difficulties
Question to think about: Who do you need to love?
Sometimes life becomes so difficult that the difficulties define an individual.
Eventually the individual is perceived as difficult.
The thing is . . . others back away from difficult individuals afraid that land mines of distrust . . . anger . . . bitterness . . . self-hate . . . or hate of others will blow up.
Nothing is solved . . . more difficulties arise . . . and the pattern is repeated.
What can we do?
Christ gave the second most important life-law:
And the second command is like the first: Love your neighbor as you love yourself. (Matthew 22:39, NASB)
We are given the life-law to love others . . . our neighbors . . . as we love ourselves.
In other words, we need to love our life in order to love others.
What we all need, more than anything else, is love.
Love your neighbor
as yourself regardless of any difficulties.
Learning with you to love neighbors,
Kerrie
(All devotions written by Kerrie Palmer ©2009 All Rights Reserved)
Sometimes life becomes so difficult that the difficulties define an individual.
Eventually the individual is perceived as difficult.
The thing is . . . others back away from difficult individuals afraid that land mines of distrust . . . anger . . . bitterness . . . self-hate . . . or hate of others will blow up.
Nothing is solved . . . more difficulties arise . . . and the pattern is repeated.
What can we do?
Christ gave the second most important life-law:
And the second command is like the first: Love your neighbor as you love yourself. (Matthew 22:39, NASB)
We are given the life-law to love others . . . our neighbors . . . as we love ourselves.
In other words, we need to love our life in order to love others.
What we all need, more than anything else, is love.
Love your neighbor
as yourself regardless of any difficulties.
Learning with you to love neighbors,
Kerrie
(All devotions written by Kerrie Palmer ©2009 All Rights Reserved)
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Land Mines
(Go to Kick Start (link on the sidebar) for more . . .
Or log onto facebook and become friends with Kick Start for five-days/week worship . . . prayer . . . meditation.)
Question to think about: What land mines do you have?
They chose to clear land mines across the world.
Land mines are often left after a war, which injure and kill thousands of people.
When they left, they knew they might not come back . . . the task was a risk to their lives.
They went to Viet Nam with an organization that had the goal to bring peace, healing, and restoration to the landscape.
We allow land mines in our own lives which may be in the form of
busyness,
anxiety,
fear,
bitterness,
hate,
and the list goes on.
As we turn over the heart, soul, and mind to Christ . . . the places that the land mines occupy are cleared out.
"Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?" Jesus replied: " 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul . . . (Matthew 22:36-37b, NASB)
The thing is, a land mine like hate in the soul is unable to exist simultaneously with whole soul love for God.
What land mines need to be cleared out?
Turn
the heart, the core of your being,
the soul, your emotions, attitude, and will,
and the mind
to fully loving God
and begin clearing out the land mines.
Experience peace, healing, and restoration to the landscape of your life.
Learning with you to clear the land mines out,
Kerrie
(All devotions written by Kerrie Palmer ©2009 All Rights Reserved)
Or log onto facebook and become friends with Kick Start for five-days/week worship . . . prayer . . . meditation.)
Question to think about: What land mines do you have?
They chose to clear land mines across the world.
Land mines are often left after a war, which injure and kill thousands of people.
When they left, they knew they might not come back . . . the task was a risk to their lives.
They went to Viet Nam with an organization that had the goal to bring peace, healing, and restoration to the landscape.
We allow land mines in our own lives which may be in the form of
busyness,
anxiety,
fear,
bitterness,
hate,
and the list goes on.
As we turn over the heart, soul, and mind to Christ . . . the places that the land mines occupy are cleared out.
"Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?" Jesus replied: " 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul . . . (Matthew 22:36-37b, NASB)
The thing is, a land mine like hate in the soul is unable to exist simultaneously with whole soul love for God.
What land mines need to be cleared out?
Turn
the heart, the core of your being,
the soul, your emotions, attitude, and will,
and the mind
to fully loving God
and begin clearing out the land mines.
Experience peace, healing, and restoration to the landscape of your life.
Learning with you to clear the land mines out,
Kerrie
(All devotions written by Kerrie Palmer ©2009 All Rights Reserved)
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Hero
Question to think about: Do you have a hero's mind?
Heroes have a mindset . . . they think beyond themselves.
One hero had to
move her children to safety.
It was tough and necessary.
Her husband, the father of her children, consistently made harmful choices. He created an unsafe environment for their children as he literally drank himself to death.
She moved from their home, created a new home, worked hard, and provided for the needs of her children. The children were protected as they weathered the storm of their father's mistakes.
Then it happened . . . he became ill from the effects of alcohol toxicity.
One lonely, stormy night, she struggled with a question: “Should I help him?” Thoughts of his destructive behavior overwhelmed her with fear.
She focused on God. In the midst of the stormy night, she knew God was present . . . love won out.
Peace came with the decision to help him.
The hero reached out without blame, demands, or expectation . . . leaning into God moment to moment.
Trust in the LORD with all your heart,
And lean not on your own understanding;
In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He shall direct your paths. (Proverbs 3:5-6, NKJV)
He died with the hero by his side; the fatherless children were left with the legacy of love.
What transformed the mind of hurt to become heroic?
Her mind was transformed by the presence and power of God.
Jesus explained the greatest life-law to live by:
"Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?" Jesus replied: " 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. (Matthew 22:36-37, NASB)
We love God with our whole heart . . . all of our being . . . and soul . . . and mind.
The whole mind includes our deepest thoughts where we synthesize, analyze, and conclude how to live.
Become one of God’s heroes.
Surrender your mind to God.
Love God with all of your mind.
Lean into God rather than your own understanding.
In all your ways acknowledge God and God will direct your pathways.
Learning with you to love God with all of the mind,
Kerrie
(All devotions written by Kerrie Palmer ©2009 All Rights Reserved)
Heroes have a mindset . . . they think beyond themselves.
One hero had to
move her children to safety.
It was tough and necessary.
Her husband, the father of her children, consistently made harmful choices. He created an unsafe environment for their children as he literally drank himself to death.
She moved from their home, created a new home, worked hard, and provided for the needs of her children. The children were protected as they weathered the storm of their father's mistakes.
Then it happened . . . he became ill from the effects of alcohol toxicity.
One lonely, stormy night, she struggled with a question: “Should I help him?” Thoughts of his destructive behavior overwhelmed her with fear.
She focused on God. In the midst of the stormy night, she knew God was present . . . love won out.
Peace came with the decision to help him.
The hero reached out without blame, demands, or expectation . . . leaning into God moment to moment.
Trust in the LORD with all your heart,
And lean not on your own understanding;
In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He shall direct your paths. (Proverbs 3:5-6, NKJV)
He died with the hero by his side; the fatherless children were left with the legacy of love.
What transformed the mind of hurt to become heroic?
Her mind was transformed by the presence and power of God.
Jesus explained the greatest life-law to live by:
"Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?" Jesus replied: " 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. (Matthew 22:36-37, NASB)
We love God with our whole heart . . . all of our being . . . and soul . . . and mind.
The whole mind includes our deepest thoughts where we synthesize, analyze, and conclude how to live.
Become one of God’s heroes.
Surrender your mind to God.
Love God with all of your mind.
Lean into God rather than your own understanding.
In all your ways acknowledge God and God will direct your pathways.
Learning with you to love God with all of the mind,
Kerrie
(All devotions written by Kerrie Palmer ©2009 All Rights Reserved)
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Recharged
Question to think about: How is it possible to be recharged?
Life had become boring. It wasn't that they weren't busy . . . they were extremely busy . . .
jobs . . .
kids . . .
household chores . . .
sports . . .
committees . . .
kept them constantly running from one place to another. Perhaps busyness was the initial problem; however, when I had a chance to talk with them . . . they described their life as empty and . . . purposeless.
From the outside, their life looked good . . . actually it looked like a great life. Even so, they did not see their life as good and certainly not great. There did not seem to be much to savor, except for their kids.
Boredom . . . emptiness . . . purposelessness . . . are all land mines in the landscape of our lives. If we fail to pay attention to the land mines . . . our lives will blow up.
Jesus explained the whole crux to life:
"Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?" Jesus replied: " 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul . . . (Matthew 22:36-37b, NASB)
We love God with our whole heart . . . all of our being . . . and soul.
The soul can be defined as our emotions, attitude, and will.
1. Emotions--If, we filter our love for God through our emotions, then, we discover that our emotions are guided by the love for God. One thing is for sure . . . we can't have hate for an individual while we are loving God.
2. Attitude--Managing our response to life is guided by our attitude. Those that center their attitude on loving God will experience gratefulness . . . and other God-directed attitudes.
3. Will--Loving God produces a surrendered spirit. As the Apostle Paul said, "Not I, but Christ." (Galatians 2:20, NKJV)
Our response of love to the presence of God in our soul recharges our life . . . allowing us to see that life is Christ at the front and center of life.
Meditate on
Matthew 22:36-37,
Galatians 2:20,
and
Philippians 1:3-6.
How does loving God with all of your soul . . . emotions, attitude, and will . . . shift the way you live?
Determine to live in love with God.
Love God with all your soul.
Surrender your emotions, attitude, and will.
Learning with you to love God with all of the soul,
Kerrie
(All devotions written by Kerrie Palmer ©2009 All Rights Reserved)
Life had become boring. It wasn't that they weren't busy . . . they were extremely busy . . .
jobs . . .
kids . . .
household chores . . .
sports . . .
committees . . .
kept them constantly running from one place to another. Perhaps busyness was the initial problem; however, when I had a chance to talk with them . . . they described their life as empty and . . . purposeless.
From the outside, their life looked good . . . actually it looked like a great life. Even so, they did not see their life as good and certainly not great. There did not seem to be much to savor, except for their kids.
How do we get so far away from living with passion and purpose or from seeing life as great?
Boredom . . . emptiness . . . purposelessness . . . are all land mines in the landscape of our lives. If we fail to pay attention to the land mines . . . our lives will blow up.
How do we clear out the land mines?
Jesus explained the whole crux to life:
"Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?" Jesus replied: " 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul . . . (Matthew 22:36-37b, NASB)
We love God with our whole heart . . . all of our being . . . and soul.
The soul can be defined as our emotions, attitude, and will.
1. Emotions--If, we filter our love for God through our emotions, then, we discover that our emotions are guided by the love for God. One thing is for sure . . . we can't have hate for an individual while we are loving God.
2. Attitude--Managing our response to life is guided by our attitude. Those that center their attitude on loving God will experience gratefulness . . . and other God-directed attitudes.
3. Will--Loving God produces a surrendered spirit. As the Apostle Paul said, "Not I, but Christ." (Galatians 2:20, NKJV)
Our response of love to the presence of God in our soul recharges our life . . . allowing us to see that life is Christ at the front and center of life.
Meditate on
Matthew 22:36-37,
Galatians 2:20,
and
Philippians 1:3-6.
How does loving God with all of your soul . . . emotions, attitude, and will . . . shift the way you live?
Determine to live in love with God.
Love God with all your soul.
Surrender your emotions, attitude, and will.
Learning with you to love God with all of the soul,
Kerrie
(All devotions written by Kerrie Palmer ©2009 All Rights Reserved)
Monday, June 8, 2009
The Shift
Question to think about: How does loving God with all of your heart shift the way you live?
The circumstance seemed impossible.
His health seemed to be failing.
The doctors thought surgery might help.
He realized God had invited him to an ongoing-active-participating relationship.
He focused on his relationship with God.
He communicated with God . . . talking and listening . . . others prayed . . . peace began to overtake his fear as he focused on God.
Then something happened . . . there was a shift . . . . an unexplainable shift . . . a mystery beyond what medicine could do.
He will not have surgery . . . he is better . . . his universe shifted.
Life shifts when we focus on God . . . when love for God takes precedence. Study the shift recorded in Matthew 22.
Jesus, God with us, faced religious leaders. Their life revolved around the 613 plus rules, believing in the rules which defined their life with God. They asked Jesus:
"Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?" Jesus replied: " 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart (Matthew 22:36-37a, NASB)
Jesus simplified the hundreds of laws into two basic principles . . . and explained the importance of a relationship . . . responding to the love of God through loving God with all of the heart. The heart was considered to be the core and identity of an individual. Thus, Jesus explained that our identity . . . our whole being . . . was to revolve around love for God. At the heart of it life, everything about our life, is to be centered on love for God.
The religious leaders must have stopped breathing for a moment . . . their time and effort was centered on obeying the rules . . . it was a major shift from how they lived.
Study Matthew 22. Underline words that speak to your heart.
Meditate on Matthew 22:36-37.
Focus on your relationship with God and what it means to love God with all of your life.
Learning with you to love God with all of the heart,
Kerrie
(All devotions written by Kerrie Palmer ©2009 All Rights Reserved)
The circumstance seemed impossible.
His health seemed to be failing.
The doctors thought surgery might help.
He realized God had invited him to an ongoing-active-participating relationship.
He focused on his relationship with God.
He communicated with God . . . talking and listening . . . others prayed . . . peace began to overtake his fear as he focused on God.
Then something happened . . . there was a shift . . . . an unexplainable shift . . . a mystery beyond what medicine could do.
He will not have surgery . . . he is better . . . his universe shifted.
Life shifts when we focus on God . . . when love for God takes precedence. Study the shift recorded in Matthew 22.
Jesus, God with us, faced religious leaders. Their life revolved around the 613 plus rules, believing in the rules which defined their life with God. They asked Jesus:
"Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?" Jesus replied: " 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart (Matthew 22:36-37a, NASB)
Jesus simplified the hundreds of laws into two basic principles . . . and explained the importance of a relationship . . . responding to the love of God through loving God with all of the heart. The heart was considered to be the core and identity of an individual. Thus, Jesus explained that our identity . . . our whole being . . . was to revolve around love for God. At the heart of it life, everything about our life, is to be centered on love for God.
The religious leaders must have stopped breathing for a moment . . . their time and effort was centered on obeying the rules . . . it was a major shift from how they lived.
Study Matthew 22. Underline words that speak to your heart.
Meditate on Matthew 22:36-37.
Focus on your relationship with God and what it means to love God with all of your life.
Learning with you to love God with all of the heart,
Kerrie
(All devotions written by Kerrie Palmer ©2009 All Rights Reserved)
Friday, June 5, 2009
The Storm
Question to think about: How do you manage the storms?
Some of us were caught off guard when a storm blew into our area during the afternoon.
It was an unusual storm for our area.
The skies darkened . . . and rumbled with thunder . . . lightening flashed off and on . . . trees bent as the winds came through . . . hail pelted the ground . . . rain came down sideways.
Tornadoes were sighted . . . roads filled up with water . . . trees came down.
Today is a new day.
The storm is over.
Clean up has begun.
Life goes on . . . just as it does when we experience storms in our personal life.
Christ declared peace to come in the midst of the storm:
On the same day, when evening had come, He said to them, “Let us cross over to the other side.” Now when they had left the multitude, they took Him along in the boat as He was. And other little boats were also with Him. And a great windstorm arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that it was already filling. But He was in the stern, asleep on a pillow. And they awoke Him and said to Him, “Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?”
Then He arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Peace, be still!” And the wind ceased and there was a great calm. But He said to them, “Why are you so fearful? How is it that you have no faith?” And they feared exceedingly, and said to one another, “Who can this be, that even the wind and the sea obey Him!” (Mark 4:35-41, NLT)
Meditate on the words of Jesus: “Peace, be still!”
Christ issued peace in a life-threatening storm.
The same peace . . . the peace that calmed the storm . . . can be received today.
Receive the peace of Christ . . . become aware of the power of peace . . . which leads to wholeness and well-being regardless of stormy circumstances.
Learning with you to receive the peace of God in the midst of the storms of life,
Kerrie
(All devotions written by Kerrie Palmer ©2009 All Rights Reserved)
Some of us were caught off guard when a storm blew into our area during the afternoon.
It was an unusual storm for our area.
The skies darkened . . . and rumbled with thunder . . . lightening flashed off and on . . . trees bent as the winds came through . . . hail pelted the ground . . . rain came down sideways.
Tornadoes were sighted . . . roads filled up with water . . . trees came down.
Today is a new day.
The storm is over.
Clean up has begun.
Life goes on . . . just as it does when we experience storms in our personal life.
Christ declared peace to come in the midst of the storm:
On the same day, when evening had come, He said to them, “Let us cross over to the other side.” Now when they had left the multitude, they took Him along in the boat as He was. And other little boats were also with Him. And a great windstorm arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that it was already filling. But He was in the stern, asleep on a pillow. And they awoke Him and said to Him, “Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?”
Then He arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Peace, be still!” And the wind ceased and there was a great calm. But He said to them, “Why are you so fearful? How is it that you have no faith?” And they feared exceedingly, and said to one another, “Who can this be, that even the wind and the sea obey Him!” (Mark 4:35-41, NLT)
Meditate on the words of Jesus: “Peace, be still!”
Christ issued peace in a life-threatening storm.
The same peace . . . the peace that calmed the storm . . . can be received today.
Receive the peace of Christ . . . become aware of the power of peace . . . which leads to wholeness and well-being regardless of stormy circumstances.
Learning with you to receive the peace of God in the midst of the storms of life,
Kerrie
(All devotions written by Kerrie Palmer ©2009 All Rights Reserved)
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Do you have a problem?
Question to think about: Do you believe a problem can be a tool?
We watched my nephew graduate last night . . . waiting for the moment that he crossed the threshold from senior to graduate.
While the atmosphere was charged with excitement and celebration,
the graduates were told they would now face one of the toughest times in history.
In my opinion, the sobering words were overshadowed by
the party planned after the ceremony.
The thing is . . . life does not need to hinge on problems but on the plan of God.
God has promised a future of hope rather than problems.
When you get down to it . . . we must decide if we allow problems to define who we are or to be tools on the journey.
The true story is told:
For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. (Jeremiah 29:11, NLT)
The key to living beyond the problem is made clear:
First: In those days when you pray, I will listen. (Jeremiah 29:12, NLT)
Communicating with God is vital. The Creator of the universe promises to listen.
Second: If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me. (Jeremiah 29:13, NLT)
Focusing on God changes how we live . . . beyond the constraints and limits of problems . . . because we find God.
Set your mind on the plan of God rather than a problem.
Refuse to be managed by a problem.
Remember that God has a plan with a future of hope.
Communicate . . . God will listen.
Focus on God with your whole heart . . . you will find God . . . transforming all of life.
Learning with you to set my mind on the plan of God,
Kerrie
(All devotions written by Kerrie Palmer ©2009 All Rights Reserved)
We watched my nephew graduate last night . . . waiting for the moment that he crossed the threshold from senior to graduate.
While the atmosphere was charged with excitement and celebration,
the graduates were told they would now face one of the toughest times in history.
In my opinion, the sobering words were overshadowed by
the party planned after the ceremony.
The thing is . . . life does not need to hinge on problems but on the plan of God.
God has promised a future of hope rather than problems.
When you get down to it . . . we must decide if we allow problems to define who we are or to be tools on the journey.
The true story is told:
For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. (Jeremiah 29:11, NLT)
The key to living beyond the problem is made clear:
First: In those days when you pray, I will listen. (Jeremiah 29:12, NLT)
Communicating with God is vital. The Creator of the universe promises to listen.
Second: If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me. (Jeremiah 29:13, NLT)
Focusing on God changes how we live . . . beyond the constraints and limits of problems . . . because we find God.
Set your mind on the plan of God rather than a problem.
Refuse to be managed by a problem.
Remember that God has a plan with a future of hope.
Communicate . . . God will listen.
Focus on God with your whole heart . . . you will find God . . . transforming all of life.
Learning with you to set my mind on the plan of God,
Kerrie
(All devotions written by Kerrie Palmer ©2009 All Rights Reserved)
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
What are you thinking?
Question to think about: What is on your mind?
I talked with a doctor about the healing process of a wound. While things can be done to assist the repair of damaged tissue, healing is a built-in process. That said, the wound must be clean to heal. Contaminated tissues will disrupt healing.
It made me think.
In order to have a mindset that is healthy and whole . . . we must clean out the toxic thoughts . . . and the dead-end thinking.
Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.(Romans 12:2, NLT)
Pay attention to your thought life.
Surrender your thoughts to God.
Get rid of toxic and dead-end thoughts.
Set your mind to the way God thinks . . . beyond the constraints of this world.
Learning with you to clean out toxic thoughts,
Kerrie
(All devotions written by Kerrie Palmer ©2009 All Rights Reserved)
I talked with a doctor about the healing process of a wound. While things can be done to assist the repair of damaged tissue, healing is a built-in process. That said, the wound must be clean to heal. Contaminated tissues will disrupt healing.
It made me think.
In order to have a mindset that is healthy and whole . . . we must clean out the toxic thoughts . . . and the dead-end thinking.
Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.(Romans 12:2, NLT)
Pay attention to your thought life.
Surrender your thoughts to God.
Get rid of toxic and dead-end thoughts.
Set your mind to the way God thinks . . . beyond the constraints of this world.
Learning with you to clean out toxic thoughts,
Kerrie
(All devotions written by Kerrie Palmer ©2009 All Rights Reserved)
Monday, June 1, 2009
Live New
Question to think about: Are you new today?
She had a simple procedure.
Something went wrong.
The family was told she had less than 20% chance to live.
When I visited her a few weeks ago . . . she was on full life support.
And now . . .
she is new . . .
living as if everything is new . . .
and it is.
The past is the past.
New things are declared.
God is making all things new.
Refuse to be stuck.
Yield to the work of God.
Experience the energy and power as all things are made new.
Meditate on what God is doing.
See new,
hear new,
think new,
speak new,
live new.
Learning with you to live new,
Kerrie
(All devotions written by Kerrie Palmer ©2009 All Rights Reserved)
She had a simple procedure.
Something went wrong.
The family was told she had less than 20% chance to live.
When I visited her a few weeks ago . . . she was on full life support.
And now . . .
she is new . . .
living as if everything is new . . .
and it is.
God makes life new.
"Behold,
the former things have come to pass,
Now I declare new things;
Before they spring forth I proclaim them to you." (Isaiah 42:9, NASB)
5And He who sits on the throne said,
"Behold, I am making all things new "
And He said, "Write, for these words are faithful and true."
(Revelations 21:5, NASB)
The past is the past.
New things are declared.
God is making all things new.
Refuse to be stuck.
Yield to the work of God.
Experience the energy and power as all things are made new.
Meditate on what God is doing.
See new,
hear new,
think new,
speak new,
live new.
Learning with you to live new,
Kerrie
(All devotions written by Kerrie Palmer ©2009 All Rights Reserved)
Friday, May 29, 2009
Daily Dying
Question to think about: Will you die?
He received a bonus.
He gave it away.
It wasn't a case of not wanting the bonus
but
he saw a need beyond his own life.
The thing is
he said the experience
gave him
something more
that
he did not
expect: fulfillment.
While giving changes the lives of others, ultimately giving changes the giver.
A true giver dies to self . . . a daily decision . . . to give of ourselves . . . time, talent, and monies. In return, we experience fulfillment of life.
I affirm, brethren, by the boasting in you which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die daily. (I Corinthians 15:31, NASB)
Choose to die on a daily basis.
Surrender all to Christ.
Give yourself away.
Live.
Learning with you to die on a daily basis,
Kerrie
(All devotions written by Kerrie Palmer ©2009 All Rights Reserved)
He received a bonus.
He gave it away.
It wasn't a case of not wanting the bonus
but
he saw a need beyond his own life.
The thing is
he said the experience
gave him
something more
that
he did not
expect: fulfillment.
While giving changes the lives of others, ultimately giving changes the giver.
A true giver dies to self . . . a daily decision . . . to give of ourselves . . . time, talent, and monies. In return, we experience fulfillment of life.
I affirm, brethren, by the boasting in you which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die daily. (I Corinthians 15:31, NASB)
Choose to die on a daily basis.
Surrender all to Christ.
Give yourself away.
Live.
Learning with you to die on a daily basis,
Kerrie
(All devotions written by Kerrie Palmer ©2009 All Rights Reserved)
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Tyranny of the urgent
Question to think about: Do you have enough time?
We live in a time of urgency . . . with a now or never mind-set . . .
creating a sense of things being unfinished . . .
and an overwhelming need to
accomplish more.
Fulfillment . . .
purpose . . .
joy . . .
is missed
in the tyranny of the urgent . . . the urgent has become the dictator of society . . . and influences all of us.
One thing I am learning . . .
we have the personal responsibility to refuse to be dictated by the urgent.
How?
God invites us to abandon the urgent . . . to totally give it all to Christ . . . to really live.
"But I do not consider my life of any account as dear to myself, so that I may finish my course and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify solemnly of the gospel of the grace of God. (Acts 20:24, NASB)
Refuse to give your life to the urgent.
Refuse to be consumed with the urgent.
Refuse to give up the joy of living for the urgent.
Live.
Learning with you to refuse to be dictated by the urgent,
Kerrie
(All devotions written by Kerrie Palmer ©2009 All Rights Reserved)
We live in a time of urgency . . . with a now or never mind-set . . .
creating a sense of things being unfinished . . .
and an overwhelming need to
accomplish more.
Fulfillment . . .
purpose . . .
joy . . .
is missed
in the tyranny of the urgent . . . the urgent has become the dictator of society . . . and influences all of us.
One thing I am learning . . .
we have the personal responsibility to refuse to be dictated by the urgent.
How?
God invites us to abandon the urgent . . . to totally give it all to Christ . . . to really live.
"But I do not consider my life of any account as dear to myself, so that I may finish my course and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify solemnly of the gospel of the grace of God. (Acts 20:24, NASB)
Refuse to give your life to the urgent.
Refuse to be consumed with the urgent.
Refuse to give up the joy of living for the urgent.
Live.
Learning with you to refuse to be dictated by the urgent,
Kerrie
(All devotions written by Kerrie Palmer ©2009 All Rights Reserved)
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Tailgated
Question to think about: Do you see God?
I drove on old country roads last night.
An individual driving a pick-up chose to follow me,
without leaving any space between our vehicles,
shining its bright lights into my car.
Yep . . . I was tailgated.
The pick-up would not back off.
I pulled over.
The pick-up pulled over.
I turned.
The pick-up turned.
While it was annoying to be tailgated, I knew God was with me.
When we invite God into the journey of life, we are given eyes to see that God is always with us.
The presence,
power,
and peace of God is with us . . . not separate . . . not somewhere far off . . . but with us. It really is mind-boggling to think of the Creator of the universe to be personally present.
Even so . . .
When a problem tailgates us we often fail to see the presence of God.
Look again:
Be still and know God (Psalm 46:10).
Refuse to let the circumstance rule you:
Do not worry or be anxious for anything (Philippians 4:6.
Believe Christ:
I am with you always(Matthew 28:20b).
Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you(Hebrews 13:5b).
Make the decision today:
"Be strong. Take courage. Don't be intimidated. Don't give them a second thought because God, your God, is striding ahead of you. He's right there with you. He won't let you down; he won't leave you." (Deuternonmy 31:6, The Message)
Learning with you to see the presence of God when a problem is tailgating,
Kerrie
(All devotions written by Kerrie Palmer ©2009 All Rights Reserved)
I drove on old country roads last night.
An individual driving a pick-up chose to follow me,
without leaving any space between our vehicles,
shining its bright lights into my car.
Yep . . . I was tailgated.
The pick-up would not back off.
I pulled over.
The pick-up pulled over.
I turned.
The pick-up turned.
While it was annoying to be tailgated, I knew God was with me.
When we invite God into the journey of life, we are given eyes to see that God is always with us.
The presence,
power,
and peace of God is with us . . . not separate . . . not somewhere far off . . . but with us. It really is mind-boggling to think of the Creator of the universe to be personally present.
Even so . . .
When a problem tailgates us we often fail to see the presence of God.
Look again:
Be still and know God (Psalm 46:10).
Refuse to let the circumstance rule you:
Do not worry or be anxious for anything (Philippians 4:6.
Believe Christ:
I am with you always(Matthew 28:20b).
Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you(Hebrews 13:5b).
Make the decision today:
"Be strong. Take courage. Don't be intimidated. Don't give them a second thought because God, your God, is striding ahead of you. He's right there with you. He won't let you down; he won't leave you." (Deuternonmy 31:6, The Message)
Learning with you to see the presence of God when a problem is tailgating,
Kerrie
(All devotions written by Kerrie Palmer ©2009 All Rights Reserved)
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
The Miracle of A Crisis
Question to think about: Can you see it as a tool?
They never thought it could happen to them. In a matter of seconds their life was turned upside down from one wrong decision.
The one wrong decision led to a boatload of problems.
The problems
seemed larger than life . . .
overwhelming them . . .
changing the way they saw the rest of life
and each other.
They were stuck in crisis.
The crisis ruled everything, including them.
Nothing changed for a few years.
Until they just could not take the pressure anymore.
Something changed.
They began to see their life differently.
Looking in from the outside, I can tell you their circumstance has not changed.
But, they have changed.
How?
They came to the end of themselves; there was nothing left in them.
Desperate, they asked God to take it away.
God did.
They felt relief from the pressure and peace that God was present and at work.
And . . . they continue to ask God help them see above the crisis rather than to be weighted down underneath it.
Here's the miracle in the whole thing: They now see the crisis as a tool of God to reveal Christ.
The Apostle Paul explained:
If you only look at us, you might well miss the brightness. We carry this precious Message around in the unadorned clay pots of our ordinary lives. That's to prevent anyone from confusing God's incomparable power with us. As it is, there's not much chance of that. You know for yourselves that we're not much to look at. We've been surrounded and battered by troubles, but we're not demoralized; we're not sure what to do, but we know that God knows what to do; we've been spiritually terrorized, but God hasn't left our side; we've been thrown down, but we haven't broken. What they did to Jesus, they do to us—trial and torture, mockery and murder; what Jesus did among them, he does in us—he lives! Our lives are at constant risk for Jesus' sake, which makes Jesus' life all the more evident in us. While we're going through the worst, you're getting in on the best! (2 Corinthians 4:7-12, The Message)
Stop.
Ask for the miracle of changing your view of a crisis and/or circumstance.
Choose to surrender everything you are facing.
Look at life happenings as a tool to reveal Christ.
Learning with you to miraculously see a crisis as a tool,
Kerrie
(All devotions written by Kerrie Palmer ©2009 All Rights Reserved)
They never thought it could happen to them. In a matter of seconds their life was turned upside down from one wrong decision.
The one wrong decision led to a boatload of problems.
The problems
seemed larger than life . . .
overwhelming them . . .
changing the way they saw the rest of life
and each other.
They were stuck in crisis.
The crisis ruled everything, including them.
Nothing changed for a few years.
Until they just could not take the pressure anymore.
Something changed.
They began to see their life differently.
Looking in from the outside, I can tell you their circumstance has not changed.
But, they have changed.
How?
They came to the end of themselves; there was nothing left in them.
Desperate, they asked God to take it away.
God did.
They felt relief from the pressure and peace that God was present and at work.
And . . . they continue to ask God help them see above the crisis rather than to be weighted down underneath it.
Here's the miracle in the whole thing: They now see the crisis as a tool of God to reveal Christ.
The Apostle Paul explained:
If you only look at us, you might well miss the brightness. We carry this precious Message around in the unadorned clay pots of our ordinary lives. That's to prevent anyone from confusing God's incomparable power with us. As it is, there's not much chance of that. You know for yourselves that we're not much to look at. We've been surrounded and battered by troubles, but we're not demoralized; we're not sure what to do, but we know that God knows what to do; we've been spiritually terrorized, but God hasn't left our side; we've been thrown down, but we haven't broken. What they did to Jesus, they do to us—trial and torture, mockery and murder; what Jesus did among them, he does in us—he lives! Our lives are at constant risk for Jesus' sake, which makes Jesus' life all the more evident in us. While we're going through the worst, you're getting in on the best! (2 Corinthians 4:7-12, The Message)
Stop.
Ask for the miracle of changing your view of a crisis and/or circumstance.
Choose to surrender everything you are facing.
Look at life happenings as a tool to reveal Christ.
Learning with you to miraculously see a crisis as a tool,
Kerrie
(All devotions written by Kerrie Palmer ©2009 All Rights Reserved)
Monday, May 25, 2009
What Matters
Question to think about: What will you do that matters for more than a moment?
We can become so consumed with the stuff of life that we fail to recognize what really matters.
Looking back on our life often brings clarity.
Things that seemed so important often hold little or no significance in the long-term.
What counts in the long term?
The thing is . . . we have been shown.
The truth . . . the reality of life . . . has been revealed.
Christ, God with us, came revealing what really matters.
So, what really matters?
Quite simply . . . living a life directed by the Spirit of Christ.
13 Look here, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we are going to a certain town and will stay there a year. We will do business there and make a profit.” 14 How do you know what your life will be like tomorrow? Your life is like the morning fog—it’s here a little while, then it’s gone. 15 What you ought to say is, “If the Lord wants us to, we will live and do this or that.” (James 4:13-15, NLT).
Stop.
Refuse to do something without the leading of the Spirit of God.
Ask the Spirit of God to guide and direct you in every detail of life.
Do what matters in and through the power of Christ.
Learning with you to do what matters,
Kerrie
(All devotions written by Kerrie Palmer ©2009 All Rights Reserved)
We can become so consumed with the stuff of life that we fail to recognize what really matters.
Looking back on our life often brings clarity.
Things that seemed so important often hold little or no significance in the long-term.
What counts in the long term?
The thing is . . . we have been shown.
The truth . . . the reality of life . . . has been revealed.
Christ, God with us, came revealing what really matters.
So, what really matters?
Quite simply . . . living a life directed by the Spirit of Christ.
13 Look here, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we are going to a certain town and will stay there a year. We will do business there and make a profit.” 14 How do you know what your life will be like tomorrow? Your life is like the morning fog—it’s here a little while, then it’s gone. 15 What you ought to say is, “If the Lord wants us to, we will live and do this or that.” (James 4:13-15, NLT).
Stop.
Refuse to do something without the leading of the Spirit of God.
Ask the Spirit of God to guide and direct you in every detail of life.
Do what matters in and through the power of Christ.
Learning with you to do what matters,
Kerrie
(All devotions written by Kerrie Palmer ©2009 All Rights Reserved)
Friday, May 22, 2009
Remembering
Question to think about: What is in your memory?
"Remember me."
"I would never forget you."
"I will remember."
The memory of one circumstance,
one moment,
one individual
will
change our identity.
Ideas, thoughts, words, actions, behavior, habits, hope, and fears are impacted by memory. It makes sense that we are changed each time a memory is made.
Remembering the past directly influences our future.
Remembering what matters causes us to be more focused.
Remembering is part of how we are created.
Christ asked to be purposefully remembered:
And when He had given thanks, He broke [it] and said, Take, eat. This is My body, which is broken for you. Do this to call Me [affectionately] to remembrance.
Similarly when supper was ended, He took the cup also, saying, This cup is the new covenant [ratified and established] in My blood. Do this, as often as you drink [it], to call Me [affectionately] to remembrance.(I Corinthians 11:24-25, Amp)
Purposefully remembering Christ . . . changes who we are . . . impacting what we think, say and do.
Remembering what Christ has done is a reminder that nothing is impossible with God!
Remember what Christ
has done.
Remember Christ
is at work today.
Remember that in Christ
real life is experienced.
Learning with you to remember,
Kerrie
(All devotions written by Kerrie Palmer ©2009 All Rights Reserved)
"Remember me."
"I would never forget you."
"I will remember."
The memory of one circumstance,
one moment,
one individual
will
change our identity.
Ideas, thoughts, words, actions, behavior, habits, hope, and fears are impacted by memory. It makes sense that we are changed each time a memory is made.
Remembering the past directly influences our future.
Remembering what matters causes us to be more focused.
Remembering is part of how we are created.
Christ asked to be purposefully remembered:
And when He had given thanks, He broke [it] and said, Take, eat. This is My body, which is broken for you. Do this to call Me [affectionately] to remembrance.
Similarly when supper was ended, He took the cup also, saying, This cup is the new covenant [ratified and established] in My blood. Do this, as often as you drink [it], to call Me [affectionately] to remembrance.(I Corinthians 11:24-25, Amp)
Purposefully remembering Christ . . . changes who we are . . . impacting what we think, say and do.
Remembering what Christ has done is a reminder that nothing is impossible with God!
Remember what Christ
has done.
Remember Christ
is at work today.
Remember that in Christ
real life is experienced.
Learning with you to remember,
Kerrie
(All devotions written by Kerrie Palmer ©2009 All Rights Reserved)
Thursday, May 21, 2009
IT
Question to think about: What is it in your life?
It seems impossible.
It appears to be a mountain that can't be climbed.
It is an obstacle, a struggle, an unattainable need and desire.
It is thought-provoking, mind-boggling, life-changing.
It will not change without God.
It is what only God can do.
It is surrender.
It is when you realize that in weakness you are strong.
It is living beyond self.
The Apostle Paul said it this way:
It's in Christ that we find out who we are and what we are living for. Long before we first heard of Christ and got our hopes up, he had his eye on us, had designs on us for glorious living, part of the overall purpose he is working out in everything and everyone.
It's in Christ that you, once you heard the truth and believed it (this Message of your salvation), found yourselves home free—signed, sealed, and delivered by the Holy Spirit. This signet from God is the first installment on what's coming, a reminder that we'll get everything God has planned for us, a praising and glorious life. (Ephesians 1:1-14, The Message)
It is what Christ came and did . . . to give life . . . with a divine purpose that is being worked out in the smallest to greatest circumstance.
It is to be experienced today.
It is the purpose God planned before the beginning of time.
It is life . . . signed, sealed, and delivered by the Spirit of Christ.
Live it today.
Life . . . in Christ.
Learning with you to live it in Christ,
Kerrie
(All devotions written by Kerrie Palmer ©2009 All Rights Reserved)
It seems impossible.
It appears to be a mountain that can't be climbed.
It is an obstacle, a struggle, an unattainable need and desire.
It is thought-provoking, mind-boggling, life-changing.
It will not change without God.
It is what only God can do.
It is surrender.
It is when you realize that in weakness you are strong.
It is living beyond self.
The Apostle Paul said it this way:
It's in Christ that we find out who we are and what we are living for. Long before we first heard of Christ and got our hopes up, he had his eye on us, had designs on us for glorious living, part of the overall purpose he is working out in everything and everyone.
It's in Christ that you, once you heard the truth and believed it (this Message of your salvation), found yourselves home free—signed, sealed, and delivered by the Holy Spirit. This signet from God is the first installment on what's coming, a reminder that we'll get everything God has planned for us, a praising and glorious life. (Ephesians 1:1-14, The Message)
It is what Christ came and did . . . to give life . . . with a divine purpose that is being worked out in the smallest to greatest circumstance.
It is to be experienced today.
It is the purpose God planned before the beginning of time.
It is life . . . signed, sealed, and delivered by the Spirit of Christ.
Live it today.
Life . . . in Christ.
Learning with you to live it in Christ,
Kerrie
(All devotions written by Kerrie Palmer ©2009 All Rights Reserved)
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