Monday, November 30, 2009

Expectation . . . Advent 2009

Go Deeper;  interAct: Bible Study  & interAct Study #7 & insights #7
Attend the InterAct Bible Study: Live Strong

Kick Start with the book of Philippians will begin again tomorrow.  Today, I want to take the opportunity to encourage you to also go to  Expectation . . . Advent 2009 for a special meditation during the advent season. 

Revealed Hope . . . Day 2

The LORD is my light and my salvation—
       whom shall I fear?
       The LORD is the stronghold of my life—
       of whom shall I be afraid? Psalm 27:1


Whom shall you fear?  To have hope we must see beyond the darkness of the world.  Intentionally turn your eyes toward the Light. 

Pray with expectation: Reveal Hope.

Sunday, November 29, 2009

Walking In Hope . . . Day 1

Sunday, November 29, 2009
The people walking in darkness have seen a great light;

on those living in the land of deep darkness

a light has dawned. Isaiah 9:2
(See also: Matthew 4:16; Luke 2:32)

The prophet Isaiah spoke to the people in an era of discouragement.
He gave hope to the people with the promise of a Savior . . .

a Light dawning . . .

a Light on the horizon of the future. 

Pray with expectation: Walking in Hope.

Expectation . . . Week One

Focus on Hope this week.

The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned. (Isaiah 9:2)
Hope is an expectant trust for things that have not yet happened.


Expectation . . . Advent 2009

Christmas . . . a time of expectation in faith . . . that God is the God of more!
Take time to focus:
Week 1: Hope (Is. 9:2)
Week 2:  Peace (Is 9:6-7)
Week 3:  Joy (Luke 2:8-11)
Week 4:  Love (John 3:16)

Pray with expectancy through the enabling power of the Holy Spirit. Experience the simplicity and power of breath praying. 

Become still and know the presence of God. Simplify your prayer to a few words that can be prayed throughout the day.
Take note of how breathing is referred to in the scriptures:

Then the LORD God formed a man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being. (Genesis 2:7)
Jesus called out with a loud voice, "Father, into your hands I commit my spirit." When he had said this, he breathed his last. (Luke 23:46)
Again Jesus said, "Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you."  And with that he breathed on them and said, "Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of anyone, their sins are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven." (John 20:21-23)

The Hebrew word “ruah” and the Greek word “pneuma” are translated as “breath” or the “spirit” of God.

Surrender is key in prayer . . . the posture of prayer is one of surrender . . . "I surrender" becomes a simple and powerful breath prayer. 

As you wait for Christmas:
Expectantly meditate on Scripture and the focus word.
Pray the breath prayer with expectation.
Live in expectation . . . God is the God of more.


Learning with you to KICK START the day . . . in expectation
Pastor Kerrie


(interAct written by Kerrie Palmer © 2009 All Rights Reserved)
kpalmer@hillchurch.com ~Church on the Hill~700 N. Hill Rd.~McMinnv,lle, OR 97128~503.472.8476 ~www.hillchurch.com~ interAct
 Kick Start Your Day~Archives & Daily Subscription: go to http://kickstarttoday.blogspot.com/
interAct: Bible Study  & interAct Study #7 & insights #7
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Thursday, November 26, 2009

I Will Rejoice

Go Deeper;  interAct: Bible Study  & interAct Study #7 & insights #7
Attend the InterAct Bible Study: Live Strong

I woke up with this song . . . a song of healing, renewal, and joy . . .

Be glad.  The River’s streams flow . . . healing . . . refreshing . . . washing your sin away. 
There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,
       the holy place where the Most High dwells. Psalm 46:4

Be grateful.   The River is always flowing . . . God is the God of more. 

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. Philippians 4:6

Be joyful.  Dive into the waters that never fail and rejoice.  Answer the question that Paul posed in discussing his difficult circumstances:  What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed; and in this I rejoice. Yes, and I will rejoice,  Philippians 1:18

Pray with intention:  I will rejoice!

Learning with you to KICK START the day . . . grateful . . .  intentionally rejoicing! 
Pastor Kerrie


(interAct written by Kerrie Palmer © 2009 All Rights Reserved)
kpalmer@hillchurch.com ~Church on the Hill~700 N. Hill Rd.~McMinnv,lle, OR 97128~503.472.8476 ~www.hillchurch.com~ interAct
 Kick Start Your Day~Archives & Daily Subscription: go to http://kickstarttoday.blogspot.com/
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Wednesday, November 25, 2009

The Issue of Complaining

Go Deeper;  interAct: Bible Study  & interAct Study #7 & insights #7
Attend the InterAct Bible Study: Live Strong

It seems like we can make life  . . . over-the-top-complicated.    Complaining creates complications.    Complaining stresses the body, mind, and heart while  gratefulness  energizes and contributes to our health.
The Apostle understood the power of living beyond complaints:  so that you will prove yourselves to be blameless and innocent, children of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and that you may become blameless and harmless. . . Philippians 2:15
We live in freedom . . . beyond reproach . . . when we clear our mind and heart from complaining.  In other words, complaining causes impure thoughts, attitudes, feelings, words and actions.

How can we do this in a culture that is conducive to complaining? 

We need to seek God first . . . and pray:  Create in me a clean heart, O God,
         And renew a steadfast spirit within me. (  Psalm 51:10)
And . . . praise God: "I love You, O LORD, my strength."
    The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer,
         My God, my rock, in whom I take refuge;
         My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.
    I call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised. ( Psalm 18:1-3)
With thanksgiving:    Now, our God, we give you thanks, and praise your glorious name. (1 Chronicles 29:13)
Take time to sift and sort through your mind, heart, and soul today with the guidance of the Spirit.
Take responsibility to let go and remove what does not belong.
Take joy in the results of the sorting, sifting, and removal process: a clean mind, heart, and soul!

Worship: David Chowder: Oh Praise Him
  Learning with you to KICK START the day . . . grateful . . .  complaint-free! 

Pastor Kerrie


(interAct written by Kerrie Palmer © 2009 All Rights Reserved)
kpalmer@hillchurch.com ~Church on the Hill~700 N. Hill Rd.~McMinnv,lle, OR 97128~503.472.8476 ~www.hillchurch.com~ interAct
 Kick Start Your Day~Archives & Daily Subscription: go to http://kickstarttoday.blogspot.com/
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Tuesday, November 24, 2009

complaining

Go Deeper;  interAct: Bible Study  & interAct Study #7 & insights #7
Attend the InterAct Bible Study: Live Strong

It seems like we can make life  . . . over-the-top-complicated.    Complaining creates complications.    Complaining stresses the body, mind, and heart while  gratefulness  energizes and contributes to our health.
The Apostle understood the power of living beyond complaints:  so that you will prove yourselves to be blameless and innocent, children of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and that you may become blameless and harmless. . . Philippians 2:15
We live in freedom . . . beyond reproach . . . when we clear our mind and heart from complaining.  In other words, complaining causes impure thoughts, attitudes, feelings, words and actions.

How can we do this in a culture that is conducive to complaining? 

We need to seek God first . . . and pray:  Create in me a clean heart, O God,
         And renew a steadfast spirit within me. (  Psalm 51:10)
And . . . praise God: "I love You, O LORD, my strength."
    The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer,
         My God, my rock, in whom I take refuge;
         My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.
    I call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised. ( Psalm 18:1-3)
With thanksgiving:    Now, our God, we give you thanks, and praise your glorious name. (1 Chronicles 29:13)
Take time to sift and sort through your mind, heart, and soul today with the guidance of the Spirit.
Take responsibility to let go and remove what does not belong.
Take joy in the results of the sorting, sifting, and removal process: a clean mind, heart, and soul!

Worship: David Chowder: Oh Praise Him
  Learning with you to KICK START the day . . . grateful . . .  complaint-free! 

Pastor Kerrie


(interAct written by Kerrie Palmer © 2009 All Rights Reserved)
kpalmer@hillchurch.com ~Church on the Hill~700 N. Hill Rd.~McMinnv,lle, OR 97128~503.472.8476 ~www.hillchurch.com~ interAct
 Kick Start Your Day~Archives & Daily Subscription: go to http://kickstarttoday.blogspot.com/
interAct: Bible Study  & interAct Study #7 & insights #7
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Stressed Out

Attend the InterAct Bible Study: Live Strong

Problems and pressures can easily produce stress in life.   Stress changes the way we perceive life.   When we see life through stress we are less grateful.  
The book of Exodus records how people in the ancient days also responded to life through stress rather than gratefulness.  

The Egyptians were stressed when they liberated their slaves. Liberation meant that their productivity would decrease while their personal work load would increase.  In other words, they saw liberation of the people of God as an economic disaster.   They had lost all perspective of what they had . . . chasing after what they thought they needed.

The oppressors pursued the freed Israelite slaves, creating havoc.  The slaves had been liberated by the miraculous intervention of God; however, they were unable to give thanks because of the fear of what might happen to them.  It appeared they were stuck between two big problems . . . their former masters who were pursuing them . . . and the deep Red Sea that lay in front of them. 
God clearly delivered the Israelites from oppression and slavery; however, they did not respond in thanksgiving. 


  What do we do when we are stuck between two big problems?
 
Refocus.

Refuse to focus on the problems. 

Focus on God.

Give thanks. 

 Do all things without grumbling or disputing . . . Philippians 2:14

  
  
Pray:  Thank You.

Learning with you to KICK START the day . . . grateful rather than stressed-out.
Pastor Kerrie

(interAct written by Kerrie Palmer © 2009 All Rights Reserved)
kpalmer@hillchurch.com ~Church on the Hill~700 N. Hill Rd.~McMinnville, OR 97128~503.472.8476 ~www.hillchurch.com~ interAct
 Kick Start Your Day~Archives & Daily Subscription: go to http://kickstarttoday.blogspot.com/
interAct: Bible Study  & interAct Study #7 & insights #7
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Saved From Oppression

Attend the InterAct Bible Study: Live Strong

Problems and pressures can easily produce stress in life.   Stress changes the way we perceive life.   When we see life through stress we are less grateful.  
The book of Exodus records how people in the ancient days also responded to life through stress rather than gratefulness.  

The Egyptians were stressed when they liberated their slaves. Liberation meant that their productivity would decrease while their personal work load would increase.  In other words, they saw liberation of the people of God as an economic disaster.   They had lost all perspective of what they had . . . chasing after what they thought they needed.

The oppressors pursued the freed Israelite slaves, creating havoc.  The slaves had been liberated by the miraculous intervention of God; however, they were unable to give thanks because of the fear of what might happen to them.  It appeared they were stuck between two big problems . . . their former masters who were pursuing them . . . and the deep Red Sea that lay in front of them. 
God clearly delivered the Israelites from oppression and slavery; however, they did not respond in thanksgiving. 


  What do we do when we are stuck between two big problems?
 
Refocus.

Refuse to focus on the problems. 

Focus on God.

Give thanks. 

 Do all things without grumbling or disputing . . . Philippians 2:14

  
  
Pray:  Thank You.

Learning with you to KICK START the day . . . grateful rather than stressed-out.
Pastor Kerrie

(interAct written by Kerrie Palmer © 2009 All Rights Reserved)
kpalmer@hillchurch.com ~Church on the Hill~700 N. Hill Rd.~McMinnville, OR 97128~503.472.8476 ~www.hillchurch.com~ interAct
 Kick Start Your Day~Archives & Daily Subscription: go to http://kickstarttoday.blogspot.com/
interAct: Bible Study  & interAct Study #7 & insights #7
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Monday, November 23, 2009

Keep Doing It


 He did not understand.  Hope died, making  life seem to be impossible in one of the most difficult circumstances he had ever faced.  He had to make the choice to trust God, continuing to do  what he knew God had called him to do. 

The Psalmist understood what it meant to trust God day in and day out:
The LORD will accomplish what concerns me;
         Your lovingkindness, O LORD, is everlasting;
Do not forsake the (works of Your hands. (See Psalm 138:8).

We are called to do what God has asked us to do, regardless of circumstances. Thus, we put our will in the will of God . . . our work in the work of God . . .  receiving his strength. 
 
We continue doing what we are called to do at all times  . . . surrendered . . . empowered . . . confident in the good work of God.

 The Apostle Paul said:   for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure. Philippians 2:13

The Christ follower lives strong with surrender to the work of God.
  
  
Pray:  Father, God, I surrender all to You, trusting that You will do the work in my life regardless of the circumstance.


Learning with you to KICK START the day . . . trusting God to do the work.
Pastor Kerrie
(interAct written by Kerrie Palmer © 2009 All Rights Reserved)
kpalmer@hillchurch.com ~Church on the Hill~700 N. Hill Rd.~McMinnville, OR 97128~503.472.8476 ~www.hillchurch.com~ interAct
 Kick Start Your Day~Archives & Daily Subscription: go to http://kickstarttoday.blogspot.com/
interAct: Bible Study  & interAct Study #7 & insights #7
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Keep Doing It


He did not understand.  Hope died, making  life seem to be impossible in one of the most difficult circumstances he had ever faced.  He had to make the choice to trust God, continuing to do  what he knew God had called him to do. 
The Psalmist understood what it meant to trust God day in and day out:
The LORD will accomplish what concerns me;
         Your lovingkindness, O LORD, is everlasting;
Do not forsake the (works of Your hands. (See Psalm 138:8).
We are called to do what God has asked us to do, regardless of circumstances. Thus, we put our will in the will of God . . . our work in the work of God . . .  receiving his strength.  



 We continue doing what we are called to do at all times  . . . surrendered . . . empowered . . . confident in the good work of God.
 The Apostle Paul said:   for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure. Philippians 2:13

The Christ follower lives strong with surrender to the work of God.
 Pray:  Father, God, I surrender all to You, trusting that You will do the work in my life regardless of the circumstance.

Learning with you to KICK START the day . . . trusting God to do the work.
Pastor Kerrie
(interAct written by Kerrie Palmer © 2009 All Rights Reserved)
kpalmer@hillchurch.com ~Church on the Hill~700 N. Hill Rd.~McMinnville, OR 97128~503.472.8476 ~www.hillchurch.com~ interAct
 Kick Start Your Day~Archives & Daily Subscription: go to http://kickstarttoday.blogspot.com/

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Friday, November 20, 2009

Strong and Courageous

We are attending a funeral of a friend.  
He made a difference through the empowerment of the Spirit.
Through the divine energy of the Spirit, he:
·        had strength and courage.
·        chose to be grateful in every circumstance.
·        saw more than his own circumstances . . . a bigger picture.
·        refused  to be stuck in circumstances . . . he took one step at a time.
·        had confidence that God was doing a good work and would carry it to completion, regardless of the circumstances. 
The key to living beyond circumstances is being responsive to the Spirit of God.  The Apostle Paul explained it as obedience:  So then, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your (salvation with fear and trembling . . .  Philippians 2:12
Worship: Michael W. Smith - A New Hallelujah

Pray:  I surrender.
 Deuteronomy 31:6 reminds us that we respond in strength and courage because God is present:
 Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid or tremble at them, for the LORD your God is the one who goes with you He will not fail you or forsake you.
There is not an option to be afraid or terrified in any circumstance. We are told to be strong and courageous. At the end of the day, God will be present and be a part of the problems we face . . . always!
 Learning with you to KICK START the day . . . living beyond circumstances in strength and courage.
Pastor Kerrie

(interAct written by Kerrie Palmer © 2009 All Rights Reserved)
kpalmer@hillchurch.com ~Church on the Hill~700 N. Hill Rd.~McMinnville, OR 97128~503.472.8476 ~www.hillchurch.com~ interAct
 Kick Start Your Day~Archives & Daily Subscription: go to http://kickstarttoday.blogspot.com/
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Thursday, November 19, 2009

Desperation

Have you ever been desperate for relief?
Have you thought if, a problem could be solved . . . then, you would be okay . . . but eventually, down the road of life . . .
you were once again desperate for relief?
In the course of our journey, there will be a time of desperation.  Desperation occurs when every thought, emotion, and action revolves around a specific problem. Relief prevents us from either imploding or exploding.
The thing is . . . desperation is usually messy, painful, and oppressive.
Desperation can be consuming.
And . . . the presence of God is missed.
One thing for sure is that we are headed for a dead-end and all-out desperation when we fail to acknowledge the presence of God. 
Relief is found through shalom (peace), highlighted throughout the pages of the story of God as an invitation through Christ that one day all of humanity will recognize  . . . and every tongue will acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Philippians 2:11
Peace comes when we acknowledge:
God is present.
God is always present.
God will never fail.
God invites us to engage in an ongoing-active-participating relationship in all we do.  We can be assured that with God . . . nothing is impossible.
 And looking at them Jesus said to them, "With people this is impossible, but with God all things are possible." (Matthew 19:26)
Worship: Nicole C Mullen: Call on Jesus

Pray:  You are Peace.
 Be desperate only for Jesus.  Those that are desperate for Jesus on a daily basis perceive and manage life through a peace that transforms our perspective.
Go to Jesus.
Give Jesus every problem, big and small.
Jesus will give you peace . . . a peace that restores you and a confidence that nothing is impossible with God . . . enabling you to continue  the journey of life.
 Learning with you to KICK START the day . . . through the peace of Christ.
Pastor Kerrie

(interAct written by Kerrie Palmer © 2009 All Rights Reserved)
kpalmer@hillchurch.com ~Church on the Hill~700 N. Hill Rd.~McMinnville, OR 97128~503.472.8476 ~www.hillchurch.com~ interAct
 Kick Start Your Day~Archives & Daily Subscription: go to http://kickstarttoday.blogspot.com/
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Wednesday, November 18, 2009

He Left

Go Deeper;  interAct: Bible Study  & interAct Study #7 & insights #7
Attend the InterAct Bible Study: Live Strong
A man, a good man, has walked into a new dimension of living. 

He took his last breath . . . let it out . . . and left.   

He was done. 

Certainly, the things of earth must have become dimmer as he made his way to the Light of heaven. 

We sit on this side of heaven wondering why it happened with hope reasons will be fully revealed;
however, we will never be able to fully understood what God has for us.  
That said, it is wonderful to know that with God, there is always more.

The thing is . . . the man, the good man, lived like he died . . . with grace, dignity, and purposeful.  His life centered around the presence, power, and peace of Christ.

At the end of the day . . . we are told that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, Philippians 2:10.

There is more to come . . . through Christ. 

Have you ever thought how life would look like when you and I join everyone on earth and bend our knees?

Worship: Hillsong London - You Are Here

Pray: 
Every knee . . . bows to You.

 Learning with you to KICK START the day . . . to bow down and surrender all!
Pastor Kerrie

(interAct written by Kerrie Palmer © 2009 All Rights Reserved)
kpalmer@hillchurch.com ~Church on the Hill~700 N. Hill Rd.~McMinnville, OR 97128~503.472.8476 ~www.hillchurch.com~ interAct
 Kick Start Your Day~Archives & Daily Subscription: go to http://kickstarttoday.blogspot.com/
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Tuesday, November 17, 2009

The Thin Place

Go Deeper;  interAct: Bible Study  & interAct Study #7 & insights #7
Attend the InterAct Bible Study: Live Strong

I have been there . . . in the thin place . . . where there is little, if any, distance between heaven and earth  . . .  when the heart of heaven is touched.  Pay attention to:
When a baby takes a first breath . . .
a teenager asks  God to bring peace . . .
a friend forgives . . .
fear becomes faith . . .
hopelessness becomes hope . . .
weakness becomes strength . . .
and a dead-end becomes a way out.
It is through Christ we are enabled to experience the thin place.
Therefore God exalted him to the highest place
and gave him the name that is above every name,
 (Philippians 2:9)

Worship: Todd Agnew: Joy

Pray: 
You are the Way to experience the thin place.

 Learning with you to KICK START the day . . . to experience the thin place.
Pastor Kerrie
(interAct written by Kerrie Palmer © 2009 All Rights Reserved)
kpalmer@hillchurch.com ~Church on the Hill~700 N. Hill Rd.~McMinnville, OR 97128~503.472.8476 ~www.hillchurch.com~ interAct
 Kick Start Your Day~Archives & Daily Subscription: go to http://kickstarttoday.blogspot.com/
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Monday, November 16, 2009

The Choice of Faith

Go Deeper;  interAct: Bible Study  & interAct Study #7 & insights #7
Attend the InterAct Bible Study: Live Strong

          
We said good-bye to friends.  They are moving to a new place to work for God.   The thing is . . . they have dreams for what could be . . .  but the truth is . . . the future is unknown. 
A choice of faith or fear must be made on a daily basis.   At the end of the day, the difference between living with faith in the unknown future rather than in fear is freedom. Those who have faith are liberated from the constraints caused by fear. When we respond with fear, there is a reduction and narrowing of our perception of reality, which eventually leads to the question: “What will happen to me?” Fear erects barriers, produces self-protective behavior, chaos, and havoc.  Conversely, faith turns our eyes upon Christ and opens our life up to the “more“ of God.
The Apostle Paul explained that Christ, not our circumstance, is to be at the forefront of all we think, say, and do:
Therefore God exalted him to the highest place
and gave him the name that is above every name,
 (Philippians 2:9)
Worship: Mercy Me: You Reign

Pray: 
God give me strength to live in faith.

Anticipate the more of God.
Be free.
Experience life through faith.
Turn your eyes on Christ.

 Learning with you to KICK START the day . . . choose faith through Christ.
Pastor Kerrie

(interAct written by Kerrie Palmer © 2009 All Rights Reserved)
kpalmer@hillchurch.com ~Church on the Hill~700 N. Hill Rd.~McMinnville, OR 97128~503.472.8476 ~www.hillchurch.com~ interAct
 Kick Start Your Day~Archives & Daily Subscription: go to http://kickstarttoday.blogspot.com/
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