Where will you live?

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).

Isaiah announced the coming of Christ:   In the land of deep darkness a light has dawned. 

Darkness . . .  hidden  . . . dishonesty . . . misery . . . oppression . . . hopelessness . 
LIGHT . . .  Revelation . . . Truth . . . Peace . . .Freedom . . . Hope. 

The questions is . . . where will you live . . . in the darkness or light?
To live in the Light, we make the choice to face the truth. Christ is Truth, revealing the darkness that resides within us. To be released from the darkness, we must become honest with ourselves and others.  When you get down to it, we are powerless to do it on our own:

‘Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,’ says the LORD Almighty (Zechariah 4:6, TNIV)

 When we ask Christ to take control of our life . . . we are released and liberated from the power in the place of deep darkness . . . not by our own strength or power . . . but . . . through  the Spirit of God.  We have no hope to be released from the darkness except through the Spirit of God. 

I hope you did not miss the point. Freedom from the darkness is not something we can do on our own.  Living in the Light is a daily choice to live through the presence and power of the Spirit. 

In the land of deep darkness, the Light has dawned.
You have a choice to either live in the darkness or the Light.
Life changes when we live in the Light. not by your own strength or power but by the Spirit of God.

Learning to KickStart the day  . . .  in the Light through the Spirit of God.

Kerrie

(written by Kerrie L. Palmer © 2010 All Rights Reserved)

Seeing More

 Our family begins the Christmas season watching the old black and white movie, It's a Wonderful Life.  Even Madelyn, 21 months old, has now watched it.  The main character, George faced a hopeless situation.  It was the kind of situation that makes everything about life seem worthless. So.  George received a gift. The character, Clarence described the gift as  "A chance to see what the world would be like without you."

As the story goes . . . George Bailey dreamed of  traveling and constructing buildings around the world . . . but responsibility for the family business prevented him from leaving.  He married, had a family, and, without realizing it,  helped to build a community that mattered. Circumstances  prevented George from seeing that his  life had counted, was purposeful, and  made a difference.

The idea that there is something more in life than what we immediately see is vital to living a life that matters.  Luke wrote his book addressed to Theophilus, telling him there was more to see about life:
So many others have tried their hand at putting together a story of the wonderful harvest of Scripture and history that took place among us, using reports handed down by the original eyewitnesses who served this Word with their very lives. Since I have investigated all the reports in close detail, starting from the story's beginning, I decided to write it all out for you, most honorable Theophilus, so you can know beyond the shadow of a doubt the reliability of what you were taught. (Luke 1:1-4, The Message)

 Luke reminded his readers that there is something more to see in life.  Jesus.  He broke into the history of humanity, providing the way to live in and through the presence, power, and peace of God.

When we stop . . . breathe . . . and focus on the presence of God  . . . we see that Christ breaks through the stuff of our life providing the way to live a purposeful life that makes a difference in this world.
It is a wonderful life when we live in Christ.

Learning to KickStart the day  . . .  seeing more . . . the presence, power, and peace of Christ.

Kerrie

(written by Kerrie L. Palmer © 2010 All Rights Reserved) 

Press On

They lost everything.  Everything.
Friends opened their home to them and invited them to live with them.  They encouraged them to think of it as a step to gain strength. to move forward. One of my mentors said that when we face challenges we need to gain strength to press on. 

Press is a strong word, meaning to exert a significant amount of weight.

There are real battles that require divine strength to press on.  It is through God we receive the kind of strength we need to press on through the battles as He did for the Exodus people:  Amalek came and fought Israel at Rephidim. Moses ordered Joshua: "Select some men for us and go out and fight Amalek. Tomorrow I will take my stand on top of the hill holding God's staff."(Exodus 17: 8-9, The Message).

The thing is . . . Moses needed to press on by having the vision that ultimately the battle belonged to God . . . relying on the strength of God, as well as His wisdom, to face the battle. 

The Apostle Paul used the phrase, press on, when he wrote to the Philippians describing how he would cross the finish line of his life on earth: No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it,but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead,  I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.(Philippians 3:13-14, NLT)


So. As Paul said, we have to forget the "stuff" and press on with the vision of what lies ahead, with faith that God will provide the way to win the battle, as we look forward to crossing the finish line . . . "Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead,  I press on . . ."
Look forward to crossing the line.
Gain strength through the power and presence of Christ.
Press on.
  
Learning to KickStart the day pressing on,

Kerrie


(written by Kerrie L. Palmer © 2010 All Rights Reserved)

God-given-opportunity

Wasting time.
Complaining.
Arguing.
Stuck. 
Seriously, we all have been there.  And . . . yet . . . God always has something more for us.  The thing is . . . we need to go forward . . . . grateful for a God-given-opportunity.

In their adversity, the Exodus people complained but Moses asked God what to do: Moses went forward by doing what God said: Moses did what he said, with the elders of Israel right there watching. He named the place Massah (Testing-Place) and Meribah (Quarreling) because of the quarreling of the Israelites and because of their testing of God when they said, "Is God here with us, or not?" (Exodus 17: 6-7, The Message)

What was the difference between the Exodus people and Moses?  The Exodus people gave up, complaining about their life.  Moses  had the wisdom to pray about what God wanted and the strength to do what God said to do. He moved forward with the guidance of God.

The Exodus people did not see that their adversity could possibly lead to a God-given opportunity.

It really comes down to following Christ no matter how difficult life becomes, giving thanks that adversity can be transformed, moving forward in the belief that all things are possible when we face life with God:
Jesus looked at them and said, “With human beings this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God.”   (Mark 10:27)

God is with you.
With God all things are possible, including the transformation of adversity.

Look at adversity as something God will use to move you forward. 
Refuse to complain.  Be wise.  Pray about what to do and take the God-given-opportunity..
Give thanks

Learning to KickStart the day taking a God-given-opportunity,

Kerrie


(written by Kerrie L. Palmer © 2010 All Rights Reserved)

Get Directions First

 I wonder what would happen if we knew we would succeed . . . accomplishing what we set out to do . . .  ending up where we hoped we would end up?
Would we have more courage?
Would we be more willing to risk?
Would we take a flying leap of faith when it makes no sense?

The Exodus people were stuck, failing to ask for directions, spending their energy and effort by complaining.  Moses cried out to God, fearing the complainers.
God revealed His plan.
God was not going to leave or fail them.
God promised to be present and active, with a plan of provision: 

God said to Moses, "Go on out ahead of the people, taking with you some of the elders of Israel. Take the staff you used to strike the Nile. And go. I'm going to be present before you there on the rock at Horeb. You are to strike the rock. Water will gush out of it and the people will drink." (Exodus 17: 5-6, The Message).

God told Moses there was a plan.
God told Moses to move forward, going ahead of the complaining people.
God gave Moses specific directions.
How did the Exodus people fail to understand that God had a plan for them?
How did they fail to see that God not only had a plan but  a plan  with a future and a hope?.
Why did they immediately begin complaining rather than praying?
The thing is . . . God had been faithful . . . releasing them from slavery . . . providing a pathway through the Red Sea when it seemed they were at a dead end . . . providing manna every day.  How did they miss the fact that God had a plan for them? 
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. In those days when you pray, I will listen.(Jeremiah 29:11-12, NLT)

God has a  plan with a  future and hope that is for you and I; however, we fail to see the plan when we are consumed with our circumstances.  So what can we do?  The promise following the promise of a plan is clear. Pray and God will listen.
Refuse to let circumstances rule.
Pray.
God will give the directions to His plan, giving you understanding of what to do as He did for Moses:
I pray that your hearts will be flooded with light so that you can understand the confident hope he has given to those he called—his holy people who are his rich and glorious inheritance (Ephesians 1:18, NLT)
When the next step to the plan is not clear, get directions, asking the Spirit of God to open the eyes of your heart.
See that God has more . . . develop confidence . . .  that there is a plan that will not be stopped by obstacles.
So. Refuse to be stuck in your circumstances.
Choose to move forward by asking for directions to the plan.  Pray!
Move forward, giving thanks for the plan.
Give thanks.




Learning to KickStart the day grateful for the plan of God,

Kerrie


(written by Kerrie L. Palmer © 2010 All Rights Reserved)

Thanks

So often we struggle with how things are not working rather than focusing on what God is doing. To live beyond our struggles requires intentional . . .   thanksgiving . . . even if it is for seemingly unimportant and small details.  Our perception of life changes as we give thanks. Gratefulness is a powerful part of living as a courageous follower of Christ.

The people of God did not see what God gave them or where they had brought them.
They saw lack.
They saw disappointment.
They saw pain.
Moses did not know how to lead the complaining people:

    Moses cried out in prayer to God, "What can I do with these people? Any minute now they'll kill me!" (Exodus 17:4, The Message)

The power of a complaint stopped Moses.  He called out to God, desperate to be rescued from the complaining people.  Gratefulness had been lost.  They succumbed to the pain of their circumstances.  Moses needed a word that brought him to a place of personal gratefulness.  The thing is . . . he had the responsibility.  . . .  to lead with thanksgiving.

Jesus demonstrated the power of gratefulness, even the night before He went to the cross. Jesus  took bread, gave thanks, and broke it.  The act symbolized Himself, the Bread of Life, broken for all of humanity: Then, he took the cup and gave thanks . . . saying it was his blood of the covenant . . . poured out for the forgiveness of sin:

     While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take and eat; this is my body.”Then he took the cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you.  This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. Jesus gave thanks for the pain that was before Him for God so loved the world and gave His Son that all might have life.(Matthew 26: 26-28, TNIV).

Jesus gave thanks for the bread and the cup.
Simple.
Small things.
Powerful.
For God so loved the world and sent His Son to bring salvation which means  healing, wholeness, restoration, deliverance, and recovery.


Stop.
Refuse to complain.
Look beyond your pain of a circumstance.
Lead those around you in gratefulness.
Give thanks for the smallest of details.
Remember that gratefulness allows us to see more.

Learning to KickStart the day with thanksgiving . . . for every detail . . . for God so loves the world,
Kerrie

(written by Kerrie L. Palmer © 2010 All Rights Reserved)

Toxicity

 We are created to influence one another; however, our influence declines when we complain.  The negativity becomes a barrier to what God can do through us. The thing is . . .  the negativity of complaining . . . is toxic. Even so, we are the ones that make the choice  to complain.

The Exodus people could not deal with their situation.  So. They complained:  But the people were thirsty for water there. They complained to Moses, "Why did you take us from Egypt and drag us out here with our children and animals to die of thirst?" (Exodus 17: 3, The Message)

The complaints of the people of God were rooted within a lack of trust as well as gratefulness.  Perspective changes with complaining as well as gratefulness.  Complaining brings problems into focus while possibilities are seen by those who give thanks.

At some point we need to decide if we, as His friends,  trust God
Friends, don't complain about each other. A far greater complaint could be lodged against you, you know. The Judge is standing just around the corner. (James 5:9, The Message).

Determine to be a positive influence today.
Refuse to enter into the toxicity of complaining.

Give thanks to God.


Learning to KickStart the day becoming a postive influence through gratefulness,

Kerrie


(written by Kerrie L. Palmer © 2010 All Rights Reserved)

One Thing

I often ask people what one thing they would like to change today, if they could.  The one thing is what weighs them done most . . . if it was not present . . . their life would be better. Everyone has at least one thing  that stands out as difficult athnd downright hard. That one thing, a problem, often dictates thoughts, behaviors, and conversations.
 
The Exodus people had one thing that made them desperate.  Again.  It dictated a conversation:  Directed by God, the whole company of Israel moved on by stages from the Wilderness of Sin. They set camp at Rephidim. And there wasn't a drop of water for the people to drink. The people took Moses to task: "Give us water to drink." But Moses said, "Why pester me? Why are you testing God?"  (Exodus 17: 1-2, The Message)

How much can you relate to the Exodus people? They were on a God-directed journey.    They did not trust God.  Really?  One thing . . .  and  . . . they forget the faithfulness of God?  They could not wait on God for provision?  They complained?

The journey of the Exodus people is relatable.  We need to develop the habit of turning a problem over to God, remembering that He has a plan for us that does not change when we are faced with a problem. At the same time, we trust that the power of God is greater than anything or anyone.  But,  too often the problem seems so big that it controls us.   Now, I am not saying it is easy to turn away from the power of a problem, but that it is possible through God. It requires intentional and willful  faith to call on God, even though it feels illogical at times.  We are promised:

"Call upon me on the day of trouble and I will deliver you" (Psalm 50:15)
"When my heart is overwhelmed; lead me to the rock that is higher than I." (Psalm 61:2)
"He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak."  (Isaiah 40:29)

Name that one thing that is big in your life today..
Turn it over to God.
Call upon God. He will deliver you.


Learning to KickStart the day to turn the one thing, a big problem, to God,

Kerrie


(written by Kerrie L. Palmer © 2010 All Rights Reserved)

New Manna

The truth is we can't make up for years of being negative or being destructive or whatever else we have done on our own. But with God we are promised . . .
    A fresh start.
    A new beginning.
    and
    A new life  . . . is possible. When we give ourselves to Christ . . . everything in our life becomes new . . . making us a new person:
    "This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!!" (2 Corinthians 5: 17, NLT)

When we give up the old person . . . the old way of living . . . we open ourselves up to the power of God making us new.  No matter how negative, difficult, or  challenging,  God will make all things new.

The thing is . . . God turns things around in our life, making all things new . . . each day.  The Exodus people chose not to live the way God said to live.  They did not get that God had planned the best life for them.  That said, God provided a place for the people to learn about the faithfulness of God and become new:

     The Israelites ate the manna for forty years until they arrived at the land where they would settle down. They ate manna until they reached the border into Canaan. (Exodus 16: 35, The Message)

 At first glance, it seems that eating the same thing . . . day after day for forty years . . . would be difficult and downright debilitating. .  BUT.  The people did not complain.  And, they had clearly been complainers. They waited for the provision of  God on a daily basis. Waiting and trusting go hand in hand. And, when we trust God, we are transformed, becoming new.

What we need to keep in mind is that when we stop focusing on our problems and focus on God, we are transformed.

    How can we become new each day?

Depend on God's provision of fresh manna,  His Word each day.  When we intentionally wait for the manna . . . and receive the manna . . .  we change.  Discouraging and negative thoughts no longer direct us as the manna becomes our sustenance to face the day with a new perspective.

Transformation is a process of becoming new each day.
It is  new day.
Keep focused on God.
Receive new manna as your sustenance.

Learning to KickStart the day becoming new through the manna of God,

Kerrie


(written by Kerrie L. Palmer © 2010 All Rights Reserved)

Investment

What is your life worth to others?  Too often we think of  our worth in terms of  position, possession, and power.  When all is said and done . . .our investment in people . . . is what lasts.  Money will be spent, possessions will be used, accomplishments will eventually be forgotten, but it is what we invest into others that will impact and influence others, generation after generation. 


The thing is . . . those who ask Christ to define their life have an investment power  that lasts beyond our time on earth . . . and generates the story of our life:
God asked the Exodus people to tell the story of His provision of  manna from generation:

Moses said, "This is God's command: 'Keep a two-quart jar of it, an omer, for future generations so they can see the bread that I fed you in the wilderness after I brought you out of Egypt.'" Moses told Aaron, "Take a jar and fill it with two quarts of manna. Place it before God, keeping it safe for future generations." Aaron did what God commanded Moses. He set it aside before The Testimony to preserve it. (Exodus 16:32-34, The Message)

The Exodus people preserved the manna to tell the story of the provision of God. So.  What is to be preserved in your life and in my life that makes such a difference that it is remembered from generation to generation?


The one thing I know is . . .  how we live our life is the story that will be told.  I have attended and officiated at enough funerals to tell you that the stories  told publicly and privately never include an individual's monetary worth, but how they impacted others.  The worst tragedy occurs when someone has left hurt and harm as their legacy. Whether, it is intentional or not, we leave a legacy behind. We have until our last breath to make an investment that changes lives for the good, a legacy worth leaving.

It is the power of Christ that transforms the legacy and enables us to make an investment that lasts: 

Furthermore, because we are united with Christ, we have received an inheritance from God, for he chose us in advance, and he makes everything work out according to his plan. God’s purpose was that we Jews who were the first to trust in Christ would bring praise and glory to God. And now you Gentiles have also heard the truth, the Good News that God saves you. And when you believed in Christ, he identified you as his own by giving you the Holy Spirit, whom he promised long ago.(Ephesians 1: 11-13, NLT)

God has an inheritance for you and I to receive which transforms our story, changes our legacy, and makes a powerful difference from generation to generation.

Receive what God has offered.
Leave a legacy that matters through the presence and power of Christ, investing in others.
Preserve the hope of Christ through the message of your life. 


Learning to KickStart the day making a powerful investment,
Kerrie

(written by Kerrie L. Palmer © 2010 All Rights Reserved)

Dominate

 Life can be so overwhelming that we  lose sight of  the fact that we have Christ living in us.  Instead of God dominating our focus, our focus is dominated by the stuff of our life. As if on cue, we begin to complain what is in front of us. We miss the point of life when we  complain.

The book of Exodus records the story of the people of God, ultimately misunderstanding  why God rescued them, complaining rather than putting their confidence in Him. So. God asked them to schedule a weekly Sabbath, setting time aside for Him; however, they were more concerned with the details of what they had to do to have a Sabbath than the purpose of it:  So the people quit working on the seventh day.The Israelites named it manna (What is it?). It looked like coriander seed, whitish. And it tasted like a cracker with honey.(Exodus 16: 30-31, The Message)

The Exodus people questioned, examined, and complained, but did not run to the heart of God with trust, confidence, or gratefulness.  The thing is . . . God desired then. . .  as He does for us now . . . to connect with Him before anything and anyone else. We are released from all the stuff that entangles us on the journey when we turn completely to God.  When we connect with God rather than to a problem, pressures, or even other people . . . we realize, once again, that God is in control rather than someone or something.

 The thing is . . . we long for the freedom from the stuff of life . . . but until we seek Christ first, we will experience self-imposed constraints and limitations. 

Jesus taught the life point, a vital component of living healthy and whole: These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs.  Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.  “So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today. (Matthew 6: 32-34, NLT)

As we seek and connect with the heart of God we understand that we will be okay . . . that all things will work together for good . . . and that we will receive everything we need. Christ made it clear that there is no reason to worry . . . that God will give us everything we need.   So.  We must refuse to let problems, pressures, and the stuff of other people to dominate our focus of life . . . but, rather . . . intentionally  trust and put our confidence in God by seeking Him first. Remember Jesus said, "Seek the kingdom of God first" (Matthew 6:33). 

 When all is said and done, when someone seeks God first, it is revealed in the fruit of their life. And, likewise when an individual seeks anything or anyone first, before God, the fruit of their life decision is seen.

Refuse to let problems, pressures, or the stuff of people dominate your life. 
Turn completely to God.
Take time to seek God first.
Trust and put your confidence in God.

Learning to KickStart the day seeking God first,
Kerrie

(written by Kerrie L. Palmer © 2010 All Rights Reserved)

Cast It ALL

Things are blown out of proportion when we focus on self rather than on God. Anxiety. Worry.  Stress.  The thing is . . . the "stuff" of life will happen, but if we become still and focus on God . . . we will, in time, experience the truth of what really matters in life. 

We become still to know God by stopping everything else, which is the idea of Sabbath:   On the seventh day, some of the people went out to gather anyway but they didn't find anything.  God said to Moses, "How long are you going to disobey my commands and not follow my instructions? Don't you see that God has given you the Sabbath? So on the sixth day he gives you bread for two days. So, each of you, stay home. Don't leave home on the seventh day."  (Exodus 16: 27-29, The Message). 

The people did not see the gift of Sabbath, but rather inconvenience and the discomfort of moving outside of their self-absorbed realm.  We hold that very thing in common with the Exodus people.  It is difficult to move away from our "stuff" to become still. And, yet, it is when we become still that we can get outside of ourselves and cast our "stuff" on Christ.  Peter wrote it much more succinctly: Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. (I Peter 5:7)

In the original Greek, Peter wrote the word, cast,  as a-once-and-for-all-action. So, we cast all it, all the worry, anxiety, and stress,  off of ourselves each time, refusing it to have a grip on us:  "God I cast ALL this worry . . . anxiety . . . and stress on You."   

Take a break from the "stuff."  Be still.  Completely cast your anxiety, worry, and stress . . . throw it all to God.
Each time you have a worried, anxious, or stressful thought or feeling . . . be still . . . cast it all on Christ . . . all of it.
Live in the peace and wonder of God rather than in worry, anxiety, and stress.

Learning to KickStart the day casting anxiety, worry, and stress,
Kerrie

(written by Kerrie L. Palmer © 2010 All Rights Reserved)

Stop . . . Pay Attention . . . Trust

I talk with individuals that have lost trust in someone or something.
The loss results in brokenness.
Their lives end up in a mess.
At some point they will do anything to make the pain of broken trust to subside . . . well . . . except to trust again.

Trust becomes a struggle after trust is lost.

Trust is a risk; however, when we trust God we step into a place of healing where we can be free of the brokenness of lost trust.  There is a process to learning to trust.  It begins with understanding that trust must first and foremost be put in God.   It is God who asked the Exodus people to stop doing everything, pay attention to Him, and to take the step of trust:  Moses said, "Now eat it; this is the day, a Sabbath for God. You won't find any of it on the ground today. Gather it every day for six days, but the seventh day is Sabbath; there won't be any of it on the ground." (Exodus 16:25-26, The Message)

The people took the step of trust as they did what God said to do. To do what God says to do, we must surrender what we want to do, letting go of the struggle.  We can put our trust in many things; however, it is only when we trust Christ that we really live. Christ promised that we would receive His Living Spirit, who is trustworthy to reveal the truth and guide us on the journey.  John 16:13 says “But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on His own; He will speak only what He hears, and He will tell you what is yet to come.”

Risk trusting Christ.  Stop.  Pay attention. Take the steps of surrender. Trust.   "Christ,  I put my trust in You. I will stop, pay attention to You, and trust."

Learning to KickStart the day trusting God,
Kerrie

(written by Kerrie L. Palmer © 2010 All Rights Reserved)

Flinging the Door Wide Open

It seems odd that we would have to schedule time to focus on God. But we do, if, we want to be transformed.  We tend to become immersed in our stuff and must intentionally choose to give our time to Him rather than our circumstance. .

God welcomes us . . .
wants us . . . 
and waits for  us:

Jesus issued the invitation:
[ Ask, Seek, Knock ] “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. (Matthew 7:7 )

God welcomes us to ask,
 wants us to seek,
and waits for us to knock.
God responds . . . flinging the door wide open . . .  changing our life.

The thing is . . . we need to understand what Jesus said in John 10:9 . . . He is the door to Life, opening our life up to possibilities beyond our imagination.  That said, it requires our effort and time to be directed toward God first.  God asked the Exodus people to plan on giving their time, a Sabbath, to Him: Moses said, "This is what God was talking about: Tomorrow is a day of rest, a holy Sabbath to God. Whatever you plan to bake, bake today; and whatever you plan to boil, boil today. Then set aside the leftovers until morning." They set aside what was left until morning, as Moses had commanded. It didn't smell bad and there were no worms in it. (Exodus 16:  23-24, The Message)

God welcomed, wanted, and waited for the people to spend a day with Him.  They did not understand that the door to possibilities . . . to living well . . . to living beyond their limitations would be wide open through God.  Time spent with God became a task to them, something they had to do, rather than an opportunity and celebration. A heart after God celebrates.
Direct your time and attention on God, who welcomes, wants, and waits for us to come to the Door.
Ask.
Seek.
Knock.

Get ready for the door to be flung wide open.

Learning to KickStart the day asking, seeking, and knocking at the door,
Kerrie

(written by Kerrie L. Palmer © 2010 All Rights Reserved)

Sabbat

Sabbat is an intentional activity that creates a space in our life to rest from the daily stuff of life.   Sabbat or shavath is the Hebrew verb for rest or ceasing activity.  The thing is . . . our time belongs to God . . .  . . . designated to be surrendered to Him.  Time is not given to only work but to intentionally resting in God.  If, we keep the time filled with busyness, we will discover the time does no good.

USA Today reported in 2008 about a study that evaluated over 12, 000 men for a five year period.  The results came as no surprise.  Those who did not take time to vacation had a higher incidence of heart disease and ultimately a higher rate of death.  A yearly vacation increased their health, reducing the risk of death by 21% and heart disease by 32%.   The results translate that rest is necessary.  If, we plan and prepare for rest each week, then, we will be healthier, more productive, and most importantly, alive!
 
I know for sure that we can work so hard that we miss the presence of God and what He is doing in us.  So.  We need to cease doing the "stuff" to know God.

It is clear:   “Be still, and know that I am God;
   I will be exalted among the nations,
   I will be exalted in the earth.” (Psalm 46:10, TNIV)

There is an art to becoming still and drawing closer to God.  To begin with, shabath requires planning and preparation. The Exodus people prepared for a day of shabath because God told them to do so: 

They gathered it every morning, each person according to need. Then the sun heated up and it melted. On the sixth day they gathered twice as much bread, about four quarts per person. Then the leaders of the company came to Moses and reported. (Exodus 16: 21-22, The Message)

Sabbat doesn't just happen. Intentionally plan a time of sabbat this week . . . to become still . . . and to know God.
Become healthier.
Manage your life with the wisdom of God by taking time for sabbat . . . ceasing the activity of the stuff of your life . . . becoming still to know God.
Live!
Learning to KickStart the day planning sabbat,
Kerrie

(written by Kerrie L. Palmer © 2010 All Rights Reserved)

Grateful

Gratefulness, a condition of the heart, impacts how we manage life and ultimately relate to God.  I Thessalonians 5:18 says, "Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."  Seriously, can you imagine what would happen if we actually gave thanks in all circumstances?  One thing for sure . . . to give thanks in all circumstances . . . is to trust the heart of God. As we thank God, the Sovereign Lord,  we are able to see that He has gone out of His way to intersect with us in a life-giving relationship.

So, what did the Exodus people miss?

 Moses said to them, "Don't leave any of it until morning." But they didn't listen to Moses. A few of the men kept back some of it until morning. It got wormy and smelled bad. And Moses lost his temper with them. (Exodus 16: 19-20, The Message)

The people did not comprehend that God would accomplish His purpose through them.  God called them to go where they could not go without Him.   To live beyond their limitations, they needed to focus, follow, and give thanks to God.

When you think about it, there is no one more grateful than the one that understands what it means to be freed from captivity . . .  to go where  God says to go . . . to do what God says to do . . . impacting the world . . . "giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified us to share in the inheritance of the saints in Light" (Colossians 1: 12, NASB).  

Celebrate your release from the captivity of a life without Christ.
"Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."  Be grateful.  Give thanks for a life in Christ with increased gratefulness each day.

Learning to KickStart the day with gratefulness,

Kerrie

(written by Kerrie L. Palmer © 2010 All Rights Reserved)

It's All About You

Questions to ask to live beyond the "normal" life . . . to be a courageous follower of Christ . . . living in the realm of His presence:

How did I get here?

Do I belong here?

What is the point of it all?


We tend to focus on the moment rather than on the big picture.   If, we look beyond ourselves it will become clear that God has something more for us.  The thing is . . . we must follow God's directions . . . and trust His plan in the process.

Trust is not easy to do and often becomes a struggle.  The Exodus people struggled trusting God  especially when life became overwhelming as it did when they were stuck in the dessert without resources.  They could not see beyond their need.  They were once again focused on their circumstance rather than on God.  Though God said He would provide manna at dawn: they did not see the presence of God in the light of the day:

 So Moses told them, "It's the bread God has given you to eat. And these are God's instructions: 'Gather enough for each person, about two quarts per person; gather enough for everyone in your tent.'" The People of Israel went to work and started gathering, some more, some less, but when they measured out what they had gathered, those who gathered more had no extra and those who gathered less weren't short—each person had gathered as much as was needed. (Exodus 16: 15-18, The Message)

 It seems to me that the people of God were constantly wanting to get out of their situations without seeing the bigger picture. They were blinded by the pressure of the situation.  Study the conversations between Pharaoh and Moses.  Pharaoh, a man living far away from the heart of God, could not understand the need to release the people.  After all, the slaves were holding up his nation's economy.  Without the slaves, their economy would tank.  That said, the people committed to God wanted to be released from the oppression of slavery but did not understand the point of it. The clue is in what God repeatedly told Moses to say. .  :  "Release my people so that they can worship me."

There it is . . . the bigger picture . . . worship.  True worship strips us of everything, opening us up to a fresh encounter with God.  It is all about God rather than ourselves.  I have a friend that says it this way:  "It is not about you.  It is not about me.  It is about God." 


Matt Redman wrote about it in the song, Heart of Worship:  

When the music fades, all is stripped away, and I simply come / Longing just to bring something that’s of worth that will bless your heart… / I’m coming back to the heart of worship, and it’s all about You, Jesus

See what the Exodus people could not see in dawn's light.  Step into the Light of God: In Him was life, and the life was the Light of men. The Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.(John 1: 4-5, NASB).   Filter your vision through eyes of faith. Remember that life, in each and every circumstance,  is all about Jesus, the Light of all humanity, not the circumstance.  Hard to learn, but powerful to know. 

Learning to KickStart the day in Jesus,

Kerrie

(written by Kerrie L. Palmer © 2010 All Rights Reserved)

Step into Belief

What we believe impacts . . . our patterns of behavior . . . our conversations . . . our thoughts . . . everything. False beliefs opens the door to fear of what might or might not happen.  Believing God produces faith with an expectant attitude.

Though the Exodus people  had been rescued and freed . . . they did not believe . . . that God would  provide.  Their unbelief created blindness to God's provision.  We can see that the desire of God's heart was to provide.  The thing is . . .  the Exodus people needed a breakthrough in their unbelief:  That evening quail flew in and covered the camp and in the morning there was a layer of dew all over the camp. When the layer of dew had lifted, there on the wilderness ground was a fine flaky something, fine as frost on the ground. The Israelites took one look and said to one another, man-hu (What is it?). They had no idea what it was. (Exodus 16: 13-15, The Message)

God had told the Exodus people that He would provide "manna" in the dawn; however, they could not see that God's provision was in front of them.  Though they were freed them from slavery, they were enslaved to false belie.  They needed to step into the reality of believing God to be freed.  It is in the divine realm of belief that we live in expectation of what more God has for us:     All around us we observe a pregnant creation. The difficult times of pain throughout the world are simply birth pangs. But it's not only around us; it's within us. The Spirit of God is arousing us within. We're also feeling the birth pangs. These sterile and barren bodies of ours are yearning for full deliverance. That is why waiting does not diminish us, any more than waiting diminishes a pregnant mother. We are enlarged in the waiting. We, of course, don't see what is enlarging us. But the longer we wait, the larger we become, and the more joyful our expectancy. (Romans 8:22-25, The Message)

Stepping into the realm of belief creates a lifestyle of expectation, focusing on God rather than the "stuff" of this world.  Confidence and courage flow out of divine expectation. It is our responsibility to keep living in expectation, refusing to go back to the old ways of the unbelief patterns of thinking, speaking, and behavior.  This is only possible through focusing on God which leads to belief rather than on fear which leads us to unbelief.

Step into belief.
Live in expectancy.

Learning to KickStart the day stepping into belief,

Kerrie

(written by Kerrie L. Palmer © 2010 All Rights Reserved)

Listen

Worry.  Anxiety.  Stress.  It comes down to one solution. TRUST. The thing is . . . if trust is missing . . . it is impossible to live without worry, anxiety, and stress. 

For a variety of reasons we come to places in life where we can't trust God, Ruler of heaven, earth, and all creation.  When you think about it . . . being unable to trust God . . . is ridiculous.
What do we do to get to the point of failing to trust God?

We all know the answer.
We put trust in ourselves or others or circumstances, which apparently makes sense at the time.
We fail to realize God is our God.  

Listen to the conversation between God and Moses:   "I've listened to the complaints of the Israelites. Now tell them: 'At dusk you will eat meat and at dawn you'll eat your fill of bread; and you'll realize that I am God, your God.'" (Exodus 16:11-12, The Message)

God listened to the complaints.  God responded.  The Exodus people had to make the choice to trust what God said; however, they could not seem to trust.  God said He would provide bread at dawn and meat at dusk.  Trust would have required them to trust what God said rather than what they could see in the moment.  It may have seemed like a very long time between the dawn and the dusk as the minutes slowly went by in the hot, arid dessert.  The "inbetween" moments would have been a logical time to listen to worry.

As it does so often, worry begins a conversation in our mind and we listen.  Consequently, we open the door to anxiety and before we know it, stress takes hold of the body, mind, and soul. 

How many times do we listen to worry rather than to what God says?

God tells us over and over not to worry.  But.  We do.

Intentionally stop and listen:

Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done (Philippians 4:6, NLT).

Listen to Philippians 4:6.   Don't worry.  Instead pray, trusting God to listen. God listened to the Exodus people; He listens to you and I. As the day wears on . . . refuse to listen to worry . . . intentionally  listen to God.


Learning to KickStart the day listening to God,

Kerrie

(written by Kerrie L. Palmer © 2010 All Rights Reserved)

Turn To Face God

There are days.  No one escapes the annoying . . . messy . . . wish-it-could-just-be-over kind of days. And, then there are the days . . . that we get it.  I mean we see what life is really about. Both kinds of days are overwhelming but from completely different perspectives.

It  happened to the Exodus people.  They were overwhelmed by all the changes in their life, which seemed too difficult to manage.  But.  The day came where they turned to face what was in front of them and they saw God:

Moses instructed Aaron: "Tell the whole company of Israel: 'Come near to God. He's heard your complaints.'"  When Aaron gave out the instructions to the whole company of Israel, they turned to face the wilderness. And there it was: the Glory of God visible in the Cloud.(Exodus 16: 9-10, The Message)

Simple. Powerful. True.  Turn around from all the stuff.  Face what is in front of you.  See God.

God is where He sends us.  God will go ahead of us.  God will work all things out.

Meanwhile, the moment we get tired in the waiting, God's Spirit is right alongside helping us along. If we don't know how or what to pray, it doesn't matter. He does our praying in and for us, making prayer out of our wordless sighs, our aching groans. He knows us far better than we know ourselves, knows our pregnant condition, and keeps us present before God. That's why we can be so sure that every detail in our lives of love for God is worked into something good. (Romans 8: 26-28, The Message)

God promises to work every detail into something good.  God is faithful.  The Spirit of God will pray in and for us, keeping us present before God.

So. What do we do to get out of the annoying . . . messy . . . wish-it-could-just-be-over kind of days?

Turn from the details of those kind of days . . . the realm of what we see without faith . . .  to the divine realm that can only be seen through eyes of faith . . . turn to face God.

Learning to KickStart the day turning to face God,

Kerrie

(written by Kerrie L. Palmer © 2010 All Rights Reserved)

Go To The Mountain

Complaining is

contagious . . . others, more often than not, will join in.
a habit; it is difficult to stop once it begins. 
a way to avoid taking ownership of a problem.
related to gossip.
never positive.
a symptom of ungratefulness.

Ultimately,  complaining is an obstacle to seeing God and what He has planned.

The pages of  the book of Exodus warn us that complaining is ultimately against God:
Moses said, "Since it will be God who gives you meat for your meal in the evening and your fill of bread in the morning, it's God who will have listened to your complaints against him. Who are we in all this? You haven't been complaining to us—you've been complaining to God!"  (Exodus 16:8, The Message)

The thing is . . . when we complain . . . we lack vision and the courage to go where God has called us to go.  Martin Luther King, Jr. said it best:

I just want to do God's will. And he's allowed me to go to the mountain. And I've looked over, and I've seen the promised land! I may not get there with you, but I want you to know tonight that we as a people will get to the promised land.

I am reminded that God will take us to the mountain to gain perspective . . . but . . . we will never see beyond ourselves when we complain.  A grateful heart allows us to see God.  Christ said it this way:    "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. (Matthew 5:8, NASB).

Let go of whatever makes you want to complain.
Intentionally give thanks.
Go to the mountain.
See God.
Enjoy the view.

Learning to KickStart the day with gratefulness,

Kerrie

(written by Kerrie L. Palmer © 2010 All Rights Reserved)

Eyes Wide Open

My friend was one of those people that changed lives by doing life together.  I would be a completely different person had I missed knowing my friend.. This would have been birthday week, a celebration of #50 for my friend; however, the last celebration on this side of heaven was a decade ago.  Death was unexpected and certainly not welcome. The thing is . . . in missing my friend this week . . . I have more clarity.  It is because of our friendship that I am able to see the gift of others in my life.

There are so many things that are easy to miss, if, we fail to take another look.  Of course, it easier to see what we missed in the past than what we are missing in the present moment.  It is in the present that clarity of the gifts of God can be rather difficult to see, especially when life is challenging.  In our culture we tend to complain about the challenges and difficulties rather than to respond with gratefulness for the life we have.  In the book of Exodus, the people were told that their complaining was against God: Moses and Aaron told the People of Israel, "This evening you will know that it is God who brought you out of Egypt; and in the morning you will see the Glory of God. Yes, he's listened to your complaints against him. You haven't been complaining against us, you know, but against God."(Exodus 16:6, The Message)

Could it be that ultimately when we complain . . . we are complaining against God?  

 The thing is . . . the people missed the point that they had the presence of God and one another.  They failed to see that they had lived. .. though . . .   the most powerful army in the world had pursued them and they had crossed the Red Sea on foot.  They were alive because of God!  It makes me pause . . . and look again . . . to see the gift God has given, even in the midst of pain and suffering.  When it comes down to it . . . God wants us to see with eyes wide open . . . to see His presence and power in the present as well as in the past.  God has created us to see that we are a part of something so much greater than ourselves.

Paul wrote it to the early church:  By having the eyes of your heart flooded with light, so that you can know and understand the hope to which He has called you, and how rich is His glorious inheritance in the saints (His set-apart ones). (Ephesians 1:18, AMP).  

We see more when the eyes of our heart are wide open, flooded with light, the presence of Christ.

Are your eyes wide open?  See beyond the circumstance.  Look at what more you have received . . . through a relationship with God  . . . and those who have made a significant impact in your life.  Refuse to complain.  Intentionally give thanks. Celebrate!

Learning to KickStart the day with eyes wide open,

Kerrie

(written by Kerrie L. Palmer © 2010 All Rights Reserved)