As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, the sunrise was so glorious. The waves were dancing and I just wanted to play along the seashore and forget all responsibilities I had taken on in my life on this day! Today I just wanted to runaway from life!
I am sure we have all experienced the "runaway moment." The six year old, angry that mom won't give him ice cream for lunch, packs up his belongings in a plastic bag and declares that he is running away. Mom keeps and eye out, watches him head to the neighbor's house, and makes a quick phone call. Then she watches and waits. Her son will soon return. In short order he discovers that he needs his mom, that no other place offers the comforts of home, and that mom loves him and wants the very best for him -- which doesn't include ice cream for lunch!
At times we are frustrated at God, angry at His refusal to give us what we want. We figuratively pack our bags to run away -- only to discover that we cannot get away from His presence. He is watching, waiting, loving.
He loves you too much to let you go. So unpack your bags!
Psalm 139:7-8 -- I can never escape from your Spirit! I can never get away from your presence! If I go up to heaven, you are there! If I go down to the grave, you are there!
Blessings and peace,
Sherron
As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, a white egret was standing in the wave with the wind blowing his white feathers. He looked funny with the feathers standing straight up -- it looked like he was having a "bad hair day."
We've all had a bad hair day. No matter what we do, we just can't get the hair to lay right, curl right, act right. We have all had our "bad hair days" spiritually as well. We look in the mirror and see only weaknesses and failures glaring back at us. It is hard enough to go out in public on a bad hair day -- but when we think that even our weaknesses are exposed, hopelessness begins to set in.
Sometimes we have to just stop staring at our flaws and instead look calmly, honestly, and with hope. God made us in His image. He is good and gracious, forgiving and faithful, humble and holy, loving and loyal.
Looking at Him will make it easier to look at yourself. When you are standing in the presence of the Father who loves you, you see the beauty He sees -- the beauty you are.
Psalm 45:11 -- For your royal husband delights in your beauty; honor Him for He is your Lord.
Blessings and peace,
Sherron
As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, a large pelican was sitting on the sand... not moving. It was strange because they are usually soaring, then diving for the fish beneath the water... but this one was just waiting, still beside the waves. I am not sure what he was waiting for, but he was not about to be moved.
As you know, there are consequences to waiting. When you ask God about something important and He doesn't answer right away, you will not only struggle with your own doubts, but you may have to address the questions of others. They will also want to know what your course of action will be and why you are allowing opportunities to pass by. You may not have any answers.
In those times, it will be difficult to keep waiting -- but do it anyway. Allowing God to answer will strengthen your faith. Be patient, friend. God will undoubtedly answer you in a way that will bring that sparkle back to your eyes. You can count on it!
Psalm 13:3 -- Please listen, Lord God, and answer my prayers. Make my eyes sparkle again.
Blessings and peace,
Sherron
As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, it was so relaxing and calm... with the gentle waves lapping on the beach gently. I almost felt guilty because I was so free of crazy schedules, time restraints or tasks that were on a count down.
I thought of how we spend our time -- wondering what we might like to be doing in ten or twenty years? Perhaps we have a picture in mind of what that perfect future looks like. Interestingly, people who achieve all their goals find that their success was not as satisfying as they thought it would be.
Yet there are also those who have forgotten their own plans in order to pursue God. As David testified in Psalm 40, they discover a life full of purpose and love -- abundant in hope and wonder.
My friend, you can imagine great things, but God's plans for you are infinitely better than all of them. So pursue them and obey Him. He will grant your heart's deepest desires and never disappoint you.
Psalm 40:5 -- You, Lord God, have done many wonderful things and you have planned marvelous things for us. No one is like you! I would never be able to tell all you have done.
Blessings and peace,
Sherron
As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, I watched a tiny sand piper keep going back to the very same place to gather his food from the sand. He kept repeating the same place -- like he didn't get it the first time -- or the second and third.
I thought of how we need to at times be told things more than once by our heavenly Father. For example, when reading Psalms, perhaps you have noticed that Psalm 53 is very similar to Psalm 14. Why, then, would it be included in the Bible? Charles Spurgeon explains, "God's Word never repeats itself needlessly, there is good cause for the second copy of this Psalm."
The truth is that sometimes -- even though we trust God -- we fail to seek Him. We forget the many times He has helped us. That is why we need this psalm repeated -- to remind us to look to Him continually.
To be truly wise is to seek God in every situation. Do you have some need today? Seek Him. He is always ready to extend His aid and loves it when you ask.
Psalm 53:2 -- God looked down from heaven on all people to see if anyone was wise, if anyone was looking to God for help.
Blessings and peace,
Sherron
As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, my assignment was to find a perfectly formed shell for my collection. I wanted just the right color, the right size, the right shape, but all I could find were "almost perfect" shells. Why couldn't I find the "perfect one" today when that had become my own personal assignment for the day?
Have you received an assignment that is less than thrilling? Are you discouraged because it seems beneath your expertise and training? Then you are thinking about the wrong thing. Instead of focusing on the negative aspects of the task, consider these questions: "Why has this duty come to me? Why does it require my attention?"
Perhaps you have received it to model godly character to someone else, or because you must learn some humility. Possible, the task is more important than you realize, or maybe it is God's provision for your bills.
Whatever the reason, it is an opportunity for excellence. So don't be discouraged. Rather, honor God with your assignment. No doubt, you will be glad you accepted your assignment.
Psalm 52:8 -- I am like a flourishing olive tree in the house of God; I trust in God's faithful love forever and ever.
Blessings and peace,
Sherron
As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, the sunrise was almost overwhelming -- the colors, the glow, the brightness -- almost with an extra fire added to it. What an amazing God we serve.
Today just think about God -- how He is creative and powerful, wise, holy, and completely faithful.
Consider God's work -- how He's helped His people throughout history. Through His power, the Red Sea parted for the Israelites, the walls of Jericho crumbled, David slew Goliath, and Jesus was raised from the dead.
Meditate on His character -- how all He does is because of His unconditional love for you. He is mighty and good, virtuous and trustworthy, wise and compassionate.
Today think about God and voice your praise to Him out loud. He is the magnificent King of glory who has plans for you that are better than you can imagine. Certainly He deserves your adoration.
Psalm 47:7 -- God is King of all the earth, so sing a song of praise to Him.
Blessings and peace,
Sherron
As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, the dolphins had not come out to visit as they usually do, and I missed them. Today I really wanted to see them... but it was only my Father and me on the beach today.
You can't predict when you will need to be comforted -- and neither can your loved ones. You want to talk, but they are unavailable. Perhaps it is because they are not home or it is because it is just too late to call. Maybe they are facing deep struggles of their own. Whatever the case, they can't help you. Where can you turn?
Day or night, you can always talk to God. Although your confidants may get tired or lack the ability to console you, God never ever will.
No matter your situation, you can always pray. In fact, God invites you to communicate with Him at all times. He wants to be a constant, loving presence in your life -- so call upon Him frequently. He is waiting for you.
Psalm 42:8 -- The Lord will send His faithful love by day; His song will be with me in the night -- a prayer to the God of my life.
Blessings and peace,
Sherron
As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, the ocean was calm and beautiful while in other parts of the world the weather was damaging the lives of those who lived in them. It just didn't seem fair... I almost felt guilty even enjoying the beautiful walk on the beach.
We ask it as a rhetorical question because we don't really expect God to answer. "Why, God?" We call out -- voicing more frustration and confusion over our hurt than real inquiry.
Yet realize that God has permitted your hardship for a reason -- it isn't random and God isn't being unkind. Though God doesn't cause all of your troubles, He allows them so you will trust Him more and discover His abundant life.
God uses everything that comes into your life for good. So when you cry out to Him for wisdom, expect Him to answer. And even if He doesn't give you understanding immediately, be confident that He has got an important reason for all He allows.
Psalm 71:20 -- You have allowed me to suffer much hardship, but you will restore me to life again and lift me up from the depths of the earth.
Blessings and peace,
Sherron
As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, the sky was gray and cold... it seemed to cover up the beauty of the beach when the sun is shining brightly. But the real beauty of the beach is there, no matter how the gray sky masks it.
I thought of how we sometimes wear masks as Christians... afraid to be who we really are, trying to please others. Are you tired of playing games, wearing masks, and trying to be someone other than who you are? Wouldn't you like the freedom to just be accepted as you are, without pressure to be someone you really don't know how to be? Would you like to learn how to succeed at being yourself? God wants you to accept yourself, to like who you are, and to learn to deal with your weaknesses. Everyone has weaknesses, but God doesn't want you to reject yourself because of them.
If you base your value on your weaknesses, you will underestimate your value. Your worth is not based on anything you do but on what God has already done.
So -- today as you walk on your seashore of life, if the devil has been trying to convince you that you don't measure up to the proper standard, remind him tonight that everyone is imperfect and that God loves you just the way you are.
Romans 8:26 -- The Holy Spirit...bears us up in our weakness.
Blessings and peace,
Sherron
As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, my goal was to walk 5 miles before the walk ended. I was willing to set the goal and reach it -- and not settle until I had reached the 5 mile mark! I thought about our Christian life -- do we have a willing heart to do what God tells us to do? When we talk about a willing heart, we are basically talking about "want to." Without it we will never do anything!
"Want to" is a powerful thing. With it you can lose weight, keep your house clean, save money get out of debt, or reach any other goal in life you may have set for yourself. You don't really like to face the fact that your victory or defeat has a lot to do with your "want to."
We like to blame everything on someone or something else. But you need to sit down and take a good old-fashioned inventory of your "want to." You need to be honest enough to say, "Lord, I didn't win the victory because I really didn't "want to." Today as you walk your seashore of life, ask the Lord to give you plenty of "want to." He will be there to help you -- if you really do "want to."
Exodus 25:1-2 -- And the Lord said to Moses, "Speak to the Israelites that they take for Me an offering. From every man who gives it willingly and ungrudgingly with his heart you shall take my offering."
Blessings and peace,
Sherron
As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, I watched a kite that escaped from a small child's hand flying every which way... totally out of control, pushed and pulled by the wind. It had no one to guide it -- and crashed into the ocean waves.
That made me think of our words... and how we must keep a guard over our mouth! Anything undisciplined will be wild and uncontrollable, always wanting to do its own thing. A child is that way too. So is a wild animal. So is appetite. The human tongue is no different. No man can tame the tongue -- not by himself. You need the Holy Spirit's help, but God will not do it all for you. You must discipline your mouth and take responsibility for what comes out of it.
How do you talk about your future? If you are not satisfied with your life and want to see it change, begin speaking over yourself according to God's Word. Let your words be in agreement with God's Word and you will be blessed greatly.
James 3:4, 5, 8 -- Look at the ships; though they are so great and are driven by rough winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever t the impulse of the helmsman determines. Even so the tongue is a little member, and it can boats of great things....But the human tongue cab be tamed by no man. It is a restless (undisciplined, irreconcilable) evil, full of deadly poison.
Blessings and peace,
Sherron
As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, the sky was cloudy and doubtful that there would be a sunrise shining through the clouds, but all of a sudden... there it was -- the sun burst through the dark glaze of clouds! What a glorious sight... and was worth getting up early to see!
That is the way we should be with our Father... that we always rise with the longing to meet Him every day. Nothing can satisfy your longing for God except communion and fellowship with Him. The apostle John wrote, "And the world passes away and disappears, and with it the forbidden cravings the passionate desires, the lust of it, but he who does the will of God and carries out His purposes in this life abides (remains) forever" (1 John 2:17).
The world makes it easy for you to fill your ears with all kinds of things that drown out the voice of God and push Him far into the background of your life. However, the day comes for every person when only God remains. Everything else in life eventually passes away, when it does, God will still be there. So, seek God earnestly today and every day of your life and He will abide in you. He is worth getting up for -- and seeking first!
Isaiah 26:9 -- My soul yearns for You (O Lord) in the night, yes, my spirit within me seeks You earnestly.
Blessings and peace,
Sherron
As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, the sea gulls were sitting on the beach as though they were waiting for a signal to fly away. They were just silent -- waiting.
We need to be quiet at times in the same way, and wait for answers from God. No amount of worrying can make things happen, let alone make them happen the way you want. Still, your human nature, bent on trying, rises to the challenge. What's the remedy for this all-too-common malady? Oswald Chambers, in his classic My Utmost for His Highest, wrote, "When God brings a time of waiting, and appears to be unresponsive, don't fill it with busyness, just wait. If you have the slightest doubt, then He is not guiding."
The story of Abraham and Sarah illustrates the futility of trying to make a divine promise come about in your own timing. Tired of waiting for a son, Sarah took matters into her own hands. The result was disastrous. God's timetable always delivers an Isaac when the time is right.
Psalm 62:1 -- Truly my soul silently waits for God; From Him comes my salvation.
Blessings and peace,
Sherron
As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, the waves were higher than usual. There were several brave surfers taking advantage of the unusual conditions of the ocean's rage!
A normal trip to the beach on most days, is a ticket to leisure for most folks. Strolling along the shore, you can watch the surfers bobbing like corks as they wait for the next big breaker. Giant waves like today's would scare most swimmers but today they were producing a thrill for the good surfers, who were gliding along the waves rather than being pounded by them. In life, it is the things you try to avoid and fight against that produce abundant joy in you.
True joy, it has been said, is not built on passing things; rather, true joy is built on the unchangeable love of God. Whether the events you face are just ordinary or terrifying, they are powerless to separate you from God's love. Be brave -- go for it! Live life to the fullest!
Psalm 81:1 -- Sing for joy to God, our strength; shout out loud to the God of Jacob.
Blessings and peace,
Sherron
As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, I picked up a beautiful shell -- perfectly formed by the Creator of the Universe. It was perfect in every way... color, the curve of the shell, a perfect shell for my collection.
I thought about how we also strive for perfection in our lives. We want everything to be just right -- the perfect job, the perfect mate, the perfect house... we want it all!
Being perfect sounds good, but it is not reality. Reality is that you are a human being, and no matter how hard you try to be perfect, you still make mistakes. Your heart can be perfect, but your performances will never be perfect as long as you are on earth.
Struggling for perfection to gain acceptance and approval from God or others only brings frustration and never-ending struggle. And it isn't necessary because Jesus accepts you just as you are. He will never pressure you to perform or demand something of you that you don't know how to give. So just do your best... and enjoy life while you are maturing... it is a wonderful process.
Matthew 5:48 -- You, therefore, must be perfect (growing into complete maturity of godliness in mind and character, having reached the proper height of virtue and integrity), as your heavenly Father is perfect.
Blessings and peace,
Sherron
As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, I was quiet, listening to the voice of God along the shoreline. I wanted to place my dreams for my life in His hands and recommit them to Him. I am committed to never giving up on the visions He has placed in my heart!
In a fast paced world that is both challenging and demanding it is important to have dreams and visions. Without them it is easy to become complacent and fail to grow beyond where you are right now. However, working toward your dreams and visions requires hard work.
Those who want to do great things without having to work hard will never see it come to pass. Having good business principles and being willing to work are requirements in the Kingdom of God.
Walking in kindness and love is a major factor in seeing your dreams fulfilled. No person is an island to himself -- we need other people to help us be all we can be. Therefore we must operate with principles that build good relationships.
As you hold fast to the dreams God has placed in your heart, prayerfully seek His guidance, and He will lead you to miraculous victories in your life.
Ecclesiastes 5:3 -- A dream comes with much business and painful effort.
Blessings and peace,
Sherron
As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, there were the ashes of a bonfire left from the bonfire the night before.
There is such a comfort sitting beside a campfire on the beach with friends sharing the blessings of friendship and love.
Then you have the rage of an out of control fire... whipped by the winds, the hungry flames of a wildfire devour everything in sight with the orange-red glow illuminating the night sky. The morning light reveals the devastation in its aftermath. A sumptuous green forest has given way to rows of blackened stumps and a smoky expanse of charred ground. Yet God renews even the blackened forest. In a few months, new growth springs forth from the charred ground, and flowers and vegetation soon cover the ground like a warm, inviting blanket.
At times, you may feel that a raging wildfire has swept unchecked across your life and left the rich colorful texture of your existence smudged and stunted. Even then you can rejoice, for God can also give new life to you. All He asks is that you place your hope in Him.
Psalm 138:8 -- The Lord will work out His plans for my life -- for your faithful love, O Lord, endures forever.
Blessings and peace,
Sherron
As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, the sun was softly hidden behind the clouds softly dancing on the horizon. It looked so close but it is so far away... but each planet, as well as the earth, have been precisely placed by the Creator of the universe.
So far is the planet Pluto from the sun that it takes 248.5 years for Pluto to make its way around the outskirts of the solar system. An observer on Pluto would view the sun as little more than a relatively bright star, with little ability to warm or illuminate the planet's icy consistency of frozen gas and metallic stone.
You may feel at times that your heart has taken on the characteristics of a faraway planet. But no matter how you might feel, God promises that nothing can separate you from Him and His great love for you. When you place your hope in Him, you can count on Him to pull you back into a healing and life-sustaining orbit, where the rays of His presence will warm you and illuminate your dark places.
Psalm 16:11 -- You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of your presence and the pleasures of living with you forever.
Blessings and peace,
Sherron
As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, the sky was decorated with beautiful clouds that looked like God was writing messages of love to me. After all, He keeps a book of remembrance of us when we are talking about Him.
Keeping a journal can be an enhancement to your spiritual life. You may write in it every day, or you may simply write often enough to record those things that are uppermost on their mind. The act of writing down your worries and cares is liberating and exhilarating, for it forces you to examine and articulate the sources of your anxiety. When you identify and analyze these sources of anxiety and ultimately commit them to God, they lose their power over you.
Journaling your worries to God is an effective discipline for reducing stress. In a way, it is like writing God a letter and asking Him to take care of things. Once you have done so, you can go about the day relieved and refreshed that you have dealt with your troubles effectively.
Psalm 37:5 -- Commit everything you do to the Lord. Trust Him to help you do it, and He will.
Blessings and peace,
Sherron
As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, I felt as though the blessings were overtaking me... the sunrise, the beautiful waves, the dolphins, the seashells, the sandpipers... blessings everywhere I looked.
God's blessings are available to you as you put trust in Him and keep His commandments. His abundance is beautiful and simple. His promises are everywhere in Scripture. He will be your God if you will be His child; if you honor and obey Him, He will withhold nothing from you. All you have to do is ask.
God forgives your trespasses and provides righteousness and justice when you are treated unfairly; He is merciful and gracious; He is slow to get angry and full of unfailing love. Sin and despair are the only obstacles between you and God's many blessings. They can cloud your vision and prevent you from seeing things as they are. But God understands and is eternally patient with you. He will give you the grace to overcome your weaknesses.
Psalm 103:5 -- He fills my life with good things.
Blessings and peace,
Sherron
As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, a tiny crab escaped by running into the safe haven of his home, burying himself away from the sandpiper. He was safe in his little home in the sand.
For us, home is the center of family life and a reflection of who you are and who you hope to become. Home is where you are fully yourself. Home is a haven from the world and its distractions, threats, and annoyances. Just as the home is the center of family life, so God should be the center of your home.
You invite God into your home as you look to Him in prayer, personally, and as a family group. You invite Him in as you read the Bible and apply its words to your interactions with those nearest and dearest to your heart. You invite Him in as you fill your home with symbols of your faith that provide inspiration and comfort. Let God be the head of your home rather than a convenient guest and see your home transformed!
Psalm 63:5-6 -- My soul shall be satisfied as with marrow and fatness; and my mouth shall praise thee with joyful lips; when I remember thee upon my bed.
Blessings and peace,
Sherron
As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, the sunrise was glorious as it glistened on the waves of the ocean. It was the beginning of a new day, filled with God's mercy and favor and grace! What a day to be alive!
Grace is God's favor, unmerited and unearned. Grace is God's mercy, undeserved and given freely, just like the sunrises each morning. Grace is God's compassion, boundless, unlimited. This wondrous gift of grace comes to you because you are fortunate enough to be God's child. And because you are His, He loves you unconditionally.
Grace is your birthright as a child of God. You fully avail yourself to this bounty by placing your complete trust in Him. You have access to His grace by having confidence in His promises. When you act on this confidence in God, you find that nothing is too great a challenge, no obstacle too large to overcome. Though you may approach a tough situation with trepidation, knowing the limitations of your own meager abilities, you can ask for God's help and be certain that He will give it.
Psalm 145:8-9 -- The Lord is gracious and full of compassion, slow to anger and great in mercy. The Lord is good to all, and His tender mercies are over all His work.
Blessings and peace,
Sherron
As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, the tide was coming in and going out ever so gently, washing in and then back out... rearranging the sand ever so slightly on each wave.
It reminded me of how the Blood of Jesus washes over our souls to forgive us and save us from our sin and eternal death and place us in the Kingdom of God forever!
Someone once said that forgiveness is not for the forgiven, but for the sake of the forgiver. Forgiving those who have wronged you brings a deeper understanding of the character of God. Forgiveness is the cornerstone of relationship with Him. When you hold a grudge, you keep God at a distance. When you let it go, you are restored to Him instantly and inner peace returns. He forgets there was ever a rift between you.
If you are struggling today, you can release your right to be angry and release the desire to pass sentence on the one who hurt you, for no one is beyond God's forgiveness. That is the wonder of His mercy. Follow His example and erase the record of wrongs. It takes courage, but it will free you to experience amazing joy and peace.
Psalm 25:18 -- Look on my affliction and my pain, and forgive all my sins.
Blessings and peace,
Sherron
As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, the dolphins were playing and jumping for joy along the waves. They were delightful to watch... and I was so thankful for the gift of knowing they were created by my Father in heaven!
I thought of how it might be, not knowing your heavenly Father. To me, trying to live without God is unimaginably self-defeating. Living without God makes you vulnerable to every sting, swipe, and bludgeon that may come your way. Despite all the intelligence and cunning that God has gifted you with, if you do not rest in God and place all your hope in Him, you won't succeed at anything you do. Failure is impossible with God.
Without God in your life, demons of self-doubt can goad you and undermine your best efforts. Anxiety can eat at you and leave you an easy prey for despair and defeat. Fear and trembling accompany you wherever you go. But with God you are safe and secure. You are swathed in a glow of love and peace. You are able to become all He intended you to be. What a blessing that is to all of His children!
Psalm 23:2 He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul.
Blessings and peace,
Sherron
As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, the ocean air floating across the waves smelled fresh and crisp with a touch of fall in the air. I was yearning to hear my Father speak in the quiet of the morning.
Of the five senses given to you, listening may be the one most poorly used. Yet it is the key to real communication with others. Often when you ask questions, you may already have formulated the answers you expect. When you engage in conversation, you may often have preconceived ideas of what you are going to hear. Conditioned by habit or limited thinking, your expectations may drown out what is new and interesting.
If you are to respond with your best self to the world, you have to dust off your hearing skills and turn up the volume. You have to pay attention to the pauses between words, the sighs, the tones of voice coming your way. You have to let the sounds of life get through to you... listen to your Father's voice today. He is speaking.
Psalm 68:33 -- O rider in the heavens, the ancient heavens; listen, He sends out His voice, His mighty voice.
Blessings and peace,
2w
Sherron
As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, the beach was quiet... which is usually the way it is in early fall. The noises along the ocean change with the passing of summer, and the sound of solitude returns.
In the fullness of summer, in all of its green lushness, you can sometimes hear a noisy symphony of natural sounds. Birds, crickets, frogs, dolphins, sea gulls, cicadas, dogs along the beach... all contribute to the song of praise to God the Creator. How can they keep from singing?
The other seasons have their own harmonies and melodies of praise. In autumn the quiet sounds of the doves are heard. The sea gulls in the crisp breezes; deer, rabbits, raccoons, and other game rustle in the dry foliage along the beach. Winter's cool silence and keening winds make their own frosty music, slow and majestic. Then spring, on the rebound from winter's solemnity, sings in full throat with the sounds of a schoolyard at recess. Praise is a natural activity that issues from life filled with God. Send up your sound of praise to the Lord of the universe today, in whatever season of life you may find yourself in! He is listening for that sound!
Psalm 148:13 -- All creation, come praise the name of the Lord. Praise His name alone.
Blessings and peace,
Sherron
As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, the clouds were being blown out to sea quickly as the winds came suddenly out of the north. It was a quick blast of cool air -- that all of a sudden came out of nowhere. Everything changed suddenly! I was totally unprepared for the quick change.
You have also probably experienced changes in your life -- the disruption and confusion of moving to a new home, with all your worldly goods packed and transported from the order and familiarity of your old home to the unfamiliar chaos of your new one. It can be disorienting and stressful to have to search for the items necessary to the conduct of your life. If only you had a map showing where everything was packed away.
God has provided a map for your life. His commandments and teachings give you the meaning and clarity you need to live peacefully and productivity. If you are momentarily confused or doubtful, you can call on Him and He will help you find what you need to carry on, God is right there, waiting for an invitation to step in and set things right.
Psalm 50:15 -- Pray to me in time of trouble. I will rescue you, and you will honor me.
Blessings and peace,
Sherron
As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, a pelican was sitting on the rocks as though he had his head bowed -- almost as though he was saying a prayer.
It made me think of how we pray to our Father. Sometimes prayer can be elaborate and formal, but prayer really only requires simple words about our heart's concerns. We should make it a simple matter of regularly setting aside time to talk to God. A daily prayer habit will help us grow spiritually and draw us into a close and comforting relationship with God. These regular activities can be exciting opportunities to interact with the Creator of the universe and influence the world around us.
We can enhance our prayer habit by finding a quiet place with a pleasant atmosphere to regularly meet with God. It is a good idea to also keep a Bible, a journal, and a few inspirational books in that special place. If we are faithful to make ourselves available and attentive to God each day, we will reap abundant spiritual dividends... so make it your daily habit to meet with Him and see the goodness come from above.
Psalm 5:3 -- Each morning I will look to you in heaven and lay my requests before you, praying earnestly.
Blessings and peace,
Sherron
As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, the waves gently lapped on the ocean sand... quietly saying, "I am speaking to you." I was so very grateful for the peace in my heart, knowing how loved I was by my Father in heaven.
It is so easy to forget to be grateful, to let daily worries distract us from the abundance that is ours. Mortgage payments, troublesome children, a looming deadline, a broken water heater, a headache, even a burned pizza or a fallen cake can interfere with your appreciation for the blessings you have been given. Inconveniences will pass, but God's blessings and love will keep showering down on you.
Open all your prayers with the praise and thanksgiving that are God's due. When you wake in the morning and before you fall asleep at night, make praise and thanksgiving your first and last thoughts. For whatever your circumstances may be, God has in fact given you the gift of abundant life in the here and now and the promise of life everlasting in the future.
Psalm 47:1-2 -- Clap your hands, all you peoples; shout to God with loud songs of joy. For the Lord, the Most High, is awesome, a great king over all the earth.
Blessings and peace,
Sherron
As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, there was a beautiful rainbow stretching across the ocean waves, a reminder of God's promise to His children.
We make vows and promises too. The vows and promises you exchange with those you love provide you with a strong foundation on which to build your life. Your word is your bond and your commitment. The faithfulness you give, as well as the faithfulness you receive, fills you with confidence and comforts you in your times of need. But the faithfulness of your closest family and friends appears as a pale shadow next to the splendor of God's faithfulness.
God is faithful to you no matter what. He gives you His full attention when you reach out for His love, assurance, and support. God never breaks His promises. And He is always there for you. By believing this and affirming it often, you take on a measure of His strength and reflect His goodness to others.
Psalm 9:10 -- All those who know your mercy, Lord, will count on you for help. For you have never yet forsaken those who trust in you.
Blessings and peace,
Sherron