As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, it was cloudy and yet behind the clouds, were rays of sunshine that seemed like glory rays streaming behind the darkness. It didn't make sense to me, how this can be done, but then I thought my thoughts are not as high as my Father's are!
We don't always understand God's methods. His ways don't always make sense to us, but we have to realize that God sees the big picture. Consider this possibility: you may be ready for what God has for you, but somebody else who is going to be involved is not ready yet. God has to do a work in another person or another situation before your prayer can be answered according to God’s will for your life. All the pieces have to come together for it to be God's perfect time.
To live your best life every day, you must learn to trust in God's timing for you. Let God do it His way -- not yours. The answer will come, and it will be right on time! You can trust Him!
Isaiah 55:8-9 -- "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the Lord. "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts."
Blessings and peace,
Sherron
As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, my heart was filled with hope of all my Father was doing as I gazed across the vast ocean, knowing that He is always working on my behalf for a great future.
Perhaps you too have a big dream in your heart -- a dream to own your own business, to help hurting people -- a dream to have a better marriage -- but you don't really see any human way your dream could happen.
I have good news for you! God isn't limited to natural, human ways of doing things. If you are not seeing God move in your life right now, either your requests are not God’s best and will probably not be answered the way you would like it, or it must not be the right time. If you will trust God and keep a good attitude, staying faithful right where you are and not getting in a hurry and trying to force things to happen, God will promote you at the right time, in your due season. He will bring your dreams to pass. Rest in Him!
Philippians 4:11 -- I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.
Blessings and peace,
Sherron
As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, a tiny crab seemed to be crawling along slowly today. It seemed a struggle for him to even move along the sand. It was almost as though the little creature had given up.
This morning, you may be frustrated because you feel God's plan isn't working in your life. But never fear; God is arranging all the pieces to come together to work out His plan for your life. Though you may not feel it or see it, He has been working in your favor long before you encountered the problem.
Don't grow impatient and try to force doors to open. Don't try to make things happen in your own strength. Your situation may look just as it did for the past ten years, but then one day, in a split second of time, God will bring it all together. When it is God's timing all the forces of darkness can't stop Him. When it's your due season, God will bring it to pass.
Galatians 6:9 -- Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.
Blessings and peace,
Sherron
As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, the sunshine rays were streaming from behind the clouds as though God was looking at me from His throne on high. I felt as though His eyes were following me along the beach during my walk.
Have you ever experienced that pang of longing in your heart that comes after an especially beautiful love story? Or the grumbling of your stomach after a particularly delectable cooking demonstration? These are small evidences of the effect that the things you watch, read, and listen to have on you.
Whether or not you realize it, you are greatly influenced by the media you allow into your life. It shapes the way you think and react to situations. If you have been struggling in a particular area, the shows, music, and books you have been partaking of may have contributed to the problem.
If you think God would disapprove of something that is influencing you then let it go.
Psalm 101:6 -- My eyes shall be upon the faithful of the land that they may dwell with me; He who walks in a blameless way is the one who will minister to me.
Blessings and peace,
Sherron
As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, the ocean waves rolled in and out... just as God commanded when He set the borders from the beginning of time. And that has never changed from the time He spoke. What a comforting thought -- to know His Word stands.
God has given His Word to you for several reasons. When you study it, you not only gain insight into His ways and principles, you also receive direction and encouragement. The psalms are an excellent source of hope and comfort, especially when you are battling some intense trial.
David faced many challenges in His lifetime, but He always found the strength He needed to overcome every threat by recalling God's goodness and promises to Him.
Have you learned to do the same? When trouble comes, do you turn to the Bible and ask the Lord to speak to you, or do you rush to call a friend?
The support of loved ones is essential, but the amazing love of an omnipotent God can never be replaced.
Psalm 84:5, 7 -- Blessed are those whose strength is in you.... They go from strength to strength till each appears before God.
Blessings and peace,
Sherron
As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, the pelicans were fighting over a fish -- pushing each other away from the catch. It seemed unusual with all the other fish available in God's big ocean, but it was there in front of my eyes.
Make no mistake about it, there will be opposition in your life; there will be weapons formed against you, and they may be formidable and frightening. You will not go under; you will go through. The Scripture says, "A righteous man may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers him from them all" ( Psalm 34:19).
When things get tough or things don't go your way, keep your confidence up. The Bible says when you've done all you know how to do, just keep on standing strong. Keep praying, keep believing, keep singing songs of praise. Keep fighting the good fight. If you do that, God promises to bring you out with the victory.
Isaiah 54:17 -- no weapon formed against you will prevail, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and this is their vindication from me,” declares the Lord.
Blessings and peace,
Sherron
As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, the waves were crashing against the sand with the colder air moving into the area. But how beautiful it looks with the white crests of the waves rolling in, one after another -- and the sound is such a sound of power! I love what some people would say is a negative on this morning, but I chose to appreciate the beauty before me.
Many people will just dwell on the negative and then wonder why nothing positive ever happens to them. It is because their minds are focused in the wrong direction. You can't constantly think thoughts of worry and fear and expect to have any kind of victory in your life. The Scripture tells us God has given us a "sound mind," which the Amplified Bible describes as a "well-balanced mind" and adds "discipline and self-control." In other words, we must discipline our minds to think thoughts that are consistent with God's Word.
Every day you will have negative thoughts attack your mind. But you can choose whether or not you will give them life by dwelling on them. You can control the doorway to your mind, reject the negative thoughts, and choose to dwell on what God says! Today choose the right thoughts and rejoice!
2 Timothy 1:7 -- For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.
Blessings and peace,
Sherron
As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, the sky was a little overcast and the air was cooler. It was one of those days you could stay inside and miss the blessings you might find along the morning beach walks. It would have been easy to have an excuse for not walking today -- but I made the choice to do it anyway!
We each must take responsibility for our own actions and our thoughts. As long as we keep making excuses and blaming our environment, our family tree, past relationships with other people, and our circumstances, and attributing blame to God, Satan, anyone, or anything, we will never be truly free and emotionally healthy. To a large extent, we can control our own destinies.
It is not your circumstances that have you down; your thoughts about your circumstances have you down. It is possible to be in one of the biggest battles for your life and still be filled with joy and peace and victory -- if you simply learn how to choose the right thoughts. Fill your mind with God's Word and see the world around you become a peaceful and victorious place to live -- every day! It is your choice!
Philippians 4:8 -- You will do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious -- the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse. (The message)
Blessings and peace,
Sherron
As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, the sun was shining through the clouds like rays of glory from Heaven! You could feel the Father's love covering creation... with only love being given back in an attitude of thankfulness for so many wonderful blessings He pours out!
Too many of us go through life with a weak worm-of-the-dust mentality. Every time we shrink back and say, "Well, I can't do it; I don't have what it takes," we're conforming to it. When we allow ourselves to be full of fear, worry, or anxiety, or when we are uptight about something, we are surrendering to a worm mentality.
It's time to step up to God's dining table and dig into the fabulous banquet He has prepared for you, complete with every good thing imaginable. God has everything you need -- joy, forgiveness, restoration, peace, healing -- anything you need to live at your full potential. It is all waiting for you at God's banquet table, if you will pull up your chair and take the place He has prepared for you. Best of all, the price has already been paid!
Psalm 34:8 -- O taste and see that the Lord is good; how blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him.
Blessings and peace,
Sherron
As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, the morning was a little cool and I wondered if it was too cool to make the walk, but I continued on course. It was a successful morning, after enduring the brisk breeze off the ocean against my face... it was victory!!
There are times we feel down and wonder if we will make it through... but if even if you feel you are in your darkest hour, boldly declare the favor of God. Then nothing can keep you down. The Bible says, "Hoe to the end for the divine favor that is coming to you" (1 Peter 1:13). Certainly, this verse applies to the future blessings that Christians will receive at the return of Christ. But it is also a present truth. In other words, don't give up. Keep on believing, expecting, declaring. Keep living favor-minded, and God promises that good things will come to you.
If you will keep your hope in the Lord, God says divine favor is coming. You may not be able to see it right now, but when God's favor shows up, things are going to change.
2 Kings 13:4 -- Then Jehoahaz sought the Lord's favor, and the Lord listened to Him, for He saw how severely the King of Aram was oppressing Israel.
Blessings and peace,
Sherron
As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, the sea gulls seemed to be at odds with one another... fighting over the fish. It was not normally the sight I like to see on the beach -- but they have their moments too, I am sure.
It is like us -- we have those emotional days. "Go ahead, get it out of your system," your friends urge during some trial. So you do. You allow the emotions to pour forth. You spout things you do not really mean, and you blow your troubles out of proportion.
You feel better for a moment. Then the feelings come back stronger than ever, and they are even more painful and harder to shake off. What happened?
The problem is not that you have expressed your emotions; it is that you have allowed them to run amok. Now you are trapped by the drama you have created.
Express yourself to God and allow His wisdom to guide you. The path will lead you to peace.
Psalm 34: 12-13 -- Do you want to live and enjoy a long life? Then don't say cruel things and don't tell lies. Do good instead of evil and try to live at peace.
Blessings and peace,
Sherron
As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, the pelicans were challenged to dive into the waves that were high and swift. Today their normal easy dive into the ocean became a greater task to accomplish, with the challenge of the storm that was moving in swiftl... not an easy day. But they were faithful to do what needed to be done -- to obtain food for the day.
In my own life, I have had many challenges along the way. But then I know our Father will challenge us to do many wonderful things in this life -- He will always encourage us to launch out in faith with the tasks He calls us to do. But there is something that brings an even greater degree of satisfaction than anything we can experience on a human level, and that is time spent in quiet devotion to Him.
Though your life may seem too full to take time to be alone with Him, consider this: He is never too busy to be with you. His one consuming desire is for you to know Him. When you begin to do this, even the smallest of activities will take on new meaning.
So spend time with Him today and enjoy the awesome privilege of being in His presence. Surely it will be the best time you have all day!
Psalm 65:4 -- How happy is the one You choose and bring near to live in Your courts! We will be satisfied with the goodness of Your house, the holiness of Your temple.
Blessings and peace,
Sherron
As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, the pelicans were sitting on the side of the beach. It was unusual -- not the normal place for them to be, which was a little strange to me. I thought of how we are always surprised when things are not in the "normal" place.
It made me think of our expectations of how God answers our prayers when we pray. We are always surprised. But one of the most exciting things about God is that He does not always answer your prayers the same way. Just when you think you understand how He will solve a problem, He takes a different route all together. This is why having faith is so important.
Always make sure that whatever you are doing is in line with the principles of His Word, but also allow Him to be God -- submit to Him whenever He reshapes your plans even when you do not comprehend why He is leading you in a certain way. Never try to box Him in with your expectation.
Because you will find that when you think you know all there is to know about Him, He will do something far better than you could have every imagined.
Psalm 78:15-16 -- God made water flow from rocks He split open in the desert, and His people drank freely, as though from a lake. He made streams gush out like rivers from rocks.
Blessings and peace,
Sherron
As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, the sandpipers were scattered about -- running in every direction. It seemed as though no one quite knew where to go to gather the food, so there was much confusion with the tiny birds today.
I thought of how at times, our lives seem confusing to others. Whenever you serve God, there will be those who do not understand your devotions to Him and may even oppose what He has commanded you to do. Their heated words and antagonism may be discouraging, but be strong. Continue to do what is right -- honoring the Lord.
As hard as they try, no one can prevent God from fulfilling His purpose for you. In addition, when you honor Him faithfully, His loving character will shine through you.
Therefore, instead of growing angry with your adversaries, pray that they will accept the freedom that God offers. Then, whether or not they decide to follow Him, you will have succeeded in doing what is right and keeping your heart clean. That is all the vindication you really need.
Psalm 17:7 -- Show Your marvelous lovingkindness by Your right hand, O You who save those who trust in You from those who rise up against them.
Blessings and peace,
Sherron
As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, the sky was so beautiful and the waves were so warm against my feet. The love of God was so evident as I watched the day being awakened by the sunrise.
Do you love God for what He does or because of who He is? Do you pay Him lip service to get what you want, or do you worship Him because you are truly in awe of His amazing grace?
Like you, God desires to be loved for Himself -- for you to honor Him because He is astoundingly imaginative, unwaveringly kind, steadfastly holy, completely powerful, and absolutely wise. He also wants to have a deep, abiding relationship with you so you can experience His unconditional love.
So consider: Why do you seek Him? Are you looking for someone to cater to your needs? Or have you realized that you are simply not whole without Him in your life? Do you praise Him for your sake or for His?
Psalm 24:8 -- Who is this great king? He is the Lord, strong and mighty, the Lord victorious in battle.
Blessings and peace,
Sherron
As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, the water glistened like diamonds dancing against the sand. It felt so good to walk without the heat of the summer -- knowing the fall season is upon us, my favorite time of the year. And yet to many people, the change of the season means a warning of bad weather to come, no more summer days to enjoy for the season. But still I wanted to give thanks -- regardless of what the future might hold.
The Bible encourages you to give thanks to God in every situation, even in the circumstances that are difficult. This shows your willingness to have faith in Him even in the most trying areas of your life.
Yet you find that there are experiences and troubles that you just cannot trust Him with. The wounds are too deep and the sacrifice too painful.
My friend, God understands. Yet He does not ask for gratitude for His sake. He does it to make you whole. He knows that when you praise Him, it exposes the hidden injuries of your heart to His healing touch.
Therefore, my friend, thank Him, even when it is a sacrifice and you don't really feel like praising Him. His loving restoration is something you can truly be grateful for.
Psalm 50:14-15 -- Bring your thanks to God as a sacrifice, and keep your vows to the Most High. Call on me in times of trouble. I will rescue you, and you will honor me.
Blessings and peace,
Sherron
As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, a jellyfish had somehow been left on the beach, out of the safety of the ocean waves. I felt sorry for the little creature, knowing that somehow misfortune had entered his otherwise lovely life in the beautiful ocean water.
Trouble comes in many forms and finds everyone eventually. Some people feel like outcasts and never really learn to fit in. Others face financial, physical, or relational problems that keep them in constant chaos. The world offers no solutions or mercy. On the contrary, people must constantly beware of those who would take advantage of their weaknesses.
Unfortunately, instead of turning to God, people question why He allows so much suffering. Yet the reason there is such turmoil is that sin is a painful reality in the world.
My friend, God longs to show you His loving care, but you must stop clinging to the world and blaming Him for your hardships. Rather, embrace Him. He will reveal the truth and free you from your hurt.
Psalm 31:7-8 -- You have seen my troubles, and you care about the anguish of my soul. You have not handed me over to my enemies but have set me in a safe place.
Blessings and peace,
Sherron
As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, one of the sandpipers following me seemed a little haggared. His feathers were ruffled, and he looked weary. He was not one of the usual perfect little creatures running along the shore with me. Someone might have called him "ugly, not perfect."
I thought of how we judge things and speak negative things about people. It is generally so much easier to believe the negative things people say about someone rather than the positive. Ugly. Stupid. Disgraceful. Worthless. These works make lasting wounds on your heart, and it is difficult to overcome them once they have been spoken.
Yet remember, it is not what the vessel is made of that gives it value, but what it contains. When you believe in God, He fills you, and your life becomes a vessel of praise to Him. You have been completely changed. You no longer have any reason to feel shame, because God has provided you with a new identity based on His beauty, wisdom, holiness, and worth.
My friend, you have been emptied of your indignities and filled with God's glory. Let Him shine through you so others can trust Him as well.
Psalm 40:3 -- He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God. Many people will see this and worship Him. Then they will trust the Lord.
Blessings and peace,
Sherron