As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, the waves seemed to be raging and slamming against the sand. The wind was biting and the air was rushing across the waves with such a rush. I felt weary by the time I finished the walk after fighting the wind to stay warm.
I think we often feel world-weary at times, as we fight against the things that pull at us from every side. But it isn't a twentieth-century phenomenon. Teresa Avila faced it as she wrote "I love neither the world, not the things of the world; no do I believe that anything that does not come from Thee can give me pleasure; everything else seems to me a heavy cross." She was tired of chasing things that disappointed and seeking satisfaction in that which ultimately fell flat. She describes these pursuits as a "heavy cross." Only that which came from the hand of God could give her true pleasure.
All around us messages promising pleasure fill our senses. We are told to buy this, taste that, watch this, and we will be happy. Only when we learn to no longer love the world or the things of the world, only when we understand that seeking pleasure in these worldly pursuits is merely a heavy cross -- only then will we begin to understand where true pleasure lies.
Your greatest joy, my friend, is found in seeking after God and enjoying what He gives. Anything else will disappoint.
Isaiah 55:2-3 -- Why spend your money on food that does not give you strength? Why pay for food that does you no good? Listen to me, and you will eat what is good. You will enjoy the finest food. Come to me with your ears wide open.. Listen and you will find life. I will make an everlasting covenant with you.
Blessings and peace,
Sherron
As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, two little girls were playing together on the beach. I just knew they were best friends... they were laughing and splashing along the seashore -- loving the time together.
I thought of my friends that are so very dear to me. Do you ever think of your friendships as a vital part of your relationship with God? Those hearts knitted together with you and God are gifts from on high. Such friends pull us up toward God, always encouraging us to seek Him. We learn from one another's experiences. We are encouraged to break out of mediocrity and stretch into the person we were created to be.
Some friends influence our dreams. Some mentor us. Some connect us to other important relationships. And our dearest friends would tear off the roof to set us before Jesus!
Friends can also pull us away from God if we let them. Some friendships can send us in the wrong direction. We need to discern these and set them aside.
Thank God for good friends. Keep them close. Pray for them, care for them, love them. They are God's gift to you, for now and for eternity.
John 15: 13-15 -- There is no greater love than to lay down one's life for one's friends. You are my friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you slaves, because a master doesn't confide in his slaves. Now you are my friends, since I have told you everything the Father told me.
Blessings and peace,
Sherron
As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, the sea gulls were sitting quietly on the beach, not moving or rustling as they usually do. They were very still -- as though they were listening to hear what was being said as I walked by them.
I thought of our own stillness in the world we live in. How can we let the quietness "take hold" of us? Our lives are so very busy, especially during this time of the year. Finding time to be still, to be quiet, seems like an unattainable luxury.
But we must try. Days will pass and, if we wait until we have the time or attitude or the setting to pray, we may never get around to it. We will wonder why we feel so harried and why God seems so far away. At that time we must remember what we already know -- that we must abandon ourselves and let the quiet take hold.
"Be still, and know that I am God," wrote the psalmist (Psalm 46:10). God invites us to, at least for a few moments, cease our physical and mental activity and simple bask in who He is. We don't need to do or say anything; we simply need to be with God.
Psalm 46:10 -- Be still and know that I am God.
Blessings and peace,
Sherron
As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, a tiny crab was going in circles... first one way, then another. It was as though he was confused -- trying to find his place in the sand to run into a safe haven. Finally he made it in.
At times we are like that. "No way!" we might think. It may be the very first thing you think when you understand God's will for you. Maybe that is because His plans seem overwhelmingly difficult, or because they involve too many of your weaknesses. Perhaps it is because God's directions seem counter to your own ideas or prejudices. Whatever the reason, you really don't want to do as God says... you want to go your own way, even if it seems confusing to you.
Reconsider, friend -- don't be so quick to say no. God wants to do great things through you -- endeavors that will astonish your eyes and bring true joy to your soul. True, it is going to take faith, but if you are willing to do whatever God says, you are sure to be blessed. So say yes, and trust Him. Follow His way!
Psalm 95:7-8 -- Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts.
Blessings and peace,
Sherron
As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, my heart was overflowing with thanks for how I see His creatures flowing together in their specific assignments -- the dolphin, the pelicans, the sea gulls, the tiny crabs. Everyone of them has a specific assignment given to them by their Father in heaven. And they use them without competing with one another for first place. What an incredible thought -- no competition... just a heavenly flow.
In today's world it seems it is all about getting ahead. You have to prove yourself to be the best -- to earn the rewards of the world... whether it is through your intellect, beauty, wealth, or skills. People are naturally disposed to comparing themselves to others -- to competing and seeking prominence at whatever they consider their strength.
But you don't have to put yourself through such a useless and destructive exercise with God. He loves you just the way you are. He has given you unique talents that He is going to work through, so you don't have to contend against other people -- you can work with them.
I was especially thankful after such a glorious Thanksgiving holiday. The blessings were still fresh in my mind as I thought of all I had experienced during the year.
My friend, don't compete. When God is working through you, you are already the best you can be. You are already a winner, so be gracious and act like it.
Psalm 64:9 -- Then everyone will stand in awe, proclaiming the mighty acts of God, realizing all the amazing things He does.
Blessings and peace,
Sherron
As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, my heart was overwhelmed with the beauty of the sparkling waves that seemed to cover my soul. My heart was still overflowing from the thoughts of Thanksgiving -- for so many reasons to be thankful as I basked in His presence along the shoreline.
The song of the birds, the majesty of the ocean, the glory of snow-covered mountain peaks, the lustrous beauty of an autumn full of color, and the predictable movement of the stars in the night sky are but a few of the wonders that point you to God, the source of all hope. They are reminders that no circumstance -- poverty, pain, sickness, loss, disappointment, grief, even the prospect of your own death -- can steal your hope when it is safely anchored in God.
God is the author of all hope, and He will never leave your side as you walk through the dark, confusing, lonely, and painful places in your life. He will replace your clouds of despair with the brilliant, penetrating light of His everlasting love. He will fill your heart with peace and your mind with wisdom and understanding.
Psalm 39:7 -- Now, Lord, what wait I for? My hope is in you!
Blessings and peace,
Sherron
As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, the beach seemed to be so so peaceful. It made me think of the really great relationships in my life that keep me focused on staying focused on God! That is a good thing for all of us -- to make sure we keep connected to the right people.
When you were a child, your parents warned you to stay away from "bad" companions who might cause you to stray from the right path. Certainly this was and is good advice for the very young and the easily influenced.
But you learn from Scripture that God loves all His children and wants you to be united with Him. You also learn that as a believer you have a responsibility to be a blessing not only to those who are living godly lives but also to those who are not. You are a mirror of God's love in the world; you reflect and pass along the goodness and mercy shown to you. And you practice this commandment most notably when you reach out to people who do not know that God loves them.
Psalm 25:8 -- Good and upright is the Lord; therefore He teaches sinners in the way.
Blessings and peace,
Sherron
As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, I watched some dogs running on the beach chasing the seagulls. They were free to run and play... I felt free as well, knowing I was free from my past... free from sin. Isn't that a wonderful feeling -- to be free?
Do you feel free today, or has the devil tied you up in knots, thinking about all your sin and mistakes made in life? You can be free today! Jesus has already paid the price with His life.
Sin is a real issue for most people, but sin does not have to be a big problem. Do you know God has already made provision in His Word for your human failures? Most people make a much bigger deal out of these things than God does.
Jesus understands your human frailty because He was tempted in every way we are. Because He is your High Priest, interceding with the Father for you, you can come boldly to God's throne to receive all of His grace, favor and mercy. Remember that as you walk freely on your seashore of life today!
Hebrews 4:15-16 -- For we do not have a High Priest who is unable to understand and sympathize and have a shared feeling with our weakness and infirmities and liability to the assaults of temptation, but One who has been tempted in every respect as we are, yet without sinning. Let us then fearlessly and confidently and boldly draw near to the throne of grace and we may receive mercy.
Blessings and peace,
Sherron
As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, the tiny sea gull had caught a fish for lunch... when another sandpiper came along to share. The sea gull immediately took the fish and flew away, refusing to share his catch. He was not in a giving mood for sure!
I thought of how we are to be givers, as His children. Giving generously from the heart is extremely satisfying for many reasons, but the most important reason is that it glorifies God. When you give freely, you are acknowledging the abundant, unreserved generosity He has poured out on you, His children. Everything you have, everything, is a gift of God -- the clothes on your back, the food on your table, the roof over your head, the color of your eyes, the size of your feet.
There are many ways to give to others and to give back to God. Money is often the first thing that comes to mind; but the gift of time often may be an even greater sacrifice. No matter how you choose to give, you can be sure that God is pleased and will pour out His grace on you in return.
Psalm 37:26 -- He is ever merciful, and lends; And His descendants are blessed.
Blessings and peace,
Sherron
As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, the ocean was sparkling with crystals dancing on the water. The atmosphere was charged with power from above... the creation was alive and I felt it as my feet touched the sand. I could feel the Father telling me I could accomplish all things with Him!
It is amazing what can happen when you get into an atmosphere where people build you up rather than tear you down, where people encourage and challenge you to be the best you can be. Spend time with people who inspire you to reach for new heights. If you associate with successful people, before long their enthusiasm will be contagious and you will catch that vision. If you stay in an atmosphere of victory, you will develop a winning mind-set. If you hang around people of faith, your own faith will increase.
Today it is time for you to soar with the eagles rather than pecking around with the chickens. If you will do your part by continually contemplating the goodness of God, living with faith and expectancy, God will take you places you've never even dreamed of.
1 Samuel 23:16 -- And Saul's son Jonathan went to David at Horesh and helped him find strength in God.
Blessings and peace,
Sherron
As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, I realized how often the ocean changes... it is never the same, no matter how often I walk on it. And I love how God changes our lives daily. So what does God have in store for you today? It can change tomorrow. His dream for your life is so much greater than you can imagine. If God showed you everything He has in store for you, it would boggle your mind.
It's time to quit limiting God. Remember God is your source, and His creativity and resources are unlimited! God may give you a dream or an idea for an invention, a book, a song, or a movie. One idea from God can forever change the course of your life. God is not limited by what you have or don't have. He can do anything, if you will simply stop limiting Him in your thinking.
Philippians 3:13-14 -- Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended, but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
Blessings and peace,
Sherron
As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, the dolphins came gliding along the waves in and out of the water... resting the peace of their Creator who had placed them where they could be happy and joyful in the wonderful ocean waters.
We are always looking for that place where we belong... pulled between the demands of work and family. We find we have so little opportunity for quiet time. The moments when we can experience god without distraction and interruption are so few and precious. The faces of your loved are never far from your mind, reminding, cajoling, and requesting.
Yet no matter how fragmented and abbreviated your prayers may become as a result, you can be sure God hears them -- not only in those rare moments of peace but also during the frantic hours of activity. He hears you clearly, no matter how mumbled and inarticulate your message may seem. And He is quick to give you the right words to say, the proper response to a crisis, and the kindness and diplomacy you need to navigate your complex and difficult days.
Psalm 42:8 Through each night I sing His songs, praying to God who gives me life.
Blessings and peace,
Sherron
As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, a tiny pansy had found a place to hide beneath the stairs on the dock... as I headed toward the sand. It was hidden and protected from the cool of the fall air.
Tulips and daffodils, in all the brilliant colors of spring, hide throughout the long winter in tight little shells deep beneath the surface of the sand. You barely know they exist as the wind blows along the shoreline and the cold holds you in its grip. But with the first warming breeze of spring, you notice green shoots bursting through the surface of the soil. Soon waving everywhere are the red, pink, and yellow flags that represent God's faithful promise that summer and winter, springtime and harvest will continue on the earth, and in your life, each at its appointed time.
You must be patient and cling to your hope in god. In His perfect time, the ambassadors of spring will burst forth in your life once more, fulfilling the promise of God's faithfulness to His creation.
Psalm 40:1 -- I waited patiently for the Lord; He inclined to me and heard my cry.
Blessings and peace,
Sherron
As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, the sea gulls were chirping along the sand. The baby seagulls were running to the mother birds as they called to them... what a beautiful sight to see.
We are like that -- we know the voice of our Heavenly Father... just as sheep respond to the voice of their shepherd. Amazingly, some shepherds claim to know the sound of an individual sheep's bleat, even when their sheep calls out from the midst of a large herd. One shepherd named each of her sheep and recognized their voices when they called to her. She attests to the fact that sheep are known also for their instinct to follow. They will follow her wherever she leads, whether high up on a rocky slope, down into a grassy pasture, or back to the paddock for shearing time.
The twenty-third psalm depicts a Good Shepherd who leads you to safety and nourishes the soul. You know that you are safe with the Good Shepherd and that He is keeping watch on the horizon.
Psalm 23:1-2 -- The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures; He leadeth me beside the still waters.
Blessings and peace,
Sherron
As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, I watched the sandpipers lined up along the sand... as though they were praying.
We are privileged to be able to pray to our Father any time we want to... prayer is good medicine. It is a fact, and medical science has finally caught on. Studies show that when you pray regularly and commit your welfare to God, you recover from serious illness and trauma faster than those who have no faith in God. Your outlook on life is more positive; your hope for the future is stronger. And as far as minor illnesses are concerned, you even get fewer colds than those who face life without the advantage of genuine faith.
Prayer and thanksgiving relieve stress, alleviate anxiety, promote positive thinking, and generally foster happiness and contentment. Is it any wonder that such things contribute to your health? When you know that God is in charge of everything and is your guide, you are less likely to take yourself too seriously.
Psalm 30:2 -- O Lord my God, I cried to you for help, and you have healed me.
Blessings and peace,
Sherron
As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, the crisp air touched my face gently, reminding me of the sweet love of my Father. What an awesome sight to see His glorious ocean bordered by His power.
God's power and love are too great for you to fully comprehend in this life. Great art, poetry, and music perhaps best convey God's mindnumbing majesty. When you pause from your daily routine of activities, struck by the intensity of a sunset or the majesty of a tree or the beauty of a butterfly, you catch a glimpse of the divine mystery at the heart of life. And it only whets your appetite for more. It is a glimmer of God's handiwork, vanishing as quickly as it has captured your attention.
The attitude of awe is a powerful reminder of your littleness and God's greatness. Reacquire the receptive mind of the child so that you may never lose the "wow" you feel for the stunning beauty of God's grandeur in the world.
Psalm 139:6 -- Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too great for me to know.
Blessings and peace,
Sherron
As I walked the seaside with Jesus, the sunrise overtook my spirit... as though a blanket was thrown over me! What an amazing feeling touched my soul as I walked along the beautiful ocean.
God's mercy and compassion make life bearable and invest it with meaning. You pray to Him for aid, and He answers you. You ask Him, and He answers you. You ask Him, the God of light, to protect you, and He does just that. You implore Him for wisdom and guidance, and He gives it freely. His deep and abiding concern for you as His children is manifest in the steadfast love He shows you.
How comforting it is to rest in God's mercy -- to know without any doubt that no matter where you fail, no matter where you might be fearful, His mercy ABOUNDS! It never ends. It is infinite. How reassuring it is to know that He feels compassion for you and intervenes in your everyday life, with the blessings of His divine mercy.
Psalm 116:5 -- The Lord is kind and does what is right; your God is merciful.
Blessings and peace,
Sherron
As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, the fish were jumping along the waves... sparkling like slivers of silver in the white capped waves along the seaside. There were hundreds of them swimming and playing in the waves. What a sight to see!
It brought to mind the blessings of friends and loved ones in my life, especially after spending the weekend with them in a beautiful and peaceful setting. What a blessing -- to have such special friends, and loved ones in my life! As I thought of them -- family and friends, mentors and heroes -- joy and affection filled my heart to overflowing. Because they are in the world, my life is brighter and more meaningful. I want to watch for opportunities to show them how much I care for them and value them. I want to always nourish and sustain them, to cheer them, and to make their hearts glad. Their very existence in my life is a cause for celebration... every day!
As children of God, we are to mimic Him in these feelings for our loved ones, feelings that are dim reflections of His profound delight in His children. He wants to see us happy and fulfilled, and He wants us to know He is the source of the abundant blessings in our life!
Psalm 145:8-9 -- The Lord is kind and shows mercy. He does not become angry quickly but is full of love. The Lord is good to everyone; He is merciful to all He has made.
Blessings and peace,
Sherron
As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, I walked in a different place. It was in the crisp fall leaves of Gatlinburg... but it is still the seaside in my spirit that speaks to me, because it is my morning walk with Jesus every morning. It is the place I go to meet Him, to hear what He is saying for the day.
You can do the same wherever you are in life -- no matter where that might be. Your walk might be along the city sidewalk early in the morning. Or it might be along the path in a country road, or even around the block of your work office. It might be outside your home -- on the deck with the quiet of the morning. Or it might be one of those blessed enough to live on the actual seashore of the ocean. Wherever you are, you can walk along your own seashore of life.
The main purpose of the walk is to have that quiet time with Jesus. How can you know what your direction for the day is if you don't go to Him first thing. He is the one who says, "Man plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps." So I believe if we get in step with His plan first, then we are going to have a more peaceful, harmonious and anointed day. Isn't that a great thought?
So -- wherever your seashore of life may be, have your morning walk with Jesus first -- then you will truly be able to enjoy the rest of the day! You have put first things first!
Psalm 16:8 -- I have set the Lord always before me; because He is at my right hand, I shall not be moved.
Blessings and peace,
Sherron
As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, the sound of the ocean waves lapping gently against the sand was soothing to my soul. It seems that on those days the sound of the Lord is much louder than on the days they are raging and pounding on the sand!
I thought of the verse that says, "Be still and know that I am God." We all have to get to that place where we can quiet the voices of the world and "hear what the Lord" is saying to us so we can have His direction for our lives. This is truly a challenge we all face -- even those who live at the beach -- because the enemy will keep you occupied with busy things to do. He will try his best to keep us from hearing the voice of the Lord our God. We just can't wake up and fall into our day without His leading because of a rushed schedule. And yet, many of us do. I have been there, done that, and the day just becomes scrambled because of a lack of His leading for our day!
If we truly want to go in the direction He has for us, we must get His thoughts before we begin each and every day.
As you walk your seashore of life, wherever that may be, find that quiet place where you can hear the voice of God. He is waiting to speak to you -- to give you direction, to give you wisdom for your life. He has your destination mapped for you -- if you can "hear what He is saying to you."
Psalm 46:10 -- Be still and know that I am God.
Blessings and peace,
Sherron
As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, I watched the sandpipers lined up along the sand... as though they were praying.
We are privileged to be able to pray to our Father any time we want to... prayer is good medicine. It is a fact, and medical science has finally caught on. Studies show that when you pray regularly and commit your welfare to God, you recover from serious illness and trauma faster than those who have no faith in God. Your outlook on life is more positive; your hope for the future is stronger. And as far as minor illnesses are concerned, you even get fewer colds than those who face life without the advantage of genuine faith.
Prayer and thanksgiving relieve stress, alleviate anxiety, promote positive thinking, and generally foster happiness and contentment. Is it any wonder that such things contribute to your health? When you know that God is in charge of everything and is your guide, you are less likely to take yourself too seriously.
Psalm 30:2 -- O Lord my God, I cried to you for help, and you have healed me.
Blessings and peace,
Sherron
As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, the crisp air was a reminder that we are moving into a new season. The temperatures were much lower this morning as I walked briskly along the shoreline with the chill that was sent through my sweater!
Almost everyone loves summer, but sometimes you can't see winter's graces at first glance. Ice or slush may mask the grace of skeletal trees that dot the landscape and thin grass that clings to the hard-packed earth. Yes, even in the stark lines of winter, you can see the work of a skillful artist -- God, who designed beauty to be dynamic, to renew itself in change.
The seasons are perhaps nature's best example of this. You watch as summer's bright greens give way to fall's warmer palette, then fade into winter's gray and white. Just when you long for the sight of green again, spring comes, bringing once more the buds of change and new life. God must have known you would need visuals to remind you of His purpose in change.
Psalm 74:17 -- You set the limits of the earth; you made summer and winter.
Blessings and peace,
Sherron
As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, I saw dark clouds looming over the waves. It looked as though the rain would burst from the sky any moment, so I hurried to the beach house to escape the coming storm!
The storm reminded me of a story I remembered as a child. Once, my Sunday school teacher was using a chalkboard to illustrate the story of Jesus walking on the water and calming the sea. She drew huge storm clouds, much like the ones I was looking at this morning, spitting out lots of wind and rain. She told us how frightened the disciples were in the boat with Jesus. Then she drew huge waves wildly rocking their little boat. Next she created on the chalkboard a shoreline and put Jesus walking from there toward the disciples on the water. Then she replaced the storm clouds and all their havoc with a bright sun and beautiful blue sky.
"Why do you think the storm went away and the water got calm?" she asked us. I think my response was, "Because you erased them!"
God's presence in your life erases the storms brought to you by others and by yourself. When you feel God's presence, you are assured of the help He brings to you!
Psalm 6:4 -- O Lord, rescue my soul; Save me because of Your lovingkindness.
Blessings and peace,
Sherron
As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, I felt I was walking alone... wondering why I couldn't feel His presence. It was as though I was walking alone. But I had faith that He would be there by the end of my journey along the beach.
Occasionally you may experience spiritual dry spells, much like I was feeling during my walk. It can be precipitated by the loss of a loved one, a personal defeat, or any number of adverse circumstances. During those uncomfortable, barren times, it often becomes difficult to pray. God may seem like a vague idea to you rather than a living reality.
It is comforting to bear in mind that this is not an unusual occurrence. Many of the heroes of the faith have experienced the same loss of direction and have had their faith tested. Even the psalmist David was afflicted by notorious depressions brought on by treachery, betrayal, adversaries, and his owns sins. The important thing is not to give up. You must persist in prayer. Faith and vitality will return. God does not forsake you.
Psalm 43:5 -- Why am I discouraged? Why so sad? I will put my hope in God.
Blessings and peace,
Sherron
As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, I noticed a different bird gliding across the ocean's waves. He was gracefully swooping down, then soaring high into the air... I had to really look to see what it was... it was a hawk -- not the usual creature flying above the waves.
High above the ocean waves, the black-winged hawk soars majestically. The bird's swoops and glides appear effortless as it moves along on the late afternoon breezes above the waves. It seems to fear nothing above or below as it sails back and forth, up and down, soaking up the last lingering rays of the sun. Its awesome grace is breathtaking.
In the midst of difficult times, it's tempting to look up at the hawk and wish that you, too, could sail along on gentle breezes, high above your painful circumstances. During those seasons when your strength seems almost gone, be assured that God is beside you, ready to sweep you up onto His mighty wings of mercy and grace. There you find rest, comfort, and healing for your broken hearts and wounded spirits.
Psalm 34:8 -- O taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man that trusteth in Him.
Blessings and peace,
Sherron
As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, there was such a rush of freedom with the fall wind gently caressing my face... the air was brisk, fresh and invigorating as I felt the gift of life in my spirit. Today, all I felt was feeling of "total freedom."
I thought of how different it was on this day on the beach, compared to my life in the corporate world. Rushing everywhere, caught in traffic and feeling the anxiety of the things I had to accomplish everyday. At times it seemed the only thing ahead was the unblinking red taillights of the car in front of me, or tomorrow's agenda! I would be stopped -- stuck -- with responsibilities behind me and more waiting for me at the office -- that is if I ever got there!
Friend, this situation was always frustrating because I could not see any relief or reward in the future, but I couldn't afford the mistake of thinking that things would never change. I knew God was going to bless my hard work and faithfulness... and He did!
Go to God for comfort in these wearisome times and draw your strength from Him... I did. Be patient and keep watch. Soon enough, the light will turn green on all of your blessings!
Psalm 16:5 -- Lord, You are my portion and my cup (of blessing); You hold my future.
Blessings and peace,
Sherron
As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, the sky was gray, the wind was fierce with the first bite of fall weather that had set it. It was as though the horizon was pressing against the ocean and the pressure could be felt in the air. The walk was more harsh, and the pressure was on to complete my journey.
Perhaps you have opened this devotional today with some important issue pressing on your mind that consumes your energy and creativity. Maybe you have come here wondering two things.
First, can God help me? Yes, the Almighty God who created the universe is certainly able to handle your situation.
Second: Will God help me? This question goes to God's love for you -- especially if you have messed up in some way. Yet the answer is yes! His love for you is unconditional, which means He will surely rescue you.
Today rest in the confidence that God can and will work in your situation. Though it may not be in the way you expect, He will definitely come to your aid.
Psalm 6:4 -- O Lord, deliver my life; save me for the sake of Your steadfast love and mercy.
Blessings and peace,
Sherron
As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, I ran into a couple that were visiting from Scotland. They were frequent visitors to the beautiful seaside to enjoy the warm sunshine and beauty of the glorious warm mornings along the beach. They barely spoke English, but they definitely understood the beauty of the beach!
When traveling to another nation, diplomats, businessmen, and missionaries often must engage in extensive study of the culture they'[re visiting. The kiss on the cheek that is common in Venezuela would be impolite in Singapore, where the head is considered sacred. Consequently, travelers must train themselves to show respect to the people they are meeting.
The wonderful thing about God is that He himself prepares you to meet with Him. He instructs you concerning the habits that please Him and cleanses you from those that don't.
Whatever is needed for you to come into God's presence, He provides it. Therefore, don't be shy. He loves you unconditionally, so enjoy His company.
Psalm 5:7 -- By Your abundant loving kindness I will enter your house, at Your holy temple I will bow in reverence for You.
Blessings and Peace,
Sherron
As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, there was such peace among the creatures of the ocean -- the sea gulls, the tiny sandpipers, the dolphin playing along the shore line... it seemed that none of them had any enemies. But I am sure beneath the ocean waves, there are plenty of predators that become enemies of the sea creatures... so everyone has enemies in this life. It is just part of life.
I thought of King David, one of the greatest and most successful Kings in the Bible. He too had plenty of enemies. However, this time, his adversary represented the greatest betrayal, knew David's most profound weaknesses, and pierced the deepest part of his heart. This time, the enemy was David's own son Absalom.
Are you facing a problem that is a lose-lose situation no matter how you look at it? You aren't sure whom to trust, and you are heartbroken about the way you have been betrayed? It is difficult to know what to do.
You can always do as David did -- count on God as your impenetrable defense, who not only protects your body but guards your heart.
Today, don't despair. Rather, trust God to shield you in every situation. He is your refuge!
Psalm 3:3 -- You, O Lord, are a shield for me my glory and the One who lifts up my head.
Blessings and peace,
Sherron
As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, I felt at peace and my heart felt full of love. What a wonderful feeling that is. To have a feeling of peace and that all is right with the world.
Of course, all is not right with the world, there is too much violence and hatred in the world. But what would our world look like if everyone could keep the feeling of peace and love in their heart. If we have a heart full of love, we only want what is good and best.
Try to think back to a time when your heart was filled with love. The birth of your first child, your wedding day, your best Christmas ever. Can you remember what that feeling felt like? If we can bring back that feeling of pure love and joy again now, all could be right with our world. Love is a powerful emotion. God is love. Jesus came to show us what that love looked like. No matter what they did to Him, He never lost the feeling of love for us.
What are you holding in your heart today? How you view life makes all the difference in the world -- especially for you. Today, think His thoughts and try to go back to those feelings of pure love and joy you have felt before and bring them into your heart today. The more love you can hold in your heart the more your life will be changed!
Proverbs 23:7 -- For as a man thinketh in his heart, so is he.
Blessings and peace,
Sherron