As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, I watched a small school of tiny fish gasping for breath... they had been washed into a sandy hole and the water had begun to drain. They were fighting for their lives. I reached down and placed them back in safe waters.
Once again I was reminded of how dependent we are on the Father's love. We can't be without His love, His presence, His provision without losing our lives as well, just like the tiny fish. Any creature may be satisfied for a short while before they begin to long for water... to bring life to their body. He specifically mentions the deer in His Word!
We have similar requirements -- though not just for physical requirements such as food and water. We also need love, acceptance and purpose. But most of all our souls must have the living God.
It is true that you can attempt to fill those needs with other things -- relationships, wealth, activities, etc. -- but they will never truly fulfill you. They only mask your true yearning and make you hungrier.
Deep inside you long for God. And we can have as much of Him as your heart can handle. So don't go thirsty. Drink Him in and satisfy your soul.
Psalm 42:1 -- As the deer pants for the water, so I long for you, O God.
Blessings and peace,
Sherron
As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, I watched a little girl running along the beach. She looked like she was by herself, and then I saw her Father come running for her! What a wonderful display of a father's love -- just like my Father in heaven who comes running for me!
The best way to appreciate the glory and grandeur of God's love is to shed your weariness and worldly wisdom and begin to see things through childlike eyes. Doing so returns you to your sense of awe and wonder. Christ said as much when He encouraged you to become as a little child, awed by life but nonetheless trusting in God.
God's greatness and majesty are evidenced everywhere, if you look at the world with childlike eyes -- birds fly from branch to branch, fishes swim in the sea, geckos skitter across warm rocks, wolves bay at the moon, and stars shoot across the night sky. A child has no difficulty believing that God made all these things, that He created them all. When you become as a child, you will have no difficulty either.
Psalm 104:2 -- My whole being praise the Lord. Lord my God, you are very great!
Blessings and peace,
Sherron
As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, I was in a hurry to just get my walk over... the Lord reminded me that I was there to slow down and enjoy His presence.
It seemed to be one of those days after a very restless night... the clock ticked loudly, the bed wasn't as comfortable... the tossing and turning continued all night. Eventually I realized that what was really making me restless were my maddening thoughts.
When we turn our mind on and we can't stop what's rushing through it -- worry after worry buzzes by. We try to think of something else, anxieties come back even louder than ever.
When we are restless and sleepless, we need to turn our thoughts to God and think of all He has done for us. Pray to Him and leave your concerns at His feet. Make your wakefulness into a worshipful time with Him. Slow your walk in life down and hear what He says. He will surely calm your soul and lead you into rest!
Psalm 63:6 -- I remember you while I am lying in bed. I think about you through the night.
Blessings and peace,
Sherron
As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, the walk seemed to only be a short one but when I looked at my watch I had been walking for almost two hours. I had been lost in my time with Jesus this morning and lost all track of time!
Time is both an enemy and a friend. You do your best to conquer it, and yet it continually slips through your fingers. You measure your life, your successes, and your productivity in terms of minutes, hours, days, and weeks. You often lose your hope in the future and in the fulfillment of your dreams as time passes.
God isn't subject to your concept of time, for He is the Master of the universe. When you place your trust in Him, you can know with certainty that you have all the time you need to do what He has created you to do and that you have plenty of time to become all that He created you to be. Your brightest hour is always ahead, never behind!
Psalm 90:4 -- A thousand years mean nothing to you! They are merely a day gone by or a few hours in the night.
Blessings and peace,
Sherron
As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, I found a little sand crab that was stuck under a rock. I lifted the rock and let him hobble back to his hiding place.
He was like most of us... wounded and struggling to be set free. Few people pass through life without feeling the sting of betrayal, the loss of friendship, or the failure of important relationships. At those times, you may feel that the pain of a broken heart will cling to you for the rest of your days and that you will never be whole again. Sometimes you may even wonder if God still loves you.
God does love you, purely, simply and unconditionally. Even if your pain is the result of your own actions, God's love does not condemn you. It urges your forward, calling you to forgive yourself, make amends, and become a better person. His love is constant and predictable. And with the assurance of His love comes hope -- hope that you will love again, trust again, offer your heart again.
Psalm 34:18 -- The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.
Blessings and peace,
Sherron
As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, I brought my favorite book, the Bible, to spend some time reading as I sat on the beach.
I have a passion for books, as anyone who knows me will tell you. The word library calls to mind a variety of images -- a large room with floor to ceiling shelves, tables with people sitting hunched over their books, numbered signs directing you to a plethora of subjects, a row of computers, a small section devoted to new arrivals, and nothing but the sound of rustling pages, soft hums, and gentle whispers -- the sounds of studying. A quiet time of contemplation and study is consoling and satisfying. You feel that you've found some answers you have been seeking.
When the words you meditate on come from God, you are fortified in your spirit as well as your mind. A heart soaked in the knowledge of God changes from the inside out. If you continue to meditate, you will discover that what started as a discipline has turned into a delight.
Psalm 119: 15-16 -- I will meditate in thy precepts, and have respect unto thy ways. I will delight myself in thy statutes; I will not forget thy word.
Blessings and peace,
Sherron
As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, the water was calm -- almost silent as it gently lapped against the sandy beach. What a peaceful place to be.
When Jesus went to His disciples on the evening of His resurrection, the first thing He said to them was, "Peace be with you."
That has not changed. When you are in the presence of God, you are in a place of peace. Peace comes from the presence of someone who made you in love and keeps you in grace, someone you can count on to be with you in all things. When you are in God's presence, you are with one who knows you better than anyone does and who wants you to have the best life has to offer. In such a presence you have an inner calm that exceeds human understanding and measurement. Take time today to sit in that presence and feel the calm of life overtake you. His peace is yours!
Psalm 29:11 -- The Lord will give strength to His people; the Lord will bless His people with peace.
Blessings and peace,
Sherron
As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, a tiny sandpiper was running back and forth and in circles. The tiny creature seemed very confused and not sure which way to go. I wanted to help him out of his confusion.
As I watched the little sandpiper, I thought of times in my own life when I felt as though I was going in those same circles. Answers to some questions are difficult to find. Why are you here? What purpose does your life serve? Why is the life of a child cut short? Why is a strong and decent man cut down in his prime? Why must a young mother care for her children alone? Why do evil people prosper? Why do the ravages of war never seem to end?
You may never know the answers to these questions or the thousands of others drawn from the circumstances of your life and from those around you. You can but place your hand in the hand of God and place your hope in His great wisdom and eternal love. You can rest in the knowledge that His intention for you is always good.
Psalm 121:1 -- I look up to the mountains; does my strength come from mountains? No, my strength comes from God, who made heaven, and earth, and mountains.
Blessings and peace,
Sherron
As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, three pelicans were sitting on the sea wall waiting for the fish to come by. They seem to never have any doubt that their need for food will be met every day. Wouldn't it be great if we could have that confidence as well?
In the utter stillness of a cavern deep underground, a single drop of water falls onto the surface of a small pond -- then another and another and another. With time, the pond swells until the entire chamber is underwater. Doubt enters your life in the same way -- one drop at a time, one circumstance at a time.
When you experience loss or disappointment, it is natural for you to have questions and experience doubt. But you can bring your questions and doubts to God. He will help you resolve your doubts and find the peace you seek. It may take a little longer than you expect for the answers to come, but they will come. You can know God's true and lasting peace as you allow your doubts to flow out into the river of God's love.
Psalm 119:116 -- Sustain me according to your promise, and I will live; do not let my hopes be dashed.
Blessings and peace,
Sherron
As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, I thought of the needs of our world today as I looked at the vast ocean that a God who knows no lack created for me to enjoy! All I could think as I walked was, "He is limitless!"
We seem to all be so very needy in so many ways when He says we have no reason to feel that every need is not met by Him. When supply seems to have failed you must know it has not done so. But you must, at the same time, look around to see what you can give away. Give away something.
There is always a stagnation, a blockage, when supply seems short. Your giving clears that away, and lets the Spirit of Your Supply flow clear.
A consciousness of God's presence as Love makes all Life different. The consciousness of you means the opening of your whole nature to Him, and that brings relief. Relief brings Peace. Peace brings Joy. The "Peace that passes all understanding" and the "Joy no man takes from you."
Behind all words is God's Love and care for you. Be sure of it. Rejoice in it. Walk in His love. These words mean much. There is a joy, a spring, a gladness in the walk of those who walk in God's Love. That walk becomes a glad conquering and triumphant march. So today walk in supply! It is all there!
Ephesians 3:20 -- My God shall supply all my needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.
Blessings and peace,
Sherron
As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, I found a tiny tree on the shoreline that had taken root and somehow had survived the ocean waves and begun to grow into a beautifully formed tree. What a sight to behold as I wondered how it had held onto the sand to keep from being washed away!
A solitary tree standing there in the middle of the shoreline may appear to be deserted by all else. In fact, however, it is not. The warmth of the sun kisses that tree; the gentle breezes caress it; the fellowship of birds on the wing gladden it; and a small underground universe of lively creatures stimulate it.
At some time in your life you experience loneliness. Loneliness is natural and should be appreciated rather than feared. In seasons of loneliness, you discover that you are never truly alone -- no more than that solitary tree found along the beach. People you barely notice during times of social prosperity surround you and can become valuable friends. But the greatest discovery is that God is constantly with you, warming you with His love, and you can learn to hope in Him. What a blessing!
Psalm 73:23-24 -- I am continually with thee; thou hast holden me by my right hand. Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel, and afterward receive me to glory.
Blessings and peace,
Sherron
As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, the wind was bitter against my face and I was chilled to the bone. I was determined to make the walk, but I really wanted to be sitting somewhere in front of a toasty warm fire and feel the warmth against my face instead.
I thought about the fire. A blazing wood fire is glorious, but when it is spent, nothing remains but white-gray ash -- a somber contrast to the rough-cut log that once lay on the hearth and the colorful flames that danced high in the air, filling the room with warmth.
At times you may feel that your life is reduced to ashes, that your strength is gone, and that the flame you once carried inside is cold and colorless. But God promises that even at your lowest point, even when you feel there is nothing left with which to rebuild your life, He is there to rekindle the flame within you. His indwelling Spirit offers hope and strength for you to begin again, and His never failing love shines brightly on your path, illuminating each step you take.
Psalm 130:5 -- I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in His word I hope!
Blessings and peace,
Sherron
As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, I felt the love of my Savior wrapped all around me in the beauty He had created for me to enjoy! Today is the day the world celebrates the love they have for those in their lives!
"Love." The word speaks to the soul, the emotions, the heart. A child cuddled by Mom or Dad. A toddler toddling toward outstretched arms. Friends reunited with bear hugs. An engaged couple walking hand-in-hand, then gazing into each other's eyes. Newlyweds driving from the reception, beginning life together.
Whatever feelings the word love evokes, multiply them by thousands to gain a glimpse of God's love for you. God's love goes beyond any kind of human love we can experience. It is perfect love -- He loves us not because He is wildly in love with us. Such love is almost unimaginable -- but it is true, it is real, it is yours.
Let that thought, that picture, those emotions wash over you, cleansing you of any hesitancy or fear in your relationship with Him. He loves you as a lover loves.
Ephesians 3:18-19 -- And may you have the power to understand, as all God's people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep His love is. May you experience the love of Christ though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God.
Blessings and peace,
Sherron
As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, I was in a really big rush, when I suddenly felt the Holy Spirit say, "Slow down and enjoy the walk."
Human nature tends to want everything right now. We are always in a hurry in today's world. Most of us get impatient when we miss a turn in a revolving door! When we pray for dreams to come to pass, we want them to be fulfilled immediately. We have to understand God has an appointed time to answer our prayers and to bring our dreams to pass. The truth is, no matter how quickly we want something, no matter how much we pray and plead with God, most likely it is not going to change His appointed time.
Sometimes we don't understand God's timing. We live upset, frustrated lives and wonder when God is going to do something. "God, when are you going to change my husband? When are you going to bring me a mate? When is my business going to take off? When are my dreams going to come to pass?"
Consider this... if you know you are going to have to wait anyway, why not make a decision to enjoy your life while you are waiting? Why not be happy while God is in the process of changing things? After all, there is nothing you can do to hurry the process. Slow down and be happy! Trust God to bring these things to pass, and you will enjoy your walk with Him.
Habakkuk 2:3 -- Though it linger, wait for it; it will certainly come and will not delay.
Blessings and peace,
Sherron
As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, the sea gulls were chattering along the beach... several of them lined along the shoreline, as though they were having conversations with one another. I wondered what they were saying.
I couldn't help but think of how we seem to speak without thinking at times... and we all know that talk is cheap. Experiences may make for nice stories, but true change comes from an encounter that touches our heart and erupts into freedom.
We can't have an encounter with God and walk away unscathed. This isn't goose bumps and gold dust. This is going toe-to-toe with God and wrestling out our questions, discussing our hurt feelings, and dealing with our unforgiveness, pride, jealousy, addictions, or other besetting problems. Our heavenly Father loves us enough to confront us. He tells us the truth in love. We listen. We think. We challenge. We learn. We experience the only One who can change us from the inside out.
Such an encounter is more than just a good story to tell; it must cause you to live differently, to live in flamboyant joy! You are loved, so live like it!
Genesis 32:30 -- Jacob named the place Peniel (which means "ace of God"), for he said, "I have seen God face to face, yet my life has been spared."
Blessings and peace,
Sherron
As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, the sun was dancing on the water like diamonds... floating across the ocean. I felt rich, like my Daddy was showing off for me on this glorious and magnificent day! I knew in my heart I was His princess!
After all, He reminded me, I am the daughter of the King of Kings!
Perhaps it is hard to believe that. You may buy some of your clothes at yard sales. Your "chariot" may have quite a few miles on it. Your house maybe doesn't look like a castle and it needs remodeling. But you are in temporary quarters now. If Jesus is your Savior, your Father is King of the whole universe -- imagine it! And someday you will live with Him.
In the meantime, He calls you to be a prince or princess on the inside. Sure, maybe it's a little more of a challenge because no one sees, no one knows, no one necessarily expects you to act like the King's daughter or son. But that is the best triumph of all -- to live like the royalty you are when no one else knows, to live like Jesus even when it is not expected.
Live for your King, your Highness. You are His.
Matthew 5:3, 5 -- God blesses those who are poor and realize their need for Him, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs. God blesses those who are humble, for they will inherit the whole earth.
Blessings and peace,
Sherron
As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, the waves seemed almost silent as they gently lapped against the sand in a whispering sound. All I could think of are the times that God seems to be just as quiet as the waves were this morning during my walk.
Why is it that at times God appears to be altogether quiet? Even though you are seeking Him wholeheartedly, why does it seem like He is gone completely silent?
I am sure that you desire to hear God, just as I do... and this is wonderful, my friend. However, there are times when His silence will do more to grow your faith than anything else. That's because you must continue to do as He instructed and exercise your trust without any outside encouragement.
It is difficult, but you can depend on His trustworthy character and lean on His truth, love, and grace. Take heart -- He's still working on your behalf. And when you see how much He has done for you, it will speak volumes to your soul.
Psalm 83:1 -- O God, do not keep silent; do not be still, do not be quiet!
Blessings and peace,
Sherron
As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, the sun was hiding behind the clouds... so you really couldn't see the glory of the sunlight! The darkness of the clouds overshadowed the day but I knew once the light fully hit the sky, it would all light up.
I thought of how we sometimes do things in the darkness and hope they won't come to light! Not on purpose always, but for sure, we don't want to think everyone will see our hidden thoughts, acts or words. What is it that you don't want anyone to know about? It will immediately spring to mind because shame is powerful that way. It convinces you to hide in self-defeating ways.
Remember, whatever you conceal with darkness will control you. You will guard it fiercely because it is painful and embarrassing; and when anyone gets close to discovering your defect, you will get combative. Your anger is based on the fear that you will be exposed -- and it is destroying you.
It is scary to invite God's light into your deepest secrets -- but it is the only way that you will be free. So don't let the darkness imprison you. Confess your failings to God, and allow Him to lead you into the light. He will do it with love -- and make you pure before Him.
Psalm 80:7 -- O God of hosts, restore us and cause Your face to shine upon us, and we will be saved.
Blessings and peace,
Sherron
As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, the weather looked a little uncertain... not the normal sunny morning I had anticipated when I began the walk. But I knew that no matter what the weather, the walk would still be with Jesus right along side of me!
When God brought the Israelites out of Egypt, He led them with a pillar of cloud by day and a tower of fire by night. These shielded the Israelites from their enemies and reminded the people of God's powerful presence with them.
Looking to God is an important principle that can keep you from becoming disheartened. As long as you maintain your focus on God, you will be safe and confident. Yet take your eyes off of God, and you will be overwhelmed by the troubles surrounding you.
My precious friend, whatever you are facing today, take no heed of the impossibilities. Keep your gaze fixed solely on God. He will lead you safely through if you will just believe in Him. He is there with you... no matter where your path may go!
Psalm 78:53 -- He led them on safely and in confident trust, so that they feared not; but the sea overwhelmed their enemies.
Blessings and peace,
Sherron
As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, it hit me that this was already the second month of 2012. How could that be possible... and where has it gone? I was still working on the list of things to do for January, and already it is February!!
Does this sound familiar to you? Are you a procrastinator? Do you get things done at the last minute? My friend, there is no procrastination for living -- you either live or you don't! If you are hiding from life out of fear of what will happen, you will never live at all.
Yet God created you to have the abundant life. He wants you to be full of joy, and there is no better way to do that than loving and serving Him with your whole heart, mind, soul, and strength.
It is understandable that you don't want to be hurt or rejected, but realize that you will never lose God's love. So today, as you walk your seashore of life, step out in faith -- take the leap God is calling you to. Your abundant life awaits.
Psalm 116:8-9 -- You have delivered my soul from death, my eyes from tears, and my feet from falling. I will walk before the Lord in the land of the living.
Blessings and peace,
Sherron
As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, I watched a beautiful sandcastle with much detail be washed out instantly with one wave that came over. All of the hard work that had gone into the beautiful creation was gone in one second!
And then I thought -- what if everything you and I owned was suddenly taken from us? This happens when a family experiences a fire or a flood that destroys everything they own. All your family's belongings, treasures of life, gone, and leaving families homeless. Once everything we own here on the earth is gone, we have to believe our hope and treasures are safe in heaven.
We have no guarantees in this life. No written contract with God states that we will have earthly riches if we work hard. Nothing anywhere says we are assured a house, a car, and good health. In fact, God doesn't even promise we will live to see tomorrow.
However, there is one guarantee in which we can trust: Jesus will be with us and He will never let us go. No matter what life holds for us, He will be there to celebrate or to comfort.
Love not the world. If your hope and treasure lie above, you have all you will ever need.
Matthew 6:19-21 -- Don't store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will be also.
Blessings and peace,
Sherron
As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, I thought about the testimony a friend shared with me this past week. She was unhappy and thought her marriage was over and the only solution she saw to make her happy again was to leave her husband. She said she started praying that God would give her strength as she prepared for the separation. During her prayer, she began forgiving her husband for all the wrongs she felt he had done to her. She let go of the resentment she had held for 30 years because he would not change and be what she thought he should be.
And a miracle happened... her husband started that day to treat her differently. He did not know that she had prayed that prayer. She herself did not know she was going to forgive him during that prayer. But she asked God for strength and His Holy Spirit put it in her heart to forgive. Her relationship with her husband has been restored. And restored suddenly.
Scripture tells us to forgive. Jesus showed us it is possible to forgive. As He was hanging on the cross He asked God, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing." (Luke 23:34) Unforgiveness never hurts the one we have not forgiven. Unforgiveness only has the power to hurt the one who is holding on to it.
What a testimony my friend shared with me about the awesome power of forgiveness. As I walked the seaside with Jesus, I thought of that testimony and it prompted me to search my heart for any unforgiveness that I was holding on to. Our testimony of God's grace and forgiveness in our own lives has the power to change the lives of everyone we share it with.
Today as you walk your seaside of life, remember, there is power in your testimony! Revelation 12:11 says we overcome the enemy by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of our testimony. What will your testimony be? We all have something that we can praise God for. Share that good news with those God calls to you so that their lives may be enriched by it.
John 1:6-7 -- God sent John the Baptist to tell everyone about the light so that everyone might believe because of his testimony.
Blessings and peace,
Sherron
As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, my heart was light and I felt such gratitude for the privilege of my quiet time alone with God each day. And I count it a double blessing that I am able to spend this quiet time on the beach -- one of God's wondrous creations.
The beach is where I find peace and solitude. Where do you find yours? It is so important that we spend quiet time with the Lord. Only when we are quiet and focused on Him is He able to clearly speak into our hearts. He is always here with us, but how often do we pay attention to His gentle urges? His quiet whispers? Who's voice do you hear as you go through your day?
Do you often stop and ask yourself, "where did that thought come from"? Where do our thoughts come from? If we stay focused on God and His goodness, the Holy Spirit can then inspire us and lead us to the blessings that are already ours. Start paying attention to your thoughts. Are they uplifting and helpful? Or are they filled with worry and lack. When you have a thought of lack, stop and replace it with a thought of abundance and goodness, even if right now you do not think it is possible.
Today, as you walk your seashore of life, keep your thoughts continually focused on all the good you want in your life and guard your thoughts from worry and lack. We don't have to know how something will happen, we just need to stay focused on God's ability to bless us beyond measure. Keep your thoughts on good and uplifting things and the Holy Spirit can then lead you to those things.
1 Chronicles 29:18 -- LORD, the God of our fathers Abraham, Isaac and Israel, keep these desires and thoughts in the hearts of your people forever, and keep their hearts loyal to you.
Blessings and peace,
Sherron
As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, the sunrise lit up the sky and woke the ocean up with beauty I could only be amazed by! It was an "Aha" moment of God's glory... a reminder that the King of Kings wakes me up every morning with His glory shining deep into my spirit!
Some call it the "Aha!" moment. Your mind is opened to see a thing clearly... something you have struggled to understand! No matter how long you study a principle, you still don't comprehend it. Then, one day, in the midst of a common walk on the beach you suddenly get it. "Aha!"
This happens many times with spiritual concepts because God's principles are not only learned by your intellect, but also by your willing spirit. We think of God's truth as lofty and ethereal, but in reality, His precepts must be understood in a practical way. You must be able to live them out from deep within.
My friend, the God who is able to save your soul is able to instruct you in His ways. So listen and learn from Him. He will undoubtedly lead you to many profound "Aha!" moments.
Psalm 119:130 -- The unfolding of your words gives light; it imparts understanding to the simple.
Blessings and peace,
Sherron
As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, a pelican had caught a fish that was desperately trying to escape. He was half in the mouth of the pelican and half out... with the pelican struggling to hang on to the fish! It looked like a desperate and hopeless situation! I wasn't sure who would win the battle!
One of the worst things about a hopeless situation is just that -- it lacks any hope. You can't see any evidence that things will ever get better. The same difficulty dogs you incessantly wearing you down without any apparent possibility of reprieve.
My friend, the worst thing you can do is so assume your bad situation will never change -- that it is beyond God's reach to improve. Yet your life can be transformed in an instant. From one moment to the next, God can lift you out of your bad circumstances.
Your situation is not permanent, but the love and grace of God is! So follow Him. And praise God that He is going to transform your life for good.
Psalm 113:7-8 -- He raises the poor from the dust; He lifts the needy from their misery and makes them companions of princes.
Blessings and peace,
Sherron