March 2011 Seaside Devotions Archive

March 31, 2011

As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, I could see the signs of the new season that is coming. Spring is in the air! A season of new beginnings is just around the corner.

After each winter, comes a spring. Spring is the time of awakening from the darkness of winter. But, if we had no winter the spring would not be as sweet. It is the same with life. If we were to have no pain or adversity, then the joys and prosperity we enjoy would not be as sweet.

Sometimes our faith seems as dead as a tree in winter. But we know that the barren tree will once again bloom in spring, just as it always has. So then, know also that your faith will grow and blossom as you bear your winter moments with grace, knowing that God will bring you to your moment of spring.

Today as you walk your seashore of life, be that breath of new life in spring for those that cross your path, who are still struggling through their dark winter. A kind word or deed may be all that person needs to go from the darkness of winter to a new season of life and hope! Be the one that carries the fresh season of spring to others.

Isaiah 61:11 -- "For as the soil makes the sprout come up and a garden causes seeds to grow, so the Sovereign LORD will make righteousness and praise spring up before all nations. "

Blessings and peace,
Sherron

March 30, 2011

As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, it was so easy to enjoy everything around me as I shared this time with Him. If we can walk with the attitude of Jesus, is much easier to enjoy the world around us.

It is amazing how God changes our attitude toward everything as we walk with Him. The world seems to make more sense as we stay focused on God and not on what is happening in the world around us. He has promised to be with us always and in every circumstance.

When we walk with the attitude of Jesus our problems don't seem to be as big to us. We are able to see that the people and circumstances that bring us pain can be transformed into vessels of good. When we look for God's purpose in our circumstances the pain and confusion we sometimes feel becomes more bearable knowing that the problems we face may hold some instructive glimpse of His character.

Today, as you walk the seashore of life, know that whatever the day brings, your faith in God and his goodness will help you over any hurdles you face with more grace and wisdom. Your faith will grow stronger as you continue to spend time with the Father each day. You then will be able to see his hand in all circumstances. God is good!

Genesis 28:15 -- "What's more, I am with you, and I will protect you wherever you go. One day I will bring you back to this land. I will not leave you until I have finished giving you everything I have promised you."

Blessings and peace,
Sherron

March 29, 2011

As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, a small fish had been washed onto the sand and was gasping for water. I gently guided him back into the water and he swam quickly out into the waves.

We are like that at times, gasping for spiritual water in our lives. A deer's need for water is never completely gone. Though it may drink and be satisfied for a while, soon enough its body will demand more.

You have similar requirements -- though not just for physical sustenance such as food and water. You need love, acceptance, and purpose. Most of all, your soul must have 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 you 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 a deer long for a stream of cool water, so I long for you, O God."

Blessings and peace,
Sherron

March 28, 2011

As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, the ocean was calm and peaceful... unlike the day before which had been windy and more raging.

It reminded me of our souls that are at peace in the day, and at times raging in the night hours. In the silence of the night when your household lies quietly resting, sometimes difficult thoughts will prevail in your mind. Perhaps you've been careful not to voice your concerns with others because you didn't want to worry them. But in that desolate moment you are alone with your struggles, and you wish someone could share them and comfort you.

God hears you. He is with you, with His ear always bent toward you, waiting for you to invite Him into your situation.

You don't have to go on feeling alone. Call out to Him and tell Him your concerns. Let Him comfort you. He's always ready to listen.

Psalm 4:3 -- "The Lord will hear when I call to Him."

Blessings and peace,
Sherron

March 27, 2011

As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, the dolphins were playing with such excitement that everyone along the beach stopped just to watch. They were displaying such joy as they jumped and swam close to the shore, bringing joy to the observers.

Perhaps you've opened this devotional today with some important issue pressing on your mind that consumes your energy and creativity. Maybe you've 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've 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'll definitely come to your aid. That is a promise!

Psalm 6:4 -- "O Lord, deliver my life; save me for the sake of Your steadfast love and mercy!"

Blessings and peace,
Sherron

March 26, 2011

As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, hundreds of shells lay gathered on the beach... each one different and special in it's design. What an amazing sight to see... and know the Creator of each one.

Even with all of the technology available to us, we can't count all the stars in the universe or estimate the light and energy that are generated through them. Still, knowing that the sun converts more than 250 million tons of matter into illumination and heat every minute gives us a clue concerning the immensity of what is coming.

Yet even the centillions of stars that exist together pale in comparison to the splendor of God. And He wants to show His glory to others through you.

So whenever you feel insignificant, consider the radiant heavenly bodies. Then remember that as His best creation, God is shining even more brightly in you.

Psalm 8: 1 -- "O Lord, our Lord, your greatness is seen in all the world! Your praise reaches up to the heavens."

Blessings and peace,
Sherron

March 25, 2011

As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, the waves lapped back and forth, never failing to return each time to cover the sand as I walked. You can count on the tide, rolling in and out, every single day -- that is the way God said for it to do.

There is a big difference between those who make promises and those who actually keep them. There are many who guarantee that their product or belief system will bring you happiness in this life. Unfortunately, their solutions are only temporary. They disregard that your nature is eternal and fail to give you real contention.

But God not only gives you joy in this life, He's actively preparing you for eternity. You can trust Him to show you the truly wonderful path of your future.

God keeps His promises forever and knows what will bring real peace and joy to your soul. So follow Him. No doubt you will find the way lined with unending blessings.

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

March 24, 2011

As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, the beautiful sunrise took over the morning... I was so thankful for the desire to have a blessed life -- walking in the love of my Father. And we can all have this blessing of life every day... it is the desire of His heart to bless us every day!

My Friend, today these words rise up to God on your behalf. As you go, may He answer your prayers and protect you from trouble. May He make you aware of the many amazing ways He's working around you and empowering you -- giving you wisdom and creativity -- for all of your tasks.

May God remember all the ways you have served Him faithfully. May He give you the desire of your heart and bring success to all your plans.

Today these words rise up to God that you would trust Him and commit to obeying Him. May all who know you praise God for the magnificent victories He gives you and His unending love for you.

Psalm 20:4 -- "May He give you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed."

Blessings and peace,
Sherron

March 23, 2011

As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, some children had made a fort in the sand with tiny stick soldiers stuck all around, as if there had been a fierce battle!

I thought of what it would be like -- being a soldier on the field of battle. The enemy armies of Ammon and Aram are thundering toward you with armaments of war that you've only heard of in stories. There are so many of them and so few of you -- how can you possible hope to triumph? Yet such was one of the many battles David fought and won in God's strength.

Do you face a battle today in which the resources of your adversary far outpace your own? Do not fear -- God is with you. Their combat assets may create the illusion of power, but nothing can overcome the mighty strength of the Lord. Today, my friend, trust Him for your victory.

Psalm 20:7 -- "Some trust in their war, chariots and others in their horses, but we trust in the power of the Lord our God."

Blessings and peace,
Sherron

March 22, 2011

As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, I watched the small flock of sea gulls gathered by the waves. They were very very still and watched me go by... but were not disturbed by my presence. It was almost as if they were in their quiet time with their Creator!

A strange and wonderful thing occurs as you spend time with God -- circumstances begin to make sense to you that never did before. Your spirit becomes sensitive to the important details of life, and you can discern how certain situations will turn out.

This is not about supernatural premonitions. Rather, your heightened perception has to do with understanding God's will for you -- seeing His activity in your life with spiritual eyes.

When your gaze is fixed on the Lord, you know where He's taking you, what He's teaching you, and the ways He's transforming your life. So spend time with Him every day and allow His wisdom to shed light on your path.

Psalm 25:14 -- "The secret counsel of the Lord is for those who fear Him, and He reveals His covenant to them."

Blessings and peace,
Sherron

March 21, 2011

As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, the tiny crab in front of me ran inside his hole in the sand. He was safe from the feet walking on the beach this day.

As human beings, we tend to describe our security in terms of the earthly things that make us feel safe... like the tiny crab's house made him feel safe. Our family, friends, home, job, church, community, and national resources usually comprise our core infrastructure of protection.

But what happens when those things tremble -- or worse, tumble, much as we are seeing in this hour? What can we depend on when everything is suddenly taken from us?

You have read enough of these devotionals to know that the answer is God -- but is that truth ingrained deeply within your heart?

This world was not meant to last. The earth shakes, houses collapse, and businesses fail -- they are all temporary. Only God remains trustworthy and steadfast forever. He is the only sure foundation for your security... He will remain forever!

Psalm 46:1-2 -- "God is... always ready to help in times of trouble. So we will not fear, even if earthquakes come and the mountains crumble into the sea."

Blessings and peace,
Sherron

March 20, 2011

As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, the wind was blowing briskly and the walk seemed to be more challenging than on days when the breeze is more gentle and not so cool.

So it is with our walk with Jesus. Serving God is not always so easy. You will encounter trouble from the strangest places. You will try to help people, and others will criticize what you're doing. You'll work long years trying to make a difference, buy you won't see the outcome you expected.

Yes, serving God is difficult -- but my friend, it is wholeheartedly worth it. You see, there is a great reward for those who do God's work on earth. Not only is God pleased while you are obeying Him, but you will see the fruit of your labor in heaven.

All the love you pour out will generate unimaginably wonderful results in God's Kingdom. So have faith and keep serving Him. You will never find a better return for your work.

Psalm 58:11 -- "Everyone will say, 'It's true! Good people are rewarded. God does rule the earth with justice.'"

Blessings and peace,
Sherron

March 19, 2011

As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, the seagulls seemed to be singing to the Creator as they soared across the ocean waves.

Why does the psalmist tell the creation to praise God? Do the creatures He created have a voice? Do the heavens have a voice? Can the sun and moon declare God's glory? In a sense, the answer is yes.

Consider the question this way: when you go to a gallery, do you commend the artwork or the painter? When you eat a delicious meal, do you extol the food or the expertise of the chef? Is it the overture or the composer that inspires your awe?

The creation reflects the brilliance of the Creator -- it doesn't draw attention to itself.

Remember this the next time God works through you to do something wonderful -- and direct all the glory, honor, and praise to Him.

Psalm 148:4-5 -- "Praise Him, you highest heavens, and you waters above the heavens! Let them praise the name of the Lord! For He commanded and they were created."

Blessings and peace,
Sherron

March 18, 2011

As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, my heart was as peaceful as the gentle waves lapped against the sand. It was because I knew my Father has the world in His hands... and all was well in my soul with no worries to carry.

Today we live in a world of worry. Worrying is a difficult habit to break -- especially because it's become such an inherent part of you. "Worrying -- a habit? Impossible! It is part of my nature!" you may exclaim.

Not so, my friend. Worrying reflects how your mind has been conditioned -- not the way you have been created. Remember that when you worry, you are declaring that God is not going to help you. You doubt Him, His character, and His love.

However, God wants you to trust Him, and His message to you is peace. He doesn't want you to worry but to be confident in His care. So listen to His words and learn from Him. He'll help you break that bad, worrisome habit and live with confidence.

Psalm 85:8 -- "I will hear what God the Lord will say; for He will speak peace to His people, to His godly ones."

Blessings and peace,
Sherron

March 17, 2011

As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, the water was like glass, glistening in the sun like an ocean of diamonds. It was an awesome thought to know that all my needs were already taken care of -- no matter the chaos that was all around me.

What sort of help do you need today? Call upon God. He is:

The Great I am -- The God who is the same yesterday, today, and forever. As He has helped others in the past, He will help you.

El Shaddai -- The Almighty God who defends you against every enemy or evil.

Yahweh Rapha -- The God who heals all of your wounds.

Yahweh Yireh -- He is your provider who cares for all your needs.

Yahweh Shalom -- He Himself is your peace.

Yahweh M'Kaddesh -- He is the one who makes you ready for salvation.

So today, call upon your wonderful God? He loves you greatly and He is always ready to help you, no matter what you need.

Psalm 124:8 -- "Our help is un the name of the Lord, who made heaven and earth!"

Blessings and peace,
Sherron

March 16, 2011

As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, I was so thankful for the incredible sunrise. The sun rising every day is something I can count on from my Heavenly Father. It is always there.

I wondered today as I walked, what if He was a procrastinator? What if He put off making the sun rise every day? How would I feel... and how I would miss the beauty every day of that sun rising in the sky?

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, buy realize that you will never lose God's love. So today, step out in faith -- take the leap God has called you to. Don't wait -- your abundant life is waiting for you.

Psalm 116:8-9 -- "You have delivered my soul from doubt, 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

March 15, 2011

As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, I watched a jelly fish lying on the beach out of the water. You could see it breathing, like the heartbeat that we so often take for granted every day... I could feel my own heart beating as I watched the creature struggling to live.

The heart is a strange thing -- it seems like nothing can heal it and there are no words for the depth of it.

Yet when you read the Bible, somehow your heart is always helped. You continually find messages of encouragement that your heart drinks in like a desert traveler gulps down water. So why is God's Word different from other things you read?

My friend, through the Bible, God not only speaks to your mind, but also to your heart, soul, and spirit. His truth heals you.

Yes, the Bible is different from other reading materials because it is a balm to your spirit. So today, take a healthy dose -- you will feel better in no time at all... try it!

Psalm 107:20 -- "He sent His Word and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions."

Blessings and peace,
Sherron

March 14, 2011

As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, it seemed the beach was totally abandoned... I was the only one walking on this day. But I knew I was not alone because I knew my Father was there walking with me. He promised to never leave me!

It is profoundly freeing when you realize, "God, I never want to be without you. I know you will always love and help me." It takes time to internalize that God will never lie to you. It requires many instances of experiencing His faithfulness to completely understand that God is absolutely unlike the people who have let you down. He is always there.

Friend, truly trusting God is never automatic, but He is a patient and wise teacher. So set your heart on realizing the truth about Him, and rejoice as you discover your best hopes are true. Undoubtedly, when you learn to trust Him and see His faithful activity in your life, you will want to sing and shout for joy.

Psalm 106:12 -- "Then they believed His words were true and broke out in songs of praise."

Blessings and peace,
Sherron

March 13, 2011

As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, I watched an osprey struggle to hold onto the fish he had caught. The fish was almost more than he could handle... in fact, he almost lost his prize because it was more than he had counted on.

Aren't we like that at times? We sometimes bite off more than we are equipped to handle. We think we can take it on and find that in the end, it was more than we had counted on. It is really too much for us to handle and keep the peace and balance in our already stressful lives.

Why do we do that? Why don't we do what the Word says, and count the cost before we say, "Yes?" Is it because we don't want to seem inadequate? Is it because we want to make sure we don't miss anything? Or is it because of ego, and we want to impress others by being the hero that can do it all? Why do we want to make our lives more stressful than they already are?

Today, my friend, as you walk your seashore of life, take the time to ask your Father before you take on the task at hand. It may be a great task but it may not be the one that has your name on it. And we don't want to take on anything that is not assigned to us. Today, let's take the time to count the cost before we say "Yes" to any more tasks. You will be more blessed and probably more peaceful if you will take the time to ask your Father before you do anything else!

Luke 14: 28 -- "For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not sit down first and count the cost, whether he has enough to finish it."

Blessings and peace,
Sherron

March 12, 2011

As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, I noticed the seagulls chattering about above the waves. They seemed excited and free in their expressions to the Creator. No hesitancy in their voices at all.

Do you ever feel uncomfortable when talking to God? Does communicating with Him intimidate you? You don't have to be afraid of expressing yourself, because God wants you to be honest with Him. Still, it is good to be reverent when praying to the One who created you. How do you do that? You ask God to show you.

There is nothing wrong with asking God to help you honor His majesty. In fact, He loves it when you want to learn from Him.

So today, as you walk you seaside with Jesus, seek His wisdom and instruction -- He is certainly able to show you what an honest, worshipful, humble heart looks like. Don't be afraid. God delights in teaching you how to have a deeper relationship with Him.

Psalm 19:14 -- "Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer."

Blessings and peace,
Sherron

March 11, 2011

As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, it was a little gray and I couldn't really see beyond the breaking waves crashing on the beach. My vision was very limited, but I knew God was still very present.

It is not necessary to understand why God leads you in a certain way -- it is only necessary to obey Him. Even when He appears to direct you in a way that is not quite clear... a way that seem to be going away from your goal, you can still trust Him.

This may not seem logical, but there are factors that affect your situation that you simply cannot see. Fortunately, God is well aware of those influences, and He sees the path ahead of you. He knows exactly what you will need to succeed.

So trust Him and obey His instruction. Soon enough, all of His seemingly illogical directions will reveal the straightest path to your triumph. And you will find that your victory was His goal the whole time.

Psalm 21:1 -- "How the king rejoices in your strength, O Lord! He shouts with joy because of your victory!"

Blessings and peace,
Sherron

March 10, 2011

As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, my heart was overcome with gratitude and praise as I felt the joy of being loved by my Father. His creation was so beautiful -- I just wanted to sing with joy as I ran along the sandy beach!

God doesn't need your thanks, praise, or adoration. He doesn't need an ego boost or validation. Rather, God asks you to express your gratefulness because of what it means to your own soul.

It is in those moments of thanksgiving when you realize that He's the source of all your blessings -- and that they're not given because of your worthiness, but because of His love for you. As your words echo back into your ears that God is the great Provider, His power fills you, and your heart is transformed.

So sing out your gratefulness to God. Thank Him for His goodness to you. Undoubtedly, the one who will be most blessed is you.

Psalm 50:23 -- "He who sacrifices thank offerings honors me, and he prepares the way so that I may show him the way of salvation."

Blessings and peace,
Sherron

March 9, 2011

As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, the day seemed to be so glorious... I wanted to invest the time wisely... and had chosen to spend it worshiping my Father and all of His creation.

Investments are important -- and they come in all shapes and sizes, but they generally share one goal: to produce wealth. Unfortunately, they also have one end in common: they don't last forever.

Thankfully, there is a type of asset that doesn't rust or fade -- that others cannot steal or manipulate. Instead, it is eternal because it is an investment in the Kingdom of God.

Every moment you spend in God's presence -- praying to Him, worshiping Him, knowing Him, studying His Word, and obeying Him -- you're becoming rich in treasure that is everlasting.

True wisdom and wealth are found in seeking God and understanding His ways. So invest yourself in knowing and serving God. A life based on Him will never be misspent.

Psalm 49:3 -- "My mouth shall speak wisdom; and the meditation of my heart shall be understanding."

Blessings and peace,
Sherron

March 8, 2011

As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, all I could see was water forever and ever. It was as though there was no ending... and the beginning was somewhere along the beach that seemed to stretch forever.

You have to know that God exists when you see His creation. Before there was time, God was there. He is as infinitely past as He is eternally future.

If that's a difficult concept for you to grasp, you're in good company. We as human beings are linear thinkers -- we understand things in terms of beginnings and endings. How is it that God was never born? What does it mean that He'll never die?

Yet God is more than all of that. He's above how we function -- beyond the constraints of hours, days, and years.

That is why God's wisdom regarding your life can be trusted. He knows everything concerning your past and all about your future. His perspective will never fail you. Listen to Him.

Psalm 48:14 -- "This is God, our God forever and ever. He will guide us forever."

Blessings and peace,
Sherron

March 7, 2011

As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, I found an old watch that had been dropped in the sand and forgotten. It was very very old. I was sure the owner must have had an interesting story behind the old timepiece.

People often ponder what they'll accomplish in the future. Yet sometimes it is good to ask: When I pass away, what story will be told? Will I be remembered for wisdom and mercy -- or manipulation and self-centeredness? Will I leave a lasting legacy -- or will my endeavors fade like the morning fog?

As you contemplate stepping into eternity, you will think about what is truly important. No one ever plans to waste his or her life, but it will happen if you fail to set priorities.

So consider: What will you leave behind for those you love? Will your life testify to the eternal love of God -- or the temporary things of this world? Your story is still being told, so choose wisely.

Psalm 78:4 -- "We will tell the next generation about the Lord's power and His great deeds and the wonderful things He has done."

Blessings and peace,
Sherron

March 6, 2011

As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, the ocean was almost like a lake it was so calm. The waves were quietly lapping against the sand... a silence that is rare along the seashore.

Some days we feel that silence when we are waiting on our prayers to be answered. When it feels like our prayers are being met with silence, we experience great discouragement. When we've talked to God for a long time and haven't seen any impact from our prayers, it is easy to become weary or to decide that God just isn't going to get involved with this situation at all.

Waiting days, weeks, years for God to answer tempts us to give up. It is quite different from "waiting" in our culture of instant gratification, where problems are solved within a sixty-minute TV show.

The truth is, we don't know when or how any of our prayers will be answered. What we do know is that God promises to answer. So we keep praying, for in those deep conversations with God we are forging deep trust and developing strong faith.

No matter how silent God seems, dear friend, don't stop praying.

Psalm 13:1, 5 -- "How long, O Lord? Will You forget me forever? How long will You hide Your face from me? But I have trusted in Your mercy; My heart shall rejoice in Your salvation."

Blessings and peace,
Sherron

March 5, 2011

As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, I picked up a small shell that had a tiny creature living inside. He would not come out to visit -- only he could open the door to come in to see him.

We are like that. It is an undeniable truth -- the doors of our heart can only be opened by us. Our friends can't open them. Our pastor cannot. And Jesus chooses not to force them open, either. Instead, He waits patiently -- and knocks. We may have opened the salvation door to Christ, but what about the door that holds back our fears? Or the door that closes off our deepest hurts? After all, the latch on the door is on the inside of our hearts.

If you want peace -- unlatch the door.

If you want joy -- unlatch the door.

If you want blessings -- unlatch the door.

If you want fulfillment in your life beyond what you can imagine -- unlatch the door.

Jesus wants to come in and be a part of your whole life. But only you can unlatch the door and let Him walk into your heart!

Revelation 3:20 -- "Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him, and will dine with him, and he with Me."

Blessings and peace,
Sherron

March 4, 2011

As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, a beautiful sandcastle had been built in the sand. It was big and very detailed, and had been there quite a while. Part of it had been washed out to the ocean, but you could see it had at one time been quite a piece of art!

I thought of how we want to do great and important things for God. Nothing wrong with that; it's certainly a noble desire. Yet even if we are given the opportunity to do great things -- to build large churches, speak to thousands, give large amounts of money, bring salvation to many -- the Lord is looking more closely at our attitude than at the works themselves. He is looking at the foundation on which our tower of works is built; He is looking for an attitude of love.

Those great things we do for God -- are they done for attention, accolades, a name on a building, an award? Or are they done simply out of gratitude to God and love for our fellow human beings?

Your works -- whether as small as reading to your child, or checking in on your elderly neighbor -- when done in love, are of great value to your Lord. We need to see the small things from His perspective, not ours.

Mark 9:41 -- "For whoever gives you a cup of water to drink because of your name as followers of Christ, truly I say to you, he shall not lose his reward."

Blessings and peace,
Sherron

March 3, 2011

As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, I found myself wondering if I would ever be back in a faster pace of life again... not just being free to walk and enjoy the beach each day with Jesus. Now isn't that a silly thought -- give up where He has me now -- in His presence each day on the ocean, or be back in some crazy rat race trying to find that illusive dream instead of enjoying the moment of "now."

We are like that at times. We spend our entire lives waiting. Days pass, people come and go, relationships wither, opportunities disappear -- all because we have our eyes focused on the horizon, waiting for something better. If we wait for the life that we thought we would have, we miss the life right in front of us. That becomes a very sad legacy for us to leave.

It is hard to just be happy in the now, especially if now doesn't look like you had hoped or planned. When planted, the seeds of discontent will grow into full-fledged bitterness and despair. How much better to look around at the now, be content with all that God has given, and thank Him for the blessings He has provided.

Let God take what you thought life would be and give you a new focus. Contentment will get you there.

1 Timothy 6:6 -- "But godliness actually is a means of great gain, when accompanied by contentment."

Blessings and peace,
Sherron

March 2, 2011

As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, the dolphins were swimming along the waves with a tiny baby dolphin running close by. What a sight to watch... the baby stayed close by, not straying far from the parent.

I thought of the trust between a father and a child. A young child jumps when her father is there to catch her. A well-trained dog comes to his master's whistle in spite of any obstacles. And a Christian... well, too often the Christian hesitates at God's call to obedience. We wonder if we really want to obey. Maybe it is going to be difficult, or it won't make us feel good, or it goes against what everyone else is doing.

What if we just obeyed simply because God told us to -- without questioning, without dithering, without worrying? What if, since we know God never makes mistakes, we simply trusted that His call to obedience is not a mistake either?

God never makes mistakes. When you see obedience from the perspective of His perfection and His love, you can trust that when you jump into His waiting arms... He will catch you!

1 John 5:3 -- "For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments; and His commandments are not burdensome."

Blessings and peace,
Sherron

March 1, 2011

As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, I watched the sun rise out of the ocean in a beautiful handcrafted piece of work from the Master. It was like a beautiful tapestry hanging in the sky!

It is perfect. Beautifully stitched. Signature details. The more you study this magnificent work, the more you love it. The more you want to share it with others.

It is called forgiveness. It is just what we need when life gets hard. Our guilt consumes us and wears us down. We lose peace, contentment, joy. But just when we feel that all hope is lost, the comforting cover of God's forgiveness soothes the pain. Wrapped in it, we begin to have the faintest understanding of the greatness of what He offers.

Wrap yourself in the garment of God's forgiveness. Drape the luxurious material over your shoulders. Love yourself in the rich folds of God's mercy and grace. Remember Christ, who wore a crown of thorns on a wooden cross, as He died for our sins. His example of forgiveness becomes the garment we not only wear, but one we wrap around others as well.

Psalm 51:7 -- "Purify me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; Wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow."

Blessings and peace,
Sherron

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