As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, I nearly stumbled over a piece of driftwood that had been washed up on the shore by the waves. I was caught off guard because my eyes were fixed on the beautiful sunrise as I walked along the beach.
That is how the enemy catches us and causes us to stumble. He is there when we least expect it. His goal is to tempt you to yield to sin. He knows that even the smallest failure can cause guilt to rise up within you. If he can lead you to stumble spiritually or morally, he can further crush you with the lie that God wants nothing more to do with you. Yet nothing could be further from the truth.
The Lord hates sin because He loves you -- because sin devastates your soul. However, when you confess your failings to Him and turn away from them, God embraces you with deep affection and support.
The devil may want you to fall, but God can lift your soul. He will never leave you!
Psalm 86:5 -- You, O Lord, are good, and ready to forgive (our trespasses, sending them away, letting them go completely and forever); and You are abundant in mercy and loving-kindness to all those who call upon You.
Blessings and peace,
Sherron
As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, the clouds were covering the ocean waves with a misty fog. It seemed to speak of the Holy Spirit hovering over the beautiful ocean. I heard His words speaking to my spirit as I walked gently along the sandy beach.
His Word is so real to we who are called by His name. He has given His Word to us for several reasons. When we study it, we not only gain insight into His ways and principles, we also receive direction and encouragement. The psalms are an excellent source of hope and comfort, especially when we are battling some intense trial.
David faced many challenges in his lifetime, but he always found the strength he needed to overcome every threat by recalling God's goodness and promises to him.
Have you learned to do the same? When trouble comes, do you turn to the Bible and ask the Lord to speak to you, or do you rush to call a friend?
The support of loved ones is essential, but the amazing love of an omnipotent God can never be replaced.
Psalm 84:5,7 -- Blessed are those whose strength is in you. They go from strength to strength, till each appears before God.
Blessings and peace,
Sherron
As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, I picked up a tiny crab that had lost one of his little legs and was dragging himself along the sand. I felt helpless and had no idea how to help him, so I gently placed him near the tiny hole he was headed for, to be sure he was safe.
There will be times when you cannot speak or defend yourself. Perhaps you are even given a chance to tell your side of the story, but it is as if the Holy Spirit has sealed your lips. He often does this so you will be still and allow Him to speak for you.
Friend, if another person is bent on accusing you for something you did not do, give God the opportunity to reveal the truth. You bear His name, and when you act in obedience to Him, you can be sure He will defend you in a manner better than any you could possibly imagine.
The Lord works in amazing ways and can change the course of any human plan. Be patient and trust Him, because His vindication is coming.
Psalm 83:18 -- May they know that You alone -- whose name is Yahweh -- are the Most High over all the earth.
Blessings and peace,
Sherron
As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, I was praying for Him to give me wisdom to make the decisions I needed for the assignment ahead. He seemed to send a beautiful white sea gull across my path just as I prayed the prayer. I knew He heard my prayer.
My friend, I believe that not all the blessings God sends your way are material in nature. In fact, one of the greatest blessings He gives is a spirit of discernment. This one gift will help you make wise choices at every turn. Of course, you may wonder: How do I gain this wonderful gift? You begin by spending time with God in prayer and the study of the Bible.
The more you know about Him, the more you will understand His ways, desires, and plans. He will also open your eyes so you're prepared for the challenges that come your way.
When you have His discernment, you have a greater sense of confidence and hope because you know that God is sovereign -- ready, willing, and able to reveal His will to you and protect you in every situation.
Psalm 120:2 -- Lord, save me from liars and from those who plan evil.
Blessings and peace,
Sherron
As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, a lone sand piper walked along beside of me. He followed diligently as though he was a little frightened. I hoped that somehow my presence comforted the tiny creature.
Are you facing a situation that terrifies you? Perhaps you have pondered the consequences of a misstep and the possible pain ahead, and it is more than you can handle. The anxiety churns within you -- stealing your sleep and consuming your thoughts.
Take comfort in the words of Psalm 121:7 (MSG), "God... guards your very life." You perceive no help from anywhere around you, but it is because you have failed to rely upon the One who can truly deliver you. You must look to God and trust Him.
You have Someone who is fighting for you -- who loves, provides for, and protects you in every circumstance of life. So have faith in Him. Lift your eyes to God and realize that help is on the way.
Psalm 121:7-8 -- God guards you from every evil, He guards your very life. He guards you when you leave and when you return, He guards you now, He guards you always.
Blessings and peace,
Sherron
As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, the sun rose brilliantly out of the ocean with colors that changed from the first glimpse until it was completely out of the water. How glorious as I watched the transformation. Suddenly the weight of the day was lifted from my shoulders.
Everything changes when you set your focus on God. You filter every situation through the knowledge you have of Him. Is any problem too hard for Him? No. Can He use every circumstance for your good and His glory? Yes.
Because nothing is impossible for God, every challenge you encounter is just another opportunity to see His mighty work in your life -- building your confidence in Him.
Unfortunately, sometimes you lose your focus. It is so easy to do -- especially when trouble arises that you didn't expect. Suddenly you're wondering, God, where are You?
God hasn't moved; your focus has -- and you must turn your attention back to Him. Because He's still bigger than your problems and will certainly help you.
Psalm 123:2 -- Our eyes look to the Lord our God.
Blessings and peace,
Sherron
As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, the day was so calm... much like the waves as they gently lapped against the sand. What a peaceful day to be alive.
But in the real world things are not always so peaceful. It seems to happen without fail. Some extra money comes your way, and you know just what to do with it. Then your car breaks down. There goes your bonus. Or you finally take a day off work, and you look forward to relaxing. Then a loved one has an emergency. There goes your vacation.
In a sense, you may feel as if you were robbed of a blessing. However, what you need to remember is that things could have been much worse. Imagine not having the money to pay for that repair, or taking that loved one to the doctor during high-pressure deadlines.
You had other plans, but God was providing for what He knew was ahead. Therefore, embrace it as a special blessing and praise Him for helping you.
Psalm 124:1 -- What if the Lord had not been on our side?
Blessings and peace,
Sherron
It made me think of how we pray to our Father. Sometimes prayer can be elaborate and formal, but prayer really only requires simple words about our heart's concerns. We should make it a simple matter of regularly setting aside time to talk to God. A daily prayer habit will help us grow spiritually and draw us into a close and comforting relationship with God. These regular activities can be exciting opportunities to interact with the Creator of the universe and influence the world around us.
We can enhance our prayer habit by finding a quiet place with a pleasant atmosphere to regularly meet with God. It is a good idea to also keep a Bible, a journal, and a few inspirational books in that special place. If we are faithful to make ourselves available and attentive to God each day, we will reap abundant spiritual dividends... so make it your daily habit to meet with Him and see the goodness come from above.
Psalm 5:3 -- Each morning I will look to you in heaven and lay my requests before you, praying earnestly.
Blessings and peace,
Sherron
As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, the gentle wind touched the waves and made tiny white caps along the shoreline. Beautiful white sea gulls graced the waves as they touched down time and again to eat from the sea.
Jesus is calling us today to come sit with Him... to eat at the table He is preparing before us. He is waiting to serve us with His glory, His power, His knowledge, and yet we are too busy to come sit with Him. It seems insignificant to come and sit down... we are so trained to perform, to not take the time to listen, to hear what the Spirit is saying to us today, and yet we wonder why our lives are so chaotic and upside down. We forget who has the answers for every situation life sends our way -- He is the way, He is the "only" way... to peace and life!
Today as you walk your seashore of life, take the time to enjoy His presence and hear what He is saying to you. Your needs will all be met in His presence... sitting with Him -- just as the creatures of the sea do every day... sit with Him and let Him speak to your heart and feel the calm in your spirit. He is waiting for you!
Acts 3:19 -- ...times of refreshing come in the presence of the Lord.
Blessings and peace,
Sherron
As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, there was very little activity on the seashore. The birds were quiet and I seemed to be the only person walking this morning. It was a lonely feeling -- except for the presence of Jesus with me.
Loneliness can strike for many reasons: loss, rejection, and separation from loved ones. Yet if you allow it to consume you, alienation, insecurity, and thoughts of unworthiness can become your private prison, one that is incredibly destructive and difficult to escape from.
My friend, God wants to free you from your loneliness through His enduring presence and healing care. With Him, you never have to fear being alone, because He assures you of His unfailing love. As you grow closer to Him, He not only teaches you to have a fulfilling relationship with Himself, but with others as well.
Whenever the bondage of loneliness begins to close around your heart, trust the One who will never leave you.
Psalm 16:9-10 -- I feel completely secure, because you protect me from the power of death. I have served you faithfully, and you will not abandon me.
Blessings and peace,
Sherron
As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, all I could see was unlimited water... which in my heart related to His unlimited, never ending resources. We worry and fret while we serve a God who is limitless in His desires for our lives here on the earth.
Many people are tangled up in their thoughts because they have forgotten what God has promised them in the Bible. You do not have to follow the same path. God wants you to understand that His mercies are new and fresh every morning and that He will provide for you in miraculous ways as you travel through life.
One way He does so is through the Bible, which contains all the hope and wisdom you need for each day. The Bible was written for you, and the truth it contains is just as powerful today as it was when it was first penned. God promises to love, provide for and guide you each day. Stand on His promises as you walk your seashore of life today!
Psalm 105: 40-42 -- He brought quail and satisfied them with bread from heaven. He opened a rock, and water gushed out; it flowed like a stream in the desert. For He remembered His holy promise.
Blessings and peace,
Sherron
As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, I felt more like running than walking. I felt such an energy serge from the Holy Spirit that my spirit was running.
I was reminded that certain things in life cannot be done halfheartedly. You are either committed to it, or you are not. Without passion, it is not worth attempting.
Paul encouraged believers to devote themselves to God as runners dedicate themselves to winning a race. The marathoners trained by disciplining their diets and bodies and focusing on the finish line. They did it to win, and they gave every ounce of their strength and passion to achieve the goal.
Today, you are challenged to commit yourself wholeheartedly to God. Train by disciplining yourself and focusing on Him. With dedication like that, you are definitely a winner.
1 Corinthians 9:24 -- "In a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize. You also must run in such a way that you will win."
Blessings and peace,
Sherron
As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, the seagulls were all lined up feasting on the tiny crabs being washed up to the shoreline. What a time they were having, almost seemed to be celebrating.
I thought of how we celebrate holidays and special occasions by feasting. Imagine a birthday party without a cake, the Fourth of July without watermelon, Thanksgiving without pumpkin pie. Sharing food around a table bonds people together, and "Pass the peas, please" branches into warm and meaningful conversation. The sharing of food leads to the sharing of words and the sharing of hearts.
In the same way, when you feast on the goodness of God, which you can do as often as you like, it satisfies your soul-hunger like nothing else can. Out of that fullness comes a desire to feed others with the blessings God has showered on you. When you give out of your abundance, you are filled even more. Your plate is never empty; your soul is always full.
Psalm 107:9 -- He satisfies the longing soul, and fills the hungry soul with goodness.
Blessings and peace,
Sherron
As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, the sky was so glorious as it lit up with the glory of another sunrise from the Father! I felt as though He had made the day for me, His favorite child. But then I always think I am the favorite, even though I believe with God, we are all His favorites.
Parents really do try never to have favorites among their children. With the birth of each child comes a love tailor-made just for him or her. David, however, unabashedly assumed he was the apple of God's eye. He assumed he was a favored son. From that place of special favor, he asked for God's protection. In intimate language, he depicted a mother hen covering her hatchlings -- whenever startled, the chicks run toward their mother, and she lifts a protective wing to hide them.
You, too, can be a favored child. He lifts a spreading wing to cover you with warmth and safety, and you can take refuge in His protection. Being a favored son or daughter entitles you to the bounty of God's goodness and grace.
Psalm 17:8 -- Keep me as the apple of the eye, hide me under the shadow of thy wings.
Blessings and peace,
Sherron
As I walked the seaside with Jesus, I wanted to see the sunrise but today it was covered with gray clouds. I asked the Lord to take the clouds away, but they remained. So I chose to enjoy the walk with Him anyway -- in spite of the darkness.
Each life has its share of disappointments -- those dark moments when something you were counting on fails to materialize or when someone you believe in lets you down. When you are struggling with the undercertainty that people and plans bring to your life, it is a great comfort to know that God will never fail you and that every plan He sets in place will prosper.
As you travel through the dark places on your journey through life, that old bandit disappointment may jump from the shadows and challenge you, threatening to rob you of your dreams. But disappointment cannot take what is your as long as you remember that you are a child of God. With God on your side, your future is secure and settled in heaven.
Psalm 89:33-34 -- I will never stop loving Him, nor let my promise to Him fail. No, I will not break my covenant; I will not take back a single word I said.
Blessings and peace,
Sherron
As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, it was very early and a very bright star was lingering in the dawn of the morning! It almost looked like the North Star.
The strong and unmistakable light of the North Star has been beaming down from the heavens since the dawn of creation. The North Star is beautiful to the casual stargazer, but it holds much more significance for mariners, explorers, travelers, or those who have lost their way. For them, its radiant beam is a practical symbol of hope and safety, pointing the way to true north.
The light of God's love for you is strong and unmistakable. It also beams down on you from the heavens to fill you with hope and to guide you safely to your destination. When you have lost your bearings and don't know which way to turn, the light of God's love illuminates your way. As long as you follow its beam, His constant love will guide you safely home.
Psalm 86:11 -- Teach me thy way, O Lord; I will walk in thy truth; unite my heart to fear thy name.
Blessings and peace,
Sherron
As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, the ocean seemed more majestic than other days. The sun was dancing on the waves, the sky was lit with what seemed like glory clouds with rays shooting from the heavens. It was truly glorious.
God's majesty crowns the earth and the heavens. It is reflected in the splendor of the nighttime sky and the expanse of the ocean. It is echoed in the strength of the mountains and the might of a river. It is evident in every loving gesture and simple act of forgiveness.
In times of loneliness and heartache, the visible signs of God's majesty bring us comfort, for they do more than decorate His greatness. They express His power, His constancy, and His resourcefulness -- all available to us in our time of need. They remind us that our God is great and loving and kind, that our God is faithful and powerful enough to heal our broken hearts and to give us the will to go on!
Psalm 96:6 -- Honor and majesty are before Him; Strength and beauty are in His sanctuary.
Blessings and peace,
Sherron
As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, the wind was brisk and chilly, blowing across the water. My face felt the sting of the cold air on this day... it reminded me of a cold wintry night, not a seaside walk.
At times your life is filled with the darkness of a polar night, with icy winds blowing across the frozen reaches of your heart. In these times, you must place your hope in God, for He will not allow the icy darkness to reign forever in your life. Eventually the sun will shine again, melting your ice-locked emotions.
The promise of renewed life comes with the sunlight of His love. You feel an unrestrained urge to turn your face upward into its brilliance. The sunlight illuminates your heart and chases away the long, cold night. You find that once again you are able to love and laugh and live; once again you are able to appreciate the good things God has placed in your life. His mercy has wrought a bright, new morning.
Psalm 84:11 -- The Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord will give grace and glory; no good thing will He withhold from them that walk uprightly.
Blessings and peace,
Sherron
As I walked the seashore with Jesus today, I felt so happy to be alive and see the dolphins playing in the waves. They are the most joyful creatures in the ocean and I have such fun watching them!
We all want that same joy. I believe everyone pursues happiness, but few can define it. Is happiness the bright red apple dangling from the highest branch of the tree or the immense treasure buried somewhere underground? Is happiness the perfect person with whom to spend your life? Many times you lose hope of finding happiness simply because you may be looking for it in the wrong places.
True happiness has less to do with outward circumstances than with inward, and more to do with inward harmony than with outward. True happiness is being anchored to your Creator, who knows you better than you know yourself. True happiness isn't dependent on another person. It isn't dangling out of your reach or hiding deep underground. True happiness can be found in the ordinary activities of your life. You need only look inward and upward.
Psalm 146:5 -- Happy is he that hath the God of Jacob for His help, whose hope is in the Lord his God.
Blessings and peace,
Sherron
As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, I watched the waves washing over the sandy shore, making it smooth each time it came in and went out. It made me think of how the Holy Spirit washes our souls daily as He moves in and out and touches our spirit.
He is our true friend, that helps keep us on the path of life. A true friend cares enough to risk telling you the truth when you have messed up. His or her words may be tough ones, but they will be motivated by love because your friend has your best interest at heart. That is exactly how it is with God. His desire is never to trounce on you, but to bring your heart closer to Him.
You may be unaware that you have veered off course. Correction may be a tug on your conscience a gentle reminder to get back on the right road. God can give you new direction, designed for you. If you are tempted to slip into self-pity over your flubs, draw near to God. Ask, "What do you want me to learn from this?" God is the best friend you will ever have.
Psalm 32:8 -- I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shall go; I will guide thee with mine eye.
Blessings and peace,
Sherron
As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, a threatening storm brewed over the waves, creating a heavy fog that made the way to walk hard to see. I could barely see one foot in front of the other, taking each step by faith.
It is like that in life at times... we seem to be walking in a fog that the enemy brings to blind us to the path that God has for us. Many of us have felt dazed, stunned, as if in a stupor, by the unexpected events that come crashing into our lives. This has been a very effective weapon the enemy has used against us to keep us from being effective for the Kingdom of God.
But I tell you this... the fog is going to lift! The oppression will lift! The storms will cease! You will suddenly have clarity of mind and purpose, as though you are coming out of a dark, deep sleep! You will walk into the bright day of life, with new vision, new purpose and new passion! He has already gone before you to prepare the way!
Get out of the boat as Peter did, and get into life! Walk toward Jesus with your eyes fixed on Him. He is there with your hand outstretched, waiting for you to fulfill your purpose on this earth. Don't miss your destiny.
Romans13:12 -- The night is far spent and the day is at hand. Therefore, let us cast off the walls of darkness, and put on the armor of life!
Blessings and peace,
Sherron
As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, I just sat and gazed at the endless horizon of His magnificent ocean. It made me think that our lives in eternity are like that -- neverending!
Forever -- that's a really, really long time. In fact, eternity is so overwhelming many may wonder what we will be doing. Other than eating at God's banquet and worshiping at His throne, won't we get bored, since I am one of those that is easily bored!
But heaven isn't just puffy clouds and flowing robes. Whatever your purpose is on earth, it will be even more joyous and fulfilling in eternity -- because there, you won't face any of the hindrances that you have here on earth. Rather, you will praise God in creative ways you have never dreamed of. You will be the completion of His dream for you when you were thought of in His mind. What an experience that will be!
Think about it as you walk your seashore of life -- eternity. And don't underestimate the overpowering awe of being in the magnificent presence of your Creator. He is more wonderful than you ever hoped. You are going to love heaven -- and it is certain you will never ever want to leave!
Psalm 134:1 -- Come, praise the Lord, all His servants, all who serve in His Temple.
Blessings and peace,
Sherron