As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, the sun was so bright that I wondered if it could be Jesus Himself showing up. And if it were Jesus, what would I say to Him.
It is easy to think, when I see the Lord, I'll do to this or say that. The truth is that when you see Him face-to-face, the only thing you will want to do is bow down and worship Him. Words, if they are spoken, will only be those of praise and adoration. You will not be able to contain yourself or the love you feel for Him. In fact, all of creation will exalt His holy name.
This is why it is so necessary to learn to praise Him now. It is practice for what you will be doing for eternity. Honor Him for His goodness, faithfulness, long suffering, and provision for your every need. Sing songs of glory to His name today and every day -- for surely He is worthy both now and forevermore.
Psalm 96: 11-12 -- Let the heavens be glad and the earth rejoice; let the sea and all that fills it resound. Let the fields and everything in them exalt.
Blessings and peace,
Sherron
As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, the waves were crashing against the sand. You could almost feel the power of the Creator each time the waves hit the sand and immediately went back into the deep ocean. I knew He was there with me as I walked this morning!
Can you think of a time when your relationship with God felt deeper and more meaningful? Maybe you remember when your faith was new and His presence seemed to permeate your every activity. Alternatively, perhaps you recall an encounter with Him that powerfully transformed your life.
Yet understand, it is dangerous to enshrine experiences with God, believing your best times with Him are past. Your relationship with God is not just about what happened yesterday, but it is about how you love and obey Him today.
Keep your eyes fixed on God always, and you will experience a more intimate relationship than you ever thought possible.
Psalm 42:4 -- My heart is breaking as I remember how it used to be; I walked among the crowds of worshipers, leading a great procession to the house of God.
Blessings and peace,
Sherron
As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, a perfect white cloud seemed to be floating along the ocean waves as I followed the shoreline. It was as though it was covering me on my walk.
I thought of how we are told to rest in the shadow of the Almighty. How does one do that? The idea presented is this: You are in the presence of God no matter where you are or what time of the day it happens to be. God is always with you, and His presence brings you an undeniable sense of peace.
This means that you can literally abide in His shelter at all times -- sensing His closeness and deep affection no matter the situation. Whether you are shopping, in a business meeting, talking with a friend, or praying at home in your quiet time, He is with you.
When heartache threatens or trouble approaches, His protective cover drops down over your life, providing the spiritual comfort you need amid every storm.
Psalm 91:1 -- He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
Blessings and peace,
Sherron
As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, a beautiful rainbow appeared in the sky for a brief moment, then it suddenly went away. My heart felt a little saddened as I watched it disappear.
I thought of disappointments in our lives -- disappointment can strike suddenly, and your first reaction may be one of defensiveness. You may fee angry and hurt; however, do not lash out. Your best course of action is always to step away from the situation and ask God to show you what to do.
The wonderful thing about God is that He is always accessible and willing to receive you. He will show you what you need to do and comfort your aching heart.
Has discouragement assailed you? Are your eyes weak from crying and your heart tender and grieved? God will find a way to encourage you and admonish you not to give up So turn to Him -- because even at this moment, He is listening for your call.
Psalm 88:9 -- My eyes are weak from crying, Lord, I have prayed to you every day; I have lifted my hands in prayer to you.
Blessings and peace,
Sherron
As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, the warmth of the sun and the peace in the air caused me to feel wrapped in the love of my Heavenly Father. What a glorious feeling it was during my morning walk.
Do you ever think about how much God loves you? Some people rarely take time to do this. They are burdened by their problems, stresses, and shortcomings. They tell themselves that if they lived a better life, God would love them more. This is simply not true.
God loves you with an undivided love. Nothing you do can cause Him to care for you any more or less. Rather, He accepts you just the way you are, and His ultimate goal is to build you up in His image.
God created you for a relationship with Him, and He gently and compassionately molds you into all you were created to be. Therefore, rejoice! Because He is establishing you by His lovng hand and will shine through you with His everlasting love.
Psalm 87:5 -- The Most High Himself will establish her.
Blessings and peace,
Sherron
As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, the ocean was choppy and windy... pushing the sand along the shoreline. It made me think of how the year seems to be pushed along... ready or not, as I realized another month is almost finished.
We mark the arrival of a new month though the simple task of changing to a new page on the calendar on the wall. Flipping through the calendar pages, you may pause to scan the pages of the months ahead and wonder what they hold in store for you. Will the next month bring a surprise blessing? Will you have an unexpected opportunity in July? Will there be a disappointment in September? What will happen between now and when December rolls around again?
Though you anticipate the future, and sometimes worry about it, God is the one who sets your course and imprints each day with the events that become your life. A heart committed to God can leave the passing of time in His hands and trust that He will fill in the blanks of the calendar with perfect order. You can trust Him with your future.
Psalm 40:8 -- I delight to do Your will, O my God, and your law is within my heart.
Blessings and peace,
Sherron
As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, the little crab was crawling in circles, trying to find a way home. He was lost and seemed to be unable to find his way back to his safe place.
Does it ever feel as if you simply do not belong in this world? As if you are longing for something beyond what exists here. You are not imagining things, and you are certainly not alone.
Hebrews 11:13, 16 explains that faithful people throughout the ages have "agreed that they were only strangers and foreigners on this earth... they were looking forward to a better home I heaven."
You see, when you believe in God, He awakens the desires for eternity in you. Each time you sense that you are out of place here, it is because He is further along in the process of transforming you to live in heaven forever.
Whenever you feel like your heart is somewhere else -- that is okay. Just remember, my friend, you are not home yet.
Psalm 48:8 -- As we have heard, so have we seen in the city of the Lord of hosts, in the city of our God; God will establish it forever.
Blessings and peace,
Sherron
As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, the sunrise was so beautiful, with rays of glory spraying across the ocean. It was a sight that made everything new -- even the things that had seemed so heavy the night before... that is how He sends fresh mercy every day!
Have you ever gotten up in the morning and remembered some deed done to you as if it just happened? You try to shake off the memory, but you walk around all day feeling as though you are under a cloud of anger?
God does not want your bitterness to rob you of the power and joy He has for you. That is why He will target it like a bowman with an arrow, so that you will deal with the issue consuming your thoughts, energy, and emotions.
It is easy to cling to feelings of unforgiveness, anger, or resentment, but God calls you to do the opposite -- to forgive and move beyond the hurt. When you let go of past sorrows, you are free to accept the blessings He has for you.
Psalm 64:6-7 -- Both the inward thought and the heart of man are deep. But God shall shoot at them with an arrow.
Blessings and peace,
Sherron
As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, my heart was bursting with joy... as I thought of how many blessings He had put in my life. I see His handiwork everyday as I walk the beautiful shores of His marvelous ocean.
I think we all may have to admit that there may be times we become blinded to His goodness by the events of a crazy day, or events that we have no control over.
Your life is a testimony of the way God works. People will learn whether they can truly trust the Lord by observing how you handle moments of joy as well as times of sorrow.
My Friend, when you battle hardships and obstacles, do you still demonstrate faith in your unshakable God? There were times when Moses, David, Paul, and the disciples experienced terrible pressure. Each one refused to give up or react negatively.
Rather, they were proactive -- they not only honored the Lord and grew in their faith, but many others came to know Him through their excellent example.
The same can be true for you, but you must decide to trust Him in every situation.
Psalm 78:4 -- We will tell to the generation to come the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord, and His might, and the wonderful works that He has performed.
Blessings and peace,
Sherron
As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, the clouds were hiding the sun but the glory of the sun's rays were bursting beneath the layer of clouds. The sun's brightness could not be hidden behind the darkness of the clouds
I feel that is the way it is for us today. As we think of the political climate of our world, it would be so easy to feel things are dark and wonder if God is truly in control. The answer is a resounding yes! The One who established the boundaries for the and and sea, and set the moon and stars in their places, watches over you and I.
When life appears to be spiraling out of control, you can be assured that God is not affected. Sudden changes do not surprise or move Him -- He remains that same yesterday, today, and forever.
When problems come, your first reaction may be one of anxiety. But God is sovereign, and He challenges you to recall the times He has kept you safe, protected your heart, and provided for every need you have. Always remember, nothing is too difficult for Him to handle. No, my friend -- nothing at all.
Psalm 74: 16-17 -- The day is Yours, also the night; You established the moon and the sun. You set all the boundaries of the earth.
Blessings and peace,
Sherron
As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, one of the tiny sandpipers was limping along the sand with me. The others were running swiftly along but this little one had been wounded. It made me a little sad.
But that is life. There are times when life seems unjust, and you will have to find a way to deal with what you have experienced. People can do and say things that are reckless and cruel. However whenever you feel ignored or rejected, you have an important choice to make: Either you can become bitter or you can become better. You can stew in your anger or move on with the knowledge of God's personal love for you.
God's priceless comfort can soften the impact of others' thoughtless words and deeds. So keep your eyes on Him. Listen for His voice of encouragement and be willing to forgive those who have hurt you. This is what Jesus did -- He forgave because He knew those who accused Him did not know the truth.
Psalm 73:2-3 -- I had nearly lost confidence; my faith was almost gone because I was jealous of the proud when I saw that things go well for the wicked
Blessings and peace,
Sherron
As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, I watched two little girls trying their best to make a sandcastle. Every time they almost had it perfectly formed, the waves would come in and wash it out. Soon they quit and walked away... discouraged.
Have you ever noticed that sometimes when you try your hardest to make something work, it turns out wrong? These are often the times when God allows you to face difficulty in order to teach you to trust Him more deeply.
By spending time with Him in prayer -- listing your concerns, desires, and needs -- you are telling Him that you need Him. Nothing touches His heart more profoundly than hearing your sincere prayer: "Father God, I can't do this on my own. I need you." Such humility immediately stirs His compassion.
My Friend, always remember that you can reach your goals by keeping your heart set on Him. So call to Him. He is certainly ready to respond and will send the wisdom you need for success.
Psalm 70:5 -- I am poor and needy; make haste to me, O God! You are my help and my deliever; O Lord, do not delay.
Blessings and peace,
Sherron
As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, a lonely little puppy came running up to me... he looked as though he had lost his master and seemed confused. I picked him up and soon recognized a man that was looking for his little dog. Happily he was returned to him safely.
It made me think of how we too stray from the Master's love. When you become aware of your potential to stray from God's love, you may feel shocked and even disappointed. Temptations can entangle you, and sin can settle deep within your heart -- preventing you from enjoying a close relationship with God.
It is easy to spot the signs of spiritual compromise in your life -- you justify the sin and temptation, feel that you need to rush about rather than rest in God's presence, and give God and others a list of excuses about why your devotion is off course.
Nothing is more important than your relationship with Him. In addition, when you lay aside your sin and go to Him with a heart of devotion, you will notice a difference. Your life will be marked by peace and joy.
Psalm 69:5-6 -- My sins, O God, are hidden from you, you know how foolish I have been. Don't let me bring shame on those who trust in You, Sovereign Lord Almighty!
Blessings and peace,
Sherron
As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, the sea gulls were gathered along the shore line as though they were waiting to hear the sermon of the day. It made me think of how we gather in church on Sunday's to hear the Word to go forth and do the Word... every day in our lives.
Whether you realize it or not, showing up at church on Sunday is not the only way to express your love for God. Your life is a living testimony to others. Through your words and actions, you reflect your core beliefs, desires, faith, and fears.
When you care for another person freely rather than out of obligation, you are expressing God's love. When you call someone about the reason for the hope you have, you honor God.
Do you view those around you as He views them -- with love, respect, and compassion? Do you share your blessings with them so that they will know the Savior? God knows your heart and how you choose to live each day. Therefore, honor Him with everything you say and do so that others may know Him and be saved.
Psalm 67:7 -- God blesses us so people all over the earth will fear Him.
Blessings and peace,
Sherron
As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, the day was so peaceful and calm after a hectic week of meetings and appointments with so many people. But today, the challenge was to quiet my soul and listen for His voice as I walked quietly along the shoreline, feeling the water wash over my feet.
God will challenge you to do many wonderful things in this life -- He will encourage you to launch out in faith with the tasks He calls you to do. But there is something that brings an even greater degree of satisfaction than anything you can experience on a human level, and that is time spent in quiet devotion to Him.
Though your life may seem too full to take time to be alone with Him, consider this: He is never too busy to be with you. His one consuming desire is for you to know Him. When you begin to do this, even the smallest of activities will take on new meaning.
So spend time with Him today and enjoy the awesome privilege of being in His presence. Surely it will be the best time you have all day!
Psalm 65:4 -- How happy is the one You choose and bring near to live in Your courts! We will be satisfied with the goodness of Your house, the holiness of Your temple!
Blessings and peace,
Sherron
As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, I shared my walk with one of my special girlfriends. It is always amazing how wonderful these special friendships can be, as we share the goodness of our Father during our walk.
Jesus was very aware of the spiritual devotion of the women who followed Him. He knew they were committed to God and wanted to serve Him in far greater ways than the social climate of their society allowed. Mary of Bethany sat at His feet listening as He taught God's truth. Her greatest need was satisfied in Christ's presence. She was a true believer -- fully committed and determined to worship the Savior.
God uses women to tell others about His power to save and heal the wounds that sin has wrought. Mary soaked up every word spoken to her by the Savior, and you can do the same. When opportunities come, you will be prepared to serve because you have been with the Lord.
Psalm 68:11 -- The Lord gave the command; a great company of women brought the good news.
Blessings and peace,
Sherron
As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, a rainbow crossed the sky with colors that were glorious. It was such a reminder that God is always going to keep the promises He makes to us.
The vows and promises you exchange with those you love provide you with a strong foundation on which to build your life. Your word is your bond and your commitment. The faithfulness you give, as well as the faithfulness you receive, fills you with confidence and comforts you in your times of need. But the faithfulness of your closest family and friends appears as a pale shadow next to the splendor of God's faithfulness.
God is faithful to you no matter what. He gives you His full attention when you reach out for His love, assurance, and support. God never breaks His promises. And He is always there for you. By believing this and affirming it often, you take on a measure of His strength and reflect His goodness to others.
Psalm 9:10 -- All those who know your mercy, Lord, will count on you for help. For you have never yet forsaken those who trust in you.
Blessings and peace,
Sherron
As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, two little girls were running along the beach frolicking and playing as they ran in and out of the waves. They were followed along closely behind by their father, as he kept his eye on them...being sure they were safe and not in the water too far.
And then I thought, to small children, an adult must look like a giant. You loom over them and stoop down to pick them up in your arms. In the instant you do, however, your intimidating strength blurs into a single gesture of tenderness. Sometimes that's how you see God -- vast and mighty and towering in strength high above you. The moment He folds you in His arms, however, you remember that He is, after all, your loving God.
When you grow weak and afraid, the image of God's strong arms brings a fresh reminder of His nearness. God is quick to save you when you call on Him, and He promises to keep you in the palm of His hand. There, safe in His grasp, you find the courage and strength to do whatever He asks of you.
Psalm 89:13 -- Powerful is your arm! Strong is your hand! Your right hand is lifted high in glorious strength!
Blessings and peace,
Sherron
As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, the pelicans were flying away from the waves. They seemed to have just deserted the ocean scene that morning. I felt they had left me alone.
Then I thought of how we at times walk away from Jesus. Even when we are unfaithful, God never stops loving us. He loves us with an enduring love that is both infinite and unconditional. We cannot do anything to derail His love for us.
Sin harms our fellowship with Him because it produces feelings of guilt and shame and causes us to wonder if He still cars for us. Yet understand, although He will not approve of sin, He will never withhold His love from us.
So how do we handle the times when our human nature tempts us to yield to sin? The best course of action is to ask God to teach us more about His love. Because when we understand how great His love for us is, we will never want to drift in our devotion to Him.
Psalm 78:37-39 -- Their hearts were not really loyal to God...Still God was merciful...He remembered that they were only human, like a wind that blows and does not come back.
Blessings and peace,
Sherron
As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, the thought of Resurrection Sunday bursts from my heart, realizing the hope we have in Him. And nothing is more evident of Him than the beautiful seaside.
God's amazing grace is so abundantly evident in the world around you. The rosy blush of the sunrise as it bursts above the horizon reminds you that the sparkling dawn of a brand new day is replacing the long dark night. The resplendent spectrum of the rainbow reminds you that the sun is busy chasing away the rain clouds. The whimsical laugh of a child at play reminds you that you, too, are a child -- God's child.
God's grace is evident in His creation, and it is God's gift to help you through the difficult times that life often brings your way. God's grace is the visible evidence of His everlasting love. Even when it appears that sorrow and grief threaten your joy, God offers His grace to you and you experience the hope of His promise. He has risen that you might have everlasting life! Praise His name!
Psalm 45:2 -- Grace is poured into thy lips; therefore God hath blessed thee forever!
Blessings and peace,
Sherron
As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, the waves were quiet and the beach was still. The stillness magnified God's awesome presence as I walked alone, waiting to hear His voice.
Nothing can be louder or more intimidating than silence when you are waiting for an answer to your prayers. In the nighttime of the soul, God's silence thunders down at you, rattling your confidence and leaving you wondering if He has abandoned you.
At those times when God is silent, you must place your hope in two mighty truths: the truth of God's sovereignty and the truth of His faithfulness. God answers all your prayers, but always in His own time and in His own way. When you place your hope in Him, you will not be disappointed -- even when the answer that comes is not what you expected. You are wise to trust Him and wait patiently. It is in these times that your faith is tested, strengthened, and establish.
Psalm 66:20 -- Praise God, who did not ignore my prayer or hold back His love from me.
Blessings and peace,
Sherron
As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, I watched a sandpiper chasing a tiny crab. He ran for cover and hid beneath the sand until his predator left.
Fear is truly a predator. It crouches in the shadows and stalks its prey, you, waiting for any sign of weakness or vulnerability on your part. When fear strikes, it can ravage your life. It is a fierce and deadly enemy. Fear can rob you of family and relationships, destroy your talent, and wipe out your resources.
God has given you a mighty sword with which to fight the predator fear -- your faith. Faith protects you from fear's torment and allows you to face each new day with hope and confidence. Faith frees you to tackle the real obstacles in your life rather than to waste your energies dealing with difficulties that might never materialize. Your faith in God gives you the courage to face fear and drive it away.
Psalm 27:1 -- The Lord is my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; Of whom shall I be afraid?
Blessings and peace,
Sherron
As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, the beauty of the ocean seemed to sing to me of God's great love for me. I felt His love wrapped around me in a special way this morning!
Have you truly opened your heart to the wondrous love that God has for you? You may say, "Oh, I know He loves me," but do you realize that His love for you is so great that He thinks about you constantly? He longs to give you good things, and when your heart is turned toward Him in devotion, He is blessed.
You do not have to wait until you "feel" the love of God -- His love is a reality that is always present with you. No sin can prevent Him from loving you, and nothing is greater or has more power than His love. Rather, He gives His wonderful love to you freely, unconditionally; and the closer you grow in your relationship with Him, the more you learn how faithful, strong, and true His care for you really is.
Psalm 68:5-6 -- God's Word the God who is in His holy dwelling place is the father of the fatherless and the defender of widows. God places lonely people in families.
Blessings and peace,
Sherron
As I walked the seaside with Jesus, a storm came up quickly when lightning struck suddenly. I had to cut my walk short and run for cover! It was frightening!
The night the storm broke out on the Sea of Galilee, the wind picked up without warning. Then the waves began to swell, and a hard rain beat down. Fear consumed the disciples' minds and hearts. How could they possibly survive the tempest?
Yet their anxiety was unfounded, because Jesus was with them. When their cries woke Him, Jesus stood up and did the impossible -- He commanded the wind and the waves to be still, and both obeyed.
The same is true for you whenever you experience the overwhelming storms of life. Though they arise unexpectedly, there is no reason to fear, because the Lord is with you.
Psalm 66:5-6 -- Take a good look at God's wonders -- they will take your breath away. He converted sea to dry land; travelers crossed the river on foot. Now isn't that cause for a song?
Blessings and peace,
Sherron
As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, I was filled with joy as I realized that my Heavenly Father had put desires in my heart that have yet to be fulfilled. And only He can see them completed, according to His Word.
At times you may be tempted to think that God is not intimately aware of the dreams you have for the future. But He is. He knows the deepest desires of your heart because He has placed many of them within you.
However, He will not compete with the desires of your heart -- He wants to be your priority. If you place anything above Him, He will remove it because only He deserves first place in your life.
Are the desires of your heart united to honor Him? Remember that it is God who gives you life and everything you have, so honor Him above all else. You may be very surprised by how He rewards your faithfulness.
Psalm 86:10-11 -- You are great and do wondrous things; You alone are God. Teach me your way, O Lord, that I may walk in your truth; unite my heart to fear your name.
Blessings and peace,
Sherron