May 2011 Seaside Devotions Archive

May 31, 2011

As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, I watched a tiny sandpiper walk in circles -- going around and around. I wasn't sure what he was chasing, but he made me think of how we are at times in our own life.

As you travel through unmarked trails and unchartered valleys of life, you may sometimes become disoriented and lose your way. Feeling lost and alone, you may be tempted to give up and abandon your dreams and ambitions.

When you lose your hope in the future, you grieve the heart of God. It is His desire to be your steady guide, to take each of you by the hand and lead you through the tangled underbrush. He longs to walk with you each step of the way, pointing out the dangers and keeping your feet securely on the path. I will never leave you, He tells you. I will illuminate your path with the light of my love. No matter how lost and disoriented you become, God is always available to help you find your way again.

Psalm 25:4-5 -- "Show me your ways, O Lord, teach me your paths; guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long."

Blessings and peace,
Sherron

May 30, 2011

As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, the ocean was calm and there was no evidence of any excitement anywhere... it seemed as if everything was at a standstill.

That is the way our life is at times... at a standstill. Count on it -- there will be days you will want evidence that God is still actively providing what He has promised you. And it will be the details of how He is working everything out that will concern you most!

Your faith grows in the not knowing and by releasing all the particulars to His care. Do not fear -- He has taken every facet into account and will use every hurdle to display His power.

Rest easy tonight. God has considered and taken care of details that you have never thought of. Soon enough the proof will be before you that your faith has not been in vain.

1 Kings 8:24 -- "You did exactly what you promised -- every detail. The proof is before us today."

Blessings and peace,
Sherron

May 29, 2011

As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, I watched a child become very upset when the waves came crashing in on his sandcastle that he had worked on for hours. Isn't that how we all feel at times -- when the waves of life come crashing in on us?

If life sometimes seems to be a battle that causes you to feel upset and fearful, you'll be glad to know you were not meant to fight the battle alone. The Bible says, the battle is God's.

God never loses a battle. And when you work with Him according to His plan, you won't either.

During trying times, do you worry or worship? I know it seems difficult, but He says we should worship Him always. And our praise and worship should not be limited to a few minutes in church. If you are not worshipping at home on a regular basis, you may feel like the victim in life instead of the victor.

God's Word clearly details the Holy Ghost-anointed battle plan to combat every challenge you face. When you begin to substitute praise for petition and worship for worry, God will move on your behalf. Try Him and see if He doesn't do exactly as He says every time... praise will move the mountain of worry and you will win, every time.

2 Chronicles 20:15 -- "Be not afraid or dismayed... for the battle is not yours, but God's."

Blessings and peace,
Sherron

May 28, 2011

As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, I expected to hear God's voice -- speaking to me through His creation. He is always there just waiting for me to come listen for confirmation of all His promises spoken in His Word!

What a wonderful thought -- to know He is waiting to fulfill every promise as we walk in faith, expecting to see them fulfilled! God is earnestly looking for someone to be good to -- but there is one requirement. You must be expecting, looking, and longing for God's goodness.

Hebrews 6:19 says hope is the anchor of the soul. Hope is the force that keeps you steady in a time of trial. Don't ever stop hoping. Things may not always turn out the way you want them to, but even in disappointing times there is still reason to hope. Expect a miracle in your life. Expect good things and see them fulfilled!

Isaiah 30:18 -- "And therefore the Lord (earnestly) waits (expecting, looking, and longing) to be gracious to you; and therefore He lifts Himself up that He may have mercy on you and show loving-kindness to you. For the Lord is a God of justice. Blessed (happy, fortunate, to be envied) are all who (earnestly) wait for Him, who expect and look for Him (for His victory, His favor, His love, His peace, His joy, and His matchless, unbroken companionship)."

Blessings and peace,
Sherron

May 27, 2011

As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, a tiny fish was being swallowed up by a seagull. It had not escaped the destiny of being lunch for the feathered creature on that day... he had been captured!

Do you ever wonder why God does not always deliver you from your bondage and problems immediately? The reason is because only the Lord knows everything that needs to be done in the lives of His children -- and the perfect timing for it to be done.

You are not always delivered from your distress at the precise moment you call on the name of the Lord. Sometimes you must endure for a while, be patient and continue in faith. Thank God during those times in which the Lord decides for whatever reason not to deliver you right away. He always gives the grace and strength you need to press on toward eventual victory!

2 Corinthians 12:9 -- "My grace is enough for you; for My strength and power are made perfect and show themselves most effective in weakness."

Blessings and peace,
Sherron

May 26, 2011

As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, I watched a child working feverishly at a sand castle. He was determined to finish the project as he carried bucket after bucket to the work of the castle.

I thought of how we so often think it is our "works" that matter to God. We sometimes get lost trying so hard to "do the work." The ultimate purpose for our life is not to do good works, be a great employee, or be the best parent, or even be happy, even though those are all excellent pursuits.

Our true goal is to be like Jesus, because He meets our greatest needs and His character is the utmost goal we can aspire to. When we seek Him, everything else we require is provided for us. And all our other pursuits benefit as well.

Today as you walk you seashore of life, lets commit ourselves to know Jesus and be wholly connected to Him. Become like Him through prayer, the life giving truths of the Bible, and serving as He would. No other goal would do us -- or Him -- justice.

Philippians 3:10 -- "My goal is to know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings."

Blessings and peace,
Sherron

May 25, 2011

As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, I was overwhelmed with the love I feel in my heart! I could feel His presence so real -- following me along the shoreline as I shared my thoughts with Him.

Daily as we walk with Him, He is forever there. Isn't that a wonderful thought to know He is forever with us... no matter where life may take us... or what the challenges may be! He is there... He is there! It seems when we struggle and worry, we forget that we have the King of the Universe with all knowledge, all power, all peace, available to us just by asking and acknowledging His very presence in our lives. We are anxious and worry over things He never meant for us to carry.

Today as you walk your seashore of life, let Him take over and direct you. He knows the way when we don't. He sees the future when we are in a fog. His very presence will bring the peace that you are desperately seeking through the challenges of life... He is the answer to every need! Receive it today.

2 Corinthians 13:11 -- "Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace and the God of love and peace shall be with you."

Blessings and peace,
Sherron

May 24, 2011

As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, the waves were glistening like diamonds -- such beauty our Father has given us to enjoy!

I thought of all the other free gifts -- the starry grandeur of a midsummer night. The gentle gurgle of a languid river. The majestic stillness of a desert vista. The rolling wave of unharvested grain. The cleansing rain on a warm day. These are but a few of the natural expressions of peace and consistency that God has placed in the world.

In times of turmoil and distress, you can find moments of comfort and solace by gazing at the ageless beauty of a snowcapped mountain or by walking along a shell-strewn beach. For a while you enjoy the sense of peace. You hope that when you return to your everyday life the peace you found will remain with you. God alone can offer you lasting peace; only He can establish that lasting peace in your heart.

Psalm 119:165 -- "Great peace have they which love thy law; and nothing shall offend them."

Blessings and peace,
Sherron

May 23, 2011

As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, my thoughts went to the words spoken to other visitors on the beach -- of how we speak to one another -- sometimes only a smile, other times a few words of appreciation for the beautiful day on the beach. But never a discouraging word.

How do you speak to others in your daily walk of life? Do you use words of encouragement, words that lift up, or tear down? Conversations can be filled with important instructions or rude admonishments that can change one's life forever.

Your words can bring laughter, memories or tears, and remain stored in the hearts of those you touch. When have words impacted you for good or for bad? Remind yourself that we are instructed by Jesus that we have the power of life and death in the tongue.

What an awesome privilege has been given to us -- to speak life or death to those we pass on our journey. It is amazing to think your words pass on "life or death" and that we will be held accountable for every idle word we speak during our time on the earth.

As you walk your seashore of life today, speak life, not death. Choose to bless others with words of life, encouragement, and joy! Let God use your conversations today to fulfill your purposes for Him.

Psalm 19:14 -- "May the words of my mouoth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer."

Blessings and Peace,
Sherron

May 22, 2011

As I walk the seashore with Jesus daily, I see how the ocean looks different every day, always changing... some days calm, some days torrential waves pounding the sand. But Jesus is never changing.

The transitory things can be shaken and it is the temporary nature in you that generates your fears. Worries concerning the future and your legacy can make your soul quiver.

God's eternal nature has been given to you as well... the nature that never changes. Through it you know that your future is eternally secure, and that your heritage is forever tied to the most glorious victory of all -- the triumph that provides you with a home in heaven.

God's kindness to you is that He patiently removes all the fleeting things that cause you to fear. The only thing left to make you tremble is your love for Him.

As you walk your seashore of life today, know He is your unshakable assurance in this life of changes. He will remain the same forever.

Isaiah 54:10 -- "Though the mountains move and the hills shake, My love will not be removed from you and My covenant of peace will not be shaken."

Blessings and peace,
Sherron

May 21, 2011

As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, it was early and still very dark... and the waves seemed to lash against the sand in an angry way, not the peaceful way they do when the wind is soft and gentle.

I thought that problems always seem most daunting just before the dawn -- right before the morning light climbs above the horizon and slips quietly into the room. In that darkest hour, shadows of fear and discouragement may threaten to overwhelm you. But the morning light chases away the nighttime, restoring your perspective, filling you with hope, and offering you the promise of a bright new day!

The light of God's love is much like the morning sunlight. It dispels darkness from your heart and sweeps away shadows of fear and discouragement. It renders harmless specters of condemnation that would harshly remind you of past failures. God's wondrous light allows you to see yourself as He sees you -- a new creature, forgiven, ready to begin again.

Psalm 118:27 -- "The Lord is God, and He has made His light shine upon us."

Blessings and peace,
Sherron

May 20, 2011

As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, I saw for the first time a large tortoise lumbering contentedly, stopping often to nibble on the seaweed on the beach.

All of a sudden a loud noise pierced the air and a shadow crossed the tortoise's path. The tortoise stopped right where it was, and pulled its head into its shell and shut out the world around him.

You may experience times when you wish you could pull inside yourself to avoid emotional pain, fear or disappointment. Brief periods of solitude can often help you process your thoughts and gain inner strength. It would be tempting to stay there. However, just as the tortoise would soon starve if it remained in its shell indefinitely, so, too, would you starve emotionally if you remained walled up within yourself. God can help you face your circumstances and walk forward with confidence and hope.

Psalm 94:19 -- "When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought joy to my soul."

Blessings and peace,
Sherron

May 19, 2011

As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, I realized how restful the ocean is for my soul. Anytime I need restoration, peace and rest, I make my way to His magnificent ocean for rest -- not just for my body, but for my soul.

Just as you can be involved in outward activity, you can be involved in inward activity. God wants you not only to enter into His rest in your body, but in your soul as well.

To me, finding rest, relief, ease, refreshment, recreation, and blessed quiet for my soul means finding freedom from mental activity. It means not having to come up with answers I don't have. I don't have to worry, instead I can remain in a place of quiet rest.

At the end of a tiring day, you can experience this peace and rest by going to Christ and allowing Him to relieve and refresh your soul. As you walk your seashore of life today, let Him be your rest.

Matthew 11:36 -- "Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden and overburdened, and I will cause you to rest."

Blessings and peace,
Sherron

May 18, 2011

As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, I watched the sunrise, and my heart was filled with hope for the future.

The word 'filled' does not exactly portray my condition at the beginning of day, or even the end of the day. Perhaps drained is a better description of how I have been emptied of energy, creativity and even patience.

Yet is is precisely when we have reached the end of our own resources that God begins to fill us with His. He shows us that He sufficiently supplies what we lack and satisfies our deepest yearnings.

It is His desire to fill you with hope -- the knowledge that you will have joy and peace when you trust His help in every circumstance. Today as you walk your seashore of life, be filled with Him and enjoy your day. He will surely satisfy your soul.

Romans 15:13 -- "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope."

Blessings and peace,
Sherron

May 17, 2011

As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, the sea gulls were flying one way, then turning and flying the other way... like they were trying to make a choice as to which was to go.

It made me think about the choices we make in our every day life. Whenever you make a choice, you declare what's important to you and progress in a definite direction. This is because you've either elected to honor God or serve something else.

What about the mundane choices? Does it matter where you eat lunch or what you wear to work? In such cases, it is always best to ask yourself, "Is there anything about my selection that God would object to? Are there any godly principles that would help me pick a better alternative?"

Often, it's not the major decisions that change the course of your life, gut the little ones you make daily. So honor God with all your choices -- His way will always be your best option.

Psalm 66:18 -- "If I had been cozy with evil, the Lord would never have listened."

Blessings and peace,
Sherron

May 16, 2011

As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, I watched the sandpipers gathered together along the waves. They seemed to be buzzing to one another -- as though they were talking and sharing with each other!

It made me think of how the Father wants us talking to Him. He truly wants a relationship with us. That thought alone should cause us to stop in astonishment. "God? Wants to talk with me?" He does. Every day, every moment, in any way you might need to talk at the time.

You might call -- loudly -- in a time of crisis, knowing He will hear and come to your aid. You may cry -- softly -- over your pain and sorrow because you need His peace, His hand of comfort, someone to dry your tears. You may sing off-key perhaps, but sing nonetheless -- simply because praise is on your heart and the best way to expresss it is with a song you've committed to memory.

Come to God with everything you are and have. Share each victory, sadness and fear with Him. Just communicate with your God. He wants to hear from you.

Micah 7:7 -- "Therefore I will look to the Lord. I will wait for the God of my salvation."

Blessings and peace,
Sherron

May 15, 2011

As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, I watched the sunrise over the ocean with streams of glory coming from the heavens. It was an incredible morning with the love of God showering the ocean!

It is truly beyond our comprehension. A God who loves us. A God not of stone or marble but a living being. A God who existed before time itself.

This God reaches across time and space to encircle us in a ceaseless embrace. This love is beyond our imagination, so He shows it in thousands of ways He knows we can process. Sense His beaming face when you help a neighbor. Feel His comfort in a friend's kind words. His love is conveyed through the hug of a child, the smile of a stranger, the hand-squeeze of an elderly acquaintance. His love warms us with the sunshine and refreshes us with the rain.

When you need a reminder of God's incomprehensible love, you need only look around to witness the many wonderful ways He lavishes it on you.

Feel His comforting, cherishing embrace. His love will not let you go.

Psalm 108:4-5 -- "For your mercy is great above the heavens, and Your truth reaches to the clouds. Be exalted, O God, above the heavens. And your glory above all the earth."

Blessings and peace,
Sherron

May 14, 2011

As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, there was not one other person to be found on the beach. The walk was calm and a place of quiet solitude.

"Come away with me," Jesus invites. "Let's spend some time together and talk. Your soul will find peace." And He set us an example of doing just that, for He himself got away from the hubbub and the hustle and bustle of the crowds, away even from His friends, in order to find a quiet place to talk with His Father.

Do you have a quiet place, a safe place where you can go and meet with God, undistracted by the noise of world? My friend, if Jesus needed to get away, how much more do we need to escape to truly hear our Savior's voice! It may be early morning, late at night, in a room in our home, at the library, or in the park.

Your Savior will meet you wherever you are, so come away to a place where you can listen.

Matthew 14:23 -- "And when He had sent the multitudes away, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray. Now when evening came, He was alone."

Blessings and peace,
Sherron

May 13, 2011

As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, a very sad woman passed me, not looking up, not speaking, not smiling... just walking in silence facing downward... not seeing the beautiful sunrise the Lord had sent.

We all know a person like this -- everyone avoids her angry eyes. She enters a room and looks at no one. She sits alone in the back. She glares straight ahead. One might have guessed that a hurtful incident happened weeks or a few days ago.

We wonder why she looks so much older. We want to talk to her, but her facial expression is not inviting. In truth it has been many years ago... much too long.

The pain she felt had become rock-hard anger and bitterness, sucking away her life. The person who hurt her had moved on -- for right or wrong -- but she was stuck in her emotional pit, hurting no one but herself.

How much better if she had been willing to forgive years ago. So much life missed in the meantime.

The key to moving on -- forgiveness. And God has provided that key to everyone who has suffered hurt and pain... forgive and live!

Hebrews 12:14-15 -- "Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord. Looking carefully lest anyone fall short of the grace of God, lest any root of bitterness springing up cause trouble, and by this many become defiled."

Blessings and peace,
Sherron

May 12, 2011

As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, I found a tiny shell that was perfectly formed like the larger conch shells we all hope to find. It was like a treasure buried beneath the sand.

The Lord reminded me that little things matter. Too often we focus on the big things of our faith and miss the little things. But we need to first be faithful in the little things. That gives us the strength for the "big" things.

It is subtle, but we can find ourselves rationalizing some sins -- "I deserve a break... No one will know... I'm not hurting anyone." But those very choices eat away at our character, undermining the strength we need to handle the powerful temptations, the weighty responsibilities. If we can't handle the small things, it follows that we cannot handle the big things either.

So focus on the small stuff. Quiet honest. Hidden acts of kindness. Willingly turning away from temptation even when no one else will know. There lays the foundation for faithfulness in the big areas of life.

The little things really do add up.

Song of Solomon 2:15 -- "Catch us the foxes, the little foxes that spoil the vines."

Blessings and peace,
Sherron

May 11, 2011

As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, I watched the dolphins jumping straight out of the water! Their noses pointed toward the sky -- high into the air they soared. I couldn't help but look up to see what they were soaring towards!

"Look up," Scripture tells us. Look to the stars and remember who made them. Look to the mountains and worship their Creator.

Much of the activity of our lives requires daily, repetitive tasks that keep us focused on earth. We can easily get sucked into mediocrity. But God has a higher calling. He wants us to do everything with our best effort -- even beyond that, to reach for the stars. That means as we work and serve our Lord, we refuse to be satisfied with the mediocre. We refuse to just get by, to do just enough. We are so passionate about serving our Lord that we want to always do our best work.

Don't worry, my friend. This is not a new standard for you to attempt to reach. You have God's help now. That is what enables you to reach the stars in the first place!

Psalm 121:1-2 -- "I will lift up my eyes to the hills from whence comes my help? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth."

Blessings and peace,
Sherron

May 10, 2011

As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, the clouds above the ocean looked like puffy pillows floating in the sky. I think I was still thinking about the restful night I had had the night before.

Soft pillow, comfortable blankets, tired body relaxed into the mattress -- the ingredients for a restful night. Mind at ease -- no fretting over jobs incomplete today or tasks to do tomorrow, no tossing and turning with worry. When we get a restful night of sleep, we know it in the morning. We awaken refreshed and renewed. Face it, life always looks a little better after a good night's sleep.

We need it. God, who created our bodies, gave us rest as part of the natural rhythm and restoration of what we call "our fragmented lives." We may be able to multitask like the best superwoman, but it does take a toll on us. We must give our bodies the rest they need and deserve.

Do you want to enjoy everything God created for you? God created rest. Take a break. You deserve it.

Proverbs 3:24 -- "When you lie down, you will not be afraid; Yes, you will lie down and your sleep will be sweet."

Blessings and peace,
Sherron

May 9, 2011

As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, a tiny crab ran into the hole to hide. He seemed to say, "I can't face the day today, so I think I will go hide." Sounds like us, right?

Do you say, "I can't" or "God can"? Do you declare, "I'm not strong enough" or "I can do anything through Him who strengthens me"? Do you proclaim, "It's impossible" or "With God everything is possible"?

Think about what you articulate -- do you focus on your weaknesses or God's power?

It is no wonder your speech is negative when you are constantly measuring your burdens against your ability to handle them. However, when you focus on God, you realize that He can handle anything you face.

My friend, you can either talk yourself into defeat or call upon God for the victory. So voice your praises to God's amazing power and perfect wisdom. It is the surest way to triumph!

Psalm 141:3 -- "Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips."

Blessings and peace,
Sherron

May 8, 2011

As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, I watched the pelican flying close to the waves effortlessly... seeming almost to touch the water without ever landing or even making a splash.

There are times when God will give you ease in your journey -- like the pelican effortlessly gliding along, knowing his lunch was there beneath the waves... with never a concern for the problems that might be below. These are the moments when you truly believe anything's possible with God.

There will also be seasons when you feel like an ant -- small and challenged by obstacles. Every pebble on the path will require an arduous climb, and it will be difficult to make progress. These are also blessed moments because you will learn to rely on God.

Whether simple or difficult, on the heights or in the depths -- when God is directing you, you're always on stable, level ground. So proceed with confidence. He will protect and teach you wherever you go.

Psalm 143:10 -- "Teach me to do Your will, for You are my God; let Your good Spirit lead me on level ground."

Blessings and peace,
Sherron

May 7, 2011

As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, the wind was strong, forcing me to walk a little faster than I like to in the mornings... but the push was more than I could handle.

Your troubles surround you like an army -- driving you forward though you long to rest. You feel like you have no choices -- you tackle your day, trying to survive all the things that have to be done.

Personal prisons take many shapes and sizes, but they're limiting all the same. Perhaps yours is due to illness or finances; or maybe there's a demanding relationship that requires your continual attention and care.

My Friend, your situation is difficult, but it won't last forever. God will eventually set you free. But in the meantime, allow Him to be your freedom. Even if your time and activities are restricted, your spirit isn't. So focus on Him and discover true liberty.

Psalm 142:7 -- "Rescue me from this prison, so I can praise your name. And when your people notice your wonderful kindness to me, they will rush to my side."

Blessings and peace,
Sherron

May 6, 2011

As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, a tiny sandpiper came running towards me...he looked like he had just broken out of his shell and entered into this life!

If you have ever seen a baby bird wrestling free from its egg or a butterfly escaping its cocoon, you know it's a long and arduous process. Yet it is completely necessary because the creatures must become strong enough to endure conditions outside of their protective coverings.

My friend, have you likewise suffered a lengthy, difficult delay in seeing God's promises fulfilled? Understand that God doesn't make you wait in vain -- it is necessary for you to be prepared for your blessings. The longer you wait, the more precious and beautiful God's provision will be.

So count this time as one of training and favor -- because you can be sure that God is doing wonderful and important things in your life.

Psalm 102:1-2 -- "I pray to you, Lord! Don't hide from me in my time of trouble. Pay attention to my prayer and quickly give an answer."

Blessings and peace,
Sherron

May 5, 2011

As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, I spotted a fort that was surrounded by a moat for protection. There was a bridge across the water surrounding the fort, to escape only if the bridge was lowered...really a very detailed fort. It was truly the symbol of a battleground that could be used to win mighty battles.

Of course, that brought to my mind King David, who was truly a Warrior. Though he had successfully conquered many of the surrounding territories, King David was not prepared during one of his battles. While fighting the Arameans in the north the Edomites were executing a surprise attack from the south.

Of course, David was humble about his triumphs -- always attributing them to God's banner of protection. So God rewarded him with victories over both armies.

You will certainly face times of success when unexpected problems sneak up from behind and stun you. That is why David instructs you to always look to God's banner for your courage. When God is your strength and focus, you cannot fail.

Victory comes from God -- so keep your eyes on Him. He will certainly honor you for it.

Psalm 60:4 -- "You planted a flag to rally your people, an unfurled flag to look to for courage."

Blessings and peace,
Sherron

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