As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, I thought of how His forgiveness is such an amazing gift to each of us. I thought how freely I can walk along the beach and know I am loved by my Heavenly Father.
The depth of Jesus' compassion is mind-boggling. As others wrongly accused and crucified Him. He recognized they did not know what they were doing. Jesus asked God to forgive them. I am sure you have had people like that in your own life. When people hurt you, I truly believe they do not understand what they are doing. They may think they understand, but they could not possible comprehend the full ramifications of hurting someone whom God loves.
It is an astounding, poignant picture -- one that should resonate within your soul as you read this. What a comfort to know that even though we fail, He never looks at our failures if we repent and ask forgiveness. He wipes the slate clean. We don't have to carry the sins and mistakes of yesterday with us throughout our lives.
So, today as you walk your seashore of life, forgive as Jesus did -- with compassion and understanding. In doing so, you set yourself and the one who hurt you free. Make the choice to live today in freedom as one loved and forgiven by Jesus.
Matthew 6:14-15 -- For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sisn, your Father will not forgive your sins.
Blessings and peace,
Sherron
As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, a tiny seagull was following me along the water's edge quietly behind me. All of a sudden I turned and the little creature was gone. I don't know where he went but I didn't want him to leave -- I was enjoying his company.
One of the deepest hurts you can experience is betrayal. Discovering that a friend, co-worker, or loved one has acted treacherously can tempt you to feel defeated.
Yet you can know that God would never betray your trust by breaking His promises to you. Not only would it contradict His holy character, it would violate His perfect love for you.
Is there some precious promise that is long in being fulfilled? God has not forgotten His word to you. On the contrary, what He is providing is too wonderful to create quickly. Therefore, wait upon Him with confidence and hope, because He would never betray your trust.
Psalm 89:34 -- 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 seemed to be an ordinary day -- nothing unusual happening. Then I spotted a school of dolphins playing in the waves and I thought, how can I even think this is ordinary. My Father filled the ocean with beautiful creatures for me to enjoy every day!
You may be tempted to believe your life is no more than a mundane, ordinary routine. You may do your daily tasks the same way every day, and mediocrity may characterize your tiresome existence. However, you don't have to stay in a rut.
God is creative. He wants you to grow beyond the boundaries you have set for yourself and experience the abundant life He created you for.
When you see limitations, He sees gateways to new opportunities. Trust Him to use you to encourage others and to expand your narrow limits. There are many exciting opportunities for you to enjoy when you place your faith in Him.
Psalm 115:1 -- Not for our sake, God, no, not for our sake, but for your names sake, show your glory. Do it on account of your merciful love, do it on account of your faithful ways.
Blessings and peace,
Sherron
As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, it was slightly raining as the sun was shining gloriously through the clouds! And all of a sudden a brilliant rainbow appeared over the sparkling waves! What a sight to see! The glory of God was covering the ocean on this day!
The earth if full of the glory of God -- His absolute majesty inhabits every corner. Nothing you face today can or will change this truth -- no heartache, no sorrow, and no disappointment. This may be a fallen world, one that has been tainted by sin, but soon God will return in power and might. He will restore all that has been broken.
Every created thing is subject to His command because He is the Maker and King of all that exists. So regardless of how disjointed life seems, remember He is greater than all you fear. You can rest in His presence and find all the goodness, love, mercy, gentleness, kindness, and blessing you need. The fact that the sovereign God of the universe watches over you should fill your heart with joy, hope, and peace.
Psalm 114:7 -- Tremble, O earth, at the presence of the Lord.
Blessings and peace,
Sherron
As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, I watched a pelican circling the waves to see where he might find his food for the morning. It was as though he had to wonder if he might find the perfect place to dive. He wanted to be sure to make the right choice.
Perhaps you've wondered: What if I make the wrong choice? What if I make a terrible mistake? You have stayed awake at night pondering the right way to handle some difficult decision, and you are fraught with anxiety.
God knows all that you are facing, and He knows how you should handle the situation. Will He help you with the decision that you need to make? Will He show you how to make the right choice? The answer is yes, when you ask Him to show you what is best and you believe Him.
He may speak to you through the Bible or through a trusted Christian friend, but you must trust and obey Him when He speaks. Be still, listen for His answer to your prayers, and be confident that He will lead you.
Psalm 106:8, 12 -- He saved them for His name's sake, that He might make known His mighty power. Then they believed His words; they sang His praise.
Blessings and praise,
Sherron
As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, the sky was gray and the shoreline looked lonely. It was one of those days you might feel that you were alone and Jesus was nowhere to be found, but in my heart I know better!
Sometimes the circumstances that trouble you may suggest that God has abandoned you. Yet the truth is, He will never leave you or forsake you. It may seem as if God is ignoring your prayers and tears, but He takes special care of each one. Your heart may even cry out, "My God, why don't you help me?" However, He is working all things out for your good even when you cannot see it.
At times your feelings will tempt you to doubt God, which is why you must always cling to the promises He gives you in His Word. Never allow your emotions to cloud the truth of God's unfailing love. The fact is, He is with you and will never fail you. Therefore, rejoice in His holy name.
Psalm 10:1 -- O Lord, why do you stand so far away? Why do you hide when I am in trouble?
Blessings and peace,
Sherron
As I walked along the seaside with Jesus today, the water was calm. I could see my reflection in the water as I strolled leisurely and peacefully -- looking at what was looking back at me.
Have you ever considered whether you are a living reflection of God's mercy and grace to others? If not, then you should ask God to teach you how to be an instrument of His love and understanding.
Each day you must deal with all kinds of situations -- such as rude store clerks who test your patience and irate drivers in traffic who make your blood boil. However, each of these is an opportunity for you to demonstrate your true character -- to show what is really in your heart.
To react in a manner that honors God takes discipline. So the next time you are annoyed, angered, or aggravated, think of it as an opportunity to share His grace with the offender. Certainly God will bless your efforts to be more like Him.
Psalm 94:12 -- How blessed he man you train, God, the woman you instruct in your Word.
Blessings and peace,
Sherron
As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, there was a rainbow across the big ocean... lining the horizon with it glorious colors. All I wanted to do at that point was raise my hands and worship Him.
Some people talk about being in a great house of worship and sensing God's presence. The towering spires, stained glass windows, and deeply carved wooden altar where private confessions are made are elements that can stir your heart with thoughts of His unconditional love, mercy, and grace.
Many times, however, the most sacred place is found in the quietness of your own room and in the stillness of your heart. This is where God personally meets with you, reveals Himself to you through His Word, and teaches you how to live each day with hope.
The Lord of heaven cannot be confined to a building or a single location. He is omnipresent -- everywhere at all times. He is awesome in nature, and He is near to you now!
Psalm 95:6-7 -- Come, let us worship and bow down; let us kneel before the Lord our Maker. For He is our God, and we are the people of His pasture.
Blessings and peace,
Sherron
As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, the sun was shining gloriously from behind the clouds on this early morning. I was so encouraged and excited to know and acknowledge the power of the God I serve!
When you acknowledge God's power and might, He pours His encouragement into your heart. A simple prayer, "Lord, I need your help," speaks volumes to Him. He hears your confession and moves into action.
Yet there will be times when you do not have days or weeks to pray about what you are facing. An emergency will arise, and within a few minutes or even seconds, you will need His comfort and direction. Can God help you in such urgent situations?
Yes, He is able to provide all you need the moment you cry out to Him.
So take heart, my friend, in your faithful God. He is as faithful to you today as He has been from time immemorial. And He will surely come to your aid as soon as you call.
Psalm 93:2 -- Your throne, O Lord, has stood from time immemorial. You yourself are from the everlasting past.
Blessings and peace,
Sherron
As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, I watched a little sand piper struggle with a fish that kept escaping. It was lunch for the little bird, but the fish was desperately trying to get away, which finally happened after the fight. No lunch for the little bird!
I thought of how we sometimes have battles in our own lives. Battling difficulties can be draining and may alter the way you view your circumstances. Instead of seeing the potential of your life, you begin to feel that you are not special and that God has forgotten you. His good plan for your life seems more and more unlikely every time you think about it.
However, remember that His goal for you is always geared for ultimate victory and success. Therefore, the best remedy for your heart is to sing songs of praise to remind you of His goodness.
No matter what you are facing, God will lift your spirit when you worship Him. This is what the Psalmist did, which is why He wrote confidently and with great joy, "It is good to give thanks to the Lord."
Psalm 92:12 -- It is good to give thanks to the Lord, to sing praises to your name, O Most High; to declare your steadfast love in the morning, and your faithfulness by night.
Blessings and peace,
Sherron
As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, I was humbled by the vastness of the ocean as I watched the waves overtaking the seashore. They were high and raging today because of the storm and truly displayed the awesome power of God. It made me feel very small as I stood along the raging ocean!
I thought how some days I may feel small but other days I feel really big! But in life, God may lift you up and give you a position of great responsibility. Or He may allow you to be like the men in David's army, who stayed at base camp while the others rode off to fight the enemy. Your position doesn't really matter.
Obeying Him is the most important thing you will ever do. Never compare your effort to that of another. Instead, ask Him to confirm you.
Are you doing what the Lord has called you to do? Do you find joy in being in the middle of His will? Can you say with confidence, "Lord, I have done my best; bless the work of my hands?"
A great sense of peace is gained by simply being what He wants you to be regardless of what this does or does not entail.
Psalm 90:17 -- Let the loveliness of our Lord, our God, rest on us, confirming the work that we do. Oh, yes. Affirm the work that we do!
Blessings and peace,
Sherron
As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, I watched a tiny crab run to his little hiding place in the sand and hide! He wanted to get away from the rest of the world and he found the perfect place to do it. Are you your own worst enemy? Are you holding yourself back through the destructive behavior and negative outlook?
The truth is, you cannot escape yourself, and there are issues that you cannot solve on your own. You have wounds you do not know how to heal, sins you cannot forgive yourself for, and walls built up in your heart that you are unable to overcome by yourself.
God can deliver you from all those things. You will only remain your own worst enemy if you refuse to allow him to work in your life.
Do not make that mistake! Rather, cry out to Him. He is there for you!
Rely on His wisdom, strength, and love!
God can and will help you!
Psalm 130:1, 4 -- Out of the depth I have cried to You, O Lord.... There is forgiveness with You, that you may be found.
Blessings and peace,
Sherron
As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, the dolphin were playing in the water -- jumping and swimming along the shoreline. I thought of their name and how God had allowed Adam to name all of the creatures... what a name -- "Dolphin."
William Shakespeare wrote, "What's in a name" that which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet." Yet when considering God's name, it carries with it meaning that should give you comfort and confidence.
Take heart that when you read the Bible and see "Lord" in a capitals; it is an indication that it is a transliteration of Yahweh, which means, "I AM." In God's name is His character -- the declaration that He is the ever-present Lord, who will never fail you.
He is faithful, wise, all-powerful, loving, and able to help you no matter what happens -- just as He has been throughout history and will always be forevermore. The One you love is worthy of adoration.
Psalm 54:6-7 -- I will give thanks to your name, O Lord, for it is good. For He has delivered me from every trouble.
Blessings and peace,
Sherron
As I walked the seaside with Jesus, the sunrise seemed to be more glorious than usual... but then, I say that every day because He continually creates such magnificent mornings every day! What an awesome God we serve!
There is no one like the Lord God. Nothing on this earth compares to His greatness. He can easily deal with the ongoing operation of the universe, and at the same time be intimately interested in every detai of your day -- no matter how great or small it may be.
God knew you before He formed the foundations of the earth. He is omniscient -- He knows the desires of your heart and the prayers you will pray even before you lift your eyes to heaven in hopeful expectation of His answer.
As you begin your day this morning, and before you turn your light out tonight, take time to thank Him for caring for you so dearly and completely. His love for you is everlasting, so make sure you praise His wonderful name.
Psalm 90:2, 4 -- From everlasting to everlasting, You are God.... For a thousand years in Your sight are like yesterday when it passes by.
Blessings and peace,
Sherron
As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, the sandpipers were running along the sand with me. But one tiny creature kept turning back and looking at me. He did this twice, then he turned and ran ahead with the rest of the little birds.
I wondered why he kept coming back to me. What was it he wanted to say to me? It is like when God speaks to us in the Bible, He wants to be sure we get it! Whenever you read something more than once in Scripture, it is because it is important. This is the case with Psam 53, which is strikingly simiar to Psalm 14.
Its message is certainly worthy of repetition -- God peers down from His throne in heaven, watching for people who are looking for Him. He wants to answer the searching heart and show His love to any who call upon Him.
Are you seeking God? Do you long to experience His presence in a deep, meaningful way? Then realize that this desire within you is one He answers with a resounding "Yes!" He is gazing at you, friend, and He is delighted that you want to know Him. Surely He will reveal himself to you in a powerful way.
Psalm 53:2 -- God looked down from heaven on all people to see if anyone was wise, if anyone was looking to God for help.
Blessings and peace,
Sherron
As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, the ocean was jumping with schools of fish along the shore line. They were sparkling in the morning sun as they ran along the waves. There seemed to be a plenteous supply of fish this early morning.
It made me think of the abundance our Father has provided for us. He has provided everything you have. When you needed salvation, He gave it to you freely. When you were desperate for His help and comfort, He sent it to you without reservation.
He does this not only for your sake, but for those around you as well. You see, it is His desire that as you receive His compassion and encouragement, they will transform you and you will grow in His character. You become kindhearted and giving as a result of your love and gratitude to the Lord.
My Friend, do you give freely, reflecting God's character and provision to others? God is generous and loving, and He wants His people to be so as well. So today, be His representative here on the earth and care for those in need just as He would.
Psalm 41:1 -- Happy are those who are concerned for the poor; the Lord will help them when they are in trouble.
Blessings and peace,
Sherron
As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, I came upon a jellyfish lying on the beach. They are so transparent and you see everything on the inside... somewhat like we are when we stand before Jesus with a wound that needs to be healed.
When you have a wounded heart, you may find it difficult to know where to turn. You look outwardly to loved ones and those who purport to know the answers to your hurt, but there is no real comfort. You look into yourself and find pain and confusion there. Where can you go to soothe your soul?
My friend, it is no coincidence that your search has brought you to the Psalms. It is not in looking out or in, but up to God that you will find what you are seeking. God promises blessing when you read and embrace the Bible; God promises that you will be filled with love, joy, purpose, and peace. Isn't that what your heart has been aching form after all?
Psam 1:1-2 -- Happy are those who... love the Lord's teachings, and they think about those teachings day and night.
Blessings and peace,
Sherron
As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, some children had come early to play in the waves. They were trying to swim as their father stood in the water with them to show them how. It was such a fun sight to see, as they struggled to stay on top of the water.
Learning to swim is daunting. You will probably never forget how it felt to squint across the pool before filling your lungs with that last deep breath. Three strokes later, your hesitant paddling ended in frantic sputtering when water started closing over your head. At the same moment, strong arms caught you from beneath and lifted you back up to the surface. Dad or Mom had been there all along.
A heart of trust is one of life's sweet but hard-won gifts. The discovery that God is always there, ready to lift you up when you start to sink, replaces fear with courage and timidity with boldness. Along with that courage and boldness comes that strength to face whatever life throws at you -- even when it requires a long, scary swim to the other side.
Psalm 40:4 -- Blessed is the man who makes the Lord his trust, who does not look to the proud, to those who turn aside to false gods.
Blessings and peace,
Sherron
As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, the sky was beautiful and filled with colors of glory from the sunrise. What a beautiful way to start the day. The world seemed so peaceful, even though the world we live in seems to chaotic.
With the changing political climate of our world, it would be easy to wonder if God is in control. The answer is yes. The One who established the boundaries for the land and sea, and set the moon and stars in their places, watches over you.
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 the 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, 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