As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, I picked up a shell that looked beautiful on the outside, but when I turned it over, it was ugly on the inside from some discoloration and growth. What a surprise to see the flaws in the beautiful shell.
There are those who believe that humanity is inherently flawed, and in a sense, they are right. Sin corrupts from within, and people are powerless to break its influence over them.
Thankfully, you are not without hope. Though you cannot help yourself, you know the One who erases your guilt and releases you from its bondage. The problem you have is letting go. You somehow convince yourself that the wickedness within you is more than God can handle. However, that simply is not true.
Stop trying to earn what He has offered you freely. Embrace the good He wants to do in you and through you.
Psalm 32:5 -- I confessed my sins and told them all to you. I said, "I'll tell the Lord each one of my sins." Then you forgave me and took away my guilt.
Blessings and peace,
Sherron
As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, I was so grateful for the freedom to experience the relationship with my Father and His beautiful creation. The day was lit with His glory -- everywhere I looked. What an awesome feeling to walk in His love along the sandy beach.
One of the most effective things you can do to better your life is to go to bed praising God for His goodness. Doing this lays the groundwork for gratitude, thanksgiving, and praise at the morning's first light... just as I was feeling on this day!
Why is it important for you to remember God's faithfulness?
Because recalling His goodness motivates you to trust Him for the future. Remembering the time He has forgiven you teaches you to be honest and admit your need for Him. Realizing that He is at work in your life gives you hope for the day to come.
It is easy to forget all the wonderful things God has done. But when you focus on His goodness, it strengthens your spirit and helps you to turn to Him quickly no matter what may arise.
Psalm 63:6 -- I think about you before I go to sleep, and my thoughts turn to you during the night.
Blessings and peace,
Sherron
As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, the crisp air of September seemed to permeate the early morning air. The atmosphere had changed and the new season and promise of new beginnings was in my heart!
My favorite verse -- Jeremiah 29:11 -- spoke loudly into my spirit as I walked on this day. This verse contains a wonderful promise: God has planned marvelous things for you. In fact, His vision for your future and mine is infinitely higher and abundantly better than anything you could imagine!
If you are somewhat confused about what He is doing in your life, it is no wonder. You are not supposed to figure it out or understand how all of your experiences fit together. Not yet, anyway. God is doing something through you that is so amazing it can only be achieved by His magnificent power and imagination.
Allow this hope to strengthen you today. Because of God's extraordinary love, the best is still ahead. His plans for your future are unfolding, and they are truly fantastic. So have faith, my friend, honor Him always and praise His glorious name.
Psalm 40:5 -- You, Lord God, have done many wonderful things, and you have planned marvelous things for us. No one is like you! I would never be able to tell all you have done.
Blessings and peace,
Sherron
As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, the sunrise had rays shooting across the waves that covered the whole shore! Each ray of glory seemed to be lit up with love that spread across the vast ocean waves on this glorious morning. His love was truly being shed abroad! The Savior felt so close!
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 evr thought possible.
Psalm 42:4 -- My heart is breaking as I remember how it used to be; I walked among the crowds of worshippers leading a great procession to the house of God.
Blessings and peace,
Sherron
As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, the pelicans were diving for their food... time after time. It seems they have such radar vision to find the fish and swoop down to get their food for the day, even from the high places. It would seem a more conventional way of finding their food would be to be in the water and find the fish at a closer proximity. But God provided a more unconventional way for them.
When we are worried and wonder how we will have provision, we surely do not trust our Father. I think of King Jehosphaphat of Judah when he realized that his nation did not stand a chance against the invading armies of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir. So he prayed, asking the Lord for instruction.
God's direction to him went against all conventional wisdom. Instead of fighting the enemy with swords and bows, the conventional way, the people of Judah were to worship the Lord with singing. So they did. They praised Him as their enemies advanced. And miraculously, He won their battle for them.
Are you facing a challenge that seems overwhelming to you today? Seek God's guidance. His instructions may not make sense, but obey Him anyway, doing exactly as He says. He will surely triumph in this battle for you.
Psalm 44:6-8 -- Not in my bow do I trust, nor can my sword save me. But you have saved us.... In God we have boasted continually, and we will give thanks to your name forever.
Blessings and peace,
Sherron
As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, the sand pipers were just sitting along the shoreline. They were not moving around and running in and out of the water as usual. They almost seemed as though they were waiting for something to come to them. Not one move -- just sitting there waiting! Not usual for these active little creatures.
I thought we are that way sometimes when we are just waiting for God. We have an issue that is so personal that we feel we cannot give them up -- not even to God. The thought of entrusting your beloved burden to His care is more than we can handle. It is as if we would be allowing a piece of our heart to be torn from us.
My friend, let go. You have made this situation an idol, and clinging to it as if it could make you happy. Yet all that it has brought you is heartache.
Your battle is not with God, it is with yourself. Moreover, if you release this burden to Him, He will take care of it better than you or I ever could. He will also heal you of all the pain it has caused you.
Psalm 55:22 -- Give your burden to the Lord, and He will take care of you. He will not permit the godly to slip and fall.
Blessings and peace,
Sherron
As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, the dolphin were playing freely in the waves, jumping high into the air. Not a care in the world, as our world seems to be so weighted with the cares of every day life!
As we look at our world, it seems as if the unrighteous get away with their terrible schemes, while we are always the ones to get caught -- no matter what mistake we make. How does that seem fair?
The truth is, no one really gets away with anything. Sin has many consequences, and God holds each person accountable for his or her actions. However, He does not want you dwelling on how and when He will move against the unjust. Rather, He calls you to be mindful of His ability to deal with every situation. He is in control, and in His perfect timing every wrong will be addressed.
He also wants you to pray for those who are trapped in sin -- because it is only when they know Him that they will be able to escape from its terrible grasp.
Psalm 58:10 -- The godly will rejoice when they see injustice avenged.
Blessings and peace,
Sherron
As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, I walked across a shell that hurt my foot... it caused me pain and I wanted to lash out! But I continued to walk and ask my Father to relieve me of the pain.
It made me think of how we respond to things that happen to us in our everyday lives. How do you respond? Is it with anger, harsh words, or is it with unforgiveness? We all respond differently.
But no matter what happens to you, you can change the way you respond to life's trials and temptations, but you cannot do it alone. You need God's encouraging truth to make the switch from failure to success.
Many people think this is impossible. They look at the shortcomings of their parents or other family members and are tempted to think, "I am just like them. I will never change."
God did not want the nation of Israel to be defeated by the sins of their ancestors. He had a much better plan in mind for them. Because of His great love and mercy, they could overcome every obstacle, and you can do the same when you surrender your life to Him.
Psalm 79:8 -- Do not hold us guilty for the sins of our ancestors! Let your compassion quickly meet our needs, for we are on the brink of despair.
Blessings and peace,
Sherron
As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, I marveled at the beauty of the ocean. At its depth and breadth. To look out over the waves and know the sea stretches to a coast in another land. I wondered if there was someone on that beach gazing and contemplating God's handiwork as I was.
Fall is a favorite time of the year. Soon the leaves will be turning glorious colors. No master artist could have painted a scene more wonderful than an autumn day in full bloom. But even when the leaves are not in full color, there is beauty to be seen. Those flowers in your neighbors yard. That sailboat on the ocean at sunset. The smile of a young child for its mother.
Today when you walk your seashore, stop to consider the small things of beauty that may have normally gone unnoticed. Appreciation is a strong emotion and pleases God. Know that he appreciates each and every one of us and wants us to appreciate the wonderful world he has created for us.
Wherever you are on the path today, look for the beauty in it. From beginning to end, God makes it lovely.
Ecclesiastes 3:11 -- "He has made everything beautiful in its time."
Blessings and peace,
Sherron
As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, I watched a butterfly struggling to be free from the cocoon stage to become that beautiful creature we all enjoy! The cocoon had attached itself to a small bush close to the shoreline of the ocean! What a sight to see!
A butterfly slips slowly from its cocoon and flutters away on a gentle breeze coming across the ocean. Hidden from sight, it passes through a transforming process known only to God, its Creator. In the same way that God made the butterfly, God fashioned you in secret -- adding, subtracting, and shaping as only the great Creator can.
When you are tempted to question your inherent worth or to see yourself as ugly and ungainly, you must remember that you are a treasured piece of God's own handiwork. You are an expression of the same creative force that placed the stars in the sky, strewed the flowers along the path, and raised up dry land in the midst of the sea. It is in the hand of the Artist that you have reason to hope!
Psalm 139: 15-16 -- My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, your eyes saw my unformed body.
Blessings and peace,
Sherron
As I walked along the seaside with Jesus, I noticed a tiny bird that looked straggled and weary... and further observation, revealed he only had one leg. But the tiny bird seemed to hop along well, even with the obstacle of only have one leg. I am sure the little bird had struggled to stay alive and gather it's food. But there he was -- hopping along and making it through the day!
Your journey through life is not often easy, and you may experience times when you awaken to find yourself battered and bruised, lost and forsaken, lying helpless along the side of life's road. Your resources gone and your strength spent, you may wonder if there is hope for you. Will anyone come along to help?
God has promised that there is no circumstance from which He cannot rescue you. If you call out to Him, He will help you to your feet and provide comfort and support until your wounds heal and you are able to continue on your way. Though the circumstances that caused your fall may still be present, He has promised to walk with you, steadying your feet and filling your heart with hope until you reach your final destination. Don't give up -- He is there!
Psalm 40:3 -- He hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God; many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the Lord.
Blessings and peace,
Sherron
As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, my mind wandered to think of the mountains and the beauty they display during this time of the year! I'm sure it is because I am thinking of the beauty of the new season -- Fall -- which always takes my heart to the mountains to enjoy the crispness of the air, crunchy leaves and mountain hikes.
I thought of the Grand Canyon, probably one of the most majestic wonders of our Father's creation. So steep and treacherous are the paths along the walls of the Grand Canyon that those who wish to traverse then rarely set out on foot. They depend on remarkable animals with hoofs designed to hug the narrow, dusty paths and bodies proportioned for maximum strength, endurance, and balance.
In the course of your life, many of you will encounter certain mountain paths that are simply too difficult and dangerous for you to attempt alone. You feel that your feet are unsteady and uncertain; you are ill-equipped mentally and physically. But when you set out on those trails, you can depend on God to keep you from falling. He will provide the assistance you need to secure your footing and to carry your burdens safely to the top of the canyon wall.
Psalm 66:8-9 -- Let everyone bless God and sing His praises; for He holds our lives in His hands, and He holds our feet to the path.
Blessings and peace,
Sherron
As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, I walked across a place where someone had written His name in the sand... not a normal thing to see on the beach. It only made me know ever deeper in my heart that He is always there with me!
It reminded me of a story I had read not long ago. A small group of peasants met for worship in a country where religious gatherings were banned. In the midst of their service, a door burst open and a contingent of grim soldiers marched into the room. The leader of the soldiers shouted to one of his subordinates to take the names of everyone in the room.
After all the names were written down, an old peasant spoke up, "Sir, there's one name you didn't get." The officer said that the old man was wrong, but he insisted and the officer reluctantly conceded. "All right then, who is it we don't have on the list?" The old man responded confidently, "The Lord Jesus Christ, He is here."
Jesus Christ is risen to be with you in all places, no matter where you are. Nothing anyone can say or do to you changes that. Thank you Jesus!!
Psalm 29:11 -- The Lord gives strength to His people; the Lord blesses His people with peace!
Blessings and peace,
Sherron
As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, I felt so thankful to be able to see the ocean sparkling -- the birds playing in the sand, the pelicans swooping across the waves, the morning sun peeking out of the clouds. What a glorious day to give thanks for just being alive!
It is so easy to forget to be grateful, to let all the daily worries distract you from the abundance that is yours. Mortgage payments, troublesome children, a looming deadline, a broken water heater, a headache, a troubled spouse, and angry boss, even a burned pizza or a fallen cake can interfere with your appreciation for the blessings you have been given. Inconveniences will pass, but God's blessings and amazing love will keep showering down on you every day!
Open all your prayers with the praise and thanksgiving that are God's due! When you wake up in the morning and before you fall asleep at night make praise and thanksgiving your first and last thoughts. For whatever your circumstances may be, God has in fact given you the gift of abundant life in the here and now! You have the promise of everlasting life in the future -- so rejoice and give Him thanks!
Psalm 47:1-2 -- Clap your hands, all you peoples; shout to God with loud songs of joy. For the Lord, the Most High, is awesome, a great king over all the earth!
Blessings and peace,
Sherron
As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, there were several dolphin playing in the waves -- jumping and playing! Today they seemed to be extra joyful and playful! It made me want to jump and play as well, to express my joy from the Father!
Joy is the true gift of the Good News. The joy of the Good News beats ice cream, the best movie, mountain climbing, sky diving, the Super Bowl, a hole-in-one, an Oscar, a new dress! Joyful people whistle, sing, dance, clap, smile, laugh, hoot, holler, turn flips, hop up and down, turn somersaults, and fly through the air in their dreams like Superman.
Joyful people are people on the move; arms and legs, hearts and souls, whirling, they rip through the world repeating everywhere what they’ve heard. Joy is the jubilant chorus all living things make singing the praises of God. Joy is the thank-you, thank-you, thank-you from the bottom of your heart that erupts when you are in touch with what really matters. Joy is the irrepressible buoyancy you feel when you have been forgiven and can live with a clean slate and a promise of eternity with the Father! Wow -- who would not be joyful about that Good News? Be joyful today!
Psalm 16:9, 11 -- Heart, body and soul are filled with joy.... You have let me experience the joys of life and the exquisite pleasures of your own eternal presence!
Blessings and peace,
Sherron
As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, the beach was once again deserted, and the quietness had resumed with all the kids back in school. What an amazing difference -- to walk in total silence and listening for the whisper of God's voice as opposed to the busyness of the summer beaches. This was what I longed for on this day -- solitude -- to listen to Him speak to my heart!
Of the five senses given to you, listening may be the one most poorly used. Yet it is the key to real communication with others, and with God. Often when you ask questions, you may already have formulated the answers you expect. When you engage in conversation, you may often have preconceived ideas of what you are going to hear. Conditioned by habit or limited thinking, your expectations may drown out what is new and interesting. You must learn to "be still" to listen.
If you are to respond with your best self to the world, you have to dust off your hearing skills and turn up the volume. You have to pay attention to the pauses between words, the sighs, the tones of voice coming your way. You have to let the sounds of life get through to you.
Are you listening today? Do you want to hear? Shhhhh -- be still. He is speaking to you and to me!
Psalm 68:33 -- O rider in the heavens, the ancient heavens; listen, He sends out His voice, His mighty voice!
Blessings and peace,
Sherron
As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, a beautiful rainbow stretched across the waves. In fact, as I watched, it became a double rainbow! I could feel the love almost falling from heaven as He created another glorious sign of His love for all of creation.
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 simply is not true!
God loves you with an undivided love. Nothing you can 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 loving 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, a little crab ran for cover as the sand piper chased him into his tiny hole in the sand. He had to hide quickly because of the fear of being captured!
What a great feeling to know we have nothing to fear! Even in the psalms, David is writing about a reverent fear that honors God... not one of being afraid of Him. It has nothing to do with being so frightened that you turn and run away from Him as the tiny crab had done today.
Adam and Eve hid because they had disobeyed God. They were afraid He was going to punish them, because sin always demands a payment for the wrong that has been done.
Jesus Christ paid the ultimate price for your sin and mine at the cross. You and I do not have to hide from Him or anxiously wait for Him to punish you. When you seek Him, He faithfully forgives and restores you.
God never wants you to dread His presence; rather, He wants the respect that grows from love. Therefore, fear Him -- in the good way. Because that is the fear that leads to salvation. Just be free today, knowing you are free to be loved by Him, and have nothing to fear!
Psalm 76:7 -- You alone must be feared!
Blessings and peace,
Sherron
As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, the waves were soothing as I waded into the warm water, washing gently over my feet. The water was like His forgiveness, washing over our wearied souls, making them clean and pure again.
How are we when we are reconnected again by the act of forgiveness? The telephone rings, breaking the silence and bringing with it an unexpected gift: the forgiveness of a friend. A friendship is restored. Within seconds, joy replaces the misery that weighed your heart down like overloaded baggage. Your friend's voice and message are balm to your spirit.
Nothing breathes new life into your soul like forgiveness, whether you receive it or give it to another. Amazingly, three small words take on a transforming power the moment they are uttered: I forgive you. How blessed you are when you hear these words. Forgiveness wraps you in a contentment that reaches deep into your heart. The most surprising gift of forgiveness is that it triggers a reciprocal response. In the moment you receive forgiveness, you are stirred to "do unto others" the very same thing. Today is your day of forgiveness -- receive it and be blessed.
Psalm 32:1 -- How blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered!
Blessings and peace,
Sherron
As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, I felt the air being a little crisp... signaling a change of seasons. The sense of my favorite season "Fall" seemed to float across the waves today, as I felt a call to come home to the changing leaves of the mountains.
The call to come home is heard in many ways today. In the not-too-distant past, parents often summoned children for supper by means of a dinner bell. No matter where the children played, the sound of Mama's bell brought them scrambling toward home. Through the years, the pattern remained the same: Mama called, and the children responded by showing up at the table. It was a summons not to just eat, but to come home.
Now you are the one who often does the calling, and you wonder: Does God hear you? Will He answer your prayers? You can have confidence in the fact that God not only hears but is faithful to answer your cries for help. Knowing that God is always ready to respond when you call to Him gives you boldness and strength. In Him you find your true "home."
Psalm 138:3 -- In the day when I cried you answered me, and strengthened me with strength in my soul.
Blessings and peace,
Sherron
As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, the dolphin were playing vividly in the water! The babies were jumping high, and swimming in circles around the parents! What a miracle just to capture them in action today!
But then I think that miracles happen every day, miracles that we fail to see. Some are extraordinary acts of God that alter the natural course of events, and some consist of situations where individuals have overcome tremendous odds to achieve their goals. But no matter how you define them, miracles happen every day. No situation is so dire, no goal so remote, that you cannot expect God's help and intervention on your behalf.
Miracles are unexplainable, but so are the other aspects of your relationship with God. You don't know why God loves you unconditionally and completely, but He does. You don't know why He listens to and answers your prayers, but He does. You don't know how miracles happen any more than you know how God created you in the first place. But you don't have to understand; you only have to believe! Look for miracles in your life today.
Psalm 116:7 -- The Lord has done this wonderful miracle for me.... I shall live! Yes, in His presence -- here on earth!
Blessings and peace,
Sherron
As I walked the seaside with Jesus yesterday, the beach was covered early with people celebrating Labor Day. It was a day of rest along the beautiful shore, beside the sparkling waters.
Rest is a variety of activities that includes hanging out on the beach, loafing, goofing off, wandering around, sauntering, and just killing time. Rest is that restorative time where you play, leaving obligations and responsibilities on your desk for a while. You just let things happen. You go for undirected walks in your imaginations where you are like a small child, ready for the next adventure to turn up.
For a while you can let go of your cares and skip along behind God. Who knows what will happen? You can wear a different pair of spectacles that let you see things as if they were new. You can be like a butterfly on a summer morning. Doing nothing can revive a waning spirit, and it is best done in the security and comfort of God's love. So rest in Him today and be revived and ready for whatever tomorrow brings.
Psalm 16:9 -- With all my heart, I will celebrate, and I can safely rest.
Blessings and peace,
Sherron