January 2009 Seaside Devotions Archive
January 31, 2009
As I walk the seashore daily with Jesus, the quest for "direction in my life" is always an ongoing conversation.
I have come to know God's direction for your life is not a hidden secret. You may not know where your path is taking you -- or even what your next step should be -- but you can be absolutely sure that what you need to know, God will show you each and every step.
Of course, there will be moments when you must ask God for wisdom. Yet experience will teach you that He is delighted when you want to do His will, and He gladly shows you what to do step by step -- guiding you by walking with you.
God will make all things plain to you in His time. So be patient tonight and walk with Him. He will never steer you wrong. So relax in your seashore walk with Jesus today, and enjoy the moment, knowing your Father walks beside you every step of the way.
John 14:26 -- "The Holy Spirit whom the Father will send at my request, will make everything plain to you."
Blessings and peace,
Sherron
January 30, 2009
As I walk with Jesus on His seashore, at times it seems the world is standing still. There are times I want to see Him moving in my life, to let me know the next step of my life.
Have you been there? This is the time I hear Jesus say, "Wait for me. Linger a little longer for me in humility and prayer." Look for Him eagerly -- expect the living God to act and respond to you mightily. He is there waiting for you.
Be strong -- be encouraged and prevail like the soldier assured of triumph. Be firm and secure in your hope. Resolutely prepare yourself for the victory He is bringing you.
Take heart -- wherever your heart fails you, wherever you feel faint or fearful -- allow Him to support you. Exhibit determination and experience His courage as it pulses throughout your inner being -- emboldening your will, mind, and soul.
Wait for the Lord -- He is coming to you in strength and glory. Today as you walk on your seashore of life, expect Him to show up.
Psalm 27:14 -- "Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord."
Blessings and peace,
Sherron
January 29, 2009
As I walk the seashore with Jesus today, more than ever I hear His call to serve. Have you come to a fork in your road of life? Do you feel God's call to serve? Do you recognize His voice and know it is Him? Simply wait on Him and say, "Yes".
Don't ponder over the what-ifs or why, neither question your abilities, as we always do. Don't worry about timing or the future. Test the calling to be sure it is of God. When you know it is Him, simply tell Him, "Yes". He is waiting.
When the mighty winds blow, He will miraculously place them at your back. When the floods begin to rage, He may tell you to keep paddling in faith, believing, while He calms the seas.
God's calling is sure. We don't have to worry about making a way. If it is His will, He works all things out in His own perfect way and timing.
He calls us through, around, over, and under to serve. No foe can stop us, no poverty can starve us, no evil can diminish His call. For He has a glorious plan! So, just say, "Yes."
Walk on your seashore of life, with the Master who calls daily to serve.
Ephesians 1:18 -- "The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling..."
Blessings and peace,
Sherron
January 28, 2009
As I walked the seashore today with Jesus, I was talking to Him about His plan for my life. I am one who likes to be in control, with the plan in place, knowing all the details.
One of the most difficult things about dedicating our all to God is relinquishing control. We don't know what He has in store for us. We are fearful it may be too difficult or uncomfortable. Often we worry that we won't be able to measure up.
We must remember God knows our future. He has our concerns and best interests at heart. Along the way we may not understand the reasoning of His direction for us. As we continue walking by faith in the paths He blazes, we learn His answers.
Take each step, obey and fear not. One day, one moment at a time is all He asks. When troubles come, look to Him, plant your feet on His path, and dig in your toes. Don't waver! He'll show you the best way. He has already walked the path.
Stay close to Him on your seashore of life, and let Him lead the way for each day. Remember, He has only good plans for you.
Jeremiah 29:11 -- "For I know the plans I have for you. Plans for success, not for calamity. Plans for a future and a hope."
Blessings and peace,
Sherron
January 26, 2009
As I walk the seashore with Jesus today, my thoughts come to me that I am forgiven and cleansed of all my past. The depth of Jesus' compassion towards each of us is mindboggling when you think about it.
As others wrongly accused and crucified Him, He recognized that they did not know what they were doing. He asked God to forgive them.
It is an astounding, poignant picture, one that should resonate within your soul as you read this today.
When people hurt you, they do not understand what they are doing. They may think that they do, but they could not possibly comprehend the full ramifications of hurting someone that God loves.
So, as you walk your seashore of life with Jesus, forgive as Jesus did -- with compassion and understanding. Because you recognize that in doing so, you set yourself and the one who hurt you free. What a wonderful way to live your life, free and forgiven.
Luke 23:24 -- Jesus prayed, "Father, forgive them; they don't know what they're doing."
Blessings and peace,
Sherron
January 25, 2009
As I walk with Jesus on His seashore this morning, I wonder how anyone can see the beauty of the ocean and not believe. And yet so many wonder about His true existence.
Either God is the almighty Creator of the universe who can help you -- or he is not. Either God can raise the dead and likewise bring our hopes and dreams to life -- or the foundational claims of the Bible are false.
Sometimes it can feel like there is a great deal of gray area between believing God and not. However, halfway trusting Him and having a backup plan usually causes more heartaches and confusion rather than peace and serenity.
This evening, if you have been struggling with whether to have faith in God or not, realize that it is time to make up your mind. Have confidence in God, because He has never let anyone down. As you walk on your seashore of life, trust Him to be with you always.
1 Kings 18:21 -- "How long will you halt and limp between two opinions."
Blessings and peace,
Sherron
January 23, 2009
As I walked on the seaside today, I thought of the friendships God arranges there on the beach. Then I pondered deeper into the purpose of those introductions.
When you meet others, do you develop a vision for all they could become? Though it is often easier to recognize people's faults, it is a truly wonderful thing to identify their latent possibilities.
Scripture instructs that it is good when you stir up others to meet their potential. The idea is to put them in situations that challenge their talents and help them grow. This requires sensitivity on your part -- perceiving the hidden characteristics that should be cultivated.
As you pray for those God puts in your path on His seashore of life, allow Him to give you a greater capacity for love and good works in them. Ask God to give you a vision for drawing out those good things in others during your daily walk of life.
Hebrews 10:24 -- "Let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works."
Blessings and peace,
Sherron
January 22, 2009
At the seaside today, I couldn't help but wonder how anyone could look at His beautiful ocean and not believe in Him. Then I thought, the very moment you believed in God, all of His goodness and grace were given to you. In a sense, you were clothed with them -- as if a spiritual garment covered you, just as the waves cover the beach.
All of the joy, peace, power and approval -- all the cherished characteristics associated with God -- were conferred upon you, the very moment you made the choice to believe.
This may be difficult to grasp if you have been reminded of failings or have not previously viewed yourself in such a positive light. However, this is not about you -- but about the effect God has on you.
Be encouraged tonight, my friend. No one can take away what God has given to you. His complete love and approval are yours forever, so rejoice and delight yourself in Him as you enjoy the seaside He created, wherever that may be. He loves you forever!
Mark 1:11 -- "I take delight in you!"
Blessings and peace,
Sherron
January 21, 2009
Today I watched an unusual scene at the beach today -- snow falling and covering the beach -- what a sight! I thought to myself, this can't be a good thing. People do not expect it to snow at the beach!
As I questioned God, how can this be good -- snow at the beach, He spoke into my heart saying, "Not everything that comes into your life will be good, but God can use it for good." Not all events will fit into your understanding. However, He has the understanding to make each incident fit into His plan.
God works through everything that happens to you. He does not allow one experience to go to waste. Tonight, you may not be able to explain why something has occurred in your life. Yet you can be confident that God is wise enough to transform it into something for His purpose.
Because of His great mercy, someday you will look back and see the good he has accomplished through it. You will see how you have grown, and see the benefits of the challenge you experienced.
Romans 8:28 -- "We know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God."
Blessings and peace,
Sherron
January 20, 2009
As I walked on the seashore today, I caught a glimpse of a little sandpiper that had wandered away from his family...isolated from his support team. Have you ever been isolated from your support group, away from those who know you best, and those who will carry you when you don't know what to do? You begin to doubt where you are in the plan God has for your life.
Your challenge is to put aside your doubts. Though circumstances may be disheartening, you must look beyond them to absolute faithfulness of your God. Friend, no matter how long you have believed in God, you will be tempted to believe that it is impossible to surmount what is ahead. Your best remedy is to focus on the One who is absolutely true - consistently faithful. God perfectly guides and eqips you for the journey - keeping you from swerving away from your purpose.
Cling to Him and forget your fears, for the One who promised you would never let you down.
Hebrews 10:23 -- "Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful."
Be blessed and peaceful,
Sherron
January 18, 2009
As sat by the seashore today enjoying the wonder of God's vast ocean, I could feel His peace come on me. I felt such tranquility as I watched the waves being pushed against the sand by the brisk winds. I couldn't help but think of our troubled world today, and wished each person could step outside of their worries and concerns to visit His peaceful seashore and feel what I was feeling at that moment.
Then I realized we can feel His peace, no matter what is going on in our lives. How? By sitting at His feet, reading His Word and then letting Him speak to our hearts in His soft gentle voice. This is our seashore for every day life, the Word of God, that is filled with His promises daily. He promises to never leave us or forsake us. He promises to be our provision, far above all we ask or think. He promises to leave His peace that passes all understanding. He promises to send angels to protect us and keep us safe. So many promises are there for us on a daily basis.
Perhaps your spirit is struggling with decisions and worries that are too masive for you to handle. If so, there is a source that will never fail to sustain you. God fortifies and encourages you in many ways...it is stated in the promises in His Word. Today allow yourself to rely on God and His promises and resources, not your own, and see the victory restored in your life.
Psalm 73:26 -- "My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever."
Blessings and peace,
Sherron