February 2009 Seaside Devotions Archive
February 28, 2009
As I walk the seashore with Jesus today, I never cease to be amazed at all He wants to give to His children. I am never too shy to ask my Father for His best, because that is what He wants.
There are those who are afraid to pray to God because they do not feel that they are sufficiently artful to win His approval. They fear saying something wrong or asking for something that would displease Him.
God delights in hearing and answering your prayers. He tenderly contemplates the desires of your heart and thoughtfully arranges for how they are fulfilled. Though He never grants the requests that ultimately cause you harm, He gladly provides what is absolutely best for you.
As you walk your seashore of life with Jesus, trust your heavenly Father and pray to Him. He loves to hear His children come to Him with prayer. You do not have to be eloquent -- you simply need to be sincere. Then accept how He responds as "his very best on your behalf."
Matthew 7:9 -- "Which one of you, if his son asks him for bread, will give him a stone?"
Blessings and peace,
Sherron
February 27, 2009
As I walk the seashore with Jesus today, 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
February 26, 2009
As I walked the seashore with Jesus today, I was once again reminded of the shells on the beach . . . some perfect and some broken. I was very thankful that we do not have to be perfect in God's eyes.
It is sad when people refuse to seek God out of fear that He will reject their weaknesses and expect them to be perfect. They do not realize that God loves then unconditionally.
In fact, scripture teaches that God is repeatedly moved by compassion and serves those who need Him. He never turns away those who earnestly seek Him; He embraces them and cares for them deeply.
Your problems cannot disqualify you from receiving God's love. When you ask, He always answers that He is willing to heal your hurts.
As you walk your seashore with Jesus in your journey today, seek God with confidence. He is kind and compassionate, and is glad when you trust Him enough to call on Him.
Mark 1:41 -- "Moved with compassion, Jesus stretched out His hand and touched him, and said to Him, 'I am willing, be cleansed.'"
Blessings and peace,
Sherron
February 25, 2009
As I walk the seashore with Jesus today I think of how strong His ocean is, as I see the waves crashing again the beach with such strength.
Does it ever puzzle you how the strength and certainty you received from God yesterday or this morning was only sufficient for a while? That you need to keep going back to God in order to sustain your faith?
You are not weak. The need to keep going back is actually evidence that your relationship with God is healthy. God has fashioned his encouragement this way because He wants you to return to Him. He desires for you to speak with Him often and continually draw from His grace.
Go to Him today as you walk on your seashore of life. Study Him, seek his goodness, and remember His power. Sustain your faith, strength, and certainty by staying in the presence of God. See your strength increased daily as you walk with Him. He is your strength for life.
1 Chronicles 16:11-12 -- "Study God and His strength, seek His presence day and night; remember all the wonders He performed."
Blessings and peace,
Sherron
February 24, 2009
As I walk the seashore with Jesus today, I think of all the things He has brought me through. The list seems endless. Have you ever thought about how He prepares the way for us, to take us through our trials?
God heard the Israelites' cries when they were slaves to Pharaoh in Egypt (ever felt you were in Egypt?). He prepared Moses to be their deliverer. He sent ten plagues to convince Pharaoh to set them free. He even parted the Red Sea to help the Israelites escape from the Egyptian army.
After He had done so much for the Israelites, they should have known His love and power were absolutely limitless -- and that He would provide all they needed.
So should you. Today be confident that God will do all that He has promised to you to meet your needs. Trust Him and be patient. Soon you will see that everything He has said in His word will come true for you. He has all you need and will be there to take you to the other side of your trial.
As you walk on your seashore with Jesus, walk with peace in trusting Him to provide your every need in every trial.
Numbers 11:23 -- "Is the Lord's power unlimited? Now you shall see whether my Word will come true for you."
Blessings and peace,
Sherron
February 23, 2009
As I walked the seashore with Jesus today, my thoughts went to Joseph -- my favorite bible character, and how he was mistreated in his youth by his brothers.
Joseph's brothers were cruel -- they sold him to traveling merchants. They set about a chain of events in Joseph's life that ended with him in a position of prominence, where he could greatly assist people during a challenging time.
Joseph could have been bitter about his difficult life, but he realized that God had worked everything out so that he could help others. And so Joseph forgave his brothers and was also gracious to them.
Today, you may be distraught over others' actions. You can be certain, however, that when you see God's plan unfold, you will find He has transformed everything into good and for the blessing of others.
As you walk on your seashore of life today, just know your Father has an incredible plan worked out for you in your life. Be blessed wherever you are today.
Genesis 45:7 -- "God sent me on ahead of you to keep your families alive and to save you in this wonderful way."
Blessings and peace,
Sherron
February 22, 2009
As I walk the seaside with Jesus today, I thank God for the incredible opportunities He has given me in this life.
Are you thankful for the blessings in your life, or are you frustrated with the small scope of your lot? Do you wish for opportunities of greater influence, responsibility and reward?
Your present situation may be limited. God, however, has given it as an investment in our future. Were you to have all the success you desire, you may have found yourself ill equipped to handle it. Worse, you might have missed the greatest gift of all -- a fulfilling relationship with your Heavenly Father.
In your current circumstances, God is able to teach you what is truly valuable and build the character necessary for the success He has planned for you. Therefore, faithfully invest yourself in whatever He gives you and soon He will trust you with even greater opportunities.
As you travel on your seaside of life today, be thankful and know the Father has incredible success planned for you, and He knows exactly when you are ready to receive.
Luke 16:10 -- "He who is faithful in what is least is faithful also in much."
Blessings and peace,
Sherron
February 21, 2009
As I walk the seashore with Jesus today, I thought of His forgiveness that is such an amazing gift to each of us. I thought of how free I can walk the beach and know that I am loved by my heavenly Father.
The depth of Jesus' compassion is mind-boggling. As others wrongly accused and crucified him, He recognized that they did not know what they were doing. I am sure you have had those people in your own life. Jesus 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, I truly believe 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 we walk our seashore of life, let's 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. Make the choice to live free today, as one loved and forgiven by Jesus.
Luke 23: 24 -- "Jesus prayed, 'Father, forgive them; they don't know what they are doing.' "
Blessings and peace,
Sherron
February 20, 2009
As I walk the seashore with Jesus today, my thoughts go 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 today, speaking to the visitors in your life, 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
February 19, 2009
As I walked the seaside today, I noticed how all the creatures seem to work together . . . the sea gulls, the sandpipers, the peligans . . . never worrying about what the others are doing or have done. It seems to be such a wonderful way to live with one another.
I compared that to how we in today's culture, and we seem to always be comparing ourselves to each other -- or worry about the wrongs we have received. It seems it is easier for people to believe negative facts than positive ones -- to always remember the wrong that has been done, rather than the good.
However, that is absolutely not true with God. When you believe in Him, He promises to absolutely erase any instance when you have fallen short. And He remembers and celebrates all the good works you have done out of love.
Do you feel at times as if God has forgotten you? God has neither forgotten you nor the ways you have served Him throughout your life. So today as you walk your seashore of life, rejoice that the thoughts He has toward you are -- and will always be -- outstanding!
Hebrews 6:10 -- "God is not unjust so as to forget your work and the love which you have shown toward His name."
Blessings and peace,
Sherron
February 18, 2009
As I walked the seashore with Jesus today, my thoughts were focused on the dreams in my heart . . . and how they seem to be much bigger than anything I could ever achieve on my own.
Then I thought of the things God asks us to do in our day to day life. I have found that He seems to never ask us to do things that are humanly possible. He does not fill your heart with goals that you could easily achieve on your own.
Rather, God gives you dreams that are far bigger and more wonderful than you could ever aspire to, dreams that can only be accomplished if He is actively involved in your life.
Why? Because God wants you to know the good that happens to you is from Him -- so that you will rely upon Him and know to rely on power and resources, not man's.
He is bringing the hopes that burn in you into being. So today, as you walk on your seashore of life, trust Him to make all those impossible dreams come true. He put those dreams in your heart and mind. He is the God of the impossible!
Matthew 19:26 -- "Humanly speaking, it is impossible. But with God everything is possible."
Blessings and peace,
Sherron
February 17, 2009
As I walked the seashore today with Jesus, I was again amazed that the ocean never seems to have an end. As I watched the waves fall on the sand, I was reminded that Jesus says, "He knows the end from the beginning."
The promise that God makes a thing beautiful in "His time" and not ours, necessarily indicates that there are unpleasant moments. Beginnings are generally tinged with some adventurous excitement and discovery, and yet they are also full of unknowns. You may even encounter some really uncomfortable adjustments along the way.
During the middle times, mundane toil can overwhelm and dishearten us. However, if the focus is God, wonderful sustaining graces -- such as patience, long-suffering and endurance -- will develop.
It is in the end -- in the bittersweet of looking back -- that you can see the true beauty of the journey . . . beauty that you could not see as you traveled the path.
Wherever you are on the path of life today, whatever you are going through, look for the beauty in it. God knows the path from beginning to end and He will make it lovely.
Remember, He is walking with you on your seashore of life.
Ecclesiastes 3:11 -- "He has made everything beautiful in its time."
Blessings and peace,
Sherron
February 16, 2009
As I walk the Seaside with Jesus today, He gently reminded me that we are His ambassadors in the earth every day, everywhere we go.
Whether you realize it or not, you shape how others see God. If a person meets Christians who are anxious, harsh, and bitter, he or she will assume that God must be the same way.
If the believer exudes a rejoicing heart, a gentle spirit, and a trusting attitude no matter what happens, the person will know that something supernatural is at work. He or she will see the love and kindness of God lived out in the flesh.
God works through you to show others He is real and very near. Are you representing Him well today? Your good example may encourage someone to experience His presence in a deeper way.
Whatever seashore of life you find yourself on today, remember to represent Him well. . . as His ambassador of love and peace in the earth.
Philippians 4:5 -- "Let your gentle spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near."
Blessings and peace,
Sherron
February 15, 2009
As I walked the seashore with Jesus today, I thought of His love for us. After all, yesterday was our celebrated day of love -- Valentine's Day.
Our human love is generally described as a feeling. Often it is based on fleeting momentary passions. Outwardly, even minor things can affect human love's disposition, because it looks inward -- to it's own interests. And it grows harder and less trusting with each experience.
However, God's love is different from human love. His love is not an emotion; rather it is a deliberate, consistent action that is given unconditionally. His love is not moved by circumstances because it looks outward -- to your best interest.
Therefore, love others with God's kind of love this evening . . . agape love. No doubt others will respond well to His unconditional love and will find you absolutely lovely. His love will spill out onto those He brings into your life and you will show His love in the earth.
As you walk your seashore of life, be His vessel filled with His unconditional love for others.
1 John 4: 11 -- "Beloved, if God loved us so very much, we also ought to love one another."
Blessings and peace,
Sherron
February 14, 2009
As I walk the seashore with Jesus today, and watch the vast ocean waves, I am overwhelmed at how big my Father thinks . . . who can figure Him out?
No person can think as God does. His thoughts are so different and far above what is humanly possible -- there is simply no way to figure Him out.
Yet it is possible to be so close to Him that you are united in purpose with Him. That is achieved through the daily disciplines of prayer, Bible study and obedience. Knowing Him is achieved through spending alone time with Him. Through these things, God reveals His infinite mind to you in ways you can comprehend.
You desire to know God and He wants to teach you His ways and transform your thoughts to be consistent with His. Today, as you walk on your seashore of life, stop trying to figure out what He is thinking and simply endeavor to know Him. He is waiting for you.
Exodus 33:13 -- "If you are pleased with me, teach me your ways so I may know you and continue to find favor with you."
Blessings and peace,
Sherron
February 13, 2009
As I walk the seashore with Jesus today, looking at all the different seashells on the beach, I thought of the many different people that God has allowed to crossed my journey of life.
As I picked up seashells and saw the uniqueness of each one, He reminded of the gift of each relationship that had formed my life as I travel this journey. He spoke gently to my heart of how each person had made a rich deposit and left their footprint on my heart.
Can you relate today of the special people God has brought into your life, and how they touched you, challenged you, molded you -- either by the briefness or longevity of their time with you? Amazing how we can reflect on each person and see how God in His wisdom, uses each relationship, whether it is good or bad, He makes it all work together for our good in the end.
What an adventure it has been, each one different, and yet each one so unique and special in their own way. Some who stay briefly, and others become a permanent friend that comes along side of you for the rest of your life.
As you walk along the seashore of your life today, think of the people God has allowed to touch your heart, and thank Him for each one, and the life lessons we have gained from each one. Be one who touches others back . . . be a blessing on your journey today.
Proverbs 17:17 -- "A friend loves at all times."
Blessings and peace,
Sherron
February 12, 2009
As I walk the seashore with Jesus, I realize I always dress comfortably to enjoy my walk with Him. This day was late and I was tired and ready for the sunset of the day.
As you prepare for the end of the day when you lay down to go to sleep, what will you put on. Do you have some old favorite pajamas you sleep in at night? The clothes you put on to rest in at night are generally your most comfortable.
Likewise, dress your mind for bed by removing the concerns of the day and wrapping your thoughts in this calming truth God delights in you. The one who protects you does not sleep but tenderly guards you throughout the night.
Before you finally drift off to dreamland, let Him know how much you appreciate His gentle vigilance. Praise Him for the secure comfort that will warm you as you slumber and will faithfully cover you tomorrow as well.
As you end the day on your seashore of life, know He has you covered with His love and protection.
Psalm 149:4 -- "The Lord takes pleasure in His people; He adorns the humble with salvation."
Blessings and peace,
Sherron
February 11, 2009
As I walk on the seashore with Jesus, I am reminded of His goodness as I enjoy the beauty of His ocean.
How often do you remember God's goodness? Surely He has accomplished great things for you. Even now, He brings to mind the many times when He has shown you His love.
There is an amazing benefit to meditating on all God has done. Dwell on His goodness and it will inspire you. Recall His excellent works and your faith will be renewed. Express your appreciation for His provision and your trust in His flawless character -- and your heart will soar to the threshold of heaven.
Nothing encourages your soul or pleases God like praise. So exalt Him for all the joy He has given you. His glorious acts are certainly worth repeating.
Walk on your seashore of life today, praising Him and showing Him your appreciation for being such a good Father to you it is pleasing to Him.
Isaiah 63:7 -- "I will tell of the Lord's unfailing love. I will praise the Lord for all He has done. I will rejoice in His great goodness."
Blessings and peace,
Sherron
February 10, 2009
As I walk with Jesus on the seashore today, I watched the peligans fly in uniform formation, following one another in unison . . . what a peaceful sight to watch.
My thoughts came to how we are to walk -- as one. There is but one way to be unified -- though it is not through uniformity. When people are forced to conform, their God-given differences are often squelched. Rather, the way to unity is for each person to be obedient to the Lord.
God would never contradict himself, so when everyone is doing as He says, they are actually working toward the same goal -- whether they realize it or not. Unity is the ultimate for God's children...one body, at peace with one another and with God.
The wonderful product of everyone doing his or her unique part -- focusing on Him rather than on the work or each other is peace. To be united in Him is to be bound by peace -- the best and most effective way to get anything done.
As you walk on your seashore of life, walk in obedience to Him and see the peace that will come to you.
Ephesians 4:3 -- "Always keep yourselves united in the Holy Spirit, and bind yourselves together with peace."
Blessings and peace,
Sherron
February 9, 2009
As I walk the seashore with Jesus today, I realize He is the Master of every situation in my life. Do you know that today in your life -- that He is the solution to your problems?
As we read in the Bible about Jairus, whose little girl was dying, he was at the end of his rope. He had no other place to go. Everyone else in the household had given up on the situation and believed the little girl would not recover. But Jairus decided to go to Jesus.
You may be in the same kind of dilemma -- a situation so difficult that everyone else gives up. It may look hopeless; however, God says the same to you as Jesus said to Jairus, "Don't be afraid. Just believe."
Jesus healed Jairus's daughter, because Jairus believed. God can do wondrous things in your situation too. In fact, that is exactly what He wants to do. You don't ever have to lose hope as long as you believe in Him. You only have to trust Him.
As you walk the seashore of life, only believe Jesus for the solutions in your situations. He is the God of any situation you may have.
Mark 5:36 -- "Do not be afraid; only believe."
Blessings and peace,
Sherron
February 7, 2009
As I walk the seashore with Jesus today, I find my thoughts centered on the problems around me in the lives of people I know.
Today we are all challenged to do what is counterintuitive. We should reject our anxious thoughts concerning that certain problem that keeps us focused on only the issues of life. We need to turn our attention from the problem and refocus our attention on our relationship with Jesus. He has the solution.
Of course, your common sense will fight against it -- insisting that you must concentrate on that critical issue. There is absolutely nothing more important than getting quiet before Him. He is the solution to whatever your problem may be.
The only answer for your agitation is to immerse yourself in God's presence. He will show you His most excellent solutions.
Take your walk on the seashore with Him today -- He will show you the way.
Isaiah 30:15 -- "Thus said the Lord God . . . in returning to Me and resting in Me, you shall be saved; in quietness and in trusting confidence shall be your strength."
Blessings and peace,
Sherron
February 6, 2009
As I walk the seashore with Jesus today, I feel His presence ever so imminent as I watch the waves move continuously against the sand. He is speaking softly to my heart as He walks with me.
Have you ever been in a place that you couldn't feel Him, couldn't hear Him, a place where you longed to hear Him speak to you, and could hear nothing? It is a very sad place to be, when we are out of touch with our Heavenly Father -- especially when we need desperately to hear Him.
For us to hear his voice, we must make the time to touch the heart of God in our every day life. We all need to hear Him speak to our hearts, to get His perspective for our lives, as we walk daily hear on earth, especially in the times we are living in.
We can only do this when we make the effort to spend quiet time with Him. We are not going to hear Him in the noises of the world. That is why He tells us to come away with Him, to seek Him, to listen for the knock on our hearts. He waits for us daily to spend time with Him. He has much to say to us, and we need to make it a priority to listen for His quiet still voice.
As you walk the seashore of your life, spend time with your Father. He is waiting for you.
Psalm 119:10 -- "I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands."
Blessings and peace,
Sherron
February 5, 2009
As I walk the seashore today with Jesus, looking at the vastness of the ocean, I realize His incredible plan for my life.
What a happy promise -- God's plans for you are exceedingly abundantly better than you can even imagine to hope for. What a glorious future awaits you.
No wonder you cannot figure out what God is doing. It is beyond conception. And so it must be in order for you to understand the quality of God's special care. Were His plans something you could dream up, they would probably be something you could achieve on your own.
When God's plans are even more pleasing than your imaginations, you realize only His love could create such an awe inspiring future for you.
Today as you walk in your seashore of life, thank Him for his extraordinary plans, and give Him all the glory.
Ephesians 3:20-21 -- "Now to Him who is able to do immeasurable more than we can ask or imagine...to Him be the glory."
Blessings and peace,
Sherron
February 3, 2009
As I walk the seashore with Jesus and watch waves pounding the sand, I am always reminded of His incredible power.
God's enormous might is sometimes shown in earth-moving events. However, the greatest display of His strength and power is how specifically and methodically He heals us from life events and pain.
This discovery comes as we humbly listen for Him. He speaks a theme to our hearts and then reminds us of it through songs we sing, Bible readings, sweet devotional times and through other people -- special friends that walk with us in our journey of life.
It is then that we realize how much more He truly knows about what we need than we ourselves know. We realize then, that He is gently repairing the divides in our heart that prevents our total healing. He shows the divides that were previously hidden from our notice.
God's amazing power, then, subtly coordinates all things in order to gently heal our heart from the wounds of life. As you walk with Him on your seashore of life, thank Him for taking care of you and working all things for your good, to make you whole and complete in Him.
Psalm 86:11 -- "Teach me your way, O Lord, and I will walk in your truth; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name."
Blessings and peace,
Sherron
February 2, 2009
As I walk with Jesus on the Seashore today, I thank Him for another 'new beginning' as we enter into a new month.
God is truly the God of new beginnings . . . every day, as we walk with Him. His mercies and promises are new every morning. Isn't that an awesome thought, that God creates new things for us daily.
As I thought of His creations for us, He quickly reminded me that the most precious of all creations is a new heart, a new spirit that is born when we bring our lives, our mess, our concerns, our all to the Master creator.
No matter where our lives may have taken us, no matter what we have done, when we come to Him, all things become new. He puts in us a new heart, a new spirit, and takes away our stony heart, our sorrows, our confusion and puts His spirit within us. That is the miraculous God we serve, the God of new beginnings who can make all things new!
As you walk on your seashore of life today, think on these things, that this is a new beginning, this morning, and every morning with Jesus. Take His hand and let Him walk you through this day with a new heart. He loves you and has new things for you this glorious day!
Ezekiel 36:26 -- "A new heart will I give you and a new spirit will I put within you, and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh.
Blessings and peace,
Sherron