As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, I thought about the testimony a friend shared with me this past week. She was unhappy and thought her marriage was over and the only solution she saw to make her happy again was to leave her husband. She said she started praying that God would give her strength as she prepared for the separation. During her prayer, she began forgiving her husband for all the wrongs she felt he had done to her. She let go of the resentment she had held for 30 years because he would not change and be what she thought he should be.
And a miracle happened... her husband started that day to treat her differently. He did not know that she had prayed that prayer. She herself did not know she was going to forgive him during that prayer. But she asked God for strength and His Holy Spirit put it in her heart to forgive. Her relationship with her husband has been restored. And restored suddenly.
Scripture tells us to forgive. Jesus showed us it is possible to forgive. As He was hanging on the cross He asked God, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing." (Luke 23:34) Unforgiveness never hurts the one we have not forgiven. Unforgiveness only has the power to hurt the one who is holding on to it.
What a testimony my friend shared with me about the awesome power of forgiveness. As I walked the seaside with Jesus, I thought of that testimony and it prompted me to search my heart for any unforgiveness that I was holding on to. Our testimony of God's grace and forgiveness in our own lives has the power to change the lives of everyone we share it with.
Today as you walk your seaside of life, remember, there is power in your testimony! Revelation 12:11 says we overcome the enemy by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of our testimony. What will your testimony be? We all have something that we can praise God for. Share that good news with those God calls to you so that their lives may be enriched by it.
John 1:6-7 -- God sent John the Baptist to tell everyone about the light so that everyone might believe because of his testimony.
Blessings and peace,
Sherron
As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, my heart was light and I felt such gratitude for the privilege of my quiet time alone with God each day. And I count it a double blessing that I am able to spend this quiet time on the beach -- one of God's wondrous creations.
The beach is where I find peace and solitude. Where do you find yours? It is so important that we spend quiet time with the Lord. Only when we are quiet and focused on Him is He able to clearly speak into our hearts. He is always here with us, but how often do we pay attention to His gentle urges? His quiet whispers? Who's voice do you hear as you go through your day?
Do you often stop and ask yourself, "where did that thought come from"? Where do our thoughts come from? If we stay focused on God and His goodness, the Holy Spirit can then inspire us and lead us to the blessings that are already ours. Start paying attention to your thoughts. Are they uplifting and helpful? Or are they filled with worry and lack. When you have a thought of lack, stop and replace it with a thought of abundance and goodness, even if right now you do not think it is possible.
Today, as you walk your seashore of life, keep your thoughts continually focused on all the good you want in your life and guard your thoughts from worry and lack. We don't have to know how something will happen, we just need to stay focused on God's ability to bless us beyond measure. Keep your thoughts on good and uplifting things and the Holy Spirit can then lead you to those things.
1 Chronicles 29:18 -- LORD, the God of our fathers Abraham, Isaac and Israel, keep these desires and thoughts in the hearts of your people forever, and keep their hearts loyal to you.
Blessings and peace,
Sherron
As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, the sunrise lit up the sky and woke the ocean up with beauty I could only be amazed by! It was an "Aha" moment of God's glory... a reminder that the King of Kings wakes me up every morning with His glory shining deep into my spirit!
Some call it the "Aha!" moment. Your mind is opened to see a thing clearly... something you have struggled to understand! No matter how long you study a principle, you still don't comprehend it. Then, one day, in the midst of a common walk on the beach you suddenly get it. "Aha!"
This happens many times with spiritual concepts because God's principles are not only learned by your intellect, but also by your willing spirit. We think of God's truth as lofty and ethereal, but in reality, His precepts must be understood in a practical way. You must be able to live them out from deep within.
My friend, the God who is able to save your soul is able to instruct you in His ways. So listen and learn from Him. He will undoubtedly lead you to many profound "Aha!" moments.
Psalm 119:130 -- The unfolding of your words gives light; it imparts understanding to the simple.
Blessings and peace,
Sherron
As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, a pelican had caught a fish that was desperately trying to escape. He was half in the mouth of the pelican and half out... with the pelican struggling to hang on to the fish! It looked like a desperate and hopeless situation! I wasn't sure who would win the battle!
One of the worst things about a hopeless situation is just that -- it lacks any hope. You can't see any evidence that things will ever get better. The same difficulty dogs you incessantly wearing you down without any apparent possibility of reprieve.
My friend, the worst thing you can do is so assume your bad situation will never change -- that it is beyond God's reach to improve. Yet your life can be transformed in an instant. From one moment to the next, God can lift you out of your bad circumstances.
Your situation is not permanent, but the love and grace of God is! So follow Him. And praise God that He is going to transform your life for good.
Psalm 113:7-8 -- He raises the poor from the dust; He lifts the needy from their misery and makes them companions of princes.
Blessings and peace,
Sherron
As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, my mind wandered to past days in my life that seemed to be so glorious. But then I thought, we serve an "I AM GOD"... so I quickly moved to the present moment on the beach.
It's a trap to believe that the past was "the best of times." You boastfully reminisce about achieving a certain goal, having a special relationship, or experiencing some smashing victory -- and lament that your golden era is gone forever.
Such a view is usually centered on personal triumphs that were always destined to fade. Instead, your focus should be on God and what He still has planned for your life. He doesn't grow weaker in you. Rather, God will work more powerfully through you as you walk with Him daily.
My friend, stop bragging about "the good ol' days" and look forward to your magnificent future with God. Your best days are ahead, so praise the One who gives you everlasting life.
Psalm 44:3 -- It was not by their sword that they won the land, nor did their arm bring them victory; it was your right hand, your arm, and the light of your face, for you loved them.
Blessings and peace,
Sherron
As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, the dolphin were playing along the shoreline with their babies. The parents would jump out of the water, then beside of them the babies would come jumping as high as they could. What a beautiful example of how God prepares His creatures for the journey of life.
There are certain things that you can learn only by doing them. No amount of explanation of geological formations can prepare a young dolphin for the way it travels through the water or how to catch the fish, except they do it to learn. Neither can a young deer or goat be prepared for getting up to the apex of a mountain, except they strengthen their muscles by actually climbing the mountain.
Likewise, your faith can only grow in the midst of the doubts and unknowns of your circumstances. You exercise your trust in God, and He strengthens your spiritual muscles so that you can reach higher and achieve more with Him.
When you follow God, life is a wonderful adventure. So get ready for the climb, friend. The view is truly worth it... God prepared it that way.
Psalm 18:33 -- He makes me like a deer that does not stumble; He helps me stand on the steep mountains.
Blessings and peace,
Sherron
As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, the tiny sandpipers were fighting over a fish that had washed upon the beach. But the one that caught the fish took off to get away from the others... he fled and his catch was safe! I am sure the others were jealous of the little fish he had for lunch!
I thought of King Saul and David's battle -- the jealousy that was always aimed toward David. Many people were so jealous that David would succeed Saul as ruler of Israel. So they made trouble for David -- telling Saul that David wanted to kill him. This, of course, was a lie. So David cried out to God to reveal the truth.
When people concoct falsehoods about you, sometimes the worst part is that you can't defend yourself. Their cruel fabrications endanger your reputation relationships, and even your future.
Yet you don't have to avenge yourself -- God will come to your defense as He did for David. Today be patient and honor God in everything you do. Soon enough, you will see His justice done and your false accusers exposed.
Psalm 7:6 -- Awake, my God; decree justice.
Blessings and peace,
Sherron
As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, it was glorious as the surfers rushed out to mount their surfboards and ride the beautiful waves! What a playground for them to enjoy today. They were grateful for the beauty of the day and the waves to ride... what joy they all expressed as they ran past me to get to the waves!
It made me think that we have so much to be thankful for -- just as they were thankful for the waves on this glorious day. See, my friend, God doesn't need your thanks, praise, or adoration. He doesn't need an ego boost or validation. Rather, God asks you to express your gratefulness because of what it means to your own soul.
It is in those moments of thanksgiving when you realize that He is the source of all your blessings -- and that they are not given because of your worthiness, but because of His love for you. As your words echo back into your ears that God is the great Provider, His power fills you, and your heart is transformed.
So sing out your gratefulness to God. Thank Him for His goodness to you. Undoubtedly, the one who will be most blessed is you.
Psalm 50:23 -- He who sacrifices thank offerings honors me, and he prepares the way so that I may show him the salvation of God.
Blessings and peace,
Sherron
As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, the water sparkled like diamonds as the sun danced on the waves. What a glorious day to be walking with Jesus, and sharing His glorious creation. It was the perfect temperature, the perfect breeze, and the perfect number of people... my soul was in such a place of comfort on this beautiful day.
Ah, comfort. Who doesn't want to live a comfortable life every day? We yearn for moments when we can wrap ourselves in a soft comforter, grasp a mug of hot tea in our hands, and listen to the warm crackling of a fire in the fire place. Or like myself, maybe your picture of comfort has to do with feeling the gentle ocean breeze as you recline in a hammock stretched between tall palm trees with a great book.
When God provides such times of comfort, we can thank Him for that gift. But when days come that are far from comfortable, we can then take comfort in the fact that God is teaching us to live well, to live fully. He has more for us in life than just to live comfortable. He may call us to take uncomfortable risks, or forego some of what is good in order to have what is best. Above all, it means having Jesus, who came to give us life to the fullest.
John 10:10 -- I have come that you might have life and have it more abundantly!
Blessings and peace,
Sherron
As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, I reached down to pick up a handful of sand... and let it slip through my fingers until it was all gone. And it only took a few moments for it to all pass quickly through... just as our lives seem to slip by moment by moment!
You are holding a moment in your hands. What does it feel like? Is it a soft, silky rose -- a moment to be cherished and enjoyed? Or is it a scruffy, scratchy shrub -- a moment that is uncomfortable, a moment you would like to forget? No matter how it feels, it will soon be gone like sand through your fingers. Time moves on. Time slips by, and waits for no one.
Yesterday you cannot change. The future you cannot guarantee. Today you have, and that is all! Embrace it. Cup your hands around it. Look for the blessing in it, the hope in it, the joy in it. Focus on God and serve others even as the grains of time run through your fingers to be scattered in the wind. He longs for you to offer this moment back to Him, even as it slips away.
Today is yours... What will you do with this moment in your hands?
James 4:13-17 -- Look here, you who say, "Today or tomorrow we are going to a certain town and will stay there a year. We will do business there and make a profit." How do you know what your life will be like tomorrow? Your life is like the morning fog -- it's here while, then it's gone.
Blessings and peace,
Sherron
As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, watching the fishing boats out on the water speeding along, I couldn't help but think of the latest tragedy with the cruise ship off the coast of Italy.
When tragedy strikes, the pain can knock us off our feet. We face the tempestuous emotions of anger, denial, grief, and even depression. We fear for the future, wondering what can possibly come of this situation. What good can God bring from this crisis?
In those moments, we have a choice. We can choose the path that lets our emotions take over and leads us into resentment and bitterness. Or we can choose the less-expected path of allowing ourselves to be transformed by God. We can choose to let Him work in us to do His will. When the world sees an out-of-the-ordinary response to crises in life, it sits up and takes notice.
You can come out of the crisis on the other side -- stronger and more dependent on God. He doesn't want tragedies to destroy you or define you. He wants to transform you.
It's your choice.
James 1:2-4 -- Dear brothers and sisters, when trouble comes your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.
Blessings and peace,
Sherron
As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, the beach was quiet and peaceful, a silent oasis in the midst of turmoil and chaos in my mind. I had come to the right place to find that much needed peace that only solitude can bring to our souls in the midst of life.
We long for peace. A few moments of quiet when the world doesn't intrude in our thoughts. A respite from battles with folks who hurt us or disagree with us. We'd even like to see world peace. We want something that goes deep, that lasts, that penetrates into our very souls.
Jesus brings that kind of peace. When we find Jesus, we find peace that passes understanding, peace that does not go away, peace that gives rest to our fears and our troubled hearts. Jesus' kind of peace dumps on us like a cave-in, washes over us like a wave -- inescapable, strong, overwhelming. His peace doesn't change or disappear.
What are you facing today? Is your world less than peaceful? Jesus promises peace, a gift freely given to you. Let it dump on you, overwhelm you, and wash over you. Today, my friend, walk in peace, true peace that only He can give you!
John 14:27 -- I am leaving with you a gift -- peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don't be troubled or afraid.
Blessings and peace,
Sherron
As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, the sun was hiding behind the clouds. At one point I looked up and the clouds parted and the sun shown through. That started me thinking about the difference between the light and the dark. Jesus came to earth to be the light of the world.
What does that mean for us? The light dispells darkness. The dictionary gives one definition of light as "something that makes things visible or affords illumination." Jesus came as a light to make visible the path to God.
When we are in darkness we cannot see the light of truth or the path to God. A dark area has limited light sources, making things hard to see. We must keep our focus on the Light -- Jesus -- so that we do not stray from the path he has set before us which will ultimately lead us to God.
So, stay focused on what is light and good -- Jesus -- who came to earth to illuminate and help us avoid the dark places. Read and study the words of Jesus in the New Testament until they become so familiar that when you are in the dark -- presence of shadows, evil, or depression -- you can grab hold of your flashlight -- Jesus -- and dispel the darkness.
Genesis -- And God said, "Let there be light," and there was light. God saw that the light was good, and he separated the light from the darkness."
Blessings and peace,
Sherron
As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, the tiny sandpiper seemed to walk slowly along the waves, as though his energy had been zapped from him. He was not his perky, speedy little self... the one running quickly along the beach I usually raced with every morning.
As I followed the little bird, I thought who hasn't felt the downward drag of fatigue, whether induced by age, stress, or a bout of illness? When your body lacks vigor, you long for -- and remember -- the feeling of vitality more than ever. And in these times you recall that God promised to renew your youth like the eagle's.
When you watch an eagle fly, you can see how effortlessly it seems to navigate the sky. Though equipped with wings that can reach ninety inches wide, this powerful bird glides for long distances on columns of rising air called thermals. In the same way, God carries you on the strength of His wings, giving you spiritual, emotional, and physical vitality when you most need it. As you ride His divine thermals, you remember once again how you thrive in His care.
Psalm 103:5 -- Who satisfies your mouth with good things, so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.
Blessings and peace,
Sherron
As I walk the seaside with Jesus today, the sunrise was incredibly bright today. It was like a ball of fire rising out of the ocean... what a sight to see.
Light has the power to refresh and revitalize you. After the long stretch of night, the sun's morning rays are a welcome sight as they push through the trees and make dappled patterns on the ground. In a very real and verifiable sense, your body responds to sunlight. Sunlight helps set your biological clock, lift your mood and immune system, and even produce vitamin D to keep you strong and well and functioning.
Scripture assures you that God is "robed with majesty and light." God, the one who burst onto the scene of early creation with light -- the sun by day, the moon and stars by night -- fills you with another, more stirring kind of light when you spend time with Him. God fills you with the light of His goodness.
Psalm 104:1-2 -- O Lord my God, how great you are! You are robed with honor and with majesty and light!
Blessings and peace,
Sherron
As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, it was exceptionally early and still dark along the shoreline. I had awakened earlier than usual so I figured He wanted to speak to me.
Waking up in the wee hours of the night, you find that all is still and black as pitch. As you walk to the refrigerator for drink, your eye peeks outside at the night sky, the backyard, and the woods that fringe the edge of the lawn. What is it about nighttime that calls the spirit toward fear or peace, anxiety or calm?
When he penned the lines of Psalm 139, David prefaced them with these rhetorical questions: Where could I go from your Spirit? Or where could I flee from your presence? David knew that even the darkness could not hide him from God's watchful eyes and blanketing care. The darkness need not hold fear for you; God always watches over you. And that is reason enough to find peace in the night.
Psalm 139:12 -- Even the darkness is not dark to you; the night is as bright as the day, for darkness is as light to you.
Blessings and peace,
Sherron
As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, the sky over the ocean was gray with an opening shining through, as though it was the gateway to heaven. The rays shone brightly through the darkness as though it was coming directly from God's throne room. What a sight to behold!
Elaborate gates frame the walled city of Jerusalem. The gates still retain a noble look today, as you can see from pictures, even after thousands of years since their construction. Though you and I will pass through thousands of gates and doors in our lifetime, we may not have stopped to consider what they signify. Gates and doorways are points of entry as well as points of exit. They allow people and objects to come in and go out. Gates and doorways protect and defend; they include and exclude. They guard against unwanted ingress or egress.
What about the doorway to your heart. Do you open your heart to others or do you keep it closed? When you let people enter, what do they find? Do they sense your welcome and peace? Do they know instinctively that God's Spirit dwells there? Open your heart to Him today, and let Him walk through the door.
Psalm 24:7 -- Lift up your heads. O ye gates; and be ye lift up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in.
Blessings and peace,
Sherron
As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, even though the waves were rolling in, the sounds in the air were silent. It was as though a holy silence had overtaken the seashore this morning.
As I thought of the stillness of the seaside, I wondered how often our souls become still enough to hear the whisper of the Lord. This was a day I needed to hear from Him, so I came to the place that quiets my soul enough to clearly hear Him speak!
Andrew Murray wrote in his book Abiding in Christ these words: If only your ears are open, your thoughts brought into subjection, and your heart prepared in silence to wait upon God and to hear what He speaks, He will reveal to you His secrets. And one of the first secrets will be the deeper insight into the truth, that as you sink low before Him in nothingness and helplessness, in a silence and a stillness of soul that seeks to catch the faintest whisper of His love, teachings will come to you that you had never heard before because of the rush and noise of your own thoughts and efforts.
So today, let's agree to be silent before Him and hear the truth He wants to speak into our lives as we come into this new year. Let's hear Him as never before and make this the best year ever! He is waiting for your silence!
Psalm 62:5 -- My soul, only be silent unto God; for my expectation is from Him.
Blessings and peace,
Sherron
As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, I watched an elderly couple walking in front of me holding hands and gazing into each other's eyes like newlyweds... what a sight to behold!
I couldn't help but wonder what is their secret? What makes them continue to be in love in their latter years. If you investigate a little more deeply, you will usually find two people who are lifelong examples of the second greatest commandment: Love your neighbor (or spouse) as yourself. Time has etched deep lines on their faces and stooped their bodies, and yet their spirits remain sound and supple -- and as full of life as when they first caught sight of each other and recognized a kindred spirit.
Although you may long for a fairy-tale romance that requires no effort, you often find that the quintessential ingredient to every good relationship is, after all, a servant's heart, each person holding out the light of Christ for the other as they journey together throughout life.
Psalm 92:12,14 -- The righteous flourish like the palm tree, and grow like a cedar in Lebanon... In old age they still produce fruit.
Blessings and peace,
Sherron
As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, I spotted a tiny tree that seemed to be dead... but a tiny sprout of green was showing on the very end of the limb.
It is much like our lives during the winter seasons. There seems to be very little activity in the winter months, and everything is dead. But if you know how life is, that is really when things are resting and waiting for spring to arrive. That is when the seeds are preparing to come alive!
But this is a wonderful season to make use of for spiritual growth. The winter months of our lives are a great time to be quiet with the Lord, to reflect on inner workings that may be taking place. It is a time to spend time getting to know the Savior in a deeper level... and let Him do the work in our spirits that we may need when other seasons we may be too busy to sit with Him.
Take notes today... does it seem to be the winter of your life... just as it is the winter season of nature? Take advantage of it, and let God speak to you during this time. That way, when spring arrives you will have growth that will take you to new levels in your spiritual walk. Don't despair -- but appreciate this season of life! God is doing awesome things in each of us as we draw close to Him and let Him do what only He can do!
1 Corinthians 15:36 -- Foolish one, what you sow is not made alive unless it dies.
Blessings and peace,
Sherron
As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, the sunrise was astounding... an amazing beginning of the new day! I was reminded of the verse in Psalm 19:5, "The sun comes out like a bridegroom from his bedroom. It rejoices like an athlete eager to rum a race!"
The above verse paints a word-picture of a new day bursting forth into the world with the joy and vigor of a bridegroom fresh from his wedding chamber. The anticipation of a new day is like the joy of an athlete ready to go. In the brightness, you sense God pouring out an unquenchable love.
Each new day bears God's stamp of approval that He sees in His creation. Each new day is delivered to you like a wrapped package that contains the gift of life. The very air you breathe bears witness to His overwhelming kindness toward you. Let every sunrise remind you of the unique opportunity to praise Him. Let every race or athletic competition remind you of your praiseworthy God. There will never be another day just like today.
Psalm 19:5 -- The sun comes out like a bridegroom from his bedroom. It rejoices like an athlete eager to run a race.
Blessings and peace,
Sherron
As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, it was cold and cloudy from the winter breeze... but inside I was warmed and untouched by the air on the outside. My heart inside was filled with the warming love of Christ!
I was still thinking about the story I had read about an event in Thomas Edison's life. It was about not having been touched by the storm around him. One day a fire broke out in his laboratory and burned it to the ground, destroying many valuable and unfinished experiments. Later that day, walking through the charred wreckage, Edison collected various items and put them in a bag he carried. Among those items was a little package of papers tied tightly together with a thick string. The package, although fire scarred and water soaked, was intact. Edison opened it and at its center was a photograph of himself. It was scorched around the edges but basically undamaged. He looked at it for a minute, then pulled a piece of charred wood from the floor and wrote across the picture; "It didn't touch me."
Remember, no matter what happens to you on the outside, God can ease the pounding of your heart by the quieting of your mind.
Psalm 18:33 -- He made my feet like the feet of a deer, and set me secure on the heights.
Blessings and peace,
Sherron
As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, the ocean was quiet, except for the pounding sound of the waves against the sand... not one bird, not one crawling creature... just the waves, me and the Lord! It is the quiet sound of the solitude of winter!
In the fullness of summer, in all of its green lushness, you can sometimes hear the noisy symphony of natural sounds along the shore. Dogs barking, seagulls singing, splashes of people in the water... and they all contribute to the song of praise to God the Creator. How can they keep from singing as they enjoy His creation, the beautiful seashore?
The other seasons have their own harmonies and melodies of praise. In autumn the owl at night and the crow in the morning raise their voices in the crisp breezes; tiny rabbits, deer, other game rustle in the dry foliage. Winter's cool silence and keening winds make their own frosty music, slow and majestic. Then spring, on the rebound from winter's solemnity, sings in full throat with the sounds of the beach coming alive again. Praise is a natural activity that issues from life filled with God.
Psalm 148:13 -- All creation, come praise the name of the Lord, praise His name alone.
Blessings and peace,
Sherron
As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, I realized the depth of the ocean is far more than we could ever fathom. I paralleled it to our relationship with Jesus Himself.
The Lord did not say how deep we are to step into the water. The depth of the water into which we sail depends upon how completely we have cut our ties to the shore, the greatness of our need, and our anxieties about the future. Yet the fish were to be found in the deep, not the shallow water.
It is the same with us -- our needs are to be met in the deep things ofGod. We are to sail into the deep of God's Word, which the Holy Spirit will open to us with profound yet crystal-clear meaning. And the words we knew in the past will have an ocean of new meaning, which will render their original message very shallow.
The deep waters of the Holy Spirit are always accessible, because they are always flowing. Will you claim afresh and anew today to be immersed and drenched in these waters of life? Why not jump in today? He is waiting to meet you there!
Luke 5:4 Put out into the deep.
Blessings and peace,
Sherron
As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, I compared the sea that ebbs and flows with the tides to our emotions that seem to do the same thing in our daily lives.
Often our feelings and emotions are mistakenly substituted for faith. Pleasurable emotions and deep, satisfying experiences are part of the Christian life, but they are not the essence of it. Trials, conflicts, battles, and testings lie along the way and are to be counted not as misfortunes but rather as part of our necessary discipline.
Be sure to distinguish between the fact of God's presence and the feeling of the fact. It is actually a wonderful thing when our soul feels lonely and deserted, as long as our faith can say, "I do not see You, Lord, nor do I feel Your presence, but I know for certain You are graciously here -- exactly where I am and aware of my circumstances." Remind yourself again and again with these words; "Lord, You are here."
Trust God's Word and His power more than you trust your own feelings and experiences. Remember, your Rock is Christ, and it is the sea that ebbs and flows with the tides, not Him.
Hebrews 10:38 -- My righteous one will live by faith.
Blessings and peace,
Sherron
As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, I watched the ocean waves lap peacefully against the sand. There was such a peace in my spirit... and He reminded me of the verse, "Unto you, O Lord, do I bring my life."
This is very short but powerful verse. In fact it gives you the answer for your whole life; give it to the Lord.
This doesn't mean you should bring Him just your worries and problems. It means bringing Him your entire existence and everything it entails. Grasping that truth will set you free from weariness and a feeling of wanting to give up.
I used to get worn out preparing for my corporate meetings. I would get so intense about it and work so hard at making sure everything was done accurately and pleasing for my boss. Then I learned that all I have to do is give Him my life and everything in it. As we yield to Him, His peace fills us.
As you pray today, give your entire life to God and experience the freedom of knowing that whatever you face -- good or bad -- He has it under control.
Psalm 25:1 -- Unto You, O Lord, do I bring my life.
Blessings and peace,
Sherron
As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, the ocean was raging with the wind kicking against the sand! It was furious and wild just as life can be at times.
When you face times of crisis in life you need direction. All of your human reasoning will not provide the answer -- it will only add to your confusion. But God will give you direction if you trust Him.
This truth is sometimes difficult for you to deal with because your human nature wants to understand everything. You want things to make sense, but the Holy Spirit can cause you to have peace about things that make no sense at all to your natural mind.
If you are hurting because of a crisis in your life, you must not become angry with God. He is the only one who can help you. Only He can bring the lasting comfort and healing you need. So continue to believe in the goodness of God and lean on, trust in, and be confident in Him.
Proverbs 3:5 -- Lean on, trust in, and be confident in the Lord with all your heart and mind and do not rely on your own insight or understanding.
Blessings and peace,
Sherron
As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, I was reminded that this is the beginning of a new decade. In new beginnings we always have choices to make as we begin a new path!
Today can you look at your life and see that you have choices to make in this new year! What choices will you make that will change your life and the lives of those around you? How will you impact the place you are in for the Kingdom of God? Whose life will you bring from darkness into light? How will you be a more effective ambassador for God in the New Year?
Are you thinking of these things or are you thinking of how you can make more money, have more things, delight in more pleasure? What are you focused on this day? It is time for us to take a stand and make a difference in the places we live! We need to be about our Father's business -- the business of winning souls and shedding light wherever we are! The time is short and we have a job to do for the King! Let's make the right choices in this new year!
Joshua 24:15 -- Choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve... but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.
Blessings and peace,
Sherron
As I walk the seaside with Jesus today, the wintry air forms a fog across the waves... which makes it hard to see the way to go at times.
Isn't that the way our lives seem to be at times -- nothing but a fog! But God is there waiting to lead you... if you are trusting and listening to Him. But He isn't going to lead and guide you through other people, although He will sometimes use someone else to confirm what you already have in your own spirit. He's going to lead you personally by His Spirit.
Sometimes we aren't willing to take responsibility of seeking God's guidance for ourselves. We want to look for an easy way out, and let someone else tell us what to do. That is never going to teach us to trust the Holy Spirit for ourselves. And that is what God wants -- a personal relationship with each of His children. He wants us to hear Him for ourselves and to follow the leading of the Holy Spirit.
How different life would be for each of us if we each would accept the responsibility to hear and heed what the Holy Spirit is saying to us. We could avoid so many trials and difficulties if we just follow that leading! What a challenge today -- stop, listen and heed what the Holy Spirit is saying to you! See how your life will change in the New Year as you follow that still small voice!
John 16:13 -- Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth; ... whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak; and he will show you things to come.
Blessings and peace,
Sherron
As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, I watched the sea gulls flying as though they were running a race.
It made me think of the race we run in our life with Christ each of us are called to run. We have to be patient to wait for God to bring to pass His purpose in our lives. There is a time and a season for all things (Eccl.3:1), and the time is not always now.
Someone might say, "But will things ever change? I know that God is preparing me, and I want to be faithful. But it seems that I've been in this place of preparation for such a long time. Will it ever be different?"
Just continue to trust in the Lord with all your heart and to run your race with patience. Don't try to figure out how and when God is going to fulfill His plan for you; pray about it, and as you need to know, He will reveal each step you need to take. Just learn to rest in faith and to flow with the Holy Spirit. Let God be the One to accomplish His will in your life.
Heb. 12:1 -- ....let us run with PATIENCE the race that is set before us.
Blessings and peace,
Sherron
As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, I felt the question in my spirit -- "What are you expecting for the New Year?"
This is a question I want to ask you today. "What are your expectations for the New Year?" Are you expecting the same old things in your life that has been there in years past. I feel the spirit of God telling us to bring our expectations to a higher level! He has great things planned for His children! He has untold blessings that we only have to believe to receive!
God says in His Word, "As a man thinketh, so is he." So what are you thinking? Are you thinking this year is going to be the same as the last year, or are you getting the mind of Christ and thinking on His level? Are you changing old thoughts into new thoughts? If not, let's get the mind of Christ according to Philippians 2:5 and let this mind be in you! Think bigger thoughts, believe for greater opportunities to come in this year! He has prepared great things and we don't want to miss them! Let's prepare in our hearts to receive all He has!
This is your year! This is the year of God's outpouring of His greatest blessings for you! Expect it, and be prepared to see blessings overtaking you! Remember -- He loves you and wants so much more for you than you can ever imagine!
Proverbs 23:7 -- As a man thinketh in his heart, so is he.
Blessings and peace,
Sherron
As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, the word that was spoken to me was wisdom to live the new year as God has directed.
Wisdom is the principle thing is what we are told by Jesus. What a thought -- God wants to give us wisdom to live this life He has provided. And then He has given us the Word -- which is our manual -- which has all the wisdom we will ever need in order to live a successful life here on this earth.
But we have to be willing to open the Word and seek His guidance for whatever we may be facing... not just hope He sends us an answer. He has done all He will ever do to provide life abundantly for us. He gave us all He had, and then He sat down. It is up to us to seek and apply the wisdom He has given us in the "manual of life"... the Bible. We can't go to others all the time and expect them to give us the answers for our lives. We must go to the Master and He will answer us through His Word.
Let's decide to seek Him and get the wisdom provided for us in our "Handbook of Life"... already written and anointed by the Holy Spirit! There you will find the answers you need to live a life of success! There you will find everything you will ever need pertaining to your life here on earth! Find it and enjoy the abundant life He has provided!
Proverbs 2:5-7 -- The Lord gives wisdom; out of His mouth comes knowledge and understanding. He layeth up sound wisdom for the righteous.
Blessings and peace,
Sherron
As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, the ocean seemed brisk, sharp and alive! It was as though Jesus was running with me, saying, "Let's run faster." Let's try to catch the waves.
As we reflect on the past, and move into the new life God is bringing before us, let's get geared up to run fast this year. I truly believe this is a year of suddenly... a year of surprises! God has such good things planned in this year for each of us. We must be prepared to run quickly as He comes along side us and gives us the visions, the dreams, the strategies to run with!
He is speaking to us in this time! He is speeding things up so we can accomplish much for the Kingdom of God. He is waiting on each of us to take the position He has assigned us and move forward! What is He calling you to do? What is in your heart? What has been holding you back and keeping you in a holding pattern?
It is time to fly! It is time to take our assignments seriously and trust God to provide as we move into the new year! Remind yourself what your dreams and visions are -- write them and put them before you and before God. He wants to touch what you do, but you must be in motion before He can bless it! He cannot steer a parked car, so let's put it in gear for 2012 and move forward! You will be amazed and astounded at what He wants to do for you once you step into place! It will take your breath away!
Habakkuk 1:5 -- Look among the nations and watch -- Be utterly astounded! For I will work a work in your days which you would not believe, though it were told you!
Blessings and peace,
Sherron
As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, there came a rest in my mind as I spent time with Him. After all, that is what the ocean is for -- to retreat and rest!
As you take time before the Lord as we move into the New Year, listen to hear what He is saying. He has direction for each of us... a purpose, a plan that will require that we hear His voice clearly before moving into our own plans for this year.
I was always one of those that went full speed ahead, and then asked God to bless whatever I had put my hand to. It didn't take long for me to figure out that that is not the way He wants us to operate! He must first be consulted, and then once we have His release, we can move into the plan with His blessing! That way, we are in agreement with God, not just our own plan, expecting Him to bless it when He was never included in the beginning!
This year, purpose in your heart to commit each endeavor to Him before you put it into action. That way, you and He will be in agreement, you will have peace and He will be the one in charge of the success you have this year! It is truly an amazing way to live life! Let Him be your daily consultant in all you do!
Proverbs 3:5 -- Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.
Blessings and peace,
Sherron
As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, I felt as though the waves were taking me to a new place in time. They were crisp and white, just as a fresh wind from the throne room would be! My Father was speaking to my spirit about the New Year we have just stepped into!
Today as you experience the first day of the New Year, reflect on His goodness and all He has held you through in the past year... be grateful and grab hold of the new thing He is doing in this upcoming year! He has promised that He is doing a new thing... and we can forget those things which lie behind as we press toward the goal! Isn't it refreshing to know God never runs out of "new things"?
We can never move forward looking back, but we can soar with Him as we trust Him to take us to new levels in the Spirit this year! He has great things planned for us, and is always taking us from glory to glory! Let Him move you forward, not turning back to the things of the past... so you can reach those goals in the spirit realm that He is calling you to! He is there with the plan and your obedience! Let's make this the greatest year for moving into the things of God! What a great way to begin the year!
Philippians 3:13 -- One thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead. Press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus!
Blessings and peace,
Sherron
As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, it was a quiet morning, a good time to reflect on the many previous Christmas and New Year holidays I had celebrated, as I closed the door on this year... 2011
Let me ask you to think about some of the small pleasures you remember from your childhood Christmases. What small item came to you in the toe of a stocking that you still remember to this day? What special gift did you receive that is forever earmarked in your memory as a favorite?
Can you remember a special tea cup, a small cake, a stick of candy, or a bag of pennies? We have so many material possessions in our lives today, these small things seem so trivial in today's Christmas celebration... but we can all remember a time when it was different and much more simple.
What small but important riches has God given you? What "Little" gifts came into your life this past year, almost overlooked because they were -- well -- expected? What grace did God give to you and your family? It might appear like more than a "penny" to some folks, but to you it is a precious gift from God.
Think back across your year in your quiet time this weekend, and thank God for His many gifts to you.
Matthew 7:11 -- So if you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good gifts to those who ask Him.
Blessings and peace,
Sherron
As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, a tiny sandpiper came along side of me, his little wing hanging low. It was injured and I wanted to help him, but couldn't get close enough to help. He sat there silently, as though he knew God would take care of him.
In a world filled with violence and disasters, illness and disappointments, there is no shortage of hurt, pain, and tears. They are all around, driving you deeper into hopelessness. Blinded by your troubles you stumble into the pits of despair. Lying there bleeding and wounded, you wonder: Where is my hope?
But God shines down a light of hope in His Son, Jesus Christ.
Jesus' outstretched hand reaches to you; gratefully, you place your hand in His. Lovingly, Jesus lifts you out of the pit and stands you up. He cleanses your wounds and kisses them. In Jesus, your hope is renewed.
God doesn't want to leave His beloved children in disaster or despair. He came to give them fullness of joy. So, He lovingly comes to you, no matter what difficult situation you are in. That is where He does His best work.
Psalm 18:28 -- You light a lamp for me. The Lord, my God, lights up my darkness.
Blessings and peace,
Sherron
As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, I stopped along the way to speak to a young man that was visiting the beach for his first Christmas in the United States. He didn't speak much English, but somehow we were able to communicate and say, "Merry Christmas."
I just thought about the young man as I continued my walk. Think about it -- you've just arrived in a foreign country for the first time. You don't speak the language, are all alone, and have to get to a meeting across town. You are exhausted from the flight and feeling out of sorts. You have a map you have printed from the Internet with basic directions, but emerging out of the airport in the twilight hours, you struggle to get your orientation.
Don't you wish, in such circumstances, for a friend you can trust who knows the way? For someone you trust to take the lead and show you the way to go?
God has given us His Word to guide us, to lead us in the way everlasting, and to direct us even to the end. Trust the words you read, my friend. They are words of truth and of life. God knows our itinerary, and He delights in leading us home.
Stop hesitating. Start walking!
Psalm 119:133 -- Guide my steps by your Word, so I will not be overcome by evil.
Blessings and peace,
Sherron
As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, I gazed at the glistening sunshine dancing on the waves along the shore. I felt Him walking with me this morning in such a powerful way -- it was so powerful I wanted to just reach out and touch Him.
God created the first human beings so He could walk and talk with His creation in the Garden of Eden. We were meant to share in God's attributes -- His life, personality, truth, wisdom, love, holiness, and justice. In fact, we were created in His own image!
It was not God's will that any should perish, but the first sin in the garden set into motion a tragic series of events that removed many humans from their exalted destiny.
As a born-again Christian, you are well aware of your destiny. You are a joint-heir with Jesus Christ! As a child of God, you are entitled to a peaceful hearts while here on earth and a place in Heaven when you are released from the bonds of this life.
As a follower of Christ, you are created for larger ends than earth can encompass. Yours is an exalted destiny!
Romans 8:17 -- And since we are His children, we are His heirs. In fact, together with Christ we are heirs of God's glory. But if we are to share His glory, we must also share His suffering!
Blessings and peace,
Sherron
As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, the sunrise was breathtaking. It is always an amazing sight to watch the sun rise out of the ocean each morning, knowing the Creator makes each one unique and special -- never the same!! I always ask Him, "How do you do that?"
God can do anything. He constructed an awe-inspired, intricate world out of nothing. He breathed life into mankind. He designed a plan of salvation so we are forgiven and joint heirs with Christ. And besides those awe-inspiring acts, He also performs "routing" miracles -- little events like the morning dew, the sunrise and sunset that encircle each day, and the beauty and regularity of changing season. The handiwork we admire is effortless to an indefinable God.
Maybe today you are in need of nothing short of a miracle. God knows that and He has the resources in place. Your job? Bold faith that God will care for you. A submissive spirit that allows God to work in His way, in His time. Honest prayer that doesn't dance around the point but tells God exactly what is goin on -- no holds barred.
God is in the miracle -- working business. Are you ready for what He is about to give?
Psalm 40:5 -- O Lord, my God, you have performed many wonders for us. Your plans for us are too numerous to list. You have no equal. If I tried to recite all your wonderful deeds, I would never come to the end of them.
Blessings and peace,
Sherron
As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, a tiny boat came close to the shoreline... it was a fisherman out early to try to catch fish. I couldn't help but think of the faith it took for Peter to step out of that boat and walk on water towards Jesus!
Everything you do in this life requires a measure of faith. When you turn the key in your car's ignition, you have faith it will start. When you step onto an elevator, you have faith it will take you to the next floor.
Sadly, there are many things and people in which we place our faith, only to be let down. But there is one Person in whom we can place our faith and know with certainty that He will never let us down. When life seems out of control, He is in control. When tragedies come, He is there not only to comfort, but to bring good out of the ashes. When friends betray us, He will never leave us nor forsake us. And when we achieve moments of pure joy, we know that He is celebrating right along with us.
Faith gives meaning to our lives.
Romans 5:1-2 -- Therefore, since we have been made right in God's sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us. Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of undeserved privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God's glory.
Blessings and peace,
Sherron
As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, I met a sweet couple that were just visiting the beach for the first time in several years. They just happened to be Christians that were looking for a book to give to a special friend that had just become a widow. It just so happens that the book I wrote, Seaside Devotions, is dedicated to widows... and of course, they bought one that very day.
What a coincidence! Or was it a divine appointment!
What a coincidence! Your car broke down right near the service station owned byyour new friend's husband -- you know, the husband you've been praying for at Bible study. The one who is down on all Christians because he thinks they are hypocrites.
What a coincidence! That answer to your concern came just at the right moment. You know, right before you gave up and gave in.
What a coincidence! You got the money just in time to pay the bill that would have been past due in another day.
What a coincidence! Really? Just a coincidence!
God takes great delight in arranging coincidences. You can be a witness to that friend's husband as you bring in your brokendown car. Each "coincidence" is a touch of God, allowing you to sit back with a smile and see how much He cares.
It is never just a coincidence. It is God's fingerprint!
Psalm 139:3 -- You see me when I travel and when I rest at home. You know everything I do.
Blessings and peace,
Sherron
As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, I watched a young couple walking close together, holding hands and enjoying the company of each other! They obviously were in love!
If you have been married or have been around a certain person for any length of time, you get to know that person well -- what he or she is going to say; the response to any given situation, even if he or she has had a bad day. You know without hearing the words. You have developed an intuitive knowledge and understanding.
This is the intimate knowledge and relationship that our heavenly Father desires with us. He wants us to know His voice so closely that we will sense "His heart and purpose" in any given moment. This is discernment -- the ability to understand what God wants as singled out from all of the other voices clamoring for our attention -- especially in this busy season.
To discern His voice is to listen attentively and intimately.
Shhhhhh. Can you hear Him?
Psalm 119:125 -- Give discernment to me, your servant; then I will understand your laws.
Blessings and peace,
Sherron
As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, one of the pelicans had caught a fish that was too big for him to handle. I watched the pelican try to swallow the fish, but the fish was pretty much waggling the bill of the pelican. He was just too much for the bird!
Sometimes in life, less is more. A little less stuff in the house, with only a few precious knickknacks in place, gives your home a peaceful air. A little less salt in the stew, with a variety of well-chosen spices instead, brings out the flavor of the meat and vegetables.
Sometimes with Jesus, less is more as well. A little less running around in random acts of service; a little more time to sit at Jesus' feet to learn where and how He wants you to serve. A little less worrying and fretting; a little more time to bring the worries and fears to the Savior.
Jesus simply asks us to sit at His feet and listen. Sitting there shows that we want to know Him, to follow Him, to experience His love.
The more we have of Him, the less we need of anything else.
Matthew -- 6:33 Seek ye first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.
Blessings and peace,
Sherron
As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, the ocean looked completely different from yesterday. It had turned from calm, quiet laps into white caps, and waves slamming against the sand... pounding into the beach! What a change had taken place just in one day!
It reminded me that the Lord is always the same, every day -- yesterday, today and tomorrow! And He continues to look for anyone whose heart is like that -- completely His -- yesterday, today and tomorrow. He is not worried about your age. You might feel like you are too young or too old to be useful to God, but number of years is not a factor with Him. And that is a good thing!
What is He looking for? Above all, He desires that a servant have a willing, teachable spirit.
God can use a anyone who is so in love with Him and so constantly in communication with Him that they are always asking to be shown, to be taught. A servant who wants to learn and then to put that learning into practice. A servant who wants to please Him -- every single day they live on the earth!.
Remember, age is just a number, God wants your spirit, no matter what that number is. If you are willing and teachable, you will never be without an opportunity to serve.
And there is so much to do for His Kingdom!
Ephesians 4:1 -- Therefore I, a prisoner for serving the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of your calling, for you have been called by God.
Blessings and peace,
Sherron
As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, the tiny fish swimming in the waves were jumping out along the tip of the crest! It was amazing to see... there were hundreds of them today -- too many to count! I felt joy in my heart watching them play.
I wondered what my Father in heaven thinks when He peers down from heaven watching us. Why do you suppose God would bother to look away from the glorious beauty of His celestial home to look down at us?
Some may believe that His intention is to catch us doing something we shouldn't, but that is not the case. Rather, what God is observing is something very precious to Him -- He's watching for people who are looking for Him. He is searching for seekers who know that there is more to this life than the affairs of this world, especially as we rush through this busy season!
Are you seeking God, during this time, or are you lost in your list of to-do's. Then He is looking down from heaven at you. And He just loves the fact that you want to know Him. So keep Him at the top of your list -- because you are certainly at the top of His.
Psalm 14:2 -- From heaven the Lord looks down to see if anyone is wise enough to search for Him.
Blessings and peace,
Sherron
As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, the sky was beautiful, crisp and cool... but the ocean seemed to go forever. It seemed limitless...just like our Father's love!
God loves you, and that love is unlimited. You may have to earn love from others -- or even work hard to maintain it. But not for God's love. He offers it to you freely and never stops caring for you.
Always remember that it is you who rejects or turns away from God. He will never forsake you or withhold His love from you. That is the nature of unconditional love -- it is given because it flows from God's character and has absolutely nothing to do with your actions. His love is always with you, in hopes that you will receive it. So embrace God's love. Forget your fears and feel its overwhelmingly wonderful power. Then, love Him back.
Psalm 98:3 -- He has remembered His love and His loyalty to the people of Israel. All the ends of the earth have seen God's power to save.
Blessings and peace,
Sherron
As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, I walked along a different beach... there were birds sitting together as couples along the shoreline. It was as though they were all paired in two's, like the doves that always seem to be cooing at one another... love birds, if you will.
I thought of how we should all be motivated by love, just like Jesus was. Every single thing we do takes on a positive tone when we are doing it for love. Whether we are searching for that perfect gift or mowing the lawn; whether we are cooking Sunday dinner or cleaning out the garage; whether we are reading a story to someone or writing a letter -- if our motivation is love, we find joy in the endeavor. Demonstrating our love for some we are madly in love with is our privilege and pleasure.
It's the same in our relationship with God. When we serve Him for no other reason than because we love Him, our service becomes our delight, rather than our duty. We should all learn to say, "I am first and foremost a love of God. This is who I am." Then out of our first love for Him, we serve others in love.
Then every task we do becomes a joy.
Joshua 22:5 -- But be very careful to obey all the commands and the instructions that Moses gave to you. Love the Lord your God, walk in all His ways, obey His commands, hold firmly to Him, and serve Him with all your heart and all your soul.
Blessings and peace,
Sherron
As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, the dolphin were playing and jumping in the waves. It almost seemed to be tiring to just watch them. I had to really push today to get to the walk... with so many things on the list for Christmas. What a day, but the priority was to get to the ocean to walk with Jesus!!
Burned out. Stressed. Drained. Exhausted. How many of us have used one of these words to describe our current emotional setting? One cause of this overload can be letting ourselves take on more than we can handle, more than we should, more than what God is asking of us.
Sometimes when we think our priorities are okay with God, we are shocked to discover that everything has been askew. No wonder we feel so tired. If we are dong what is right first in the sight of God, we will never burn out. But when we add tasks and responsibilities on top of what He requires of us -- no matter how noble or religious they may be -- our priorities slip out of order.
Fervently pray, along with me, that God would set your priorities. He will line them up and show you His will for you -- His very best for you.
Psalm 68:9 -- You send abundant rain, O God, to refresh the weary land.
Blessings and peace,
Sherron
As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, even though the ocean was calm and soothing to the eyes, my mind would not be still. I kept playing over and over all the things I needed to get done before the day of Christmas, reminding myself that this is the last weekend before the event is here!
Maybe you've been here; the house is still, the world asleep, but your mind won't shut off. In the quietness you her your Loved One's voice, "Spend this time with me." So you slip out of bed. With hot cocoa in one hand the Bible in the other, you settle in, ready to meet with God. You bow your head and thank Him for these moments -- but then it happens; your mind wanders off.
Our thoughts often take us to places we don't want to go, and once they begin the wayward journey, making a U-turn is pretty difficult. It is sad but true -- our own thoughts can be the most ungodly of all influences.
Perhaps we should begin the discipline in our minds of refusal by saying "no" to ungodly thoughts. From there, saying no to the ungodly influences that surround us is that much easier. Try it... and see if your mind won't be a peaceful place to go.
Philippians 4:8 -- And now dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about these things that are excellent and worthy of praise.
Blessings and peace,
Sherron
As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, a little crab went from place to place in the sand, first in his tiny hole then back to the water. It was as though he didn't know where he wanted to be.
How about you? Where are you right now in this season? Maybe you are sitting in an overstuffed chair watching the snow fall silently to the earth. Maybe you are in a hospital bed wondering what tomorrow holds. Maybe you are waiting for your phone to ring -- and desperately hoping for good news.
Wherever you are right now, you are also IN HIM. On the eve of Jesus arrest, He prayed that as He and the Father are one, so we, His followers, would be united to them. He wanted us to be one with Him, drawn close, inseparable. Even in a Nazi prison camp, Corrie ten Boom knew that whatever was happening outside and around her, she was safe in Jesus. His eternal arms held her tight.
Wherever you are, whatever is happening in your life at this very moment, you are IN HIM. And underneath you are His eternal arms. He will not let you go!
John 17:21 -- I pray that they will all be one, just as you and I are one -- as you are in me, Father, and I am in you. And may they be in us so that the world will believe you sent me!
Blessings and peace,
Sherron
As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, the clouds loomed over the waves as a storm moved in and caused the waves to be lashing against the sand! It was a storm I had no control over... but I know who the storm maker is.
People tend to look to something bigger when they face forces beyond themselves. In the foxholes of wartime, most men want to know that a God watches over them, and that, should they die, their sacrifice will matter and their life will go on in a better place. In the delivery room, where women push life into being, they too know that something bigger than themselves is happening and they have no control over it. They know that a higher power and a higher purpose is involved.
What foxholes are in you right now? What part of your life is spinning out of control? That is the time to look to the One who alone knows the reason and the outcome. When forces beyond you press in and threaten to undo you, look to God, your Creator and Sustainer.
He's got it all in His hands. Nothing is too big for Him. Even the winds and the waves obey Him.
Matthew 8:24-27 -- Suddenly, a fierce storm struck the lake, with waves breaking into the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. The disciples went and woke Him up, shouting, "Lord, save us! We're going to drown!" Jesus responded, "why are you afraid? You have so little faith!".... "Who is this man?" they asked. "Even the winds and waves obey Him!"
Blessings and peace,
Sherron
As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, the mist from the ocean was wet and chilling... but refreshing just like the Holy Spirit each time we have an encounter with Him. After the walk, I couldn't wait to home to get warm and cozy.
It was one of those days you want to just curl up with a good book and a cup of coffee. I think curling up with a good book on a quiet day is one of life's underrated pleasures, especially when you know the author personally (the Holy Spirit). You open the pages, and the world around you fades away while you are drawn, willingly, into the story before you. The author's words weave their magic, changing you if only slightly.
Who can deny the power of words to inspire, to deflate, to encourage, to discourage, to help, to hurt? The psalmist found the words of God not bittersweet, as so much human-inspired language turns out to be, but "sweeter than honey." Unlike your own words, His words are always life-giving. Though you may find pleasure in other books, the one God wrote has the power to transform you from the inside out. No wonder this perennial bestseller has stood the test of time.
Psalm 119:103 -- How sweet are Your words to my taste, Sweeter than honey to my mouth.
Blessings and peace,
Sherron
As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, I found a piece of broken pottery that had washed upon the sand. It looked like it was part of what at one time would have been a beautiful pottery cup with part of the handle still attached to the broken piece.
I thought of how our Heavenly Father is the potter in our lives. Once a ceramist creates a figure, the object must be baked under extreme heat before it is ready for use. The firing process delays the enjoyment of the object, and yet if the ceramist skips this process, the object will be useless. The beauty and service of the piece are strengthened for having "passed through the fire."
God must refine you, too, through the fires of adversity. Sometimes that refining process takes the shape of waiting; other times that process allows you to suffer losses, great or small. The process may be as mundane as finding contentment in your ordinary life, or it may be as intense as facing a life-threatening illness. In the end, you are rendered more beautiful and useful to God by having passed through the fire.
Psalm 12:6 -- God's words are pure words, pure silver words refined seven times in the fires of His word-kiln.
Blessings and peace,
Sherron
As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, the ocean backdrop against the beautiful blue sky was breathtaking. There are days as I walk on the beach, that my thoughts wander to the same overwhelming feelings as I would have as I stood on the mountain tops in Asheville, North Carolina feeling the same joy!
Certain overlooks along the Blue Ridge Parkway demand attention the way a harvest moon draws eyes to the night sky. The scenic route twists and winds for more than four hundred miles along the crests of the Blue Ridge and Smokey Mountain ranges, offering views of stunning peaks and spectacular valleys wrapped in the hazy blue mist that earned the mountains their name. You stop, and your breath catches suddenly in your throat. Your perspective changes as you look out, and your worry diminishes. God's awesome creation lifts your heart.
The dramatic and breathtaking mountaintop panorama inspires you to praise God with your whole being. Your eyes may even mist over in joy. Paradoxically, when you praise Him, you are blessed in return. Your spirit is exultant and your heart soars.
Psalm 103:1 -- Bless the Lord, O my soul; and all that is within me, bless His holy name.
Blessings and peace,
Sherron
As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, the pelicans soared across the waves effortlessly as though they were floating. What a beautiful sight to see.
You have probably experienced the sensation of flying in a dream, floating high above the crowd, and reveled in it. To be like the birds, you think, and just fly away when the world presses in too closely; to experience the heady joy of unrestricted movement. You long to have "wings like a dove," but most of the time you feel more like a chicken, flapping miserable around in the barnyard, unable to get off the ground for sustained flight.
When you are bone-weary and eager to fly away, God can give you rest and sustain you. In that place of physical, emotional, and spiritual exhaustion, a divine paradox emerges. When you are weak, He becomes strong in you. Your very weakness is a tool that magnifies His glory.
Psalm 55:6 -- Oh that I had wings like a dove for then would I fly away, and be at rest.
Blessings and peace,
Sherron
As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, I watched the pelicans soaring across the waves and I felt a kindred spirit to the creatures. I felt my spirit soaring with Jesus as He spoke to my heart during the early morning walk!
Many people do not understand they are a tri-part being: a spirit, soul, and a body. You are a spirit, you have a soul, and you live in a body. God promises to take care of all three parts that make you who you are.
You are to work with the Holy Spirit to carry out the plan that began to operate in you when you accepted Jesus as your Lord and Savior. Your new birth begins in your spirit, is carried out through your soul (mind, will, and emotions), and is finally visible to other people through a demonstration of His glory in your physical life. God is working in you as long as you believe. He has begun a good work and He will also finish it.
1 Thessalonians 5:23 -- And may the God of peace Himself sanctify you through and through; and may your spirit and soul and body be preserved sound and complete blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Blessings and peace,
Sherron
As I walked the seaside with Jesus, the beach was quiet -- with no one else walking along but me! I loved it and felt that my Father wanted me all by Himself... to share His thoughts with me... what a great feeling!
The psalmist said that he thought about or meditated on the precepts of God. In other words, He spent a lot of time pondering and thinking on the ways of God, His instructions, and His teachings. The person who does this, according to Psalm 1:3, is "like a tree firmly planted by the streams of water, ready to bring forth its fruit in its seasons; its leaf also shall not fade or wither; and everything he does shall prosper and come to maturity."
The more time you spend meditating on God's Word, the more you will reap from it. The more Word you read and hear, the more power and ability you will have. You will get as much from the Word of God as the effort you put into it. Spend time tonight meditating on God's ways. Choose a Scripture that ministers to you and go to sleep rolling it over and over in your mind.
Psalm 119:15 -- I will meditate on Your precepts and have respect to Your ways (the paths of life marked out by Your law).
Blessings and peace,
Sherron
As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, the waves were almost out of control from the storms that had moved in from the north... but what a beautiful sight to see.
Only God can control the ocean waves, but it is always our nature to want to be in control of our lives. But it is not really an attainable goal, since we are going to have things come up that we don't expect -- just like the wind the storm that had moved in overnight! Assuming you can control all the people and situations that come into your life is an unrealistic expectation -- and one that leaves you frustrated, angry, and exhausted.
God has a good plan for everyone that includes a life far superior to anything the world has to offer, but attaining it involves dying to self. God relentlessly pursues the flesh -- our human nature -- and is intent on setting us free from its control. The process of letting go and giving up control can be painful, but the end result is worth it. So let go of control and let God be God to your life.
Colossians 3:1, 2, 5 -- Aim at and seek the (rich, eternal treasures) that are above... And set your minds and keep them set on what is above... not on the things that are on the earth... kill (deaden, deprive of power) the evil desire... (and all that is earthly in you).
Blessings and peace,
Sherron
As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, the seagulls were all gathered together on the beach... in a huge flock. There was one small seagull all alone, as though he had been rejected by the group, wandering around trying to find a place to fit in.
I immediately thought of what it is like when we are rejected by others. We feel badly about ourselves, and wonder what is wrong with us. This makes us not like ourselves. And if we find it difficult to like ourself, it seems we are not alone.
We all have struggled with self rejection during our life. We have to realize that is not God's plan for us. He doesn't want us to feel afraid and insecure... or to be consumed with achieving perfection in hopes of being considered valuable.
God is the only one who can perfect the good work He has started in our life, but it takes some time to complete the journey. And during the process He wants us to recognize that we are making progress as we travel life's road. So today, give yourself a break and say, "I'm okay and I am on my way."
Philippians 1:6 -- And I am convinced and sure of this very thing; that He Who begun a good work in you will continue until the day of Jesus Christ return.
Blessings and peace,
Sherron
As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, I felt overwhelmed by the endless horizon of the ocean. It seems to never end... and all of a sudden I felt so small and so insignificant in the scheme of things.
In the little boy's hands it was simply five loaves of bread and two fish. In God's hands that same one-boy picnic fed over five thousand people, with twelve baskets of leftovers!
We don't feel like we have very much to offer. Our resources are limited. Our talents are few (and not really all that great). Our time is full.
Like the disciples, the world says, "That's not enough to make any difference to anyone," Jesus says, "Give it to me." Then He blesses it and sends it out to change the world -- maybe just for a little bit, maybe just for a few people. But those few people in that moment in time feel the touch of God.
You see, God hasn't changed. He loves it when His children hand over what they have so that He can go to work making miracles happen.
John 6:5 -- Jesus soon saw a large crowd of people coming to look for him. Turning to Philip, he asked, "Where can we buy bread to feed all these people?"
Blessings and peace,
Sherron
As I started to walk the seaside with Jesus today, the sky was gray, but looked like it might get clear... the wind was brisk and sharp against my face. So I had a decision to make -- to continue my walk, or turn back and abort the morning solitude with my Father. I decided to continue and complete the walk!
It made a decision to fulfill the assignment. When we were young, what seemed like complicated choices were really quite simple. Chocolate or vanilla ice cream with the chocolate cake? A red bike or a blue bike? Lunch from home or from the school cafeteria? Other choices reflected our right-or-wrong beliefs. Cheating on a test. Gossiping about a friend. Being a bad sport.
As adults, however, our choices become more serious. Who will we marry? What kind of job training do we need? Where should we live? Other, more troubling issues could follow: What do we do about an unhappy marriage? How do we handle a life-threatening illness? How can we pay the bills when we have lost our job?
We can't always choose our circumstances. We don't always control life's events. But we can choose how to respond when facing those circumstances, those life events. Remember this, as long as there is a God, there is a choice.
Proverbs 16:16 -- How much better to get wisdom than gold, and good judgment than silver.
Blessings and peace,
Sherron
As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, the beach was busy with activity. I was distracted by all the busyness... and it took me back to the time of being an "activity driven" person... one who lacked the time to even find out who I was without all the flurry of activity!
So much of our self-worth is wrapped up in the amount of activity we can perform in any given day. We don our Superwoman costumes and fly out the door hoping to multitask our way to true fulfillment.
And so often we conduct our spiritual lives in the same way. Do. Do. Do. We want to feel some sense of accomplishment, so we don our Super Christian Woman costumes in order to work our way to spiritual growth.
I think we have it backwards. Our being must precede our doing and consuming if we are to grow up into all the fullness of Christ. We need to BE first. We can be involved in church activities, which are good, but have we stopped to ask God if that is what we should do? Our very busyness often keeps us from the time we need to be a friend of God.
By studying His Word, we seek conviction, direction, and teaching by the Holy Spirit. With our renewed minds, our actions follow.
Philippians 3:8-9 -- He humbled Himself in obedience to God and died a criminal's death on a cross. Therefore, God elevated Him to the place of highest honor, and gave Him the name above all other names.
Blessings and peace,
Sherron
As I walked the seaside with Jesus today, I watched a diving duck struggle to hold onto the fish he had caught... when all of a sudden another duck came along, trying to take the fish away from him, and they both lost! The fish had escaped because of the greed of another duck trying to take from one that had done the work!
All I could think was, how much are we like that? We always want what others have. And God is just waiting to bless us. But too often we bring our prayers to Him like attorneys preparing to present a case. We feel we need to convince God in order to overcome His reluctance.
Just the opposite. Prayer is laying hold of God's willingness, His plan for each one of us is as different as our fingerprints; therefore, His answers and blessings will be according to our specific needs in alignment with His will.
Praying for blessing isn't a selfish act; it is asking God to infuse your life with everything He has always wanted to give you but was only waiting for you to request.
God is not reluctant to give you what you need. He is eager for you to receive His gifts and with gratitude. You need only be willing.
He can't wait to see what you will do with those gifts.
James 4:2 -- You are jealous of what others have, but you can't get it, so you fight and wage war to take it away from them. Yet you don't have what you want because you don't ask God for it.
Blessings and peace,
Sherron