June's in bloom as we head for the beaches by car, plane, cruise or cam--Webcam, that is, if you're left behind to enjoy it virtually, whatever fun that is! Keeps you dry, doesn't mess up your hair, no sand in your sandals, no burn on your skin--and it's free, if not the BEST fun in the world! You see, I love oceans and wild, roaring surf, endless expanse of waterways that God made--and when summer hits the horizon, I sit in my Midwest no-ocean office, watch Webcam, and wail, "I wanna go to the ocean!"
Now you know there would have to be a devotional in that wail (or whale, if you're into making puns...), so come along with me to a Bible beach right near the Well, and let's at least learn if we can't burn! Who wants a sunburn anyway!
A Helping Word...or
Two!
Welcome to Bible Beach--and the Pounding Surf!
Welcome, Paul...and sorry, there's no beach in immediate view. As a matter of fact, all there is, is the boat you're on and it's breaking apart. The surf is pounding fiercely, the boat's in pieces--no postcard picture here to send home. Paul, you're not afraid? I hear you saying to the frightened sailors, "I believe God"--and you know what, Paul? You were right. I read in the Bible how you didn't drown in that storm. You swam for dear life and you made it--onto the shore, with a great sigh of relief, and great praise to God, I'm sure!
Sometimes our boat's out in the middle of the pounding surf...no shore to be seen. The waves keep beating against our frail, little boat--but you know what? We can "believe God," just as Paul did...He survived that outrageous storm and those overwhelming waves...He made it with his faith in God, a broken piece of the boat, and a lot of prayer. And so will we...never mind the pounding surf; God doesn't plan to let you drown--He's going to bring you to shore, just wait and see!
'Bye to Bible Beach--and Welcome, Shifting Sand!
Welcome, Abraham, to the shifting sands of life! Sorry--no beach today! You thought you had it "made in the shade," but God had other plans. He's thrusting you out onto the searing, shifting sands; you have no idea where you're going, and sure, it's sand, but it's DESERT sand--hardly a beach here! Besides, that sand is hot on your feet, and a handicap in your eyes...how in the world did you get here, Abraham? Following God sure doesn't look like a trip on firm ground--or IS it? God's ground is always firm--it's His Word and whether the sand shifts beneath you or not, Abraham, your soul is steadfast on that unshakable Rock of His Word, and you're going to be just fine! You believed it--and you were right, for we read your name in the Bible's Hall of Fame...you made it, sandy feet and all!
Sometimes our feet encounter shifting sands--and we shy away from the desert experiences. Why not! We're human--and humans don't LIKE desert experiences. But they're good for us--hot sand, specks of sand in our eyes, thirsty souls, and all--it's worth it. For when we travel with God across the shifting sand, He trudges along with us. HE provides the sandals of peace, the soothing ointment for sore eyes, the refreshing drink for thirsty souls--He becomes our All in ALL in the desert, and that's exactly where He wants us. Just to follow Him, like Abraham, in unquestioning, unfaltering, unbreakable faith. The ROCK is just beneath us, unseen below the shifting sand, and it will not let us fall. God doesn't plan a sandstorm to blow you away--He's going to bring you through, just wait and see!
Back to Bible Beach--and the Stormy Sea!
Welcome, fishermen, to the stormy sea! Peter, James and John, stop shaking! Can't you see beyond the storm--look below, the Savior, the MASTER of the sea, is in the boat with you! Oh, I know, He's sound asleep but if HE, the Creator of the sea, is in your boat, why should you fear? You thought life was one smooth sail--a fisherman's paradise--but today it looks more like "Paradise Lost." Now WHY would your beloved Master let that happen? So He could prove to you--and to all of us down through the ages--that HE is Master of the sea--AND the hearts of men. He can calm the storm on high seas--or in your heart! And, by the way, we've read the rest of the story in God's Word, and WE know you're going to be just fine, fishermen--just wait and see!
Sometimes our fishing boat's out in the middle of the stormy sea. We DON'T know the end from the beginning; we don't know which end is up! Concern turns to anxiety; anxiety turns to fear; fear turns to panic and we scream, "Jesus, HELP! I'm drowning!" And Jesus, not now asleep in our boat, but at the right hand of the Father, hears the cry, smiles and says, "My child, I'm teaching you to trust Me...just a few more ups and down, winds and waves--I'm watching, and I'm waiting for you to lean on Me. If you lean close enough, you'll hear Me whisper, "Peace, be still," and you too will know the final calm of the fishermen that day on Lake Galilee. I am going to bring you through--just wait and see!"
Surf, sand 'n the sea...all wonderful experience in the vacations of life; not so wonderful in the adventures of life...but remember, if you're following HIM, you're going to make it--sand, surf and sea experiences are not meant to destroy you--but to equip you. You're safe in His care! Remember that this summer--at the beach, on a cruise, in the middle of the ocean--or the Midwest; He's with us and that's ALL that counts!
His Healing
Words
"From the end of the earth (the surf, the sand and the sea!) will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed; lead me to the rock that is higher than I. For thou hast been a shelter for me, and a strong tower from the enemy. I will abide in thy tabernacle (on the sand, the surf and the sea) forever; I will trust in the shelter of thy wings (on the surf, the sand and the sea!). Selah! (Psalm 61:2-4, partly paraphrased by Peggie!)."
"Lord, I've been in all three places--the surf, the sand and the sea--and I've found You faithful. I will continue to trust You for the journey...I know You are teaching and training me in the tough places of life--thank You for being the all-wise God I KNOW is in charge of my life--on the surf, the sand and the sea! I trust You! In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Featured links--surf with Christian care, please!
A REAL Ocean!--thanks to my California friend Gayle!
I'm blessed with a wonderful "virtual web family," many
close friends who not only help to keep me sane and smiling, but write wonderful
devotionals. Enjoy their spiritual insights--and their sites as
well!
Note: As of 11/30/15, sites will no longer be checked for dead links. Please contact owner at peggiesplace.com due to tremendous amount of links.
Celebrating God's goodness . . .. . . 16 million and more!
Note: Counter keeps a running total of "hits" (which include images and people "hitting" any page or pages), erroneously identified by me as "page views" for the
entire site. --It jogs around the world and around the clock--to find
YOU!
This Christian home has been visited a zillion times
since December 26, 1995! Well, not quite, but there HAS been a houseful--and
STILL room for one more--YOU! The Christian Counter scans the entire site--and there's plenty of chocolate for everyone--so enjoy!
Most of the music playing at Peggie's Place originates from Songs of Praise.
Additional (previously named) original source for some midis: Gilberto Barreto.
Visit this great Web site to hear beautiful tunes by many talented artists. CDs are available.
All Scriptures on this website, including all applications, etc., are from the King James Version of The Holy Bible, public domain, unless otherwise noted.
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Please note that while I strongly adhere to major tenets of the
evangelical Christian faith, I may not personally agree with every specific doctrinal belief set forth in other
Christian pages.
A safety tip: Internet links and material may include other links and/or material which do not reflect my views or yours, Christian or otherwise. Please choose wisely and use with discretion! And if you find an ugly spider hiding in a dark corner,
you may smash it with a broom--I hate offensive stuff too!
A Hurting
Word...
