I love the beach. It’s a different place each day and that one of the things I love. But at the same time, I am glad that the controller of that beach is the same every day!
Are you not the same today, the one who dried up the sea, making a path of escape through the depths so that your people could cross over? (Isaiah 51:10 NLT)
He’s the same, and he’s always crafting things in new ways. Make sure you let him work on you today. Lay another brick!
For years I have traveled to the beach with my brother-in-law and for years he would make it his mission to search and find a sand dollar. It happened that at the beach we visited sand dollars were a rare find most years. Even so he would search diligently each day with a nice slow walk down the beach. In the meantime, the joy of hunting for other shells decreased with each trip. The lure of the commonly found shells had dissipated and the focus on the goal was all consuming. Finally one summer we traveled to a lesser used portion of the beach, and he hit the jackpot. The prize was discovered and the victory was won! He still looks for sand dollars, but the main thrust of his search is complete.
Yesterday, I found myself in a similar situation. I was walking on a sandbar where sand dollars where everywhere. Just reach down and grab them. They were as common as a normal shell, and the familiarity decreased its interest. But for me, I was looking for the elusive shark tooth. They are supposed to be here I thought as I now found myself burdened with a search as I strolled the sea shore.
That’s how we are. We are comfortable with the familiar and are always looking for something new. Today I remind you of the one thing that we should always desire, even when we have found it. It’s value should never grow old.
Search for the Lord and for His strength; seek His face always. (1 Chronicles 16:11 NET)
Maybe today will bring the sharks tooth, maybe it will not. Either way, I will keep searching. and actually, I will keep searching for sand dollars as well- just bigger ones. And, despite, my feelings of familiarity. I will keep the search for the greatest kingdom and the strength of the Lord fresh and alive throughout the day. I hope you will as well.
Keep Searching
Here is a little quote for the day
Do not set out to build a wall. Set out to lay one perfect brick each day.
This reminds me of the little adage I was taught years ago, “inch by inch it’s a cinch” . Take one step forward today!
Sing to the Lord, all the earth. Proclaim His salvation from day to day. (1 Chronicles 16:23 HCSB)
Here’s just a little brain teaser from the Christ himself. He said these words when talking with a crowd of people about how they viewed his activities vs customs of the day. It’s probably good to think about this today in the same light.
24 Stop judging by the way things look, but judge by what is really right.” John 7:24 New Century Version (NCV)
As darkness arrived yesterday and Usher’s curated fireworks started blasting over New York, the hills and valleys around my home came to life with volleys and explosions. Usually, I can see all of these displays, but those trees, well, you know!
Hours later, I went to sleep with the pops and cracks of hundreds of fireworks being launched from all over the city. Deep into the night the noises could still be heard. The birthday was celebrated well, despite the continual rain and the cancellation of most of the municipal firework shows. With the thoughts of yesterday still fresh on our minds, this proverb is a great way to move forward and create a catalyst for spiritual growth today!
16 Fools have short fuses and explode all too quickly; the prudent quietly shrug off insults. 17 Truthful witness by a good person clears the air, but liars lay down a smoke screen of deceit. Proverbs 12:16-17 MSG