A Web walk each day with Peggie through a home called Peggie's Place! . . . .
Been to the zoo lately? (I know; some days you think you LIVE in one!) However you relate (nothing personal!), God's creativity never ceases to amaze me! I enjoy God's sense of humor, and delight to see the strange and wonderful creatures He has made! And then, wonder of wonders, He made US--we barely scratch the surface of the creativity He shares with us as mirrors of His own beloved image.
Well, I haven't been to the zoo lately--but I was down to the deep sea some years ago--working on a VBS writing assignment about "God's Deep Sea Treasures." I was in the belly of the big fish, on Paul's storm-tossed ship, walking on water with Peter (uh, not QUITE!), and having the time of my life, as I explored stories from the deep sea in God's Word.
Want to discover some REAL treasure in God's deep sea? Then climb out of the well, put on your wet suit, your diving helmet, your breathing gear--and follow me! We are off to learn some lessons in God's creative sea!
Tangled by the sea!...
Mussels--funny little shell creatures that operate an underwater string machine! The animal inside this shell spins silky string everywhere. It could very easily get tangled up in the string, and confuse itself out of existence. But no! The string becomes an anchor--the mussel will attach it to a stone, seaweed, or other shells. When the waves crash around it, it holds fast, and is safe.
Ever feel tangled in the sea of YOUR life? Be like the mussel! Let the tangles of life become anchors to hold you to the ROCK! When the waves begin to crash around you, the Rock will hold you fast. The Creator of the sea will take the messed-up maze, untangle it, and use it to bless others. For with Him, nothing is ever wasted!
Scripture: "From the end of the earth 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...(Psalms 6l:2,3 KJV)."
Torn by the Sea! ...
Starfish--beautiful, dangerous creatures of the sea! Ask the oysters, clams and mussels. For if a starfish wraps its five arms around you, you're a goner! Now, in the fight, it may lose one of those arms. But "no fear"--for the starfish just grows another one, and it's off again to search for its next delectable meal!
Ever feel torn by the sea? Be like the starfish! Don't give up--just grow another arm and keep goin'! For though circumstances may break you apart, and people cut you to shreds (it happens, and it hurts!), your Creator won't waste that hurt or sorrow. He will restore what the enemy tries to destroy, and then use YOU to bind up ANOTHER starfish that's hurting! That's how our creative God works! His healing Presence will soothe the tender spots of your life--and someone else's--if you will let Him! For with Him, nothing is ever wasted!
Scripture: "He restoreth my soul... (Psalms 23:3 KJV)."
Tested by the Sea!...
Oyster--beautiful hidden treasure-holder of the sea! Minding its own business, opening and closing its shell to let in food and keep out danger! Then a tiny piece of sand sneaks in and gleefully tries to take over. It's not long until the oyster feels its irritating presence. But it's NOT over, because God has given this tiny creature the ability to manufacture "mother of pearl." It secretes its substance round and round that tiny piece of sand, and YOU know the result--in time, a LONG time, a lovely pearl of great beauty!...
Ever been irritated by sand in your life? Of course! Life is full of irritations--in the home, workplace, and yes, even church! Many times we handle the big problems with amazing grace; it's those little grains of sand that wipe us out. Little hurts, snubs, and grievances that irritate our sensitive souls. Tired of it all? Then give that sensitive nature to the Lord; let Him turn it into a sensitive spirit, ready to minister to the needs around you. The Creator of the sea would make you a beautiful pearl in His sight, for His use, and in HIS time! For with Him, nothing is ever wasted!
Scripture: "He hath made everything beautiful in its time... (Ecclesiastes 3:11 KJV)."
Tangled, torn, tested by the sea? The Creator Who made the creatures of the sea, with their delightful come-back ability, has made you too! He can and will untangle the threads, restore the broken, and turn the testings into treasures for His glory. His wonderful, creative power is admired in the deep sea; it can be acquired in YOUR sea this day! For God, the Creator of the sea, is the Creator of your life!
And that's just a word...or two, from my heart to yours!
Scripture: "They see the works of the Lord, and his wonders in the deep (Psalm 107:24 (KJV)."
Prayer: "Lord, people may see the calm appearance of a peaceful sea; I can mask it really well; but YOU know. For beneath the calm, lies troubled, bitter waters that need cleansed and made pure. Creator of the sea, create in me a clean heart. Untangle the messed-up threads, restore the broken parts, heal the wounded spirit. And then help me to bless someone else! In Jesus' Name, I pray. Amen.
--Copyright 2010 by Peggie C. Bohanon, Springfield, MO 65803. All rights reserved.
--Find more devotionals by Peggie at The Devotional Buffet.
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Featuring: Faith, Freedom and the Flag - a July 4 USA Celebration!
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More fun 'n faith for today....
Today's news and weather
Reuters - Top US, Political, International News
ChristianPost.com - Today's Christian News Online . . . Breaking Christian News
The Weather Channel - national and local weather forecast
Today's Bible Reading
Today's Bible reading from Biblica!
Alternate reading plans and versions: Bible Gateway Reading Plans
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Diggin' into archived devotionals by Peggie
The Robber and the Resurrector!
Medaled Moments...Medaled Men!
...and a daily byte of chocolate!
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Today's humor and inspiration
"The Beatitudes Go to College" and "Windshield Wiper Lesson from a Child"
a href="http://www.peggiesplace.com/tnt167.htm">"Who's Who?" and "The Fate of Sand Castles"
See TNT archives for lots more!
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New Medicines Approved by the FDA!?!
Histalavista: Say bye-bye to those allergies.
Milk of Amnesia: Infant formula to help babies forget birth trauma.
Non-Interferon: Black market drug often slipped to unsuspecting in-laws.
Testsoteroni: A hormonal supplement eaten as pasta.
Aesthetominophen: You don't feel any better, but you look fabulous.
Elmer's Aspirin: Half aspirin and half glue, for those splitting headaches.
Preparation H with Aspirin: Offers relief from people who are a pain in the posterior.
--Reprinted from Mikey's Funnies.
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Today's quote:
"The good Lord didn't create anything without a purpose, but mosquitoes come close."
Have a great day serving the Lord!
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--Archived sources:
Tickles 'n Truth archives
The Virtual Chocolate Shop
--Quote credits: Mikey's Funnies and/or Walking with Jesus Ministries .
--Copyright 2010 by Peggie C. Bohanon, Springfield, MO. All rights reserved.
--A weekday feature at Peggie's Place, "the most fun Christian home on the Web!
