Devotions for the Beach
Jesus said to them, “Come and eat breakfast.” Yet none of the disciples dared ask Him, “Who are You?” — knowing that it was the Lord. — John 21:12
It had been a tough morning, to be sure. Following Jesus’ death, several disciples returned to their regularly scheduled programming. They got up early, took their fishing nets, and… nothing. Not a bite. Until some guy stood on the shore and called out a weird suggestion to throw their nets in from the other side of the boat.
I wonder if any of them grumbled briefly, “What difference does it make which side of the boat we throw the nets from? Who is this guy?” But by then, they were desperate enough to try anything.
Suddenly, when their nets were heavy, the same question took on a different meaning, because they knew the answer. John shouted, “It is the Lord!” and Peter could not get to Jesus fast enough. Other than suggesting that they add some of the fresh catch to His spread, Jesus’ sole response was “Come and eat breakfast.”
Now, wait just a minute.
When read in context, the scripture notes that this is Jesus’ third post-resurrection appearance, a miracle unto itself.
After all, these men saw Him perish on the cross. And not only that, He’s preparing a meal on the beach — not as a ghost or apparition, but as a physical being able to lift things and build a fire, etc. Then, after their own efforts had been useless, He provides an abundance of fish with one simple instruction. And after these marvels, He simply says, “Come and eat breakfast”?
Yes.
We create so much unnecessary hoopla in our own regularly scheduled programming. We plan, we implement, and we work hard… and get frustrated when nothing comes of it. Desperate and empty, we finally look to Jesus as a last resort — because we don’t recognize who He is. And sometimes, really, all He’s asking is that we come join Him and take part in what He’s prepared and created. The rest will come.
So declutter your mind of plans, schedules, and “to do” lists. Instead, look out upon the waves, wiggle your toes in the sand, absorb the sights, smells, and sounds, and enjoy the moment for what it is — not what it means, not what lies ahead, not how you arrived here. There will be another time for that. For now, just be present with Him.
After all, in the best relationships, sometimes words are unnecessary.
Lord Jesus, I bring no words, no petitions with me right now. Just a moment to be still and commune with You in gratitude and love, using all of my senses to absorb and celebrate Your beautiful creation.
Excerpt from Devotions for the Beach... and Days You Wish You Were There.
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It had been a tough morning, to be sure. Following Jesus’ death, several disciples returned to their regularly scheduled programming. They got up early, took their fishing nets, and… nothing. Not a bite. Until some guy stood on the shore and called out a weird suggestion to throw their nets in from the other side of the boat.
I wonder if any of them grumbled briefly, “What difference does it make which side of the boat we throw the nets from? Who is this guy?” But by then, they were desperate enough to try anything.
Suddenly, when their nets were heavy, the same question took on a different meaning, because they knew the answer. John shouted, “It is the Lord!” and Peter could not get to Jesus fast enough. Other than suggesting that they add some of the fresh catch to His spread, Jesus’ sole response was “Come and eat breakfast.”
Now, wait just a minute.
When read in context, the scripture notes that this is Jesus’ third post-resurrection appearance, a miracle unto itself.
After all, these men saw Him perish on the cross. And not only that, He’s preparing a meal on the beach — not as a ghost or apparition, but as a physical being able to lift things and build a fire, etc. Then, after their own efforts had been useless, He provides an abundance of fish with one simple instruction. And after these marvels, He simply says, “Come and eat breakfast”?
Yes.
We create so much unnecessary hoopla in our own regularly scheduled programming. We plan, we implement, and we work hard… and get frustrated when nothing comes of it. Desperate and empty, we finally look to Jesus as a last resort — because we don’t recognize who He is. And sometimes, really, all He’s asking is that we come join Him and take part in what He’s prepared and created. The rest will come.
So declutter your mind of plans, schedules, and “to do” lists. Instead, look out upon the waves, wiggle your toes in the sand, absorb the sights, smells, and sounds, and enjoy the moment for what it is — not what it means, not what lies ahead, not how you arrived here. There will be another time for that. For now, just be present with Him.
After all, in the best relationships, sometimes words are unnecessary.
Lord Jesus, I bring no words, no petitions with me right now. Just a moment to be still and commune with You in gratitude and love, using all of my senses to absorb and celebrate Your beautiful creation.
Reviews
"I originally picked up this book for the title and the cover, but I love each devotion. All the devotions have an analogy to the beach. Love how she weaves the beach into Biblical truths. Not only did I buy this book for myself, but for several of my friends. Great gift for any beach lover." - Judy
"We ordered these for a group of people at the beach. A great thing to put in their rooms. The devotions are so awesome when you can look out and see God's hand in creation of the ocean, sky, birds, sun, moon, & stars." -Dewdrop
"This devotional was recommended to me because of my love of the beach. For that alone it is a lovely reminder of those things I hold dear. But it is for the scriptural insights that I recommend this book. Each day there is that little nugget of truth that touches the heart." - Dee G
About the Devotional
Dig your feet in the sand and let the water cool your toes as you escape into the beauty of God’s seaside creations, and hear His voice more clearly than perhaps anywhere else.
There’s nothing quite like the warmth and relaxation of the beach — away from the stresses of the world and into a place of peace and refreshment.
Devotions for the Beach is the gentle breeze that takes you there, to see the majesty of God and to open your heart and soul to the One who created it all.
These ninety devotions explore the parallels of life with the elements of the shore to help you see God, to find hope, to draw strength, and to rest in the comfort of His arms throughout your day.
Included throughout the devotional is beautiful full-color photography of the ocean and beach scenes to remind you of days at the beach and the call of God’s love.
"I originally picked up this book for the title and the cover, but I love each devotion. All the devotions have an analogy to the beach. Love how she weaves the beach into Biblical truths. Not only did I buy this book for myself, but for several of my friends. Great gift for any beach lover." - Judy
"We ordered these for a group of people at the beach. A great thing to put in their rooms. The devotions are so awesome when you can look out and see God's hand in creation of the ocean, sky, birds, sun, moon, & stars." -Dewdrop
"This devotional was recommended to me because of my love of the beach. For that alone it is a lovely reminder of those things I hold dear. But it is for the scriptural insights that I recommend this book. Each day there is that little nugget of truth that touches the heart." - Dee G
About the Devotional
Dig your feet in the sand and let the water cool your toes as you escape into the beauty of God’s seaside creations, and hear His voice more clearly than perhaps anywhere else.
There’s nothing quite like the warmth and relaxation of the beach — away from the stresses of the world and into a place of peace and refreshment.
Devotions for the Beach is the gentle breeze that takes you there, to see the majesty of God and to open your heart and soul to the One who created it all.
These ninety devotions explore the parallels of life with the elements of the shore to help you see God, to find hope, to draw strength, and to rest in the comfort of His arms throughout your day.
Included throughout the devotional is beautiful full-color photography of the ocean and beach scenes to remind you of days at the beach and the call of God’s love.
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