New Day Devotion BY Shelby Finley

Pearls

Who knows where a pearl comes from?
Right, pearls come from a mussel, shell, oyster or a clam which are usually found at the
bottom of the lake or ocean. Pearls can be formed in both salt water and fresh water.
Does anyone know how pearls are formed?
A pearl is formed inside of a shell when an irritant such as a parasite or a grain of sand
enters the inside of a shell causing it to make a sack where the pearl is formed.
In many ways pearls are like all of us. Pearls represent our hearts and shells represent
our bodies. In life we all go through many trials and tribulations whether it be abuse at
home, bullies at school or even the people we call family. Different irritants in life cause
us to be or feel wounded. Our hearts eventually heal from the love that God gives us
through people that truly want the best for us and love us through our wounds. A pearl
is a healed wound our hearts get healed through Jesus’ love for us.
Everyone’s heart/pearl has been through a series of different things but at the end of the
day our pearl/heart is still a heart that God gave us therefore it is beautiful.
Like us pearls come from different places and backgrounds, different shapes, sizes and
colors but still unique and beautiful each in our own way. Our pearls/hearts emphasize
our value beyond what is on the outside (our shell) it is what is on the inside of our shell
that truly matters the most.
1 Peter 3:3-4 – “Beauty comes from the inner person not from our outward appearance”
So, this weekend and at camp this summer remember that on the outside we all look
different but on the inside we all have a unique pearl that belongs to God
Dear lord, I pray that this devotion of us as pearls inspires us to love each other as you
have loved each of us. May we remember that we are all beautiful in our own unique
way. I pray that this weekend we may all grow closer to you and as a team we can be
ready to love, cherish and serve the kids of new day camp this summer
Amen