Shine.FM

Most people treat good friends much differently than strangers, rivals, or individuals they don’t care for. They are inclined to give willingly and freely to those they love, but reserve disapproval and disdain for those who reject them.
 
Such could be said regarding God’s favor toward the righteous and enmity toward the wicked. Who stands between is His beloved Son Jesus.
 
All were enemies of God, lost in sin, and without hope in the world (Romans 5:10, Ephesians 2:12). But when Christ broke down the dividing wall of hostility, the way was opened for those who believe to be reconciled to God (Ephesians 2:14-16). Evil still exists, but no longer prevails (1 Corinthians 15:55-57).
 
Jesus graciously offers a choice—everlasting life instead of everlasting death.
 
“Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on His law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers. The wicked are not so, but are like chaff that the wind drives away. Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous; for the Lord knows the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish.” – Psalm 1
 
“Though the wicked sprout like grass and all evildoers flourish, they are doomed to destruction forever … For behold, Your enemies, O Lord, shall perish; all evildoers shall be scattered. But … The righteous flourish like the palm tree and grow like a cedar … They are planted in the house of the Lord; they flourish in the courts of our God. They still bear fruit in old age; they are ever full of sap and green, to declare that the Lord is upright … there is no unrighteousness in Him.” – Psalm 92:7, 9, 12-15
 
God loves even those who turn from Him, desiring “all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth” (1 Timothy 2:4). Nevertheless, because of His holiness, “The way of the wicked is an abomination to the Lord, but He loves him who pursues righteousness” (Proverbs 15:9).
 
“For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and His ears are open to their prayer. But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.” – 1 Peter 3:12
 
In rich mercy, God preserves His own through Christ.
 
“I have been young, and now am old, yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken or his children begging for bread.” – Psalm 37:25
 
“The Lord knows how to rescue the godly from trials, and to keep the unrighteous under punishment until the day of judgment” – 2 Peter 2:9
 
“Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints.” – Psalm 116:15
 
Jesus, friend of sinners, advocates for the one who was once an adversary to become a dearly adopted child of the King.

Abby

The pages of a journal, photos of an album, and conversations of a family tell stories. Every once in a while, you may peek back in time for the enchantment of reliving precious moments. Looking back isn’t always pleasurable, but it always provides perspective.
 
Reminiscing can be organized, like when a loved one passes away, or spontaneous, like when a song catches you by surprise on the radio. I tend toward nostalgia at key periods in my life, but lately I have been reflecting more intentionally, for no reason other than to remember what God has done and praise Him for it.
 
Psalm 77 expresses, “I consider the days of old, the years long ago. I said, ‘Let me remember my song in the night; let me meditate in my heart.’ Then my spirit made a diligent search … I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember Your wonders of old. I will ponder all Your work, and meditate on Your mighty deeds” (5-6, 11-12).
 
Scripture’s frequent command is to consider God’s fullness and call to mind His work.
 
“You shall remember the whole way that the Lord your God has led you these forty years in the wilderness, that He might humble you, testing you to know what was in your heart, whether you would keep His commandments or not … You shall remember the Lord your God, for it is He who gives you power to get wealth, that He may confirm His covenant that He swore to your fathers, as it is this day.” – Deuteronmony 8:2, 18
 
“Forget not all His benefits, who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy, who satisfies you with good so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.” – Psalm 103:2-5
 
When Jacob appealed to God at a critical time, he cast his gaze backward too. “I am not worthy of the least of all the deeds of steadfast love,” he confessed, “and all the faithfulness that You have shown to Your servant” (Genesis 32:10).
 
Indeed, the prophets not only confirm God’s faithfulness in the past, but affirm it in the future.
 
“You will show faithfulness to Jacob and steadfast love to Abraham, as You have sworn to our fathers from the days of old.” – Micah 7:20
 
Never once has God changed. Never once has God failed. He is perfectly consistent, lovingly attentive, and eternally enthroned. Whether I revisit prayers from years past or laugh with family about days gone by, I am reminded of God’s steadfast love.
 
In the midst of trouble, on the brink of change, or on a very ordinary day, God’s presence (and memory of it) sustains me … until one day I will know in full and never be apart.
 
“Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” – Psalm 23:6

Abby

The word “rock” likely ushers a thought to mind immediately. You may picture a pebble in a bubbling creek, a boulder on a cliff, or a mountainous cavern. A soundtrack might start streaming through your head as you drift back to the 80’s. Or, scenes of the infamous actor could forever mark your association with that term.
 
In the Bible, though, “rock” means something entirely different. Of course, there were literal stones, clefts, and caves, featured in several stories. But those were a mere representation of their Maker, the true Rock.
 
“For who is God, but the Lord? And who is a rock, except our God?” – 2 Samuel 22:32
 
“There is none holy like the Lord: for there is none besides You; there is no rock like our God.” – 1 Samuel 2:2
 
“The Rock, His work is perfect, for all His ways are justice. A God of faithfulness and without iniquity, just and upright is He.” – Deuteronomy 32:4
 
Like a rock, God is steady, sturdy, unmoving and unchanging.
 
“The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.” – Psalm 18:2
 
The Almighty is a proven, trustworthy foundation—the bedrock and cornerstone.
 
“He only is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be shaken. On God rests my salvation and my glory; my mighty rock, my refuge is God.” – Psalm 62:5-7
 
“Hear my cry, O God, … Lead me to the rock that is higher than I, for You have been my refuge, a strong tower against the enemy.” – Psalm 61:1-3
 
“Everyone then who hears these words of Mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock.” – Matthew 7:24-25
 
“Rock” is but one of endless reasons to praise the King.
 
“Oh come, let us sing to the Lord; let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation!” – Psalm 95:1
 
“The Lord lives, and blessed be my rock, and exalted be my God, the rock of my salvation” – 2 Samuel 22:47
 
The people of the wilderness witnessed it, and believers today get to as well.
 
“For I do not want you to be unaware, brothers, that our fathers were all under the cloud, and all passed through the sea, and all were baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea, and all ate the same spiritual food, and all drank the same spiritual drink. For they drank from the spiritual Rock that followed them, and the Rock was Christ.” – 1 Corinthians 10:1-4
 
May the hearts of God’s people always be softened and sturdied upon the Rock.

Abby

There’s nothing quite like today. The day ahead cannot be guaranteed, and the day behind cannot be changed. Yesterday is in the books, tomorrow is on the horizon, but today is here right now.
 
And Scripture speaks a lot about today. Psalm 118:24 says, “This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” Psalm 19:2 adds, “Day to day pours out speech, and night to night reveals knowledge.”
 
Each day is a gift from God, and “every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change” (James 1:17).
 
Oftentimes I find myself regretting yesterday or dreading tomorrow … but God’s Spirit encourages me to focus on the moment at hand.
 
“Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?” – Isaiah 43:18
 
“Do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.” – Matthew 6:34
 
In the wilderness, God rained bread from heaven in an abundance of provision for His people. Yet He commanded them only to collect enough for one day, and in preparation for the day of rest, enough for two. Any extra would spoil, except on the Sabbath.
 
Still today, God moves in much the same fashion. He gives enough for today, and then promises that tomorrow He will again give enough for today.
 
Lamentations 3:22-23 proves, “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness.”
 
Second Corinthians 12:9 affirms, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness.”
 
Hebrews 3:13 instructs, “Exhort one another every day, as long as it is called “today,” that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin.”
 
With each dawn come divine blessing, strength, and hope from above.
 
“Because of the tender mercy of our God … the sunrise shall visit us from on high to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.” – Luke 1:78-79
 
“God is in the midst of [the city of God, the holy habitation of the Most High]; she shall not be moved; God will help her when morning dawns.” – Psalm 46:5
 
“I rise before dawn and cry for help; I hope in Your words. My eyes are awake before the watches of the night, that I may meditate on Your promise. Hear my voice according to Your steadfast love; O Lord, according to Your justice give me life.” – Psalm 119:147-149
 
Despite what tomorrow may or may not bring, today is an open book and ready offering. May it be lived for the praise, glory, and good pleasure of the God who made it!

Abby

A major aspect of human life involves memory. You may fondly reminisce over your childhood, intentionally recall a friend’s birthday, or suddenly remember you have an appointment. To remember is to revisit.
 
While recollection is often contrasted to forgetfulness, it does not always imply or require it. That is, what is remembered has not always been forgotten—memories tucked away, people passed on, holidays annually celebrated. My mind understands God’s remembrance in a similar way: continual, voluntary awareness.
 
God remembers His people, His promises, and His plans. He remembers not because it has somehow slipped His mind or gotten overlooked … but because His heart is set upon it.
 
But Zion said, “The Lord has forsaken me; my Lord has forgotten me.”
 
“Can a woman forget her nursing child, that she should have no compassion on the son of her womb? Even these may forget, yet I will not forget you. Behold, I have engraved you on the palms of My hands; your walls are continually before Me.” – Isaiah 49:14-16
 
God remembered His people even in slavery and rebellion.
 
“God heard their groaning, and God remembered His covenant with Abraham, with Isaac, and with Jacob.” – Exodus 2:24
 
“Yet the Lord was not willing to destroy Judah, for the sake of David His servant, since He promised to give a lamp to him and to his sons forever.” – 2 Kings 8:19
 
God treasures His people not only collectively, but intimately and individually. He remembered Noah when He flooded the earth (Genesis 8:1), Abraham when his nephew was in danger (Genesis 19:29), Rachel when she was barren (Genesis 30:22), and Hannah when she pleaded for a son (1 Samuel 1:19).
 
God upholds His love, favor, and restoration, despite humanity’s sinful forgetfulness, hopelessness, and carelessness.
 
“He has remembered His steadfast love and faithfulness to the house of Israel.” – Psalm 98:3
 
“He remembers His covenant forever, the word that He commanded, for a thousand generations.” – Psalm 105:8
 
“The Lord is gracious and merciful … He remembers His covenant forever.” – Psalm 111:4-5
 
God is most familiar, and most gracious, with man’s condition. As Psalm 103:14 says, “He knows our frame; He remembers that we are dust.”
 
From beginning to end, God has never forgotten the finest detail. “He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world … He created man in His own image … [He made known] the revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave Him to show to His servants the things that must soon take place” (Ephesians 1:4, Genesis 1:27, Revelation 1:1).
 
Without a doubt, He knows … and He remembers.
 
“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” – Jeremiah 29:11

Abby

You might scratch a note, set an alarm, or solicit another to help you remember. And if you want someone else to remember, you likely remind them—gently, firmly, or repeatedly—as often as necessary!
 
God’s people are no strangers to reminders either. The Bible is full of them, from God to His people and from the people of God back to Him.
 
God doesn’t need reminding. He knows everything and never needs a refresher. Human beings, on the other hand, tend to be forgetful and require frequent prompting. God reminds us, and then we are reminded again when we ask Him to remember.
 
I didn’t realize there were so many prayers of remembrance throughout the Bible.
 
“Remember me, O my God, for good.” – Nehemiah 13:31
 
“Please, O Lord, remember how I have walked before You in faithfulness and with a whole heart, and have done what is good in Your sight.” – Isaiah 38:3
 
“Jesus, remember me when You come into Your kingdom.” – Luke 23:42
 
Faithful saints ask God to remember their condition, their enemies, and their relationship with Him.
 
“Remember me, O Lord, when You show favor to Your people; help me when You save them, that I may look upon the prosperity of Your chosen ones, that I may rejoice in the gladness of Your nation, that I may glory with Your inheritance.” – Psalm 106:4-5
 
“Remember how short my time is! For what vanity You have created all the children of man! … Remember, O Lord, how Your servants are mocked, and how I bear in my heart the insults of all the many nations, with which Your enemies mock, O Lord, with which they mock the footsteps of Your anointed.” – Psalm 89:47, 50-51
 
“Do not spurn us, for Your name’s sake; do not dishonor Your glorious throne; remember and do not break Your covenant with us.” – Jeremiah 14:21
 
Penitent sinners ask God to wipe away all memory of their sin, stain of their iniquity, and reproach of their transgression before Him.
 
“Remember not the sins of my youth or my transgressions; according to Your steadfast love remember me, for the sake of Your goodness, O Lord!” – Psalm 25:7
 
“Do not remember against us our former iniquities; let Your compassion come speedily to meet us, for we are brought very low.” – Psalm 79:8
 
“Be not so terribly angry, O Lord, and remember not iniquity forever. Behold, please look, we are all Your people.” – Isaiah 64:9
 
With humble faith and confident assurance, God’s children come to Him for every need.
 
“Remember Your mercy, O Lord” (Psalm 25:6)
“Remember Your Word” (Psalm 119:49)
“Remember Your congregation” (Psalm 74:2)
“Remember our disgrace!” (Lamentations 5:1)
“Remember Your cause” (Psalm 74:22)
 
And with no reservation, He does.

Abby

You wake up to another day of requirements and responsibilities. Neighborhood chatter mingles tidbits of victory, mystery, and tragedy. Top headlines catch your attention as you scroll social media. Chaos lurks at every corner. Tension rises at global, national, and personal levels.
 
That may sound like a dramatic introduction to a science fiction film I’d be too scared to watch. But, in fact, it describes the world I see around me when I open my eyes each morning.
 
Sin completely corrupted the created order, plain and simple. God made a way of redemption for those who come to Him, also plain and simple. What’s left is the life a believer lives between earth and heaven. Perhaps not as plain and simple.
 
But the one who trusts in God is not left without instruction. God wisely and graciously composed His Word as a gift, cherished by those who love His Righteousness.
 
Time and again I am drawn back to the fountain of life, whose words are sweeter than honey and promises hold true.
 
“For with You is the fountain of life; in Your light do we see light.” – Psalm 36:9
 
“How sweet are Your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth!” – Psalm 119:103
 
“You know in your hearts and souls, all of you, that not one word has failed of all the good things that the Lord your God promised concerning you. All have come to pass for you; not one of them has failed.” – Joshua 23:14
 
When I don’t know what to do, where to turn, or how to think, Scripture is sufficient for every need. God says to wait patiently, pray earnestly, trust wholeheartedly, and live honestly. Press on, do good, declare boldly.
 
“Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me His own.” – Philippians 3:12
 
“So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.” – Galatians 6:10
 
“Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation … Since we have such a hope, we are very bold” – Mark 16:15, 2 Corinthians 3:12
 
His Kingdom is coming, undeterred. He will reign forever, justly.
 
“Your throne, O God, is forever and ever, the scepter of uprightness is the scepter of Your kingdom. You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness.” – Hebrews 1:8
 
“Of the increase of His government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore.” – Isaiah 9:7
 
My soul longs for that day, but until then, “let us lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith” (Hebrews 12:1-2).

Abby

On your way somewhere, you may decide to stop momentarily for a bite to eat, a place to use the restroom, or an interesting detour. You don’t intend to stay long, since you’re merely passing through, but you make the most of your time there.
 
I’ve done so a time or two, to stretch my legs or eat a snack. Life’s journey isn’t much different, and it encourages me to consider it that way.
 
Birth is the beginning, but death is not the end. God created human beings with eternity in their hearts, to live forever with Him. But sin sliced a chasm. By way of salvation through Jesus Christ, those who trust in God are ushered into everlasting life. Those who reject His invitation are banished to eternal punishment.
 
The hours, days, and years of this life are merely a stop on the way. But what is done and how time is spent matters greatly. Do I live toward righteousness, joy, and peace in the Holy Spirit? Or do I serve my flesh and cater to the forces of malice that pull me away from God?
 
Eternity is at stake, but praise God for grace! He is eager to save those who call upon Him.
 
If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved … For the Scripture says, “Everyone who believes in Him will not be put to shame” … For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved” – Romans 10:9, 11, & 13
 
He promises that the suffering of this life is only temporary, and the sting of death no longer devours.
 
“When the perishable puts on the imperishable, and the mortal puts on immortality, then shall come to pass the saying that is written:
 
“Death is swallowed up in victory.”
“O death, where is your victory?
O death, where is your sting?”
 
The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” – 1 Corinthians 15:54-57
 
Whether persecution, pain, or problems, this temporal passage will conclude and God’s eternal glory will reign, unveiled.
 
“For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.” – Romans 8:18
 
“And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. To Him be the dominion forever and ever. Amen.” – 1 Peter 5:10-11
 
This broken world is where I find myself now, but God made a way so it is not where I stay.

Abby

A rainy atmosphere can set the mood for the day. Some folks find an overcast sky soothing or refreshing. Others want to roll over and fall back asleep or curl up with a blanket on the couch.
 
My personal sentiment tends to reflect the dreariness of the weather. But rain is absolutely necessary. A morning drizzle, afternoon storm, or evening shower are welcome in times of dryness, dehydration, and drought.
 
Prevailing sunshine is not sustainable; clouds and precipitation contribute to the earth’s health and operation. And so it is in life. Prolonged seasons of goodness make a person forget hardship; turbulent times help God’s people remember His presence and appreciate His provision.
 
I believe rain comes as a gentle (sometimes harsh) reminder of that.
 
In early days, God promised blessing for obedience and warned of cursing for disobedience. “The Lord will open to you His good treasury, the heavens, to give the rain to your land in its season and to bless all the work of your hands … The heavens over your head shall be bronze, and the earth under you shall be iron. The Lord will make the rain of your land powder. From heaven dust shall come down on you until you are destroyed” (Deuteronomy 28:12, 23-24).
 
Rain is a gift from God and proof of His presence, like manna from above.
 
Then the Lord said to Moses, “Behold, I am about to rain bread from heaven for you, and the people shall go out and gather a day’s portion every day, that I may test them, whether they will walk in My law or not.” – Exodus 15:4
 
“Be glad, O children of Zion, and rejoice in the Lord your God, for He has given the early rain for your vindication; He has poured down for you abundant rain, the early and the latter rain, as before.” – Joel 2:23
 
“He did good by giving you rains from heaven and fruitful seasons, satisfying your hearts with food and gladness.” – Acts 14:17
 
He reveals His Kingdom and expresses His character in terms of spiritual rain.
 
“Shower, O heavens, from above, and let the clouds rain down righteousness; let the earth open, that salvation and righteousness may bear fruit; let the earth cause them both to sprout; I the Lord have created it.” – Isaiah 45:8
 
“Sow for yourselves righteousness; reap steadfast love; break up your fallow ground, for it is the time to seek the Lord, that He may come and rain righteousness upon you.” – Hosea 10:12
 
“Ask rain from the Lord in the season of the spring rain, from the Lord who makes the storm clouds, and He will give them showers of rain, to everyone the vegetation in the field.” – Zechariah 10:1
 
After all, only He can.
 
“Are there any among the false gods of the nations that can bring rain? Or can the heavens give showers? Are You not He, O Lord our God? We set our hope on You, for You do all these things.” – Jeremiah 14:22

Abby

You might cultivate a garden, landscaping, or a houseplant or two. Plants of all types surround human life, even in developed cities and desert wastelands. I am dazzled at God’s beautiful design for every kind of life.
 
When God created heaven and earth, He chose a garden setting to place His masterpiece: the first man and woman, hand-crafted from dust and filled with the breath of God. He caused the earth to sprout plants yielding seed and trees bearing fruit according to their varieties. He looked upon it, declared it good, and entrusted it to the care and enjoyment of man.
 
It was paradise.
 
“A mist was going up from the land and was watering the whole face of the ground … And out of the ground the Lord God made to spring up every tree that is pleasant to the sight and good for food … A river flowed to water the garden, and there it divided and became four rivers … The Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to work it and keep it” – From Genesis 2
 
Shortly after, sin plummeted creation into decay and cursed nature. Still, plants grew, flowers bloomed, and people enjoyed God’s beauty.
 
He gave them vineyards, fields, and pastures bursting with life. God withheld rain when His people forgot His provision and sent rain when they remembered.
 
God also sent His Son to live on earth, during which time Jesus frequented a garden to pray, sing hymns, and be with His followers and His Father.
 
He was crucified to bear the weight of sin and buried in a tomb nestled in a garden. Risen and ascended, He gave one final gift to His saints: “The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave Him to show to His servants the things that must soon take place” (Revelation 1:1), unveiling a future garden.
 
“Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, bright as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb through the middle of the street of the city; also, on either side of the river, the tree of life with its twelve kinds of fruit, yielding its fruit each month. The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.” – 22:1-2
 
Meanwhile, God continues cultivating souls.
 
“Hear then the parable of the sower: A sower went out to sow. And as he sowed … some seeds fell on good soil and produced grain … As for what was sown on good soil, this is the one who hears the word and understands it. He indeed bears fruit.” – From Matthew 13
 
“Therefore put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.” – James 1:21
 
“So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth.” – 1 Corinthians 3:7
 
The merciful, faithful, masterful Gardener carries His people from garden to garden.

Abby