Shine.FM

If you look around, you’ll probably see a lot of activity in a lot of places. People have lives, agendas, and dreams, and it’s every man for himself in pursuit of them. Whether families, careers, sports, or followings, it seems like everyone is chasing something.

But how many are arriving? Pleasures and possessions only go so far. Before long, empty eyes reflect empty souls living empty lives.

“All things are full of weariness; a man cannot utter it; the eye is not satisfied with seeing, nor the ear filled with hearing. What has been is what will be, and what has been done is what will be done, and there is nothing new under the sun.” – Ecclesiastes 1:8-9

Is there an end to the madness? Indeed, there is.

God looked upon a world chasing its tail, a people floundering in failure, and poured out His love for His creation. He sent His one and only beloved and begotten Son to deny the pleasures the rest of us craved and pay the price for our foolishness. Every sin was laid upon that man nailed to that cross.

And now, for the one who believes, the only worthy pursuit is one of God—reckless abandon for the Savior who unashamedly loved us to death.

I wish I could say I wholeheartedly, unwaveringly pursue God. But the truth is, I am in constant need of God’s strength and grace to help me desire Him.

“Teach me Your way, O Lord, that I may walk in Your truth; unite my heart to fear Your name.” – Psalm 86:11

The world is a distracting place, and my heart is easily distractable—obviously a dangerous combination. So I am constantly coming back to my source of help.

“Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” – Hebrews 4:16

The Christian life is one of rigorous effort and strict discipline, which humanly speaking, is difficult to sustain. But God gave the gift of Himself to assist every step of the way.

“But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.” – John 14:26

Only God can effect within man the desire to please Him.

“And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh.” – Ezekiel 36:26

“I will put my law within them, and I will write it on their hearts. And I will be their God, and they shall be My people.” – Jeremiah 31:33

“And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who seek Him.” – Hebrews 11:6

And so the pursuit goes on.

Abby

The world is in a rush. People dash frantically in and out of stores, drive feverishly down the roads, and pass quickly through drive-thru lines. Internet speeds, wait times, and package deliveries are constantly competing for the quickest rates and highest customers.

At least for me, it takes a concerted effort to resist the urge to hurry along with society and instead pause to smell the roses. A strange self-reproach and disquiet accompany my lack of activity, but nevertheless, I’m convinced this is not the way God intended my soul to live.

I recently heard a pastor declare,  

“You can’t develop an intimate relationship with God if you’re in a hurry.”

That cut straight to my heart, because I often find myself in haste, and most times I’m rushing around for no good reason. I treat life like a to-go order and miss the experience of sitting down in the restaurant for a leisurely meal.

When I look at Jesus’ time on earth, I never see Him breezing past people or bumping into those who got in His way. He took time for them and often retreated to be in private with His Father.

Perhaps a bit like David wrote centuries earlier in the Psalms.

“O Lord, my heart is not lifted up; my eyes are not raised too high; I do not occupy myself with things too great and too marvelous for me. But I have calmed and quieted my soul, like a weaned child with its mother; like a weaned child is my soul within me.”

– 131:1-2

There is something about stillness and quiet that is very biblical.

“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters.”

– 23:1-2

“Be still, and know that I am God.”

– 46:10

“ … lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.”

– 1 Timothy 2:2

While I know this to be true and fight for my quiet time with Jesus, uninterrupted tranquility is difficult to attain. I know God understands my chaos, meets me in my schedule, and works through the goings-on of my life … but I also know He “delight[s] in truth in the inward being, and teach[es] me wisdom in the secret heart” (Psalm 51:6).

If I cram every waking moment of my life with conversations and tasks and activities, how can I expect to hear God’s voice and observe His hand and feel His presence? How often I do, and yet He is persistent even then to reach me and draw me again into His hiding place (Psalm 32:7).

God’s Provision:

“Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.”

– James 4:8

Word of the Week: Silence. Anti-everything-I-know-and-experience-in-this-world.

“For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence,for my hope is from Him.”

– Psalm 62:5

Abby

A mid-morning grumble has you reaching for the cupboard before lunchtime. The food on the counter is calling your name throughout the day. And why does one always feel like munching at nighttime?

You are not alone in your snacking habits and poorly-timed cravings! Food is both a gift to enjoy and a necessity to sustain in life. But every meal will inevitably leave its guests hungry … again.

The satisfaction and benefit of food are temporary—the very reason we come back for more. However, it’s not just stomachs that are ravenous; the human soul is famished. I shouldn’t be surprised, then, that the Bible speaks of food so much.

The first mention is Genesis 1:29, where Creator God gave the first man and woman “every plant yielding seed that is on the face of all the earth, and every tree with seed in its fruit” for sustenance. He designed the human body to eat.

God knew Eve would chose the forbidden tree, sin would taint mankind’s experience with food, and ultimately a permanent source of life would be required.

Throughout the generations, God provided flaky, bread-like manna for His people in the wilderness (Exodus 16:14-15). He dispatched ravens to deliver food to His prophet Elijah (1 Kings 17:6). He multiplied five loaves and two fish into a feast for thousands (Matthew 14:17-21).

The entire time, a loving Father was feeding His children. And then He sent His very Son.

“My Father gives you the true bread from heaven. For the bread of God is He who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world … I am the bread of life; whoever comes to Me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in Me shall never thirst.”

– John 6:32-33, 35

The promised Savior explains further.

“Your fathers ate the manna in the wilderness, and they died. This is the bread that comes down from heaven, so that one may eat of it and not die. I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever. And the bread that I will give for the life of the world is My flesh.”

– 49-51

God’s Provision: Jesus Christ sacrificed Himself to satisfy our eternal hunger for Him and pay our eternal debt of sin against Him. I’m still trying to wrap my mind around that beautiful truth!

Word of the Week: Satisfied. Finally. Forever. In Christ.

“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.”

– Matthew 5:6

Abby 

You may remember stashing your valuables as a child—cash in your piggy bank, a favorite Christmas gift in the dresser drawer, a notebook in a shoebox. Those days may be gone, but the habits aren’t!
 
We still hide away for safekeeping—a family heirloom to pass down, market investments for retirement, collector’s items for pleasure—often doing so with the future in mind.
 
Setting prized possessions or valuable resources aside for later can be difficult. In a society of instant gratification and immediate satisfaction, we’re trained to expect speedy return on investment. But we know with careful planning and diligent living, we can have something greater to look forward to.
 
I believe that’s the concept behind one of Jesus’ teachings.
 
“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
– Matthew 6:19-21
 
I’ve always pondered this mystery. Heavenly treasures are like spiritual riches gained by eternal investments.
 
Some investments are short-term and short-lived, like a Whopper meal from Burger King. Others are long-term and long-lasting, like a friendship or ministry. From the words we speak to the money we spend, there’s deeper meaning behind and lasting impact ahead.
 
What if heavenly treasures are collections of heartfelt smiles, godly words, and selfless acts? Maybe every effort to encourage, moment spent studying, and humble prayer are multiplying results and reaping dividends … yet unseen.
 
Perhaps someone has informed you of your impact on their life. Teachers receive notes from students; police officers are honored at retirement parties. The stories are endless, and so are the possibilities. One can never be sure of God’s ways … how He uses gymnastics practices and chocolate shakes and rainy days.
 
Jesus urges,
 
“Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”
– Matthew 5:16
 
Belonging to God sets us apart. We are enlisted and empowered to embody the qualities of Christ in every area of our lives.
 
One of the imageries in the book of Revelation represents “the righteous deeds of the saints” (19:8). What a powerful call to amass heavenly treasure instead of wasting my time with earthly fortune!
 
God’s Provision: Although not the motivation, some actions do reap reward. Hebrews 11:6 says, “Without faith it is impossible to please Him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who seek Him.”
 
We might not comprehend here on earth, but I have an inkling we’ll realize one day in Heaven. Only God knows all the people touched and things done for His Kingdom.
 
Word of the Week: Deferral. In a way, the result is delayed as treasure is accumulated over time and preserved for eternity.

Abby

“I’m torn!” rings the desperate cry of one vacillating between possibilities. Two equally appealing options, or equally awful scenarios, seem to make for equally torturous decision-making. From which job offer to accept, to which friend to let down, the choice is hardly ever easy.
 
In his letter to the Philippian church, the devoted apostle Paul expressed anguish over a situation of this sort. He thought it agreeable to remain on earth with his brothers and sisters, who had toiled alongside him in the work of the gospel. But at the same time, he wholeheartedly longed for the glory of heaven and the joy of being with Christ.
 
“For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me. Yet which I shall choose I cannot tell. I am hard pressed between the two. My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better. But to remain in the flesh is more necessary on your account.”
– Philippians 1:21-24
 
He ultimately concludes that the decision isn’t his to pronounce after all, and it was clear he would be of earthly service for a while longer (25).
 
I thank God for this tidbit of Scripture, because I think every Christian lives in this beautiful tension. We hope for heaven, yet enjoy earth. We look forward to coming glories, yet tend to daily duties. We can’t wait to go to our eternal home, yet can’t imagine leaving the one we’ve made here.
 
God’s Provision: From the very start, though, God has etched a timeline. This life is a temporary sojourn, preparing us for a permanent rest. All those who’ve come and gone before lay another brick on the foundation of faith, with Christ as the cornerstone (Ephesians 2:20).
 
“These all died in faith, not having received the things promised, but having seen them and greeted them from afar, and having acknowledged that they were strangers and exiles on the earth. For people who speak thus make it clear that they are seeking a homeland. If they had been thinking of that land from which they had gone out, they would have had opportunity to return. But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared for them a city.”
– Hebrews 11:13-16
 
We are useful on earth for as long as God allows. Of course, we serve with heavenly-minded thoughts and eternity-driven motives that cause us to hold loosely to the world and cling tightly to God (Colossians 3:2).
 
Word of the Week: Transient. Our earthly era is impermanent and passing, but the heavenly Kingdom is established and enduring.
 
“We look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.”
– 2 Corinthians 4:18

Abby

A mysterious check arrives just when the bills are coming due; a friend seems to know just when to call to see if you’re alright; someone gets there just in time to offer the help you need … 
 
As we journey through life, we seem to check the mailbox, answer the phone, or bump into strangers at just the right time to receive a bit of God’s goodness … just for us. 
 
God always shows up at just the right time. 
 
I think of my grandparents, who could never make ends meet on paper, yet managed to send all four of their children through twelve years of Christian education. Or my pastor, who arrived on the scene after a long, unsuccessful search. 
 
Stories abound of God sending the right person to the right circumstance at the right time. This isn’t His first rodeo. 
 
Sovereign God has been orchestrating details and governing affairs since the dawn of time—and long before! History is peppered with proof of His wisdom, power, and lovingkindness. As He accomplishes His predetermined plan, He faithfully makes provision for His own. 
 
I never have to worry whether I will be taken care of, or fear for the future. 
 
“Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.” 
– Matthew 6:31-34 
 
Even in my failing, God proves mighty. 
 
“My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness.” 
– 2 Corinthians 12:9 
 
In wisdom and love, God supplies the precise measure necessary at the exact moment of need—not an ounce too little, nor a second too late. 
 
So is the tale of Psalm 31. David, threatened by pursuing foes and appalled by widespread wickedness, amidst trouble and hardship, stakes his trust on God. 
 
“But I trust in You, O LORD; I say, ‘You are my God.’ My times are in Your hand; rescue me from the hand of my enemies and from my persecutors!… Oh, how abundant is Your goodness, which You have stored up for those who fear You and worked for those who take refuge in You, in the sight of the children of mankind!” 
– 14-15, 19 
 
God shows up again and again in the cracks, crevices, and catastrophes of life. 
 
God’s Provision: There’s one more time God was right on time. 
 
“For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly.” 
– Romans 5:16 
 
Word of the Week: Impeccable. Often used to describe God’s timing, which couldn’t be more perfect … every single time.

Abby

It’s the familiar swing on the porch as you pull into the drive, a homemade pie emerging from the oven, or that 70’s tune on a passing advertisement. A single sight, smell, or sound has the unique ability to bring you back to the time, place, and moment of your memory. 
 
Peter was a man of many memories. He grew up Jewish, hearing the stories and celebrating the traditions of God’s chosen people, the Israelites. His fishing profession generated countless tales of long nights and damaged nets. He would have collected a lifetime of memories with his wife and family as well. 
 
And then he met Jesus. 
 
I’m sure his memories of the Messiah were most vivid: the day his brother Andrew invited him (John 1:40-42), the moment Jesus called him (Mark 1:16-18), the time the Lord healed his mother-in-law (Luke 4:38-39). 
 
He witnessed the miracle at the wedding (John 2:1-11), the feeding of the five thousand (Matthew 14:13-21), the raising of the deceased Lazarus (John 11:1-44). Simon Peter walked on water (Matthew 14:22-33), beheld Christ transfigured (17:1-8), and watched the dead come back to life (Mark 5:35-43). 
 
Peter sat at the feet of Jesus’ teaching, followed His footsteps around the region, and declared his loyalty to the end of time. 
 
And then denied his Master three times on the night when it mattered most. 
 
Peter vowed allegiance, then fled at the first sight of danger. He shadowed at a distance, then faltered when questioned. He stood warming himself by a charcoal fire, a stone’s throw away from his Lord, yet so far. 
 
Scripture records in detail Peter’s greatest failure (very possibly his worst memory). 
 
Christ is crucified and buried. Peter is left to grieve every opportunity he missed, misstep he took, and transgression he committed. 
 
Jesus is raised, but Peter is still lost. He decides to go fishing, and the rest join, catching nothing all night (John 21:1-3). 
 
Morning dawns, and Jesus appears on shore, calling to them to cast their net on the other side of the boat. They heap in the catch and sit down for breakfast … around a charcoal fire (4-12). 
 
Again around the fire, again with his Lord, Peter must have been brought back. Jesus questions him the same amount of times he previously denied Him. “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” Exasperated, Peter concedes, “Lord, You know everything; You know that I love you” (15-17). 
 
God’s Provision: Jesus knew Peter’s heart, that despite his frailness, humanness, and weakness, he was a willing servant who loved his Master. He forgave his sin, restored him to service, and continued to use him. 
 
Peter’s story is also mine: falling short when I should be stepping up, sinning when I wish not to, buckling under pressure when it matters most. But like Peter, I appeal to the Savior in every charcoal fire moment and memory: 
 
Word (Phrase) of the Week: You knew me then. You know me now. You know that I love you.

Abby

When your mind is set on what you want, you do what’s necessary to get it. As a child, you may have stowed away your allowance money for that fancy new bicycle or popular toy. These days, you save up for a car, house, or vacation. Depending on how serious or desperate you are, you may limit spending, host a garage sale, or pick up a side job to help. 
 
We don’t mind sacrificing when we know the value of the reward. After all, it’s not so painful to part with hard-earned savings for that purchase we’ve been wanting and waiting for! 
 
Jesus tells a story like this to demonstrate the precious fortune of the Kingdom of God. 
 
“The kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls, who, on finding one pearl of great value, went and sold all that he had and bought it.” 
– Matthew 13:45-46 
 
Could you imagine?! You’re a vendor by trade (or maybe just into antiquing), on the lookout for items of significant worth. One day you stumble across this pearl of great price—eye-catching enough to convince you to sell your life accumulations in order to obtain that possession. How valuable that pearl must be! 
 
Another of Jesus’ parables illustrates the same. 
 
“The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and covered up. Then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.” 
– 44 
 
Membership in God’s family and inheritance in His Kingdom are prizes beyond explanation or compare. Nothing on this earth or in this universe can compete with the excellence and wisdom of such a treasure. 
 
More than gold and silver, cars and houses, fame and fortune, are the saving knowledge of the love of Christ and the eternal security of faith in God. 
 
“ … [have] the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which He has called you, what are the riches of His glorious inheritance in the saints, and what is the immeasurable greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His great might that He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places …” 
– Ephesians 1:18-20 
 
God’s Provision: It was Jesus who paid the great price for us to enter in. 
 
Through His death on the cross as atonement for our sins, the Son of God paid the great price in order to give us the great prize. 
 
“You were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot.” 
– 1 Peter 1:18-19 
 
He Himself is our trophy (Philippians 3:14). 
 
Word of the Week: Sold out. 100% committed, devoted, invested, and engaged in, with, and for Jesus Christ.

Abby

A sign greets you as you pull into the drive and wonder what you’re in for: “Beware of Dog.” The warning has an ominous feel whether or not you hear barking. Immediately you become more aware, on the lookout. 
 
Being on guard involves cautiousness and alertness, causing us to pay more attention to our surroundings … just in case. Ironically, Jesus uses the same word to warn against evil and necessitate wise living. 
 
First, He says, “Beware of the scribes,” whose practices dishonor God and merit “the greater condemnation” (Mark 12:38-40). 
 
Not long after, He continues, “See that no one leads you astray” when the end draws near. “Many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am he!’ and they will lead many astray … But be on your guard” (13:5-6, 9). 
 
In a rich passage of teaching, Jesus explains the critical importance of keeping our eyes open while navigating this wicked-infected world until His coming. My Bible’s study notes indicate Greek origins meaning “to see or watch”—translated “beware,” “see that,” and “be on your guard” throughout these chapters. 
 
God’s Provision: We can do so because Jesus has “told [us] all things beforehand” (23). We know what to expect from the enemy. 
 
The call is to stay awake for Christ’s return. 
 
“Be on guard, keep awake. For you do not know when the time will come. It is like a man going on a journey, when he leaves home and puts his servants in charge, each with his work, and commands the doorkeeper to stay awake. Therefore stay awake—for you do not know when the master of the house will come, in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or in the morning—lest he come suddenly and find you asleep. And what I say to you I say to all: Stay awake.” 
– 32-37 
 
Scripture’s urgency is convicting. I should daily become more diligent, mindful, and Spirit-led, hastening the Day! 
 
“Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong.” 
– 1 Corinthians 16:13 
 
“Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” 
– 1 Peter 5:8 
 
“For many deceivers have gone out into the world, those who do not confess the coming of Jesus Christ in the flesh. Such a one is the deceiver and the antichrist. Watch yourselves, so that you may not lose what we have worked for, but may win a full reward.” 
– 2 John 1:7-8 
 
Word of the Week: Sobriety. Clear-headedness and seriousness in anticipation of Jesus the Just. 
 
“You yourselves are fully aware that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. While people are saying, “There is peace and security,” then sudden destruction will come upon them as labor pains come upon a pregnant woman, and they will not escape … So then let us not sleep, as others do, but let us keep awake and be sober.” 
– 1 Thessalonians 5:3-4, 6

Abby

Have you ever felt like you don’t belong? I’m not talking about not fitting in … I mean being part of something that feels too good to be true. 
 
To be honest, I feel like that every single day of my life. My family, church congregation, and workplace are precious communities that welcome, nurture, and edify me. I am often overwhelmed with kindness, encouragement, and truth that I know I don’t deserve. 
 
Someone once informed me about the imposter syndrome, characterized by doubting competency and feeling phony. We feel like we’re fooling others into thinking we’re better than we actually are … But that itself is also a masqueraded trick. 
 
An honest self-evaluation reveals my weakness, brokenness, and sinfulness. I am so sure I’m one mistake or misstep away from being disowned, kicked out, or let go. 
 
The devil is devious with his twisted lies. God, on the other hand, is Truth. 
 
Frankly, I am weak, broken, and sinful. I’ve made plenty of mistakes and will continue to. I don’t deserve to be where I am. 
 
But the grace of God surmounts all of that. 
 
“For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another. But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, He saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to His own mercy.” 
– Titus 3:3-5 
 
God is the source of every good thing (James 1:17). He initiates, multiplies, and determines everything that ever exists … and chooses those who belong to Him. 
 
There are no imposters in the family of God. 
 
“So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God.” 
– Ephesians 2:19 
 
We are personally invited. 
 
“Those whom He predestined He also called, and those whom He called He also justified, and those whom he justified He also glorified.” 
– Romans 8:30 
 
God’s Provision: God repeatedly displays His power in commissioning and accompanying His saints. As He did with Moses and Jeremiah, so He does with us. 
 
“Then the LORD said to him, “Who has made man’s mouth? Who makes him mute, or deaf, or seeing, or blind? Is it not I, the LORD? Now therefore go, and I will be with your mouth and teach you what you shall speak.” 
– Exodus 4:11-12 
 
“But the LORD said to me, ‘… all to whom I send you, you shall go, and whatever I command you, you shall speak… Behold, I have put my words in your mouth.’” 
– Jeremiah 1:7, 9 
 
Our God is in the habit of calling feeble folks and using uneducated underdogs. If He is drawn to weak, broken, unqualified people, then by that standard, I’d say I am well qualified!
 
Word of the Week: Unparalleled. There are hardly words to describe God’s work. There is truly nothing like belonging to Him!

Abby