Which is better to give or to receive?

April 24, 2025

Maria Acts 20, Ephesians 3, Giving, Knowing Jesus , , Leave a comment

I pray….(that you) know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. Ephesians 3:16, 19 ESV

I just finished a book about how the blood covenant grounds or acts as the foundation for God’s love for us. As Paul wrote, we are not just to learn about Christ through studying His word, but we are meant to experience His love.

There’s a knowing facts and data about someone and a knowing that is gained through doing life with that someone. For instance, I know far more than just biographical facts about my husband, for I am the recipient of his love. Daily, he demonstrates how much he cherishes me.  He studies me to know how best to provide, to show his care, to anticipate my needs and desires. As a result, I have come to trust him. 

What if I were never to let Mike do anything for me? What if I rejected his help, thinking he’ll love me more if I don’t take from him, don’t count on him to help me?

For one, I’d be a fool. More importantly, he would feel hurt. He would rightly conclude that I don’t trust him.

It’s the same with Jesus. The way to really know Jesus is not through earning or meriting His love, but receiving it as ‘gift’.  The amazing news is that He is an eager ‘Giver’.

Yes, according to Luke’s account in Acts, Jesus did teach at one point, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” Acts 20:35 ESV But, I think there is far more scriptural evidence to support the learned skill of receiving. A joyful recipient completes the joy of the Giver. 

Judas’ last chance

April 14, 2025

Maria Grace, John 13, Love, Passover , , , Leave a comment

Then, dipping the piece of bread, he gave it to Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot. John 13:26 NIV

My Bible’s study notes pointed out all the typical ways a host for the  Passover would honor his guests. One in particular involved personally offering a morsel of bread or meat dipped in a juice of boiled fruit and wine. This savory and fragrant liquid represented the sweet riches of the promised land.

With that picture in mind, I reread the text to see who acted as host. Because this supper took place in someone else’s house, I had assumed the owner was the host. Looking at Jesus as the host changes everything. 

I’m stunned at our Lord’s gesture of respect toward Judas, knowing that this man would soon betray him.  Our Master had just finished intentionally but humbly washing and wiping each of the twelve disciples’ dirty feet. If that were not enough of a shocking display of grace, Jesus offers Judas one last blessing meant to break his cold and greedy heart. It’s this disciple’s last chance to recognize the evil he is about to do and back away.

But Judas ignores the significance of his teacher’s gesture of love. So Jesus dismisses him: As soon as Judas took the bread, Satan entered into him. So, Jesus told him, “What you are about to do, do quickly.” (verse 27, NIV)

May I never be unresponsive or blinded to the Father’s love because of self-serving plans. Instead keep my heart soft and repentant, thankful for Your unmerited love.

Pray as David teaches us

April 9, 2025

Maria God's Glory, God's name, Prayer, Psalm 20 , , , , , , , , , Leave a comment

In times of trouble, may the LORD answer your cry. May the name of the God of Jacob keep you safe from all harm. May he grant your heart’s desires and make all your plans succeed. May we shout for joy when we hear of your victory and raise a victory banner in the name of our God. May the LORD answer all your prayers. Psalm 20: 1, 4-5 NLT

We read this in church last Sunday.  Later that afternoon, I read Psalm 20. What a powerful encouragement to any believer. This psalm also offers me a model for when I petition the Father on behalf of all our leaders, both within the Church and in society.

Using this prayer song, the people of Israel make several requests to God on behalf of their beloved king, David. The people are pleading for what is best for the public good.  David, the warrior king who loves God, wrote this psalm for his people. With it, he actually instructs the people to pray for him in ways that glorify God.

All of a sudden my thoughts flitted forward in time to the Bathsheba and Uriah tragedy.  With that chapter of David’s life in mind, I don’t believe David is unaware of his potential to sin. Certainly he doesn’t want the people to ask God to grant every desire that he might entertain.  But what they are to ask for, is that their king would do all in the name of God, to include defeating their common enemy.         

I, too, want and pray to the Father for Him to defeat His and our enemy, Satan, and all whom he manipulates. For sure,  an enemy of the Lord is my enemy. When I pray for God to be victorious, when I think about our leaders who shepherd the Church and ask for their protection, I want King Jesus to deliver us and the Kingdom from evil. It’s what I most desire.

So, Father, grant this deep desire of mine and alert me to when I crave or long for something that doesn’t glorify You. Without Your protection from Satan’s temptations, I can easily fall into doing something evil, without much thought.

A true refuge against the storms

April 3, 2025

Maria 2 Kings 18, Fear, Refuge , , , , , , , Leave a comment

For he (Hezekiah) trusted in the Lord of Israel….he clung to the LORD; he did not depart from following Him, but kept His commandments, which the LORD had commanded Moses. 2 Kings 18:5-6 NASB 1995

This morning I read once again in 2 Kings 18 about Sennachrib’s impending invasion and destruction of Jerusalem. I could feel the terror that King Hezekiah and his people must have felt. 

All would have been ‘toast’ for the Hebrews had it not been for their godly leader. Here was a man who took God seriously.  He put his trust in the Lord Almighty. He never let go of Him and did his best to lead the people of Judah to abide by the covenant. 

What was the result?  Verse 7 says: the Lord was with him (NIV). He never left Hezekiah’s side.

Right now we are in the fourth month of President Trump’s second term. Upheaval has either concerned, bumped or totally upset the equilibrium and peace of many worldwide.

This week I was chatting back and forth on Whatsapp with Uli, a German friend I came to know when we were both sixteen. She stayed with my family for two weeks as part of a German class exchange.  She and I communicate frequently. Uli is very engaged in world events and vocal.  Since November she has grown upset, angry and fearful because of Trump.  I understand her concerns.  But the difference between Uli and me is that although she knows a good deal about God, she does not know Him as a person. That makes all the difference. 

Thinking about my friend, I consider it possible that this shaking up is good for her and for us. It reveals what we cling to, where our true security lies. 

Back in 701 BC, Hezekiah was terrified for his people, but he never let go of God and the Lord stayed with him.  The Lord even came through supernaturally, protecting the king, the city and his people.

I pray my friend comes to know the assuring presence of the one and only omnipotent Leader. She has never been open to the Gospel, but this week I related my confidence in God with what is going on in the world.  I explained the difference between knowing about God and knowing Him. Taking God at His word, clinging to and obeying Him in the midst of crises shows our trust. Our God honors that kind of faith.