God’s offer and gift of repentance never ends

May 12, 2025

Maria Joel 2, Praise, Repentance, Trusting God , , , , , , Leave a comment

Behold, I am going to send you grain, new wine, and oil. . . Do not fear, land; shout for joy and rejoice, For the LORD has done great things. Joel 2:19, 21 NASB

In this encouraging passage, the Lord announces His plan to restore Judah after having punished them for their rebellion. They have been ground down to nothing, but God is about to bless them with yet another chance to turn around.

Looking at the verbs, I see the importance of trust.  The King of the Universe has brought measured suffering on His wayward people. For centuries they have mocked His righteousness and holiness. All along, He has prophets to call them to repentance, but they have ignored God’s spokesmen. Well-deserved consequences have brought to their knees and they now look to and believe Almighty God.

What good news to read that the Lord doesn’t give up on His people.  Out of love, He offers a fresh opportunity: “Even now,” declares the LORD, “return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning.” Joel 2:12 NIV

Just as the Lord was faithful to carry out His warnings, so too will He fulfill those kind pledges of mercy. With renewed humility and trust, Judah can respond to God’s spoken plans of healing and abundance with the same joy as if the restoration were as good as done. That’s called faith, or trusting what God says.  I honor God when I don’t wait for visible evidence, when I take Him at His word because I trust Him. 

I see a personal call on my life  always to be looking for the many praise-worthy attributes and actions of God. Given His infinite and eternal character and hundreds of specific promises, I will never run out of material to fuel my praises.  Just maybe motivation.  But then I can ask Jesus to forgive me and enable me to continue. 

Do you love Jesus?

May 3, 2025

Maria Hope, Loving God, Romans 8, Saving Faith , , Leave a comment

We were given this hope when we were saved. (If we already have something, we don’t need to hope for it. But if we look forward to something we don’t yet have, we must wait patiently and confidently.) Romans 8:24-25 NLT

I’ve been participating in a long-term study of the Book of Revelation which we’re about to finish. This morning, the accompanying notes had this stunning statement. “Everyone who loves Jesus will be with Him physically in the restored/renovated world” (translated from the Spanish) 

Recognizing that coming reality caused me to turn it around to form a question I could ask people I encounter. “Do you love Jesus?” If they respond in the affirmative, I could follow up with, “If so, how do people around you know that you do love Him?” 

When I’m serving at our local pregnancy center, I often ask the Hispanic clients I serve what their relationship with Jesus is like. They usually respond with something about church and their infrequent attendance.  While church is good, that is not what I want to talk about. This approach, “Do you love Jesus?” goes right to the heart of the issue.

Reading this morning’s verses from Paul’s letter to the Romans, I thought, “If I am waiting patiently for something that I don’t yet have, then I must really believe it is coming!” That means that I must believe in the reality of Jesus’ return for me to wait for it with confident patience. In these turbulent times, a returning King is what I am holding on to.

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.

Always safe

March 31, 2025

Maria Deuteronomy 33, Safety , , , Leave a comment

The eternal God is your refuge, And underneath are the everlasting arms; He will thrust out the enemy from before you, And will say, ‘Destroy!’. Deuteronomy 33:27 NKJV

I was imagining a conversation with someone who might ask me where I live. What would be their reaction were I to reply, “I live at number 3327 Deuteronomy Avenue”?

But that is the truth.  I actually live in two places simultaneously: 1169 Towne Creek Place and in the eternal God.  What’s striking is what the text doesn’t say.  God hasn’t provided A PLACE to live eternally, He IS my forever home. He invites me to dwell in Him now.

Verse 27 also assures me that I am safe in this supernatural refuge.  God is the ultimate secure and strong place to be, unlike our temporary two-story blue house.  A couple of weeks ago God reminded Mike and me, as we rode out frightening storms and tornado watches, that our earthly dwelling is insufficient protection. 

But His strong arms are always underneath us, keeping us safe.  

Father, help me recall this day, as I drive here and there, that You, my permanent home, go with me.  No matter where I travel, I am always at home.  But unlike a turtle who has to carry his house with him, You carry me.

Fellowship with one another

March 23, 2025

Maria 1 John 1, Peace, Reconciliation, Sin , , , , , , , , Leave a comment

But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin. 1 John 1:7 ESV

God really does communicate personally if I stay open to hearing Him, when my Bible is shut.  Two days ago I texted something to a family member. I thought I was communicating empathy.  She took it a different way. With clear words, she let me know that I had “rubbed her the wrong way”. That with a specific question, I had intruded in an area quite personal to her. 

She was both direct and gracious as she communicated a boundary. I immediately thanked her for promptly letting me know and apologized, promising not to bring it up again. 

Did this encounter hurt? Yes, but I’m thankful she trusts me enough to be honest. She values our friendship.

This morning, as I was reading Oswald Chambers, (23 March My Utmost for His Highest) I knew Jesus was speaking to me about this incident.  Oswald wrote to the effect that if God pinpoints something in us, highlighting a sin, He isn’t asking us to change. “He only asks you to accept the light of truth, and then He will make it right”. 

The wrong response to any criticism would be to try to justify or explain ‘it’ away.  As is with our God, so it is in our human relationships.  Had I made excuses to this dear one like, “Well, I was only trying to reach out to you….” that would not have brought the two of us back into fellowship, removing the distance. On the contrary, it could have enlarged the discomfort she felt and created a chill in our relationship. 

Agreeing with how I had hurt her was moving ‘into the light’. Just as He promised, Jesus washed away the sin and restored our fellowship. My response and her acceptance of it, removed potential compostable material for Satan to take advantage of.

Definitely worth it.

God is ruling over the macro as well as the micro

March 18, 2025

Maria Fear, God's Sovereignty, Isaiah 46, Psalm 56, Revelation 19 , , , , 1 Comment

Yes, I have spoken; so I will also bring it about. I have planned it; I will also do it. Isaiah 46:11 Christian Standard Bible 

He will certainly accomplish what he has decreed for me, and he has many more things like these in mind. Job 23:14 Christian Standard Bible

I read these two verses separately during this morning’s time with the Lord. Looking over them as I was about to pray, I suddenly saw that if I put them together, they offered instant relief.  Truly, I have nothing to worry about.

Our Father speaks broadly in this first announcement through Isaiah. His declaration pertains to all times and every situation. That reassures me during this turmoil in our country as we and the world get tossed and turned by President Trump’s actions and words. No matter what happens, God has all this in hand. That fact also came out in my BSF study of Revelation this morning:

Hallelujah! For our Lord God Almighty reigns. Revelation 19:6 NIV

I drew comfort from this corroboration of what the prophet Isaiah heard from God, as written at the beginning of this devotional.

Not only that, we read in Job that He has an abundant number of such decrees in store for you and me.  Not just a few.  Just knowing that ‘many’ plans await me fills me with happy anticipation. More adventures, for sure. 

So, between God’s sovereignty over world events at the macro level and His individual control over my life, I rest secure. 

I declare in faith: When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I shall not be afraid.  Psalm 56:3-4 ESV

Why do I hold on to my problems?

March 14, 2025

Maria Psalm 55, Worry , , , Leave a comment

Give your burdens to the LORD, and he will take care of you. Psalm 55:22 NLT

Sherpa guides came to mind when I read this verse.  I imagined myself climbing a perilous Himalayan peak, fastened tightly to my guide.  Using only climbing poles, my back enjoyed being weight free. If the ascent particularly challenged me, I would follow behind my Sherpa guide as he led the way. Other times, I walked beside him, all the while securely attached to my moving stronghold.

Isn’t that a picture of how our life is to be? No anxiety should burden us if we have cast them onto our Guide, the Holy Spirit. Paul addresses this reality in his letter to the Philippians. Because the Lord is near, we are privileged to keep handing over all worries.

Wouldn’t it be a stupid sight to behold, a mountain climber loaded down with all his heavy baggage and struggling to keep up with the Sherpa guide not carrying a thing?

Musing, I continued. If I were so unburdened, what could I think about?  For one, I could look up and enjoy creation, noticing God’s variety. That would lead me to praise Him for His beauty. Then, still burden-free, I could start listing all the spiritual blessings that belong to me based on His promises and His unchanging character. For sure there’d still be plenty of time to pray for others, that they too would offload worries and troubles onto Jesus, our burden bearer.

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