Listening to the Father

Deus caritas est! “…God is love.” 1 John 4:16

As we enter this season of reflection and renewal, let’s rediscover God calling to His children, revealing His goodness, and transforming each one with Perfect Love. "This is real love – not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins" (1 John 4:10) ~ Donna Oswalt

 Jesus' obedience means a total, fearless listening to His loving Father... We will never understand the full meaning of Jesus' richly varied ministry unless we see how the many things are rooted in one thing: listening to the Father in the intimacy of perfect love. Henri Nouwen, Show Me The Way (p.112-113)

Time after time we find Jesus alone praying to the Father. When Jesus predicts His death on the cross to the crowd, He again seeks the Father's power. Nouwen writes, "This inexhaustible love between the Father and the Son includes and yet transcends all forms of love known to us." God is the Source of everything for Jesus, power, direction, and love. Jesus seeks the Father in all things; He listens to the Father in the intimacy of perfect love.

"Father, glorify Your name."
Then a voice came from heaven, saying, "I have both glorified it and will glorify it again." John 12:28

Jesus tells the crowd that God has spoken for your sake. There are questions and uncertainties about what it all means. Jesus wants them to understand that He is the Christ, the Messiah. He declares himself Light, calling them to believe and become sons of light. Jesus longs for those in the crowd who follow Him to become a community. Today, Jesus still desires for Believers to join together, to be an intimate community that worships and seeks the Father for all things. How do we achieve such unity and intimacy? By listening to the Father.

READ John 12:27-36

consider this!

- What did the people say when they heard a voice from heaven?

- How did Jesus describe His death? Did the people understand?

- When do I go to the Father? Do I listen for His reply?

Father of Light! You fill my darkness with fireworks of possibilities and wonders that exceed my imagination. You call me to share this light with others. I am listening more and more to Your whispers and the Spirit's promptings. I want to be obedient to Your best for me. Forgive me when I settle for good enough. Amen. -dho

All rights reserved; copyright 2017 by Donna Oswalt/Co-Founder of Mangrove Ministries/Christian blogger and author;  Breathing Room For My Soul (blog)~ Follow on Twitter @soulchat

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Faces in the Crowd

Deus caritas est! “…God is love.” 1 John 4:16

As we enter this season of reflection and renewal, let’s rediscover God calling to His children, revealing His goodness, and transforming each one with Perfect Love. "This is real love – not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins" (1 John 4:10) ~ Donna Oswalt

The temple God wants to be master of the human soul, which he created and fashioned just like himself. We read that God said, "Let us make man on our own image."... He made each soul so much like himself that nothing else in heaven or on earth resembles him as much... God wants the temple to be pure, so pure that nothing should dwell there except he himself. And that is the reason why he is so pleased when we really prepare our souls for him.  Meister Eckhart (1260-1327)

A growing crowd has followed Jesus these last weeks, watching and testifying to what they have witnessed - Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead, many miracles of healing, parables and teachings. The religious leaders, struggling with supernatural possibility and personal pride, are threatened, fearing the crowd's allegiance to Jesus.

The Pharisees therefore said among themselves, "You see that you are accomplishing nothing. Look, the world has gone after Him." John 12:19 NKJV

The crowd, like the Pharisees, come with their own agendas. Some are caught up in the excitement of the moment, some looking for the extraordinary, and some skeptical but curious. The Pharisees think the crowd is foolish, but wants to find something to discredit Jesus' popularity. We are sometimes the crowd, watching, wondering, looking for more! We are sometimes like the Pharisees, cynical, doubting, expecting less! 

READ John 12:17-19

consider this!

- Picture yourself in the crowd. Who are you? What do you expect from Jesus?

- Consider yourself a Pharisee. What questions do you ask?

- How am I preparing my soul for the living Christ?

Holy Father! Prepare my soul for the journey it must take. Help me step away from the crowd to be with You, to listen for You, to feel You near. Take my cynicism and make it compassion. Take my doubt and make it trust. Take my soul to Your high places of blessing. Amen. -dho

All rights reserved; copyright 2017 by Donna Oswalt/Co-Founder of Mangrove Ministries/Christian blogger and author;  Breathing Room For My Soul (blog)~ Follow on Twitter @soulchat

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Palm Sunday - Oneness in Christ - Recognizing Jesus

Deus caritas est! “…God is love.” 1 John 4:16

As we enter this season of reflection and renewal, let’s rediscover God calling to His children, revealing His goodness, and transforming each one with Perfect Love. "This is real love – not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins" (1 John 4:10) ~ Donna Oswalt

A life of complete faith propels one to live not by his own ideas, impulses, or abilities, but by the leadings of the Spirit that have much the same ebb and flow and unpredictability that wind and waves do." John Haughey

Those watching for the Messiah, their King-to-be, anticipate much more pomp and circumstance, grandeur and power. They think the Messiah will rule on earth. Instead, God's plan allows Jesus to enter Jerusalem on a donkey with His disciples following but not understanding. Often times, God's plans for us come in unpredictable ways, like on a donkey, and we do not understand at the time.

"Fear not daughter of Zion;
Behold your King is coming,
Sitting on a donkey's colt." John 12:15 NKJV

Hoping for a king, the people do not recognize Jesus as the Messiah. Shouting Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the LORD! The King of Israel!, the crowd waves palm branches as Jesus enters Jerusalem riding a donkey. Like those lining the parade route some 2,000 years ago, sometimes we do not always recognize Jesus, like when He wears the tattered clothes of a beggar or the tears of an abused child or the hunger in a distant land or the loneliness of an empty life. Like the disciples, we follow Jesus but do not always understand in the disappointment or the crisis during the parade. Only afterwards do we recognized Jesus and the Providence and Grace of a loving God. 

READ John 12:12-16

consider this!

- The crowd is shouting words from a Psalm. Read Psalm 118 and find the words.

- When DID the disciples understand?

- As you read these verses in John, imagine yourself standing in the crowd. How might you react?

Faithful Father! Your wisdom exceeds my best ideas. My heart's desire is that You find me faithful. Help me see You in all things. Amen. -dho

All rights reserved; copyright 2017 by Donna Oswalt/Co-Founder of Mangrove Ministries/Christian blogger and author;  Breathing Room For My Soul (blog)~ Follow on Twitter @soulchat

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Anointed and Prepared

Deus caritas est! “…God is love.” 1 John 4:16

As we enter this season of reflection and renewal, let’s rediscover God calling to His children, revealing His goodness, and transforming each one with Perfect Love. "This is real love – not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins" (1 John 4:10) ~ Donna Oswalt

For God himself works in our souls, in their deepest depths, taking increasing control as we are progressively willing to be prepared for His wonder. Thomas Kelly, Devotional Classics by Foster/Smith

During these weeks of Lent, the intention is to be a time of reflection, a time for the soul to be prepared to once again consider the sacrifice of the Perfect Lamb for sinners, imperfect in every way. This is not to suggest that the Easter season is the only time for reflection or study; certainly it is not , but it can be a time of spiritual renewal. As the last week approaches and the familiar story unfolds, be prepared to listen, be prepared for His wonder.

But Jesus said, "Let her alone; she has kept this for the day of My burial." John 12:7

As you read this account of Mary's anointing Jesus feet with expensive perfume, consider the extravagance of her gesture. Commentaries tell us this expensive perfume equals a year's wages. Mary receives criticism from one of His disciples, Judas Iscariot. Jesus intercedes, once again reminding that He will not be with them much longer. Mary's soul somehow understands the gravity of the time at hand. She abandons the expected role, steps outside the boundaries. Mary senses the wonder of Jesus and the house is filled with the fragrance of love.

READ John 12:1-8

consider this!

- List all those Scripture mentions as being present at this dinner.

- What is your reaction to Judas' comment?

- Now, consider the extravagance of Jesus' love.

Lord, in Your presence I find unspoken joy, wordless praise, endless thanksgiving. You draw me to Perfect Love, and I long for more. Prepare my heart and mind and soul as I once again walk the dusty roads up to Jerusalem, stand in the crowds watching, listen to the mocking, see the Body broken for me, contemplate the cross, find the empty tomb. Amen. -dho

All rights reserved; copyright 2017 by Donna Oswalt/Co-Founder of Mangrove Ministries/Christian blogger and author;  Breathing Room For My Soul (blog)~ Follow on Twitter @soulchat

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Spiritual Sight

Deus caritas est! “…God is love.” 1 John 4:16

As we enter this season of reflection and renewal, let’s rediscover God calling to His children, revealing His goodness, and transforming each one with Perfect Love. "This is real love – not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins" (1 John 4:10) ~ Donna Oswalt

 For the grateful man knows that God is good, not by hearsay but by experience. And that is what makes all the difference. Thomas Merton, Thoughts in Solitude (p.33)

Jesus hears about the Pharisees throwing the formerly-blind beggar out of the synagogue. He finds the man and asks, "Do you believe in the Son of Man?" The man does not recognize Jesus having been blind when they previously met. Jesus invites this man to become part of the Kingdom. With a desire to know Jesus, he accepts. His roadside experience begins with at physical healing, but the real transformation, the spiritual sight, happens on the inside.

Then Jesus told him, "I have come to judge the world, I have come to give sight to the blind and to show those who think they see that they are blind. John 9:39 NLT

The Pharisees present are indignant that Jesus would suggest they are spiritually blind! And once again, we find ourselves dressed as a Pharisee. Yes, we believers can be spiritually blind when we choose our desires instead of being obedient to God's will, when we justify our busyness inside the church instead of reaching outside the church walls into the community, when we rationalize our sins instead of acknowledging that the world has us in its grip. Only through Jesus can we overcome spiritual blindness!

READ John 9:35-41

consider this!

- Read verse 35; what gives you comfort?

- Explain who these two groups of people are that Jesus refers to as "the blind" and "those who think they see".

- What experience with God makes me grateful?

God of might and mercy, You find us, care for us, love us. Your compassion exceeds our needs, heals our wounds, offers us tenderness. Our response to can be one of humility and gratitude or self-righteousness and self-assurance. Forgive my blindness, my egocentric bows to the world's applause. It is YOU, and You alone, I long to see clearly. Amen. -dho

All rights reserved; copyright 2017 by Donna Oswalt/Co-Founder of Mangrove Ministries/Christian blogger and author;  Breathing Room For My Soul (blog)~ Follow on Twitter @soulchat

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Holy Surprises!

Deus caritas est! “…God is love.” 1 John 4:16

As we enter this season of reflection and renewal, let’s rediscover God calling to His children, revealing His goodness, and transforming each one with Perfect Love. "This is real love – not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins" (1 John 4:10) ~ Donna Oswalt

When we are truly open, we will be surprised by something in the encounter. And that surprise - that unique presence of God - can be called... holiness. Robert J. Wicks, Living Simply in an Anxious World (p. 51)

The Pharisees continue to question the beggar, "This man who opened your eyes - who do you say he is?" This miracle has caused much controversy and questioning, much examination and concern. Even the man's parents must face the inquisitors. We can identify with this man and his parents when we are willing to stand up and share our experiences with Jesus. There will always be those who question and doubt.

[The beggar responds] "I don't know whether he is a sinner... but I know this: I was blind, and now I can see!" John 9:25 NLT

When we encounter the Living Christ, we are changed from the inside; we are transformed. Christ puts a robe of righteousness around our shoulders and welcomes us into the family. Do we suddenly have all the answers? We never will have ALL the answers. As followers of Christ our response must be to simply tell our faith-story.

READ John 9:17-34

consider this!

- Why is it important that the Pharisees shed doubt on the beggar's healing?

- Remember a time when your faith has been challenged? What did you say or do?

- Tell your faith-story - it is the most meaningful tool anyone has for sharing the Gospel.

Holy One! The world denies You, attempts to minimize Your power. Sometimes the task to tell my story seems daunting. Does MY story really matter? Isn't it God's story I should tell? What if they mock me? What if they do not listen? Make my faith bold enough to stand and share my own God-story with another. Make me humble in the telling of Your faithfulness and Grace. Amen. -dho

All rights reserved; copyright 2017 by Donna Oswalt/Co-Founder of Mangrove Ministries/Christian blogger and author;  Breathing Room For My Soul (blog)~ Follow on Twitter @soulchat

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Self-Righteous Divisions

Deus caritas est! “…God is love.” 1 John 4:16

As we enter this season of reflection and renewal, let’s rediscover God calling to His children, revealing His goodness, and transforming each one with Perfect Love. "This is real love – not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins" (1 John 4:10) ~ Donna Oswalt

The greatest enemy to human souls is the self-righteous spirit which makes men look to themselves for salvation. Charles Spurgeon

The Pharisees were an influential religious authority in Judaism. They reinforced the Jewish law. Knowledgeable and well-versed in the Scriptures, the Pharisees quoted the law and prided themselves on living the law. In some ways, we who attend church and Bible studies, teach Sunday School, serve on church committees, and sing in the choir can act the same as the Pharisees. We, too, can be self-righteous in our actions to those we think are less religious than we are.

Some of the Pharisees said, "This man Jesus is not from God, for he is working on the Sabbath." Others said, "But how could an ordinary sinner to such miraculous signs?" So there was deep division of opinion among them. John 9:16 NLT

Churches and religious organizations and Christians struggle with the same issues as the Pharisees. In our desire to represent God to the world, we can create deep division between  ordinary sinners and religious sinners. There is none. Our pride gets in the way and often can be a wedge instead of a lever; we hinder instead of encourage. In our disagreements, we plod along in our certainty, without love or compassion or gentleness. How like the Pharisees we can be!

READ John 9:13-16

consider this!

- What was the Sabbath? To was 'law' are the Pharisees referring?

- Name an example of a deep division in a religious group today.

- How do you know Jesus is from God? Find a Scripture to support your answer.

Lord, forgive me when I find more delight in knowing about You than in "knowing" You. Give me eyes to see my neighbors as You see me - a sinner in need of grace. Amen. -dho

All rights reserved; copyright 2017 by Donna Oswalt/Co-Founder of Mangrove Ministries/Christian blogger and author;  Breathing Room For My Soul (blog)~ Follow on Twitter @soulchat

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Delightful Giving

Deus caritas est! “…God is love.” 1 John 4:16

As we enter this season of reflection and renewal, let’s rediscover God calling to His children, revealing His goodness, and transforming each one with Perfect Love. "This is real love – not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins" (1 John 4:10) ~ Donna Oswalt

 God loves us; not because we are lovable but because He is love, not because He needs to receive but because He delights to give.  C.S. Lewis

How like the blind beggar we are, sitting beside the road with life passing by us everyday. So often we are 'blind' to the opportunities to serve, the weariness of others, even the prayers offered for us! We miss the loneliness of those we know. We miss God's goodness all around us, the gestures of love by strangers and friends.

"How then were your eyes opened?" they demanded. [The beggar] replied, "The man they call Jesus made some mud and put it on my eyes. He told me to go to Siloam and wash. So I went and washed, and then I could see." John 9:10-11

When God finds us, He offers us love; He delights to give us unconditional love. If we listen to Him and follow His instructions, our eyes are opened to His goodness and grace, to the Spirit's leading, to the needs around us. As we respond in faith, we find our hearts grow more compassionate, more loving, more giving, more like Him.

READ John 9:8-12

consider this!

- What are the responses of those who knew the blind beggar?

- How is the beggar's life changed?

- Like the crowd, do I ever ask, "Where is this [Jesus]?"

Immanuel, God with us! You are with us even when we do not notice. You embrace us even when we feel unworthy. You carry us when we cannot move. You open our eyes to new possibilities. Thank You for more! Amen. -dho

All rights reserved; copyright 2017 by Donna Oswalt/Co-Founder of Mangrove Ministries/Christian blogger and author;  Breathing Room For My Soul (blog)~ Follow on Twitter @soulchat

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Questions

Deus caritas est! “…God is love.” 1 John 4:16

As we enter this season of reflection and renewal, let’s rediscover God calling to His children, revealing His goodness, and transforming each one with Perfect Love. "This is real love – not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins" (1 John 4:10) ~ Donna Oswalt

God by His providence brings you into circumstances that you can't understand at all, but the Spirit of God understands. God brings you to places, among people, and into certain conditions to accomplish a definite purpose through the intercession of the Spirit in you. Oswald Chambers, My Utmost For His Highest

Situations that we do not understand happen all the time. Disasters, poverty, crime, and diseases are part of everyday life. We live in a fallen world; sin rules, and Satan is the prince of darkness. Yet, God can take each of these circumstances, especially the hardest ones that are beyond our understanding, and show us how we can use them to give Him glory.

Jesus said, "Your're asking the wrong question. You're looking for someone to blame. There is no such cause-effect here. Look instead for what God can do. We need to be energetically at work for the One who sent me here... I am the world's light. 
John 9:3-5 The Message

In a crisis, the one question that usually remains unanswered is "WHY". Scripture tells us not to waste time assigning blame, rather we are to see God in every circumstance, looking for a way to be the light of Jesus to the world. Will we understand everything then? No! The better questions are - How can I best praise God in this crisis? Will others see Jesus in my responses? Am I turning to God for His wisdom and vision in difficult times?

READ John 9:1-7

consider this!

- In verse 2, what question did the disciples ask Jesus?

- Did the blind man approach Jesus and ask for healing?

- How is Jesus improving my vision?

Jesus, You are the Great Physician who heals the bruised and broken. How often i think that only means physical healing. You always offer spiritual healing through difficult circumstances. The world blames You when life becomes dark and complicated. But You are Light and Love! Teach me how to praise God on all things, at all times. For His Goodness is everlasting. Amen. -dho

All rights reserved; copyright 2017 by Donna Oswalt/Co-Founder of Mangrove Ministries/Christian blogger and author;  Breathing Room For My Soul (blog)~ Follow on Twitter @soulchat

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5th Sunday in Lent - Oneness in Christ - Amazed by Grace

Deus caritas est! “…God is love.” 1 John 4:16

As we enter this season of reflection and renewal, let’s rediscover God calling to His children, revealing His goodness, and transforming each one with Perfect Love. "This is real love – not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins" (1 John 4:10) ~ Donna Oswalt

 We must never lose our capacity to be amazed by grace. RC Sproul, The Holiness of God

In the following Scripture verses, Jesus' identity is questioned. Jesus responds to His accusers revealing His Divinity. Jesus, fully man, stands before those who doubt His true identity, and Jesus, fully God, states His divine nature. The crowd's response? "At this, they picked up stones to stone him..."

Jesus said to them, "Most assuredly, I say to you, before Abraham, I AM."        
John 8:58 NKJV 

As believers we too find ourselves attacked by accusers, by those who doubt, by Satan himself. We must be ready to stand firm and glorify God, tell our faith-story to those who will listen. Our credibility may be questioned by the crowd, but God searches every heart. Our testimony must give glory to I AM. God will handle everything else.

READ John 8:48-59

consider this!

- In John 8:58, what exactly was Jesus saying?

- Read Exodus 3:6 and 14; who is I AM?

- From these OT and NT Scriptures, describe the character of God.

Yahweh - You are I AM, the beginning and the end; yet, there is no ending of Your presence or power or provision. You call me, teach me, strengthen me. Your grace is wordless and pours over me, makes me new again. It is You that I worship and praise. Embraced by Perfect Love, I will tell Your story. Amen. -dho

All rights reserved; copyright 2017 by Donna Oswalt/Co-Founder of Mangrove Ministries/Christian blogger and author;  Breathing Room For My Soul (blog)~ Follow on Twitter @soulchat

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Hear What God Says

Deus caritas est! “…God is love.” 1 John 4:16

As we enter this season of reflection and renewal, let’s rediscover God calling to His children, revealing His goodness, and transforming each one with Perfect Love. "This is real love – not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins" (1 John 4:10) ~ Donna Oswalt

The alternate beats of the Christian heart are receptivity and response - receptivity from God and response in work from us. E. Stanley Jones, The Habit of Reading the Bible Daily as found in Devotional Classics, edited by Foster and Smith

Christ came to earth from the Father with the desire to offer Perfect Love for every person. God revealed Himself to us through the Word. We need to spend time reading the Scriptures. Let us ask ourselves, "How much time do I spend with God every day?" 

[Jesus said] ...I have not come on my own; but [the Father] sent me. Why is My language not clear to you? Because you are unable to hear what I say. John 8:42-43

If we do not understand God's message, do not find God's plan revealed for our lives, it is because we are not seeking Him. The father of lies speaks and shouts, tempts and taunts, distracts and discourages us. If we belong to God, we will listen for Truth. Whose messages do you hear the loudest?

READ John 8:39-47

consider this!

- Reading the verses above, contrast Jesus, Son of God, with Satan, father of lies.

- If spending time in God's Word is the way we understand more about God, how will I commit to doing this?

- What is the 'language' of Jesus? Is it a foreign language to me?

Father of Light - I know that spending time with You is essential in growing an intimate relationship. the father of lies tries to capture my time, wrestles with my commitment, delights when I fail. He calls that time unnecessary Bible study, "homework", a waste of time. He convinces me that what the world calls IMPORTANT should be my priorities. Cleanse this heart; make it holy. Strengthen me; encourage me. I want to speak the same language as You. Amen. -dho

All rights reserved; copyright 2017 by Donna Oswalt/Co-Founder of Mangrove Ministries/Christian blogger and author;  Breathing Room For My Soul (blog)~ Follow on Twitter @soulchat

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