Preparing for Easter ~ Mark of Being

[God...made a lasting mark through the sacrifice of Jesus. Hebrews 13:20 MSG

During this season of reflection and renewal, join me, and let's explore the visible evidence that identifies us as faithful followers of Jesus. Can others see Jesus in our lives? ~ Donna Oswalt]

“I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End," says the Lord, "who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty." Revelation 1:8 NKJV

Nicholas Herman entered a religious community in France in 1666 at age 55, taking the name Brother Lawrence. Working mostly in the kitchen for twenty-five years, he became best known for his “quiet and serene faith.” What Brother Lawrence desired most was to experience the presence of God. Using various letters he wrote, a translation of them into a little book entitled The Practice of the Presence of God continues to touch countless hearts. His thoughts: If [God] leads us into suffering or if He leads us into comfort, our satisfaction should still only be for the fulfilling of His will, for both suffering and comfort are the same to a soul truly resigned to Him. Brother Lawrence regarded “God as the mark to which all thoughts and desires” should begin and end. (from Practicing His Presence)

Jesus Christ is the “Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End.” Jesus is known as prophet and priest and King. He is the Son of God, giving Him divine sonship and divine nature. As Lord of lords, and King of kings, Jesus sits at the right hand of God. Brother Lawrence recognized the divine Being of Christ and desired to dwell in His Presence as much as possible. If all our thoughts and desires were to begin and end in Christ, we would discover His righteousness and grace and love to be enough. Our thoughts would be more pure, more holy, more likely to heal than to wound. This mark of being in the presence of the Holy One would be noticed in our relationships, our motivations, our offerings.

• Consider how being in the presence of the divine Being, Christ, would change my focus.
• Does my life bear the mark of being in His Presence?

Holy One, from before time until after time, You are Sovereign. Increase my awareness of Your Presence; let my desires focus more and more on You. – dho

All rights reserved ~ used with permission of the author

Copyright 2013 by Donna Oswalt/Co-Founder of Mangrove Ministries/Christian blogger and author

Breathing Room For My Soul (blog) Follow on Twitter @soulchat

For more information about this ministry visit ~

MangroveMinistries.org

LIKE Mangrove Ministries on Facebook

“May you be blessed by the Lord Who loves you best!”