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Thursday, April 06, 2017

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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