Preparing for Easter ~ Place of Inclusion

[Lord, You have been our dwelling place in all generations…from everlasting to everlasting  Psalm 90:1-2  

During this season of reflection and renewal, join me, and let's explore God’s Presence, our dwelling place.  Are you dwelling in the presence of God? ~ Donna Howell Oswalt]

 “As I began to speak, the Holy Spirit came on them as He had come on us at the beginning. Then I remembered what the Lord had said: ‘John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.’ So if God gave them the same gift He gave us who believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I to think that I could stand in God’s way?”

Acts 11:15-17

Messengers from Caesarea sent by Cornelius, a Roman officer and faithful man, visit Peter in Joppa asking that he come and share the Good News with the Gentiles. Peter breaks Jewish rules by entering the house of a non-Jew, but the Holy Spirit approves. Those present believe and are baptized. Upon Peter’s return to Jerusalem, some criticize him, but after discussion, they realize, “God has also given the Gentiles the privilege of turning from sin and receiving eternal life.”

Caesarea, the largest port city on the Mediterranean Sea, becomes the location of the first Gentile Christians and later the first non-Jewish church. Peter’s obedience to God marks the beginning of God’s plan to redeem Gentiles. God desires that all people come to know Christ. Spirit of Grace, open my heart to the prejudices that constrain my influence for Christ, melt the barriers that cultural experiences create between me and those God chooses, direct my steps toward the ones who need to hear the Good News. Count me alive in Christ. Holy Spirit, fill me with a spirit of inclusion. - dho 

All rights reserved ~ used with permission of the author

Copyright 2014 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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“May you be blessed by the Lord Who loves you best!”

Preparing for Easter ~ Place of Transformation

[Lord, You have been our dwelling place in all generations…from everlasting to everlasting  Psalm 90:1-2  

During this season of reflection and renewal, join me, and let's explore God’s Presence, our dwelling place.  Are you dwelling in the presence of God? ~ Donna Howell Oswalt]

“As [Saul] was nearing Damascus on this mission, a brilliant light from heaven suddenly beamed down upon him! He fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul! Saul! Why are you persecuting me?” “Who are you, sir?” Saul asked. And the voice replied. “I am Jesus, the one you are persecuting! Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you are to do.” Acts 9:3-6 NLT

Saul, well-educated, steeped in Judaism, a Pharisee of Pharisees, continues his mission to persecute all who profess belief in Christ. Saul is present at the stoning of Stephen, one of the seven designated spiritual leaders of the early church. After this, a great persecution against the church begins in Jerusalem and many believers scatter to various regions of Judea and Samaria. Saul begins going everywhere to devastate the church. He went from house to house, dragging both men and women to throw them into jail. Then, on the road to Damascus Saul encounters Jesus.       

Jesus transforms Saul, personally choosing him to preach the Good News across the Roman Empire, especially to the Gentiles. Renamed Paul, a Christian missionary with a rich history in Judaism, he becomes one of the most prolific writers of the New Testament. Lord, Paul says, “For to me, living is for Christ.” I yearn for my life to reflect Christ, to be transformed daily to become even more like Christ. Take my abilities, my knowledge, my experiences, even my weaknesses. Count me alive in Christ. Use all of me for Your Glory. -dho 

All rights reserved ~ used with permission of the author

Copyright 2014 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 ~

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

Preparing for Easter ~ Place of Obedience

[Lord, You have been our dwelling place in all generations…from everlasting to everlasting  Psalm 90:1-2  

During this season of reflection and renewal, join me, and let's explore God’s Presence, our dwelling place.  Are you dwelling in the presence of God? ~ Donna Howell Oswalt]

“When they had brought them, they stood them before the Council. The high priest questioned them saying, “We gave you strict orders not to continue teaching in this name, and yet, you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and intend to bring this man’s blood upon us.” But Peter and the apostles answered, “We must obey God rather than men.”

Acts 5:27-29 NASB

The first years of the church survive despite beatings and arrests of the apostles by the religious community. God’s power continually gives them boldness in teaching and preaching the Gospel of Jesus. The Holy Spirit empowers them to perform miracles of healing. Many people begin to believe, and the numbers of followers are increasing. While religious leaders repeatedly reject and slander and imprison the apostles, God keeps releasing them with renewed passion.

The apostles and these first disciples experience great personal risks in continuing to speak the Good News of salvation through Jesus Christ. They are hated, ridiculed, and punished for their obedience to God. Lord, let me recognize the Spirit that dwells within me as I stand firm in my faith when others around me lie and cheat, as I kneel faithfully in reverence when others curse and mock Your name. Count me alive in Christ. I choose to obey You!  - dho 

All rights reserved ~ used with permission of the author

Copyright 2014 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

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

Preparing for Easter ~ Place of Holy Wind

[Lord, You have been our dwelling place in all generations…from everlasting to everlasting  Psalm 90:1-2  

During this season of reflection and renewal, join me, and let's explore God’s Presence, our dwelling place.  Are you dwelling in the presence of God? ~ Donna Howell Oswalt]

“When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a noise like a strong, blowing wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting.  They saw something like flames of fire that were separated and stood over each person there.  They were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they began to speak different languages by the power the Holy Spirit was giving them.” Acts 2:1-4 NCV

Jewish history recounts that the curtains in the Temple that separate the Most Holy Place would sometimes move and describes this as phenomenon as Rauch HaKodesh, a Hebrew phrase meaning “Breath of the Holies”. In the Old Testament, the Jewish people understand the Holy Spirit to be God’s influence over humanity and the universe. In Psalm 51:11 David pleads with God, “Do not banish me from Your presence, and don’t take your Holy Spirit from me.” God always desires to dwell in the presence of His people.

After Jesus ascends back to heaven, as promised, the Holy Spirit descends to His followers. The Holy Spirit is the Helper, the Comforter, the Spirit of Truth. Now, Jesus sits at the right hand of God, and the Holy Spirit becomes God’s Presence with us. Holy Spirit, come alongside of me and breathe holy life into my thoughts, my purpose, my service. In You I know the presence of the Lord. Holy Wind, embrace me, encourage me, empower me. Count me alive in Christ. Spirit of the Living God, fall afresh on me. - dho 

All rights reserved ~ used with permission of the author

Copyright 2014 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 ~

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

Preparing for Easter ~ 5th Sunday of Lent - Christ Reveals the Dwelling Place of God

[Lord, You have been our dwelling place in all generations…from everlasting to everlasting  Psalm 90:1-2  

During this season of reflection and renewal, join me, and let's explore God’s Presence, our dwelling place.  Are you dwelling in the presence of God? ~ Donna Howell Oswalt]

 “The Christian does not go to the temple to worship. The Christian takes the temple

with him or her. Jesus lifts us beyond the building and pays 

the human body the highest compliment by making His dwelling place, 

the place where He meets with us.”

Ravi Zacharias

“And Jesus cried out again with a loud voice, and yielded up His spirit. And behold the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom; and the earth shook and the rocks were split.” Matthew 27:50-51 NASB

Until this day, God’s Presence dwells on the Mercy Seat in the Most Holy Place in the Temple, but when Jesus breathes His last breath, the curtain separating the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place rips from top to bottom. Before this moment, only the high priest could enter the Most Holy Place and only one time a year on the Day of Atonement. Now, the barrier between humanity and God is torn apart. The crucified Jesus reveals the door to reconciliation.

This long day has been full of betrayals and beatings, accusations and abandonment, interrogations and inscriptions, mockery and miracles. The crucifixion of Jesus reveals His willingness to die once for all, to be the last blood sacrifice needed for redemption. Standing at the foot of the cross, the Roman officer and the other soldiers at the crucifixion were terrified by the earthquake and all that happened. They said, ‘Truly, this was the Son of God!” [Matthew 27:54] Christ reveals the dwelling place of God. Lamb of God, You reveal my imperfections! Some days I choose the world, use words that hurt, simply pretend to care. But because the veil is torn, I can enter the Holy of Holies. Count me alive in Christ. Every day You reveal the unforced rhythms of Grace. – dho

All rights reserved ~ used with permission of the author

Copyright 2014 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

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

Preparing for Easter ~ Place of Betrayal

[Lord, You have been our dwelling place in all generations…from everlasting to everlasting  Psalm 90:1-2  

During this season of reflection and renewal, join me, and let's explore God’s Presence, our dwelling place.  Are you dwelling in the presence of God? ~ Donna Howell Oswalt]

 “After saying these things, Jesus crossed the Kidron Valley with His disciples and entered a grove of olive trees. Judas, the betrayer, knew this place, because Jesus had gone there many times with His disciples.” John 18:1-2 NLT

Judas, one of the twelve disciples of Jesus, betrays Him to authorities for thirty pieces of silver. As for the motivation of Judas, one can suppose evil ambitions or simple greed. Whatever his intention, Judas brings the authorities to the Gethsemane, as he knows this place to be somewhere Jesus and the disciples frequently gather. Usually a quiet place for prayer and reflection, Gethsemane becomes a place of betrayal.

Life hurries along, and sometimes it is easier to be lost in a moment, enticed with the crowd, and controlled by the money, than admit weakness, confess insecurity, or express need. Jesus, when I forget Your goodness and ignore Your peace, when I hurry passed Your joy and overlook Your Grace, I betray You again and again. Count me alive in Christ. You give a greater grace. -dho

All rights reserved ~ used with permission of the author

Copyright 2014 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

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

Preparing for Easter ~ Place of Intercession

[Lord, You have been our dwelling place in all generations…from everlasting to everlasting  Psalm 90:1-2  

During this season of reflection and renewal, join me, and let's explore God’s Presence, our dwelling place.  Are you dwelling in the presence of God? ~ Donna Howell Oswalt]

“As You sent Me into the world, I am sending them into the world. And I give Myself entirely to You so they also might be entirely Yours. I am praying not only for these disciples but also for all who will ever believe in Me because of their testimony. My prayer for all of them is that they will be one, just as You and I are one, Father – that just as You are in Me and I am in You, so they will be in us, and the world will believe You sent Me.”           John 17:18-21 NLT

Called the High Priestly Prayer, Jesus prays for His followers and for all who will ever believe in Him as Redeemer. While expressing His intimacy with the Father, Jesus prays for this same spiritual relationship for His followers and future followers. Jesus intercedes asking for holy fellowship among believers and with the Trinity. Jesus is intercession between humanity and God.

Centuries before Jesus, the prophet Isaiah foretells of the Messiah: He bore the sins of many and interceded for sinners [Isaiah 53:12b]. On the night before His crucifixion, centuries before I am born, Jesus remembers me to the Father. Then and now and every tomorrow, Jesus, You sit at the right hand of God, You speak my name before the throne of the Most High. Extravagant Love hears my sighs of indecision, my tears of discouragement, my groans of uncertainty. Jesus, You meet me in my places of need, sustain me with whispers of hope. Count me alive in Christ. Let my testimony give Glory to God. - dho  

All rights reserved ~ used with permission of the author

Copyright 2014 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

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

Preparing for Easter ~ Place to Abide

[Lord, You have been our dwelling place in all generations…from everlasting to everlasting  Psalm 90:1-2  

During this season of reflection and renewal, join me, and let's explore God’s Presence, our dwelling place.  Are you dwelling in the presence of God? ~ Donna Howell Oswalt]

 “Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself unless it abides in the vine, so neither can you unless you abide in Me.” John 15 NASB

Bible scholars call John’s Gospel chapters 13:31-17:26 the “Farewell Discourse” of Jesus. Common in the ancient world to offer words of encouragement and instruction for followers left behind, often to conclude in prayer, such are the final conversations of Jesus with His disciples. In this section, Jesus weaves themes of a disciple’s relationship with Him and the conflict the world brings to a disciple.  Whether hardship invades or prosperity overwhelms, if the disciple abides in Jesus, His peace and joy will transcend all circumstances.  Between Christ and His friends, there is mutual love, mutual abiding.

Abide in Me means to maintain a daily, personal relationship with Jesus. Our lives evidence this mutual abiding as we trust in Jesus and live in holy obedience to God’s will. Jesus, You are the True Vine that gives us life. What comfort I find in a community where joy is stronger than sorrow, celebrations count more than failures, love reaches deeper than necessary, and grace abides with me. Count me alive in Christ. With Christ, the fruit becomes everlasting. -dho

All rights reserved ~ used with permission of the author

Copyright 2014 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

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

Preparing for Easter ~ Place of True Peace

[Lord, You have been our dwelling place in all generations…from everlasting to everlasting  Psalm 90:1-2  

During this season of reflection and renewal, join me, and let's explore God’s Presence, our dwelling place.  Are you dwelling in the presence of God? ~ Donna Howell Oswalt]

[Jesus talking to His disciples at the Last Passover Supper] “I will talk to the Father, and He’ll provide you another Friend so that you will always have someone with you. This Friend is the Spirit of Truth… the Helper, the Holy Spirit, the Father will send in My name…”

John 14:16-31 MSG

With only a few hours before His arrest and betrayal, Jesus sits among His disciples trying to explain that the Holy Spirit will come to them afterwards, how God’s Presence will always dwell with them and anyone who seeks to love Him. The disciples hear Jesus speak but confusion, misunderstanding, and uncertainty perplexes them. The Prince of Peace will soon be nailed to a cross. The Son of God is giving us the loving Spirit of God.

Jesus says, “I am leaving you with a gift – peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give isn’t like the peace the world gives. So don’t be troubled or afraid.” This true peace employs the sum total of God’s blessings through Christ’s grace, a complete reconciliation with God that creates a place for Spirit of Truth to dwell. Spirit of Christ, You share the Spirit of Love with me. Calm the confusion that opposes truth, the misunderstanding that attacks hope, the uncertainty that antagonizes weakness. Count me alive in Christ. Teach me True Peace! -dho 

All rights reserved ~ used with permission of the author

Copyright 2014 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!”

Preparing for Easter ~ Place of Living Water

[Lord, You have been our dwelling place in all generations…from everlasting to everlasting  Psalm 90:1-2  

During this season of reflection and renewal, join me, and let's explore God’s Presence, our dwelling place.  Are you dwelling in the presence of God? ~ Donna Howell Oswalt]

“Jesus replied, ‘Believe Me, the time is coming when it will no longer matter whether you worship the Father here or in Jerusalem… true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth…’” John 4:7-30 NLT

On His way to Galilee, Jesus meets a Samaritan woman at Jacob’s well around noontime. Jesus tells her, “I would give you living water.” At first she did not understand. Jesus explains, “Whoever drinks of this water will thirst again, but whoever drinks of the water that I shall give will never thirst. [It] will become a fountain of water springing up into everlasting life.” Only the Messiah can offer Living Water to satisfy the spiritual thirst of the soul. Jesus tells her, “I am the Messiah!”

Jesus, as Messiah, is bringing a new concept to worship. He explains, soon, worship will not be limited to one place, because the Holy Spirit will dwell within God’s people, creating new dwelling places for God. The Messiah provides Living Water that needs no well, new temples that need no stones, and spiritual satisfaction that knows no end.  Lord, meet me at the well. My thirsty soul needs Living Water. Forgive me when I ‘play church’ on Sundays but ‘play god’ during the week, when I hide behind the Bible but forget to live the Truth, when I build shrines with brick and mortar but neglect Your presence within my soul. Count me alive in Christ. Nourish me as I love in spirit and in truth. – dho 

All rights reserved ~ used with permission of the author

Copyright 2014 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!”

Preparing for Easter ~ Place of Worship

[Lord, You have been our dwelling place in all generations…from everlasting to everlasting  Psalm 90:1-2  

During this season of reflection and renewal, join me, and let's explore God’s Presence, our dwelling place.  Are you dwelling in the presence of God? ~ Donna Howell Oswalt]

 [Jesus says] “Take these things away; stop making My Father’s house a place of business.”

John 2:13-25 NASB

Jesus’ ministry in Jerusalem begins with cleansing the Temple during the Jewish Passover. Being the greatest Jewish feast, the city is crowded with pilgrims who have traveled far distances to worship. Charging extravagantly for sacrificial necessities, merchants and money-changers set up business in the outer courts of the Temple and exploit the worshipers. Their materialistic, for-profit intentions disrupt worship. With great force, Jesus drives the businesses out of the Temple. Acknowledging God’s holiness, Jesus defends the Temple as a place of worship.

In less than three years, Jesus will be arrested and crucified, but with His resurrection, Jesus offers a spiritual cleansing for the soul. After more than 2,000 years, God’s holiness still prevails despite the busyness of life. Jesus, feel the random hurry disturbing my weary soul, see the extravagant luxuries choking my truest needs, hear the shouting insecurities magnifying my deepest fears. Cleanse this temple! Count me alive in Christ. My heart sings never-ending praises for the Lamb of God! – dho

All rights reserved ~ used with permission of the author

Copyright 2014 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!”