Preparing for Easter ~ Mark of Suffering

[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]

Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.  Hebrews 12:2 ESV

Luke is the only Gospel to record Jesus weeping over Jerusalem upon His triumphant entry into the city on the day we now call Palm Sunday. Praises and palm branches, hosannas and hallelujahs roar as plots and hostility whisper in secret. Why does Jesus weep for Jerusalem? Jesus knows the hearts of the people. In a few days, these very people will cry "crucify!" Jesus knows the destruction of Jerusalem is coming; the rejection of the Messiah will bring divine judgment.

During the study of John, notes from Bible Study Fellowship give this insight: Indeed, throughout Jesus' suffering His joy was a distinguishing mark of character that separated Him from them. Jesus' suffering leads to joy. He accomplishes God's will on the cross of redemption and now sits at the right hand of God. Paul writes: for I bear on my body the marks of Jesus [Galatians 6:17] What does he mean? Paul bears the wounds and scars of persecution for Christ's sake. As believers, our joy is grown in trials, and our endurance is increased in difficulty. Soul-full joy in spite of suffering marks our true faith in Christ. 

• Thinking about the sufferings of Christ, do you think Christ was ever discouraged? 
• Can others see Christ's mark of suffering [JOY] on my life?

Jesus, my heart weeps at the suffering You endured for me. You were able to look through the suffering to the future with Joy because You knew the Father. I look with Hope and Joy because I know 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!”

Preparing for Easter ~ Jesus, I AM the Way, the Truth, and the Life

[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]

Palm Sunday ~ 5th Sunday of Lent

Jesus said: “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me." John 14:6 NASB

This is the sixth of seven "I AM" statements that Jesus gives us about His deity. Jesus clearly states that there is one way to the Father and that way is through Him. Jesus is the way to God, and Jesus is the truth of God. Jesus is the true and everlasting life. Scripture tells us the way is "narrow" and the "broad" way leads to destruction. There will be those who only pretend to follow Jesus, but the Truth knows the heart. Jesus is the only way to salvation; He is the bridge back to God.

I AM the righteous road, the truth-fulfilled Savior, the life-giving Spirit that leads to eternal life. Jesus said, "Follow Me!" We are to walk the righteous, narrow road of integrity, humility, and compassion. We are to share the truth of Jesus, the Son of God, with love, with gentleness, with encouragement. We are to live in the presence of the Spirit, finding His peace and joy and rest.

• Do you know the way, the truth and the life that only Jesus offers? 
• Have you shared this Jesus with anyone? Will you?

Savior, lead me to the quiet waters of Your refreshment; open my mind to Your will. Fill my soul with Your Spirit; empower me to share Jesus. - 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!”

Preparing for Easter ~ Mark of Ministry

[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]

Our work as God's servants gets validated--or not--in the details. People are watching us as we stay at our post, alertly, unswervingly ...in hard times, tough times, bad times; when we're beaten up, jailed, and mobbed; working hard, working late, working without eating; with pure heart, clear head, steady hand; in gentleness, holiness, and honest love; when we're telling the truth, and when God's showing his power; when we're doing our best setting things right; when we're praised, and when we're blamed; slandered, and honored; true to our word, though distrusted; ignored by the world, but recognized by God; terrifically alive, though rumored to be dead; beaten within an inch of our lives, but refusing to die; immersed in tears, yet always filled with deep joy; living on handouts, yet enriching many; having nothing, having it all.

2 Corinthians 6:4-10 MSG

The apostle Paul gives vivid descriptions of what can happen to those who share in the ministry of Christ. Certainly, there will be difficulties and dissensions of all kinds; persecution may become life threatening. Beyond the hard times, those who share in the ministry of Christ find deep joy. Our reward for being a servant of God has everlasting dividends that far exceed the earthly tasks. How does your spiritual wealth account look these days?

• Reading the above Scripture, mark the phrases that describe your ministry. 
• "in the details" - recall some specific details that mark your ministry in Christ.

God, when I look closely at the details of my servant hood, I am aware that my efforts are often small, without much risk. It is so easy to sit on the bench. Help me see the needs; give me the courage and endurance and humility to serve 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!”

Preparing for Easter ~ Mark of Spiritual Growth

[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 have written to you who are young because you are strong with God’s word living in your hearts, and you have won your battle with Satan. 1 John 2:14c NLT

When you read verses 12-14 in 1 John 2, John is writing to all ages of those who have put their faith in Christ. Each of us finds ourselves at different marks along this journey with Christ, but John gives us a place to grow ~ with God’s word living in your hearts. For a deeper relationship with Christ, we must spend time reading and contemplating and praying the Scriptures. God reveals himself through the word, speaks to our hearts, and directs our paths. Satan does not want us to have a relationship with Christ and attacks our efforts. His hope is that our faith will remain shallow, if it remains at all.

There are no shortcuts to study. It does require discipline to make time to be in God’s word. Perhaps even harder, it requires a desire to grow more like Christ and live the lessons we learn. Stay in The Word! 

• Read 1 John 2:12-14; note all the age groups mentioned.
•  Where are you on your journey with Christ? How will you grow to the next level?

God, we follow a risen Savior and desire to become more like Christ. As Your children, we have a lot to learn. Open the Scriptures to my heart and mind. Help me keep Your word living in my heart! - 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!”

Preparing for Easter ~ Mark of Reverence

[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]

The Israelites crossed the Jordan River, into the Promised Land: The people came up out of the Jordan and set up camp at The Gilgal to the east of Jericho. Joshua erected a monument at The Gilgal, using the twelve stones that they had taken from the Jordan. And then [Joshua] told the people of Israel, “In the days to come, when your children ask their fathers, ‘What are these stones doing here?’ tell your children this: ‘Israel crossed over this Jordan on dry ground.’ . . . This was so everybody on earth would recognize how strong GOD’s rescuing hand is and so that you would hold GOD in solemn reverence always.”

Joshua 4:19-24 MSG

These stones from the Jordan River serve as a memorial marker for the Israelites. From Abraham first receiving God’s message of his descendants being a chosen people destined for a Promised Land until Joshua leads the Israelites across the Jordan River into this Promised Land spans nearly 800 years. They create this memorial just the way GOD tells Joshua. More importantly, is the reason: tell your children this: ‘Israel crossed over this Jordan on dry ground.’ Everybody is to recognize GOD’s strong rescuing hand and always hold GOD in solemn reverence. What an ongoing opportunity to share this God-story with their children, teaching them of God’s mighty power! God promises a chosen people their own land, God redeems His chosen from bondage in Egypt, God provides all they need, and then God safely makes a way for them to enter the Promised Land. This is a God-story of rescue and power, a God-story of promise.

We all have a God-story. God rescues us from sin through Jesus. Jesus redeems us from the bondage of a sinful life, provides all that we need, and then, when our physical life ends, our spirit continues to live with Him. Our Promised Land is the Everlasting Life that comes from Jesus. It is important to share our God-story with our children, family, friends, co-workers, or any soul in need. Once someone believes in the resurrection power of Jesus, the Everlasting Life begins. First, we grow more like Christ in our everyday living; in ministering to others, in sharing the Gospel, in study and prayer, we develop a deeper relationship with Christ. As you live this resurrection life, share your memorial markers; remember this holy God.

• Read Joshua chapters 3-4; imagine the emotions of this event.
• Do you know the resurrection power of God? Will you share your God-story with someone?

Holy One, I fall on my knees in awe of Your power, Your majesty, Your Goodness. Let me live each day remembering Your Promises. I am thankful for so much undeserved grace. – 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!”

Preparing for Easter ~ Mark of Rescue

[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]

Rahab, a prostitute who helps Jewish spies sent by Joshua, asks that they show her kindness when they return. “Give me a sure sign that you will spare the lives [of my family] . . . from death.” The spies gave her specific instructions. “Agreed,” she replied. “Let it be as you say.” So she sent them away and they departed. And she tied the scarlet cord in the window. Joshua 2: 12-21 NIV

When the Israelites take Jericho, true to their word, Rahab and her family are spared while all the rest is destroyed. For Rahab, the scarlet cord is her mark of protection, her mark of rescue. Rahab is found in the lineage of Jesus [see Matthew chapter 1], and becomes the mother of Boaz, who marries Ruth; Ruth is the great grandmother of David the king. In Matthew’s recording, we see how faith in God gives way to grace and forgiveness. God can rescue even prostitutes and foreigners for His Kingdom work.

“True faith is marked by humility before God and ministry to others.” Have you been rescued? Is Jesus your scarlet cord? If not, today is not too soon! Jesus is waiting.

• In reading Joshua 2, describe how God uses a prostitute to further His Promise.
• From what sin do you need to be rescued? Are you willing to ask Jesus to rescue you?

God, in You there is power that exceeds all power. Continue to rescue me from my human frailty; help me focus on Your Promises, Your Provision, Your Plan for me. I want to be found faithful. – 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!”