Preparing for Easter - Mark of Jesus - I AM the Good Shepherd

[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]

3rd Sunday in Lent ~

I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. . .I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, just as the Father knows Me and I know the Father. And I lay down my life for the sheep. . . they will listen to my voice. So there will be one flock, one shepherd. For this reason the Father loves Me, because I lay down My life in order to take it up again. No one takes it from Me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it up again. I have received this command from My Father. John 10:11-18 NRSV

Reading this passage in John, we learn about the relationship between the shepherd and his sheep, about thieves and flocks in need. Jesus says I AM the good shepherd. He knows His sheep; His sheep know Him, know His voice. Jesus is the good shepherd who protects and provides for His flock. Unlike the thieves who are unreliable, Jesus even lays down His life for His sheep. He will never abandon them.

The metaphors of sheep and shepherd help us understand our relationship with Jesus. As His sheep we are totally dependent upon His care, His guidance. He is our security. Jesus voluntarily chooses us as His sheep then gives His life for us. Jesus says I AM the good shepherd. This Divine Love exceeds our capacity to understand. As we journey through Lent, it is the sacrifice of such Divine Love that overwhelms the soul. For me, for this sheep, I know Jesus lay down His life and took it up again. New Life comes to me because of Jesus’ death and resurrection.

• Is Jesus your good shepherd? 
• How do you express your total dependence on the good shepherd?

Good Shepherd, I need you in every way. Your leading is the path I choose. My praise for such Divine Love shouts wordless Hallelujahs! - 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

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

Preparing for Easter - Mark of Saints

[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]

Paul’s greeting to the people of Ephesus: To the saints . . . the faithful in Christ Jesus. Ephesians 1:1

Many times in the Old Testament, God is referred to as the Holy One of Israel. Holiness is an attribute of God; holiness is a complete separation from evil and defines moral perfection. We discover many references of holiness in the New Testament. God and all that is associated with Him is considered holy. Jesus is addressed as the Holy One of God. In many of his letters, Paul uses the Greek word hagioi  translated as saints or holy ones when referring to those claiming Jesus as Lord. Sanctification through Christ is what give us holiness. Holiness is no longer just a place, like the Holy of Holies, nor does it only belong to the priests or apply to rituals. Because of Jesus, holiness becomes living in the presence of the Holy Spirit.

[Jesus] was shown to be the Son of God when He was raised from the dead by the power of the Holy Spirit. He is Jesus Christ our Lord. Through Christ, God has given us the privilege and authority as apostles to tell Gentiles everywhere what God has done for them, so they will believe and obey Him, bringing glory to His name. (Romans 1:4-5) Christians experience holiness through the leading of the Holy Spirit. Holy conveys a difference, a distinction, completeness, belonging to God. Ray Stedman says, “Holiness is the mark of saints.” If we belong to Jesus, then we will live differently than those who belong to the world.

• Where do I experience the presence of the Holy Spirit? 
• Is the Spirit of holiness evident in my daily life?

God, without You, I am nothing. For all goodness and grace come from You. Mark this saint with holiness; help me share this with those who walk in darkness. - 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

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

Preparing for Easter - Mark of Holiness

[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]

Be holy because I, the Lord your God, am holy. Leviticus 19:2

Despite this world constantly calling us to turn from God, consistently luring us into sin, Christians are to live a holy life. Because humanity is made in the image of God, we can strive toward this holiness, but we cannot do it alone. How then does the holy life grow? 

1 Peter 1:13-24 defines holy living. To start, we are to live as God’s obedient children and live in reverent fear of Him. Our holiness comes with a great price, but God paid this for us. The ransom He paid was not mere gold or silver. It was the precious blood of Christ, the sinless, spotless Lamb of God. Although Jesus never sinned, He died for you and for me, died for the sins of all mankind. As Christ was raised from death to life, so are we be able to die to a sin-empty life and be reborn to a hope-full life everlasting. Christ sits at the right hand of God and desires each one to walk a holy life. Do you bear the mark of holiness?

• Read 1 Peter 1:13-16; why do I need to be holy? 
• Read 1 Peter 1:17-20; when did God choose Christ as my ransom?

God, the world desires that I stumble and stagger and pretend to be holy. You know my weaknesses. Make me stronger and more obedient to You. Let other’s see Your holiness in my everyday living. – 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 "Counterfeit Holiness"

[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]

“Two men went to the Temple to pray. One was a Pharisee, and the other was a despised tax collector. The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed this prayer: ‘I thank you, God, that I am not a sinner like everyone else. For I don’t cheat, I don’t sin, and I don’t commit adultery. I’m certainly not like that tax collector! I fast twice a week, and I give you a tenth of my income.’”

 “But the tax collector stood at a distance and dared not even lift his eyes to heaven as he prayed. Instead, he beat his chest in sorrow, saying, ‘O God, be merciful to me, for I am a sinner.’ I tell you, this sinner, not the Pharisee, returned home justified before God. For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”

Luke 18:10-14 NLT

Andrew Murray, pastor and missionary in South Africa in the 1800’s, gives us great insight into holiness and humility. He writes: In the individual, humility is the one thing needed to allow God’s holiness to dwell in and shine through him or her. He continues: The chief mark of counterfeit holiness is its lack of humility.* Seeking to be in the presence of God, whether through worship or prayer, we must focus on God, not self. Pride so easily claims us, exhorts us, and justifies our self-promotion. Holiness and humility must walk hand-in-hand within our heart and in our outward lives. Jesus, the pattern we need to follow, is the most Holy One and the most humble.

• Which of the two men praying best reflects my prayers? 
• How do I try to justify myself before God? Where do I hide my humility?

Lord, search my heart, reveal my pride. Open my eyes to Your holiness. I long to focus on Your humility and pattern my life after You. –dho

*Humility, The Journey Toward Holiness, by Andrew Murray

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

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

Preparing for Easter ~ Mark of God's Love

[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]

Everything GOD does is right – the trademark on all His works is love. 

Psalm 145:17 The Message

Read all of Psalm 145 in The Message and discover the joy of praising God. There are no boundaries to His greatness (vs 3). God’s goodness and generosity overflow from generation to generation; He is both magnificent and marvelous. God is . . . rich in love, and everything He does is suffused with grace (vs 8-9). Creation and creatures applaud GOD (vs 10), and we are to praise His holy splendor. Most of all, God’s love is the trademark on all His works. Ephesians 2:10 reminds us: He creates each of us by Christ Jesus to join Him in the work He does, the good work He has gotten ready for us to do. He stamps ‘His LOVE’ on all that come to Jesus.  As His child, I bear the mark of His Love. 

• Does it show? Do others know that God loves me?
• What good work does God have for me? Will my obedience bear God’s trademark?

Creator God, I do not have enough words to describe Your great power and presence, goodness and generosity. My soul stands in silence before You. Such Glorious Love brings me to my knees. Let me be worthy of the work You have chosen for me. May my life bear your great mark of love! – 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 Fellowship

[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]

God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.  1 Corinthians 1:9

God desires a relationship with us, and through faith and the Spirit, we come to understand that Christ is our only grace, our only forgiveness of sin, our entrance into everlasting life. As this relationship grows with Christ, so grows our involvement with other believers. While the diversity of Christians is great, our unity with Christ and each other is based on common ground; this commonality is Jesus. His attributes must become ours as we find fellowship with each other. In Philippians chapter 2, Paul gives us examples of fellowship within the body of believers: love one another, work together with one heart and one purpose, don’t be selfish, be humble, be interested in others. These are the marks of fellowship within the church.

God also wants us to have fellowship with Him. When we spend time with Him in prayer and study His word, we begin to hear His voice more clearly. If we have a relationship with Christ, then we should desire to be in His presence. Can you have a relationship with Christ but not have fellowship? Ray Stedman says that while our relationship with Christ “puts us into the family of God,” it is fellowship that engages this relationship and lets the light of Christ come through us. Stedman says, “This is what marks the difference between Christians. Fellowship is the key to vital Christianity.”*

• Am I having fellowship with Christ? 
• Do I bear the marks of fellowship with Christ in my relationships with others?

Lord, hear my prayer: May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit dwell within me! ~ dho (2 Corinthians 13:14)

*The Power of His Presence, by Ray Stedman

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

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

Preparing for Easter ~ Mark of Joy

[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]

Your words were found, and I ate them, and Your words became to me a joy and the delight of my heart, for I am called by Your name, O LORD, God of hosts. 

Jeremiah 15:16 ESV

In Eugene Peterson’s A Long Obedience in the Same Direction, he writes that joy is a mark of the “authentic Christian . . . [one who is] on the way of salvation. Joy is characteristic of Christian pilgrimage.” Peterson continues, “Joy is not a requirement of Christian discipleship, it is a consequence . . . it is what comes to us when we are walking in the way of faith and obedience.” Jeremiah’s words reflect the decision to live in God’s abundance. Despite circumstances, God is constant and certain. His word speaks to us today, just as it did to Jeremiah. Let the promises of God mark you with joy!

• What promises of God hold your pain? 
• Can you identify God’s abundance in your life? Embrace it and find His joy!

 Lord, Your words have been recorded for me, gathered to encourage me, endured to restore me. Increase my faith so I can see Your abundant blessings in all times. Let Your Joy be my joy to share! - 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 Jesus - I AM The Door

[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]

2nd Sunday in Lent

Then Jesus said to them again, “Most assuredly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep. . . I have come that they may have life and that they may have it more abundantly. John10:7-10 NKJV

As Jesus uses the example of shepherd and sheep, the people try to understand the analogy. At that time, in the evening, shepherds would frequently guide their sheep into enclosures usually made of stone walls with no door. A shepherd would lie down across the opening to prevent any predators from harming the sheep. Jesus tells them I am the door of the sheep. He is trying to convey that no one can get into the fold unless they first go through Him. What does this mean to you and me? Jesus came to give everlasting life and only through Jesus can we find grace and communion and peace. To be able to walk in His Presence we must come through the door! Jesus is the way in!

As the door, Jesus protects those who choose to follow Him. This security is found in His wisdom and power and goodness. We enter the door by faith, and find Jesus to be our Mediator, our Savior. Through the door our prayers rise to God and His blessings fall around us. As a world of darkness threatens to consume us, it is the door that offers refuge. Can you see the door? Jesus is the door that welcomes all who choose to come inside.

• Have you found the way in? 
• Will you share the abundant, everlasting life of Jesus with someone? Show them the Door!

Jesus, You mark the way into the Kingdom of God. How blessed I am to know the sweetness of Your Presence. Help me share You with the world and lead the ones in darkness to The Door. – 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 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!”

Preparing for Easter ~ Mark of Remembrance

[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]

Then Abraham planted at tamarisk tree in Beersheba, and there called on the name of the LORD, the Everlasting God.

Genesis 21:33 NKJV

 Abimelech wants to form a treaty with Abraham to reconcile a dispute over a well. As noted in the verses preceding this Scripture, Abimelech recognizes Abraham’s evident blessings and provision from God saying, “God is with you in all that you do.” They make a covenant, a binding agreement, at Beersheba regarding the well. This is the first time covenant is used to imply an agreement between two equals, much like a business contract today. Abraham’s planting of the tamarisk tree would long mark the place where this covenant was made. Abraham called on the name of the LORD, the Everlasting God, unashamed to be worshiping the Eternal God. In centuries to come, Beersheba would mark the most southern boundary of Israel’s land.

There are memorials of all types in the world today. Statues and monuments, walls of remembrance, fountains and etched stones mark the places and people and events that have influenced or changed our way of life or understanding of living. Museums are full of artifacts that mark time with memorabilia, art, invention, and communication. What are your marks of remembrance of a faithful God?

• Does remembering my promises to God affect my witness of the Everlasting God? 
• How often do I forget God’s never-ending faithfulness to me?

 Everlasting God, find me humbled by Your Goodness and unchanging, faithful nature. At the foot of Your cross, I find the mark of remembrance that heals my broken places, that reminds me to worship the LORD, the Everlasting God. ~ 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!”