Preparing for Easter ~ Mark of Ownership

[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 has sealed us and given us the Spirit in our heart as a guarantee. 

2 Corinthians 1:22 NLT

In ancient times, documents were sealed with melted wax that bore the imprint of the owner. This symbolized authenticity and ownership. After Jesus ascended to heaven, the Holy Spirit was sent to dwell within us, to spiritually seal us.

As believers in Christ, we are marked by the Holy Spirit. It is God’s presence dwelling within us, fulfilling the promises of Christ. You have received a spirit of adoption … the Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God. (Romans 8:15-16) After this earthly life, we will dwell in Heaven, where our inheritance now waits with Christ.

• Where is your inheritance right now? In heaven with Christ forever? OR In the world for today?
• Search your heart for the Holy Spirit, God’s mark of ownership.

God, melt my heart and make Your mark with the Spirit! I want to be known as belonging to 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

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

Preparing for Easter ~ Mark of Godlessness

[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]

But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than God – having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with them. 2Timothy 3:1-5 NIV

The world is full of corruption, ideas and ideologies that are contrary to the Christian faith. With the full assistance of Satan, godlessness becomes a predator desiring to devour the follower of Christ. Some of those we meet disguise themselves well, camouflaged with a form of godliness but underneath a dark heart filled with self-interest. Paul gives us these examples of the godlessness that was present then and escalating now. The advice: Have nothing to do with them. This is a mark the Christian does not want.

• Will you wear the armor of Light [Jesus] to protect you from godlessness? 
• As you pray for these who deceive themselves, find a Scripture that reminds you of the Hope that Jesus gives!

Lord, in these days and the days to come, grant me discernment that I may recognize godlessness. With Your power, I am stronger. Hold me close. - 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 Sanctification

[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]

Sanctify them [purify, consecrate, separate them for Yourself, make them holy] by the Truth; Your Word is Truth. Just as You sent Me into the world, I also have sent them into the world.  John 17:17-18 AMP

Make them holy – consecrated – with the truth; Your word is consecrating truth. In the same way that You gave Me a mission in the world, I give them a mission in the world. John 17:17-18 MSG

The follower of Christ is made pure and holy, first by believing, and secondly by obeying the Word of God. With salvation comes the forgiveness of sins, but it is the daily walk that purifies the Christian’s heart and mind. As Jesus prays for His disciples, He acknowledges that it is Truth that makes them holy. Jesus is that Truth. He then tells us where to find the Truth – in God’s Word. 

Not only is Jesus the path to forgiveness, He asks us to take His Truth to the world. Sanctification marks a person for a specific use or empowers one for God’s use. Christians are set apart to give glory to God and share the Good News. Daily being in His word and searching for His truth, praying for guidance and listening for God’s voice provides the tools necessary to share Christ in the world. Be pure and holy in Christ!

• Do your daily routines involve spending quality time with God? If not, will you commit to do this? 
• What opportunities do you have to share the Good News?

Holy One, open my heart to Your Truth that I may see the need to sit with You, to read Your word, to pray more sincerely, to listen more intently. Make my mind and heart pure and holy for Your glory. - 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 Peace

[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]

For [Christ] is our peace . . . so He came and proclaimed peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near, for through Him both of us have access in one Spirit to the Father. Ephesians 2:14-18 NRSV

Jesus Christ brings redemption to all people, both Jew and Gentile. Until Jesus, those who were not Jews had no hope for eternal life. Today, we speak in terms of believers in Christ and non-believers. Remember that Christ entered the world to break down barriers between people, uniting not dividing. Christ is the mark of peace in each believer; He becomes our unity with each other and the reconciliation we experience with God. Peace begins with God and is vividly seen in the cross of Christ. Through Jesus Christ, each person is made new, and peace with God reborn. Do you have this mark of peace?

• How many unbelievers do you know? 
• If asked, would any of them say they know at least one believer?

Father, let the peace from You through Christ flow into me. I desire to share this Peace with others who do not yet know Christ, so they, too, can experience reconciliation. – 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 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

LIKE Mangrove Ministries on Facebook

“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

LIKE Mangrove Ministries on Facebook

“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

LIKE Mangrove Ministries on Facebook

“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

LIKE Mangrove Ministries on Facebook

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