Preparing for Easter ~ Place of Glory

[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 LORD said] 'I will dwell among the children of Israel and will not forsake my people Israel'... [Solomon] was seven years in building [the Temple].'

1 Kings 6:13,38b ESV

Beginning in Solomon's fourth year as king, God tasks Solomon with building the Temple. The Temple takes seven years to complete. With no expenses spared, the Temple rests on Mt. Moriah in Jerusalem, a city that becomes the center of religious and civil decisions. Consisting of an outer court, the holy place and the Most Holy Place, the Temple holds the silver, gold and vessels dedicated by David. A vast storehouse for the treasuries, The Temple is built to the Glory of God.

Lastly, the Ark of the Covenant of the LORD is put in place in the Most Holy Place. When the priests come out of the Holy Place, a cloud filled the house of the LORD... for the glory of the LORD filled this place. The cloud represents God's presence with His people. After the resurrection of Christ, the Holy Spirit becomes His presence within each believer. God, generation after generation, You dwell among Your children. You are the Keeper of Promises. Let my efforts nourish the hungry, empower the helpless, encourage the broken, and listen to the whispers of those society ignores. Count me alive in Christ. May the Glory always be Yours! ~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 Repentance

[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]

"My sacrifice is a humble spirit, O God; You will not reject a humble and repentant heart.” Psalm 51:17 GNT

David, a poet, musician, shepherd, soldier and king, is brave, humble, obedient, and faithful to God. Scripture gives examples where David tells lies, commits adultery, and sanctions murder. Above all, David is chosen and beloved by God. Sin always creates a chasm between man and God. For David this is also true; however, there is no sin that exceeds God’s forgiveness.

David’s repentant heart cries out to God, “For I recognize my shameful deeds – they haunt me day and night.” Sin not only creates irreversible consequences but interrupts our intimate relationship with God. Repentance recognizes the sin and gives voice to the heart’s desire to change. God hears the repentant heart! Holy God, I wait among my brokenness, my disillusionment, my recklessness, my impulsiveness, my rebellion. In my confession, I recognize I fractured our relationship. Forgive me! Let me try again. Count me alive in Christ. Renew my joy in Your Presence. ~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 Confession

[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]

“So the LORD sent Nathan the prophet to tell David this story: 2 Samuel 12:1-14 NLT

Nathan, the prophet for King David, tells him a story. Assuming it true, David becomes outraged at the betrayer in this story, says the man deserves to die! Nathan’s replies, “You are that man!” He speaks God’s message of anointing and protecting and empowering David, and reveals the consequences of David’s destructive choices. David then confesses, “I have sinned against the Lord.”

God forgives David of his sins of adultery and murder, his arrogance and insensitivity, but God also allows the irreversible consequences of David’s behavior. Still, God has more for David to accomplish. With David’s confession and repentance comes God’s forgiveness. Often the hardest sin to recognize is our own. How good that God gives us faithful friends to help us recognize the truth about our choices! How generous is God’s forgiveness! Faithful Father, I must disappoint You with my casual indifference, my cruel remarks, my carnal interests, my caustic judgments. In these moments I ignore, betray, and destroy relationships with others and with You. I create irreversible consequences. Count me alive in Christ. I confess my sins, and You offer me forgiveness. ~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 Perspective

[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]

“Then David went into the Tabernacle and sat before the Lord and prayed. ‘O Lord God, why have you showered Your blessings on such an insignificant person as I am? And now, in addition to everything else, You speak of giving me an eternal dynasty! Such generosity is far beyond any human standard!’” 2 Samuel 7:18-29 TLB

After David hears God’s kingdom plans, he goes into the Tabernacle to offer prayer and praises. Spending time with God, David opens his heart praising God’s greatness, goodness, and generosity, thanking God for his extraordinary power, purpose and promise. In this prayer, David declares God’s blessings from choosing the people of Israel as His own to God’s promise of a forever kingdom. David does not completely understand how God’s promise will unfold, but he trusts that the blessings and promises of God have a greater purpose that will endure.

In God’s presence, David pours out his heart with gratitude and humility. He speaks with reverence about the Sovereignty and faithfulness of God. David accepts God’s purpose despite God saying no to his own desire to build a Temple. When we go into the presence of God, let us pray with trusting hearts. Sovereign Lord, there is a sweetness in Your presence. How good it is to rest with Your promises. Hallelujahs for Grace overflow my soul! When I long for better, You continue to offer me best! Count me alive in Christ. May Your desires be mine. ~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 ~ 2nd Sunday in Lent ~ God's Presence Beyond the Tabernacle

[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 soul’s deepest thirst is for God Himself,

Who has made us so that we can never be satisfied without Him.

F.F. Bruce

The LORD said, “You shall not build Me a house to dwell in. For I have not dwelt in a house since the time I brought up Israel, even to this day, but have gone from tent to tent, and from one tabernacle to another. . . And I have been with you wherever you have gone.” 1 Chronicles 17:4-14 NKJV

The LORD says about David, “You will be the shepherd of my people Israel. You will be their leader.” David makes a covenant with the leaders before God and is anointed king of Israel. After conquering the Philistines, the Ark of the Covenant is rescued and placed inside the special tent that David had prepared for it. David considers his lavish home and is greatly concerned about God dwelling in a tent! David desires to build God an appropriate dwelling place.

God doesn't want David to build a temple. God’s plan for David is to lead Israel, to conquer all its enemies, and develop unity among the people. God does not desire a warrior to build the Temple. His long term plan exceeds David’s vision: I will build a house for you – a dynasty of kings! Centuries later, Jesus, the Messiah, a direct descendant in David’s lineage, fulfills God’s promise, “I will establish Him in My House and in My kingdom forever.”  Crucified and risen, Christ reigns over this forever kingdom, now in heaven and later on earth. King of kings, I need You to be with me wherever I go. Your dwelling place far exceeds my grandest imagination, expands far beyond the walls of any Tabernacle, extends unmeasured grace and unfailing love, enlarges Your spiritual kingdom. Count me alive in Christ. Open my eyes to more. ~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 Mercy

[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]

[standing on top of a hill opposite Saul’s army] “David answered, ‘See what I have here? The king’s spear. Let one of your servants come and get it. It’s GOD’s business to decide what to do with each of us in regard to what’s right and who’s loyal. God put your life in my hands today, but I wasn’t willing to lift a finger against GOD’s anointed. Just as I honored your life today, may GOD honor my life and rescue me from all trouble.’” 

1 Samuel 26:22-24 MSG

Pursued by King Saul’s rage and jealousy, David continues to seek safety in the wilderness. This is David’s second opportunity to kill Saul and stop the unending attacks. This time David takes Saul’s sword and water jug while he sleeps. When at a safe distance, David calls to Saul who is surrounded by 3,000 of his soldiers. David refuses to take matters into his own hands, giving mercy to Saul and honoring God. David believes it is GOD’s business to decide what to do with each of us in regard to what’s right and who’s loyal.

David’s general wants to end it all, and asks David to let him use Saul’s own spear to kill him. David refuses to allow this. The Life Application Bible’s commentary says, “The strongest moral decisions are the ones we make before temptation strikes.” God’s ways are greater. Lord, sometimes I get so tired of rude people, careless words, repeated injustices. Forgive me when anger defines my heart, disappointment champions my mind, betrayal rends my soul. Forgive me when my retaliation does not give You honor. Count me alive in Christ. Let my responses be formed by Your Mercy. ~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 Satisfaction

[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]

“God, You’re my God! I can’t get enough of You! I’ve worked up such hunger and thirst for God, traveling across dry and weary deserts.” Psalm 63:1 MSG

Although David is anointed king by the prophet Samuel, King Saul still remains on the throne and tirelessly attempts to kill David. Spending much time avoiding Saul, David lives in the wilderness of Judah, sometimes taking refuge in caves. What sustains David during these difficult times? David seeks God’s power and presence, His provision and protection. David embraces the contentment that fellowship with God brings.

Read Psalm 63 and discover how David’s thirst for God is satisfied because he recognizes God’s mercy and kindness and goodness are better than anything in life. As praises come from David’s lips, a deep satisfaction pours over him. God of mercy, my soul, too thirsts in the dry and weary places of this world. In Your presence I find rest and peace, I know fellowship and joy, I feel kindness and love. You are more than shelter, more than sustenance, more than security. Count me alive in Christ. You are the endless satisfaction for my soul.  ~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 Giants

[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]

“David shouted in reply [to the Goliath, the giant Philistine],’You come to me with a sword, spear, and javelin, but I come to you in the name of the LORD Almighty – the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. Today the LORD will conquer you … and everyone will know that the LORD does not need weapons to rescue His people. It is His battle, not ours. The LORD will give you to us!’” 1 Samuel 17:45-47 NLT

The armies of Israel and the Philistines camp on the opposite sides of the Valley of Elah in Judah. For forty days, twice a day, morning and evening, the Philistine giant strutted in front of the Israelite army. David, son of Jesse, a shepherd boy from Bethlehem, is given bread and cheese to take to his older brothers who serve in the Israelite army. He sees Goliath, the champion from Gath, come forward, shouting his challenge to the army of Israel. David tells King Saul, “I’ll go fight this Philistine, for he has defied the armies of the living God!” David goes with the confidence that the LORD will be with him. He picks up five smooth stones from a stream. Armed with his sling, David steps out with faith in a mighty God and wins a victory over the giant!

Over three thousand years later, this story about facing the giant continues to be told, continues to be relevant to us. Today the historic Valley of Elah rests in the hill country of Palestine. A stream runs through the valley during the rainy season. There are no landmarks, no memorials. People frequently pass this place but remain unaware of the historical battlefield. Many of our struggles are fought on a spiritual battlefield where giants taunt us, where others remain unaware. Like incense rising, when we pray to the Living God, we experience spiritual victory over the giants. God of the Angel Armies, see the giants before me. Call them by name; conquer them! Give me strength to step out in faith knowing You are leading the battle, preparing the way, giving the spiritual victory. Count me alive in Christ. May Your Glory mark these places! ~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 Dedication

[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 Samuel grew up, the LORD was with him, and everything Samuel said was wise and helpful. All the people of Israel from one end of the lad to the other knew that Samuel was confirmed a prophet of the LORD. The LORD continued to appear at Shiloh and gave messages to Samuel there at the Tabernacle. And Samuel’s words went out to all the people of Israel.”

1 Samuel 3:19-21 NLT

Beloved by the LORD but barren, Hannah, in deep anguish, crying bitterly, earnestly prays to the LORD for a son. As she prays at the Tabernacle in Shiloh, her offering is genuine, “I will give him back to You.”  Hannah dedicates this child to the LORD before conception. God remembers her prayer, Hannah gives birth to a son, and she names him ‘Samuel’ which means I asked the LORD for him. Hannah takes Samuel to the Tabernacle, dedicates him to the LORD. Growing up in the Tabernacle, Samuel matures into a prophet as God continues to reveal Himself through His word. Because of his genuine dedication to God, Samuel becomes God’s servant.

Samuel endures as the most effective and last judge for Israel, anointing their first two kings. Shaped by God even before conception, Samuel’s spiritual leadership always embraces a relationship with God. To be effective witnesses for Christ, we must dedicate ourselves to God while maintaining a genuine, growing relationship with God. God of mercy, in my darkest times I cry out to You, trusting that You want the best for me. Fill me with Your Presence in moments of doubt, despair, and unfulfilled desire. Let Your words echo in my soul in moments of conflict, confusion, and unseen change. Count me alive in Christ. Holy Spirit, work in and through 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 ~

MangroveMinistries.org

LIKE Mangrove Ministries on Facebook

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

Preparing for Easter ~ Place of Wisdom

[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]

“Lord, You have been our dwelling place in all generations.” Psalm 90:1

Commonly credited to Moses, Psalm 90 draws our thoughts to God’s Power in contrast to human frailty. God, everlasting to everlasting, is not bound by time but dwells in eternity; humanity is brief and finite. Verses 7-11 refer to Kadesh Barnea, a place of decision, the beginning of the Israelites’ 40-year journey in the wilderness. This prayer acknowledges their poor decision, lack of faith in God, rebellion, and God’s anger with them. A plea for compassion and restoration follows with an expressed desire to find satisfaction in God’s mercy.

Teach us to realize the brevity of life, so that we may grow in wisdom. Our experiences of success and failure, past and present, help prepare us for life, but all of our life experiences collectively prepare our hearts for eternity. Only in realizing a need for God, in trusting the power with God, in searching the wisdom of God, can life be fruitful now and eternal after. Elohim, God of All-Power, grow me with Your compassion and unfailing love. Let wisdom flood my mind. Sometimes, life walks, wades, wails, and waits; other times, the days dance, dream, delight, and discover. In all these times, my soul longs to dwell with You forever. Count me alive in Christ. Satisfy me with Your mercy! ~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 Decision

[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]

“Now the Amalekites and the Canaanites dwell in the valley; tomorrow turn and move out into the wilderness by the Way of the Red Sea.” Exodus 15:25 NKJV

Arriving at Kadesh Barnea, Moses and the Israelites wait at the gate to the Promised Land. Twelve scouts, one from each tribe, explore Canaan. Upon their return, there is great discussion about whether to continue into the chosen land. Only two of the twelve, Joshua and Caleb, think proceeding into the land which flows with milk and honey a right decision. Rebellion and fear coupled with a lack of trust becomes a 40 year journey of waiting in the wilderness. Unfaithful disobedience delays God’s best plan.

From exile and slavery in Egypt to the entrance of the Promised Land, neither a pillar of cloud by day nor a pillar of fire by night left its place in front of the people. God’s Presence remains with Israel, but the consequences of disobedience prove arduous. We walk in a land of battles and blessings today. God has a plan for each one of us, but all too often we do not follow His leading in our decisions. Lord, I know I should seek You in my places of decision. I know I should listen for Your voice to lead me through the times I am unsure, afraid, confused. When I fail to be obedient, use the wilderness to grow my faithfulness. Count me alive in Christ. Always desiring my best, You go before 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 ~

MangroveMinistries.org

LIKE Mangrove Ministries on Facebook

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