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!”

Preparing for Easter ~ God Dwells Among Us

[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]

 “There is no chance thing through which God cannot speak—even the walk from the house to the garage that you have walked ten thousand times before, even the moments when you cannot believe that there is a God who speaks at all anywhere. He speaks, I believe, and the words He speaks are incarnate in the flesh and blood of ourselves and of our own footsore and sacred journeys.”

Fredrick Buechner 

The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. John 1:14

In the first chapter of John, Scripture describes the incarnation of the Word. Jesus, the Word, becomes human and dwells among us. Both fully God and fully human, Jesus enters the world as the visible manifestation of God, His perfect love in human form. This unique Father-Son relationship offers a glimpse of possibility for the Christian. Full of grace and truth, Jesus pitches His tent and takes up residence among the people.

Throughout all time, God has chosen to dwell in the midst His people, but when Jesus enters the world, both visible and tangible, God literally lives beside His people. Jesus is the Truth that brings Grace because He is the Perfect Sacrifice for all sins. Image of the Invisible God, this mystery of You coming to live among the people transcends intellectual thought. Perfect Love, You reveal the Light that darkness cannot cover and become the Grace that sin cannot destroy. Count me alive in Christ.  Be born in 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 Expectation

[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 traveled throughout Galilee teaching in the synagogues, preaching everywhere the Good News about the Kingdom. And He healed people who had every kind of sickness and disease. News about Him spread far beyond the borders of Galilee so that the sick were soon coming to be healed from as far away as Syria. And whatever their illness and pain, or if they were possessed by demons, or were epileptics or were paralyzed – He healed them all. Large crowds followed Him wherever he went – people form Galilee, the Ten Towns, Jerusalem, from all over Judea, and from east of the Jordan River. Matthew 4:23-25 NLT

The ministry of Jesus utilizes three main components: teaching and preaching and healing. These miracles of healing authenticate His teaching and preaching, and together emphasize the expectation Jesus has for wholeness of body and mind and soul. Enormous crowds follow Jesus and include Jews and Gentiles, Greeks and Romans, some curious and others convinced, doubters and dreamers carrying an atmosphere of excitement and expectation. Jesus, Prince of Peace, Immanuel, God with us shares the Good News with all who will listen.

Jesus desires to bring complete spiritual healing to all who will listen. So often our expectations focus on our own desires. God with us exceeds all expectation because we can barely define Grace. Jesus, forgive me when I follow You only with words or wishes. You desire to be Holiness and Healer and Hope, offering all for me. Count me alive in Christ. Be my place of expectation. - 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 Assurance

[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]

“You will seek Me and find Me, when you seek Me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29:13 ESV

Jeremiah, a prophet who predicted the Babylonians would capture Judah, writes a letter to the captives exposing the false prophets. Telling the Jews to settle in their new home, build lives, pray for their captors and serve God where they are, for their captivity will be long. Initially with vanity but later with despair, the Jews laughed at God then later mourned their fate. Within Jeremiah’s letter is a favorite verse of many people: For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you; to give you a future and hope. Jeremiah calls the people into a spirit of prayer, encourages them with hope, and reminds them to seek God, “with all your heart.”

As Jesus begins His ministry, many of those He encounters are in spiritual bondage, captive to disease, rejection, arrogance and pride. Held prisoner by false truths, Jesus brings healing and hope, forgiveness and freedom. Jesus calls us, too, “Seek Me with all your heart.” Blessed Assurance, unbind me from the chains that hold me hostage, the doubt that imprisons my success, the fear that feeds my insecurity, the darkness that steals my hope. Count me alive in Christ. Find me! I seek You with all my heart! -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 Approval

[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 His baptism, as Jesus came up out of the water, the heavens were opened and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and settling on Him. And a voice from heaven said, ‘This is my beloved Son, and I am fully pleased with Him.’” 

Matthew 3:16-17 NLT

At the baptism of Jesus, Scripture tells us that God is well pleased with His Son, the Spirit rests on Him. The Trinity stands together before us in these ancient words, God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. The baptism of Jesus marks the beginning of His earthly ministry. With miracles of healing and teaching with authority, Jesus brings a new perspective to sin and forgiveness. Jesus comes to offer Grace. God approves! 

The Trinity, God in three persons, defies our finite intellect, but seeking approval is something most all desire. Too often we seek applause from the world instead of Jesus. Forgiveness Undeserved rescues us; Compassion Unmatched heals us. With unfailing Love, this mighty God calls us to be His children. Lord, my hunger for approval from the world magnifies my human weakness. Still, Grace stands before me willing and waiting, eager and endless, mending and mercy-full. There is holiness in Your presence. Count me alive in Christ. God approves! - 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 Surrender

[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 angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you. Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.” “How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?” The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the Holy One to be born will be called the Son of God.” Luke 1:28-35

Visitation by God’s angel, Jesus coming to dwell among humanity, and conception by the supernatural power of God exceeds common experiences. According to prophecy, the anticipated Messiah enters the world from David’s descendants. Jesus enters without royal fanfare. The mystery of the virgin birth cannot be explained scientifically; rather, by faith we can embrace this spiritually. Although Mary does not fully understand, she surrenders to God’s plan, “I am the Lord’s servant, and I am willing to accept whatever He wants.”

Enduring unexpected circumstances, trusting in God’s promises and the presence of the Holy Spirit giving life to wordless prayers can become our common experiences. Jesus comes to us. He reaches through difficulty and rises above uncertainty. The Holy One does not choose a royal crown; rather, He wears a crown of thorns. Son of God, Your kingdom will never end. You are majesty and mystery, glory and grace, worthy and willing, King of all kings. Count me alive in Christ. I surrender, “I am the Lord’s servant, and I am willing to accept whatever You desire.” -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 in History

[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]

“This is the record of the ancestors of Jesus the Messiah, a descendant of King David and Abraham:” Matthew 1:1 NLT

For centuries, prophets deliver the Lord’s decrees to prepare, instruct, discipline, and encourage the people of Israel. In times of disobedience, crisis, war, famine, captivity, and in times of celebration, peace and abundance, God’s presence dwells with to those who seek Him. Then, a period of 400 years of silence passes as the people continue to wait for the coming of the promised Messiah. In the decades leading up to the Messiah's birth, Rome controls Jerusalem, and its own Herod the Great rules Judah, while Cleopatra rules Egypt. Matthew’s record of the ancestors from Abraham to the Messiah reveals God’s Promise arrives through a diversity of peoples, generation by generation.

Some of the ancestors are heroes of faith while others are outcasts; some are simply ordinary people, and others leave a trail of sinfulness. God is not limited by time or place, race or gender, nor is His work limited by human frailty. He is a God of forgiveness and new beginnings. God calls each of us to be a part of His Master Plan. God, sometimes I must wait through the seemingly endless silence. When I want to rush ahead, give me patience to endure, faith to trust, and wisdom to listen. Count me alive in Christ. Give this ordinary person extraordinary possibilities. -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 ~ Places of Blessings

[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]

“And how blessed all those in whom You live, whose lives become roads You travel; They wind through lonesome valleys, come upon brooks, discover cool springs and pools brimming with rain! Psalm 84:5-6 MSG

This Psalm begins, “How lovely are Your dwelling places, O LORD!” Immediately we sense beauty and peace in the presence of God. In reading Psalm 84, the calm without chaos reveals the world’s busyness; the joy inside the praises draws us into His presence. Our spirits find blessing after blessing as we linger, as we pray, as we worship the Living God.

Our journey with Jesus is a pilgrimage that takes us to mountain tops of joy, through valleys of sorrow, around and through unmapped territory that challenges our faith. Experiences chase us through lush forests into barren deserts where joy meets sorrow, laughter greets tears, and celebrations complete difficulties. Along all these paths, we always discover places of blessing when God abides with us. Lord, Your Glory lights my path. Whether I feel as if I am drowning or dodging, dancing or drifting, how lovely are Your dwelling places! Count me alive in Christ. Traveling with You, I go from strength to strength. - dho