Preparing for Easter ~ Place of Community

[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]

“Come to Christ, who is the living cornerstone of God’s temple. He was rejected by the people, but He is precious to God who chose Him. And now God is building you, as living stones, into His spiritual temple. What’s more, you are God’s holy priests, who offer the spiritual sacrifices that please Him because of Jesus Christ.” 1 Peter 2:4-5 NLT

Peter’s words declare Christ as the foundation of the church, and those who follow Christ become the living stones that God uses to build His church. This reference does not suggest literal buildings, rather the building of the church as a community of believers. When the curtain in the Temple is torn in two, every believer gains direct access to God. Rejected but resurrected, Jesus creates a New Way back to God. Christ, the Great High Priest, makes the last and ultimate blood sacrifice for sin. Through Grace we can enter into the Presence of God as His holy priests.

God always desires to have a dwelling place with His people, first in the tabernacle, later in the temple, then on earth in Christ, and now within each believer through the Holy Spirit. God’s presence resides in the community of believers, the body of Christ, the church. Holy God, infinite in wisdom, I try to imagine Your mystery but cannot understand such love, cannot comprehend such power, cannot explain such mercy. My sacrifice of praise is endless. Count me alive in Christ. Let this living stone glorify You! – 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 Contentment

[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 teach me how to live a holy life. Being with You will fill me with joy; at Your right hand I will find pleasure forever.” Psalm 16:11 NCV

The Psalm of David voices deep expressions of trust in God, the One from Whom all good things come. In his devotion to honor God, David acknowledges that some worship idols, but he believes that God alone is my cup of blessing. At Pentecost, Peter even quotes verses from this Psalm in his first sermon. Verse 10 reads: For you will not leave my soul among the dead or allow your Holy One to rot in the grave. As prophecy, these ancient words point to the Messiah; in remembering, these words affirm God’s promise.

Contentment suggests satisfaction or a willingness to accept certain situations. Psalm 16 reflects on full and lasting spiritual satisfaction not on momentary and fleeting happiness. With the resurrection of Christ, we are guaranteed this holy living, fullness of joy, and forever peace because the presence of God now dwells within us. Lord, in Your Presence I long to sit in solitude, pray without ceasing, love beyond imagination. To live in Your glorious presence gives me confidence to stand firm in my faith. Count me alive in Christ. All good things come from You! – 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 Righteousness

[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]

“By entering through faith into what God has always wanted to do for us – set us right with Him… We throw open our doors to God and discover at the same moment that He has already thrown open His door to us. We find ourselves standing where we always hoped we might stand – out in the wide open spaces of God’s grace and glory.” Romans 5:1-5 MSG

In the chasm between Holy God and human frailty, Jesus stands. In the desolate place between this God of Righteousness and the sinner’s rebellion, Jesus mediates. In the darkness of sin that offends holiness, Jesus lights the path back to God. Only righteousness brings peace that allows one to stand in the wide open spaces with God. The blood of Christ permanently opens the door to God’s grace and glory.

Because of Jesus, we are able to stand before God full of hope. The power of Christ’s resurrection creates a dwelling place for God in each believer. Now, we can experience God’s love, embrace God’s goodness, expect God’s peace. When we consider the generosity of God that flows into us through the Holy Spirit, we overflow with praises. Spirit of Love, take my wordless joy to the Father. I stand in a place reconciled through grace, lavished with love, and overwhelmed by glory! Count me alive in Christ. My heart rests in His 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 ~

MangroveMinistries.org

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

Preparing for Easter ~ Palm Sunday - The Holy Spirit Dwells With 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]

 “You must make your heart a spiritual temple,

a temple where you can go to adore Him incessantly.”

Brother Lawrence

“The God who made the world and everything in it, being Lord of heaven and earth, does not live in temples made by man, nor is He served by human hands, as though He needed anything, since He Himself gives to all mankind life and breath and everything.”

Acts 17:24-25 ESV

To effectively spread the Gospel, understanding the cultural language is of great importance. Paul brings the message of Christ to Athens, Greece, a great center of culture and philosophy. Greek intellectuals frequently challenge each other. In an attempt to introduce the Gospel message, Paul reaches into their world of curiosity and idols, uses common language, and draws them into his story. Starting in the marketplace, the Greeks take Paul to their official court, and there he preaches the Good News. While there are some who mock Paul, some walk away unsure, but others believe. The Holy Spirit breathes new life into those whose faith confesses Jesus as Redeemer.

As Christians, we find great comfort in knowing that God chooses us, forgives us, and calls us through Christ. God marks us as His own with the Holy Spirit. Ephesians says, “The Spirit is God’s guarantee the He will give us everything He promised and that He has purchased us to be His own people.” Whether we encounter opposing philosophies or cultural apostasy, the Promises of God always remain. El Shaddai, You are the Great I AM, the All Sufficient One who chooses me! Through Your Promises, I discover my identity in Christ. Your Spirit breathes new life into me, creating a spiritual temple within me. Count me alive in Christ. Praises keep rising to You! – 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 Hope

[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]

For Christ has entered, not into holy places made with hands, but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God on our behalf. Hebrews 9:24

Looking at the first-century church, the underlying tensions and quiet rebellion within Jerusalem and the inner circles of Jewish leadership compete with Rome’s political agenda. Factions among Christian believers clash with Jewish tradition. These are difficult times. Their only hope rests in the resurrection of Christ, in the spreading of the Good News. HOPE lives in the presence of God.

Today, we live in a world that craves immediate gratification and power that breeds arrogance, pride, and self-sufficiency. We experience conflict and contradiction on all sides. These are difficult times. So, after all these centuries, what hope do we have? Jesus, through all generations, throughout all time, You are still the only HOPE! Grace pours over me and refreshes my soul in the chaos of this world. For now, You live in the presence of God and speak my prayers before Him. Count me alive in Christ. Holy Spirit, live 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 Unity

[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 then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints, and are of God’s household, having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus Himself being the corner stone, in whom the whole building, being fitted together, is growing into a holy temple in the Lord, in who you also are being built together into a dwelling of God in the Spirit.” Ephesians 2:16-19 NASB

Through Christ, there is reconciliation with God which destroys the barriers that divide people, which breaks down the walls that people build between each other. Scripture offers proof that Christ has died for all. In Christ, there are no distinctions between racial background or economic status, cultural differences or dietary choices. Living in unity with Christ and without division is truly living the resurrection. When the Holy Spirit dwells within us, our unity in Christ will look beyond the differences and share the uncommon love of Jesus.

The 1^st century church provides the language that the 21^st century church needs. God looks beyond our differences and builds His dwelling places with Extravagant Love. Holy One, my safe place is surrounded by people just like me, but You call me to look beyond myself, to walk outside my carefully constructed walls, to search within my redeemed soul, to find community in You. Count me alive in Christ. Build us all together as Your dwelling place. -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 Inclusion

[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 I began to speak, the Holy Spirit came on them as He had come on us at the beginning. Then I remembered what the Lord had said: ‘John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.’ So if God gave them the same gift He gave us who believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I to think that I could stand in God’s way?”

Acts 11:15-17

Messengers from Caesarea sent by Cornelius, a Roman officer and faithful man, visit Peter in Joppa asking that he come and share the Good News with the Gentiles. Peter breaks Jewish rules by entering the house of a non-Jew, but the Holy Spirit approves. Those present believe and are baptized. Upon Peter’s return to Jerusalem, some criticize him, but after discussion, they realize, “God has also given the Gentiles the privilege of turning from sin and receiving eternal life.”

Caesarea, the largest port city on the Mediterranean Sea, becomes the location of the first Gentile Christians and later the first non-Jewish church. Peter’s obedience to God marks the beginning of God’s plan to redeem Gentiles. God desires that all people come to know Christ. Spirit of Grace, open my heart to the prejudices that constrain my influence for Christ, melt the barriers that cultural experiences create between me and those God chooses, direct my steps toward the ones who need to hear the Good News. Count me alive in Christ. Holy Spirit, fill me with a spirit of inclusion. - 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 Transformation

[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 [Saul] was nearing Damascus on this mission, a brilliant light from heaven suddenly beamed down upon him! He fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul! Saul! Why are you persecuting me?” “Who are you, sir?” Saul asked. And the voice replied. “I am Jesus, the one you are persecuting! Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you are to do.” Acts 9:3-6 NLT

Saul, well-educated, steeped in Judaism, a Pharisee of Pharisees, continues his mission to persecute all who profess belief in Christ. Saul is present at the stoning of Stephen, one of the seven designated spiritual leaders of the early church. After this, a great persecution against the church begins in Jerusalem and many believers scatter to various regions of Judea and Samaria. Saul begins going everywhere to devastate the church. He went from house to house, dragging both men and women to throw them into jail. Then, on the road to Damascus Saul encounters Jesus.       

Jesus transforms Saul, personally choosing him to preach the Good News across the Roman Empire, especially to the Gentiles. Renamed Paul, a Christian missionary with a rich history in Judaism, he becomes one of the most prolific writers of the New Testament. Lord, Paul says, “For to me, living is for Christ.” I yearn for my life to reflect Christ, to be transformed daily to become even more like Christ. Take my abilities, my knowledge, my experiences, even my weaknesses. Count me alive in Christ. Use all of me for Your Glory. -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!”