breathing room for my soul

Sunday, March 20, 2016

Palm Sunday 2016 - Mystery of the Cross

Living Bread ~ Jesus said to them, “I am the Bread of Life; he who comes to Me will not hunger, and he who believes in Me will never thirst.” John 6:35

During this season of reflections and renewal, join me in exploring the Bread of Life. When we encounter Jesus Christ, this Living Bread feeds, satisfies, and transforms us. Come on this journey and remember this Bread “is broken for you”. ~ Donna Oswalt

Many will follow [Christ] as far as the breaking of bread, but few will remain to drink from His passion. Thomas a’Kempis

Surely He has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed Him stricken, smitten by God and afflicted. But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement for our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed. Isaiah 53:4-5 NASB

The cross creates visual and emotional pictures for us. While hard to fathom the violence of crucifixion, harder to imagine is the evil from within humanity that would commit such acts. Morton Kelsey, an American Episcopal priest and psychologist, writes, “The cross is the symbol, alive and vivid, of the evil that is in us, of evil itself.” History recalls countless examples of the evil within humanity, the horrors that people inflict on each other. Most often we view the cross as empty in celebration of the risen Christ; however, the crucified Jesus on the cross, no matter how hard to face, reveals the very depth of our depravity. If we stand at the foot of this cross, we come with those who crucified Jesus; we must stand with the cowards, the self-righteous, the betrayers, stand with those who represent “civilized vices” like fear, bigotry, deceit, and indifference. In the shadow of this cross, we face our own darkness; yet, this revelation is not the end but a beginning of transformation. Christ endures unimaginable suffering so Hope can be born for all. In defeating evil, the mystery of the cross allows Perfect Love to be “pierced for our rebellion …beaten so we could be whole”. – dho

You Are More ~ Tenth Avenue North (click here for video)

Perfect Love, let the cross disturb my indifference, my selfish acts, my fear – for You suffered the everlasting effects of evil… for me. Let the cross illumine my weaknesses, my failed-attempts to love, my empty promises. In the shadow of Your cross I come face to face with my demons, no matter how I try to disguise them. Let me embrace the cost of Your suffering, especially when I pray, “Lord, always give us this bread”. - dho

Focus Point: “You are more than the choices that you’ve made; you are more than the sum of your mistakes… You’ve been remade.” ~ Tenth Avenue North

For more information about this ministry visit ~

MangroveMinistries.org

LIKE Mangrove Ministries on Facebook

Saturday, March 19, 2016

Come to the Table - Lent 2016

Living Bread ~ Jesus said to them, “I am the Bread of Life; he who comes to Me will not hunger, and he who believes in Me will never thirst.” John 6:35

Is not the cup of blessing which we bless a sharing in the blood of Christ? Is not the bread which we break a sharing in the body of Christ? Since there is one bread, we who are many are one body; for we partake of the one bread.

1Corinthians10:16-17 NASB

The first century church continues to celebrate sharing the bread and wine as Jesus had instructed His disciples. Paul, talking to the church in Corinth, reminds them that the church, although many people, functions as one body belonging to Christ. In coming together and sharing the bread and wine, believers celebrate the unity of the church. In verse 16, the word sharing comes from the Greek koinonia meaning “fellowship, sharing, or communion”. Coming together to fellowship and celebrate and remember Jesus creates a common unity.

Today, Christians continue to celebrate the Lord’s Supper. When the church comes to the table as the body of Christ, a common unity of purpose rekindles the soul. We share the bread and cup with others whose lives have been transformed by the Lamb of God. We remember the brokenness of the crucifixion; we remember the sacrifice of the cross. We remember the Bread of Life broken for us; the blood of Jesus shed for us. We hear the echoes of prophesy, He was pierced for our transgressions, crushed for our iniquities, by His wounds we are healed. Jesus said, “Do this in remembrance of Me.”

Lord, I come to the table to feast with fellow believers, to remember Your willing sacrifice, to listen for Your holy words. Together, one in Christ, we pray, “Lord, always give us this bread”. Oh, Broken Bread, Cup of Blessing, You are Amazing Grace. – dho

Focus Point: Jesus said, “Do this in remembrance of Me.”

For more information about this ministry visit ~

MangroveMinistries.org

LIKE Mangrove Ministries on Facebook

Friday, March 18, 2016

Cup of Blessing - Lent 2016

Living Bread ~ Jesus said to them, “I am the Bread of Life; he who comes to Me will not hunger, and he who believes in Me will never thirst.” John 6:35

[Jesus to His disciples] Likewise He also took the cup after supper saying, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood, which is shed for you.” Luke 22:20 NKJV

Four cups of wine celebrate Passover. Following the “Blessing After the Meal” comes the third cup, the cup of blessing, sometimes called the Cup of Redemption, which symbolizes the blood of the Passover lamb (Exodus 12:13). When Jesus lifts the third cup, this Cup of Redemption, He says, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood, which is shed for you.” With His crucifixion, Jesus becomes the true Passover Lamb, the blood sacrifice for eternal redemption. “This is My blood, shed for you.”

Establishing a New Covenant, Jesus calls the people to a new way of living. The body of Christ is a community of believers, all believing in one faith, one baptism, one Spirit. The cup symbolizes Christ’s sacrifice on the cross. Prophesied by Jeremiah some 600 years before Christ travels up to Jerusalem, the Lord promises with this New Covenant, “I will put My law in their minds, and write it on their hearts.” The cross tells a new story of redemption to the world, a story of everlasting hope, a story of grace.

Jehovah, El Shaddai, Adonai ~ ancient names, holy names… Your promises capture my needs, anticipate my fears, prepare my future. Broken bread and a cup of blessing call to me centuries after You blessed them, after You surrendered for me, after You settled my debts. “Lord, always give us this bread” and this cup of blessing to remind me of Perfect Love. – dho

Focus Point: The cross tells a new story of redemption to the world, a story of everlasting hope, a story of grace.

For more information about this ministry visit ~

MangroveMinistries.org

LIKE Mangrove Ministries on Facebook

Thursday, March 17, 2016

Broken Bread - Lent 2016

Living Bread ~ Jesus said to them, “I am the Bread of Life; he who comes to Me will not hunger, and he who believes in Me will never thirst.” John 6:35

[Jesus to His disciples] And He took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them saying, “This is My body which is given for you; do this in remembrance of Me.” Luke 22:19 NKJV

Common to Passover tradition, a blessing comes after a meal, after eating bread, a grace spoken to express gratitude for God’s constant and unchanging care. Until this night, the Passover meal involves a thanksgiving blessing of remembrance such as, “This is the bread of affliction our ancestors ate when they came from Egypt.” This night, Jesus takes the bread, gives thanks and says something new. The unleavened bread takes on a new meaning as Jesus establishes a new way of remembering. “This is My body, broken for you”.

For now, the disciples do not fully grasp the underlying meaning of Jesus’ words, do not understand the implications of the symbol, and do not recognize the offering will come within hours. Soon, Jesus will be hastily arrested, falsely accused, and brutally afflicted. This celebrated bread of affliction will be remembered as the Bread of Life, as Jesus willing allows His body to be broken for the disciples in that room, for those who arrest and beat and crucify Him, for those who do not understand, for all people ~ then and now and to come,… for you… for me.

Holy One, You call me to follow You, to share the Gospel message, to live like You! Broken Bread, this suffering for me reveals a deep love that surpasses me, surrounds me, spares me. “Lord, always give us this bread” to remind me, “This is My body, broken for you!” – dho

Focus Point: “This is My body, broken for you”.

For more information about this ministry visit ~

MangroveMinistries.org

LIKE Mangrove Ministries on Facebook

Wednesday, March 16, 2016

The Betrayer - Lent 2016

Living Bread ~ Jesus said to them, “I am the Bread of Life; he who comes to Me will not hunger, and he who believes in Me will never thirst.” John 6:35

As they were reclining at the table and eating, Jesus said, “Truly I say to you that one of you will betray Me – one who is eating with Me.” Mark 14:18 NASB

On the night before Jesus’ crucifixion, the twelve disciples gather with Him for a meal. Most believe this to be a Passover meal, a time of remembrance of God’s provision and a time to fellowship together. Jesus knows who will betray him – one within His inner circle. While eating, Jesus mentions the upcoming betrayal, and the disciples begin to ask, “Is it I?” Jesus confirms that the one who will betray him is eating with Me!

One can imagine the looks around the table, glances and glares about whom it might it be, whispers and wonderings about what it could mean. Judas Iscariot, the betrayer, must have been surprised to hear Jesus say this, knowing the subversive plot a secret. Judas, likely sitting beside Jesus, even mockingly whispers, “Surely it is not I, Rabbi?” All four Gospels recount Jesus acknowledging His betrayer. In John 13:18, when identifying the betrayer Jesus says, “I do not speak of all of you. I know the ones I have chosen; but it is that the Scripture may be fulfilled, ‘HE WHO EATS MY BREAD HAS LIFTED UP HIS HEEL AGAINST ME.’”** Jesus never calls the name of the betrayer but reveals this truth to come to acknowledge His sovereignty.

Lord, I listen to this story and realize I betray you every day ~ me, a Christian ~ when I choose not to mention You in a crowd where faith is risky and when I trade time with You for time with the world and when I am convinced my selfish plan is better than Yours and when the lure of acceptance turns my heart from You. “Lord, always give us this bread”. – dho

Focus Point: Jesus knows who will betray him – one within His inner circle.

references to the betrayer in the Gospels:

Matthew 26:17-19, Mark 14:12-25, Luke 22:7-30, John 13:8-30

** Psalm 41:9 - Scripture Jesus quotes

For more information about this ministry visit ~

MangroveMinistries.org

LIKE Mangrove Ministries on Facebook

Tuesday, March 15, 2016

The Last Meal - Lent 2016

Living Bread ~ Jesus said to them, “I am the Bread of Life; he who comes to Me will not hunger, and he who believes in Me will never thirst.” John 6:35

Jesus, reclining at the table with the apostles said, “I have earnestly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer; for I say to you, I shall never again eat it until it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God.” Luke 22:15-16 NASB

This would be the last Passover Jesus would eat with His disciples. In fact, the blood sacrifice of Jesus the next day would transform the Passover celebration of redemption forever. Those who recline with Jesus do not understand that the suffering will come in the form of the cross. Those who rest beside him do not realize the implication of “never again”. Only one, the betrayer, keeps a secret, and even he does not understand God’s plan.

In this room, Jesus celebrates tradition and, at the same time, creates a new way. While the apostles relax in this time together, Jesus contemplates the emotional betrayal, the physical suffering, the mental agony he must endure. Jesus knows the cost of grace; yet, He expresses great joy in sharing this intimate time together. God’s sovereign purpose to rescue humanity offers Christ as the Passover Lamb, once and for all.

Jesus, I try to see myself in this room, reclining at the table, listening to Your words. Forgive my preoccupation with my personal agenda because I completely miss the big picture. Forgive my careless ways of not noticing the suffering of another. Forgive my failure to recognize the Passover Lamb before me. As I ask, “Lord, always give us this bread”, open my eyes! – dho

Focus Point: God’s sovereign purpose to rescue humanity offers Christ as the Passover Lamb, once and for all.

For more information about this ministry visit ~

MangroveMinistries.org

LIKE Mangrove Ministries on Facebook

Monday, March 14, 2016

Passover Meal or Not - Lent 2016

Living Bread ~ Jesus said to them, “I am the Bread of Life; he who comes to Me will not hunger, and he who believes in Me will never thirst.” John 6:35

Jesus sent Peter and John, saying, “Go and prepare the Passover for us, so that we may eat it,” Luke 22:8 NASB

Scholars debate whether what Christians refer to as “The Last Supper” is actually a Passover meal. From the writings of historian Josephus and other ancient texts, various commentaries suggest that the confusion can be as simple as geography. The Jews living in Galilee, Jesus’ home town, count time from sunrise to sunrise, while the Judean Jews in the southern regions which include Jerusalem count time from sunset to sunset. Christians agree that God’s sovereign purposes always prevail.

Considering tradition and time, Jesus and His disciples likely celebrate the beginning of Passover with a meal together on Thursday night. In God’s divine plan, the Jewish traditions of Jerusalem and those religious leaders arresting Jesus would celebrate Passover beginning at sunset on Friday. With this timeline, Jesus is sacrificed on the cross and dies at the same time the High Priest in the Temple sacrifices an unblemished lamb in preparation for that evening’s Passover meal. Timing always remains in the God’s control.

Holy God ~ Your ways amaze and astonish me! Providing for Your people in all ways, leaves me in awe! My lips can barely ask, “Lord, always give us this bread”. – dho

Focus Point: Christians agree that God’s sovereign purposes always prevail.

For more information about this ministry visit ~

MangroveMinistries.org

LIKE Mangrove Ministries on Facebook

Sunday, March 13, 2016

5th Sunday of Lent - Mystery of Christ

Living Bread ~ Jesus said to them, “I am the Bread of Life; he who comes to Me will not hunger, and he who believes in Me will never thirst.” John 6:35

He set His face to go to Jerusalem, the Gospel says, and it was a journey from which [Jesus] seems to have known that He would both never return and return always, even unto the end of time and beyond. Frederick Buechner

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through Him, and apart from Him nothing came into being. In Him was life, and the life was the Light of men. The Light shines in the darkness and the darkness did not comprehend it. John 1: 1-5 NASB

Scripture describes the divine nature, the Deity of Christ in many places with one of the most familiar found in John. Christ has always been, even before the beginning of the universe. Paul preaching to the Colossians describes Christ like this, “For in [Christ] all the fullness of Deity dwells in bodily form, and in Him you have been made complete.” (Colossians 9:9-10) Taking human form but never ceasing to be divine, Christ becomes a tangible and visible expression of God. There can be no substitute. Christ’s authority defeats Satan and overcomes sin, and His righteousness gives us new life, completes us. While one cannot fully understand the eternity and divinity of Christ, His willingness to physically come for humanity overwhelms the soul.

I AM ~ by Crowder (click here for video)

Lord, Your name is above all names: Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace; You are King of kings and Lord of lords, Lamb of God and Light of the World. From carpenter to Chosen One, my heart beats for such divine goodness. Christ, Faithful and True, calls me, holds me, loves me! This is my resurrection song, this is my Hallelujah come! “Lord, always give us this bread”. – dho

Focus Point: “There is no end to amazing grace – I AM holding on to you…I AM HOLDING ON TO YOU – I AM!” ~ Crowder

For more information about this ministry visit ~

MangroveMinistries.org

LIKE Mangrove Ministries on Facebook

Saturday, March 12, 2016

Unleavened Life - Lent 2016

Living Bread ~ Jesus said to them, “I am the Bread of Life; he who comes to Me will not hunger, and he who believes in Me will never thirst.” John 6:35

Christ, our Passover Lamb, has been sacrificed for us. So let us celebrate the festival, not by eating the old bread of wickedness and evil, but by eating the new bread of purity and truth. 1 Corinthians 5:7b-8 NLT

Paul writes the church in Corinth about problems that are divisive. The example he uses is leaven. Using the symbol of unleavened bread, Paul speaks of the Israelites hurried exodus from Egypt centuries ago, as he gives direction to the present day church. At the time, this large, metropolitan city proudly boasts of its diversity and independence. Great wealth, many religions and varied morality characterize Corinth which is the capital of Greece. Along with the greatness of the city comes much corruption. Paul tries to help the church create boundaries that would deepen its spiritual roots, minimize controversy, encourage wisdom. Paul reminds the believers that Christ’s sacrifice delivers them from sin and to stop eating the old bread of wickedness and evil.

Just as Paul directs the believers in Corinth to partake of the new bread of purity and truth, today’s church also must consider itself unleavened, continuing to teach the truths of Scripture. John MacArthur says, “As the Jews who celebrate Passover do so with unleavened bread, so believers celebrate their continual Passover with unleavened lives.” Jesus Christ, the Living Bread, calls us to unleavened, holy lives.

Father, just as unleavened bread reminds Israel of Your unfailing provision and faithfulness, let my unleavened life praise You ~ for Perfect Love, for Amazing Grace, for Everlasting Hope! “Lord, always give us this bread”, True Bread for the soul. – dho

Focus Point: Jesus Christ, the Living Bread, calls us to unleavened, holy lives.

For more information about this ministry visit ~

MangroveMinistries.org

LIKE Mangrove Ministries on Facebook

Friday, March 11, 2016

What's in a Name? - Lent 2016

Living Bread ~ Jesus said to them, “I am the Bread of Life; he who comes to Me will not hunger, and he who believes in Me will never thirst.” John 6:35

“…But as for you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you One will go forth for Me to be ruler in Israel. His goings forth are from long ago, from the days of eternity.”…This One will be our peace. Micah 5:2-5 NASB

The prophet Micah brings a message of judgement to the Israelites of the southern kingdom, a people actively pursuing evil activities. Along with his contemporary Hosea, the message moves from doom to hope. From the land of King David, the Messiah, the Anointed One, will come. “This One will be our peace.” Some 700 years later, Jesus enters the world as tiny baby born in a stable in Bethlehem, five miles south of Jerusalem. Bethlehem in Hebrew means “house of bread”.

Jesus, Greek form of the Hebrew Yeshua, means “Yahweh is salvation”. Yahweh means “He who is” or “I AM”. Jesus tells the people, “I AM the Bread of Life.” Jesus Christ bears the name of God as He enters Jerusalem, the City of Peace, as the One who will bring salvation to humanity. Passover crowds, anything but worthy, flood Jerusalem, anything but peaceful. Jesus enters the Temple, desecrated by moneychangers and merchants, and declares, “MY HOUSE SHALL BE A HOUSE OF PRAYER!” The Chosen One teaches inside the temple, while the plot to kill Him grows.

Lord, ancient Greek and Hebrew words overflow with rich meanings. Prophecies fulfilled reveal God’s plan for redemption. Living Bread is born in the ‘house of bread’ mere miles south of where the Prince of Peace fulfills God’s plan in the ‘City of Peace’. Sometimes, I fail to recognize the sign posts You give or the miracles that reveal Your goodness; I don’t speak the holy words of prayer or choose the opportunities You offer that bring me into Your presence. “Lord, always give us this bread”; help me eat and taste and know the fullness of You! – dho

Focus Point: Jesus, Greek form of the Hebrew Yeshua, means “Yahweh is salvation”.

*Ephrathah means ‘fruitful’; Bethlehem, “known for her vineyards and olive orchards, was small in size but not in honor.” [MacArthur’s Study Bible notes]

For more information about this ministry visit ~

MangroveMinistries.org

LIKE Mangrove Ministries on Facebook

A New Beginning

"This is my [new] life work: helping people understand and respond to this Message. It came as a sheer gift to me, a real surprise, God handling all the details . . . God saw to it that I was equipped, but you can be sure that it had nothing to do with my natural abilities.

And so here I am . . . writing about things that are way over my head, the inexhaustible riches and generosity of Christ. My task is to bring out in the open and make plain what God, who created all this in the first place, has been doing in secret and behind the scenes all along."
Ephesians 3:7-10, The Message

Pages

Sunday, March 20, 2016

Saturday, March 19, 2016

Friday, March 18, 2016

Thursday, March 17, 2016

Wednesday, March 16, 2016

Tuesday, March 15, 2016

Monday, March 14, 2016

Sunday, March 13, 2016

Saturday, March 12, 2016

Friday, March 11, 2016