Preparing for Easter ~ Mark of Reverence

[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]

. . . The LORD merely spoke, and the heavens were created. He breathed the word, and all the stars were born. He gave the sea its boundaries and locked the oceans in vast reservoirs . . . let everyone stand in awe of Him. . . The LORD looks down from heaven and sees the whole human race. From His throne He observes all who live on the earth. He made their hearts, so He understands everything they do. . . the LORD watches over those who fear Him, those who rely on His unfailing love. . . We depend on the LORD alone to save us. Only He can help us, protecting us like a shield. In Him our hearts rejoice, for we are trusting in His holy name. . . our hope is in You alone. Psalm 33 NLT

I invite you to read all of Psalm 33 as it describes the characteristics of our Sovereign God, the LORD of all creation. In these verses we are reminded of Genesis chapter 1 as it reflects the beginnings of the world. God is referred to in Genesis 1:1-3 as Elohim, the All-powerful One, the Creator. The LORD in Psalm 33 is the Hebrew Yahweh, I AM, the One Who Is. God never changes, and His promises never fail. He is always faithful, even when we are not.

I don’t know about you, but my imagination cannot begin to understand this kind of holy power. Just thinking about the minute details of every living thing brings a sense of awe to my mind. This reverent awe, this overwhelming wonder brings me to my knees in worship and praise of God. This kind of fear transforms the heart, mind and soul; this is the mark of reverence.

•  Why do I forget to fear God like this?
•  Does being in awe of our Sovereign God truly transform my life?

LORD, Yahweh ~ You are the beginning and the end of all things, of all time. Your whisper can change the wind, calm the storm, light the night sky, and water the earth. Your Protection covers me, but I do not notice. You are the Source of life, yet I forget. Forgive me as You fill me with holy wonder. Transform me as You teach me unfailing love. May my life reveal a mark of reverence for the Creator of all! ~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 God's Faithfulness

[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]

. . . and the LORD said to Joshua, “. . .Take twelve stones from here out of the Jordan”. . . And those twelve stones, which they took up out of the Jordan, Joshua set up at Gilgal. And he said to the people of Israel, “When your children ask their fathers in times to come, ‘What do these stones mean?’ then you shall let your children know. . . For the LORD your God dried up the waters of the Jordan for you until you passed over. . . so that all the peoples of the earth may know that the hand of the LORD is mighty, that you may fear the LORD your God forever.” Joshua 4 ESV

This account in Joshua describes the scenes as the Israelites finally enter the Promised Land. Their unfaithfulness had kept them in the desert for 40 years after being freed from Egypt. Despite their lack of faith, God’s promise to them remains. Now Joshua leads as they enter the land promised to them through Abraham. God tells Joshua to take twelve stones, one for each of the twelve tribes, and make a memorial. This is the first of seven stone memorials described in Joshua. What does it represent? The Israelites safely cross the Jordan River into the long awaited Promised Land. God’s faithfulness prevails, and this memorial is to become a reminder to them and all the generations to come that God is always faithful. It is the mark of God’s faithfulness.

•  What stories do you tell family and friends about God’s faithfulness in your life?
• Will the generations to come pass along these stories?

LORD, my God, Your faithfulness to me comes from before time began and will continue after time ends. In the middle of my circumstances, sometimes I forget to tell my stories of how You never leave me, always go before me, protect and provide for me. I take Your strength but do not share it. Let me tell Your stories of faithfulness to me – tell them now and pass them to the future. ~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 a Successful Life

[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]

Then Moses went up from the plains of Moab to Mount Nebo, to the top of Pisgah, which is opposite Jericho. And the LORD showed him all the land. . . And the LORD said to him, “This is the land of which I swore to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, ‘I will give it to your offspring.’ I have let you see it with your eyes, but you shall not go over there. So Moses the servant of the LORD died there in the land of Moab according to the word of the LORD, and he was buried . . . but no one knows the place of his burial to this day. . . And there has not arisen a prophet since in Israel like Moses, whom the LORD knew face to face, none like him for all the signs and the wonders that the LORD sent him to do. . .for all the mighty power and all the great deeds. . . Moses did in the sight of all Israel. Deuteronomy 34:1-12 ESV

During my study of Moses in Bible Study Fellowship, our teaching leader, Lora Barlow, said, “The mark of a successful life is faithfulness to God’s call.” She continued, “Blessings are used to mark important rites of passage like birth, marriage, and death. Moses’ death was not marked by monuments but by the memory of his life lived in glory to God.” Thousands of years later, we still read the words he recorded about God, still tell his God-story. This gives me reason to pause as I wonder what my legacy will be.

• Will I be remembered at all?
• Will I be remembered for a life lived in glory to God?

Lord, You give my life meaning and purpose. You call me to respond. I long to leave a memory of Your Glory in my fingerprints each day! Not etched in some monument but by sharing Your Glory-moments, let this be my mark of a successful life. ~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 Ashes

[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]

Ash Wednesday

 “For I desire steadfast love and not sacrifice, the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings. Hosea 6:6

[Jesus said] "Go and learn what this means, ‘I desire mercy, and not sacrifice.’ For I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.” Matthew 9:13

Jesus came for sinners, those who need His mercy. All of fallen humanity meets the requirements of ‘sinner.’ Only through Jesus can we be made holy, only through His Grace can we be made righteous. It is only our soul’s sincere repentance that invites Grace to enter. On this Ash Wednesday, Christians around the world gather together and receive the sign of the cross on their foreheads. These ashes remind us of our need for Grace, remind us that without Jesus we are only sinners. With Jesus, however, we are sinners who find forgiveness and redemption. We can trade our ashes for a robe of righteousness with Jesus! 

•  How will I praise God for such unconditional love?
• Will others see only my ashes or will they see the Grace of Jesus?

Jesus, I kneel at your altar wearing the mark of a sinner. With humble awareness I examine my need for grace, my desire to serve You more. Let my love and service always be mindful of Your mercy. ~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!”

God of the Angel Armies

GOD's a safe-house for the battered, a sanctuary during bad times. 

The moment you arrive, you relax; you're never sorry you knocked.

Psalm 9:9 The Message

 

Let God-of-the-angel-armies hold you! ~dho

Celebrating LIFE!

• (from journal entry on my nephew's Caring Bridge site) http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/thomasmcgirr/journal

  Happy 11th Birthday!

  
  
  During the first week of February, 2012, our family celebrated BIG birthdays! Thomas turned 10 years old (January 31) and was cancer free! We decided on snow tubing in our beloved North Carolina Mountains. (other birthdays: Jennifer, 30; Allison, 21; Grandy, 80!) One requirement ~ everyone had to wear a crazy winter hat! This weekend overflowed with sustained laughter and pure joy as we all celebrated God-given life!
  We took some time on Saturday night at dinner to remember these lives, these many blessings from God. Even though Thomas actually suffered with some nausea and a headache which we believe mostly was related to the significant altitude changes, he joined in the festive mood of birthday hats, noise makers, and treasured stories. Our hearts were FULL! The day we went snow tubing Thomas was beyond thrilled. We all had a blast, run after run! The funny hats fit the mood, and certainly, our group of 10 made a statement.
  In the months that followed in 2012, Thomas became somewhat of an ambassador for God's healing touch! He went to Duke Children's Hospital, giving "Sasha" teddy bears to children struggling with brain cancer. Representing Hoke County's Relay For Life in NC, Thomas was the Grand Marshall, leading the parade of SURVIVORS; his friend, William, who shaved his head when Thomas lost his hair, walked beside him! In April, Duke's fundraiser for Brain Cancer, Angels Among Us, found Thomas and his team, The E-lemonade-Tors, participating in the 5K. That morning,Thomas, his dad, his school principal and a few teachers ran the 5K. Then, Thomas walked the Family Fun Walk that afternoon with the rest of us! That summer, the Lemonade Stand was back in business! The waves called too, and we spent great times at the beach ~ jumping waves ~ jumping with joy!
  On November 31, 2012, there was a huge party ~ One Year Cancer Clear! Nearly 100 people came to share in the celebration of God's healing of Thomas. Food and friendship, gifts and gratitude, prayers of thanksgiving and tears of joy overflowed into this home, just as as they had done when Thomas was diagnosed with brain cancer. That night stories of survival and healing were shared by the very people who prayed and wept and loved and so generously offered tokens of hope during an uncertain time.
  Today, January 31, 2013, is Thomas' 11th birthday. As is birthday tradition ( and he would have it no other way), tonight he will celebrate at Mi Casita for dinner and wear the Birthday Sombrero! While I won't be there, I can see him now wearing the huge sombrero, his sweet smiling face, content with simple tradition. When life gives us uncertainty and unexpected challenges, it is good to treasure the simplicity of what is sure. When Life Give You Lemons, Make Lemonade!
  Today, we celebrate Thomas, a beautiful soul that constantly touches other lives with gentle joy. At Angles Among Us, the participants were asked to choose 3 words that represented their journey with brain cancer. Thomas thought for a long time but decided on: Don't Look Back! There is no denying the times of pain and disappointment. And for me, reflecting back over difficult times can give great insight into life, can reveal God's ever-presence in life. However, make no mistake, Thomas has not forgotten his journey. He remains full of gratitude and continually acknowledges that his faith in God is how he stayed strong through it all. He has shared that with other brain cancer patients and next week he will be interviewed at Duke for their annual Radio-thon fund raiser for Duke's Children Miracle Network. Again, Thomas will have the opportunity to tell his God-story.
  In times of deep contemplation, Thomas struggles with why he was healed and many others were not. What purpose does life hold? What does God want me to do? No one can understand the mind of God or fully understand the whys of life. Linda told Thomas, "We don't know the answer to why God chose to heal you and not another. He does have a purpose for you, and in time you will come to know what that is. For now, you just have to live for Christ the best you can!"
  So, many MRI's later (the last 1/9/13) and with many more to go, we continue to cry out to God ~ sometimes with wordless joy, sometimes with soul-full praises, but always with simple faith. Now glory be to God who by His mighty power at work within us is able to do far more than we would ever dare to ask or even dream of - infinitely beyond our highest prayers, desires, thoughts, or hopes.(Ephesians 3:20 TLB)
  
  To God Be the Glory! ~dho
  
  CLICK the link below for a video of Thomas, his journey with brain cancer and his joy in healing!
  http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=vcW9qCKLBRc
  

Live Generously!

Live out your God-created identity. Live generously and graciously toward others, the way God lives toward you. 

Matthew 5:48 The Message

The Message uses different words than other translations with most expressing verse 48: You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect. Peterson is likely trying to steer our minds away from a preconceived idea of "perfect". Often we associate being perfect as an impossible goal. In our mind God's perfection is less of a stumbling block, but because of our imperfect and frail humanity we fall short of perfect all the time. So what does Jesus mean when He says you and I "must be perfect"? 

Perfect refers to completeness, to a maturity in our character. When we trust Jesus, He defines us, gives us a new identity. The Holy Spirit dwells within us teaching us to become more like Jesus. And Jesus teaches us to live generously and graciously toward others, to love others in His name. Our natures are not so generous or gracious, and we find ourselves imperfect or incomplete without Jesus. Because God loves us with an everlasting love and offers us unmeasured grace, we are to live like Him. Without Jesus, we do not have the ability to live without malice or envy, prejudice or indifference, self-righteousness or injustice. With Jesus, each of us is created new, given a God-created identity. So, become complete with Jesus; love others completely, as God loves! ~ dho

Broken Hallelujah's

For everything, absolutely everything, above and below, visible and invisible, rank after rank of angels - everything got started in [Christ] and finds its purpose in Him. He was here before any of it came into existence and holds it all together right up to this moment.

Colossians 1:16-17 The Message

Listen to this beautiful song by Mandisa ~ Broken Hallelujah! Despite all that may seem broken, know that CHRIST is always near. To God be the Glory! ~dho

A NEW Year!

The peace of God is perfection of energy; it is a healthy vigor of the soul. Oswald Chambers

A NEW year is here! Christmas memories of 2012 along with decorations and last year's decisions are packed away. The Christmas tree has been repacked or recycled; the gifts received have merged into our routines. As a new year begins, the heart hopes that God's peace will be more than enough and desires God's love to become its deepest joy. Our prayers search for words to refresh the soul.

In the Union Prayer Book for Jewish Worship, I find these words:

Help us, O God, to banish from our hearts all vainglory, pride of worldly possessions, and self-sufficient leaning upon our own reason. Fill us with the spirit of meekness and the grace of modesty that we may grow in wisdom and in reverence. May we never forget that all we have and prize is but lent to us, a trust for which we must render account to Thee. O heavenly Father, put into our hearts the love and awe of Thee, that we may consecrated our lives to Thy service and glorify Thy name in the eyes of all men.

While energy is the capacity to do work, potential energy is energy that exists in a body as a result of its position or condition. Wisdom and grace fall gently from God reminding us of His generous provisions. His power and love exceed our capacity to understand. Letting God be the source of our energy is the only way we can truly prepare our hearts to know His peace and our hands to serve others. But how do we position ourselves to receive such awesome energy?

I will build an altar of the broken fragments of my heart, and will bow my spirit within me.My broken spirit - that is Thy sacrifice; let it be acceptable upon Thine altar. I will proclaim aloud Thy praise, I will declare all Thy wonders.Hymn of Unity, 12th Century

 As I have searched for words to refresh my soul for this new year, as I searched for His Word for the potential energy necessary to move my heart into position to do His work, these words from Psalm 51:12 The Message have become my new year's prayer: Put fresh wind in my sails! Will you ask Him too? ~dho

Words of Everlasting LOVE

Lord, in this Season of Light ~ May our HOPE reflect His Promise. May our PEACE reflect His Grace. May our JOY reflect His Love. May Everlasting LOVE be born in us again! Amen. ~dho 

O Holy night . . . He appeared and the soul felt its worth

Christ, Real LOVE

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13


Each year I read the Holy Scriptures that describe the promises of a Faithful God and consider the trusting heart of a young girl, a sign to announce the birth of the Messiah. Each year I ponder the glory that the angels proclaimed, contemplate the wonder of the shepherds, and reflect on the gifts of worship from the magi. Each year I listen to these ancient words that tell the story of Perfect Love.

With these familiar words, God weaves a beautiful tapestry with divine threads of faithful promises and a trusting heart, proclamations of angels and the wonder of shepherds, worshiping magi and Holy Love. He binds these together to reveal His Plan for us, the plans formed long ago. While the Scriptures reveal Perfect Love, we begin to experience Perfect Love and the fullness of God's Glory - at the cross. It is through Christ, the Living Hope, that we experience this most amazing grace!

And me? I know the ancient words but desire to experience the words. Now as then, God's wonders and promises continue, as do my traditional celebrations of Christmas, but unlike me, He is perfect faithfulness and never changes. Beyond the familiar readings and recitations, I experience Grace in a promised fulfilled. As the angels and shepherds did, I experience telling the Good News. Like the magi, I experience the joy of worshiping Christ the King! These ancient words become living words when I experience Christ, when I experience Real LOVE! ~dho

4th Sunday in Advent ~ Love

Lighting the candle of love ~

For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given, . . .
And He will be called Wonderful Counselor,
Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Isaiah 9:6-7

Traditions unfold every year at Christmas, like treasures unwrapped with great care. Each holds special significance and reminds the heart. Our traditions mark time as we revisit old pictures and retell the stories, as we carefully place cherished ornaments on this year's tree, as we bake the Christmas cookies once more. Traditions exist in the repetition of experiences but live in the moments of the heart.

In the moments when we know love, laughter, tears, change, joy or peace, time lives. In between, time passes. During this holy season, as you unwrap your traditions, reflect on the true moments of living, the grace-full gifts, the bountiful blessings God gives. This is the Lord's tradition ~ to bless those who are faithful to Him.

The greatest tradition of Christmas is celebrating the reason for remembering! May we once again unfold the Promise of Immanuel, God with us. May we know Perfect Love and Extravagant Grace ~ the generosity of His Gift ~ the holiness of His peace. Every time we unwrap this treasure and retell His story, time lives! May this tradition remind us of Christ ~ remind us that He is with us always ~ remind us that He lives! ~dho

Word of Everlasting JOY

Joy to the World

Joy to the world! the Lord is come!

Let earth receive her King;

Let every heart prepare Him room,

And heav'n and nature sing.

Joy to the earth! the Savior reigns!

Let men their songs employ,

While fields and floods, rocks, hills, and plains,

Repeat the sounding joy.

No more let sins and sorrows grow,

Nor thorns infest the ground;

He comes to make His blessings flow

Far as the curse is found.

He rules the world with truth and grace,

And makes the nations prove

The glories of His righteousness,

And wonders of His love.

Joy to the World is one of the most published Christmas hymns. Written in 1719 by Issac Watts, English hymn writer and theologian, the hymn was part of a series he wrote based on the Psalms. This particular hymn was written based on Psalm 98, its words glorifying Christ's triumphant return.

Although we often sing this hymn to celebrate Christ's birth, to rejoice like the angels, shepherds, and wise men, singing this hymn is in keeping with the complete spirit of Advent. For during Advent we celebrate the birth of  Christ and joyfully anticipate the return of Christ. When Christ returns to earth, there will be rejoicing! Only from, in, and through Christ can we know deep, abiding spiritual joy! This Christmas, rejoice and be glad and give Him glory, for to know Christ is to know everlasting joy! ~dho

Then I heard what sounded like a great multitude, like the roar of rushing waters and like loud peals of thunder, shouting: "Hallelujah! For our Lord God Almighty reigns. Let us rejoice and be glad and give Him glory!" Revelation 19:6-7a NIV

Christ, Real JOY

With joy you will draw water from wells of salvation. And you will say in that day: "Give thanks to the LORD, call upon His name, make known His deeds among the peoples, proclaim that His name is exalted. Sing praises to the LORD, for He has done gloriously; let this be made known in all the earth. Shout, and sing for joy, for great in your midst is the Holy One of Israel."
Isaiah 12:3-5 ESV

According to Jewish tradition during the Feast of Tabernacles, in celebration of joy and thanksgiving for God's provision while in the wilderness, a golden pitcher was filled with water from the pool of Siloam and along with wine was poured over the sacrifice on the altar. The act of pouring out the water was a symbol of repentance. Another act involved lighted torches which the Hebrew people carried around the temple. The purpose of this was to symbolize that "the Messiah would be a light to the Gentiles." [Mary Fairchild, Feast of Tabernacles]

In the New Testament, reading in John 7:37-38, "On the last day of the feast, the great day, Jesus stood up and cried out, 'If anyone thirsts let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water'" At this Feast of Tabernacles Jesus describes himself as Living Water, poured out for us. The next day, "while the torches were still burning" [Fairchild], Jesus said, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." [John 8:12] 

"The inevitable result of genuine salvation is joy! The joy found in Christ is like an inexhaustible well, satisfying the most desperate thirst." [Blackaby Study Bible Notes] As you journey through this Christmas season, are you finding Real JOY? If not, perhaps you are looking in the wrong places. You don't have to wander alone in the dry, dark places. The Holy One is here! Christ is Real JOY! ~dho

3rd Sunday in Advent ~ Joy

Lighting the candle of joy ~

After seeing [Jesus], the shepherds told everyone what had happened and what the angel had said to them about this child. All who heard the shepherds' story were astonished  Luke 2:17-18 NLT

In this third Sunday in Advent we light the candle of JOY! The Christmas season is full of reasons to have joy -- to celebrate -- to praise God for such extravagant generosity. Images of angels and choirs of angels awaken our imaginations. Words like Glory and Hallelujah echo the sounds of trumpet and tympani. Church bells and hand bells ring with joy. Our hearts stir and our souls smile as we listen to both story and song. 

This world attempts to steal our joy at every corner. Poverty and plenty contradict while tragedy and truth challenge each other. Within our desire for joy, sadness competes for attention. So how do we keep joy-full when angels and choirs and music are silenced by tragedy? Our church is singing this chorus during the Advent season: Emmanuel, Emmanuel, God incarnate, here to dwell. Emmanuel, Emmanuel, Praise His name, Emmanuel. God is with us ~ and that alone is reason for JOY! ~ dho

Word of Everlasting PEACE

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts . . . and be thankful.
Colossians 3:15 ESV

'Peace on the earth, good will to men,

from Heaven's all-gracious King':

The world in solemn stillness lay,

To hear the angels sing.*

"Peace of God" is often challenged by a world full of anxieties and chaos, doubts and uncertainties, but there is an inner peace the soul knows when faith in Christ leads one to "peace with God." Perfect peace is a gift God gives to the faithful ones who trust in Him.

When peace shall over all the earth

It's ancient splendor fling,

And the whole world send back the song

Which now the angels sing.*

"Peace on earth" is the promise of His everlasting peace which is still to come. For now, each of us is called to embrace peace offered by the Author of peace, measured by the Prince of peace, and revealed by the Spirit. During this Holy season, let the Prince of Peace be born again in us. May Christ's peace be the ornament that decorates our hearts at Christmas and throughout the coming year. ~dho

* lyrics to "It Came Upon A Midnight Clear" written by Edmund Sears, 1849

Kindled Soul, Holy Fire

Are you looking for a unique Christmas gift that will keep giving AFTER Christmas? Consider giving a copy of my devotional book Kindled Soul, Holy Fire. It is full of devotions that seek to find God's goodness and majesty. Designed for the Easter season, you can give it now and let it give again at Easter! Merry Christmas from Mangrove Ministries!

You can order on Amazon.com at the following link!
http://www.amazon.com/Kindled-Soul-Holy-Fire-Meditations/dp/1577364198/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1355429668&sr=8-1&keywords=Kindled+soul+Holy+Fire

Christ, Real PEACE

~photo taken by Becky Clark, Greensboro, NC

At once the angel was joined by a huge angelic choir singing God's praises:
'Glory to God in the heavenly heights,
Peace to all men and women on earth who please Him.' Luke 2:13-14 MSG

What exactly is peace and what is the path to peace? We know that God is the Source of all true peace; Christ is the Good News of peace sent to us from God. On the night Jesus is born in Bethlehem, peace is the message of the angels.

Peace in the Hebrew [shalom] and Greek [eirene] teaches "absence of disturbance" and is the primary blessing of God's people. Scofield offers four references to peace: Peace with God, Peace from God, Peace of God, and Peace on earth. Deep inside, each us desires the assurance of peace. Only God can provide complete peace. Do you have peace? Are you seeking God for Real PEACE? Let the Peace of Christ be born in you today! ~ dho

2nd Sunday in Advent ~ Peace

Lighting the candle of peace ~

For a child will be born to us, a son will be given us; 
And the government will rest on His shoulders;
And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, 
Eternal Father, Prince of peace. Isaiah 9:6 NASB

This second Sunday of the Christmas season directs our hearts and minds to peace! What is peace? Tranquility, quiet, harmony, and freedom from oppression are a few words that define peace. It comes from the Latin pacisci meaning 'to agree', while its antonym is war. We value the idea of peace, even the gentleness of peace, and perhaps the security of peace. Although peace is desired, the world is often hostile, loud, augmentative, and full of oppression. As you prepare for Christ this Christmas, where do you find peace? 

In the song Be Born in Me there is a lesson for each of us even though this is a song of Mary's heart. The chorus is a prayer for us: Make my heart Your Bethlehem; Be born in me. Christ is the Prince of Peace. As the Holy Spirit dwells in us, the peace of Christ becomes our peace. Our hearts can become a holy place, like Bethlehem, where love is born. Offer the peace of Christ this Christmas season ~ Make my heart Your Bethlehem; be born in me. ~ dho

Words of Everlasting HOPE

Words to "I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day" ~ by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
I heard the bells on Christmas Day
Their old familiar carols play,
And wild and sweet the words repeat
Of peace on earth, good will to men.

And in despair I bowed my head:
"There is no peace on earth," I said,
"For hate is strong and mocks the song
Of peace on earth, good will to men."

Then pealed the bells more loud and deep;
"God is not dead, nor doth He sleep;
The wrong shall fail, the right prevail,
With peace on earth, good will to men."

Till, ringing singing, on its way,
The world revolved from night to day,
A voice, a chime, a chant sublime,
Of peace on earth, good will to men.!

On Christmas Eve 1863, during the Civil War, Longfellow wrote the words to this now familiar Christmas carol. Longfellow wrote these words "only six months after the Battle of Gettysburg where over 40,000 soldiers lost their lives. One of the country's most influential writers, he taught literature for seventeen years at Harvard University. His faith in the power of God and man to join and transcend the horrors of war gave birth to this song, inspired by his hearing the ringing of the Christmas bells."* Musical scores have been composed over the years making this a very familiar Christmas carol.

My post on the First Sunday of Advent December 2 included a modern arrangement by Casting Crowns. Listen to it again. We all find ourselves is various forms of war every day. Hope lies in remembering God is Sovereign and in control. In surrendering difficult times to Him, our minds find peace. With thanksgiving for His Unfailing Goodness, our hearts know an inward peace. In times of war, in moments of loss, we offer prayers and praises to the Love Most High. Comfort is not simply the peace of God but in knowing the God of peace will be with you. This is Everlasting HOPE! ~ dho 

* www.hymnsandcarolsofchristmas.com "I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day"

Christ, Real HOPE

By entering through faith into what God has always wanted to do for us - set us right with Him, make us fit for Him - we have it all together with God because of our Master Jesus. And that's not all: 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, standing tall and shouting our praise.  Romans 5:1-2 The Message 

Our HOPE comes through Christ! This season gives us opportunities to celebrate Christ's coming to earth - coming into our world; and at the same time, as our hearts remember God's extravagant gift of Love, we find ourselves humbled by the truth that Christ is coming again! Christ is real HOPE for all times, past ~ present ~ and future.

There's more to come: We continue to shout our praise even when we're hemmed in with troubles, because we know how troubles can develop passionate patience in us, and how that patience in turn forges the tempered steel of virtue, keeping us alert for whatever God will do next. In alert expectancy such as this, we're never left feeling shortchanged. Quite the contrary - we can't round up enough containers to hold everything God generously pours into our lives through the Holy Spirit. Romans 5:3-4 The Message

Even when times are difficult, Christ remains our HOPE! In all times, we are to remain "alert for whatever God will do next." The Scriptures say we should persist "in alert expectancy" of what God will do next. So often we create anxiety wondering if and when and how! Rest in the HOPE of Christ. Romans 5:6 takes away the worry: Christ arrives right on time to make this happen. He didn't and doesn't wait for us to get ready." Let Christ be your HOPE! Share this lesson of praise and passionate patience with someone else! Share the HOPE of Christ this season! ~ dho

1st Sunday in Advent ~ HOPE

Light the candle of HOPE ~

HOPE ~ Jesus is THE hope of all the world. As this week begins, consider what HOPE looks like. Will you share the HOPE of Jesus with another person this Christmas season? When you listen, can you hear the bells ringing HOPE for the world? The only way to have spiritual peace is to let the HOPE of Jesus define life. Have you found His peace? ~ dho

* Casting Crowns "I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day"

Pray More

"Everytime we pray our horizon is altered, our attitude to things is altered, not sometimes but every time, and the amazing thing is that we don't pray more." Oswald Chambers

God Alone Can See

Hymn of Promise

words/music: Natalie Sleeth, 1986

In the bulb there is a flower;

in the seed, an apple tree;

in cocoons, a hidden promise: 

butterflies will soon be free!

In the cold and snow of winter

there's a spring that waits to be,

unrevealed until its season, 

something God alone can see.

There's a song in every silence,

seeking word and melody;

there's a dawn in every darkness,

bringing hope to you and me.

From the past will come the future;

what it holds, a mystery,

unrevealed until its season, 

something God alone can see.

In our end is our beginning; 

in our time, infinity;

in our doubt there is believing; 

in our life, eternity.

In our death, a resurrection;

at the last, a victory,

unrevealed until its season, 

something God alone can see.

I heard this hymn a few weeks ago at my daughter's church, and love the words! In its simplicity there is great depth and meaning. The theme is repeated at the end of each verse ~ no matter the time, whether a time of beginning, of waiting, of doubting, God's promise to us remains. Through all the uncertainty that life brings, we can be certain of God's goodness. His tender love for us reaches through the difficulty, through the unknown. God has a plan for each of His children and desires a relationship with each of us. Even when we cannot see the reason, the answer, or the end result, God can. Trust is the key component in every relationship. Do you trust God with everything? 

This week I have been following a Facebook page Prayers for Gabe. The young mother of Gabe updates the page. Seems a couple of weeks ago, this two year old was burned in a freak accident. It first came to my attention when I a mutual FB friend noted the page. The family is from Mississippi, which caught my attention, but currently is receiving care in the Burn Unit in Augusta, GA. In a short two weeks, thousands ~ in fact, over 10,000 people ~ have responded to the the page. Most do not know the family; some have experienced burns or family members have been burned. All offer prayers and words of encouragement to this mother who sits beside her child as he struggles to live. Tragedy, disappointment, and uncertainty come in unexpected ways, at unpredictable times. In times like these, we must turn to God for comfort and encouragement, seek His unfailing love and faithful provisions, find His peace! We must trust that God alone can see!  ~dho

God IS Gracious!

"God is gracious - it is He who makes things right, our most compassionate God.
God takes the side of the helpless; when I was at the end of my rope, He saved me.
I said to myself, "Relax and rest. GOD has showered you with blessings.
Soul, you have been rescued from death; Eye, you have been rescued from tears; and you, Foot, were kept from stumbling." I'm striding in the presence of GOD, alive in the land of the living!
I stayed faithful, though bedeviled, and despite a ton of bad luck, . . .
I'm ready to offer the thanksgiving sacrifice and pray in the name of GOD.
I'll complete what I promised GOD I'd do, and I'll do it in company of His people" Psalm 116:7-10, 17,18 The Message

This week a friend lost her wallet which had a significant amount of cash inside. A few hours later she received a call from the Sheriff's Department; someone had turned in her wallet after they found it in a parking lot! AND, all the money was still there! According to the Sheriff's clerk, the person who turned it in did not want to leave a name, just hoped it would be returned. The most unusual thing is that my friend's phone number was not in her wallet. Her driver's license was there but she does not have a land line phone, and her cell phone is a disposable phone to which she keeps adding minutes. We aren't sure how they found her number! God's angels are all around!

When difficult and unexpected craziness interrupts our days, when disappointment and unexplained chaos interferes with our weeks, when deception and uneven cracks intersects our way, we must remember it is God who is gracious and loving! In God we find rest and peace! Offering a sacrifice of thanksgiving ~ a praise, a Hallelujah, a 'thank-You, Jesus' should be our frequent response, our faithful reply! God, who is always gracious, desires our obedience to Him and our praise! Be alert! God is always present ~ don't miss Him in the craziness of this world! ~ dho

  

Listening for God's Voice

"Some read the Bible to learn, and some read the Bible to hear from heaven." Andrew Murray

Andrew Murray, a South African missionary in the late 1800's into the early 1900's, is well known for his many devotional writings. Murray's writings reflect his understanding that the Holy Scriptures connect us to the living God and are not just a set of rules or an account of history. In A Life of Obedience Murray explains it is through Scripture God is revealed to each of us so "that God's people might be equipped to do His will as it is done in heaven, and to be restored to the perfect obedience upon which God's heart is set." From the Holy Spirit "the Word of the living God [is spoken] to us and into us if we are to know its full power." Murray adds, "All Scripture will become the simple revelation of what God is going to do for you, in you and through you."

In 2 Timothy 3:16 we read, "Every Scripture is God-breathed and profitable for instruction, for reproof and conviction of sin, for correction of error and discipline in obedience, for training in righteousness (in holy living, in conformity to God'w will in thought, purpose, and action, so that the man of God may be complete and proficient, well fitted and thoroughly equipped for every good work." Through the Holy Scriptures God whispers and sometimes shouts to us. As we study God's word, our questions should not be Does God hear me? or Does God have a plan for me? Of course God hears us and has a plan. Rather the question we need to ask ourselves is Am I listening for God's voice?. God reveals himself to us through His Word. Open the Bible and seek the living God. LISTEN! ~ dho