Remembering "Personal 9-11's"

In honor of remembering America's September 11, 2001 and September as Childhood Cancer Awareness month, I celebrate the patriots of America who come in all shapes and sizes, without distinction of gender or race and the heroes of cancer, who, like patriots, stand in the gap, persevere through the valleys, struggle to survive. The unexpected, whether the attack comes from terrorism or a tumor, shocks and disrupts the rhythm of the moment. In our darkest moments there is life-giving hope. This hope is Christ.

God of Grace and God of Glory

previously published on "Caring Bridge for Thomas McGirr" on Sep 11, 2011 4:43pm

Today America pauses to remember 9-11 and the heroes of that day, the victims of terrorism, those who died and those who have survived. Today my pastor spoke of America's 9-11 in 2001 and also what he called our "personal 9-11's".

We affirmed our faith this morning in church with these words (shared in part): We believe in Jesus Christ, Son of God and Son of Man . . . Because He lives we believe that in our darkest moments there is life-giving hope . . . in the midst of suffering there is grace for healing . . .Thanks be to God! Amen.

God of Grace and God of Glory . . . Grant us wisdom, grant us courage, for the living of these days! (from hymn: God of Grace and God of Glory)

In these times when we walk this unexpected valley with Thomas, there is no greater comfort than to be reminded that God goes before us, God stands with us, God is our rear guard. The closing hymn today reminds my soul to focus on The Anchor, our Hope ~ Jesus Christ!

As we step into this next week of treatment, Thomas's hair is starting to come out. On Tuesday, he will receive treatment #15 - marking half the treatments are done. He battles some nausea and fatigue, but God's strength is evidence in his will to keep moving forward, his joy in the simple moments, his remarkable smile. In the times to come, we continue to find Hope in Jesus. He gives a greater Grace!  

My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus' blood and righteousness . . . On Christ the solid rock I stand, all other ground is sinking sand."

To God be the Glory ~ dho

Breathing Room

 [God] is waiting to explode our smallness and put us in places of which we have only dreamed. . . Do not settle for smallness, . . . God is waiting to take you into places and open you up to opportunities that exist only in your wildest dreams. Dennis Kinlaw, This Day with the Master

Kinlaw goes on to point out that these opportunities do not come from our own making, rather "you must let [God] give you the opportunities and move you into new places."

Why is it that we  complain about the smallness of our lives, the smallness of the moments? When does our complacency allow us to be content with our smallness? How often do we go in search of new places and opportunities by ourselves? Do we seek God's will for our moments or charge ahead, desperate to create our own? 

These are questions that wrestle with my mind. The many possibilities can create conflict for me, and other times, the waiting stagnates my willingness. If these words are true, that God desires to put us in places of which we have only dreamed, dare I not wait with Him? Likewise, if we must let God provide the opportunities and move us to these new places, dare I not trust His leading?  I must trust Him absolutely! ~dho

God, the One and Only - I'll wait as long as He says.
Everything I need comes from Him,
He's solid rock under my feet,
breathing room for my soul.
. . . So trust Him absolutely.
Psalm 62:1-2,8 The Message

Faith Is ~ Week 9

"If this be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and He will deliver us our of your hand, O King. Bur if not, be it known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up." Daniel 3:17-18 ESV 

With Israel taken captive by Babylon, Daniel and three friends, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego, are chosen from Israel's nobility to be in service to King Nebuchadnezzar. They demonstrate great intellect and easily learn the language of the Babylonians. When Nebuchadnezzar creates a huge golden idol, the edict follows that all must worship it. In chapter 3 we read the account of Daniel's three friends and their refusal to worship this false god. Their punishment would place them in a fiery furnace with temperatures "seven times hotter than usual". Steadfast in their faithfulness to God, Scripture reveals their uncompromising commitment to God.

In this story we find some characteristics of faith that stand the test. Believing that God is Sovereign, these young men proclaim that He is "able to deliver" them from the fire. Trusting God to provide for their needs, their commitment to God does not waiver when faced with unimaginable circumstances. Also, their witness stands true! Without any doubt, they acknowledge that if God chooses not to save them from death, never would they worship the idol. In Crazy Love, Overwhelmed by a Relentless God Francis Chan writes, "True faith means holding nothing back. It means putting every hope in God's fidelity to His Promises." Our faith can be tested when the outcome of a situation or an answer to prayer collides with our heart's hope. True faith, uncompromising commitment to God, calls us to hold nothing back while always trusting God. ~dho

Faith Is ~ Week 8

For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ. 1 Corinthians 3:11 NIV 

Without a standard for truth, all truth becomes relative. The foundation for faith, the solid rock is Jesus Christ. Jesus is The Truth. He is the Divine Truth that willing enters the world bringing redemption to all humanity. Jesus is the Living Truth that overcomes death offering restoration to fallen people. Miracles and compassion flow from Him; yet, He is mocked and denied. Infinite Love pours over all who know Him; Christ reminds the world is full of trouble. Christ is the Truth that goes before us, stands with us, and lives in us. To have faith is to believe beyond what can be seen, to trust the character of God, the One who's promises never fail.

Without focusing on God's Truth, without a personal and intimate relationship with Jesus, life becomes disorganized. Chaos churns in the stresses and uncertainties of our days. Worry and fear dominate while failure mocks. The Gospel of Jesus is truth for the Christian; grace brings salvation and eternal life. With God, spiritual order reigns, conquers the world's darkness. In the middle of the crazy, busy living, we know a peace, a contentment, a confidence. Around the hurry, beside the insecurities, inside the fragile, the Spirit of Truth intercedes and illuminates. The Spirit encourages and empowers us to be faithful. To have faith is to hold to what cannot be seen, to know sabbath rest in Christ whose love endures forever. ~dho

Faith Is ~ Week 7

Oh, the joys of those who trust the LORD, who have no confidence in the proud or in those who worship idols. Psalm 40:4 NLT


Using words to define faith and accumulating knowledge about faith can be academic exercises for the mind. In fact, without experiencing trials, disappointment, or grief, faith may remain a concept instead of becoming a recognized and reinforced process. While we cannot always understand God's ways, Christ brings grace to a fallen world. Trusting God's Sovereignty, knowing God's faithfulness, living God's grace, and believing God's love develops through personal experience. Experience refines faith. 

The very nature of faith is that it must be tried; faith untried is only ideally real, not actually real. Oswald Chambers

In Psalm 40, verses 1-10, David's past life experiences declare a bold faith based on God's character. His gratitude exposes God's power and explains the reasons for his increasing confidence in God. In verses 11-17, David's confidence depends on God, his Salvation, his Help, his Deliverer.  Life experiences frequently bring us to the altar of God. Because of God's unchanging nature, He remains with us, sustains us. We hold to this tested faith for every present need because trust deepens, intimacy embraces, hope believes. Christ is the foundation of our faith. What story does your faith tell? ~dho

Faith Is ~ Week 6

"I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now life in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me."               

Galatians 2:20 NIV

Does what we believe about God change God? If a person does not believe in God, God is still the Creator. If someone chooses not to trust God, God is still Sovereign. When our faith falters, God remains Faithful. Our beliefs about God do not change God, but they can definitely affect our faith journey. Creator and Sovereign and Faithful, along with All-Knowing, All-Powerful, and Always Ever-Present, begin to describe the character of God. To this list can be added Mercy and Kindness and Love. While His ways exceed our understanding, God's judgments are righteous.He keeps His promises. God's purposes never fail. God never changes.

Looking at the Galatians Scripture above, we can explore at least five truths about the Christian life. First, the Christian is "crucified with Christ"; the old sin-nature dies and a new righteousness living replaces the former life. Secondly, Christ now lives in the Believer. Because the resurrected Christ lives again, each person who chooses Christ as Savior finds a new spiritual beginning, new life within. Thirdly, while we are still on the earth, Christ calls us to righteous living. Saving faith comes from Christ and claims us as His own. Called to love like Him, our living faith in Christ marks our journey. Fourthly, Jesus Christ, Son of God loves each of us more than we can measure. Fifthly, Jesus offered Himself for us, became the sacrifice for all sin. Through Christ, God reveals His redemptive nature to the world. God always loves. 
~ dho

Grief Share Support Group

GriefShare is a special weekly seminar/support group for people grieving the death of someone close. It's a place where you can be around people who understand how you feel and the pain of your loss. At GriefShare, you'll learn valuable information that will help you through this difficult time in your life. If you've lost someone close to you, or know someone who has, please contact us for more information about this ministry.

In the Augusta, GA area see this link for more information on GriefShare! NEW Series starts September 7, 2014.

Faith Is ~ Week 5

By faith in Christ, you are in sweet relationship with God. Galatians 3:26 The Message

In studying "faith" one cannot but re-read Hebrews chapter 11, frequently called the "Hall of Faith". Filled with example after example of Old Testament figures whose lives demonstrate great faith in God. These ordinary people live extraordinary lives by placing their faith in God and His plan. Seldom knowing the outcome of the journey, each repeatedly trusts in God and His divine leadership. This is the beginning of any journey ~ knowing and believing in the never-failing, unchanging, everlasting character of God. God is Sovereign, from before the beginning of time, throughout all eternity. David Jeremiah says, "Faith is a real conviction based on the revelation of God." Our faith must be rooted in El Elyon, The God Most High! 

"Even If" by Kutless - click here for video

Jesus brings God's grace to mankind. He delivers His redemptive love and offers spiritual reunion for each one of us. Through faith in Jesus, the everlasting promise of God's great love, grace opens the door, invites us home! God's forgiving mercy is not deserved and cannot be earned. Grace comes to those who place their faith in Jesus Christ. This "saving faith" acknowledges the mystery of faith: Christ has died; Christ is risen; Christ will come again. To believe in the promises of God, who is called Jehovah, Yahweh, El Shaddai, Adonai, Immanuel, refines our faith. No longer do we simply hope in what cannot seen; our faith responds to the Living Truth by living lives of humility and obedience to God that speak boldly to a world that denies Christ. Our faith matures in the Living Water, in Christ who is called Faithful and True. ~dho

Faith Is - Week 4

Commit your way to the Lord, 
Trust also in Him, and He will do it! Psalm 37:5

Bixler leads us with this thought about commitment: When we have a heart committed to God and His will for our life, then we are living a life of faith and trust in Him. Commitment involves dedication and application. As we grow our relationship with Christ, it is in living a life of faith that defines our commitment to Him, but we must ask ourselves where do we put our faith. Sometimes we find ourselves placing our faith in the provisions God gives rather than in God, The Provider. How often do we ask God for what we want instead of asking God what He wants for us? Our commitment and trust in the Lord reveals a God of perfect promises and lavish love.

                                 "Walk By Faith" by Jeremy Camp - click here for video 
Perseverance requires endurance and persistence, especially in times of difficulty and discouragement. In James chapter 1 we are reminded to pray boldly and with faith, to endure life's challenges, and to find joy and contentment in the Lord. We stand firm through trials by trusting God when we cannot understand the happenings. Oswald Chambers writes, "Faith is not intelligent understanding, faith is deliberate commitment to a Person where I see no way." Faith and commitment depend on trusting God's character. Believing God is Sovereign, God is All-Powerful, and God is Faithful in His love must be at the core of our prayers, of our faith. ~ dho                                                                 

Faith Is - Week 3

Jesus said to him, "I am the Way and the Truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me." John 14:6

                                          "10,000 Reasons" by Matt Redman - click here!

This week's study on faith brings us to "truth" which we define a something verified, indisputable, and authentic, characterized by faithfulness, perfection, and infallibility. In John 18:33-38, Pilate, the governor of Jerusalem, finds himself face to face with Jesus, face to face with Truth. Pilate asks, "What is truth?" His rhetorical cynicism does not investigate truth or even debate truth; rather, like the philosophy of the culture of Rome, Pilate suggests there is no real truth. The answer to Pilate's question sits right in front of him but goes unrecognized.

After looking at a variety of Scripture in a search for "truth", these are the the truths we embrace: God's word is truth. Christ is truth. Scriptures testify to truth as does the Father. Jesus is The Truth. The Helper, the Holy Spirit is the Spirit of Truth. Christ, called Faithful and True, will come again. Pope Francis writes, "Faith without truth is an illusion; truth without love is cold." Faith is believing God is Sovereign. Faith is believing the Gospel of Jesus is Grace. Faith is empty without truth! - dho

Consider This: 
- Read Jeremiah 32:17, Luke 1:37, Mark 9:23, Mark 10:26-27, Mark 14:35-36
- What is the common "truth" in all these Scriptures?

Faith Is - Week 2

Oh, the joys of those who trust the LORD, who have no confidence in the proud or in those who worship idols. Psalm 40:4 NLT

                                           Hold Me, Jesus! by Big Daddy Weave (click here)

Continuing our summer study of faith, Bixler asks, "How would your decisions differ if they were based on just today?" What would life look like if we tried to focus more on today and less on the future? In our discussions, examples of a reduction in micro-managing of situations, seeing the blessings in today instead of missing them by focusing so much on the future, and reducing our anxiety with "all the balls we are juggling". We frequently struggle with control, doubt, and fear that comes from the world as we try to balance these with trusting God, keeping our eyes on Christ, choosing God. Faith always battles the world's 'sure thing'. Faith must ignore what the world worships. Faith is confidence in Yahweh, I AM, the God of never failing promises.

    What God wants is for you to trust what He says over what you see!                  Jon Bloom, author of Not By Sight: A Fresh Look At Walking By Faith

Bloom challenges the Christian to put away old thinking and try new thinking, to consider God's Promises over our human perceptions. Instead of worrying, 'What can [name your struggle] do to me?', with faith ask, 'What can God do through [name your struggle]?'. Even when we do not understand the reason, faith empowers us to trust in God. Life experiences, especially the most difficult ones, teach us about God's Promises. Because God has overcome the world, Christ becomes the victory, brings the grace. His victory over the darkness within the world kindles our faith, affirms our redemption. Christ is the foundation of our faith and our everlasting hope. - dho

Freedom Rings! ~ 4th of July

“We, therefore, the Representatives of the united States of America. . . [a]nd for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor.”  from The Declaration of Independence

Have you ever wondered what happened to the 56 men who signed the Declaration of Independence? 

Five signers were captured by the British as traitors, and tortured before they died. Twelve had their homes ransacked and burned. Two lost their sons serving in the Revolutionary Army; another had two sons captured. Nine of the 56 fought and died from wounds or hardships of the Revolutionary War. They signed and they pledged their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honor. What kind of men were they?

Twenty-four were lawyers and jurists.  Eleven were merchants, nine were farmers and large plantation owners; men of means, well-educated, but they signed the Declaration of Independence knowing full well that the penalty would be death if they were captured.

Carter Braxton of Virginia, a wealthy planter and trader, saw his ships swept from the seas by the British Navy. He sold his home and properties to pay his debts, and died in rags.

Thomas McKeam was so hounded by the British that he was forced to move his family almost constantly.  He served in the Congress without pay, and his family was kept in hiding. His possessions were taken from him, and poverty was his reward.

Vandals or soldiers looted the properties of Dillery, Hall, Clymer, Walton, Gwinnett, Heyward, Ruttledge, and Middleton.

At the battle of Yorktown, Thomas Nelson, Jr., noted that the British General Cornwallis had taken over the Nelson home for his headquarters. He quietly urged General George Washington to open fire. The home was destroyed, and Nelson died bankrupt.

Francis Lewis had his home and properties destroyed.  The enemy jailed his wife, and she died within a few months.

John Hart was driven from his wife's bedside as she was dying. Their 13 children fled for their lives. His fields and his gristmill were laid to waste.  For more than a year he lived in forests and caves, returning home to find his wife dead and his children vanished. 

~ unknown source

So, this 4th of July remember: freedom is never free! Be thankful for these early patriots, as well as those patriots who fight now to KEEP our freedom! May God bless America, land of the free and home of the brave. ~dho

Faith Is ~ Week one

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.  Hebrews 11:1 

                                                                 "Faithful" by Hank Nelson - click here!

This summer I am involved with a group Bible study on FAITH by Heather Bixler! As an introduction first week, we tried to define faith, explore where our faith comes from, and attempt to understand the origin of faith. Hebrews 11:1 gives the Scriptural definition of faith. Faith is the foundation of hope. Faith is believing without seeing. In Hebrews 12:2 we found that Jesus is the "Author and Finisher" of our faith. Faith comes through Jesus, and He completes our faith. Faith comes with the hearing of the word of God, and this interconnects with the sharing of the Gospel message. (Romans 10:17)

"Our faith begins with what we know and believe about God." Heather Bixler

Our beliefs about God affect our faith. Knowing the character of God matters because He is the object of our faith. If we believe God remains unchanging in Goodness, Love, Patience, and Mercy, believe God is Creator, Sovereign, All-Powerful, and Infinite, believe God always keeps His promises, judges fairly, and knows all things, we will discover His shelter and solace, His rescue and refuge, His purpose and provision. Bixler says, "Faith is a choice." True. Faith is also a gift from God through Jesus Christ. Faith is a response to love - God's love for us, and God's love within us. He is Faithful! ~dho

Forever Faithful

"Even if the healing doesn’t come

And life falls apart

And dreams are still undone

You are God You are good

Forever faithful One

Even if the healing

Even if the healing doesn’t come" ~ Kutless

click here for link to music video "Even If"

It is in GOD, the forever faithful One, that we must trust. His goodness in unmeasured! When our hopes and expectations fall short, when the outcomes and resolutions remain incomplete, when diesease conquers and dreams fade, GOD never fails. ~ dho

God Alone

Rest in God alone, my soul!

       He is the source of my hope.

Psalm 62:5 New Jerusalem Bible

 

photo by Allison Oswalt, coast of  S. Africa

Holy Father ~

I fall on my knees in Your presence. Illumine my mind when darkness lingers. Protect my heart when doubt threatens.  Rescue my soul when uncertainty challenges.  When I am weak, You strengthen me.  When I stumble, You catch me.  When I am weary, You hold me.  In countless ways, You bless me!  My prayers of praise, insufficient but whole-souled, applaud Your Glory. Still on my knees, I surrender my own desires and offer this prayer in the name of Jesus Christ, for He is Grace.  Amen. ~dho

Doxology

To Him who can keep you from falling and bring you

safe to His glorious presence, innocent and joyful, to

the only God, our Saviour, through Jesus Christ our

Lord, be glory, majesty, authority and power, before

all ages, now and forever.  Amen.

Jude 1: 24-25 New Jerusalem Bible

New Places

 [God] is waiting to explode our smallness and put us in places of which we have only dreamed. . . Do not settle for smallness, . . . God is waiting to take you into places and open you up to opportunities that exist only in your wildest dreams. 

Dennis Kinlaw from his devotional book, This Day with the Master

Kinlaw goes on to point out that these opportunities do not come from our own making, rather "you must let [God] give you the opportunities and move you into new places."

Why is it that we  complain about the smallness of our lives, the smallness of the moments? When does our complacency allow us to be content with our smallness? How often do we go in search of new places and opportunities by ourselves? Do we seek God's will for our moments or charge ahead, desperate to create our own? 

These are questions that wrestle with my mind. The many possibilities can create conflict for me, and other times, the waiting stagnates my willingness. If these words are true, that God desires to put us in places of which we have only dreamed, dare I not wait with Him? Likewise, if we must let God provide the opportunities and move us to these new places, dare I not trust His leading?  I must trust Him absolutely! ~dho

God, the One and Only - I'll wait as long as He says.
Everything I need comes from Him,
He's solid rock under my feet,
breathing room for my soul.
. . . So trust Him absolutely.
Psalm 62:1-2,8 The Message

Unfolded by the Spirit

Every word You give me is a miracle-word -
how could I help but obey?
Break open Your words, let the light shine out,
let ordinary people see the meaning.
Psalm 119:129-130 The Message

Between the skeptics and unbelievers, questions swirl around Christians. The world constantly queries the Bible and seeks to discredit it on many fronts. Sometimes, even Christians have difficulty explaining God's Living Word. Words from Ray Stedman's The Power of His Presence give a good description of the Old and New Testaments and why both are still relevant.

first gardenia of 2014! ~dho

"The Old Testament is designed to be a picture book, illustrating with fascinating stories the spiritual truths presented in the New Testament. . . One of the most convincing proofs of the inspiration of the Bible is the facility with which the Spirit of God took simple history - facts as they were lived out day by day - and recorded them in such a way as to weave together a totally accurate pattern of the development of spiritual life. In other words, what took place physically in the Old Testament is a picture for believers today of what takes place spiritually in their own growth in grace."

The NASB uses these words in Psalm 119:130 ~ The unfolding of Your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple. When we spend time reading the Living Word, God's promises and spiritual truths are unfolded by the Spirit. Through studying the Scriptures, we begin to understand more about the character of God and His purposes for us.

Gracious LORD, I come to the altar shouting
praise for all the blessings in my life. You are
the Light that writes the words of my soul-song.
It is You that gives my heart its desires.
Faithful Father, I am God-strong; my blessings
abundantly exceed my needs. Creator, gather
the details of my life, take Your holy threads and
weave a tapestry of Your design. You transcend
all circumstances, expose all evil, reveal all love
but never measure Grace. I am God-strengthened! ~dho

Divine Retreat

He will shield you with His wings. He will shelter you with His feathers. His faithful promises are your armor and protection. Psalm 91:4 NLT

God’s faithfulness provides safe shelter for His own. Whether the metaphor refers to feathers of angels or eagles and hens (see Matthew 23:37), trusting in this living God becomes a shield for the fearful, the forgotten, the desperate, the dying, the wounded, the weary. The world reeks of danger and uncertainty, but we find our refuge, our safe place in the embrace of God Almighty.

Whether the context is Moses reminding the Israelites or Jesus grieving over Jerusalem or the world churning its chaos, God longs to sit in the inner sanctuary, to have communion and fellowship with those who seek Him. So come to a place of safety, a place of Divine Protection, a place of unfailing love. El Shaddai, You are my safe place, my port in life’s storms, my retreat from daily struggles, my shelter from Satan’s lies. Great is Your faithfulness; be my salvation. - dho

Focus Point: The world reeks of danger and uncertainty, but we find our refuge, our safe place in the embrace of God Almighty.

Faithfulness

MAY is National Brain Tumor Awareness month! Celebrating my nephew, Thomas! July 2011, he was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor, sent immediately to Duke Children's hospital, underwent surgery and weeks of radiation treatments. Almost three years later, Thomas remains cancer free! To God be the glory!         Go GRAY in MAY!       

To be faithful in every circumstance means that we have only one loyalty, or object of our faith – 

the Lord Jesus Christ.

Oswald Chambers, My Utmost for His Highest

God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. 1Corinthians 1:9 NKJV

God is sovereign, all-powerful! This attribute of God’s character escapes our full understanding but becomes the truth a faithful follower accepts. Our loyalty to Christ reveals itself by our faith in God. When things fall apart, when circumstances become difficult, when we can no longer see God’s purpose – we have a tendency to doubt, blame, and criticize. This eroding of personal faith affects our spiritual health and witness. Our faith must stay grounded in the faithfulness of God, not in our ability to understand the situation.

In our faithfulness to God, perseverance must continue, as well as loyal devotion with Christ as the “object of our faith”. Especially when we do not comprehend, trusting in a faithful God brings the soul true hope and provides rest in fellowship with Christ. On this journey there are many unexpected roads that lead to despair, wind through darkness, or pass over mountains, and God always goes before us. Our continued faithfulness in God “in every circumstance” finds its greatest purpose in allowing God to work through us.

El Shaddai, Lord God Almighty – renew Your gift of my faith. Reach through me to others that need to know of Your power. Let my story be: Great is Your faithfulness to me, in every situation. –dho

Focus Point: Our faith must stay grounded in the faithfulness of God, not in our ability to understand the situation.

Refresh My Heart

...refresh my heart in The Lord. Philemon 20

Steady My Heart - Kari Jobe 

(link to video)

Easter Sunday ~ Our Dwelling Place, His Presence

[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 hope we have in Christ is an absolute certainty. We can be sure that

the place Christ is preparing for us will be ready when we arrive, because with Him

nothing is left to chance. Everything He promised He will deliver.”

Billy Graham

“One thing I have asked from the LORD, that I shall seek: That I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD and to meditate in His temple.” Psalm 27:4 ESV

Just before Jesus ascends to heaven, He instructs the disciples to tell the story of Good News to all people. His final words of encouragement: And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age. In Scripture, the last days refers to the time between Christ’s return to heaven after the resurrection and His second return to earth. The last days are now! The promise remains true; Jehovah Shammah, the LORD is there, dwells with us. God’s presence with His people is certain.

Scripture tells us that in the last days the story of Jesus is mocked and questioned. Arrogance diminishes the power of God, discredits His role in creation, and dismisses His promise of judgment. People choose other gods to worship. With humility, His faithful followers must earnestly continue to be about the work God calls us to do. LORD, Creator and Promise Keeper, Your grace falls gently in the midst of these harsh last days. Forgive those who deny You and give them a reason to hope. I long to dwell in Your Presence all the days of my life. Here I see the beauty of Extravagant Love and know the unexplainable joy of Eternal Hope. As I eagerly anticipate what You will do next, help me tell Your story of Grace! Count me alive in Christ. Moment by moment, Jehovah Shammah, You are here! - dho 

Thank you for the opportunity to share the Extravagant Love of God with you during this Easter Season. For more devotionals throughout the year, see my blog: BreathingRoomForMySoul.com  Donna Oswalt

All rights reserved ~ used with permission of the author

Copyright 2014 by Donna Oswalt/Co-Founder of Mangrove Ministries/Christian blogger and author

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

Preparing for Easter ~ Place of Knowing

[Lord, You have been our dwelling place in all generations…from everlasting to everlasting  Psalm 90:1-2  

During this season of reflection and renewal, join me, and let's explore God’s Presence, our dwelling place.  Are you dwelling in the presence of God? ~ Donna Howell Oswalt]

“God’s Word is an indispensable weapon. In the same way, prayer is essential in this ongoing warfare. Pray hard and long. Pray for your brothers and sisters. Keep your eyes open. Keep each other’s spirits up so that no one falls behind or drops out.” Ephesians 6:18 MSG

After the crucifixion, the followers of Jesus are emotionally stranded, fear-full, and alone. Hidden and disillusioned, they yearn for what they cannot have, they grieve for what they do not understand, they wait for what they do not expect. On this Sabbath, the solitude feels suffocating, doubt engages defeat, and hope hesitates. Just a week ago, they were preparing to come to Jerusalem.

Spiritual enemies use tools of discouragement, deception, and division. Confusion, chaos, and contradiction shout, whisper, and overwhelm. In contrast, truth and God’s righteousness along with peace and faith in Christ become the spiritual armor protecting us from the fiery arrows of Satan. Having salvation as the helmet, Holy Scriptures as the sword, and prayer in the power of the Holy Spirit, these spiritual weapons belong to all Christians! Only in God’s presence can we truly know safety and wholeness, order and peace, love and unity. Brother Lawrence in Practicing His Presence shares that his prayers are nothing other than a sense of the presence of God and suggests trying to live in a continual sense of the Lord’s presence. Holy God, as the fiery arrows fly, as temptations test, as disobedience destroys, cover me. In Your presence, grace prepares me with righteousness, provides me with knowledge, protects me with holiness. Count me alive in Christ. Blessed Assurance, my Hope in all times! -dho 

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Copyright 2014 by Donna Oswalt/Co-Founder of Mangrove Ministries/Christian blogger and author

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