breathing room for my soul

Friday, April 03, 2015

Good Friday - Jesus IS God's Faithfulness ~ Lent 2015

God’s Faithfulness ~ Our Everlasting Hope!

LORD, You are my God; I will exalt You and praise Your name, for in perfect faithfulness

You have done wonderful things, things planned long ago. Isaiah 25:1 NIV

During this season of reflection and renewal, join me in exploring God’s Faithfulness. Do you find strength for every circumstance in God’s Faithfulness? God IS Faithful! God’s Faithfulness is our everlasting Hope! ~ Donna Oswalt

…they crucified Him Matthew 27:35; …they crucified Him Mark 15:25 …they crucified Him Luke 23:33; ...they crucified Him John 19:18 NKJV

The Via Dolorosa, a remnant of an ancient road in the Old City of Jerusalem once known as Decumanus Maximus, becomes crowded with Christians each year on Good Friday. People walk along this street called the Way of Suffering, following the last steps of Jesus that lead to Golgotha for crucifixion. Among the stones, shadows of Roman soldiers with swords and whips linger in the mind. On Good Friday millions of Christians all across the world remember Jesus, reflect on His journey to the cross, recall the betrayal, the injustice, the suffering.

More than 2,000 years ago, with huge crowds of people filling the city for Passover and vendors selling their goods, Jerusalem is a city full of noise and energy. Schemes of political and religious leaders call for the crucifixion of Jesus, while the passion of Christ reveals itself in an unexpected fashion. Beaten and weary, wearing a crown of thorns, Jesus is forced to carry His own cross for crucifixion. Blinded by their lost hope of political reform and revival, the masses turn against Jesus. YET – this IS the passion of Christ; the faithfulness of God willingly embraces the suffering for the sins of all.

Lamb of God, that You would be willing to die for me redefines love. The suffering You endured for me redefines sacrifice. The injustice You experienced for me redefines compassion. Your wounds redefine me! Great is Your faithfulness. –dho

Focus Point: Jesus, reflect on His journey to the cross, recall the betrayal, the injustice, the suffering.

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Thursday, April 02, 2015

Maundy Thursday - Faithful Servant ~ Lent 2015

God’s Faithfulness ~ Our Everlasting Hope!

LORD, You are my God; I will exalt You and praise Your name, for in perfect faithfulness

You have done wonderful things, things planned long ago. Isaiah 25:1 NIV

[Jesus asks His disciples] “Do you know what I have done for you…I have given you an example that you should do as I have done…a servant is not greater than his master. John 13:1-17 NASB

During Holy Week, the Last Supper paints a picture of traditions and fellowship, of humility and betrayal. These holy moments become markers for new traditions and fellowship, a way to remember the sacrifice of Christ, an opportunity to become the broken bread and poured out wine. One such holy moment comes when Divine Power appears to clash with the humble act of a servant. The disciples reject the idea that Jesus, the Son of the Living God, the Messiah, would dare to kneel before them and wash their feet. Jesus demonstrates a lesson of humility and obedience, and becomes the example of holy living.

Jesus comes with an inner Divine identity, being fully God, and takes on an outer human identity, being fully man. In His willingness to enter the world as man, Perfect Love volunteers to submit to the authority of the Father, and at the same time, reveals the Father’s heart. God’s faithfulness comes from heaven and walks among us, sacrifices everything for us.

Faithful Servant, I struggle with the lessons of humility and obedience. The world does not find humility worthy, often mocks and demeans compassionate and unselfish acts. Goodness often pays a high price, and holiness finds little respect. Great is Your faithfulness; Jesus, teach me more about the order of holy living, about complete surrender, about true submission, about being a servant. –dho

Focus Point: God’s faithfulness comes from heaven and walks among us, sacrifices everything for us.

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Wednesday, April 01, 2015

Earthly Faithfulness ~ Lent 2015

God’s Faithfulness ~ Our Everlasting Hope!

LORD, You are my God; I will exalt You and praise Your name, for in perfect faithfulness

You have done wonderful things, things planned long ago. Isaiah 25:1 NIV

So the Word became human and made His home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen His glory, the glory of the Father’s one and only Son. John 1:14 NLT

Jesus embodies the glory of the Father and evidences a spiritual glory to His followers. Along with compassion, wisdom, and love, Jesus Christ exhibits other attributes of the Father, including goodness and faithfulness. Jesus, the Son of God, enters the world bringing grace and truth. Although no one has ever seen God, not even Moses who only glimpses the glory of God, Jesus comes and lives among humanity revealing the Father.

Throughout the Old Testament, God’s earthly residence remains within the Temple, but when the Living Word becomes human and dwells among His people, the invisible God stands before the people, full of unfailing love and faithfulness.

Holy One, Your goodness speaks with kindness, acts with humility, and loves without condemnation. Your humanity experiences weariness and grief, fellowship and friendship, betrayal and pain. Your glory teaches compassion, demonstrates healing, and encourages community. Great is Your faithfulness. Dwell within my heart! –dho

Focus Point: Jesus comes and lives among humanity revealing the Father.

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Tuesday, March 31, 2015

Unbending Hope ~ Lent 2015

God’s Faithfulness ~ Our Everlasting Hope!

LORD, You are my God; I will exalt You and praise Your name, for in perfect faithfulness

You have done wonderful things, things planned long ago. Isaiah 25:1 NIV

Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. Hebrews 10:23 NASB

The sacrificial blood of Jesus rends the veil, once and for all breaks the barrier between God and humanity, and calls those who believe to boldly enter into the presence of God Almighty. In confessing that Christ redeems us through the cross, holiness allows us to grasp tightly a new hope, to embrace confidently a complete assurance that God is faithful to His promises. Grace rebirths us with unbending hope.

Perseverance marks the truly faithful. Persecution and temptation always threaten the believer, but God’s faithfulness remains unchangeable and infinite, beyond reproach, greater than anything of this world. In communion with Christ, mutuality of faith creates community, a place to encourage and to find encouragement, a place to love and to love in return, a place to trust and to be trustworthy.

Lord, I confess my need to be loved, to feel connected, that I continue to struggle along the narrow path. Great is Your faithfulness; Your awesome wonder, Your extravagant love, Your invincible power make a new way for me to heal, for me to rest, for me to love. You bring unbending hope. – dho

Focus Point: Grace rebirths us with unbending hope.

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Monday, March 30, 2015

Faithfulness Calls ~ Lent 2015

God’s Faithfulness ~ Our Everlasting Hope!

LORD, You are my God; I will exalt You and praise Your name, for in perfect faithfulness

You have done wonderful things, things planned long ago. Isaiah 25:1 NIV

Now maythe God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may yourwhole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He who calls you is faithful; He will surely do it.

1 Thessalonians 5:23-24 ESV

The Greek pistos for faithful indicates dependable, reliable, and trustworthy character. God is faithful, and He is calling! God “invites” or calls everyone, calls us to salvation, calls us into fellowship with Jesus, calls us into the likeness of Christ. By faith in Jesus through grace we find salvation. As God sanctifies us, or makes us holy through Jesus Christ, our personal relationship with Him grows deeper through prayer, studying the Bible, sharing within a community of believers, and taking Christ into the world. Do my commitments, thoughts, words, and deeds give evidence of holy living? God calls my whole being into holiness.

This holy calling is rooted in God’s sacred purpose for individual redemption and His unfailing compassion. God’s grace calls us to embody the humility, gentleness, and patience of Christ and to embrace each other with tolerance, love and peace. Faithfulness invites us to experience the blessed assurance of Christ, calls us into the wholeness and perfection of God. God will surely be faithful to His promises!

Faithful Father, a holy promise invites me to Your throne of righteousness. Amazing grace covers my frail and flawed humanity. Great is Your faithfulness! Your unfailing love calls me to become more, to become whole and holy. –dho

Focus Point: God is faithful, and He is calling!

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Sunday, March 29, 2015

Palm Sunday ~ Sanctify! - Lent 2015

God’s Faithfulness ~ Our Everlasting Hope!

LORD, You are my God; I will exalt You and praise Your name, for in perfect faithfulness

You have done wonderful things, things planned long ago. Isaiah 25:1 NIV

God has demonstrated His past faithfulness to give us a foundation for our faith. Now show God your faith. And He’ll show you His faithfulness. Steve Furtick, Pastor

[Jesus prays] Sanctify them in the truth; Your word is truth. As You sent Me into the world, I also have sent them into the world. John 17:17-18 NASB

On the night before His death, Jesus prays for His disciples and for all those who would follow Him throughout the centuries to come. Sanctify means to separate from or to stop participating in evil deeds, to become holy. It also means to grow in purity, to live holy lives. This holiness comes from Jesus, the Word made flesh, the absolute truth that never changes. Believing in God or not believing in God does not change God, does not diminish His faithfulness to us. The Father’s faithfulness to His Son secures the foundation of our faith.

That night long ago, Jesus prays for God’s mission to take the Gospel into the world, prays for God’s people to tell the Good News to all people. Today, as the Living Word intercedes for each believer, the Holy Spirit empowers us to demonstrate our working faith in God, to live holy and fruitful lives, to share the grace of Jesus with others.

Jesus, let my thoughts seek truth in Your holy Scriptures. Find me faithful to Your enduring truth. The world tries to discourage my heart, dissuade my mind, desecrate my soul, but great is Your faithfulness. Grace washes away the negative effects, establishes new boundaries with greater hope. Consecrate my life that I might honor You. - dho

Focus Point: The Father’s faithfulness to His Son secures the foundation of our faith.

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Saturday, March 28, 2015

Perfect Goodness ~ Lent 2015

God’s Faithfulness ~ Our Everlasting Hope!

LORD, You are my God; I will exalt You and praise Your name, for in perfect faithfulness

You have done wonderful things, things planned long ago. Isaiah 25:1 NIV

Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow. In the exercise of His will He brought us forth by the word of truth, so that we would be a kind of first fruits among His creatures. James 1:17-18 NASB

Every action of giving and every gift given from God originates in His goodness. Such complete generosity can only come from the constant, faithfulness of the Holy Creator. An ancient Jewish name for God as Creator, Father of lights, symbolically references the heavenly lights, the sun, moon and stars. While daily and seasonal variations exist within the earthly heavens, the Author of life remains unchangeable. God never uses difficulties in life to tempt or discourage; rather, His intentions develop and strengthen. God, the loving Father, can only offer goodness.

Because mankind struggles with spiritual death, God brings rebirth with the word of truth. Jesus Christ, who redeems and renews with undeserved grace, desires to have an intimate relationship with every individual. Spiritual rebirth through faith in Jesus requires a sacrifice of praise for such unmerited goodness.

Holy, holy, holy! God of mercy and love, Your glory illuminates my soul. What goodness flows from You to all parts of Your creation. This season of renewal begs me to take a closer look at Your holiness. With the rising sun, let Your unchanging love fill me up. With the new beginnings of spring, show me Your eternal hope. With the setting sun, reveal Your tomorrow-plan for me. As I look up at the sky full of twinkling starts, remind me of Your presence generation to generation, day to day, and moment to moment. How great is Your faithfulness to me! –dho

Focus Point: God, the loving Father, can only offer goodness.

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Friday, March 27, 2015

Escape Route ~ Lent 2015

God’s Faithfulness ~ Our Everlasting Hope!

LORD, You are my God; I will exalt You and praise Your name, for in perfect faithfulness

You have done wonderful things, things planned long ago. Isaiah 25:1 NIV

The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure.

1 Corinthians 10:13 NLT

Experiencing temptations normal to all people, Paul’s letter to the Corinthians examines the Israelites from the Old Testament and their consequences of misusing freedom. Forty years in the wilderness becomes the lesson for them and us. Overconfidence or complacency can easily lead to disobedience. All sin screams temptation, entices us toward its darkness. Satan, The Tempter, lures us using our own desires This Scripture affirms that sin is common to all people, irresistible and inviting; but God’s faithfulness always shows us an escape route.

God, impervious to evil, stands between us and Satan, offering His power and grace as our victory over temptation. Scripture validates that all things are permissible, but not all things are profitable. When faced with temptation, seek God’s help to stop, to overcome, to begin again. Be alert because Satan always lies in wait for another opportunity to seduce.

Jehovah-Nissi, You give me victory over the weakness of my flesh, my constant temptations to sin. You stand in the gap, fight the battles against darkness and evil. You create boundaries for my safety and borders of protection. When I find myself enticed by Satan, ignite my soul to sing ‘great is Your faithfulness’. Destroy my arrogance and my apathy as I fall to my knees and worship a Holy God! –dho

Focus Point: Sin is common to all people, irresistible and inviting; but God’s faithfulness always shows us an escape route.

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Thursday, March 26, 2015

Transformation ~ Lent 2015

God’s Faithfulness ~ Our Everlasting Hope!

LORD, You are my God; I will exalt You and praise Your name, for in perfect faithfulness

You have done wonderful things, things planned long ago. Isaiah 25:1 NIV

This is a trustworthy saying, and everyone should accept it: “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners”—and I am the worst of them all. 1 Timothy 1:12-17 NLT

Saul of Tarsus, a very zealous Pharisee, evokes punishment and inflicts violence on followers of Christ with threats, murder, and imprisonment. He does this with righteous indignation, without remorse. On the road to Damascus, Jesus strikes Saul blind and speaks directly to him, “I am Jesus whom you are persecuting.” [Acts 9:5] Jesus declares, “He is a chosen instrument of Mine to bear My name to Gentiles, and kings and the sons of Israel.” Transformed from a person who slanders Christ to a person who serves Christ, Saul experiences rebirth and is renamed Paul.

A student of the well-respected rabbi, Gamaliel, Saul’s religious training, Roman citizenship, and university education creates depth in Paul’s ministry. With mercy and patience, with amazing grace and forgiveness, Jesus counts Paul faithful. Despite all his rejection of Christ, Paul becomes one of the greatest missionaries of all time.* No matter the magnitude of sinfulness, God’s faithfulness delivers redemption. Transformation comes with Jesus Christ.

God of mercy, find me on the road. Change me to be more like You. Great is Your faithfulness. Transform me; count me faithful. –dho

Focus Point: Transformation comes with Jesus Christ.

*Read Paul’s testimony: Acts, Chapter 22

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Wednesday, March 25, 2015

Holy Writings ~ Lent 2015

God’s Faithfulness ~ Our Everlasting Hope!

LORD, You are my God; I will exalt You and praise Your name, for in perfect faithfulness

You have done wonderful things, things planned long ago. Isaiah 25:1 NIV

All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 NLT

Holy Scriptures comprise the Bible, the authoritative source defining the beliefs of Christian faith. Believed to be the inspired word of God, these sacred writings consist of 66 books making up the Old Testament and New Testament. From the 5^th century, scholars call the Bible the “Library of Divine Revelation”. Within these holy-breathed words of God, we discover God’s power, promises and prophesy, His laws and His love, the gift of salvation, and absolute truth. Through these ancient words, God reveals His character and declares His purpose. Scripture includes lessons to teach, correct, restore, and train. With the Holy Scriptures, God breathes His faithfulness into the world.

Spiritual maturity evolves as the Christian studies the Scriptures, spends time reading and listening for God’s direction and guidance. The Bible becomes a tangible holiness of God’s presence, a language of necessary prayer, a confirmation of grace-full redemption, the assurance of divine truth. God uses His inspired words to prepare and equip us to complete His purpose.

Lord, let me read these God-breathed words with greater understanding, deeper meaning, and renewed purpose. Create a hunger and thirst for Your word that will grow my awareness of Your presence. Stir my soul with the mystery of amazing love, the majesty of promises fulfilled, the hope of what is to come. Great is Your faithfulness. –dho

Focus Point: With the Holy Scriptures, God breathes His faithfulness into the world.

**Additional writings that some Christian denominations include: the Apocrypha contains 14 ancient books related to the Old Testament that, written in Greek and believed to have been composed during the time between Malachi and the New Testament times. Scholars say that no quotes from the Apocrypha appear in the New Testament.

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Tuesday, March 24, 2015

Invincible Love ~ Lent 2015

God’s Faithfulness ~ Our Everlasting Hope!

LORD, You are my God; I will exalt You and praise Your name, for in perfect faithfulness

You have done wonderful things, things planned long ago. Isaiah 25:1 NIV

Do you think anyone is going to be able to drive a wedge between us and Christ’s love for us? There is no way! Not trouble, not hard times, not hatred, not hunger, not homelessness, not bullying threats, not backstabbing, not even the worst sins listed in Scripture… None of this fazes us because Jesus loves us. I’m absolutely convinced that nothing—nothing living or dead, angelic or demonic, today or tomorrow, high or low, thinkable or unthinkable—absolutely nothing can get between us and God’s love because of the way that Jesus our Master has embraced us. Romans 8:35-38 The Message

Paul writes this letter to the church in Rome describing the righteousness of God and defining the necessary response of humanity. The list of possible problems that threaten to disrupt the believer’s relationship with Christ comes from Paul’s personal trials and survival. Despite these negative experiences, the answer consistently points to Christ and His unconquerable love for His own. Nothing can diminish or defeat Christ’s love.

The world today creates the same issues for believers. Difficulties and dangers wait around every corner. Exposure to wickedness and execution of the soul edge their way into the mind. Refuge from hate and retaliation for hate walk a very fine line. God’s faithfulness establishes invincible love in the arms of Jesus.

Bread of Life, You sustain me no matter the circumstances. Invincible Love embraces me, never leaving despite disappointment or daggers, ugly words or evil ways. Great is Your faithfulness from yesterday and beyond tomorrow. Your love conquers the world while holding me. – dho

Focus Point: Nothing can diminish or defeat Christ’s love.

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Monday, March 23, 2015

Changeless Promise ~ Lent 2015

God’s Faithfulness ~ Our Everlasting Hope!

LORD, You are my God; I will exalt You and praise Your name, for in perfect faithfulness

You have done wonderful things, things planned long ago. Isaiah 25:1 NIV

Now to Abraham and his Seed were the promises made. [God] does not say, “And to seeds,” as of many, but as of one, “And to your Seed,” who is Christ. Galatians 3:15-18 NKJV

Finding him faithful and obedient, God makes a covenant with Abram, long before God calls him Abraham. In fact, God’s changeless promise comes over 400 years before He gives the law to Moses. This promise is not between Abraham and God; this binding promise is between God and God (see Genesis 15:12-18). Many translations use the word Abraham’s “descendants” but this translates to the Hebrew word for “seed”. In its collective meaning of a people, the faithful remnant of Abraham’s descendants will fulfill God’s promise, while its singular meaning refers to Christ, the Promised Seed. God’s changeless promise endures forever.

God’s faithfulness affirms the necessary Promised Seed, for humanity can never save itself. The law given to Moses is not replaced by Christ, rather serves as a tutor to bring us to Christ, for humanity can never completely keep the law. Believers experience Abraham’s seed in Christ, the Changeless Promise representing unmeasured grace, and stand as a collective people of Abraham’s seed confessing one body, one Spirit, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God.

Jesus, Chosen One, grace falls gently over me like a cool stream in a dry and rocky land. In You I find no contradictions. Like a gentle breeze on a summer’s day, You bring my soul relief. In You I find gentleness. Great is Your faithfulness to a sinner who flounders and falls, who loses sight of hope and holds on to hurt, who must surrender but resists submission. Yet, Eternal Seed, You choose me! - dho

Focus Point: God’s changeless promise endures forever.

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Sunday, March 22, 2015

5th Sunday of Lent 2015 – Commit to the Journey

God’s Faithfulness ~ Our Everlasting Hope!

LORD, You are my God; I will exalt You and praise Your name, for in perfect faithfulness

You have done wonderful things, things planned long ago. Isaiah 25:1 NIV

Faith is demonstrated not defined. A.W.Tozer

[Jesus asks] “Which of the two did the will of his father?”… Matthew 21:28-32

In the parable of The Two Sons, the Father goes to one son and then the other with this request, "Go work in the vineyard today." The first son initially says, "I will not go” but later changes his mind and goes to work. The second son says, "Yes, sir" but does not go. Jesus asks, "Which of the two did the father's will?" The answer is the first son, the one who actually did as asked. Jesus commends the reluctant but repentant first son. Jesus wants our actions to agree with our words.

Falling victim to ritual and routine in our spiritual lives, we imply "yes" by attending church, singing songs, repeating prayers. We simply show up. Months and sometimes years go by without any spiritual growth. In other words, our hearts and minds do not truly embrace the journey Christ calls us to live. Growing our faith requires change, intentional change. God’s faithfulness reaches into the world with Christ’s unfailing love and ultimate sacrifice, bringing grace and teaching obedience. Commit to the journey with Christ. Experience His peace in persecution, His love in loneliness, His truth in temptation. Study the sacred Scriptures. Linger in holy prayer. Go work in the vineyard today!

Faithful Father, Your promises call to me, but the shadows whisper, too. In the sanctuary surrounded by sacred music and holy words, life seems easier, but the randomness and weariness of life waits just outside the church doors. Teach me how to be more faithful within the struggles and unpredictability. Meet me in the middle of the interruptions. You can change my heart and my mind. Help me commit to the journey with You for Great is Your faithfulness. -dho

Focus Point: Growing our faith requires change, intentional change.

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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

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