5th Sunday of Lent - Mystery of Christ

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

                                                                                    

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

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

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

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

I AM ~ by Crowder (click here for video)

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

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

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Unleavened Life - Lent 2016

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

                                                                                   

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

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

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

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

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

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

All rights reserved; copyright 2016 by Donna Oswalt/Co-Founder of Mangrove Ministries/Christian blogger and author;  Breathing Room For My Soul (blog)~ Follow on Twitter @soulchat

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What's in a Name? - Lent 2016

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

                                                                                      

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

All rights reserved; copyright 2016 by Donna Oswalt/Co-Founder of Mangrove Ministries/Christian blogger and author;  Breathing Room For My Soul (blog)~ Follow on Twitter @soulchat

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Tears for Jerusalem - Lent 2016

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

                                                                                      

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

As Jesus came near Jerusalem, he saw the city and cried for it, saying, “I wish you knew today what would bring you peace. But now it is hidden from you. The time is coming when your enemies will build a wall around you and will hold you in on all sides. They will destroy you and all your people, and not one stone will be left on another. All this will happen because you did not recognize the time when God came to save you.” Luke 19:41-44 NCV 

Within 40 years, the tears of Jesus turn to reality. Again at Passover, the Feast of Unleavened Bread, the Jews fill Jerusalem to celebrate Passover, but the Romans refuse to let them out. After months of violent fighting, in 70 AD the Romans completely demolish the entire city of Jerusalem, leveled, laid even with the ground, leaving nothing. The historian Josephus records 1.1 million died, the majority Jewish. God’s judgement for failure to recognize the Messiah waits 40 years, 40 years of many recorded warnings, 40 years of hope for repentance.

Only the Gospel of Luke tells how Jesus weeps for Jerusalem as He enters the city. By the end of this historical week, Jesus will be nailed to a Roman cross. In time, rejection of the Messiah brings its own consequences. The people’s shouts “Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the LORD!” would turn to chants “Crucify him! Crucify him!” This Passover celebration marks the most important week on earth. On this Passover, the Lamb of God becomes the perfect sacrifice for all humanity, but the people do not recognize the Bread of Life.

God, how many times do I shout “Glory to God” and “Praise to the Lord” when just short time later, I deny Your provision, question Your plan, make a wrong choice. I marvel at the beauty of creation but ignore the Spirit’s whispers or pray,  “Lord, always give us this bread” but complain, “it’s NOT enough!’ or celebrate the goodness of Your blessings but respond with anger at life’s circumstances. From shouting to chanting, I am the crowd who does not recognize You. Forgive me. – dho

Focus Point:  On this Passover, the Lamb of God becomes the perfect sacrifice for all humanity, but the people do not recognize the Bread of Life.

All rights reserved; copyright 2016 by Donna Oswalt/Co-Founder of Mangrove Ministries/Christian blogger and author;  Breathing Room For My Soul (blog)~ Follow on Twitter @soulchat

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The Disciples' Prayer - Lent 2016

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

                                                                                   

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

“Lord, teach us to pray…” Luke 11:1 NKJV

The twelve disciples of Jesus, those in His inner circle ask to be taught how to pray. Scholars sometimes refer to this teaching of Jesus as “the Disciples’ Prayer”. (Luke 11:1-13) The New Testament uses the Greek mathetes for ‘disciple’ or ‘learner’, most frequently referencing the twelve disciples; however, this also refers to anyone who follows Jesus, who places faith in Jesus, who desires to learn to live more like Christ. Essentially, this prayer becomes our lesson in prayer.

Our senses are dulled by media and technology; commercialism and wealth create an ever diminishing sensitivity. Living in a world that teases us with no limits and no boundaries, we lose sight of what we truly need, stop seeing creation as a gift from God, forget in whose image we are created. To pray give us daily bread defines our dependence on God who loves and generously provides the daily manna we need. When we follow Jesus, recognizing Him as the Bread of Life, we learn dependence on Him satisfies our spiritual hunger.

Lord, I am easily influenced by the world and its shiny merchandising. Forgive my shallow focus, my showy plans, my shameless denial. Let my heart learn to pray, “Lord, always give us this bread”. – dho

Focus Point:  To pray give us daily bread defines our dependence on God who loves and generously provides the daily manna we need.

All rights reserved; copyright 2016 by Donna Oswalt/Co-Founder of Mangrove Ministries/Christian blogger and author;  Breathing Room For My Soul (blog)~ Follow on Twitter @soulchat

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Daily Bread - Lent 2016

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

                                                                                     

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

Give us day by day our daily bread. Luke 11:3 NKJV

On the way up to Jerusalem the Disciples said, “Lord, teach us to pray.” Eugene Peterson writes, “This is the only time in the Gospels that the disciples ask to be taught.” By now, the disciples seem to grasp that prayer means developing a relationship with God, not mere ritual or religious posturing, common among the Pharisees. Witnessing Jesus praying aloud and praying alone, these men want a better understanding of prayer. Jesus responds with an example of proper petition that includes worship, provision, and forgiveness.

Starting with worship, a person should acknowledge God: Father, holy authority and sovereign, come. In this example of prayer, like in the Sermon on the Mount, give us daily bread represents every-day-manna, asking God to meet each day’s basic physical needs. Jesus tells the disciples to ask God to forgive personal sins; likewise, then forgive others. Ask God for help to resist evil. Prayer opens the heart to recognize one’s daily dependence on God.

Lord, humbled to think of all than is beyond my ability, I praise Your holy name, for You are full of power. I need daily bread, both to nourish my body and my soul. Forgive my failures, my arrogance that holds others accountable for my mistakes, that uses others to cover my faults. Protect me from evil. “Lord, always give us this bread”. -dho

Focus Point: Prayer opens the heart to recognize one’s daily dependence on God.

All rights reserved; copyright 2016 by Donna Oswalt/Co-Founder of Mangrove Ministries/Christian blogger and author;  Breathing Room For My Soul (blog)~ Follow on Twitter @soulchat

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Up To Jerusalem - Lent 2016

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

                                                                                 

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

As the time approached for Him to be taken up to heaven, Jesus resolutely set out for Jerusalem. Luke 9:51 NIV

Jesus spent the last months of ministry making His final journey up to Jerusalem. This verse in Luke’s Gospel announces the turning point in Jesus’ ministry. Focus on His teaching ministry changes, and Jesus begins to prepare the Disciples and Himself for His destiny, the cross. Over the next months Jesus repeatedly explains to the Disciples that He will suffer beatings and betrayal, death and resurrection. Christian discipleship always comes down to the cross!

Scholars call Luke 9:51 through Luke 19:44 the “travel narrative”. Jesus and the disciples minister to people from Galilee to Jerusalem. Parables and healing, opposition and rejection become lessons about the cost of discipleship. Plots to kill and schemes to discredit both challenge and confront Jesus’ authority. Up to Jerusalem really describes Jesus in steadfast determination and faithful obedience to accomplish His assigned mission. God’s plan requires a journey to the cross!

Lord, I, too, know something about suffering and betrayal, rejection and confrontation. Like the disciples, I, too, do not always understand. In the shadow of the cross, I pray, “Lord, always give us this bread” to sustain me, to strengthen my resolve as I go up to my Jerusalem. - dho

Focus Point: Christian discipleship always comes down to the cross!

All rights reserved; copyright 2016 by Donna Oswalt/Co-Founder of Mangrove Ministries/Christian blogger and author;  Breathing Room For My Soul (blog)~ Follow on Twitter @soulchat

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4th Sunday of Lent 2016 ~ Mystery of God's Image Within Us

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

                                                                                

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

Define yourself as one beloved by God. This is the true self. 

Every other identity is illusion. Brennan Manning

Then God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness… God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.” Genesis 1:26-27 NASB

God breathes life into every being. When we begin to recognize the splendor of God, the soul finds a holy marker, finds God’s love permanently etched deep inside. With His enduring hope, God uses the cruel lessons of worldly success and moral apathy to expose our innocence and vulnerability, our brokenness and frailty. Then, He re-molds our apathy into compassion and our successes become fruit for His kingdom. God gathers all our broken pieces, creating a new beauty that reflects His divine image.

Come As You Are ~ Crowder (click here for video)

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: “Come as you are!” ~ Crowder

All rights reserved; copyright 2016 by Donna Oswalt/Co-Founder of Mangrove Ministries/Christian blogger and author;  Breathing Room For My Soul (blog)~ Follow on Twitter @soulchat

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Bread of Presence - Lent 2016

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

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

Place the Bread of the Presence on the table to remain before Me at all times. Exodus 25:30 NLT

In giving explicit instructions to Moses about building a holy sanctuary, God’s plan is to be present with His people. Chapters 25-27 in Exodus provide the specific details for the Tabernacle in which the Ark of the Covenant would stay. The Tabernacle includes two distinct areas: an outer space called the Holy Place where the lampstand (menorah), the table, and the Bread of the Presence would be, and an inner space known as the Most Holy Place surrounded by curtains where the Ark of the Covenant stays. This Bread of the Presence, 12 loaves of unleavened bread baked fresh each week before the Sabbath, must be placed on the holy table in two piles of six to represent the twelve tribes of Israel. The Bread of the Presence depicts the people’s offering to God and God’s desire to always be present with His people.

Only to be eaten by the priests in a holy place, the Bread of the Presence of the Old Testament can symbolize Jesus, the Bread of Life, the people’s offering to God. Christ, as the true High Priest, enters the Most Holy Place as a blood sacrifice, an offering for all people. Christ becomes the New Covenant offering atonement for sins, offering forgiveness and grace and everlasting life. Jesus, the Holy One, becomes true bread, spiritual bread that satisfies the hungry. Jesus, always present, is the Bread of Life.

Lord, my life needs something constant and knowing You are always present calms me, reassures me, comforts me. “Lord, always give us this bread.” Bread of the Presence and Bread of Life, Holy, Holy, Holy! I fall to my knees aware of Your unlimited love and grace. – dho

Focus Point: Jesus, always present, is the Bread of Life.

[**read Hebrews, chapter 9 to better understand the OT Tabernacle and Christ, the Perfect Sacrifice]

All rights reserved; copyright 2016 by Donna Oswalt/Co-Founder of Mangrove Ministries/Christian blogger and author;  Breathing Room For My Soul (blog)~ Follow on Twitter @soulchat

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Jesus Promises - Lent 2016

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

                                                                                      

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

[Jesus says] “He who eats My flesh and drinks My blood abides in Me, and I in him.” John 6:56 NASB

These verses in John definitely fall in the category of hard sayings. Even the disciples ask, “Who can understand it?” These metaphors of flesh and blood offend some who seek a literal implication, but actually point to the cross. For some Jews, a sacrificial Messiah would be ridiculous. Spiritual truth evades their understanding and many turn away.

Jesus says, “He who eats this bread will live forever.” Teaching about a mutual abiding, a personal unity of God with every believer comes as a new idea to the people. The lesson focuses more on faith and less on works, more about trusting and less about rules. Grace comes to humanity by way of the cross, both crucifixion and resurrection.

Jesus, the way to salvation cost You everything; still, You promise to abide with me if I abide with You. My head echoes the question asked that day, “Who can understand it?” The cross brings me Grace and teaches me to pray with purpose, “Lord, always give us this bread.”  - dho

Focus Point:  Grace comes to humanity by way of the cross, both crucifixion and resurrection.

All rights reserved; copyright 2016 by Donna Oswalt/Co-Founder of Mangrove Ministries/Christian blogger and author;  Breathing Room For My Soul (blog)~ Follow on Twitter @soulchat

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Misunderstandings - Lent 2016

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

                                                                                  

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

Then the Jews began to argue with one another, saying, “How can this man give us His flesh to eat?” John 6:52 NASB

Misunderstandings by those who listen to Jesus cause disagreements. Thinking with reason and logic, they ask, “How can this man give us His flesh to eat?” When Jesus speaks about sacrificial death and eternal life, the people miss the spiritual significance. With the Passover celebration near, Jesus hopes the people will see beyond the physical components of the meal, the unleavened bread and an unblemished lamb, to see God’s promise in Him as Living Bread and Lamb of God. The concept of the personal sacrifice of Jesus escapes them because they still believe the Messiah will be a political king. Jesus reveals His true identity but the people misunderstand.

In the Old Testament, the prophet Jeremiah proclaims God’s plan, “Behold, the days are coming, says the LORD, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah…I will put My law in their minds, and write it on their hearts;, and I will be their God, and they shall be My people.” (Jeremiah 31:31-33) This new covenant is Christ. Some 600 years later, most of the people who witness Jesus do not understand, and 2000 years after that, people still struggle to grasp the spiritual nourishment Christ offers.

Lord, I am guilty of thinking too logically, wanting simple answers to hard questions. When thoughts exceed my understanding, it’s easy to shrug and move passed. Scripture tells us that love covers a multitude of sins. Help me realize that sometimes faith alone is required. “Lord, always give us this bread.” May my mind and heart and soul truly be nourished by True Bread. – dho

Focus Point: Jesus reveals His true identity but the people misunderstand.

All rights reserved; copyright 2016 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 ~

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