The Ascension of Jesus

"You shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth." Now when He had spoken these things, while they watched, He was taken up, and a cloud received Him out of their sight. Acts 1:8-9 NKJV

Most scholars agree the Ascension of Jesus occurs on the Mount of Olives east of Jerusalem, the highest point in the area. Other references to the Mt. of Olives draw our attention to this place of importance. In Zechariah 14, the prophet pictures a restored Jerusalem and a Divine Warrior who will rescue Israel. Shadows of Christ's earthly ministry and the Messiah's Second Coming point to certain victory with, "The the LORD will go out and fight against those nations... On that day His feet will stand on the Mount of Olives, east of Jerusalem..." (14:3-4) Since ancient times, many Jews have wanted to be buried here. Jewish tradition believes "that when the Messiah comes, the resurrection of the dead will begin on the Mount of Olives. There are more than 150,000 graves currently there, including some notable rabbis, and the Tomb of the Prophets which is said to contain the remains of Zechariah, Haggai, and Malachi.

Scripture records Jesus at the Mount of Olives on various occasions during His earthly ministry. In Mark 13 and Matthew 24, sitting on the Mount of Olives Jesus delivers what Biblical historians call the "Olivet Discourse" as He explains the "Signs of the End of the Age" to the disciples. On Palm Sunday as Jesus leaves Bethany and enters Jerusalem descending from the Mt. of Olives, He weeps for Jerusalem. The Garden of Gethsemane is at the foot of the Mount of Olives, and Jesus prays there prior to the crucifixion. It is here He is betrayed by Judas. In prophecy and prophecy fulfilled, the Mount of Olives becomes a place of importance.

Forty days after His resurrection, Jesus is taken up to Heaven in the presence of His apostles. The Ascension of Jesus, Ascensio Iesu, is one of the 5 major events in the earthly ministry of Jesus that define Him as the Son of God, His baptism, transfiguration, crucifixion, and resurrection being the others. During the last evening the disciples and Jesus spend together before the crucifixion, at least three times He speaks about the coming of the Holy Spirit. (see John 14:16; 15:26; 16:7) In John 16:7 Jesus says, "...Unless I go away, the Advocate will not come to you; but if I go, I will send Him to you." Much has happened since that night. On the Mount of Olives, Christ gives authority and assigns the mission to His apostles, telling them to be His witnesses and take the Gospel message to all people, to all nations. In Luke 24:50-53 we read that Jesus blesses them and then is taken up into heaven; "Then they worshiped Him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy." Scripture describes the fellowship and assurance the apostles carry back to the other believers as they prayerfully wait in community for the coming of the Holy Spirit. ~dho

Witnesses - Then and Now

Jesus said, " it is written that, that the Christ would suffer and rise again from the dead on the third day, ... You are witnesses of these things." Luke 24:46-48

Numerous and reliable historical records, both religious and secular, speak of Christ's resurrection. Biblically, the synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke) which were written 20-30 years afterwards, and the Gospel of John (50-70 years after) list many witnesses to this supernatural event. The book of Acts and Paul's writings also make references to witnesses. Details in Luke come from "the early disciples and other eyewitnesses". In contrast to the rumors of the disciples stealing Jesus' body and bribes that the Chief Priests pay the guards to pass along this story, God carefully crafts official records of Jesus' death, burial, and resurrection making sure accurate historical evidence remains.

Of the many eyewitnesses, there are angels, Mary Magdalene, the disciples, the two on the road to Emmaus, and other believers. During the forty days after His resurrection, Jesus shows himself to the apostles "by many convincing proofs...speaking of the things concerning the kingdom of God." (Acts 1:2-3)  They ate with Him, touched Him, listened to Him teach. According to John 20:30-31, "Jesus' disciples saw Him do many other miraculous signs besides the ones recorded in this book. But these were written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing in Him you will have life." John's testifies, "This is that disciple who saw these events and recorded them here. (John 21:24)

From the Scriptures we know that Jesus' brothers did not believe (John 7:3-5) until after His death. Through Paul's writings we know that Jesus appears to His brother James, who later becomes head of the Jerusalem church. In 1 Corinthians 15:6 Paul notes that "more than 500 of His followers" witness Jesus after the crucifixion. And the final eyewitness to Christ's resurrection is Saul on the road to Damascus to persecute Christians.(Acts 9:1-19) The zealous Pharisee with a history of violent persecution of Christians is renamed Paul. When reason doubts and culture discounts even the possibility of resurrection, history's eyewitnesses establish a detailed archive that prevails for more than 2,000 years.

So what stands today as evidence of Jesus' resurrection besides words on paper? We are the proof! The Holy Spirit sent by the living Christ dwells within each believer. With our testimonies of redemption and everlasting life to come, we become the spiritual witnesses of a resurrected Messiah, contemporary vessels of His Presence. The living Christ embodies the hope and peace and love we find by believing in Him. The resurrection is an integral truth of Christianity, a truth confirmed by eyewitnesses. ~dho

Tell the Story - Part 2

He is not here, for He has risen, as He said. Come, see the place where He lay. Then go quickly from the tomb and tell His disciples that He has risen from the dead ...So they departed quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, and ran to tell His disciples." Matthew 28:6-8 ESV

Christ's death on the cross shouts of miraculous events from darkness to the tearing of the Temple's curtain in the Holy of Holies, from an earthquake to people rising from the dead. The Roman officer and soldiers at the crucifixion, "were terrified by the earthquake and all that had happened. They said, 'Truly, this was the Son of God!'" (Mt: 27:54)  Religious leaders who were secret followers of Jesus, Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus, boldly ask Pilate for the body of Jesus for proper burial. From Friday until Sunday, fear dominates the hearts and minds of Jesus' own disciples. On Sunday the message of the angel, "He is risen!", echoes in the empty tomb.

All four Gospels speak of the empty tomb, of angels, of the resurrection of Jesus. First to learn of the resurrection are the women who come to the tomb to anoint Jesus' body for burial. In John's account (chapter 20) Jesus appears to Mary Magdalene in the garden. Jesus joins the two returning to Emmaus, both are disillusioned that Jesus has been crucified. As they walk together, Jesus explains the Scriptures and prophecies about the Messiah. Invited to eat with them, they recognize Jesus when He blesses the bread. They hurry back to Jerusalem to tell the disciples. Jesus appears to the disciples who are in hiding in fear, greeting them, "Peace be with you." The angels' message to go and tell that Jesus is risen from the dead spreads throughout the region.

Jesus remains on earth for 40 days after His resurrection. Initially, the story of His resurrection sounds absurd and hard to believe, but the Good News of Jesus' victory over death changes doubt into wonder and fear into joy! Jesus teaches the disciples, opening their minds to the the Scriptures that the Messiah must suffer and die and rise from the dead on the third day. He reminds them the Holy Spirit will soon come and empower them. This message of forgiveness and everlasting life are for all people. These followers of Jesus, these witnesses of a risen Savior begin to tell the story of resurrection and hope! This story of extravagant love still brings grace today. ~dho

Tell the Story - Part 1

The Religious leaders told the Roman soldiers: "You are to say, 'His disciples came by night and stole Him away while we were asleep.'" Matthew 28:13 NASB

The gospel message in Christian theology recognizes two important truths: Christ died for our sins, and Christ was raised from the dead on the third day. Both are integral truths that must be accepted in order to embrace Christianity. Historical evidence is confirmed by witnesses and the Scriptures. The crucifixion of Jesus leads to death and death to burial; Christ's absence from the grave and eye-witnesses reveal His resurrection. The New Testament's four gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John) have 5 chapters and nearly 150 verses that are dedicated to Jesus' life on earth after death which includes some forty days after His resurrection. About this time, there are two stories; one is false, the other is true.

In Chapter 28:11-15, Matthew records one story. Upon the discovery that Jesus' grave is empty, the Roman soldiers who were to guard the tomb hurry to the Religious leaders, telling them the body is gone! Desperate to maintain their political power and religious influence, they give "a large sum of money to the soldiers" and create a story for them to tell. Despite the story's weakness, they promise the guards to cover for them should Pilate catch wind of the happenings. The soldiers agree, take the money, and begin to spread the cover-up story. The story becomes widely spread among the Jews, "and is to this day." (Matthew 28:15).

When did the soldiers leave the tomb? Were they frightened when the stone rolls away and Jesus appears? Maybe the shiny, bright angels make them flee? We don't know the specifics of their situation, except that the body of Jesus is missing, and they know their lives are on the line. Historically, Roman guards could be executed for falling asleep while on assignment. Whether out of fear or greed, the soldiers accept the bribe, and they tell the story!

The Religious leaders certainly react to their own fears. What if this Jesus is the Messiah? Will others believe He is the Son of God? Those soldiers say the body is missing, so what will we do if the people choose to believe in Jesus? What about our reputations? By creating a conspiracy story, these chief priests agree to help the soldiers, but in reality they are protecting themselves. Power and greed, or at least the need to feel powerful and benefit from greediness, fuel many bad decisions. So, they also tell the story of Jesus' disciples coming to the grave in the dark of night and stealing His body. The story still circulates today.** -dho

** next week: Tell the Story - Part 2 ... another version!

 

"Remind Me" by Jacqueline Heider

I'd like to take the opportunity to tell you about a new Bible Study by Jacqueline Heider, Women’s Ministry Director, Resource & Prayer Specialist at Warren Baptist Church in Augusta, GA. Having known Jacqueline nearly ten years, I am delighted to share her insights into God's word. The study will be available April 12, but I will pass along a way to pre-order soon! Remind Me helps us to study the attributes of God and remember them in the middle of daily living. See an excerpt from Jacqueline's introduction to the study:

"Just as Moses spent time with God on Mount Sinai and declared, “[Lord,] Please show me your glory.” so we can experience God more intimately, gaining a glimpse of His glory. As we spend time in His presence and focus on His attributes, we see a more vivid picture of who God is, and in doing so, our journey becomes one of hope, joy, and peace... 

Whether we are praising God for who He is, confessing our need to be more like Him, thanking Him for extending His grace to us through His marvelous character, or asking God to graciously pour out His character upon us, knowing and understanding the depth of God and His Son, Jesus, is a life-long journey that is rich in promise and provision."

This study looks at twenty of the attributes of God, each leading us to understand Him more, to gain new perspectives of His power, provision, and peace. In studying God's attributes, Remind Me will increase "the confidence we have" in God, and it will teach us how "praying His attributes provides us with the ultimate weapon for battling our strongholds and obtaining victory in our conquests!" 

Jacqueline asks, "Do you allow Jesus to be the starter, finisher, and perfecter of all things related to your life or do you try to do things on your own? How would your life be more peaceful if you implemented a change in this area?" 

Knowing God is more than head knowledge, it requires implementing this holy knowledge in our lives. To live like Christ is more than memorizing Scripture verses, attending Bible studies, and participating in mission projects. Of course, all these are important aspects of Christian growth, but truly trusting the character of God in all things is what will carry you through life. God's nature is unchanging and certain, and this must be our anchor in a world of changing uncertainty. Part of a prayer Jacqueline writes speaks to our soul's most basic daily need: "I ask You to refresh my soul and cause me to run to You with everything so I can experience the peace that comes only from Your presence." To God be the Glory! ~dho

 

EASTER Sunday 2016 - Living Bread!

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

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

For Christ has not entered the holy places made with hands, which are copies of the true, but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us. 

Hebrews 9:24 NKJV

Christ is risen! For Christianity, celebrating Easter recognizes a new beginning, a new way of believing, a new way of living. Christ, the New Covenant, offers everlasting life through grace! Resurrection Sunday celebrates a new and final blood sacrifice, a perfect sacrifice. What before was represented as sacred bread on an altar table in the Temple is now Living Bread in the presence of God. Christ reigns in heaven and offers each of us eternal citizenship in heaven. And though we are many, we all eat from one loaf of bread, showing that we are one body. (1 Corinthians 10:17) Together, in community, we come to the table, the Lord’s Table, and share the bread and cup to remember Christ’s sacrifice, to declare our faith in Christ, to celebrate our everlasting hope, to proclaim: Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ will come again!

Christ Is Risen ~ Matt Maher  (click here for video)

Christ is risen! Hallelujah! Lord, let my praises rise to the heights of heaven and resound into the depths of hell! My faith shouts victory over death! Forever let my prayers be full of praise for amazing grace. Bless my journey ‘up to Jerusalem’, helping me constantly seek Your will and find spiritual satisfaction in the Bread of Heaven; “Lord, always give us this bread”. AMEN! ~ dho 

Focus Point: “Christ is risen from the dead; we are one with Him again! O church! Come stand in the light of God is not dead. He’s alive! He’s alive!”  ~ Matt Maher

Thank you for the opportunity to share the Bread of Life with you during this Easter Season. For more devotionals throughout the year, see my blog: BreathingRoomForMySoul.com 

~ Donna Oswalt

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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Holy Saturday - 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 Bread “is broken for you”. ~ Donna Oswalt

Joseph [of Arimathea] bought a long sheet of linen cloth. Then he took Jesus’ body down from the cross, wrapped it in the cloth, and laid it in a tomb that had been carved out of the rock. Then he rolled a stone in front of the entrance.    Mark 15:46 NLT

History of this day brings to mind a variety of thoughts, reactions, and rituals. Scholars say that by the Second Century, Christians begin a ‘total fast’ for 40 hours before Easter; Holy Saturday becomes a complete day of fasting. As celebrating the Lenten season becomes more of a practice among Christians in the fourth and fifth centuries, fasting continues to play a role. For many centuries since, some Christians have regarded both Holy Saturday and Resurrection Sunday as days of ‘no fasting’. Many Eastern Orthodox churches ‘lighten their fasts” somewhat during these two days. Historically, this is a day without celebrations, a day of silence, prayerful meditation, and rest. Holy Saturday is the official last day of Lent.

What is Holy Saturday? While all four gospels record the events leading up to the beginning of Holy Saturday (sundown on Friday), little is known about the next twenty-four hours. For the disciples and Jewish followers of Jesus, this is the Sabbath (and Passover), and the religious habits for this day would not change. However, fearing for their lives, the disciples are in hiding. This must have been a long day of reflection and wondering. Only twenty-four hours before, they were eating together, singing hymns, praying with Jesus. Then everything changes! Jesus is arrested and condemned, crucified and buried. Stunned and confused, with Jesus lying in a tomb, they wait in solitude with doubt and fear.

God of Mercy ~ Breathe a new word into my weary soul. Sometimes the journey makes no sense, offers no solution. I whisper I am afraid; I don’t understand! In these dark times, I feel my soul worn and frayed by the uncertainty without an end in sight. Especially now, “Lord, always give us this bread” seems to be the only prayer that nourishes my hunger for peace. – dho

Focus Point: …everything changes!

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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Good Friday 2016 - Baptized by Holy Fire

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

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

[Jesus said to His disciples] “Do not leave Jerusalem until the Father sends you what He promised…in just a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.” Acts 1:4-5 NLT

After the resurrection, Jesus remains for forty days, appearing to the apostles and teaching the disciples. With a certainty of Jesus’ resurrection, their knowledge increases and a deeper understanding about the new promised power of the Holy Spirit evolves. At the end of these days, on the Mount of Olives at Bethany, Jesus ascends to heaven right in front of the remaining eleven disciples. Commissioned with making disciples of all nations, they now wait for the Holy Spirit.

Over the next days, the disciples continually meet and pray together with the other believers, “about 120”. They choose another disciple, Matthias, to replace Judas Iscariot, the betrayer. On the day of Pentecost, seven weeks (50 days) after the resurrection of Jesus, with all the believers together in one place, God sends a mighty, rushing wind comes and then “flames of fire” appear and settle on each believer. All are filled with the Holy Spirit, fulfilling prophesy (Joel 2:28-32). The church of the New Covenant begins with God’s mission to reach all people in all nations.

Spirit of the Living God ~ When I boast of achievement and accept applause or cover my face in failure and weep, You re-define me, re-align my perspective. You open my eyes to truth, to my need for redemption, to Christ who is the Bread of Life. You are Counselor and Comforter. You are the breath my soul craves! Kindle my soul with Holy Fire. “Lord, always give us this bread”. ~dho

Focus Point: The church of the New Covenant begins with God’s mission to reach all people in all nations.

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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Maundy Thursday 2016 - Bread and Wine

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

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

For every time you east this bread and drink this cup, you are announcing the Lord’s death until He comes again. 1 Corinthians 11:26 NLT

In a letter to the Corinthians, Paul addresses the people regarding the meaning of the Lord’s Supper. Frequently in the first century church, a fellowship meal often precedes the celebration of bread and wine. Paul reiterates the purpose of coming to the table together using Jesus’ words from the Gospels: This is My body, which is given for you and This cup is the new covenant between God and you, sealed by the shedding of My blood. He reminds these believers that they are one body united in Christ. To honor Christ this way demonstrates unity within the body by remembering the new covenant given by Jesus through His death and resurrection and in proclaiming the promise that Christ will return again. Jesus echoes, “Do this in remembrance of Me.”

This Holy Thursday Christians across the world will gather to remember the night Jesus hosts this memorial meal, will listen again to ancient but familiar words, will consider the cost of everlasting hope. On the night before His death and after a fellowship meal with the disciples, Jesus breaks the bread and pours the wine, says to remember His death and sacrifice for the sins of the world. Because of Jesus, our places of brokenness and suffering always find hope. Oswald Chambers frequently gives the call to believers of the body of Christ, “Be the broken bread and poured out wine.” Let us, the body of Christ united by grace, be the tangible bread and wine to others by sharing the love of Christ and His infinite hope. Jesus echoes, “Do this in remembrance of Me.”

Lord ~ You are my Hope in all directions, in every circumstance; You go before me, surround me, send Your angels to protect me. Without Your brokenness there would be no wholeness; without Your sacrifice there would be no hope. You bind my broken dreams and failures, take my empty places and loneliness and bring me into Your presence. This communion renews my soul and refocuses my heart. While praying, “Lord, always give us this bread”, I am embraced by Perfect Peace. Help me be bread and wine of Jesus to others. ~ dho

Focus Point: Because of Jesus, our places of brokenness and suffering always find hope.

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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Joy and Wonder - 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 Bread “is broken for you”. ~ Donna Oswalt

“Why are you frightened?” [Jesus] asked. “Why do you doubt who I am?”  

Luke 24:38 NLT

As the two from Emmaus begin to tell their story of the risen Jesus appearing to them while walking on the road and how they recognize Him when He breaks the bread, suddenly Jesus appears. Everyone becomes terrified and thinks maybe this is a ghost. Jesus reassures them, tells them not to be frightened, asks them why they still doubt. In a gesture to relieve some anxiety and offer proof, Jesus says for them to look at His hands and feet. Then He asks them for something to eat? This supernatural Jesus seems beyond their comprehension.

Centuries later, without the visible and tangible body of Jesus, we are reassured by a living Jesus, invited to believe in a resurrected Jesus, asked to affirm the Lord is risen indeed. Ancient prophecies fulfilled over 2,000 years ago challenge us to believe in the Suffering Servant whose wounds on hands and feet bear our sins, to believe in the Lamb of God whose sacrifice offers us redemption, to believe in Perfect Love who calls us by name. Amazing? Yes! Beyond comprehension? Yes! The veil has been torn and the Bread of the Presence waits. Jesus is calling…do not be afraid…Trust in Me!

Holy, Holy, Holy! Lord, the mystery of faith exceeds me, the mystery of such infinite love amazes me, the mystery of the cross overwhelms me. My sins are engraved on Your hands and feet. I kneel before such holiness and find the Mercy Seat transformed from a place of offering into a Grace offering for me. Wordless wonder fills me as I silently listen. With need that is beyond my own understanding, I whisper, “Lord, always give us this bread”. –dho

Focus Point: Jesus is calling…do not be afraid…Trust in Me!

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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Leaving Jerusalem (Part 2) - 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 Bread “is broken for you”. ~ Donna Oswalt

 “The Lord is risen indeed,…” Luke 24:34 NASB

On the way to Emmaus Jesus teaches the two, Cleopas and the other, recounting the accounts of Moses, the Prophets. Jesus reminds them what the Holy Scriptures reveal about the Messiah. Coming near the village, the two invite their companion to stay for the night. As they sit down to a meal, Jesus takes the bread, blesses and breaks it, and gives it to them. Immediately their eyes are open; they know Jesus, and He vanishes. For the first time they recognize the risen Christ. In the breaking of bread they are renewed by the Living Bread, both in amazement and joy and with a new spiritual hunger.

Blackaby writing about spiritual memory and how important it is to a Christian’s faith walk says, “A spiritual marker identifies a time of decision when you clearly know that God guided you.” After Jesus vanishes, the two recall, “Did not our heart burn within us while He talked with us on the road, and while He opened the Scriptures to us?” Acknowledging Jesus recalls the burning within their souls, the revelations of the Scriptures. This spiritual marker prompts their response. “So they rose up that very hour and returned to Jerusalem, and found the eleven and those who were gathered together, saying, “The Lord is risen indeed, and has appeared to Peter!” These two not only proclaim their belief in the resurrection of Jesus, but confess their previous doubt about the messages earlier that day. The presence of Jesus stirs the soul and sears the heart with a holy passion and sacred hunger that requires compelling action.

“Lord, always give us this bread”. For You mark me with a holy fire, a passion of knowing love and a desire to share this love. Sometimes I am like the father with the sick son who said, “I believe; help my unbelief!” Help me not to doubt. Kindle my soul, again and again! – dho

Focus Point: The presence of Jesus stirs the soul and sears the heart with a holy passion and sacred hunger that requires compelling action.

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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Leaving Jerusalem (Part 1) - 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 Bread “is broken for you”. ~ Donna Oswalt

While they were talking and discussing, Jesus Himself approached and began traveling with them. Luke 24:15 NASB

Within a few hours after Jesus dies and is placed in a borrowed tomb, the Sabbath begins. Many of Jesus followers find their Sabbath thoughts full of disillusionment and disappointment, even fearful of being identified with Jesus. The hours drag by, the disciples wondering and weary. Even though the next morning brings exciting news, visions of angels, and messages that Jesus is alive, doubt prevails. Some slowly begin leaving Jerusalem, but two encounter Jesus on the road to Emmaus.

Jesus begins to walk with the two as they are deep into a sad, troubling conversation. Not expecting or recognizing Jesus, they tell their travel companion all that has happened to this man from Nazareth, calling him a great teacher, a prophet and miracle worker, someone respected by God and the people. Their hope, now crushed, had been that this Jesus would be the Messiah to rescue Israel. Jesus listens to their lack of understanding, their misplaced, unfulfilled hope. So often, like these two leaving Jerusalem, we walk the wrong way, doubt the messages, miss the presence of God. Nurturing our disappointments, we fail to see the bigger picture.

Bread of Heaven – Surrounded by multiple translations of the Bible’s holy, sacred writings and historical records and theological commentaries to help me understand, still, I turn and focus on my problems, my concerns, my needs. My demons may not be unbelief, but they interfere with my faith. When my hope in Jesus is replaced by doubt, when my faith in God is exchanged for power of the world, when my love for others becomes self-serving, then, I, too, am leaving Jerusalem without Jesus. Thank you, Jesus, for coming after me, for walking beside me, for answering my soul’s deepest prayer, “Lord, always give us this bread”. – dho

Focus Point: Jesus listens to their lack of understanding, their misplaced, unfulfilled hope.

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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Palm Sunday 2016 - Mystery of the Cross

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 ~

MangroveMinistries.org

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Come to the Table - Lent 2016

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

                                                                                 

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

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

1Corinthians10:16-17 NASB

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

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

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

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

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 ~

MangroveMinistries.org

LIKE Mangrove Ministries on Facebook