A Choice for Life

Deus caritas est! “…God is love.” 1 John 4:16

As we enter this season of reflection and renewal, let’s rediscover God calling to His children, revealing His goodness, and transforming each one with Perfect Love. "This is real love – not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins" (1 John 4:10) ~ Donna Oswalt

Either God is right or the world is right. It cannot be both... Christianity is not merely a change in outward actions of a bit higher moral or ethical level. Christianity is a revolutionary change of government that results in a radical change in behavior. Ray Stedman, The Power of His Presence 

God presents the truth, then gives us a choice, choose Him or choose the world. Our choice of Christ goes beyond a verbal confession. After our words, our behavior defines us. As we seek a deeper relationship with God, our lives will evidence our testimony that we choose life!

This is the testimony in essence: God gave us eternal life; the life is in His Son. So, whoever has the Son, has life; whoever rejects the Son, rejects life. 1 John 5:11-12 The Message 

READ 1 John 5:11-12 

consider this!

- When I survey my behavior, does it more often reflect the world or Christ?

- Describe "worldly behavior".

- What is my testimony?

God - Goodness and Grace are offered to me! Every day I am surrounded by the world but embraced by You. I choose Christ! I choose Life! As You draw near to me, I find a peace the world will never give. Amen. dho

All rights reserved; copyright 2017 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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God Testifies

Deus caritas est! “…God is love.” 1 John 4:16

As we enter this season of reflection and renewal, let’s rediscover God calling to His children, revealing His goodness, and transforming each one with Perfect Love. "This is real love – not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins" (1 John 4:10) ~ Donna Oswalt

God is love. His whole nature and perfection is love... Christ is the Son of God's love, the bearer, the revealer, the communicator of that love... The Holy Spirit is the spirit of love... Full salvation is perfect love. Andrew Murray, The True Vine (p.115)

In this world we rely on the testimony of witnesses when seeking to discover the truth. Courts and judges listen intently to these accounts. The Bible also provides us with a record of holy testimony regarding Jesus.

And all the while the Spirit is confirming the truth, the reality of God's presence at Jesus' baptism and crucifixion, bringing those occasions alive for us. A triple testimony: the Spirit, the Baptism, the Crucifixion. All three in perfect agreement.  1John 5:6-8 The Message  

Christ is declared the Beloved Son of God, confirmed by the Spirit. God's testimony is further evidenced by Christ's crucifixion and resurrection. This is Perfect Love offered as full salvation for each of us.

READ 1 John 5:6-10

consider this!

- Who's testimony about Christ is greatest? (vs. 9)

- How do water, blood, spirit testify about Christ?

- What does my testimony say about Christ?

Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, guard my heart from the powers of the world that pursue me. Forgive me when my actions do not bear witness to the holiness of Christ. Thank You for full salvation. Amen. -dho

All rights reserved; copyright 2017 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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Eternal Significance

Deus caritas est! “…God is love.” 1 John 4:16

As we enter this season of reflection and renewal, let’s rediscover God calling to His children, revealing His goodness, and transforming each one with Perfect Love. "This is real love – not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins" (1 John 4:10) ~ Donna Oswalt

Though the devil would have us believe he is invincible, his cause has already been doomed by the cross. Ray Stedman from Spiritual Warfare (pg.50)

There are those who do not believe in evil or the devil or Satan even though the Bible speaks of it many times. There are those who do not believe that Jesus came to earth, fully human and fully God. There are those who do not believe Jesus is the Messiah foretold in the Old Testament Scriptures. Does what we believe about Jesus really matter?

And the ones who win this battle against the world are the ones who believe that Jesus is the Son of God. 1John 5:5 NLT

Christ died on the cross for every one's sins. All our acts of disobedience nailed Him there. Christ redeems all who believe. Through His resurrection from the dead three days after the crucifixion, grace embraces us. Satan and his spirit-followers would have us discount this, even tries to discredit the Holy Scriptures. Only Perfect Love can offer Grace to us. The specifics about Jesus do matter. They carry an eternal significance!

READ 1 John 5:4-5

consider this!

- Using any translation of the Bible, find at least 3 references to evil

- Find at least 3 passages in the Scriptures that reference "trust"

- Is Jesus Christ, the Messiah, the Son of God, the Living Word?

Lord, I see evil in the world around me and experience the drama of evil in my life. Satan only offers disorder and chaos and destruction. Jesus, You give my soul peace that I cannot explain. You offer what the world cannot, you offer eternal life. I am trusting You to lead me through the darkness into the light along this earthly journey. Amen. -dho

All rights reserved; copyright 2017 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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Disobedience

Deus caritas est! “…God is love.” 1 John 4:16

As we enter this season of reflection and renewal, let’s rediscover God calling to His children, revealing His goodness, and transforming each one with Perfect Love. "This is real love – not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins" (1 John 4:10) ~ Donna Oswalt

 The obedience that keeps His commandments becomes the outward expression of our love for God. Andrew Murray from A Life of Obedience

Disobedience starts all our problems. In the Garden, God creates everything that anyone could ever need. Only one thing God asks from Adam and Eve, "Do not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil." Disobedience ends the completeness of Eden.

Loving God means keeping His commandments... 
1 John 5:3 NLT

"Christ overcame disobedience and gives us the power to replace ours with His obedience." (Murray, A Life of Obedience, pg. 25)  Disciples are to strive for a life of true obedience to God but humankind struggles with rebellion. Christ's obedience to the Father's will, His obedience to the Cross, becomes our path to righteousness. This is the way God loves.

READ 1 John 5:1-3 

consider this!  

- Who is Jesus Christ?

- What is the root of sin?

- Can I show love to others without obedience to Christ?

Father, I know that without You sin rules. Obedience is a choice that I can make because Christ was obedient to the cross. I desire to be obedient to Your will for me. Amen. -dho

All rights reserved; copyright 2017 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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3rd Sunday in Lent - Oneness with Christ - Christ Living Through Us

Deus caritas est! “…God is love.” 1 John 4:16

As we enter this season of reflection and renewal, let’s rediscover God calling to His children, revealing His goodness, and transforming each one with Perfect Love. "This is real love – not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins" (1 John 4:10) ~ Donna Oswalt

The fruit of righteousness is that fruit that is exercised in us by the Holy Spirit. RC Sproul from The Holiness of God

Without God, we do not have faith; we cannot love. God IS love, and because He loves us, we can know love. Christians are to demonstrate the fruit of God's love to others. When we call ourselves His children but do not love, we deceive each other.

We love because He first loved us... Whoever loves God must also love his brother.                  1John 4:19, 21 

Commentaries say John uses the word love "35 times" in this letter. The love John uses is the Greek word agape to describe a self-less, undeserving, pure love. This agape begins with God and flows into us. In acknowledging God as the Source of love, our help and security, our comfort and rest can be traced to God. No longer are we self-reliant; rather, we become Spirit-dependent as the Holy Spirit dwells in us, growing the fruit of righteousness. In Galatians 5:22-23, we find the fruit of the Spirit, love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. God is love and through us He shows His love to others.

READ 1 John 4:19-21

consider this!

- Can the law make us love?

- What fruit of the Spirit is missing from my life?

Love Most High - Such generous love and mercy flows from You. You are the Source of goodness and grace, love and power, life and death. In You I can find all things good. You are holy and righteous. Teach me how to grow my life to be more like Yours. Amen. -dho

All rights reserved; copyright 2017 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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Fearless Love

Deus caritas est! “…God is love.” 1 John 4:16

As we enter this season of reflection and renewal, let’s rediscover God calling to His children, revealing His goodness, and transforming each one with Perfect Love. "This is real love – not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins" (1 John 4:10) ~ Donna Oswalt

 What Jesus do you serve? Todd Agnew, Christian worship leader

In Agnew's song, he asks us, "What Jesus do you serve?" Do we serve the Jesus of the stained glass church or the One that walks among the broken? It's a good question. More often than not, most of us find our comfort zone of service safe within the walls of the church, with people more like us than different. When Jesus walked the earth, however, He almost always was found outside the Temple, among the sick, with the needing ones.


...in this world we are like Him. There is no fear in love... 1 John 4:17-18  

Christians are called to step out into the world, be the Christ-light for others. We are called to stand among the broken, be as Christ to others. We are called to be the hands and feet of Jesus, be a witness for Christ to the lost. Yes, there are hurting, wounded, and lost people within the walls of the church; however, the Spirit also leads us outside to spread His light and love to many more. Many times it is fear that holds us back, gives us pause. These verses in 1 John 4 tell us perfect love casts out fear. Have I offered this same assurance to someone who's afraid and broken?

READ 1 John 4:17-18

consider this!

- What does "love is made complete" mean?

- When is this "day of judgement"?

- Does my "fear" clash with "perfect love"?

Jesus, Lover of my soul. When the time comes that I stand before you face-to-face, I will find amazing grace. In these days before that time, my heart searches for new ways to reach out in the name of Jesus, to reach out in the way You love. Amen. -dho

All rights reserved; copyright 2017 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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Trust His Love

Deus caritas est! “…God is love.” 1 John 4:16

As we enter this season of reflection and renewal, let’s rediscover God calling to His children, revealing His goodness, and transforming each one with Perfect Love. "This is real love – not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins" (1 John 4:10) ~ Donna Oswalt

Trust God for the unexpected, and let Him surprise you by doing the unexplainable. Unknown

No matter the length of study time or depth of study, our human minds cannot grasp the greatness of God. Scripture tells us He is greater than anything in this world. The prophet Jeremiah records God's message to him: Call to Me and I will answer you. I'll tell you marvelous and wonderful things that you could never figure out on your own. (Jeremiah 33:3 The Message). Even though we seek Him, in all ways, we can never fully understand God.

...Jesus is God's Son...we've embraced it heart and soul, this love that comes from God.      1John 4:15-16 The Message 

Reading these verses reminds us of just how loved we are. John's words to believers gives us a way to evaluate our behavior, to help us identify how closely we walk with God. We are to believe, to confess, to live steadily and deeply in Him, and to tell others that Jesus has redeemed us, giving us eternal life. We should embrace Jesus - heart and soul.

READ 1 John 4:13-16

consider this!

- What is the proof God gives believers of His Presence?

- When life is uncertain, what is the believer's certainty?

- Do I fully embrace God's generous Love?

Jesus - You lived God's love when You allowed the world to hammer the nails! You live God's love now as our Eternal Intercessor. You will live God's love when You return for His children. I want to wholeheartedly embrace this Divine Love and share You with others. Amen. -dho

All rights reserved; copyright 2017 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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No Room Left

Deus caritas est! “…God is love.” 1 John 4:16

As we enter this season of reflection and renewal, let’s rediscover God calling to His children, revealing His goodness, and transforming each one with Perfect Love. "This is real love – not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins" (1 John 4:10) ~ Donna Oswalt

Your emptiness accepted creates a space for God in your life. When you embrace that emptiness, God can begin to fill you. God has a plan for you. Marcrina Wiederkehr from A Tree Full of Angels

We live so fully, always busy, that we often find ourselves too full with no room left for God. Busyness can keep us from developing an intimate relationship with the Lord. To lay down the world, to lay down television, newspapers, work, electronics, social activities, and sometimes even church activities, is necessary to create time and space for God. Sadly, this is the way we frequently go about it, as an afterthought. 

...if we love one another, God dwells deeply within us, and His love becomes complete in us - perfect love! 1 John 4:12 The Message

What a beautiful thought - Perfect Love is complete in us! The Holy Spirit needs a place to work, and when our lives are too full, there is little room for His Presence.

READ 1 John 4:11-12

consider this!

- How does God reveal His love to me?

- Can God offer Perfect Love to others through me?

- How much space does my life create for God?

Father, come and dwell in me. It is time to clean house, throw out unnecessary clutter that robs my soul of time with You. With open hands and open ears, I ask You to fill me with holiness, speak to me with wisdom. Make me complete in You. Amen. -dho

All rights reserved; copyright 2017 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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Grace Redeems!

Deus caritas est! “…God is love.” 1 John 4:16

As we enter this season of reflection and renewal, let’s rediscover God calling to His children, revealing His goodness, and transforming each one with Perfect Love. "This is real love – not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins" (1 John 4:10) ~ Donna Oswalt

 ...[God] makes us passionately and spiritually unbalanced. God steers us in the direction of His kingdom, His purpose, His passions. His desire is not to conform us but to transform us. Not to make us compliant, but to make us creative. His intent is never to domesticate us, but to liberate us. Erwin Raphael McManus from The Barbarian Way (pg. 64)

God's plan for redemption was created long before time. God's redemption transforms us, gives us new life, grants us new freedom. We glimpse eternity now and find the longing for a more intimate relationship with God.

This is real love. It is not that we loved God, but that He loved us... 1 John 4:10 

God sent His only son to earth and Jesus was betrayed, beaten, and buried. Yet, it is God that always has the last word. Christ lives! Grace Redeems! And all this for my sins and for your sins, for all sinners everywhere.

READ 1 John 4:9-10

consider this!

- Define 'real love'.

- What did Jesus have to sacrifice to come into the world?

- What does 'real love' offer that the world cannot?

God of Mercy, I am not worthy of such love, such sacrifice. You love best of all. At my best, my days are filled with token deeds and worthy gestures but none come near to Your sacrifice. I kneel at Your altar with praises for freedom through Christ. Continue to transform me! Amen. -dho

All rights reserved; copyright 2017 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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God is Love

Deus caritas est! “…God is love.” 1 John 4:16

As we enter this season of reflection and renewal, let’s rediscover God calling to His children, revealing His goodness, and transforming each one with Perfect Love. "This is real love – not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins" (1 John 4:10) ~ Donna Oswalt

Open your hearts to the love God instills... God loves you tenderly. What He gives you is not to be kept under lock and key, but to be shared.      Mother Teresa

Love is an action that a person chooses to receive and chooses to give. Because the Spirit lives inside the believer, we are empowered to love, to love like Christ. Commentary in the Life Application Bible says it this way: God's love always involves a choice and an action.

...God is love. 1 John 4:8 NCV

God's love is higher and deeper and wider and grander than we can begin to imagine. He loves us, calls us, draws near to us. God chooses us! When our response is to choose God, we discover more than enough. When we choose God, His love overflows into us. Loving each other is the action that demonstrates His amazing grace.

READ 1 John 4:7-8

consider this!

- What is the source of all love?

- Is real love a feeling or an action?

- How well do I really love?

Love Most High, You can only love one way - Completely, Generously, Perfectly. Kindle my life with that tender Love. My heart weeps at such an offering. Forgive me when I hold tightly to Your love, when my selfish soul stops the flow of Perfect Love. Amen. -dho

All rights reserved; copyright 2017 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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Glory of God!

Deus caritas est! “…God is love.” 1 John 4:16

As we enter this season of reflection and renewal, let’s rediscover God calling to His children, revealing His goodness, and transforming each one with Perfect Love. "This is real love – not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins" (1 John 4:10) ~ Donna Oswalt

I saw the Milky Way in full glory once, while visiting a refugee camp in Somalia, just below the equator... I could not lift my sights beyond that refugee camp situated in an obscure corner of an obscure country on the Horn of Africa. Until I saw the Milky Way. It abruptly reminded me that the present moment did not comprise all of life. History would go on. Tribes, government, whole civilizations may rise and fall, trailing disaster in their wake, but I dared not confine my field of vision to the scenes of suffering around me. I needed to look up, to the stars. Philip Yancey from Finding God in Unexpected Places (pg. 29)

Philip Yancey's words paint a true picture of this world, full of difficulty and full of God. Those who serve the world do not speak of God, do not listen to God. These unbelievers frequently denounce Christians who faithfully witness for Christ.

...because the Spirit who lives in you is greater than the spirit who lives in the world. 1John 4:4 NLT

We find ourselves surrounded by chaos and confusion, which always comes from evil; yet, we are never alone, always have hope. The Holy Spirit resides within every believer. How easily we get lost in the negative and forget to look for God's Presence. It is everywhere! Just take time to look, even to the stars.

READ 1 John 4:4-6

consider this!

- Identify evil influences in your daily life?

- How can I give God the "greater" place in my life?

- Is the Spirit abiding in me?

Holy Father - The world speaks a language designed to rob You of glory. Sometimes, the burden of the confusion and disorder almost suffocate me. My hope is Christ! Like fresh air, the Spirit breathes new life into the darkest moments. You are greater than anything in this world. Amen. -dho

All rights reserved; copyright 2017 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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2nd Sunday in Lent - Oneness in Christ - Living as Christ

Deus caritas est! “…God is love.” 1 John 4:16

As we enter this season of reflection and renewal, let’s rediscover God calling to His children, revealing His goodness, and transforming each one with Perfect Love. "This is real love – not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins" (1 John 4:10) ~ Donna Oswalt

 What the pastor said was so simple that it will remain with me forever. "Each one of us acts as an Antichrist, " he said, "whenever we hear the gospel and do not do it." Kathleen Norris/Amazing Grace

Too often we believe the words that sound good instead of searching for the truth. Satan is clever as there are always threads of truth in all his deceptions. We get tangled in the rhetoric and miss the point.

... do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world... every spirit that does not acknowledge Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the Antichrist... 1John 4:1,3

Many will try to confuse us, evil spirits and humans that are being used by the evil spirits. Scripture tells us that every spirit that acknowledges that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God (1 John 4:2). To acknowledge Jesus requires our words, our confession of faith in Jesus, and our actions, our deeds done in response to our faith. When we say we believe that Jesus is our resurrected Savior but live without loving actions, we act as an Antichrist. Words are powerful, but together with our actions our faith becomes testimony.

READ 1 John 4:1-3

consider this!

- What must a person believe about Christ to be a Christian?

- Why is it important to know The Truth?

- Does the Antichrist live at my house?

Father - I know the world is full of trickery, that Satan delights in my failure to listen for the Spirit of Truth. I desire a discerning heart. Amen. -dho

All rights reserved; copyright 2017 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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