Delightful Giving

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 loves us; not because we are lovable but because He is love, not because He needs to receive but because He delights to give.  C.S. Lewis

How like the blind beggar we are, sitting beside the road with life passing by us everyday. So often we are 'blind' to the opportunities to serve, the weariness of others, even the prayers offered for us! We miss the loneliness of those we know. We miss God's goodness all around us, the gestures of love by strangers and friends.

"How then were your eyes opened?" they demanded. [The beggar] replied, "The man they call Jesus made some mud and put it on my eyes. He told me to go to Siloam and wash. So I went and washed, and then I could see." John 9:10-11

When God finds us, He offers us love; He delights to give us unconditional love. If we listen to Him and follow His instructions, our eyes are opened to His goodness and grace, to the Spirit's leading, to the needs around us. As we respond in faith, we find our hearts grow more compassionate, more loving, more giving, more like Him.

READ John 9:8-12

consider this!

- What are the responses of those who knew the blind beggar?

- How is the beggar's life changed?

- Like the crowd, do I ever ask, "Where is this [Jesus]?"

Immanuel, God with us! You are with us even when we do not notice. You embrace us even when we feel unworthy. You carry us when we cannot move. You open our eyes to new possibilities. Thank You for more! 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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Questions

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 by His providence brings you into circumstances that you can't understand at all, but the Spirit of God understands. God brings you to places, among people, and into certain conditions to accomplish a definite purpose through the intercession of the Spirit in you. Oswald Chambers, My Utmost For His Highest

Situations that we do not understand happen all the time. Disasters, poverty, crime, and diseases are part of everyday life. We live in a fallen world; sin rules, and Satan is the prince of darkness. Yet, God can take each of these circumstances, especially the hardest ones that are beyond our understanding, and show us how we can use them to give Him glory.

Jesus said, "Your're asking the wrong question. You're looking for someone to blame. There is no such cause-effect here. Look instead for what God can do. We need to be energetically at work for the One who sent me here... I am the world's light. 
John 9:3-5 The Message

In a crisis, the one question that usually remains unanswered is "WHY". Scripture tells us not to waste time assigning blame, rather we are to see God in every circumstance, looking for a way to be the light of Jesus to the world. Will we understand everything then? No! The better questions are - How can I best praise God in this crisis? Will others see Jesus in my responses? Am I turning to God for His wisdom and vision in difficult times?

READ John 9:1-7

consider this!

- In verse 2, what question did the disciples ask Jesus?

- Did the blind man approach Jesus and ask for healing?

- How is Jesus improving my vision?

Jesus, You are the Great Physician who heals the bruised and broken. How often i think that only means physical healing. You always offer spiritual healing through difficult circumstances. The world blames You when life becomes dark and complicated. But You are Light and Love! Teach me how to praise God on all things, at all times. For His Goodness is everlasting. 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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5th Sunday in Lent - Oneness in Christ - Amazed by Grace

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

 We must never lose our capacity to be amazed by grace. RC Sproul, The Holiness of God

In the following Scripture verses, Jesus' identity is questioned. Jesus responds to His accusers revealing His Divinity. Jesus, fully man, stands before those who doubt His true identity, and Jesus, fully God, states His divine nature. The crowd's response? "At this, they picked up stones to stone him..."

Jesus said to them, "Most assuredly, I say to you, before Abraham, I AM."        
John 8:58 NKJV 

As believers we too find ourselves attacked by accusers, by those who doubt, by Satan himself. We must be ready to stand firm and glorify God, tell our faith-story to those who will listen. Our credibility may be questioned by the crowd, but God searches every heart. Our testimony must give glory to I AM. God will handle everything else.

READ John 8:48-59

consider this!

- In John 8:58, what exactly was Jesus saying?

- Read Exodus 3:6 and 14; who is I AM?

- From these OT and NT Scriptures, describe the character of God.

Yahweh - You are I AM, the beginning and the end; yet, there is no ending of Your presence or power or provision. You call me, teach me, strengthen me. Your grace is wordless and pours over me, makes me new again. It is You that I worship and praise. Embraced by Perfect Love, I will tell Your story. 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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Hear What God Says

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 alternate beats of the Christian heart are receptivity and response - receptivity from God and response in work from us. E. Stanley Jones, The Habit of Reading the Bible Daily as found in Devotional Classics, edited by Foster and Smith

Christ came to earth from the Father with the desire to offer Perfect Love for every person. God revealed Himself to us through the Word. We need to spend time reading the Scriptures. Let us ask ourselves, "How much time do I spend with God every day?" 

[Jesus said] ...I have not come on my own; but [the Father] sent me. Why is My language not clear to you? Because you are unable to hear what I say. John 8:42-43

If we do not understand God's message, do not find God's plan revealed for our lives, it is because we are not seeking Him. The father of lies speaks and shouts, tempts and taunts, distracts and discourages us. If we belong to God, we will listen for Truth. Whose messages do you hear the loudest?

READ John 8:39-47

consider this!

- Reading the verses above, contrast Jesus, Son of God, with Satan, father of lies.

- If spending time in God's Word is the way we understand more about God, how will I commit to doing this?

- What is the 'language' of Jesus? Is it a foreign language to me?

Father of Light - I know that spending time with You is essential in growing an intimate relationship. the father of lies tries to capture my time, wrestles with my commitment, delights when I fail. He calls that time unnecessary Bible study, "homework", a waste of time. He convinces me that what the world calls IMPORTANT should be my priorities. Cleanse this heart; make it holy. Strengthen me; encourage me. I want to speak the same language as 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

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Jesus Says

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

It is the simple truth that holds you together in the most complex situations. Not simplistic, but simple. The profound truth that the Bible gives us is like a warm blanket wrapped around us on a cold night.      Charles Swindoll 

Scripture tells us that Jesus is the truth that sets us free. This Truth is offered as Grace. God's love is greater than we can ever understand, and He delights in offering us freedom and eternal life. Through Jesus we are ransomed, rescued, and reconciled. Only Truth can do this.

[Jesus says] So if the Son sets you free, you will indeed be free. Yes, I realize that some of you are trying to kill me because My message does not find a place in your hearts. John 8:36-37 NLT

Both in word and deed, truth must dwell in our hearts, must become part of who we are, must be evidenced in our lives. Satan champions the weak and cheers the arrogant. Daily, believers find themselves taunted by the Deceiver, tricked by the Accuser. Only Truth can overpower evil.

READ John 8:31-38

consider this!

- In verse 32, what is the 'truth' Jesus references?

- What are the consequences of sin? Find a Scripture to support this.

- Does the world find Jesus' message in my heart?

Jesus, You are Perfect Truth that paid the price for my sins, finds me where I am, longs for a relationship with me. When the world captures my attention and lures me with its shiny gimmicks, my heart feels the emptiness. You give me the freedom to rise above, to soar on eagles' wings. Forgive my care-less 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

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Christ is the Truth

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

 We cannot claim to know Christ and to honor Him if we refuse the path He calls us to follow. Erwin Raphael McManus from The Barbarian Way (p. 140)

Surrounded by words and voices that demand recognitions, we hear many messages. We must listen and discern which ones are truth. Many well-known celebrities promote literary works that represent partial truths yet greatly influence people. In the quest for intellectual pursuits, we compromise, we rationalize, we doubt. How can we know what is false and what is truth?

Anyone who gets so progressive in his thinking that he walks out on the teaching of Christ, walks out on  God...  2 John 1:9 The Message

Scripture warns that there will be false teaching. In our faithfulness to God, we must spend time in the Living Word, praying to the Holy One, listening for the Spirit of Truth. It is our journey with Christ, the learning to depend on Him, that gives us the strength and wisdom to know what is false and what is truth. We can trust in Christ.

READ 2 John 1:9-11

consider this!

- Think of at least 1 example of "false teaching" today.

- What are the partial truths dangerous?

- How dependent am I on Christ for wisdom?

Jesus, as we study about You, it is easy to see the many ways evil tried to attack You and Your ministry. As followers of You, we are often taunted by the evil one. Chaos and distractions and doubt come from the one who pursues us with false teachings. But You encourage me, shepherd me, grace me into truth and 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

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Full Reward

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

Be with me in my silence and my speech, in my haste and in my leisure, in company and in solitude, in the freshness of morning and in the weariness of the evening; and give me grace at all times to rejoice in Thy mysterious companionship. John Baille

Loyalty is not valued much in society today. Both employees and employers make the choices that suit them best, give them the best financial outcomes. Rarely do we read of the reverse, as in decades past when loyalty was proven and respected. Our loyalty to God waives as we weigh possibility. Frequently we worry about how a circumstance impacts us, and less often we reflect on how a choice will effect our future.

Watch yourselves, so that you may not lose what we have worked for, but may win a full reward. 2 John 1:8 ESV

God never changes. Neither does His faithfulness to His children. In our faithfulness to growing a deeper, more intimate relationship with God, we find the desire to love and serve Him grows exponentially. God's promise to all believers is that we will be awarded our earned Service Rewards in Heaven. The more like Jesus we love each other, the greater our rewards. Loyalty to God matters.

READ 2 John 1:7-8

consider this!

- Describe a time you were deceived by a partial truth.

- Read Romans 6:20-23. How does this help us to understand God's rewards?

- How are my loyalty reward points looking?

God of mercy, God of grace: You give to us in every way, never leaving, never turning from us, never forgetting Your promises. I do just the opposite - taking but not sharing, searching but not finding satisfactions, remembering difficulty but forgetting Your goodness. I am humbled that You are a loyal companion to me, faithful and true. 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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Love Means...

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

Our preciousness, uniqueness, and individuality are not given to us by those who meet us in clock-time - our brief chronological existence - but by the One who has chosen us with an everlasting love, a love that existed from all eternity and will last through all eternity.  Henri Nouwen, Life of the Beloved (p.51)

Tennyson's words I am a part of all that I have met still echo. We are the same, with our experiences mingling and mirroring and monitoring the experiences of those we meet. This is what Nouwen refers to as our brief chronological existence. Yet, more importantly, how do we live?

I can't tell you how happy I am to learn that many members of your congregation are diligent in living out the Truth... Love means following His commandments, and His unifying commandment is that you conduct your lives in love... 2 John 1:4,6 The Message

The love John writes about is a holy love that God gives to us just because He chooses to love us. Mostly, our infinite minds cannot comprehend any person who would love us just as we are. God's generous love stands ready to shape us into more while we waiver casually in search of self. Truth calls us to conduct your lives in love!

READ 2 John 1:4-6 

consider this!

- Think about how consistently do I conduct my life in love?

- God's commandment is "to love". Was John teaching something new?

- Am I becoming "more"? Do I credit "clock-time" or Jesus time?

Lord, in our every day, the world influences me, tells me partial truths, places unworthy desires in my heart. The world calls and is unrelenting. But YOU - You whisper songs of mercy, show me Eternal Truth, embrace me with extravagant love. Why do I choose the world over You? Help me see the One who chooses me! Teach me to be diligent. 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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Truth and 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

Grace is... a burst of light in a room where everyone forgot it was dark. 

David Jeremiah, Captured by Light (p.12)

Jesus is truth and love personified. Because of who Christ is, we are redeemed and reconciled to the Father through Truth and Love, through Christ. The Absolute Truth and Divine Love comes to us freely and embraces us fully.

... Christ... be with us who live in truth and love.

2 John 1:3 NLT

When we live in truth and love, Grace pours over us. How easily this is taken for granted! We forget about grace, forget about the Source of grace, forget that we live in a world of darkness. Christ never forgets us, especially in the darkness. Christ is a burst of light.

READ 2 John 1:1-3

consider this!

- What "truth" does Scripture reference?

- Am I aware that Christ abides with me?

- Do I really live in truth and love?

Jesus, undeserved grace pours over me bringing me into the Light everlasting. You abide with me every moment. 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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4th Sunday of Lent - - Oneness with Christ - Guarded by Grace

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

Humanity is in the grip of an evil power, and we are helpless to free ourselves from bondage to that power by our own strength. The only one who can deliver us from it is Jesus Christ. Ray Stedman, Spiritual Warfare (p.41)

The power of evil is stronger than we are but not stronger than God. In fact, Scripture reminds us that God is greater than any power in the world. Unfortunately, all too often, we try to overcome evil by our own strength. We will always fail.

Little children, guard yourselves from idols.  1 John 5:21 NASB 

Anything that takes God's place in our hearts is an idol. We comfort ourselves by saying that these "idols" are nothing like the golden calf of the Old Testament; we are not melting gold, building a pagan god. The truth is ANYTHING that we allow to mean more to us than God is our idol. We surround ourselves with beautiful tokens of success, houses, cars, clothes, vacations, memberships, and more; we deny we feel empty. Lost in negative rhetoric and consumed by our personal opinions, we pretend to defend righteous living. We share about the mission trips we take and the foreign children in faraway orphanages we sponsor as if any part of missional living is our idea. God, forgive us; guard our hearts!

READ 1 John 5:21

consider this!

- What idols do I worship?

- How do I plan to "guard" my heart from these idols?

- Am I willing to place Jesus Christ at the center of my life?

Lord, I go along without thought to idols, thinking my gestures of love and service in Your name are enough. When I place time in the Living Word last in the day, when I place my desires ahead of another's needs, when I spend Your offering on tokens that will not bring me joy, when I take credit for the goodness and success that comes my way - I place my idols BEFORE You. Forgive my shallow, selfish ways. Guard my heart from the evil one. Guard me from myself. 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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Children 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

...It is not in daily sinning that the secret of humility is found, but rather in the position of dependence upon the grace of God. Andrew Murray, Humility (p. 71)

The commentary in the Life Application Bible reminds: There is no middle ground; people either belong to God and obey Him, or they live under Satan's control. As children of God, we choose to obey the Father; as disobedient children, we follow the evil one. Our  sinful nature threatens the desire for obedience. Grace redeems us.

We know that we are children of God and that the world around us is under the power and control of the evil one. 1 John 5:19 NLT 

These verses in 1 John 5:16-20 compare our sinful nature, our inability to be sinfree, with the freedom of choice to deny Christ or apostasy. The Believer's confession of sin and desire to serve God brings forgiveness; however, the world denies Christ as Redeemer and follows Satan. Despite what the world would have us believe, evil is alive and active and is seeking those who would choose darkness and disobedience over light and grace.

READ 1 John 5:16-20

consider this!

- Contrast "darkness" and "disobedience with "light" and "obedience".

- What is apostasy?

- Whose child are you?

Father of Light, when my doubts try to conquer, send the Light! When darkness seems easier, send the Light! When disorder becomes routine, send the Light! When the Destroyer struggles to claim me, send the Light! Light and Grace, shine on 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

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Certainty in 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

As fruit is the great proof of the true relation to Christ, so prayer is the proof of our relation to the Father. A fruitful abiding in the Son and prevailing prayer to the Father are the two great factors in the true Christian life. Andrew Murray, The True Vine (p. 143)

God's promise of eternal life through Jesus is certain, not just a hope but a truth. On this promise we can stand; we can know our future. And how will we demonstrate our certainty?

And if we know that He hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests that we have asked of Him. 1 John 5:15 ESV

Murray suggests that prayer is the proof of our certainty. Because we know Christ, we trust that He hears our prayers. God knows our hearts before we even speak, but He desires that we come to Him in worship and praise, with our needs and concerns. As we listen for His guidance in our lives, seek His wisdom for our actions, spend time with Him growing a more intimate relationship, we can be certain that He will respond to us.

READ 1 John 5:13-15

consider this!

- Where is the certainty of life"

- Do you KNOW Christ?

- If "fruitful abiding" and "prevailing prayer" mark the Christian life, what proof are you offering of your certainty?

Spirit of Truth, take the noise of the world away. In the moments of quiet, speak the truth of God to me. My prayers rise to the Love Most High. Your whispers return to me full of the certainty that Christ gives. 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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