Preparing for Easter ~ Mark of the Unregenerate Heart

 [God...made a lasting mark through the sacrifice of Jesus. Hebrews 13:20 MSG

During this season of reflection and renewal, join me, and let's explore the visible evidence that identifies us as faithful followers of Jesus. Can others see Jesus in our lives? ~ Donna Oswalt]

But he who hates his brother is in darkness and walks in darkness, and does not know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded his eyes. 1 John 2:11 NKJV

Some claim Christianity but walk in darkness, blinded to the Truth. We are to love each other, and if we live with hatred, then we are living in sin and not in fellowship with God. Ray Stedman says, “such an attitude of hostility, indifference, or unconcern toward another is a mark of an unregenerate life.”* Stedman’s insight defines hates and darkness more specifically. Hate creates a hardening within the heart. The dictionary defines unregenerate as “unrepentant, not reformed, wicked, obstinate, unconvinced, refusing to believe.” This is not the kind of heart where the Spirit dwells. 

The power of Satan over our lives can be broken with the grace of Christ, but each one of us must choose to forgive others, as Christ forgives us. The one who carries the attitude of hostility, indifference, or unconcern toward another walks in darkness. But whoever keeps His word, truly the love of God is perfected in him. By this we know that we are in Him. (1 John 2:5) How is your heart?

• Read 1 John 2:1-11; Who is our Advocate? What is propitiation? 
• What do you call someone who says, “I know God” but does not obey God?

Jesus, I want to love You more. In loving You more, I can love others better. Help me to walk in the Light. – dho

*The Power of His Presence, p.148, Ray Stedman

All rights reserved ~ used with permission of the author

Copyright 2013 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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“May you be blessed by the Lord Who loves you best!”

Preparing for Easter ~ Mark of Wisdom

[God...made a lasting mark through the sacrifice of Jesus. Hebrews 13:20 MSG

During this season of reflection and renewal, join me, and let's explore the visible evidence that identifies us as faithful followers of Jesus. Can others see Jesus in our lives? ~ Donna Oswalt]

But where can wisdom be found? And where is the place of understanding? Man does not know its value, nor is it found in the land of the living . . . God understands its way, and He knows its place. For he looks to the ends of the earth, and sees under the whole heavens. . . Then He saw wisdom and declared it; He prepared it, indeed, He searched it out. And to man He said, “Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom, and to depart from evil is understanding. Job 28:13,23-24, 27-28 NKJV

What is wisdom, and where do we find it? Job seeks the answer to this question in the middle of his chaos. As he explores the power of God, Job explains that the source of wisdom is God! Only God understands its way. In Proverbs 8 we read The LORD possessed me [Wisdom] at the beginning of His work, the first of His acts of old…before the beginning of the earth. . . when He marked out the foundations of the earth, then I was there beside Him, like a master workman. God’s wisdom exceeds the depths and heights of our understanding. This awe is the beginning of wisdom, an attribute of God and a spiritual gift from God (Ephesians 1:17).

While wisdom is part intellect and part experience, God’s wisdom contrasts the world’s wisdom. God’s wisdom is divine in nature and marks the life of His disciple. In the world, wisdom misuses knowledge for personal gain ~ with jealousy, selfish ambition, and lies. God’s wisdom is pure, full of peace, gentleness and mercy, producing good fruit and sincerity (James 3:13-18). Divine Wisdom marks the follower of Christ with service to God, discernment, and humility. This how the world knows Christians are different. When the world watches, do you blend or look different?

• Read Proverbs 8; identify the characteristics of Wisdom. 
• Examine your walk; do you live God’s wisdom?

LORD, pour Wisdom over me, giving me greater insight into those around me. Increase my patience and peace. Only with You can I find true wisdom. – dho

All rights reserved ~ used with permission of the author

Copyright 2013 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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“May you be blessed by the Lord Who loves you best!”

Preparing for Easter ~ Mark of God's Promise

[God...made a lasting mark through the sacrifice of Jesus. Hebrews 13:20 MSG

During this season of reflection and renewal, join me, and let's explore the visible evidence that identifies us as faithful followers of Jesus. Can others see Jesus in our lives? ~ Donna Oswalt]

He has sent redemption to His people; He has commanded His covenant forever: Holy and awesome is His name. Psalm 111:9 NLT

God’s mighty works are many, from promise to provision to protection. Time and again, God rescues His chosen people. From Egypt, God redeems His people from bondage and slavery. God honors His covenant with the people of Israel, faithful to them with mercy despite their turning from Him time and again. 

God’s Promise of redemption also includes Jesus, the Son of God, born to bring grace to those who would choose to follow Him. Through Jesus, God marks His mighty works in us, from promise to provision to protection. He is faithful to us, offering righteousness despite our sinful ways. Holy and awesome is His name!

• Make a list of God’s Promises. 
• What is your response to God?

Lord – Holy, Holy, Holy is Your name. Promises of divine love and unfailing faithfulness flow over me. You redeem me from the bondage of the world and show me mercy when I do not deserve such goodness. Holy, Holy, Holy is Your name! - dho

All rights reserved ~ used with permission of the author

Copyright 2013 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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“May you be blessed by the Lord Who loves you best!”

Preparing for Easter ~ Mark of Majesty

[God...made a lasting mark through the sacrifice of Jesus. Hebrews 13:20 MSG

During this season of reflection and renewal, join me, and let's explore the visible evidence that identifies us as faithful followers of Jesus. Can others see Jesus in our lives? ~ Donna Oswalt]

O LORD, our Lord, the majesty of Your name fills the earth! Your glory is higher than the heavens. . . When I look at the night sky and see the work of Your fingers -

Psalm 8 NLT

Reading Psalm 8 captures a glimpse of Genesis 1 and the Creation story. We are reminded of the majestic power of God in His creations of the world and mankind in His image. God’s world is full of wonder and splendor, and humanity is designed to have dominion over the works of [God’s] hands.(6) The Message version of Psalm 111:3 paints God’s great works as the splendor and beauty [that] mark His craft.  Our sinful nature disfigures the majesty God designed in us; however, we can be restored through trusting Jesus. Jesus offers the only redemption that renews splendor and beauty, the mark of majesty on humanity. Has your majestic image been restored?

• In what ways are we like God? 
• How does your life reflect the glory of God to others?

Yahweh, You are Sovereign in every way. Restore me to reflect the splendor and beauty of Your Glory! Thank You, for being both mystery and majesty. – dho

All rights reserved ~ used with permission of the author

Copyright 2013 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

“May you be blessed by the Lord Who loves you best!”

[God...made a lasting mark through the sacrifice of Jesus. Hebrews 13:20 MSG

During this season of reflection and renewal, join me, and let's explore the visible evidence that identifies us as faithful followers of Jesus. Can others see Jesus in our lives? ~ Donna Oswalt]

4th Sunday in Lent 

I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. . . By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples. John 15:5, 8 NKJV

From these words, we understand Jesus to express the necessity of abiding with Him. Another way to say this is ‘to remain in fellowship with Me’. This kind of fellowship is personal and daily and suggests to stay in close contact with Jesus. How is this demonstrated? Characteristics of trust and prayer, obedience and joy are the marks of abiding with Jesus.

Another outcome which is included in the same sentence as ‘abide’ is ‘bears much fruit’. Fruit refers to the good works and servant lifestyle that honors God and furthers His work in the world. The key to being able to produce fruit is completely linked to abiding in Christ; He is the Vine and we are the branches. Don’t miss the last part: without Me you can do nothing. Living a fruitful life comes from abiding in Christ. These inward and outward characteristics together mark us for His service and our service for His Glory!

• Read John 15:1-9: Who is the vinedresser? Who is the true vine? Who are the branches?
• In John 15:9, what kind of love is described? 

Lord, I believe that without You, I can do nothing; yet I fail to seek You, ask You or listen to You time after time. Forgive my inconsistent abiding. Help me improve my daily, personal relationship with You that my life might give honor to God. - dho

All rights reserved ~ used with permission of the author

Copyright 2013 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

“May you be blessed by the Lord Who loves you best!”

Preparing for Easter ~ Mark of Absolute Surrender

[God...made a lasting mark through the sacrifice of Jesus. Hebrews 13:20 MSG

During this season of reflection and renewal, join me, and let's explore the visible evidence that identifies us as faithful followers of Jesus. Can others see Jesus in our lives? ~ Donna Oswalt]

“Who then can be saved?” But Jesus looked at [His disciples] and said, “With man this is impossible but with God all things are possible.” Matthew 19:25-26 ESV

Andrew Murray writes: Two thoughts mark the two great lessons man has to learn in the religious life. One, in religion man can do nothing; salvation is impossible to man. Secondly, what has been impossible to man is possible with God. Learning these lessons marks stages in the Christian life. We must be able to surrender our self to God, allowing God to take control. Surrender is not easy for most of us. The recognition of the power of God must merge with our desire to let God work in our life. Without God, nothing is possible. In absolute surrender to Christ, we know salvation, and with God, we are empowered to work for His glory. Will you trust God with your life?

• What struggle can I lay down in absolute surrender, trusting God to handle? 
• What task does God want me to do? Will I let His power accomplish this?

Father, my inclination is NOT to surrender. Help me understand for my spiritual growth, I must lay down my agenda and my control. In absolute surrender I trust Your plan. – dho

All rights reserved ~ used with permission of the author

Copyright 2013 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

“May you be blessed by the Lord Who loves you best!”