Preparing for Easter ~ Mark of Ministry

[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]

Our work as God's servants gets validated--or not--in the details. People are watching us as we stay at our post, alertly, unswervingly ...in hard times, tough times, bad times; when we're beaten up, jailed, and mobbed; working hard, working late, working without eating; with pure heart, clear head, steady hand; in gentleness, holiness, and honest love; when we're telling the truth, and when God's showing his power; when we're doing our best setting things right; when we're praised, and when we're blamed; slandered, and honored; true to our word, though distrusted; ignored by the world, but recognized by God; terrifically alive, though rumored to be dead; beaten within an inch of our lives, but refusing to die; immersed in tears, yet always filled with deep joy; living on handouts, yet enriching many; having nothing, having it all.

2 Corinthians 6:4-10 MSG

The apostle Paul gives vivid descriptions of what can happen to those who share in the ministry of Christ. Certainly, there will be difficulties and dissensions of all kinds; persecution may become life threatening. Beyond the hard times, those who share in the ministry of Christ find deep joy. Our reward for being a servant of God has everlasting dividends that far exceed the earthly tasks. How does your spiritual wealth account look these days?

• Reading the above Scripture, mark the phrases that describe your ministry. 
• "in the details" - recall some specific details that mark your ministry in Christ.

God, when I look closely at the details of my servant hood, I am aware that my efforts are often small, without much risk. It is so easy to sit on the bench. Help me see the needs; give me the courage and endurance and humility to serve You. - 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 Spiritual Growth

[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]

I have written to you who are young because you are strong with God’s word living in your hearts, and you have won your battle with Satan. 1 John 2:14c NLT

When you read verses 12-14 in 1 John 2, John is writing to all ages of those who have put their faith in Christ. Each of us finds ourselves at different marks along this journey with Christ, but John gives us a place to grow ~ with God’s word living in your hearts. For a deeper relationship with Christ, we must spend time reading and contemplating and praying the Scriptures. God reveals himself through the word, speaks to our hearts, and directs our paths. Satan does not want us to have a relationship with Christ and attacks our efforts. His hope is that our faith will remain shallow, if it remains at all.

There are no shortcuts to study. It does require discipline to make time to be in God’s word. Perhaps even harder, it requires a desire to grow more like Christ and live the lessons we learn. Stay in The Word! 

• Read 1 John 2:12-14; note all the age groups mentioned.
•  Where are you on your journey with Christ? How will you grow to the next level?

God, we follow a risen Savior and desire to become more like Christ. As Your children, we have a lot to learn. Open the Scriptures to my heart and mind. Help me keep Your word living in my heart! - 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 Reverence

[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]

The Israelites crossed the Jordan River, into the Promised Land: The people came up out of the Jordan and set up camp at The Gilgal to the east of Jericho. Joshua erected a monument at The Gilgal, using the twelve stones that they had taken from the Jordan. And then [Joshua] told the people of Israel, “In the days to come, when your children ask their fathers, ‘What are these stones doing here?’ tell your children this: ‘Israel crossed over this Jordan on dry ground.’ . . . This was so everybody on earth would recognize how strong GOD’s rescuing hand is and so that you would hold GOD in solemn reverence always.”

Joshua 4:19-24 MSG

These stones from the Jordan River serve as a memorial marker for the Israelites. From Abraham first receiving God’s message of his descendants being a chosen people destined for a Promised Land until Joshua leads the Israelites across the Jordan River into this Promised Land spans nearly 800 years. They create this memorial just the way GOD tells Joshua. More importantly, is the reason: tell your children this: ‘Israel crossed over this Jordan on dry ground.’ Everybody is to recognize GOD’s strong rescuing hand and always hold GOD in solemn reverence. What an ongoing opportunity to share this God-story with their children, teaching them of God’s mighty power! God promises a chosen people their own land, God redeems His chosen from bondage in Egypt, God provides all they need, and then God safely makes a way for them to enter the Promised Land. This is a God-story of rescue and power, a God-story of promise.

We all have a God-story. God rescues us from sin through Jesus. Jesus redeems us from the bondage of a sinful life, provides all that we need, and then, when our physical life ends, our spirit continues to live with Him. Our Promised Land is the Everlasting Life that comes from Jesus. It is important to share our God-story with our children, family, friends, co-workers, or any soul in need. Once someone believes in the resurrection power of Jesus, the Everlasting Life begins. First, we grow more like Christ in our everyday living; in ministering to others, in sharing the Gospel, in study and prayer, we develop a deeper relationship with Christ. As you live this resurrection life, share your memorial markers; remember this holy God.

• Read Joshua chapters 3-4; imagine the emotions of this event.
• Do you know the resurrection power of God? Will you share your God-story with someone?

Holy One, I fall on my knees in awe of Your power, Your majesty, Your Goodness. Let me live each day remembering Your Promises. I am thankful for so much undeserved grace. – 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 Rescue

[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]

Rahab, a prostitute who helps Jewish spies sent by Joshua, asks that they show her kindness when they return. “Give me a sure sign that you will spare the lives [of my family] . . . from death.” The spies gave her specific instructions. “Agreed,” she replied. “Let it be as you say.” So she sent them away and they departed. And she tied the scarlet cord in the window. Joshua 2: 12-21 NIV

When the Israelites take Jericho, true to their word, Rahab and her family are spared while all the rest is destroyed. For Rahab, the scarlet cord is her mark of protection, her mark of rescue. Rahab is found in the lineage of Jesus [see Matthew chapter 1], and becomes the mother of Boaz, who marries Ruth; Ruth is the great grandmother of David the king. In Matthew’s recording, we see how faith in God gives way to grace and forgiveness. God can rescue even prostitutes and foreigners for His Kingdom work.

“True faith is marked by humility before God and ministry to others.” Have you been rescued? Is Jesus your scarlet cord? If not, today is not too soon! Jesus is waiting.

• In reading Joshua 2, describe how God uses a prostitute to further His Promise.
• From what sin do you need to be rescued? Are you willing to ask Jesus to rescue you?

God, in You there is power that exceeds all power. Continue to rescue me from my human frailty; help me focus on Your Promises, Your Provision, Your Plan for me. I want to be found faithful. – 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 False Teachers

[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]

Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world. By this you shall know the Spirit of God: every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, and every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not from God. 1 John4:1-3 ESV

Scofield’s commentary on this Scripture suggests two marks of false teachers: “(a) Erroneous doctrine concerning Christ’s Person and (b) Erroneous attitude toward the world." To assume that everything we hear or read about God is “true” can open our hearts and minds to false teaching. Those who have a world viewpoint use this as their reference and may have many followers. Some who speak the name of Jesus can lead others down the wrong path. Scripture tells us to discern the Spirit of Truth from a spirit of untruth by comparing the truths of God’s Word against the words we hear. The world will tell you there are “no absolute truths” and unfortunately, you can even hear that in some churches. "What's true for you is true!" is not compatible with the Word of God.

What absolute truths do Christians believe? One truth is found in 1 John 4:7-21. God is love. This is how God showed His love among us: He sent His one and only Son into the world that we might live through Him. This is love: not that we loved God but that He loves us and sent His Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. . . We love because He first loved us. Christ’s deity is an absolute truth, just as His humanity, miracles of healing, ministry of love and forgiveness, experiences of betrayal, crucifixion, death, burial and resurrection. Listen carefully to the rhetoric of others; read prayerfully the words in books. Listen for the Spirit of Truth. 

• Read 2 Kings 6:15-17: How are you encouraged by this account? 
• Read John 3:16-21: What absolute truths defend the Christian faith?

Lord, give me courage to seek the Spirit of Truth. Open my mind to corrupt views that diminish who You are. Help me listen with a discerning spirit! – 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 Meribah

[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]

After arriving at Kadesh, The LORD said to Moses, “Take the staff and you and your brother Aaron gather the assembly together. Speak to that rock before their eyes and it will pour out its water. . . Then Moses raised his arm and struck the rock twice with his staff. Water gushed out . . . But the LORD said to Moses and Aaron, “Because you did not trust in Me enough to honor Me as holy in the sight of the Israelites, you will not bring this community into the land I give them. Numbers 20:1-13 NIV

Nearly 40 years before, the Israelites arrive at this same place, Kadesh, after their rescue from Egypt. Their fear and disobedience cost them more years in the desert. Now, a new generation stands on the edge of finally entering the Promised Land. Yet, in all this time of God’s daily provision, they still complain about being in the desert. Forgetting their parents’ disobedience, they blame Moses, and quarrel about water.

Moses asks the Lord’s guidance and receives specific instructions. As Moses returns to the people, his anger rises at their contention and discord. In this moment, Moses strikes the rock – twice – and water comes. The problem is that God told Moses to “speak” to the rock. God is doing this miracle, but Moses is taking the credit. Now Moses stands before God and is told he will not enter the Promised Land. Moses is the leader, the model for the nation, and he had not shown God honor in his disobedience. This place was known as the waters of Meribah, because it was where the people of Israel argued with the LORD, and where He demonstrated His holiness among them.

When we do not rely on God, but allow emotions to tarnish God’s holiness, we can become self-righteous. In our disobedience we do not honor God. Like the Israelites, our continued sinful behavior, after God’s repeated provision and promise, shows a lack of trust. In our rebellion and enmity, we bear the mark of Meribah. We are the dwelling place of the Holy Spirit, and if we desecrate His temple, we do not bring honor to God who is Sovereign and Holy.

• Read Numbers 20:1-13, make a list of the people’s actions. How are you like them?
•  List Moses’ actions; list God’s responses. Do others see you trusting God?

Mighty One, forgive my foolish, self-centered focus. Remind me of Your generous Provisions. I desire to give You honor and glory. Increase my trust in You. – 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!”