Preparing for Easter ~ Place of Giants

[Lord, You have been our dwelling place in all generations…from everlasting to everlasting  Psalm 90:1-2  

During this season of reflection and renewal, join me, and let's explore God’s Presence, our dwelling place. Are you dwelling in the presence of God? ~ Donna Howell Oswalt]

“David shouted in reply [to the Goliath, the giant Philistine],’You come to me with a sword, spear, and javelin, but I come to you in the name of the LORD Almighty – the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. Today the LORD will conquer you … and everyone will know that the LORD does not need weapons to rescue His people. It is His battle, not ours. The LORD will give you to us!’” 1 Samuel 17:45-47 NLT

The armies of Israel and the Philistines camp on the opposite sides of the Valley of Elah in Judah. For forty days, twice a day, morning and evening, the Philistine giant strutted in front of the Israelite army. David, son of Jesse, a shepherd boy from Bethlehem, is given bread and cheese to take to his older brothers who serve in the Israelite army. He sees Goliath, the champion from Gath, come forward, shouting his challenge to the army of Israel. David tells King Saul, “I’ll go fight this Philistine, for he has defied the armies of the living God!” David goes with the confidence that the LORD will be with him. He picks up five smooth stones from a stream. Armed with his sling, David steps out with faith in a mighty God and wins a victory over the giant!

Over three thousand years later, this story about facing the giant continues to be told, continues to be relevant to us. Today the historic Valley of Elah rests in the hill country of Palestine. A stream runs through the valley during the rainy season. There are no landmarks, no memorials. People frequently pass this place but remain unaware of the historical battlefield. Many of our struggles are fought on a spiritual battlefield where giants taunt us, where others remain unaware. Like incense rising, when we pray to the Living God, we experience spiritual victory over the giants. God of the Angel Armies, see the giants before me. Call them by name; conquer them! Give me strength to step out in faith knowing You are leading the battle, preparing the way, giving the spiritual victory. Count me alive in Christ. May Your Glory mark these places! ~dho

All rights reserved ~ used with permission of the author

Copyright 2014 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 ~ Place of Dedication

[Lord, You have been our dwelling place in all generations…from everlasting to everlasting  Psalm 90:1-2  

During this season of reflection and renewal, join me, and let's explore God’s Presence, our dwelling place. Are you dwelling in the presence of God? ~ Donna Howell Oswalt]

“As Samuel grew up, the LORD was with him, and everything Samuel said was wise and helpful. All the people of Israel from one end of the lad to the other knew that Samuel was confirmed a prophet of the LORD. The LORD continued to appear at Shiloh and gave messages to Samuel there at the Tabernacle. And Samuel’s words went out to all the people of Israel.”

1 Samuel 3:19-21 NLT

Beloved by the LORD but barren, Hannah, in deep anguish, crying bitterly, earnestly prays to the LORD for a son. As she prays at the Tabernacle in Shiloh, her offering is genuine, “I will give him back to You.”  Hannah dedicates this child to the LORD before conception. God remembers her prayer, Hannah gives birth to a son, and she names him ‘Samuel’ which means I asked the LORD for him. Hannah takes Samuel to the Tabernacle, dedicates him to the LORD. Growing up in the Tabernacle, Samuel matures into a prophet as God continues to reveal Himself through His word. Because of his genuine dedication to God, Samuel becomes God’s servant.

Samuel endures as the most effective and last judge for Israel, anointing their first two kings. Shaped by God even before conception, Samuel’s spiritual leadership always embraces a relationship with God. To be effective witnesses for Christ, we must dedicate ourselves to God while maintaining a genuine, growing relationship with God. God of mercy, in my darkest times I cry out to You, trusting that You want the best for me. Fill me with Your Presence in moments of doubt, despair, and unfulfilled desire. Let Your words echo in my soul in moments of conflict, confusion, and unseen change. Count me alive in Christ. Holy Spirit, work in and through me. ~dho

All rights reserved ~ used with permission of the author

Copyright 2014 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 ~ Place of Wisdom

[Lord, You have been our dwelling place in all generations…from everlasting to everlasting  Psalm 90:1-2  

During this season of reflection and renewal, join me, and let's explore God’s Presence, our dwelling place. Are you dwelling in the presence of God? ~ Donna Howell Oswalt]

“Lord, You have been our dwelling place in all generations.” Psalm 90:1

Commonly credited to Moses, Psalm 90 draws our thoughts to God’s Power in contrast to human frailty. God, everlasting to everlasting, is not bound by time but dwells in eternity; humanity is brief and finite. Verses 7-11 refer to Kadesh Barnea, a place of decision, the beginning of the Israelites’ 40-year journey in the wilderness. This prayer acknowledges their poor decision, lack of faith in God, rebellion, and God’s anger with them. A plea for compassion and restoration follows with an expressed desire to find satisfaction in God’s mercy.

Teach us to realize the brevity of life, so that we may grow in wisdom. Our experiences of success and failure, past and present, help prepare us for life, but all of our life experiences collectively prepare our hearts for eternity. Only in realizing a need for God, in trusting the power with God, in searching the wisdom of God, can life be fruitful now and eternal after. Elohim, God of All-Power, grow me with Your compassion and unfailing love. Let wisdom flood my mind. Sometimes, life walks, wades, wails, and waits; other times, the days dance, dream, delight, and discover. In all these times, my soul longs to dwell with You forever. Count me alive in Christ. Satisfy me with Your mercy! ~dho

All rights reserved ~ used with permission of the author

Copyright 2014 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 ~ Place of Decision

[Lord, You have been our dwelling place in all generations…from everlasting to everlasting  Psalm 90:1-2  

During this season of reflection and renewal, join me, and let's explore God’s Presence, our dwelling place. Are you dwelling in the presence of God? ~ Donna Howell Oswalt]

“Now the Amalekites and the Canaanites dwell in the valley; tomorrow turn and move out into the wilderness by the Way of the Red Sea.” Exodus 15:25 NKJV

Arriving at Kadesh Barnea, Moses and the Israelites wait at the gate to the Promised Land. Twelve scouts, one from each tribe, explore Canaan. Upon their return, there is great discussion about whether to continue into the chosen land. Only two of the twelve, Joshua and Caleb, think proceeding into the land which flows with milk and honey a right decision. Rebellion and fear coupled with a lack of trust becomes a 40 year journey of waiting in the wilderness. Unfaithful disobedience delays God’s best plan.

From exile and slavery in Egypt to the entrance of the Promised Land, neither a pillar of cloud by day nor a pillar of fire by night left its place in front of the people. God’s Presence remains with Israel, but the consequences of disobedience prove arduous. We walk in a land of battles and blessings today. God has a plan for each one of us, but all too often we do not follow His leading in our decisions. Lord, I know I should seek You in my places of decision. I know I should listen for Your voice to lead me through the times I am unsure, afraid, confused. When I fail to be obedient, use the wilderness to grow my faithfulness. Count me alive in Christ. Always desiring my best, You go before me! ~dho

All rights reserved ~ used with permission of the author

Copyright 2014 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 ~ 1st Sunday in Lent ~ God's Presence Dwells with His People

[Lord, You have been our dwelling place in all generations…from everlasting to everlasting  Psalm 90:1-2  

During this season of reflection and renewal, join me, and let's explore God’s Presence, our dwelling place. Are you dwelling in the presence of God? ~ Donna Howell Oswalt]

All His glory and beauty come from within, and there He delights to dwell.

His visits are frequent, His conversations sweet, His comforts refreshing:

His peace passing all understanding.

Thomas Kempis

“The LORD replied, ‘My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.’” Exodus 33:14

From the beginning in the garden, God desires an intimate relationship and divine fellowship with His people. At 75 years of age, Abraham leaves Haran in obedience to God’s call to a Promised Land. His response in faith to God would be blessed many times over; witnesses testify, “God is with you in all that you do.” Joseph, sold into slavery by his own brothers, is imprisoned in Egypt, but Scripture recounts, “the Lord is with him in prison,” protecting and providing. Joseph becomes a ruler in Egypt, saves the people from famine, including his own brothers. Moses leads the Israelites from captivity in Egypt across the Red Sea, a miracle of God. Throughout the next 40 years, God repeatedly demonstrates His promise to Moses and to His people, “My presence will go with you.” Despite the separation of God and mankind by sin, He still longs to be in relationship with us.

Because of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, we can boldly enter the Most Holy Place. Let us go right into the presence of God with sincere hearts fully trusting Him. [Hebrews 10:22] Through Christ’s sacrifice, the intimate relationship between God and us is restored. How do we know our dwelling place is truly in God’s Presence? A genuine response to God must exceed our personal desires. Stepping out with faithful obedience to Christ’s example to love and encourage others will reveal our heart’s true resting place. Faithful Father, God of Power and Promise, find me willing to embrace Your goodness. In divine fellowship with You and other believers, let my words demonstrate love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. When I stand surrounded by those who are cold and lonely, hungry and thirsty, open my heart to live by the Spirit. Count me alive in Christ, my dwelling place His Presence. ~dho

All rights reserved ~ used with permission of the author

Copyright 2014 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 ~ Place of Rejection

[Lord, You have been our dwelling place in all generations…from everlasting to everlasting  Psalm 90:1-2  

During this season of reflection and renewal, join me, and let's explore God’s Presence, our dwelling place. Are you dwelling in the presence of God? ~ Donna Howell Oswalt]

“. . . He is unclean, and he shall dwell alone; his dwelling shall be outside the camp.” Leviticus 13:46

Leviticus contains many instructions for God’s covenant people given to protect, to guide in worship, to distinguish them from pagans, and to instruct the priests. The laws concerning “leprosy” offer very specific protocols. At this time, leprosy relates to any disfiguring skin disease; true leprosy, ulcers, burns, psoriasis, fungal infections and other skin diseases fall into this category. While the purposes of these rules are to offer protection and maintain holiness, the diseased person is considered unclean, becomes isolated and must live outside the camp. For these people, this is a place of rejection.

In Leviticus 14:1-18, to cleanse and restore the leper, the priest must go outside to the unclean person and perform certain rituals. With sacrifices, water, blood and oil, the priest makes atonement for the person before the Lord. Similarly, sin creates a spiritual leprosy that infects the soul. Without Christ, grace can only wait to heal our wounds while we remain isolated and broken outside the camp. Christ knows about this place of rejection, having been willing to leave heaven and willing to die for our sins, having been betrayed and crucified outside of Jerusalem. Christ finds us where we are waiting. He becomes the sacrifice, the Living Water, the blood of the Lamb, the Holy Anointing for each person seeking new life. Holy One, You look beyond my unclean, disfigured soul and offer me Grace. No longer broken and alone, I find new life, new hope, new joy, new healing, new community. Count me alive in Christ. No longer separated, I can dwell in the presence of God. ~dho

All rights reserved ~ used with permission of the author

Copyright 2014 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!”