Preparing for Easter ~ Place of Hope

[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]

For Christ has entered, not into holy places made with hands, but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God on our behalf. Hebrews 9:24

Looking at the first-century church, the underlying tensions and quiet rebellion within Jerusalem and the inner circles of Jewish leadership compete with Rome’s political agenda. Factions among Christian believers clash with Jewish tradition. These are difficult times. Their only hope rests in the resurrection of Christ, in the spreading of the Good News. HOPE lives in the presence of God.

Today, we live in a world that craves immediate gratification and power that breeds arrogance, pride, and self-sufficiency. We experience conflict and contradiction on all sides. These are difficult times. So, after all these centuries, what hope do we have? Jesus, through all generations, throughout all time, You are still the only HOPE! Grace pours over me and refreshes my soul in the chaos of this world. For now, You live in the presence of God and speak my prayers before Him. Count me alive in Christ. Holy Spirit, live in 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 ~

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

Preparing for Easter ~ Place of Unity

[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]

“So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints, and are of God’s household, having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus Himself being the corner stone, in whom the whole building, being fitted together, is growing into a holy temple in the Lord, in who you also are being built together into a dwelling of God in the Spirit.” Ephesians 2:16-19 NASB

Through Christ, there is reconciliation with God which destroys the barriers that divide people, which breaks down the walls that people build between each other. Scripture offers proof that Christ has died for all. In Christ, there are no distinctions between racial background or economic status, cultural differences or dietary choices. Living in unity with Christ and without division is truly living the resurrection. When the Holy Spirit dwells within us, our unity in Christ will look beyond the differences and share the uncommon love of Jesus.

The 1^st century church provides the language that the 21^st century church needs. God looks beyond our differences and builds His dwelling places with Extravagant Love. Holy One, my safe place is surrounded by people just like me, but You call me to look beyond myself, to walk outside my carefully constructed walls, to search within my redeemed soul, to find community in You. Count me alive in Christ. Build us all together as Your dwelling place. -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!”

Preparing for Easter ~ Place of Inclusion

[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 I began to speak, the Holy Spirit came on them as He had come on us at the beginning. Then I remembered what the Lord had said: ‘John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.’ So if God gave them the same gift He gave us who believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I to think that I could stand in God’s way?”

Acts 11:15-17

Messengers from Caesarea sent by Cornelius, a Roman officer and faithful man, visit Peter in Joppa asking that he come and share the Good News with the Gentiles. Peter breaks Jewish rules by entering the house of a non-Jew, but the Holy Spirit approves. Those present believe and are baptized. Upon Peter’s return to Jerusalem, some criticize him, but after discussion, they realize, “God has also given the Gentiles the privilege of turning from sin and receiving eternal life.”

Caesarea, the largest port city on the Mediterranean Sea, becomes the location of the first Gentile Christians and later the first non-Jewish church. Peter’s obedience to God marks the beginning of God’s plan to redeem Gentiles. God desires that all people come to know Christ. Spirit of Grace, open my heart to the prejudices that constrain my influence for Christ, melt the barriers that cultural experiences create between me and those God chooses, direct my steps toward the ones who need to hear the Good News. Count me alive in Christ. Holy Spirit, fill me with a spirit of inclusion. - 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!”

Preparing for Easter ~ Place of Transformation

[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 [Saul] was nearing Damascus on this mission, a brilliant light from heaven suddenly beamed down upon him! He fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul! Saul! Why are you persecuting me?” “Who are you, sir?” Saul asked. And the voice replied. “I am Jesus, the one you are persecuting! Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you are to do.” Acts 9:3-6 NLT

Saul, well-educated, steeped in Judaism, a Pharisee of Pharisees, continues his mission to persecute all who profess belief in Christ. Saul is present at the stoning of Stephen, one of the seven designated spiritual leaders of the early church. After this, a great persecution against the church begins in Jerusalem and many believers scatter to various regions of Judea and Samaria. Saul begins going everywhere to devastate the church. He went from house to house, dragging both men and women to throw them into jail. Then, on the road to Damascus Saul encounters Jesus.       

Jesus transforms Saul, personally choosing him to preach the Good News across the Roman Empire, especially to the Gentiles. Renamed Paul, a Christian missionary with a rich history in Judaism, he becomes one of the most prolific writers of the New Testament. Lord, Paul says, “For to me, living is for Christ.” I yearn for my life to reflect Christ, to be transformed daily to become even more like Christ. Take my abilities, my knowledge, my experiences, even my weaknesses. Count me alive in Christ. Use all of me for Your Glory. -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!”

Preparing for Easter ~ Place of Obedience

[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]

“When they had brought them, they stood them before the Council. The high priest questioned them saying, “We gave you strict orders not to continue teaching in this name, and yet, you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and intend to bring this man’s blood upon us.” But Peter and the apostles answered, “We must obey God rather than men.”

Acts 5:27-29 NASB

The first years of the church survive despite beatings and arrests of the apostles by the religious community. God’s power continually gives them boldness in teaching and preaching the Gospel of Jesus. The Holy Spirit empowers them to perform miracles of healing. Many people begin to believe, and the numbers of followers are increasing. While religious leaders repeatedly reject and slander and imprison the apostles, God keeps releasing them with renewed passion.

The apostles and these first disciples experience great personal risks in continuing to speak the Good News of salvation through Jesus Christ. They are hated, ridiculed, and punished for their obedience to God. Lord, let me recognize the Spirit that dwells within me as I stand firm in my faith when others around me lie and cheat, as I kneel faithfully in reverence when others curse and mock Your name. Count me alive in Christ. I choose to obey You!  - 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!”

Preparing for Easter ~ Place of Holy Wind

[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]

“When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a noise like a strong, blowing wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting.  They saw something like flames of fire that were separated and stood over each person there.  They were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they began to speak different languages by the power the Holy Spirit was giving them.” Acts 2:1-4 NCV

Jewish history recounts that the curtains in the Temple that separate the Most Holy Place would sometimes move and describes this as phenomenon as Rauch HaKodesh, a Hebrew phrase meaning “Breath of the Holies”. In the Old Testament, the Jewish people understand the Holy Spirit to be God’s influence over humanity and the universe. In Psalm 51:11 David pleads with God, “Do not banish me from Your presence, and don’t take your Holy Spirit from me.” God always desires to dwell in the presence of His people.

After Jesus ascends back to heaven, as promised, the Holy Spirit descends to His followers. The Holy Spirit is the Helper, the Comforter, the Spirit of Truth. Now, Jesus sits at the right hand of God, and the Holy Spirit becomes God’s Presence with us. Holy Spirit, come alongside of me and breathe holy life into my thoughts, my purpose, my service. In You I know the presence of the Lord. Holy Wind, embrace me, encourage me, empower me. Count me alive in Christ. Spirit of the Living God, fall afresh on 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

LIKE Mangrove Ministries on Facebook

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