Authority to Serve ~ Lent 2015

God’s Faithfulness ~ Our Everlasting Hope!

LORD, You are my God; I will exalt You and praise Your name, for in perfect faithfulness

You have done wonderful things, things planned long ago. Isaiah 25:1 NIV

During this season of reflection and renewal, join me in exploring God’s Faithfulness. Do you find strength for every circumstance in God’s Faithfulness? God IS Faithful!  God’s Faithfulness is our everlasting Hope! ~ Donna Oswalt

[Jesus said to the disciples] “…but whoever desires to become great among you shall be your servant… For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and give His life a ransom for many.” Mark 10:35-45 NKJV

Roman rule advances with economic and political power over all its territories, using brute force and Jewish leadership to control the people. The emperor, Tiberius Caesar, rules the Roman Empire with cruel justification, adept at lying while being lazy and self-indulgent. Pontius Pilate, the corrupt governor of Judea, uses his authority for his own advancement, making ruthless decisions. The High Priesthood in the Jerusalem Temple consists of Annas, the former High Priest who still retains authority and power while his son-in-law, Caiaphas, is the official High Priest of Israel. In Jewish society, religious leaders are the Pharisees, local synagogue leaders focusing on strict observance of all the Jewish laws and traditions, and the Sadducees, primarily upper-class, leaders interested in pleasing the Romans to maintain their place in society. Corrupt power and tyrannical authority define greatness in Rome.

Despite that Jesus explains again how He will be betrayed, beaten, killed, and rise from the dead on the third day, the disciples still think Jesus will rule an earthly kingdom. James and John ask Jesus to be His top advisers. Using the Roman rulers as an example of political leadership, Jesus contrasts true greatness with an example of servant leadership saying whoever desires to become great among you shall be your servant. Jesus continues, describing Himself as a servant and not someone who expects to be served. In His faithfulness and with sovereign authority, God delegates to Jesus the authority over all things. Jesus, the Suffering Servant, establishes authority in giving His life a ransom for many. Jesus redefines greatness as serving others. 

Lamb of God, to see You as a servant of all humbles me. The world tells me wealth and success, houses and cars, trips and investments give me power, pretending to purchase authority for me. I see You and recognize the emptiness of possessions, the lies and false security of earthly power. Great is Your faithfulness; You purchased my freedom from sin and call me to be a servant to others in Your name. So be it! -dho

Focus Point: Using the Roman rulers as an example of political leadership, Jesus contrasts true greatness with an example of servant leadership saying whoever desires to become great among you shall be your servant.

 All rights reserved; copyright 2015 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!”

Authority Over Creation ~ Lent 2015

God’s Faithfulness ~ Our Everlasting Hope!

LORD, You are my God; I will exalt You and praise Your name, for in perfect faithfulness

You have done wonderful things, things planned long ago. Isaiah 25:1 NIV

During this season of reflection and renewal, join me in exploring God’s Faithfulness. Do you find strength for every circumstance in God’s Faithfulness? God IS Faithful!  God’s Faithfulness is our everlasting Hope! ~ Donna Oswalt

…Then [Jesus] arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Peace, be still!” And the wind ceased and there was a great calm. But He said to them, “Why are you so fearful? How is it that you have no faith?” And they feared exceedingly, and said to one another, “Who can this be, that even the wind and the sea obey Him!” Mark 4:35-41 NKJV

The Roman Empire prepares to rule the earth. With every engineering feat, architectural accomplishment, and political ploy, Roman power gestures to the world. Greek tradition emphasizes knowledge, and evolving education includes studying languages, philosophy, literature and the arts. This culture influences the villages that live under Roman law. Governmental power and authority reign supreme throughout the land.

After a full day of teaching by the Sea of Galilee, Jesus tells the disciples to cross over to the other side of the sea, leaving the multitudes behind. In the boat, Jesus falls asleep, but a great windstorm quickly forms, threatening the boat with rough seas. Afraid, they awaken Jesus with panicked shouts. He calms the storm with a couple of words; immediately the wind and sea obey. Jesus demonstrates complete authority over nature. David Jeremiah writes, “Safety, however, is not the absence of trouble but rather the presence of Jesus.” In one act, Jesus models God’s faithfulness, teaching that trusting in the unchanging, infinite, and infallible character of God should be the foundation of faith. 

Lord, the sudden storms of life come unpredictable and unwanted. I feel their power to sweep me overboard, and the world mocks my calling out to You, says my prayers fall empty. But I know You are the Almighty God, the One with authority over all things, El Roi the God who sees me where I am, Jehovah-Jireh the Lord who provides whatever I need. Great is Your faithfulness and where I place my faith. –dho

Focus Point: In one act, Jesus models God’s faithfulness, teaching that trusting in the unchanging, infinite, and infallible character of God should be the foundation of faith.

All rights reserved; copyright 2015 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!”

Authority to Heal ~ Lent 2015

God’s Faithfulness ~ Our Everlasting Hope!

LORD, You are my God; I will exalt You and praise Your name, for in perfect faithfulness

You have done wonderful things, things planned long ago. Isaiah 25:1 NIV

During this season of reflection and renewal, join me in exploring God’s Faithfulness. Do you find strength for every circumstance in God’s Faithfulness? God IS Faithful!  God’s Faithfulness is our everlasting Hope! ~ Donna Oswalt

…Then Jesus, moved with compassion, stretched out His hand and touched him, and said to him, “I am willing; be cleansed.” As soon as He had spoken, immediately the leprosy left, and he was cleansed. Mark 1:40-42 NKJV

First century Roman culture boasts in its abundance of power and commerce, wealth and pagan piety, grand architecture and engineered roadways. Rome flourishes as an urban melting pot, but its two-tiered Upper and Lower Class social system divides the population. Not only does poverty brand, but those with disabilities and diseases must live as outcasts, both isolated and invisible. More specifically, anyone with leprosy (and other skin lesions), is considered unclean, forbidden to communicate or touch anyone, disallowed in the synagogue to worship, required to warn others as they approach. On this day, a compassionate Jesus displays God’s faithfulness with His authority to heal.

Mark shares many stories of Jesus healing a variety of people from paralysis, fever, leprosy, blindness, demon possession, healing Jews and Gentiles, healing men, women, and children. While leprosy bears a visible sign of disease, its greater implication suggests a spiritual corruption which prohibits the outcast from coming into the presence of the holy God. On this day, a humble leper kneels before Jesus, asks if Jesus would be willing to heal him, and with the authority given Him by the Father, Jesus touches the unclean man, healing him immediately. 

Lord, sin exposes my spiritual corruption, makes me unclean, separates me from You. My soul longs to be in Your presence, to find rest, to know peace, to feel loved. Jesus, You have the authority to heal. With immense compassion You see me; with unmeasured Grace You touch me, heal me, give me everlasting life. A spiritual leper, I endure because great is Your faithfulness. –dho

Focus Point: Jesus displays God’s faithfulness with His authority to heal.

All rights reserved; copyright 2015 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!”

Authority Over Evil ~ Lent 2015

God’s Faithfulness ~ Our Everlasting Hope!

LORD, You are my God; I will exalt You and praise Your name, for in perfect faithfulness

You have done wonderful things, things planned long ago. Isaiah 25:1 NIV

During this season of reflection and renewal, join me in exploring God’s Faithfulness. Do you find strength for every circumstance in God’s Faithfulness? God IS Faithful!  God’s Faithfulness is our everlasting Hope! ~ Donna Oswalt

…But Jesus rebuked him, saying, “Be quiet, and come out of him!” And when the unclean spirit had convulsed him and cried out with a loud voice, he came out of him. Then they were all amazed, so the they questioned among themselves, saying, “What is this? What new doctrine is this? For with authority He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey Him. Mark 1:21-27 NKJV

Capernaum, a wealthy and sinfully decadent city in the Roman Empire, flaunts its pagan influences. Prosperous and influential, the city by the Sea of Galilee represents a melting pot of Jews and Gentiles. Currently teaching at a synagogue in Capernaum, Jesus encounters a man who is possessed with evil spirits. Recognizing Jesus, the spirits begin shouting to Him, calling Him by name, mocking Him. Jesus tells them, “Be quiet, and come out of him!” They leave the man, but the audience is stunned, begins asking what happened, and how. These who watch begin to ask about this Jesus who has such absolute authority.

The primary purposes of Mark’s Gospel are to identify Jesus as Messiah, and to reveal His authority. In this story, Jesus demonstrates His power over evil. Like Capernaum, America is a highly influential power, that values money and beauty, thrives on diversity and individuality; its worldview often chooses political power over divine power. Poverty becomes a political platform while faith must take a backseat in public forums. Have we truly lost sight of God’s faithfulness by attempting to replace His power with our own? Do we constantly question the role of faith, the place of prayer, the need for redemption? Can we no longer hear Jesus teaching the Scriptures in our neighborhoods and families? Evil still recognizes Jesus and taunts us, but His absolute authority will always be stronger. 

Holy One, hear my heart’s disillusionment. Living in times where the powerful demand attention, I hear the cries of those who live on the margins of life. They need to know the power of Your authority, the peace in Your presence. Empower me to speak Your name in the presence of evil for great is Your faithfulness, great is Your hope for all. – dho

Focus Point:  Evil still recognizes Jesus and taunts us, but His absolute authority will always be stronger.

All rights reserved; copyright 2015 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!”

God's Faithfulness In Jesus' Authority ~ Lent 2015

God’s Faithfulness ~ Our Everlasting Hope!

LORD, You are my God; I will exalt You and praise Your name, for in perfect faithfulness

You have done wonderful things, things planned long ago. Isaiah 25:1 NIV

During this season of reflection and renewal, join me in exploring God’s Faithfulness. Do you find strength for every circumstance in God’s Faithfulness? God IS Faithful!  God’s Faithfulness is our everlasting Hope! ~ Donna Oswalt

One day Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee, and John baptized Him in the Jordan River. As Jesus came up out of the water, He saw the heavens splitting apart and the Holy Spirit descending on Him like a dove. And a voice from heaven said, “You are My dearly beloved Son, and You bring Me great joy.” Mark 1:9-11 NLT

Ancient Jewish tradition involves every generation retelling their stories that emphasize the faithfulness of God. Using these storytelling techniques, Mark unites the stories of Jesus with the power and authority given to Jesus by God. Mark wastes no words as he chronicles these stories for his primary audience, Rome and the gentile Christians of the Roman church. Sharing the “Good News about Jesus as Messiah” permeates this book, describing those who encounter God’s faithfulness in Jesus.

Scholars believe Mark pens these Jesus stories around 65-70 AD, a time of enormous turmoil for the first century church. Today, the church still faces opposition, fragmentation, and division as it shares the Good News. Despite the worldview that frequently doubts and condemns of the power and authority of Jesus, God’s faithfulness cannot be diminished, and Jesus remains faithful and true. 

Jesus, the Author and Finisher of my faith, let me be bold to share the Good News, to tell the stories of Your faithfulness, to tell them for Your glory. Lamb of God, You complete me. Great is Your faithfulness. –dho

Focus Point: God’s faithfulness cannot be diminished, and Jesus remains faithful and true. 

All rights reserved; copyright 2015 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!”

4th Sunday in Lent - By Faith

God’s Faithfulness ~ Our Everlasting Hope!

LORD, You are my God; I will exalt You and praise Your name, for in perfect faithfulness

You have done wonderful things, things planned long ago. Isaiah 25:1 NIV

During this season of reflection and renewal, join me in exploring God’s Faithfulness. Do you find strength for every circumstance in God’s Faithfulness? God IS Faithful!  God’s Faithfulness is our everlasting Hope! ~ Donna Oswalt

God will match your doubt with a revelation of Himself                                        that can convince you of His faithfulness.  Blackaby                                                                     

“By faith… who through faith subdued kingdoms, worked righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, became valiant in battle, turned to flight whole armies…” Hebrews 11

Bible scholars describe the 11^th chapter of Hebrews as the “Hall of Fame” of the Old Testament’s faithful men and women. Their lives have become stories of faith that stand in sharp contrast to those whose lives reflect disobedience and rebellion against God. Trusting in the faithfulness of God provides them assurance, a hope for their future, hope that God’s promises will be fulfilled. To understand this kind of faith, to live this depth of faith, there must be a belief in the infinite and invisible God as the Creator, God Almighty, Jehovah, Immanuel. Yahweh is the great I AM, the faithful God who never changes, whose promises never fail.

Take time to read this whole chapter; you will recognize names, places, stories. While these often life-threatening situations test their strength, will, flesh, and endurance, God provides; yet, even receiving God’s approval, none of them received all that God had promised. Through the Messiah, along with all those who stand faithful with Christ, these heroes of faith will receive God’s reward. God’s plan offers a greater grace, includes the Gentile people, creates one body of believers. God’s holy love gives us the gift of faith, then wraps it with Grace. Now, our lives must become new stories of faith, teaching others why to believe and when to trust and how to endure.

Yahweh – the beginning of all things, the God of everlasting hope – help me unwrap my gift of faith to bring You glory. Help me tell Your story of love with my life. Great is Your faithfulness! Hallelujah!  -dho

Focus Point: God’s holy love gives us the gift of faith, then wraps it with Grace. Now, our lives must become new stories of faith, teaching others why to believe and when to trust and how to endure.

All rights reserved; copyright 2015 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!”