Faces in the Crowd

Deus caritas est! “…God is love.” 1 John 4:16

As we enter this season of reflection and renewal, let’s rediscover God calling to His children, revealing His goodness, and transforming each one with Perfect Love. "This is real love – not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins" (1 John 4:10) ~ Donna Oswalt

The temple God wants to be master of the human soul, which he created and fashioned just like himself. We read that God said, "Let us make man on our own image."... He made each soul so much like himself that nothing else in heaven or on earth resembles him as much... God wants the temple to be pure, so pure that nothing should dwell there except he himself. And that is the reason why he is so pleased when we really prepare our souls for him.  Meister Eckhart (1260-1327)

A growing crowd has followed Jesus these last weeks, watching and testifying to what they have witnessed - Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead, many miracles of healing, parables and teachings. The religious leaders, struggling with supernatural possibility and personal pride, are threatened, fearing the crowd's allegiance to Jesus.

The Pharisees therefore said among themselves, "You see that you are accomplishing nothing. Look, the world has gone after Him." John 12:19 NKJV

The crowd, like the Pharisees, come with their own agendas. Some are caught up in the excitement of the moment, some looking for the extraordinary, and some skeptical but curious. The Pharisees think the crowd is foolish, but wants to find something to discredit Jesus' popularity. We are sometimes the crowd, watching, wondering, looking for more! We are sometimes like the Pharisees, cynical, doubting, expecting less! 

READ John 12:17-19

consider this!

- Picture yourself in the crowd. Who are you? What do you expect from Jesus?

- Consider yourself a Pharisee. What questions do you ask?

- How am I preparing my soul for the living Christ?

Holy Father! Prepare my soul for the journey it must take. Help me step away from the crowd to be with You, to listen for You, to feel You near. Take my cynicism and make it compassion. Take my doubt and make it trust. Take my soul to Your high places of blessing. Amen. -dho

All rights reserved; copyright 2017 by Donna Oswalt/Co-Founder of Mangrove Ministries/Christian blogger and author;  Breathing Room For My Soul (blog)~ Follow on Twitter @soulchat

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Palm Sunday - Oneness in Christ - Recognizing Jesus

Deus caritas est! “…God is love.” 1 John 4:16

As we enter this season of reflection and renewal, let’s rediscover God calling to His children, revealing His goodness, and transforming each one with Perfect Love. "This is real love – not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins" (1 John 4:10) ~ Donna Oswalt

A life of complete faith propels one to live not by his own ideas, impulses, or abilities, but by the leadings of the Spirit that have much the same ebb and flow and unpredictability that wind and waves do." John Haughey

Those watching for the Messiah, their King-to-be, anticipate much more pomp and circumstance, grandeur and power. They think the Messiah will rule on earth. Instead, God's plan allows Jesus to enter Jerusalem on a donkey with His disciples following but not understanding. Often times, God's plans for us come in unpredictable ways, like on a donkey, and we do not understand at the time.

"Fear not daughter of Zion;
Behold your King is coming,
Sitting on a donkey's colt." John 12:15 NKJV

Hoping for a king, the people do not recognize Jesus as the Messiah. Shouting Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the LORD! The King of Israel!, the crowd waves palm branches as Jesus enters Jerusalem riding a donkey. Like those lining the parade route some 2,000 years ago, sometimes we do not always recognize Jesus, like when He wears the tattered clothes of a beggar or the tears of an abused child or the hunger in a distant land or the loneliness of an empty life. Like the disciples, we follow Jesus but do not always understand in the disappointment or the crisis during the parade. Only afterwards do we recognized Jesus and the Providence and Grace of a loving God. 

READ John 12:12-16

consider this!

- The crowd is shouting words from a Psalm. Read Psalm 118 and find the words.

- When DID the disciples understand?

- As you read these verses in John, imagine yourself standing in the crowd. How might you react?

Faithful Father! Your wisdom exceeds my best ideas. My heart's desire is that You find me faithful. Help me see You in all things. Amen. -dho

All rights reserved; copyright 2017 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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Anointed and Prepared

Deus caritas est! “…God is love.” 1 John 4:16

As we enter this season of reflection and renewal, let’s rediscover God calling to His children, revealing His goodness, and transforming each one with Perfect Love. "This is real love – not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins" (1 John 4:10) ~ Donna Oswalt

For God himself works in our souls, in their deepest depths, taking increasing control as we are progressively willing to be prepared for His wonder. Thomas Kelly, Devotional Classics by Foster/Smith

During these weeks of Lent, the intention is to be a time of reflection, a time for the soul to be prepared to once again consider the sacrifice of the Perfect Lamb for sinners, imperfect in every way. This is not to suggest that the Easter season is the only time for reflection or study; certainly it is not , but it can be a time of spiritual renewal. As the last week approaches and the familiar story unfolds, be prepared to listen, be prepared for His wonder.

But Jesus said, "Let her alone; she has kept this for the day of My burial." John 12:7

As you read this account of Mary's anointing Jesus feet with expensive perfume, consider the extravagance of her gesture. Commentaries tell us this expensive perfume equals a year's wages. Mary receives criticism from one of His disciples, Judas Iscariot. Jesus intercedes, once again reminding that He will not be with them much longer. Mary's soul somehow understands the gravity of the time at hand. She abandons the expected role, steps outside the boundaries. Mary senses the wonder of Jesus and the house is filled with the fragrance of love.

READ John 12:1-8

consider this!

- List all those Scripture mentions as being present at this dinner.

- What is your reaction to Judas' comment?

- Now, consider the extravagance of Jesus' love.

Lord, in Your presence I find unspoken joy, wordless praise, endless thanksgiving. You draw me to Perfect Love, and I long for more. Prepare my heart and mind and soul as I once again walk the dusty roads up to Jerusalem, stand in the crowds watching, listen to the mocking, see the Body broken for me, contemplate the cross, find the empty tomb. Amen. -dho

All rights reserved; copyright 2017 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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Spiritual Sight

Deus caritas est! “…God is love.” 1 John 4:16

As we enter this season of reflection and renewal, let’s rediscover God calling to His children, revealing His goodness, and transforming each one with Perfect Love. "This is real love – not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins" (1 John 4:10) ~ Donna Oswalt

 For the grateful man knows that God is good, not by hearsay but by experience. And that is what makes all the difference. Thomas Merton, Thoughts in Solitude (p.33)

Jesus hears about the Pharisees throwing the formerly-blind beggar out of the synagogue. He finds the man and asks, "Do you believe in the Son of Man?" The man does not recognize Jesus having been blind when they previously met. Jesus invites this man to become part of the Kingdom. With a desire to know Jesus, he accepts. His roadside experience begins with at physical healing, but the real transformation, the spiritual sight, happens on the inside.

Then Jesus told him, "I have come to judge the world, I have come to give sight to the blind and to show those who think they see that they are blind. John 9:39 NLT

The Pharisees present are indignant that Jesus would suggest they are spiritually blind! And once again, we find ourselves dressed as a Pharisee. Yes, we believers can be spiritually blind when we choose our desires instead of being obedient to God's will, when we justify our busyness inside the church instead of reaching outside the church walls into the community, when we rationalize our sins instead of acknowledging that the world has us in its grip. Only through Jesus can we overcome spiritual blindness!

READ John 9:35-41

consider this!

- Read verse 35; what gives you comfort?

- Explain who these two groups of people are that Jesus refers to as "the blind" and "those who think they see".

- What experience with God makes me grateful?

God of might and mercy, You find us, care for us, love us. Your compassion exceeds our needs, heals our wounds, offers us tenderness. Our response to can be one of humility and gratitude or self-righteousness and self-assurance. Forgive my blindness, my egocentric bows to the world's applause. It is YOU, and You alone, I long to see clearly. Amen. -dho

All rights reserved; copyright 2017 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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Holy Surprises!

Deus caritas est! “…God is love.” 1 John 4:16

As we enter this season of reflection and renewal, let’s rediscover God calling to His children, revealing His goodness, and transforming each one with Perfect Love. "This is real love – not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins" (1 John 4:10) ~ Donna Oswalt

When we are truly open, we will be surprised by something in the encounter. And that surprise - that unique presence of God - can be called... holiness. Robert J. Wicks, Living Simply in an Anxious World (p. 51)

The Pharisees continue to question the beggar, "This man who opened your eyes - who do you say he is?" This miracle has caused much controversy and questioning, much examination and concern. Even the man's parents must face the inquisitors. We can identify with this man and his parents when we are willing to stand up and share our experiences with Jesus. There will always be those who question and doubt.

[The beggar responds] "I don't know whether he is a sinner... but I know this: I was blind, and now I can see!" John 9:25 NLT

When we encounter the Living Christ, we are changed from the inside; we are transformed. Christ puts a robe of righteousness around our shoulders and welcomes us into the family. Do we suddenly have all the answers? We never will have ALL the answers. As followers of Christ our response must be to simply tell our faith-story.

READ John 9:17-34

consider this!

- Why is it important that the Pharisees shed doubt on the beggar's healing?

- Remember a time when your faith has been challenged? What did you say or do?

- Tell your faith-story - it is the most meaningful tool anyone has for sharing the Gospel.

Holy One! The world denies You, attempts to minimize Your power. Sometimes the task to tell my story seems daunting. Does MY story really matter? Isn't it God's story I should tell? What if they mock me? What if they do not listen? Make my faith bold enough to stand and share my own God-story with another. Make me humble in the telling of Your faithfulness and Grace. Amen. -dho

All rights reserved; copyright 2017 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

Self-Righteous Divisions

Deus caritas est! “…God is love.” 1 John 4:16

As we enter this season of reflection and renewal, let’s rediscover God calling to His children, revealing His goodness, and transforming each one with Perfect Love. "This is real love – not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins" (1 John 4:10) ~ Donna Oswalt

The greatest enemy to human souls is the self-righteous spirit which makes men look to themselves for salvation. Charles Spurgeon

The Pharisees were an influential religious authority in Judaism. They reinforced the Jewish law. Knowledgeable and well-versed in the Scriptures, the Pharisees quoted the law and prided themselves on living the law. In some ways, we who attend church and Bible studies, teach Sunday School, serve on church committees, and sing in the choir can act the same as the Pharisees. We, too, can be self-righteous in our actions to those we think are less religious than we are.

Some of the Pharisees said, "This man Jesus is not from God, for he is working on the Sabbath." Others said, "But how could an ordinary sinner to such miraculous signs?" So there was deep division of opinion among them. John 9:16 NLT

Churches and religious organizations and Christians struggle with the same issues as the Pharisees. In our desire to represent God to the world, we can create deep division between  ordinary sinners and religious sinners. There is none. Our pride gets in the way and often can be a wedge instead of a lever; we hinder instead of encourage. In our disagreements, we plod along in our certainty, without love or compassion or gentleness. How like the Pharisees we can be!

READ John 9:13-16

consider this!

- What was the Sabbath? To was 'law' are the Pharisees referring?

- Name an example of a deep division in a religious group today.

- How do you know Jesus is from God? Find a Scripture to support your answer.

Lord, forgive me when I find more delight in knowing about You than in "knowing" You. Give me eyes to see my neighbors as You see me - a sinner in need of grace. Amen. -dho

All rights reserved; copyright 2017 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