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

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“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

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“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!”

Preparing for Easter ~ Mark of Jesus - I AM the Bread of Life

[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]

5^th Sunday in Lent

Jesus replied, “I am the Bread of Life. No one who comes to Me will ever be hungry again. Those who believe in Me will never thirst. . . I am the living bread that came down out of heaven. Anyone who eats this bread will live forever; this bread is my flesh, offered so the world may live.” John 6:35,58 NLT

Jesus uses bread to explain the difference between meeting the physical needs of hunger and the spiritual needs of redemption. Our physical life requires ongoing nutrition to survive, while our spiritual growth requires an ongoing relationship with Jesus. The greatest difference between bread and living bread is that in Christ our souls know permanent nourishment, everlasting sustenance.

How does one eat living bread? Believing that Christ’s death and resurrection brings each one new life and trusting the Holy Spirit for guidance is the beginning. Continuing to grow in our knowledge and faith sustains us. Sharing the Good News of Jesus, sharing the living bread with others gives an even deeper satisfaction. Christ came down out of heaven, and Perfect Love offered Himself so the world may live.

• Hungry? How much time do you spend feeding your soul with God’s word? 
• Will you commit to spending time with God - daily?

Living Bread ~ I am fed by an offering I cannot explain. Bread of Heaven, feed me ‘til I want no more. My God-story is full! – 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 Fullness

[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]

So be careful how you live, not as fools but as those who are wise. Make the most of every opportunity for doing good in these evil days. Don’t’ act thoughtlessly, but try to understand what the Lord wants you to do. Don’t be drunk with wine, because that will ruin your life. Instead, let the Holy Spirit fill and control you. Then you will sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, making music to the Lord in your hearts. And you will always give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Ephesians 5:15-20 NLT

Scripture tells us to be filled with the Holy Spirit instead of the world. If we are filled with the Spirit, life exhibits certain characteristics. We are to live wisely, seek opportunities to do good, be thoughtful, and listen for the voice of God to direct us. The word of God goes on to explain that living by the world’s standards brings short-term happiness leaving us with temporary fixes; however, by being filled with the Spirit, we find ourselves and joy-full. As we share His love with others, our praises rise to the Lord. Thanksgiving flows from our hearts. A life that is marked by the fullness of the Holy Spirit radiates contentment.

• Compare the world’s temporary relief with God’s eternal joy. 
• Daily, submit to the Spirit’s leading and find God’s power.

Holy Father, in all things help me to see Your goodness. Your Presence dwells with me and brings me wisdom and kindness to share with others - for Your glory! – 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 Maturity

[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]

Every part of Scripture is God-breathed and useful one way or another – showing us truth, exposing our rebellion, correcting our mistakes, training us to live God’s way. Through the Word we are put together and shaped up for the tasks God has for us. 

2 Timothy 3:16 MSG

How are you growing in Christ? All believers need to grow in faith and knowledge of Christ, trusting Him more and more. God provides for us the Holy Scriptures, which not only reveal Himself to us but also give instruction in the way to love and live as Christ. Without studying the Word of God, we cannot develop spiritual maturity. 

Satan hates Bible Study and loves to discourage us in this area of growth. Do you find it hard to make time for Bible study? Do you find it easy to justify your excuses? These are some of Satan’s efforts. Our intentions to study must be deliberate and reach beyond diversions of all kinds. This demands we choose to study more. Are you hungry and thirsty for the Word of God?

• Do you have a favorite Bible verse that you can bring to your mind when times are difficult? 
• How will you search the Bible for truth? Are you afraid your rebellion may be exposed?

Holy One, fill us with the desire to love You more. Teach us how to love and live more like You. With the Word of God, You shape us and grow us into a deeper faith walk. – 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 the Unregenerate Heart

 [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]

But he who hates his brother is in darkness and walks in darkness, and does not know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded his eyes. 1 John 2:11 NKJV

Some claim Christianity but walk in darkness, blinded to the Truth. We are to love each other, and if we live with hatred, then we are living in sin and not in fellowship with God. Ray Stedman says, “such an attitude of hostility, indifference, or unconcern toward another is a mark of an unregenerate life.”* Stedman’s insight defines hates and darkness more specifically. Hate creates a hardening within the heart. The dictionary defines unregenerate as “unrepentant, not reformed, wicked, obstinate, unconvinced, refusing to believe.” This is not the kind of heart where the Spirit dwells. 

The power of Satan over our lives can be broken with the grace of Christ, but each one of us must choose to forgive others, as Christ forgives us. The one who carries the attitude of hostility, indifference, or unconcern toward another walks in darkness. But whoever keeps His word, truly the love of God is perfected in him. By this we know that we are in Him. (1 John 2:5) How is your heart?

• Read 1 John 2:1-11; Who is our Advocate? What is propitiation? 
• What do you call someone who says, “I know God” but does not obey God?

Jesus, I want to love You more. In loving You more, I can love others better. Help me to walk in the Light. – dho

*The Power of His Presence, p.148, Ray Stedman

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 Wisdom

[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]

But where can wisdom be found? And where is the place of understanding? Man does not know its value, nor is it found in the land of the living . . . God understands its way, and He knows its place. For he looks to the ends of the earth, and sees under the whole heavens. . . Then He saw wisdom and declared it; He prepared it, indeed, He searched it out. And to man He said, “Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom, and to depart from evil is understanding. Job 28:13,23-24, 27-28 NKJV

What is wisdom, and where do we find it? Job seeks the answer to this question in the middle of his chaos. As he explores the power of God, Job explains that the source of wisdom is God! Only God understands its way. In Proverbs 8 we read The LORD possessed me [Wisdom] at the beginning of His work, the first of His acts of old…before the beginning of the earth. . . when He marked out the foundations of the earth, then I was there beside Him, like a master workman. God’s wisdom exceeds the depths and heights of our understanding. This awe is the beginning of wisdom, an attribute of God and a spiritual gift from God (Ephesians 1:17).

While wisdom is part intellect and part experience, God’s wisdom contrasts the world’s wisdom. God’s wisdom is divine in nature and marks the life of His disciple. In the world, wisdom misuses knowledge for personal gain ~ with jealousy, selfish ambition, and lies. God’s wisdom is pure, full of peace, gentleness and mercy, producing good fruit and sincerity (James 3:13-18). Divine Wisdom marks the follower of Christ with service to God, discernment, and humility. This how the world knows Christians are different. When the world watches, do you blend or look different?

• Read Proverbs 8; identify the characteristics of Wisdom. 
• Examine your walk; do you live God’s wisdom?

LORD, pour Wisdom over me, giving me greater insight into those around me. Increase my patience and peace. Only with You can I find true wisdom. – 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!”