Be Courageous Be Bold Hebrews 4:16

This is the season where most people, acknowledge “Christmas.” We are caught up in the frenzy of decorating with trees and garland and special ornaments that we’ve collected over the years and buying new ones to hang on our trees and windows and yards. It’s festive and fun and glorious…songs of Christmas, past, is sung. New songs for Christmas, present, fill the air as they are played over computers, cell phones, radios and televisions. It’s a wonderland of colored lights, mistletoe, bright colors of every shade, greens, reds, purple, pink, blue and it goes on and on. Will Christmas, future, stand the test of time?

Happy holidays replace, Merry Christmas…traditions change and the long-ago days we grew up with, as baby boomers, fade…what will our world look like forty years from now?
I ponder these things as I write this letter because in forty years a lot of us will be gone. Our children will be where the 65-year-olds are now…and our grandchildren will be in their twenties and thirties, what traditions will they hold dear? Will the earth still be spinning?

Yes, Christmas means different things to different people. To me it means that love came down to meet us and give us, hope, joy and peace. Coming through the Jewish people the ones God called his chosen. It was ordained from the beginning. It’s time to believe and rejoice even if we are all alone. Even if we don’t have a tree and all the trimmings. Even if we are broken and shattered by life’s circumstances. It’s a time to believe the story that Luke spoke of in chapter two of the Bible and understand that it is true. Here is what it says:

The Birth of Jesus

In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) And everyone went to their own town to register.

So, Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,

“Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”
When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”

So, they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.

On the eighth day, when it was time to circumcise the child, he was named Jesus, the name the angel had given him before he was conceived. Luke 2:1-21 NIV

Now I don’t know about you but if I had been minding my own business watching my sheep doing what I’ve always done and out of nowhere these beings come out of the clouds, tell me not to be afraid, and begin singing in a heavenly choir and telling me the son of God has been born, I’d have to go investigate. That is exactly what the shepherds did…it says that after they saw the baby and Mary and Joseph, they ran to tell the good news to everyone, what they had seen and witnessed…

This is an extraordinary story…there are angels, a whole host of them singing, and shepherds in a field…and most importantly it goes on to say, that in a lowly place…no decorated tree, no fancy food or tons of presents…no regifting, no refunds or long lines…but there was a bright light, a star that shown in heaven where the tiny king lay in a manger…He was the best present anyone could ever want or need. God had given his son for you and for me…and there was a holy Christmas choir, the carolers were God’s best. Angels of heaven whose voices split the silent night with melodies that serenaded these shepherd’s and their sheep…there was a mother and an earthly dad, family, to love and nurture the child…and of all God’s creatures, he chose even animals to witness this amazing birth…and last but not least there were the shepherds from a nearby field, God honored by giving them the announcement of his own son’s birth. A privilege for them to see and to go and tell of this glorious time in history…The very first Christmas displayed by Holy birth…in a holy night…in Bethlehem…baby Jesus was born.

Do you believe? Will you believe? He’s no longer in that manger oh no, but he was born, he lived, he died, he rose from the grave, he ascended into heaven and he sits at the right hand of God…praying for you and for me! One day in Christmas future…he will return…but until then…open your heart and believe!

~Marla Shaw O’Neill, December 4, 2019

Artist Elizabeth Wang

Oh, how He loves us…
He loves us even when we reject him
He loves us even while we spit on him, mock him, drag him through the streets naked,
And kill him…
He loves us even though we kill each other in times of peace and in times of war
He loves us when we worship other gods committing adultery against him
He loves us while we murder babies, destroy animals and live in perversion and hate
He loves us even though we praise him with our lips but our hearts are far from him…
Oh, how he loves us…even to this day and time…he loves us still…
He loves us when we slander each other and take each other to court, thriving on revenge
While we torture one another and force all kinds of debauchery and death…
God still loves us…
He loves us when we call evil good and good evil
He loves us when we lie and accuse one another…He loves us when we cheat and steal and forget him…
He loves us when we say he doesn’t exist…
He loves us when we are greedy and lazy…
When we sell our bodies and when we sell our souls to the highest bidder…for fame and fortune
God loves us…
When we cheat on business deals…when we curse and live in filth…when we abuse our bodies with drugs and persuade others to follow us into the cesspool of darkness…He loves us when guilt and shame keep us bound chained to despair and succumb to murder…
He loves us when we beg in the streets and use children in all kinds of perversion…
He even loves us when we use His name in vain…
When we disrespect parents and complain unceasingly …
He loves us too much to leave us in these conditions…
But will we Love Him?
He doesn’t love that we do all these things but he loves us in spite of our sin and recklessness…he loves us so much that he gives us a way out…
That way is his Son…who came to this earth…and is with us even today…
Right where you are this very minute…
God the Holy Spirit, is telling you right now, that He loves you…it’s not to late to come to him no matter where you are or what you’ve done…he’s asking you to let go of pride and love him…by accepting him as the person who will take you just as you are…he’ll clean you up…and wash you…and bring you into His family and call you son, daughter. He’ll give you his signet ring, wrap you in a royal robe…He’ll prepare a feast for you and dance with joy that his child has come home. The angels will sing and celebrate like crazy just for you…maybe you’ve never been loved and don’t know what love is…I’m telling you He loves you…OH HOW HE LOVES YOU!
God will wipe away every atrocity and it will be remembered no more…All because He loves You!!! Because God is Love!
God is holy and just…he is merciful and kind…He loves us so much that he gave us a free will…he will not force us to love him back…it’s our choice…
There will always be trials in this life…there will be wars and rumors of war…there will be pestilence and plagues. There will be hate and abuse. We will go through deep sorrow and tragedy. God never intended life to be this way…God has an enemy…he’s been there from the very beginning and he is ruthless, strategic, a liar and cannot love…
We have two choices there is no middle ground…
We are either for the LORD or against him…
He will love us no matter what…but there is only one way to Him…
And that is through his Son Jesus Christ the anointed son of God! (Yeshua)
We will either choose life or death…
Love or hate…
I pray we choose love!

~Marla Shaw O’Neill November 22, 2019

John 3:16-18 The Message (MSG) “This is how much God loved the world: He gave his Son, his one and only Son. And this is why: so that no one need be destroyed; by believing in him, anyone can have a whole and lasting life. God didn’t go to all the trouble of sending his Son merely to point an accusing finger, telling the world how bad it was. He came to help, to put the world right again. Anyone who trusts in him is acquitted; anyone who refuses to trust him has long since been under the death sentence without knowing it. And why? Because of that person’s failure to believe in the one-of-a-kind Son of God when introduced to him.

I’ve never seen God face to face, held his hand or felt his tender embrace
Never seen him smile…but I know his joy…
I wasn’t there when he created the human race…
But he’s always been here, and I can trace…
All the marks he’s made on this earthly place…
Behold!!!
Beautiful sunsets over land and sea
God painted rainbows for you and for me
Shouted to the winds in colors of these
Blue, pink and purple skies,
Silvery moon, the stars, grass, flowers and trees…
Majestic mountains they humble me…
I know him for he lives inside of me, you see…
His spoken words materialized; and right before all the angel’s eyes…
God the Father, Jesus the Son, and Holy Spirit they were one…
Creating a world of glory and grace…
His smile is on each human face
His love is seen when we help one another
Holding our hand when we honor father and mother
And when a sweet melodious song is sung
Oh, how the music fills our lungs and peace is heard and felt all among
The ones who know his amazing song of grace…
No, you won’t see God’s glorious face…
But from the very beginning of time, Jesus was God’s greatest plan…
He was given flesh and bones; God became a man…
He walked the earth some 2000 years ago, and brother, sister, I want you to know
He’s still with us to this day…
He’s in the wind and in the fields…he’s at the work place and in homes and he plays
Among the little children all around the world, he stays…closer than a brother…
Open your heart, open your eyes…
See the rain coming down…hear the peaceful sound…
Squish the mud between your toes…
Smell the fresh cut grass and know…
There is a place where we can go…a supernatural place to grow…
Faith is the key that opens the door for more and more and more…
Of Jesus, Christ the LORD!
His is a face of love, strength, kindness, hope and faith…
His eyes are on fire for the love of you…
Man, woman, boy, girl…you won’t see him face to face…but you can know him…and be known by him…
Look… and see…he’s here, waiting for thee…
You’ll know him when you welcome him in…
Then,
You’ll know him face to face!

~Marla Shaw O’Neill November 19, 2019

Isaiah 55:12-13 The Message (MSG) “So you’ll go out in joy, you’ll be led into a whole and complete life. The mountains and hills will lead the parade, bursting with song. All the trees of the forest will join the procession, exuberant with applause. No more thistles, but giant sequoias, no more thorn bushes, but stately pines— Monuments to me, to GOD, living and lasting evidence of GOD.”

Traveling through the mountains over steep and jagged rocks, battered by icy, stinging, rain while stumbling over slippery, muddy terrain, and wanting to give up…
I press on with this one thought, Grace will lead me home.

Down through the valley of despair, where, I’ve, crossed many rivers and faced trials to numerous to tell, if I didn’t know this was earth, I’d think that it was hell…and when my body was broken and torn, feeling desolate; too distraught to mourn…this one thought kept me strong, Grace will lead me home.

Oh, I’ve lived in busy cities where the lights blind the night, and visited unknown towns, where the people shout get out… just a vagabond with no place to call my own…I’m a weary traveler, on my way to a place called home…

I’ve seen brokenness and waste; I’ve seen death looked him straight in the face. I’ve been sick and afraid…but one thing remains in my heart…Grace will lead me home.

Yes, life is full of challenges, always catches us off-guard…if we don’t know who’s leading us the devil will keep us barred…he blinds us with glitter and glitz just enough to try to kill our soul…steals our dreams and destroys our hope…supplies the addict with his dope…but there is this one thing I want you to know…Grace will lead me home!

Who is this Grace? you ask.

Grace is a way of life…God’s unmerited favor, leads us when we pray.

You see, God knows the trails and troubles that we face, so he gives us His great love and His unfailing Grace!

When your tried and weary and feeling all alone…remember this, discouraged traveler…Grace will lead you home!

~Marla Shaw O’Neill November 15, 2019

Ephesians 1:7 New King James Version (NKJV) In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace.

***Artist James Nesbitt***

Silence…

Listen…

Can you hear the sound of the rustling in the bush…?

There, see him stride, protecting his pride

The cry of a King is among us…

The lion has no fear, he’s confident and regal…

He is powerful and strong…

He is King!

His heart will not fail him in battle

His roar breaks the sound barrier

All who hear him, tremble in terror, they freeze in his presence…

His enemy runs to hide…

The lion lies in quiet serenity

His lair, peaceful at his side…

And when he rises, his kingdom takes notice of his greatness…

He’s bold and brave; one look at His Majesty; and every creature surrenders in humility

There is none more majestic than he…

When he runs the ground quakes

He is single minded in pursuit of his foe…

They will fall under his mighty jaw…and crumble with one swipe of his paw…

The heart of a lion is courageous,

He who carries this heart

Has the heart of a King!

Served, to serve…grace, to embrace…

Created to live in complete authority!

He is crowned in glory, loves beyond measure

Lies down in peaceful rest…

But if provoked, or his family is threatened

He will show no mercy…

The heart of a lion is loyal, steadfast and true!

His spirit cannot be broken…it will not be compromised…

The light of his soul is in his eyes…

Piercing, with a fire that will not be quenched.

All in the heart of a lion!

All Hail to the King…All Hail to the King…

Jesus, the Lion of Judah is King!!

~Marla Shaw O’Neill

Revelation 5:5 The Message (MSG) I wept and wept and wept that no one was found able to open the scroll, able to read it. One of the Elders said, “Don’t weep. Look—the Lion from Tribe Judah, the Root of David’s Tree, has conquered. He can open the scroll, can rip through the seven seals.”

Numbers 23:21-22 New International Version (NIV) “No misfortune is seen in Jacob, no misery observed in Israel. The Lord their God is with them; the shout of the King is among them. God brought them out of Egypt; they have the strength of a wild ox.

Drawing by: Fourar Amira

Staring at people in a masquerade, living secret lives, hidden, as in unmarked graves
They move and walk in circles, made by unseen forces, with chattering voices, that no one hears…

Shrouded with blank faces, smeared with mystery, full of fear and dark history, but do not dare, show their river of tears…

What would others think if they saw behind the façade?
Deception keeps them from knowing the true and living God…
So, they live lives of deep, silent sorrow…with no hope for tomorrow
While they steal and borrow what they think is love…

Full of flesh and full of pride, only death walks by their side
Eyes have they but they cannot see…ears to hear but cannot be heard
Speaking, but utter no words…broken, wingless, birds…

There’s the man living in his mansion who has no food to eat…
There’s the business woman in fine attire, living on the street…
There’s the fine, respectable couple, but each night they weep, and cannot sleep…
Screams of hatred as he beats, the woman who lies, lifeless on the sheets…

Men and women without identities…looking for answers but cannot believe anything; unbelief drives them to despair…
Walking in midair…among the crowed streets…

Could be a neighbor, or the stranger that you meet…
Could be the bartender, or fallen woman that you greet…
In the church, or, doctor’s office, who stood while you took their seat…

It could even be, your family…

How do you treat…the people that you meet?

Maybe it’s you, with secret hurts and wounds, who stagger on weary feet…
Singing happy songs and little tunes to cover up your defeat…
Disguising torment, behind your seeking eyes…

So, here’s the thing I want to say…
We’re not perfect, we’re forgiven along our way…
We’re no better than any other…each person is a sister, or, a brother…
Love is the only cure, for this sin, sick, world we’re living in…
And in the end, of a long hard day…
Turn around, and walk the other way…
Open the door and let in the light, then the darkness cannot stay…

Jesus is the Light!

In him there is no judgement, no self-righteousness, no condemnation, walk in His divine love…

The grave will only house the body…your spirit will live forever…choose life!

~Marla Shaw O’Neill November 11, 2019

Proverbs 14:12 The Passion Translation (TPT) You can rationalize it all you want
and justify the path of error you have chosen, but you’ll find out in the end that you took the road to destruction.

Romans 6:20-23 The Passion Translation (TPT) For when you were bound as servants to sin, you lived your lives free from any obligation to righteousness.

So, tell me, what benefit ensued from doing those things that you’re now ashamed of? It left you with nothing but a legacy of shame and death.

But now, as God’s loving servants, you live in joyous freedom from the power of sin. So, consider the benefits you now enjoy—you are brought deeper into the experience of true holiness that ends with eternal life!

For sin’s meager wages is death,[a] but God’s lavish gift is life eternal, found in your union with our Lord Jesus, the Anointed One.

Footnotes:
a. Romans 6:23 The Greek word translated “meager wages” actually means “the wages of a foot soldier.” This Greek word, opsonion, is taken from the word used for a piece of dried fish: opsarion. The Aramaic can be translated “The business of sin is death.”
John 14:6 The Passion Translation (TPT) Jesus explained, “I am the Way, I am the Truth,[a] and I am the Life. No one comes next to the Father[b] except through union with me.[c] To know me is to know my Father too. 

There is only one word that gives you access to the holy place

No other word will do…

No secret handshake or encryption, oh hear me, for this is true…

No renewing at any time, no one can steal this word divine…

There is only one of its kind…

A word that cannot be hacked…

A word, that promises no lack…

It is not coded doesn’t need to be cracked, but unless you are known

Your access is denied, you can’t go before the throne

It’s actually a name.

The software is priceless…

It starts with forgiveness…

Only one will unlock the secret place

Where treasures are forever incased, but cannot be traced,

For they are not of this world…

No eye has ever seen, no ear has heard, what awaits, for those who love him

And will go to this glorious place.

Tell me, you say…tell me the password, I’ll keep it safe…

That is where you go wrong…for this password is to be shared

As many times as you dare…

Lean in closer, open your heart and mind and spirit, hear the word I give…

It can’t be bought or sold or stolen…it can’t be mistaken, or discarded or taken

It can only be given for it’s a name that all of heaven…has received…

Will you accept this truth?

Will you log in, to have full access to what is offered?

I’ll whisper it, oh so clear…listen, draw near…no special characters, only six letters,

The password is: Yeshua!

Call on his name and you will gain…access to the King of kings

Only through him can you enter into the holy place…

Will you enter the password and gain heaven?

Or be denied your inheritance because of arrogance

And lose your soul?

Entering the password…Yeshua…

Full Access! Redeemed! Saved!

Now no one can erase your name from the Book of Life!

~Marla Shaw O’Neill November 4, 2019

Acts 4:12 Good News Translation (GNT) Salvation is to be found through him alone; in all the world there is no one else whom God has given who can save us.”

Artist Unknown

God, how can I bear this heartache it rips at my broken soul
Turns my nights to bitter tears and leaves an endless hole…
Days have no meaning, for my heart is shattered beyond repair
Grief; my constant companion, leaves me desolate and bear.
If it had not been for your great love, I would surly despair, for I cannot see…
How, God, how can I bear this loss, like the albatross, it haunts me…
Lifting my head, I see a beam of light, shining through the air…
A warmth fills my being and I sense a presence and stare…
I breathe in and listen as Holy Spirit shares…

Let me tell you a story, child, come walk with me awhile,
You see each person that I call, won’t always respond to my voice
I’ve given each and every one, free will, to make their own choice
Trials come to make you strong, to seek, and to search out, what is right and what is wrong
Life isn’t easy, it was not meant to be…but in every trial, I am with thee
You know this to be true, for it is I who,
Counted the cost, and carried the cross so that you would not have to.
I’ve already made the way of escape if you’ll put your trust in me
The pain that you’re feeling in time will ease…
And in its place, you’ll remember the sweet memories…
I’ve called you to prepare those, who do not yet understand,
Grieve for a time…it’s ok to cry…I too wept for mankind…
This trial is not forever, it’s just a stepping stone, to guide you, and lead you home…
You can only see thus far, on this earth from which you trod…
There is so much more awaiting, you, when you enter the gate to God!
For every trial and every test, is working out in you what’s best
When you lay your head upon my chest…there you’ll find your escape and rest
As you enter into this blessed place
That’s been wrought through my amazing grace…
This test is not more than you can bear
For every hurt and every pain, in this life you’ll gain
Strength for the journey
Your trials are never ever in vain…
When you overcome in Jesus’ name…
You’ll soon realize, your spirit never dies
I Am the burden bearer, let me dry your eyes…
Child, it will only be for a little while…

~Marla Shaw O’Neill November 1, 2019

1 Corinthians 10:13 The Passion Translation (TPT)
The Way of Escape
13 We all experience[a] times of testing,[b] which is normal for every human being. But God will be faithful to you. He will screen and filter the severity, nature, and timing of every test or trial you face[c] so that you can bear it. And each test is an opportunity to trust him more, for along with every trial God has provided for you a way of escape[d] that will bring you out of it victoriously.[e]
Footnotes:
a. 1 Corinthians 10:13 Or “which has fastened onto you.”
b. 1 Corinthians 10:13 Or “temptation.”
c. 1 Corinthians 10:13 That is, God’s faithfulness and grace will limit the severity of every test and prevent you from being tested beyond your ability to cope. Unlimited grace is available for every believer who faces hardship, temptations, and seasons of difficulty.
d. 1 Corinthians 10:13 Or “an exodus.” Trust in God’s faithfulness is the way of escape that empowers us to overcome every difficulty we may experience. We are not told that every difficulty will be removed from our lives, but that God’s grace provides an exit path.
e. 1 Corinthians 10:13 Or “God bears up under you to take you out of danger” (Gr. hupophero) or “God provides a way of escape so that you may be empowered to endure it.” God’s faithfulness gives us both a way of escape and the power to endure.
The Passion Translation (TPT)
The Passion Translation®. Copyright © 2017 by BroadStreet Publishing® Group, LLC.
Used by permission. All rights reserved. thePassionTranslation.com

I can’t read the name of the artist.

Sleeping quietly in the sheep pen, with others at my side

I hear him calling, intently…

Jonny, Susie, Mary; Bella, Bubba and Clyde

It’s time to rise and shine…

He knows our names, for he named us,

There is even little Gus…

But when he calls my, name, my heart begins to pant

I lift my head and follow, there is no one to say I can’t

I know him by the sound of his voice

My shepherd, my comfort, my guide…

Living in assurance with him is where I’ll abide

He knows my name and calls me,

No strangers voice will do

Come morning, noon, and evening too

It’s feeding time, so we graze, upon the due

Storms may rise and enemies try

To destroy us on every turn

But when He calls my name

I surrender all and follow, his voice is always the same

I never have to wonder, be frightened or afraid

The voice of the Shepherd alerts me to be brave

He knows my name for he named me

Seritzah, come with me now

Immediately I follow,

And that’s how, I will forever remain…

Treasured of the LORD MOST HIGH

And there, forever, abide!

~Marla Shaw O’Neill October 30, 2019 

The name Seritzah is a name the Holy Spirit gave me years ago, it means treasure! You won’t find it on Google because it was given by the Holy Spirit it is my heavenly name.

Thank you Martha Jane Orlando for inspiring me to write this poem. You can find her on:

https://marthaorlando.blogspot.com/2019/10/known-by-name.html

John 10 The Message (MSG) He Calls His Sheep by Name

10 ^1-5 “Let me set this before you as plainly as I can. If a person climbs over or through the fence of a sheep pen instead of going through the gate, you know he’s up to no good—a sheep rustler! The shepherd walks right up to the gate. The gatekeeper opens the gate to him and the sheep recognize his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he gets them all out, he leads them and they follow because they are familiar with his voice. They won’t follow a stranger’s voice but will scatter because they aren’t used to the sound of it.”

Drawing by Marla Shaw O’Neill

For three days this tiny, three letter word has been jumping out at me. From a necklace that someone made that says, ‘yes,’ to a ‘Yes’ in each line of a sinner’s prayer, to words I read in a text or a book…what are you trying to show me LORD?

Yes, Jesus, I will be your bride
Take all of me and leave my pride
Out side the gate, that’s opened wide…
Yes, yes, yes…I will abide!
Yes, to the call that you’ve asked of me…
Yes, to the life where you I see…
Yes, to all you want me to be…
Yes, yes, yes, Jesus…I say yes to thee!
Yes, to trials and tests that will come…
Yes, to the joy and peace as I run…
Yes, to the race that has begun…
Yes, Yes, Yes, Jesus, I know you are God’s son…
Yes, to heartache, to live surrendered and free…
Yes, Jesus take all of me…
Without your Holy Spirit I cannot see…
So Yes, Jesus, open my heart to your life-giving tree…
Alive in your garden I shall run free…
Free from death and free from loss
All because of you, dying on a cross…
You said Yes…and I agree…
Yes Jesus, Yes, your bride I’ll be!

~Marla Shaw O’Neill October 23, 2019

Revelation 22:17 The Passion Translation (TPT) “Come,”[a] says the Holy Spirit and the Bride in divine duet. Let everyone who hears this duet join them in saying, “Come.” Let everyone gripped with spiritual thirst say, “Come.” And let everyone who craves the gift of living water[b] come and drink it freely. “It is my gift to you! Come.”
Footnotes:
a. Revelation 22:17 Or “be continuously coming”; also in each instance of the word come in this verse and v. 20.