Picture by: Yongsung KimThey Left It All
Sunday school lessons taught year after year, bringing “Good News” for all to hear…
Men and women of unrenowned birth, not much to talk about, not much worth…
To the eyes of the elite, they were poor and unclean
But Jesus called them, “Come follow me. I’ll teach things others have never seen.
Carpenters and fishermen of the lowest means…what they had wasn’t much of material gain…
But what they gave would last and would forever remain…
They left it all as each heard the call…
Students, then they all became!
Are you willing to follow to leave all behind…?
To inherit life of the supernatural kind.
Jesus is asking, can you hear his voice? Follow me, will you make the wise choice?
The ancients followed without a thought
Changing history, they were caught
Preaching and teaching from the “Master’s” hand…
Left it all, and now they stand…
In heavenly places, priests, prophets, kings…
Hear him calling, are you ready to bring?
The lost to the Savior, healing to the sick, mercy to the seeking, Peace to the weak?
Turning now, and leaving all, no thought of tomorrow, life here and now…
Come follow me!
~Marla Shaw O’Neill July 17, 2022
Matthew 4:19-20 New King James Version 19 Then He said to them, “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.” 20 They immediately left their nets and followed Him.
July 4, 2022
July 4, 2022, what a time to be alive. I wonder if the men and women who lived more than 200 years ago ever thought about what the future would look like. We can look back over history and see what they went through, where they came from and the brave and courageous ones who fought to make their county free and safe from tyranny, safe from oppression, freedom to worship and live out their lives in peace and security. Making laws that would protect them from bullies in governments, giving them rights to live and serve, believing, future generations would have a better life.
We’re still brave, still living out the vision and dreams of our ancestors, even in the face of those who try to snuff out the victory and peace we’ve fought for, died for and live for…we will not be silenced, we will not retreat, we will not give in to defeat!
We are Victors and Leaders who fight each and every day to keep intact our freedom and our dreams for better days that will last. We will not be denied our God or our country. In these United States of America there are still men and women who will continue the legacy of our forefathers and foremothers to more than survive and thrive. “Give me liberty or give me death,” as Patrick Henry is quoted saying on March 23, 1775. Freedom is an attitude it is forged in blood and kept by independent men and women who will not give up no matter what. It is passed from generation to generation. To those who endure and persevere and do not give up, freedom will continue and will not be forfeited for where there is truth and justice, evil will be conquered and good will overcome. God is our refuge and our hope! In God do we trust! So, help me God!!
So, people of the way the truth and the life, keep praying, keep fighting, keep looking up for if God is for us, who can be against us? In God we live and breathe and have our being. Keep the faith. Live in victory. God is not dead, He is Alive!
Thank you, Jesus, for freedom and liberty. For whom the “Son” sets free is free indeed!
~Marla Shaw O’Neill July 17, 2022
In My Faith Journey
This post is written by my husband, Bob O’Neill. Listening to an online message last week by Pastor, Jonathan McQuitty, Bob remembered something he had learned in a small group while attending Journey Church. He wrote this today; I hope it ministers to your heart as much as it did mine.
Journey Church will always be home to us. God has sent us out to reach others on our journey, so read on my friends and remember…when you are converted, strengthen your brethren.
In my faith journey I’ve met many unique people. The story is very long but for now, let me describe one event. Then I’ll expand on that.
When Marla and I moved to south Florida we searched for a church we could call home. We found it in Journey Church. It was there that I met a group of guys at a men’s group meeting. We were studying… I don’t remember exactly as there have been so many but before we started the actual discussion that evening, we were chatting.
The topic came up ‘What is your go to bible verse?’. I thought about that and realized I didn’t have one. Later that week, I was listening to the bible.
Then one morning I heard Jesus say to Peter… ‘…So, when you have repented and turned to me again, strengthen your brothers.’ Luke 22:32 NLT
I thought, that’s it. Jesus is talking to me! As I heard that statement over and over in my head it struck me that this is spoken to me, now, and every day. So, I began to think about this.
I would like to… unpack it? I’m not exactly sure what that means other than to say that this one statement speaks volumes and it’s the volumes that I hope to relate, as I see it.
First, let’s look at the statement itself one part at a time. So, when you have repented…
Jesus was speaking to Peter, and He knew that Peter was a misfit to say the least. Peter’s past, though forgiven stuck with him. Jesus also knew what Peter would do in the future, both the bad and the good. Remember the rooster crowing three times? Peter ran off and wept bitterly. Luke 22:62.
So, Peter not only did what he said he would never do because he was weak at that moment, he regretted it and repented.
But was it all Peter’s fault? I don’t think so. I think that Satan knew how strong Peter would be in the creation of the church and wanted to ‘nip it in the bud’ so to speak. Little did Satan know… well he should have known; he’ll never win the war.
Before we go too deep in this one statement, we should look at it in the context of the complete verse starting with the verse before it.
Verse 31 reads…31 “Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift each of you like wheat. Luke 22:31 NLT
Jesus was not only talking about Peter but all of the disciples at the time, but I believe this applies to anyone who has become a follower of Jesus. As I said, Peter would turn out to be a key factor in the creation of the church. Satan knew this and wanted to keep this from happening. Satan also knew that he can’t ‘sift’ without permission. Jesus knew this and stepped in on behalf of Peter. Jesus prayed for protection for each of His disciples including Peter, protection from this attack from Satan.
32 But I have pleaded in prayer for you, Simon, that your faith should not fail. Luke 22:32 NLT
It doesn’t hurt to have the King of Kings in your corner. Still, it was up to each of the disciples to step up, strengthen their faith and resist Satan’s attacks.
Let’s now look again at the last part of this verse… ‘…So, when you have repented and turned to me again, strengthen your brothers.’ Luke 22:32 NLT
Jesus knew that Peter would be attacked and would fail. But he also believed that Peter would return. I say that Jesus believed this rather than knew it because we all have free will and, well it could have gone totally wrong. Well, Jesus had a very STRONG belief that Peter would return. After all, he did say that ‘when’ you repent and turned to me again… Did he say ‘when’ to encourage Peter or because he knew rather than believed that Peter would repent and turn to Him again. This may be debated but that’s not the point of this.
So many people don’t even know Jesus or what he did to save us ‘ALL’. For those who don’t know him, does Jesus still care about them? Of course, he does. He didn’t die on the cross only for those who knew him at the time but for everyone, then and now. Consider Saul who later became Paul. Not only did he persecute the new believers but killed some as well just for believing in Jesus. Then on his trip to do more damage in Damascus, Jesus came to him on the road and… well… in Acts Chapter 9, Saul got the traumatic conversion we all should have. He was blessed in one respect. That is, that he was singled out for a face to face with Jesus. Not on the road, Saul was summoned into the third heaven. (2 Corinthians 12:2-4). Many of us don’t get that face to face until after we believe and have asked Jesus to come into our life, if then. Mush less a glimpse of what Heaven is like. Does that make us any less? No, I think it makes us even more. Saul was convinced by his traumatic experience. Those who know Jesus and have asked him into their hearts, believe yet have not seen.
How does the verse ‘…So, when you have repented and turned to me again, strengthen your brothers.’ apply to us? When we have repented and turned to Jesus as when we accept him as our Lord and Savior, he commands that we strengthen each other. Do we need to repent? Of course, we do, of anything we do, think or say which may keep us in sin. Even if we’ve accepted Jesus as our Lord and savior, do we never again sin? Turning away from those things which keeps in sin is to repent. When we repent and turn back to Him strengthening others helps us stay that way. Woah what an interesting thought! How is that you ask? Well think about it… by working daily to strengthen others in their faith can only strengthen our own faith. If you have stronger faith by following Jesus’ command to strengthen our brothers, then the prayer Jesus prayed for Peter is answered in us as well.
Who should we strengthen? We identify those who need strengthening and offer our help. This help can take the form of many things. Sometimes it’s simply a kind word and a discussion that will help our ‘brothers and sisters’ out of a spiritual battle. Sometimes it’s simply praying for someone or with someone.
There are many ways to accomplish the ‘strengthen your brothers’ part of this command. We must use our imagination and perhaps, think outside the box.
Here are some ways.
· Serve at your church
o If your church doesn’t have serve teams, start one
· Lead a small group
o People who want more will flock to your group
· Encourage everyone you meet
· Love more deeply, especially those closest to you
~Bob O’Neill, June 23, 2022
God Turned His Face Toward Me
Shawn K. Carson Artwork
Sitting in the thick of the forest with a bubbling brook nearby…
I looked to see a sunbeam streaming through the trees.
I’d been seeking him for so long I knelt upon my knees
Papa God where are you? I know you’re the God who sees.
I knelt there quietly and then I heard the voice, melodious and sweet
Gently, flowing on the breeze.
He spoke with tenderness, he was not harsh, I could barely believe his words, for in that moment
I quickly seized; his holy presence as it surrounded me.
Heart pounding, I took a look and this is what I found.
His piercing, smiling eyes, met mine and I began to cry.
He turned his face towards me I was awe struck and bowed before the King.
I’ve never known such peace and love, God turned his face to me, more gracious than anything in this realm, had I ever seen, and in that moment, I had no need.
No need of identity, no need of material gain, no need of wanting any earthly thing.
For I was seeking God’s good pleasure and his face is what I found. Flesh set free, unbounding love had been given unselfishly to me.
His smile was more radiant than the sun. His eyes like fire but didn’t burn. The ancient of age was not old, he was meek, childlike and calm. I reached to touch his face, he waited with tenderness and grace. And when I touched his skin, it was translucent like a cloud that gave a mirror image of who I was only it was not me it was Him.
And then he said, “Child of mine, I love you so, it is I who gave you life. Choose to use it for my good, choose to love not hate.”
Sitting in the thick of the forest, God turned his face to me…
Now all I see is Jesus everywhere I go and in everyone I meet.
~Marla Shaw O’Neill May 6, 2022
Numbers 6:24-26
King James Version The Lord bless thee, and keep thee:
The Lord make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee:
The Lord lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace.
God’s words are life, think on them! The Devil’s words are lies, do not think on them!
Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee. Psalm 119:11 King James Version
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. John 1:1 New International Version
Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. Psalm 119:105 King James Version
Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Ephesians 6:17 New International Version
I was talking to a very dear friend of mine this morning and I was telling her about the message we heard last night at Encounter Night, Journey Church. It was powerful. Pastor Jonathan spoke on how we have a new name. Like Jacob, became Israel. Abram became Abraham. Saul became Paul. For our, new name, when we accept Jesus, we are called Saints. The message was packed with insightful wisdom and encouragement. He explained how the enemy, the devil, speaks to our minds and attacks our identity in Christ. So, as I was telling my friend about the message, I said, “You know, the enemy uses words too. He perverts God’s word and before we know it, we are listening to his lies instead of what God says. God’s words are truth. That’s why it is so important to know the word of God. God’s word is life and power and love and peace it comforts and protects. It builds up, it does not tear down. God is the word!
Our thoughts are words and words are how we communicate. We have to renew our minds constantly, by transforming our minds. To think on good things, things that are pure and good and of a good report.
We have two enemies…the devil and ourselves…but there is a remedy…
The devil uses the same tactics every time. Why? Because it works. We don’t have to be smarter than him, all we have to do is know God as the Word and if anything does not line up with what He has said, it is not of Him, don’t think it.
What are you letting your mind get away with? What thoughts are you entertaining? Take every thought captive unto Christ. Know the Word, speak the word, think the word, live the word of God. Then you will have peace of mind. You will have victory. You will live by faith. Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God!
In the verse “Take the helmet of salvation AND the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” It never occurred to me that the Helmet of Salvation and the Sword of the Spirit together is the word of God. I always thought that it was only the sword of the Spirit that was the word of God. Something to ponder.
We have to discipline our mind and thoughts to think on the Word of God.
That old saying, “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.” Is totally wrong. Words can hurt. There is life and death in the power of the tongue. Words can wound and kill even in our thoughts. Be safe and be aware of the words you are thinking.
Be mindful of your thoughts are they God thoughts? If not, then capture them and dispose of them. Replace them with God words. Your thoughts will become words and your words will become actions. Make sure they are good!
I have not departed from the commands of his lips; I have treasured the words of his mouth more than my daily bread. Job 23:12
The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you—they are full of the Spirit and life. John 6:63
~Marla Shaw O’Neill April 7, 2022
Step Into the Light
The earth was formless and empty…
Darkness was over the surface of the deep…
Then came the Spirit of God and he hovered over the waters…
God said, LET THERE BE LIGHT…And there, was, light. It was good. He separated the Light from the Darkness…
Step into the Light…
A life that is void of light is formless and empty there is no life…
A life filled with darkness is without hope, without peace and without love there is no joy, no purpose…
It is blind, deaf and cannot speak…
The Spirit of God hovers over the darkness and says, LET THERE BE LIGHT!
Child, come out of the darkness, step into the light…
Lungs are filled for the first time with new breath. A brand-new heart is formed as stone becomes flesh beating in perfect rhythm as the blood washes and cleanses all impurities…renewed mind with graciousness and worth…
Shadows flee, light fills the soul, the earthen vessel is made whole!
A new beginning, I’ve stepped into the light, and it is good!
In the beginning God created…
~Marla Shaw O’Neill April 5, 2022
The Beginning
1 In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. 2 Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters.
3 And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. 4 God saw that the light was good, and he separated the light from the darkness. Genesis 1 NIV
The Quiet Man
He was a quiet man. Gentle and compassionate. He was interested in others needs more than his own. People were his delight especially children. He never tired of listening to the story’s others would share with him. Eating, laughing, talking, visiting with everyone he met. He shared the very first Facebook social network. Only he actually did it face to face. He was a teller of parables and knew the scriptures well. A gifted orator. A man of truth and light. Yet he was a quiet man. He was a teacher and a mentor to twelve very odd men. He loved them all. What was it that drew people to him? Made them either love him or hate him.
He had a calm demeanor yet walked with such authority that even Kings took notice. He cooked fish and broke bread with multitudes. Little children longed to sit in his lap and hear his story’s.
Sick and dying people sought him for comfort and healing. Mostly those whom everyone else had given up on yet knew they would not be rejected by this quiet man. He had a way about him that put you at ease a look that filled you with peace and hope. You may ask, ” Who is he?”
Do you really want to know? Then ask HIM! He’s very near. His Hebrew name is Yeshua. I have known him as Jesus for most of my life. A Quite Man, Ooh yes…but you can never silence him!!! He’s in the room, he’s waiting.
He is the Quiet Man.
~Marla Shaw 2011
I AM
I am the God who sees
I am the God who hears
I am the God who speaks
I am the God who delivers
I am the God who saves
I am the God who serves
I am the God who lives
I am the God who sings
I am the God who gives
I am the God who cares
I am the God who prays
I am the God who liberates
I am the God who listens
I am the God who works
I am the God who shakes
I am the God who creates
I am the God who frees
I am the God who heals
I am the God who intervenes
I am the God who corrects
I am the God who connects
I am the God who understands
I am the God who wins
I am the God of mercy
I am the God of kindness
I am the God of peace
I am the God of love
I am the God of forgiveness
I am longsuffering
I am steadfast, immovable, impenetrable, undefeated, soul-saving, Spirit-breathing, life-giving, never ending, eternal, omnipotent, embracing, YHWH.
I AM all that you will ever need!
~Marla Shaw O’Neill March 24, 2020
Exodus 3:14 New Living Translation (NLT)
14 God replied to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM.[a] Say this to the people of Israel: I AM has sent me to you.”
Footnotes:
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3:14 Or I WILL BE WHAT I WILL BE.
Redeemed
I wrote the following poem because our ladies at Journey Church, have been doing the Bible study, Finding God Faithful, the life of Joseph. Last night as I listened to the video I burst into tears as I heard the part about Jacob blessing Joseph’s two sons.
Joseph had been living in Egypt because his brothers had sold him into slavery when he was just 17 years old. It was thirteen years before he saw his brothers again. It is an amazing story you can read about it in Genesis start in the 12th chapter to get all the background.
But last night it was said he thought his life’s inheritance was lost to him and that he’d never see his family again. But when Jacob blessed his two sons, he told him God had been with him the whole time and not only would there be one tribe there would be two tribes because Jacob took Joseph’s sons to be his own. It’s a custom.
I cried because in my own life I thought I would never rise above all the trials and mess I had made of my life by making wrong choices. I tried so hard, but it seemed the harder I tried the more trouble would find me. I can’t begin to tell you all the heartache and hurt and suffering that was in my life and the hurt I caused; I didn’t try to hurt people, but I did. I could not get free…until one day, God delivered me and totally and completely changed me. I was taken out of the place I grew up and placed in a foreign land… (Lake Worth) for over five years I was in a place of solitude, alone with God. Yes, I was around people, and he brought me to a Church that would heal me, and I could grow and thrive. And only by the grace of God was I restored. He has REDEEMED Me, and I am blessed more than I could ever tell. He restored me to my family and gave me even more family. Church family and new grandbabies. This life I am now living is all because God saw in me a broken, beaten, defeated, unworthy, prodigal child who on her own could not make it. But by the grace of God and loving children of God I was redeemed!!
This is why this story ministers to my heart more than I could write about.
And if God can do it for me…He can certainly, do it for anyone who will surrender to him, love him and give him your full devotion. It is worth more than all the “stuff” or wealth, or earthly gain you could ask for…He said, but seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His Righteousness and all these other things will be added to you.
Don’t put it off…I’m talking to YOU…the one reading this…God wants to Redeem your life…Let Him!
Redeemed
At seventeen all seems lost as I struggle in these bonds placed on my hands and feet…
Gone is the life that was treasured and sweet…
Betrayed by my brothers; how could this be?
Sold into slavery, I travel in defeat…
I only wanted them to see…
The dreams I had were not to boast
They were told to them because I loved them most…
Love was not returned; only hate…
Now I’m forced to live behind an iron gate…
How long O God must I suffer and wait?
Years I’ve served, being faithful to my God, mostly though,
It is He, who’s been faithful, my heart is tender and oh so grateful…
At least I’m still alive…
Years come, and years go, but I will never, ever know, the homeland of my birth…
Baker dies, Cupbearer set free, please dear Cupbearer remember me…
Forgotten again by human man…
But my faithful God, will let me rise again…
By God’s design, my family is restored, now I sit here with my father for a blessing from the Lord.
Jacob speaks, he’s now quite old, but with my two sons, I now am told…
You were never forgotten, son divine, you see your sons, they are considered mine…
A two-fold blessing is given today, Redeemed by God, hear me as I say…
Not only is your inheritance intact, but you’re also restored and blessed by our sovereign Lord…
I never thought I’d ever see your face; and all because of God’s loving grace…I’ve seen you, and your sons, who I take as my own… Now I can rest in my eternal home…
And you will live and forever be known…
As Joseph redeemed, you will never be alone…
Double blessings come from Faithful God’s throne!
~Marla Shaw O’Neill March 24, 2020