Be Courageous Be Bold Hebrews 4:16

Painting by: Kevin Carden

Ninety-seven, ninety-eight, ninety-nine…where is the One hundredth?

One has left the flock…

Calling out, only silence is heard. Looking at the ninety-nine I’ll have to leave them behind and go search for that one.

The one, has gone to look for greener pastures. He’s crossed brooks and fields and stoney ground, not thinking that he is lost and can’t be found. Caught up in his own pursuits…no worries…oblivious to the dangers lurking behind each thrill…

He finds himself in the middle of a meadow, as the sun begins to go down…he looks up, frightened, fear has him bound.

His thoughts racing, “Where is everyone? The Shepherd is nowhere in sight. I am completely and utterly alone…bah…bah…cries the one.”

He runs to a nearby cliff but before he can catch himself, he falls over the side and lands on a ledge overlooking a steep ravine. “Bah! Bah! Bah!” He bleats. He’s caught in a briar bush, and he can’t move his feet.

Lying down in the tiny spot, wishing with all his might that he, had not, taken his eyes off of the Shepherd.

Shivering in the bitter cold…the stars watched the one lost sheep. There was nothing he could do but weep. Then up above him the howling began, oh how he shook with fear, was this to be his end? Closing his eyes he said a prayer, “Good Shepherd if you can hear my tiny heart, I promise I will never part from you again…if you will only rescue me from this terrible spot, I’ve gotten myself in, amen.”

The Shepherd called out upon the wind, looking earnestly for the one, and then, he heard the baying sheep crying in desperation.

Hearing the Shepherd’s voice once more he cried louder, “Save me Lord!”

Upon the cliff high above, came the Shepherd’s staff.

Lifting the one, up out of the danger and hugging him to his breast…they both began to cry and laugh safe in the Shepherd’s arms at last.

The one, had been restored.

And when they reached the ninety-nine, they all rejoiced for the one was returned, never to be lost again!

The end!

~Marla Shaw O’Neill September 27, 2023

Matthew 18:11-13

Amplified Bible

For the Son of Man has come to save that which was lost.

Ninety-nine Plus One ^“What do you think? If a man has a hundred sheep, and one of them gets lost, will he not leave the ninety-nine on the mountain and go in search of the one that is lost? And if it turns out that he finds it, I assure you and most solemnly say to you, he rejoices over it more than over the ninety-nine that did not get lost.

Have you been searching for Jesus but can’t find him? You walked along the seashore of Galilee, but he wasn’t there. You ran to the marketplace and to the temple, but Jesus wasn’t there either. So, you took a journey, to the desert place where he went to pray often, but all you found was dust, cacti and creepy things, it was hot and dry and empty.

Where are you Jesus? You run to the garden, he’s not there. Becoming desperate now, you run to the tavern and even to the manger where he was born. Jesus is nowhere to be found. So, you take a boat out to sea and search for him on the waters, but you find only loneliness and dark skies. Not even a breeze or a whisper of where he might be.

You asked if anyone has seen Jesus but they were too busy to answer you. Life has become so hectic and without meaning that everyone acts as though they are being lulled to sleep by the worries and woes of this world. They say, “Jesus is only for Sundays.”

Becoming distraught, almost ready to give up your search…you walk to a nearby stream. You don’t notice the peacefulness of your surroundings or the gentle breeze causing ripples on the water. You can’t enjoy the vibrant lilies or the sparrows singing. You sit down on an old-fallen-tree-stump, and you begin to cry.

“Jesus, you said if I’d seek you with all my heart, I’d find you. Lord, I’ve looked everywhere I can think of, but you are not there. Where are you? I need you. Please, how can I find you? You said you’d never leave me nor forsake me, but Jesus I don’t know what else to do.”

Suddenly you hear his soft, kind, loving voice… “Daughter, you looked in all the obvious places I saw you when you passed the street-person, but you were too caught up in your own desires to notice he too needed to find me. I saw you when you were struggling with your doubts and fears. I watched you as you tossed and turned in your sleep conflicted and anxious. I’m not in the tomb. I’m not in the garden. Child, I’ve always been right here. The one place you didn’t look was the place where I dwell…always…right inside your heart. You see, you can’t find me in the physical places. Of course, I’m everywhere but my dwelling place is in your heart. If your heart becomes cluttered with the cares of life and your motives are for personal gain it blocks your vision and hearing and causes you to not recognize where I am and that I am, with you. I am with you wherever you are and wherever you go. I’m right here. Be still. Quiet your mind step into my presence that’s where I am. It’s in my presence you will find everything you need. When I left the earth what did I give? I gave Peace, my peace that is the gift of my presence through Holy Spirit. He will lead you into all truth and guide you every step of the way to where I am. I love you. Don’t stop seeking me but seek me where I am found.”

~Marla Shaw O’Neill September 13, 2023

Jeremiah 29:13 New International Version – You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.

Over the past year in a half, I have felt alone and disconnected. I had prayed for God’s Perfect will to be done and that we would be in His perfect will when we moved to Tallahassee. I believe we are in His Perfect will. He sent so many confirmations, but I would question it often, almost every day… “Lord, is this your Perfect will for us, for me? If it is, why do I feel so useless?”

Oh, I’d go to Church. The messages were so powerful. I know God led us to our Church the anointing and teachings are powerful. Being new to any place is always difficult because you’re coming in not knowing anyone and they don’t know you. They were kind and loving, but I couldn’t seem to connect that was on me, though. Mom used to always say, “To first have a friend you have to show yourself friendly.” My confidence was low, and I just couldn’t figure it out.

When we moved here everything was unfamiliar to me. I felt like life for me was over, that was just the enemy talking. But the feelings were real. I gave up driving because at my age which wasn’t’ that old…but I would be apprehensive and nervous not knowing the roads even with GPS, it was too much to take in. So, I turned in my car and let Bob take me to my Dr. appointments, the grocery store, and when I felt like shopping, he’d drive me there. This only caused me to feel more isolated. My health started to be affected, I became weak and disinterested in everything. I’d pray but it seemed to go no higher than the ceiling. I sat on the couch and let the days drift by, watch TV, go to bed toss and turn and start all over the next day. The treadmill was monotonous. “Lord, something isn’t right.” I’d tell Bob that I felt like I was going to die. I started to believe my life was over. I believe one thing kept me from totally giving up…and that was each Sunday, even though I’d wake up not wanting to go, I’d force myself to go to Church. Being there, I was encouraged and strengthened and by the time we left I felt so much better.

I knew my calling was to pray and intercede for others. God spoke to me one time and said, “You pray for my children, and I’ll take care of yours.” This was years ago, and he’d remind me of that and that’s what kept me going.

I shared all that, to say this, a few weeks ago I could hardly walk in fact I almost passed out walking up to the church. I persevered and with Bob’s help at prayer time I went forward and two women who I’ve come to love, and respect prayed for me. Trish and Martha. God answered. That week I went for my Dr.’s appointment, my BP was elevated, and she told me to keep a log, take 400mg of magnesium at bedtime and come back in two weeks. She didn’t want to start me on BP med’s if it could be avoided. So, I did as she said. I rode my exercise bike; I started sleeping better. The leg cramps went away. I kept the log of my BP and each time as the machine ticked away, I’d look at all my grandbabies’ pictures over the fireplace and smile…the voice on the bp machine would say, “Your blood pressure is Normal.” I would beam with joy, and say, “Thank you Jesus!”

A couple of days ago I was sitting on the steps of our deck, just me and God and I looked up in the sky and I said, “God are you there? I know you are, but I can’t see you.” I felt a gentle breeze brush against my cheek, and I said, “Mom, I sure do miss you. Can you hear me?” In an instant this song began going through my mind, it’s a song mom use to sing to us when we were little. “Tu ra lu ra lu ra…Tu ra lu ra lie…hush now little darl’n tis an Irish lullaby…” It was as if God told mom to sing to me and I knew they were both listening…peace settled within me, and I was content.

I had a breakthrough…God is faithful…I have more energy. I’m happier than I’ve been in over a year and I’m going to start driving again! You see, in life we will be tested. When we’re young we don’t realize what it feels like to be less young…I’ll say it like that. Because you haven’t gotten there yet. My son, Abram says, “Exercise is the fountain of youth!” And to that I say, he is right. If you keep active even though you’re not like you were when you were 10, 13 20, 30, 40, 50 you will feel better. All my boys are athletic. The Bible says in 1 Timothy 4:8, (para) Exercise, profits little, He didn’t say don’t exercise, he was just saying that Godliness has value for all things, there is a promise for both the present life and the life to come. The point is brothers and sisters, Don’t Give Up! Keep going! Stop listening to the lies of the evil one…but Hold onto the truth and Life that Jesus gives, He is, faithful! He keeps his promises! He will not leave you and he won’t forsake you! Life gets difficult it’s true. Jesus said we’d have troubles but to be of (good cheer, (a shout of encouragement, praise, or joy.)) He overcame the world and because he did, we can too!

Laugh in the face of difficulty! Never surrender your life the enemy! Get up, keep going, this, is, the day the Lord has made let us Rejoice and be glad in it! Tomorrow never comes…it’s always today! Be encouraged…life isn’t over until God says it is…so, Stand strong and bold and tell your body it doesn’t rule you…let the Spirit of God rise up inside of you and run this race with perseverance, when you feel alone and cast down, lift up your voice and Sing…if you can’t sing, make a joyful noise to the Lord, he is pleased with you and will help you!

This is a brand-new day with new adventures…don’t let it pass you by!

Praise God and Thank you Jesus…we’re still alive!

I love ya…most of all Jesus loves you!

If all you can do is one step…then take that step in Jesus’ name until you can do two steps, three steps before you know it, you’ll be running!

There ain’t nothing that Jesus and you can’t do when you set your heart and mind on him then there is peace because you can Trust Him! Amen!

~Marla Shaw O’Neill September 7, 2023

1 Timothy 4:8 New International Version For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.

Dictionary says: noun: good cheer.

1. 1. a shout of encouragement, praise, or joy.

“a tremendous cheer from the audience”

Similar: hurrah, hoot, hosanna, alleluia etc.

 

1. 2.  cheerfulness, optimism, or confidence.

“An attempt to inject a little cheer into this gloomy season.”

Similar: happiness, joy.

Open fields before me, I watch the sun slowly set. Then looking up into the sky I wonder, how long?

How long before your return Lord? I’ve been walking this road many years now and I feel so all alone…

Then a gentle breeze took my breath away, and I remembered his words, showing me the way home.

He said, “Child, I’m going away but I will come again. And when I do, I’ll come back for you and take you to where I’ve been.”

“You see, I’ve been with you all along. You’re never out of my sight. It may seem that you are forgotten, but darlin, that’s only because you can’t see me, but I’ve been here all along.

I watched over you as you were born. I saw you take your first steps and speak your first words. I was there when you skinned your knees and heard you say, God bless you when someone sneezed. I witnessed all your heartbreaks, and I heard every prayer. I answered in ways you never knew, knowing what was best for you. Sweetheart, I’ve always been there. Throughout the years I’ve wiped away each and every tear and I shared in your greatest joys and saddest woes…child of mine, I saw you birth your own and heard you count each finger and each toe. You are never alone. My greatest moment for you was when you said, Lord I do and I will always follow you. Even now, I am with you. I’m the silent presence at every meal. I am your neighbor and your friend. In sickness I cradle you. In weakness I give you strength to carry on one more day. And some day when it is time for you to come home, I’ll come to your side, I’ll take your hand and lead you safely home. The home I’ve been preparing for you for a very long time. It will be your forever home. You won’t feel alone ever again. You’ll see loved ones singing and rejoicing. You’ll see the Father, Me and Holy Spirit. Everyone will be thrilled that your journey is complete. Honey, until that time, occupy. Tell others who I am and when you watch the sunset and sunrise, remember I AM with you every step of the way. All the way to the beginning of forever!”

Lord, thank you for hearing and answering I needed your touch today. Refreshed and encouraged. Let me be that way for others today! Take these words and use them for your glory and a praise. We never walk alone. Help me remember you are always by my side. Just walking us all home, day by day!

~Marla Shaw O’Neill September 1, 2023

John 14:1-3

New King James Version

The Way, the Truth, and the Life

“Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.

Artist: Shawn Costello

In the wee hours of the morning, I woke up and had many things racing through my mind! Thoughts of yesterdays and things long ago forgotten. Present things and things to come…I placed my hand on my forehead and said to myself, “Peace. Be still!” All was calm and quiet!

Sometimes the storm isn’t just in the elements. Peter was in a boat in the middle of a severe storm. Then he saw Jesus walking on the water in the middle of a raging storm. Now think about this. Lightning flashing all around, thunder roaring, winds blowing so fierce the waters were turbulent and crashing all around them. Would you step out of the safety of a boat and try to walk on the water? What was he thinking? The other disciples pulling him back and begging him not to do it!

But something compelled him to do just that! (That something is Jesus!)

He climbed out of the boat and began to walk on the water, to Jesus. As long as he kept his eyes on him and not on the raging storm he was walking just fine. If you’ve attended Sunday School and Church at all, you’ve more than likely heard the story. Peter looked at his circumstances and realized he was in over his head, literally. So, what did he do? He cried out, “Jesus! Save me!”

And of course, Jesus did, save him. Although Jesus said to all of them, “Oh ye of little faith, why did you doubt?”

Another time Jesus was sleeping in a boat. A great storm came up and the disciples, afraid, woke him and said, “Teacher don’t you care that we perish?” Jesus woke up and rebuked the winds and said to the sea, “Peace, be still!”

Jesus, in the boat spoke to the elements and said, “Peace! Be Still!” The winds died down. The lightning and thunder ceased. The sea obeyed and all was quiet and calm. Again, Jesus rebuked them, and asked, ““Why are you so fearful? How is it that you have no faith?”

Are you in a raging storm? Are you numb and fearful with thoughts of how you’ll ever get out of the storm. Afraid, alone, surrounded by the darkest night and knowing there is no way out? Tired and frightened of losing your very life? Jesus will ask you, “Why are you so fearful? How is it that you have no faith?”

If you are a child of the living God, and I say this without condemnation. You know that Faith pleases God! For we walk by faith and not by sight! Stop looking at the circumstances. Stop listening to the lies of the enemy. And Start, Praising God! Remember all the times he has saved you and delivered you and brought you out of many dire circumstances. He will do it again!

PEACE! BE STILL! PEACE! BESTILL! PEACE! BE STILL!

It is by faith we overcome. Look full into the face of Jesus today and receive His Peace. Breathe it in! Feel the refreshing? His arms are wide-open for you, all you have to do is accept it!

The storm is raging but you don’t have to join in! You can rise above the storm by soaring on the wings of Peace!! Jesus, Is, The Prince of Peace! Nothing broken, nothing shattered! Totally and completely made whole!

~Marla Shaw O’Neill August 21, 2023

But He was in the stern, asleep on a pillow. And they awoke Him and said to Him, “Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?”

 Then He 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?” Mark 4:38-40 New King James Version

 Jesus Walks on the Sea

Immediately Jesus made His disciples get into the boat and go before Him to the other side, while He sent the multitudes away. And when He had sent the multitudes away, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray. Now when evening came, He was alone there. But the boat was now in the middle of the sea, tossed by the waves, for the wind was contrary.

Now in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went to them, walking on the sea. And when the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, “It is a ghost!” And they cried out for fear.

 But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid.”

And Peter answered Him and said, “Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.”

So, He said, “Come.” And when Peter had come down out of the boat, he walked on the water to go to Jesus. But when he saw that the wind was boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink he cried out, saying, “Lord, save me!”

And immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and caught him, and said to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” Matthew 14:22-31 New King James Version

Be encouraged today…believe me I know what it’s like, but Jesus says, “Don’t let your heart be troubled and don’t let it be afraid… For I have overcome the world!”

 The enemy will try everything in his power to take you out. It is his very nature and reason for his existence, to destroy…and he will use every tactic he can to do just that!

BUT GOD!!!! GOD IS GREATER!!!

You may feel like giving up! You may feel like, what’s the use of going on! You hear the voice in your head telling you, “I’m no good, no one cares, no one listens or even sees me, so what’s the use? Why should I care if no one else does?”

Those are lies…lies of the enemy of your soul! He is the enemy of YHWH!

DO NOT LISTEN TO HIM!

He’s defeated! Already judged! He knows he has no future and he wants to make sure you believe you don’t have one either!

But…Jesus says, I have given you Authority over Satan and his emps…Authority to Cast out demons in Jesus Name…To lay hands on the sick and see them recover and to even raise the dead in Jesus’ Name! He gave His Life so you could live!

Jesus offers Peace!

Satan offers chaos!

Jesus offers Love!

Satan offers hate!

Jesus offers Life!

Satan offers death!

Which do you prefer? Who will you believe? What are you going to do about it?

Accept Jesus and live!!

You are a chosen people and a royal priesthood; when you acknowledge Jesus as the Son of God and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead You are born into the Family of God! A brand-new person! The old passes away and behold, all things become new! That makes you God’s kid! And no demon in heaven, or hell, or the earth, can take that from you!!!

Will all your problems go away? No! But now you’ll have someone to help you on your journey through life! He’ll be with you and in you and will teach you how to conquer the enemy on God’s terms! And guess what, We win!! Even if we suffer and die…we will never die!

Shake yourself! Stop the self-pity talk! Stop believing the lies! GET UP and begin Giving God Praise for all the mighty works He has done!

He, the Creator of the Universe, the one who formed all living things, who speaks to the raging winds, and they cease from blowing…who tells the stars to shine and to stay in the skies…the one who rides the storms and walks on water, the one who says, “This one is Mine, hands off!” The one who brings life to newborn babies and with one thought can split the seas, molds mountains, bends time and space so that we have oxygen to breathe and gives us an abundant life… Our God is bigger, greater, smarter, faithful, loyal, we have covenant with Him and He cannot fail this God is the one who says, I AM WITH YOU! DO NOT FEAR NOR BE AFRAID!! IT IS I WHO FIGHTS FOR YOU!

GET UP! IT’S TIME TO TAKE UP THE FULL ARMOR OF GOD AND FIGHT! Fight as never before! The time is now! Because NOW FAITH IS~ the substance of things hoped for the evidence of things not seen!!

Hebrews 11:1-6 NKJV

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. For by it the elders obtained a good testimony. By faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that the things which are seen were not made of things which are visible.

You are not defeated! You are not alone! You are not worthless! YOU ARE A CHILD OF THE LIVING GOD!

He says…When you’ve done all you can do to stand…Stand therefore…

Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Ephesians 6:14-17 New Living Translation

 So, let’s not allow ourselves to get fatigued doing good. At the right time we will harvest a good crop if we don’t give up or quit. Right now, therefore, every time we get the chance, let us work for the benefit of all, starting with the people closest to us in the community of faith. Galatians 6:9-10 The Message

 I have told you these things so that in Me you may have peace. You will have suffering in this world. Be courageous! I have conquered the world.” John 16:33 Holman Christian Standard Bible

 So, stop wallowing in the pig pin! Stand up and take a glory bath. Get in the streams of living water and be washed in the blood of the lamb! Then, you will be a sweet-smelling savor to the LORD! Watch as he turns everything around and makes all things good just for you! Why? Because you’re His precious treasure! And he loves you more than you could think or imagine!!

I know, because I just did!!

Be God’s Warrior!!!

~Marla Shaw O’Neill August 7, 2023

 

Faded flowers stood in a vintage vase.

One by one, petals fell upon the tattered case.

Placed inside was an ancient book~

Where time stood still.

Nimble fingers, opened the book, to take a look inside.

She saw within its pages the mirror of her soul.

Peering back at her was a young girl, confident and bold…

A face she barely remembered, eyes kind and wise…

She folded the book, then closed her eyes…

Memories~

As petals fell and died!

~Marla Shaw O’Neill July 31, 2023

So, teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom. Psalm 90:12 New King James Version

The darkness moves at a sloth’s pace, it seems it will never end~

Then, you see a tiny speck of light and you smile~

There’s hope and you have the faith to live one more day.

Holding onto that light your soul is restored, the darkness isn’t so dark anymore~

The light dispels the darkness~

The sloth fades away as the darkness is overcome by the light of day.

Life, renewed!

And even though, the sloth may return, hold onto what you’ve learned~

Stay anchored in the Light!

I Dedicate this to Garry Wilder (The speed of dark)

~Marla Shaw O’Neill July 21, 2023

“Darkness cannot drive out darkness: only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that.” – Martin Luther King Jr.

 

Dedicated to my brother, Regan Shaw July 18, 2023

I felt the wind as I heard their wings, stirring, all around me…

The sound was like tinkling glass, notes of a heavenly kind,

Vibrating into a cathedral of a great thundering blast!

Then, silence.

I waited in the stillness…

Ready to try…

Then stepped off the mountain-top and began to fly!

High above the mountains, air cold and dry.

The heavens opened, full of stars, I gasped, Oh my!

Faster and faster my flight’s delight.

As my day turned into darkest night.

I flew the expanse of a thousand years~

‘til eternity became infinity, I had no fear…

I felt the wind,

And heard their wings!

Traveling beside me there was no end…

Millions they were!

Angels, my friends!

~Marla Shaw O’Neill, 2007, (edited 7/18/2023)

2 Kings 6:15-20 New International Version When the servant of the man of God got up and went out early the next morning, an army with horses and chariots had surrounded the city. “Oh no, my lord! What shall we do?” the servant asked.

 “Don’t be afraid,” the prophet answered. “Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.”

 And Elisha prayed, “Open his eyes, Lord, so that he may see.” Then the Lord opened the servant’s eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.

 

I have to pray!

I need to talk to my Jesus!

Prayer is the highway, it’s the airway, that takes us into the place where He, lives…

My friend, Holy Spirit is saying,

Come on, let’s go to the house!

Let’s sit down at the table and have a cool refreshing drink of water with the Living Water…

You can be yourself, take your shoes off, let down your guard and just be real…

A face-to-face talk with your brother, Jesus and your Papa God…

Open up and have a heart-to-heart conversation with Them!

I’m here to help you. What’s on your mind?

Well, I don’t really know where to start.

Can I just pray in my prayer language first?

Of course, you can. I’ll help!

… ….. ….. …. ….. ….. … .. . . . . . . . . ……… .. ……. . …. .. . …!!!!!!!!!!!!!

From your lips to my lips, Oh God.

From your heart to my heart precious Holy King.

From your ear to my ears let me hear, what the Spirit is saying~

From your life to my life let me walk.

From your house to my house Papa God.

Let me live and share your salvation to all those souls that are lost…

Let not one be lost,

All those you have entrusted to my care, bring them to the cross.

Let your light, shine upon my life, to give sight to those in darkness…

May the time you’ve given me, be spent continuously abiding in you

and praying that all will be fulfilled and that nothing will be wasted.

Right now, is all I have, let me bring you my highest praise,

to give you glory and honor, Oh God!

Forgiving and believing that nothing is impossible with you!

Pouring grace into the wounded!

Giving hope to the hopeless!

Extending mercy and peace to the hurting!

Showing who you, are, by the way I live!

That your truth is the only way to live life!

I give freely to you, all that I am and all that I will ever be!

You are my best friend, my savior, my life-guard,

my perfect peace, my strength, my joy, my reason to live…

Obedience is better than sacrifice…

May I never bring you shame…

To live is Christ Jesus and to die is gain!

So, while I’m still breathing, in the here and now,

let my life be known as one who walks with Jesus, friends always!

Amen!!

~Marla Shaw O’Neill July 14, 2023

“I’ve told you these things for a purpose: that my joy might be your joy, and your joy wholly mature. This is my command: Love one another the way I loved you. This is the very best way to love. Put your life on the line for your friends. You are my friends when you do the things, I command you. I’m no longer calling you servants because servants don’t understand what their master is thinking and planning. No, I’ve named you friends because I’ve let you in on everything I’ve heard from the Father. John 15:15 The Message