Be Courageous Be Bold Hebrews 4:16

In the early morning in that in-between-time right before fully awake, I hear the familiar whisper of my heavenly father speaking…

“Turn around you’re looking the wrong way…I’m trying to give you the promised land, but you are still living in the desert…and you keep looking back to Egypt! There is nothing for you back there. It is a fantasy. It no longer exists…”

Ouch…

Oh, Abba how well you see and know me.

Throughout my life I’ve longed for the fairy tale…the home with the white-picket-fence where loved ones gather for family dinners and birthdays and just day-days…to be together. Laugh, cry, go through all the life-things, together. But I never achieved the fairy-tale, because it doesn’t exist. The prince and the princess with a life of happily-ever-after. TV families like; Leave it to Beaver, My three sons, the Walton’s, to name a few…that’s Hollywood feel-good, make-believe-stuff…where in TV land, everything has a happy ending. At least back then it did.

Reality is a hard taskmaster…but in all of life’s struggles there are moments where life is good…it’s joyful and we find moments of contentment…My mom would say, “Life never runs smooth.”

What I’ve come to learn over the sixty-nine years I’ve lived this life, is that we are all still just little kids trying to figure it all out. With experience, comes wisdom, at least it should. I suppose some never learn the lesson.

I was young once believe it or not…I had silly little dreams but as life unfolded, I didn’t have the how to, to accomplish, and looking back at now would have been completely different. Age gives you a certain perspective you don’t have when you are young. “Hindsight is 20/20 they say.” Whoever they are.

I’m not complaining though, because even with the “stupid” mistakes (unwise choices) I made they brought me to this amazing time in my life where I’ve made life-long friends, great memories. I’ve learned to leave the bad memories buried and forgiven. That’s what Papa God told me one time. “Stop digging up dead things!” It’s a process.

But I find myself, if I’m not alert to it, I dwell in the desert and try to figure out why things are the way they are. Dumb I know. Thus, the Spirit of Papa God, telling me to stop it.

I think about many things, and that may be part of my challenge…but that’s me, a thinker of deep things…I guess that is the artist in me…to create…but sometimes those creations are not for the better…thank goodness for Holy Spirit…he tells us to think on good things, praiseworthy things.

This is who I am. I was once someone else, but Jesus changed all of that. I continue to be transformed into His likeness day by day, moment by moment, and for that I am grateful.

I am saying all of this to tell you…Do not look back! There’s nothing there for you. Live in the present! Live in His presence because in Him you’ll have the Promised Land…where milk and honey flow continuously. But if we look back, if we listen to the evil one, he will trap us in a place of despondency, regret, unhappiness, defeat, unforgiveness and death.

Turn around, live in the now!

You may ask, “But how do you do it?”

Have you ever been in love? That euphoric feeling of all you think about, all you care about, all you talk about, and all you want is to be with that person. Well, it’s kind of like that.

Fall so in love with Jesus that he is all that matters. When you do that, your heart is made new and all you want to do is love. Read His love letters. Get to know him better and better. Learn of him, see how he acted, what he’d say, what he’d do and follow His example.

Hate is an extremely damaging emotion. It doesn’t just kill the spirit of the person you hate; it kills you. Just like eating of the tree of knowledge of good and evil it kills you spiritually and damages your whole life. When Steven, one of the early disciples was being stoned to death, he said, “Forgive them father for they don’t know what they are doing.” He followed Jesus’ example. Jesus stood up…if Steven had not prayed, forgive them…Oh my! (Someone gave me this insight the other day.) (Todd)

When Jesus was dying on the cross, He said, “Forgive them father, they don’t know what they are doing.” Had he not prayed that prayer, this is just a personal thought, God would have destroyed mankind right then, for what they were doing to his son, it hurt him to the depths of his soul that he had to turn his head…but Jesus loved us so much, he gave up His life for us. You and me and for all generations to come. All he asks is that we ask him too, he doesn’t force anyone.

A very good friend of mine (Amye Still) says this, “Hurting people, hurt people. Freed people, free people!”

Simply ask Jesus to come into your life, your heart, and show you how to love him. I promise you he will Love you right back…

Jesus loves you so, so much…when you love him, it makes you love everyone even your worst enemies…even those who hurt you, abused you, abandoned, betrayed you, crushed you. But with the love Jesus gives you, you can forgive. Not that you continue in those relationships. Sometimes you have to love people from a distance. You will be freed!

~Marla Shaw O’Neill November 27 & 28, 2023

1 Corinthians 13 New Living Translation

Love Is the Greatest

13 If I could speak all the languages of earth and of angels, but didn’t love others, I would only be a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. ² If I had the gift of prophecy, and if I understood all of God’s secret plans and possessed all knowledge, and if I had such faith that I could move mountains, but didn’t love others, I would be nothing. ³ If I gave everything I have to the poor and even sacrificed my body, I could boast about ^{it; [a]} but if I didn’t love others, I would have gained nothing.

⁴ Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud ⁵ or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. ⁶ It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. ⁷ Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.

⁸ Prophecy and speaking in unknown languages^[b] and special knowledge will become useless. But love will last forever! ⁹ Now our knowledge is partial and incomplete, and even the gift of prophecy reveals only part of the whole picture! ¹⁰ But when the time of perfection comes, these partial things will become useless.

¹¹ When I was a child, I spoke and thought and reasoned as a child. But when I grew up, I put away childish things. ¹² Now we see things imperfectly, like puzzling reflections in a mirror, but then we will see everything with perfect ^{clarity. [c]} All that I know now is partial and incomplete, but then I will know everything completely, just as God now knows me completely.

¹³ Three things will last forever—faith, hope, and love—and the greatest of these is love.

Footnotes

1. 13:3 Some manuscripts read sacrificed my body to be burned.

2. 13:8 Or in tongues.

 

Adam was created to tend God’s Garden…

Adam was not the master; he was created to serve…

We are not the masters of the earth, there is only one Master…

We’re here to serve him!

In the beautiful garden where life began, where streams of living waters ran…

Trees gently waved, touched, by the wind…

Flowers grew abundantly, their fragrance sent…

Sweet smelling savors to the nostrils of Him…

As He blessed the two of them.

Whole and complete, no sorrow, no sin…

Joy and pleasures experienced there, living in the garden.

Serving was a pleasure. There was no thought of days end…

Life was fulfilling, true peace came from within

No secret desires, their hearts were content…

Serving in the garden wherever they went.

Mountains and valleys, fields and forests, found, in the garden of life…

Thousands of years went by…

Serving was their hearts cry…

Eagle’s soar and Lion’s roar, revealing God’s presence is so much more…

As the two serve the sovereign Lord…nothing broken or shaken

While serving in the garden!

Life was good, where the two stood.

In the garden where they abide…

Forever, loving and serving the master, side by side!

Until…

~Marla Shaw O’Neill November 17, 2023

Genesis 2:15 King James Version-And the Lord God took the man and put him into the garden of Eden to dress it and to keep it.

I was standing in His presence, when I heard YHWH ask…

“Whom shall I send to this people? Who will go for us and achieve this task?”

I waited and listened. My words came strong and true…

“Hear am I, send me. I will go for you!”

God is calling an army, to be courageous and bold…

Doesn’t matter your age or status, male and female, child who…

Have their garments washed in the blood of his own dear son…

The battle cry is heard the raging war; begun…

He has gone before us; the way has been made clear…

Let sainted army in faith and valor come now and appear…

The battle is the Lord’s and everyone who hears…

Will put on God’s Holy Armor without doubt, and have no fear…

This army is full of God’s love!

Demons beware! Your evil tactics are shattered, God’s army draws near.

Holy Spirit leads them, praising God as they go.

Lifting High the Standard for everyone to know!

We are God’s army, slaying giants where evil has trod…

Fierce, and brave we sing God’s praise…

Saving souls once gripped by hell…

The blood of Jesus pouring forth on earth and where angels dwell…

He keeps us on the winning side…

And there with Jesus we abide…

Conquering death where darkness advanced…

This army of God takes their battle stance…

Receiving the Crown of Life…

Hear and now because we fight…in Holiness and doing what’s right…

With God we will prevail, with Jesus we will not fail!!

Oh, hear the Spirit call…

Come now one and all…

Join the Army of God!

~Marla Shaw O’Neill November 6, 2023

Isaiah 6:8 New Living Translation

Then I heard the Lord asking, “Whom should I send as a messenger to this people? Who will go for us?”

I said, “Here I am. Send me.”

Arise, and do not be afraid! When I read these six words from a Bible study, we’ve been doing, (Fearless) they made a tremendous impact on me. In other words, Jesus said, “Get UP and don’t be afraid!”

In Matthew 17:1-7, Jesus took three of his closest disciples and led them up on a high mountain by themselves; and right there, He was transfigured before them. It says His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became as white as the light. Can you imagine how amazed and awe-struck Peter, James and John must have been. They were seeing something they’d never seen before. They knew Jesus was different and believed he was, who he said he was…but there was still some question in their hearts. They were looking in the natural, but Jesus came to show them the supernatural…from our perspective we mostly get it…we’ve read about who Jesus is. We’ve heard all the stories of the Bible, and have accepted him as our Lord and Savior, well those who have, know what I’m talking about. But these three men were experiencing this first-hand…it’s difficult to even imagine what they must have thought and felt. Seeing Moses and Elijah appear before them talking with Jesus…

What?

Of course, Peter, who was strong headed, outspoken and bold made the suggestion to build three tabernacles: One for Jesus, one for Moses and one for Elijah. But while he was still speaking, a bright cloud overshadowed them; and suddenly, God said, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well please. Hear Him!”

Woe! This wasn’t the first time God had spoken those words about His Son. This was serious…When Peter, James and John heard it, they fell on their faces and were greatly afraid. I think I would have been too. I mean this is God speaking…

But Jesus…

Our precious, compassionate, understanding savior, came and touched them. Oh, the touch of Jesus, there’s nothing like it. Then He said, “Arise, and Do Not Be Afraid!”

Jesus is saying to us today, “Arise, get up, don’t be afraid!”

Are you frightened, are you feeling anxious and weary! Child of God, look to Jesus. He wants to touch you with His presence. He wants you to get up and don’t be afraid!

When your life seems out of control and you don’t want to think of where to go, or how to act, and with all the crazy going on around you and in the world, you fall on your face and wonder how is this going to end? You just want it to stop…and fear has its icy grip on you…

Let Jesus touch you! Then get up and don’t be afraid!

Don’t be anxious for anything…but in all things, the good and the bad, give thanks for this is the will of God concerning you in Christ Jesus! (Philippians 4:6-7)

Get up! Stand and put on the armor of God… (Ephesians 6:10-18)

Pray and Praise for this brings you into the very presence of God! And don’t let anything or anyone take the place of Jesus. He is God’s son, Hear Him! Amen!

Arise, and do not be afraid!

~Marla Shaw O’Neill November 6, 2023

Matthew 17:1-7 New King James Version Jesus Transfigured on the Mount

Now after six days Jesus took Peter, James, and John his brother, led them up on a high mountain by themselves; and He was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became as white as the light. And behold, Moses and Elijah appeared to them, talking with Him. Then Peter answered and said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here; if You wish, let us make here three tabernacles: one for You, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.”

While he was still speaking, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them; and suddenly a voice came out of the cloud, saying, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Hear Him!” And when the disciples heard it, they fell on their faces and were greatly afraid. But Jesus came and touched them and said, “Arise, and do not be afraid.”

Philippians 4:6-7 New International Version

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

 

Ephesians 6:10-18 New International Version

The Armor of God Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore, put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.

 

To those who choose Broad-way.

The town was lit-up, like the Fourth of July on a warm summer’s night.

Laughter and singing and dancing in the streets. Strangers at the party were not discreet…

There was drinking, and games and no one seemed to care, they’re on the road called, Broad-way.

Innocence beware!

“Let the party begin!” As the gate opens wide. “Don’t lag behind, come on inside!”

Once you’ve tasted the wine, left the world behind, there will be nowhere else you will want to dine…

It’s, “Do what feels good, you have nothing to fear, it’s time to be happy right now, right here…”

Soon morning comes, all the good times disappear. It was nothing more than a façade. Cloaked in light, but the life was fake. Now my friends, it is way too late…you’re thrown into an eternal, bottomless pit.

Gnashing of teeth with horrific, uncontrollable dread and fear~

The road called Broad-way had merely been a snare.

Trapped in this illusion no one could escape. The night of celebration had been a terrible mistake…

Tormented souls in this cycle of disgrace, no going back, no hope, not a trace…

While the looking glass, of what could have been was broken, lives shattered; destroyed from within. Victims of deception’s greatest sin… “Do whatever you like,” spoken by the evil friend.

Cries and screams of torment were heard. Blood curdling groans: there were no words, to describe the place Broad-way had led them. Down, down without a trace as destruction and regret were now worn on each face.

No happiness, no joy, no peace could be found…

This highway called Broad-way, had them forever bound!

If they had only listened when the warning went out, “Turn around don’t go down to that empty unfulfilled place. They did not listen there would be no more grace…”

To those who choose Narrow-way.

Narrow-way is straight and long, and what you choose now, will help you hold on.

There will be tears and sorrow and the journey, is far.

But~ you’ll be guided by the One, who made the sky and the stars…

It’ll feel as if you walk alone but the joy you’ll receive as you face the task, it will not fade, it will forever last.

No glamorous lights or parties to share, no easy-street-concessions on this path will you find there…

At the end of the road, you will finally see, your life will be sweet for taking Narrow-way Street.

Your heart will be glad, for all the hardships you had, they’ll be turned into treasures of peace, joy and love, and that’s not so bad…

Your brothers and sisters will welcome you home!

A new song will be sung!

“Well done my child, my precious one!”

Broad-way leads to destruction and death.

On Narrow-way you’ll find peace and rest.

Two roads await you, which one will you take? I pray you choose wisely, and the Narrow-way make!

~Marla Shaw O’Neill October 15, 2023

Matthew 7:13-14 New International Version the Narrow and Wide Gates “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.

Orange, yellow, red, and rustic hues we see~

Scattered over the ground, tiny treasures, from ancient trees are found.

Whispering gently, willows, pines and oaks… their leaves, take flight, on breezy winds and go.

Making way for new seasons carried on by the young and the old…

A timeless journey, while some may stay…others, are sent, away!

Shivers come by night and day…

Soon winter will arrive…

Resting they will thrive…

Snuggling in the warmth of bed, as countless years go by…

Seasons come and seasons go, memories of all of those…

Longing for one more day, one more year, to be blessed enough to stay.

Wrapped in a blanket of endless love

Treasures remaining, like a nesting dove…

Brings all that we’ve been dreaming of…

Colors of the seasons seen by all who will take a look…

Flavors we savor from a favorite book…

Seasons last, forever and a day!

~Marla Shaw O’Neill October 14, 2023

Ecclesiastes 3 King James Version – To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:

When you have an encounter, a one-on-one touch with Jesus, you are, and will be, transformed. You are forever changed.

The blind man that was touched by Jesus…

The lame man sat at a pool for 38 years crippled, but when he was touched by Jesus…

The woman at the well, broken, condemned, judged for her poor choices in life ruined reputation…but when she had an encounter with Jesus…

The dead girl raised to life again and Lazarus dead four days, heard Jesus say come forth…

The demoniac tormented in body, mind and soul, no peace for years and then he was touched by Jesus…

Real people with real pain in situations that no one could repair, full of despair and hopelessness, no one could rescue, but they were touched by Jesus…

500 witnesses saw Jesus after his resurrection…Jesus is Alive…

 Once touched by Jesus, no person, no demon from hell, could take away the encounter they had with Jesus. The experience was unexplainable, and it happened. They were completely set free!

That was then, but he’s still touching lives in our day and time too. I know because he did it for me.

They were one way and then they were another way! I was one way then I was changed.

When you have a life changing experience with Jesus, you’re no longer bound by what you know or think or by what others say, think or do.

You don’t have to be convinced or talked into believing, because you know it for yourself. It is undeniable.

You know that you know that you know, and no matter what anyone says or does to make you try and doubt or to go back into that insanity. You know you will not go back because you are living proof that Jesus touched you and you are no longer bound.

You’re screaming, “How?”

Well, either Jesus is Real, or we are all just playing games. I know beyond a shadow of a doubt Jesus is real! I know the life I lived before and how tormented I was. I was filled with shame and guilt for many years. I hid emotionally and physically because that’s what we do when we aren’t in right standing with Jesus. Like Adam and Eve in the garden. Sin makes us hide from God. I ran from one place to another, literally over and over and over. I could not find peace, because I didn’t want to face myself and if I went to Jesus, really went to him I’d have to face it all and it was just too painful. But He has His ways…and He loves us so much, he goes looking for us! He’s calling, “Child, where are you?”

So, like the woman at the well…Jesus waited for me to come to the well…I was hot, dusty, tired, broken and afraid and alone.

He took me out of Egypt (sin) and put me smack dap in the middle of a faraway place where He was…and for nine years I was in a safe place to heal…so that the tormentors no longer had control over my life. I was no longer “the victim.” I was the VICTOR through the touch of Jesus!

Jesus touched me and I had that real life encounter with Him…I was no longer the person I once had been. I don’t even recognize that person…I was made new by the transforming power of the Lord Jesus Christ.

If he can do it for me, he can do it for anyone.

Relationships are built on faith and trust. I know, who He Is! And I trust him with my whole body, mind and soul!!

How? Go to Jesus. You may say, “I’ve done that a thousand times and it doesn’t work.” Do it until it does work!

Stop running…stop looking for an easy fix, that doesn’t last. Band-Aid solutions are only temporary. Stop trying to be what He never meant for you to be.

Get alone with Jesus…be real with Him…talk to Him and ask Him to come into your heart and be the Lord and savior of your life. He’s waiting for you to ask…

Meet with Jesus face to face and I promise you, he will transform you into a brand-new person. He will put the right people/person in your life that will lead you to your true healing.

Let go of the past and walk with Him…all the way to forever!

The peace you’ll receive is a peace that lasts…Oh there will be times of trials but in those times, you have an assurance that he is with you, and it will pass. It’s worth it, He is worth it! You are worth it!

And then when doubt tries to hinder you. You’ll have a resolve that Jesus is greater, and the doubt won’t be able to penetrate your victory, because, brother, sister you Are Free! Whom the Son sets free is FREE indeed! Not just words…Truth!!

God wants you to live and not die and proclaim his mighty works to others so they too can be set free, just like YOU!!

~Marla Shaw O’Neill October 11, 2023

Encounters with Jesus: Forever Transformed

John 9                         The blind man

John 5: 1-18               Lame man at the pool

John 4                         Woman at the well

Mark 5:21-43             Dead girl raised

John 11:38-44             Lazarus

Luke 8:26-39               Demoniac

1 Corinthians 15:6     500 See Jesus after His resurrection

If the mountain doesn’t move…. Then what?

Will you stop believing? Will you stop having faith in God? Will you become bitter and cynical and run from His presence?

Buzzer sound, ANK!!!…Stop…Think…either Jesus is, who he says he is, and his word is truth, or something is terribly wrong!!

You may say, “I have faith. I prayed. But the mountain remains. Why God?”

Faith is the substance…it’s concrete, of things hoped for…what is yet to come…the evidence of things not seen…proof it will be. Even though it doesn’t materialize in the way we think…God’s word is true! Keep trusting! Keep believing! Stay the course! God is faithful that promised!

Though the vision tarry…wait for it…God has a plan and a purpose for everything he says and does…not just for us to be comfortable and whole…he does it so that many will see and know that He Is, Who He says He Is!

We are eternal beings…some will receive their answers in an instant. Some will receive as they go on their way…and some won’t see the results until they are with Him in glory! But it will come…that’s what faith is…knowing, that you know, that you know…No matter what it looks or, feels like. We don’t walk by feelings…we Walk by Faith! Amen!

Habakkuk 2:1-8 The Message says… What’s God going to say to my questions? I’m braced for the worst. I’ll climb to the lookout tower and scan the horizon. I’ll wait to see what God says, how he’ll answer my complaint.

 Full of Self, but Soul-Empty And then God answered: “Write this. Write what you see. Write it out in big block letters so that it can be read on the run. This vision-message is a witness pointing to what’s coming. It aches for the coming—it can hardly wait! And it doesn’t lie. If it seems slow in coming, wait. It’s on its way. It will come right on time.

* * *

Jesus, is, the son of God. He had all authority in earth and in heaven…but he was crucified…why? So that souls, past, present and future would be rescued from sin and death. When He said, “It Is Finished!” That meant for all time…His blood sealed the deal. The mountain was and is forever accomplished.

Brothers and sisters…family of God…be encouraged today…Your mountain is being removed…either in this life or the one to come…what’s important is that in the waiting, in the pressing, in the suffering, in the good and the bad…Have Faith, In God,because Jesus is, the only answer. If Abraham and Moses and Noah and all the prophets and all the disciples, men and women from the beginning to this current age can testify to the validity of the One True God, that he does not lie…He keeps his promises…who are we to say, “Why?” Who are we to doubt and be afraid? God has given us everything we need to fulfill His purpose for each and every one of us…He gave us Jesus! He gave us His Spirit, His Holy Spirit to be, in, us and help us…He gave us His word to live by and understand All that He is and will do. Stop trying to figure things out in your own strength, in your own mind, and Live in Faith, knowing that You Are a Child of the Living God! Amen…So be it!!

Obedience is better than sacrifice. Jesus learned obedience through the things he suffered. And when you find yourself smack-dap in the middle of the “Pit~” Do not despair, Jesus is there with you.

He’s got you!

Living for God doesn’t mean that everything will be “rosy-dozy~” you’ll go through “stuff!” That’s just the way of life. But~ In the “stuff” Jesus will be right there with you, encouraging you…don’t give up! Do not be afraid! Know that His grace (unmerited favor) is in you and will carry you “through” it all!

Faith says, even when you don’t feel God~

Even when the flood waters are overflowing~

Even when the fire is turned up seven times hotter~

Emanuel…God with us! He will deliver us either now or He’ll take us to be with Him~

No matter what…I mean, NO MATTER WHAT! KEEP THE FAITH!

When you stand praying, forgive one another…abide in Jesus…please your Papa God by showing Him just how much faith you have. Even as small as a grain of mustard seed…just that much… Because Faith, pleases God!

~Marla Shaw O’Neill September 30, 2023

Hebrews 11:6 New King James Version – But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.

Hebrews 11:1 New King James Version – Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

 Mark 11:22-25 New King James Version – So Jesus answered and said to them, “Have faith in God. For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be removed and be cast into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says. Therefore, I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them.

Forgiveness and Prayer “And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him, that your Father in heaven may also forgive you your trespasses.

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.