Inspirational

Jesus said, You Are Mine

Posted on by Marla
This is written with the thoughts of a lost soul who has lived a very difficult life but who responds to Jesus’ call because someone prayed.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Tormented and shattered, life has no meaning.
Year after year you wonder why your heart even keeps beating…
Thoughts of ending your existence flood every waking minute.
No one cares that you’re even in it…
Family detests you for the choices you’ve made.
No do-overs, no takebacks, emotionless and numb,
Go ahead, do it, you’re just a ridiculous bum!  The enemy hisses at every turn.
But why? They never even asked why, you turned out the way you did…
Now it doesn’t matter, your life has slid straight into a pit of despair…and so, you’ve come to this place where, there’s no turning back, it’s too heavy to bear~
One last glimpse, one final task…and all will be ended. No one will ask, where you went…you’re nothing, a nobody…a useless life just taking up time and space, a person without a face!
Tattered woman. Hair matted and diseased. No one wants you, not one of these…
But someone, was praying, that somehow, He’d come, and dispel the darkness that was pulling you into the abyss~
Jesus calls your name; you try to resist~
NO! OH NO! I’m not worthy of this…
Standing still, he gently speaks…Miriam, little one, come unto me…
Turning around you gasp at His words…
How did you know my name? I am nothing but scum!
I knit you together in your mother’s womb, YOU ARE MINE!
I’ve redeemed you; don’t you know you are one of a kind?
The atmosphere changes, all the darkness becomes light as the love that you feel, lights up the night…
Forgiven! Restored! A new name I’ve been given!
Embraced by Him, the Savior of heaven!
No longer unclean, nor diseased I am healed!
Delivered from death, my life has been sealed…
Redeemed, by Jesus, the only true King!
Broken one, addicted, tormented and undone…
Do not run away…
I have prayed for you, surrender your life today.
The Prince of Peace is calling your name…
Stop! Listen! Turn around and come to Him!
Insert your name, everyone, all over the world…He is calling…
No matter the hurt, or pain, or addiction, whatever has you bound,
Jesus wants to redeem you and give you a brand-new life~
Why? Because Jesus loves you!
He is the blood sacrifice that bought you back from sin and death~
And if you will open your heart and say, Yes to Him,
I promise everything in your life will change and it will be good!
It is your choice…choose faith over fear, trust over guilt, life over death…
Just take a breath…
Jesus says, I have called you by name, You are Mine!
~Marla Shaw O’Neill July 12, 2023
Isaiah 43:1-4 The Message
When You’re Between a Rock and a Hard Place
But now, God’s Message, the God who made you in the first place, Jacob, the One who got you started, Israel: “Don’t be afraid, I’ve redeemed you. I’ve called your name. You’re mine. When you’re in over your head, I’ll be there with you. When you’re in rough waters, you will not go down. When you’re between a rock and a hard place, it won’t be a dead end— Because I am God, your personal God, The Holy of Israel, your Savior. I paid a huge price for you: all of Egypt, with rich Cush and Seba thrown in! that’s how much you mean to me! That’s how much I love you! I’d sell off the whole world to get you back, trade the creation just for you.
Inspirational

Stand Your Ground

Posted on by Marla
How To Put On And Step Out With The Whole Armor Of God - emeryhorvath.com
Stand your Ground solider of God…
We have an enemy…
He is strategic and powerful…
Ancient in years…
Destroyer of all that is good and pure and true
Kills all in his path
And steals everything and anything in his grasp…
He is the prince of the air…
If not for the hand of God…
He would annihilate every living thing…
Do not think you can out-smart, out-shoot, out-live, or conquer this foe…
On your own…
He is not one you want to do combat with…you will not win…
But…
By the authority of God and the Name of Jesus and by the Power of the Holy Spirit when we stand with Them…all demons tremble…all hell freezes…and God by his Majestic, Omnipotence, Omnipresence, and Omniscient…we WIN!!
When He said to put on the FULL armor of God…that is exactly what we must do…it’s God’s armor, not ours that will keep us safe…
So, Stand…
Wearing the girdle of Truth, speak God’s words, the devil is a liar…
The breastplate of righteousness, To protect your heart the place where Jesus lives…
Having your feet fitted with the preparation of the Gospel of Peace, where you walk by faith and not by sight…
Take up the Shield of Faith, it protects you from the enemy’s lying darts…
Put on the Helmet of Salvation, Have the mind of Christ…
Using the Sword of the Spirit, it cuts through bone and marrow and sets captives free…
And Pray in the Spirit…A Holy language known only to God and His angels. Because it is Holy Spirit praying for unknown things, people, places in earth and heavenly places…and builds us up in our most Holy Faith!!
These are the weapons of our warfare…
You have the Holy Spirit within you; he gives wisdom and discernment and is more powerful than a locomotive, able to leap tall buildings in a single bound, more powerful than Superman…He is the Superman…He is more strategic than any demon or any foe…
So, be Filled with the Holy Spirit and let him lead and guide your thoughts, your body, your soul to walk you through the minefields that the enemy has hidden before you…that’s where your feet must have on the gospel of peace…
He has night-vision so he doesn’t walk blind in the darkness…and he has artillery to shoot the enemy using the Word of God…
And the shield of Faith protects you from all the fiery darts of Satan…
Soldier, stay alert…be watchful…be diligent…and fight standing in prayer and fasting…with the power of the Holy Ghost…
He goes where no one has gone before…
He Is The Only True, Superhero…
This is how we win the war, by keeping in close contact with, God the Father, Jesus the Son and Holy Spirit and fire…
God is for you, no one or nothing can stand against you with Him by your side…
Because, He, is In You!!!!
Activate your Faith!
Be fully clothed in God’s Holy Armor…
We fight in the Spirit realm by the Power of the Spirit of God!
No fear! No retreat! Face like flint…FULLY ARMED! IN THE NAME OF JESUS!
WE FIGHT! AMEN!!!
~ Marla Shaw O’Neill June 8, 2017
Edited July 12, 2023
Finally, my brothers, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For our fight is not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, and against spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore, take up the whole armor of God that you may be able to resist in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your waist girded with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, having your feet fitted with the readiness of the gospel of peace, and above all, taking the shield of faith, with which you will be able to extinguish all the fiery arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
Pray in the Spirit always with all kinds of prayer and supplication. To that end be alert with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints. Ephesians 6:10-18 Modern English Version (MEV) The Battle Against Evil
Inspirational

The Beautiful Rose of Sharon

Posted on by Marla
The Rose of Sharon and Lily of the Valley
There is a flower that grows in the plains of Shar’on in Israel.
Some call it the Rose of Sharon. Some say it is a tulip or lily of the field.
Whatever it is, we know this, that where it grows there are thorns…
Protected from the elements, more beautiful than the robes of kings…
Saturated in waters that flow straight from Emanuel’s veins…
Soil so fertile, the flowers sing, as it is nourished by holy angel’s wings…
Gently it blows and refreshes the air…
Bowing, it kisses the ground that’s found there…
Bees tastes its nectar; butterflies futter within the airstreams…
Love is its gift, here’s what it means…
The beautiful Rose of Sharon appears,
When hearts on fire bring Spirit tears
To wash away every doubt and fear…
As the Rose is crushed to bring us here…
Giving new life in this atmosphere…
Who is this Rose of Sharon?
Jesus, the King of Heaven…
The flower is not as plentiful as it used to be…
Never-the-less it still stands in glorious beauty,
For all eternity…
For Jesus, is, the Rose of Sharon
All who believe in Him will never die.
The Holy Breath beckons you even now,
Come, hear his hearts cry…
Precious daughter, precious son
Today your life has finally begun!
In the fields of Sharon, the flower still grows…
Let me show you it’s beauty and become one of those…
Who chooses Jesus and will always follow… 
~Marla Shaw O’Neill July 9, 2023
I am the rose of Sharon, and the lily of the valleys.  As the lily among thorns, so is my love among the daughters. Song of Solomon 2:1-2 King James Version
Inspirational

Will You Trust Me

Posted on by Marla
Painting by: Michael Dudash
When the storms in life begin to blow, will you trust me?
When the earth shakes, and the ground breaks will you trust me?
When darkness comes and you can’t see the light, will you trust me?
Will you trust me when, and if, and whatever comes your way, or will you cower and run to hide away…?
Child, that’s when you need to trust me.
I will not leave you; I will not forsake you,
Remember all the times I was right there with you; my love carried you through…
Trust me, even now, as doubt, fear and anxiety try to rob you of your peace…
Remember, what I said, while on the raging sea…
“Peace! Be still! Then watch the storms in life cease…”
There will be valleys of despair
Uncontrollable grief
Trials and tribulations
Troubles increase
Exhaustion and temptations, anger and regret
Fear and endless tears, don’t give up, it’s not over yet…
In the valley, you’ll find your peace
In the grief, joy will overflow
In trials and tribulations, endurance will grow
Troubles come and troubles go, cling to me and see
Exhaustion and temptations, bring refreshing as you cling to me
Anger and regret, will disappear with one drop of my grace
Fear and endless tears, won’t be seen upon your face
Because child, your foundation wasn’t built on sinking sand
Your heart was steadfast as you made a bold, brave, stand
To live and breathe and move, in faith and hope and love…
Knowing Jesus would save you, as He listened from above…
That if he did, or, did not deliver you, your heart was stayed on Him…
Holy Spirit gently whispered…
I Am, is with you!
I Am, will set you free!
There’s nothing broken or shaken…
When you put your trust in me!
Trust me, because I’ve been there!
~Marla Shaw O’Neill May 18, 2023
Romans 8:38-39 New King James Version For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
 
Mark 4:38-40 New King James Version 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?”
 
Inspirational

This Too Shall Pass

Posted on by Marla
Mama, why does life have to be so hard?
Why do people have to be so cruel?
Why is that when it rains it pours?
There’s trouble and hardship.
Heartaches and bad brakes…
Why Mama? Why’s life so hard?
Sweet child of mine I’ve been right where you are.
I’ve watched many a sunrise and sunset,
I’ve had my share of break ups and break downs.
I’ve gone all the way around,
Mountains and valleys, rivers and long dark paths
Why’s life got to be so hard? I too would ask…
One thing I’ve learned though.
This too shall pass…
When the darkness falls, and it looks like you can’t get up.
When you are drinking from an empty cup
When all you can do is cry, when will it end? How long will it last?
Remember, child,
This too shall pass…
Faith is not on the other side.
Now Faith is, whether we live or die.
Don’t live in the past…
You can’t go back…
Don’t live in the future…
It never arrives…
Live in the right now, take all your fears and let Jesus cast…
All your woes into the sea of forgetfulness…
Because darlin’
This too shall pass!
~Marla Shaw O’Neill May 16, 2023
My mama lived eighty-three years in this world. I’d be going through something, and I’d tell her about it and she’d always say, “This too shall pass.” I’d get so aggravated when she’d say that, but I’ve come to understand exactly what she meant. Now I treasure her words and one of these days I know I’ll be seeing her again…some things in fact many things we just don’t have any control over. But in my lifetime, I see clearly that the many things I was fearful and concerned about did in fact pass.
She’d also say, “Don’t sweat the small stuff!” Life is too short to wallow in self-pity or try to fix everyone else. Jesus said, cast all your care upon him, because he cares for you! That’s where we will find our greatest peace…when life gets hard, and you feel like giving up…Go to Jesus first and these things shall pass! Maybe not always in the way we think but when he does it, it is so much better. Life is hard, but God is good!
Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world. But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you.
2 Corinthians 1:10 “And He did rescue us from mortal danger, and He will rescue us again. We have placed our confidence in Him, and He will continue to rescue us.”
Inspirational

Obedience is Better than Sacrifice

Posted on by Marla
Let me tell you just how awesome our God is…
For the last few months, I’ve gone through a severe virus, had a jaw tooth pulled because of pain from a chipped tooth, and because of not being able to eat right, I lost a lot of my strength and I’m struggling to get it back. Today I had to have a squamous cancer removed, it’s close to my collar bone that was fun, not! The really cool thing about that experience though is this, the young lady that was assisting said, “We like to listen to music during the procedure, what music would you like to hear?” I told her, “Contemporary Christian.” In my heart I was like thank you Jesus. I was a bit apprehensive about the surgery.
As the doctor began to cut, this precious song began to play, “Hold onto me,” by Lauren Daigle. How perfect was that? The doctor whistled the tune as he worked and I sang along with the song in my head. They stitched me up and I was good to go. Also, the young girl, Kayla was from south Florida. I asked where she went to church and she said, “Christ Fellowship.” I told her we had attended Journey Church. We both acknowledged we were aware of both of those churches. I told her, Journey Church had their first Freedom Conference at Christ Fellowship in Jupiter. Out of all the dermatologist places in Tallahassee, we could have gone to, God had already prepared this place for me, he knew I was a little afraid, but that I was trusting him to see me through and boy did he ever. Let me back up a minute to tell you the beginning of the story.
One night back in April, I had tossed and turned most of the night, then, for a few hours I slept. Waking just before daylight I began to hear the gentle whispers of my heavenly father. He told me, what a blessing I was to him. That thrilled me more than anything. To hear I was a blessing to him well, that was humbling in itself. The King of the Universe, the one who created all things, the one who spoke the earth into being, spreading the stars across galaxies and formed man out of clay that He had made, said, I was a blessing to him! WOW!! I cried.
He gave me a game plan on how to get my strength back and said some things that if I’d listen would restore me physically, mentally and spiritually and keep me well on my journey. One of the things he said was to start singing again and to learn a Lauren Daigle song. Coincident? I think not! He told me to exercise, eat better and stay off Facebook. Not because Facebook is bad or anything but because for me it was addicting, and I would spend hours there and neglecting other things that were important to my well-being. In fact, last Sunday my pastor from Freedom Church was talking about how the Israelites kept disobeying God but if they’d obey and do all that God told them to do, they would be blessed and find favor with the Lord for generations to come. But of course, they didn’t listen. As I sat there in church, my mind went back to all that God had told me to do by His Holy Spirit, and I had to repent for not doing what God had told me to do. I thought, I only did it a little bit, surly that can’t hurt. But a little leaven, spoils the whole lump. I said, “OK, God, I’m sorry, I will obey you.” And I have listened ever sense. You see if we want the favor and blessing of God, we have to do what he’s telling us to do. It’s not to hurt us but to help us. Like a loving parent, He knows what’s best and if we listen, we will prosper and be in health even as our soul prospers. (III John 1:2)
Through all of this, I chose to trust God and obey him. I want to keep being a blessing to Him. God always confirms his word to us. He is always faithful and honest. If we will do what he says to do, we will have his favor and that is something I don’t ever want to take for granted. Be a blessing, bless God and He will bless you and your family for generations to come!
~Marla Shaw O’Neill May 11, 2023
Exodus 23:11 New International Version but during the seventh year let the land lie unplowed and unused. Then the poor among your people may get food from it, and the wild animals may eat what is left. Do the same with your vineyard and your olive grove.
Luke 11:28 But he replied, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it!”
John 13:17 If you understand these things, you will be blessed if you do them.
Inspirational

From Sin to Redemption

Posted on by Marla
In the Garden of Eden where God was betrayed all because his children disobeyed…
God created them and loved them and set them as caregivers over His Garden
Walked with Adam and Eve in the cool of the day
Watched his creation live, love and play
His heart was that of a kind, loving, father in every way…
He said, And it was good
Then sin arrived and His children died…
Put out of the Garden…God cried…
Pain and sorrow beyond belief
Lucifer, a cruel thief
Thousands of years later, God became a man, to set right what the enemy had stolen from Him…
And so, Jesus, God’s son came and once again
He suffered in the garden…
But this time, life would begin!
Kneeling in the garden, three times he prayed
Surrendering all, Jesus, obeyed!
Jesus died,
God cried…
No longer bound to sin and death, God arose with a brand-new breath
No longer defeated; No more death…
Redeemed by the blood of the Lamb!
~Marla Shaw O’Neill May 4, 2023
Genesis 2:8-24 (NIV)
Then the man and his wife heard the sound of the Lord God as he was walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and they hid from the Lord God among the trees of the garden. 9 But the Lord God called to the man, “Where are you?”
10 He answered, “I heard you in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; so, I hid.”
11 And he said, “Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten from the tree that I commanded you not to eat from?”
12 The man said, “The woman you put here with me—she gave me some fruit from the tree, and I ate it.”
13 Then the Lord God said to the woman, “What is this you have done?”
The woman said, “The serpent deceived me, and I ate.”
14 So the Lord God said to the serpent, “Because you have done this,
“Cursed are you above all livestock
and all wild animals!
You will crawl on your belly
and you will eat dust
all the days of your life.
15 And I will put enmity
between you and the woman,
and between your offspring[i] and hers;
he will crush[j] your head,
and you will strike his heel.”
16 To the woman he said,
“I will make your pains in childbearing very severe;
with painful labor you will give birth to children.
Your desire will be for your husband,
and he will rule over you.”
17 To Adam he said, “Because you listened to your wife and ate fruit from the tree about which I commanded you, ‘You must not eat from it,’
“Cursed is the ground because of you;
through painful toil you will eat food from it
all the days of your life.
18 It will produce thorns and thistles for you,
and you will eat the plants of the field.
19 By the sweat of your brow
you will eat your food
until you return to the ground,
since from it you were taken;
for dust you are
and to dust you will return.”
20 Adam named his wife Eve, because she would become the mother of all the living.
21 The Lord God made garments of skin for Adam and his wife and clothed them. 22 And the Lord God said, “The man has now become like one of us, knowing good and evil. He must not be allowed to reach out his hand and take also from the tree of life and eat, and live forever.” 23 So the Lord God banished him from the Garden of Eden to work the ground from which he had been taken. 24 After he drove the man out, he placed on the east side of the Garden of Eden cherubim and a flaming sword flashing back and forth to guard the way to the tree of life.
 
Inspirational

You Are Always on My Mind

Posted on by Marla
Did you think of me this morning? Was I the first thing on your mind?
And rising from your bed was there an expectancy we would meet?
So, you lifted your hands in thanksgiving, then got up on your feet.
Stepping into my presence for fresh manna as you seek, to begin a brand-new day!
Did you bow your head and pray?
Did you think of me in the afternoon while wondering if soon, you’d hear me gently whisper?
Child, welcome to the throne-room!
 And as day gave way to the setting of the sun,
Did you look for me in the stillness after your day was done?
Then lying down to rest did you hear me whisper, good night?
Tomorrow is another day; everything will be alright!
I Love You, Jesus
 You are a blessing to the Father and to the son and to the Holy Spirit. He loves you totally, completely and tenderly. He’s your best friend! He never sleeps, never slumbers, He watches over you with deep compassion and tender mercies every day…it only takes a moment to tell Him and show Him, He’s important to you too!
~Marla Shaw O’Neill May 5, 2023
The Lord’s loving kindnesses indeed never cease, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness. Lamentations 3:22-23
Inspirational

A Little Child Shall Lead Them Dedicated to little Abran

Posted on by Marla
A Little Child Shall Lead Them
Dedicated to little Abran

I wasn’t long in this ole world, but I knew that it was home.
I know mommy, and my family will be so sad when I’m gone…
But I want you all to know something, I was chosen for a different plan, than living here below
I know you’ll cry and wish that I could stay, it’s okay, it just worked out this way, so happily I will go…
Oh, I’ll miss each and every one of you and the life I could have had.
But I’ve seen heaven and you know what, the place don’t look so bad…
I want to let know, I won’t be lonely in heaven,
Because Jesus and the Angels, are waiting for me there.
Heaven is a happy place with others I know care…
We’ll sing and dance and laugh and play I won’t suffer anymore.
After all, I’ll be home with the Lord!
You have to be strong and brave; don’t be bitter or blame.
God knows what’s best.
Coming to Earth is just a test…
And even if you live 100 years on this side of heaven, I’m here to tell you there will always be tears…
So, when you’re able to remember me without the pain and fear.
I’m only a heartbeat away, I’ll always be near…
Make sure you come to see me when you’ve finished your life here.
And be kind to everyone, we are all in the human race…
Remember to say your prayers and be thankful for each day.
Let those around you, see Jesus in your face.
One day, you too, will also leave this place.
I’m not afraid, I know where I am going, no more sickness, no more death, and when I take my last breath… I’ll be living there, in Heaven!
The only thing I will regret is if I don’t see you there!
Nine years, is just a spec, compared to eternity…
When you get to heaven come look for me…
I’ll be the one hosting the party!
In the meantime, understand you have work to do.
Live your life for Jesus and then I’ll be seeing you!

~Marla Shaw O’Neill May 1, 2023

Isaiah 11:6 New King James Version

“The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, The leopard shall lie down with the young goat, The calf and the young lion and the fatling together; And a little child shall lead them.