Be Courageous Be Bold Hebrews 4:16

Child, I want to say something to you…listen with all your heart and hear me as I speak to you. Lean in close, because I’m going to whisper.

I AM your Papa God…even though you feel as if you are all alone…listen to me…I AM here with you, right now. I hear your heartbeat. I see your chest rise and fall as you breathe. I can smell the fragrance of your skin and I feel your tears as they fall, because I catch them and hold onto them. You can’t see me or hear me or even recognize my presence because you are caught up in your own hurt and confusion. But child, I am right here with you!

I hold you in the night. I rock you in your sleep. I watch over you and protect you I will not let you fall. I’ve heard others as they’ve prayed for you and I’ve answered every prayer. Not in the way you may have expected but my no is sometimes a yes and my yes is sometimes a no. But I’ve always had your best interest at heart. I know and see what you can’t see. In your times of anger, and disappointment I’ve been right there. I held the hand of your loved one as they passed from this life into the next and I welcomed them with a great big hug. Home, they are now safely home.

Listen, see the wind blow over all the earth it moves in ways that are incomprehensible. That’s me. I move in ways that are incomprehensible. When you think there is not going to be an answer and you feel that all hope is gone and despair begins to set in…child don’t give in to those feelings…have faith and remember to draw near to me…be aware of my presence for I am in you and with you and all around you. You only need to be aware and step into my realm of peace and joy and love and strength and faith and grace. Yes, My Grace, is sufficient for you.

I’m that friend that is always available 24/7. Do not neglect our friendship. Stop, right now, and acknowledge me for who, I AM. I am here with you right now. Let my presence wash over you and receive the joy you are longing for. Receive the love I long to bestow upon you. Receive the help that is here for you right now, by setting your mind and heart in that serene place with me. Lean in closer child. Let me make known to you the joy of life by embracing me in this moment. For in my presence if fullness of joy. Jesus first, other’s second, yourself last. The first shall be last and the last first.

You are not alone. You are not defeated. You are not a loser. You are my child, and I love you totally and completely. I do not condemn you. I forgive you and I hold you in the palm of my hand.

Take my hand child. Let’s walk and talk together for a while. It’s in the stillness of my presence that you will gain power and love and strength to face every obstacle. All you have to do is make the conscious effort to listen and embrace me.

I love you more than the air you breath…I am only a heartbeat away…

Love forever,

Your Papa God…

You make the path of life known to me. Complete joy is in your presence. Pleasures are by your side forever. Psalm 16:11 GOD’S WORD Translation

~Marla Shaw O’Neill October 12, 2020

You deliver me from the pit, a place of solitude, where I am unfit

To stand in the market-place and show others my weeping face…

I’ve come to realize; I must release this bitter waste…

Then out of the depths of my soul, the glory-song is sung, I will make haste…

To sing of His great joy and love, while here in the human race…

Even in my deepest suffering, even when there’s no joy upon my tongue…

I lift my weary head and sing the glory-song!

You, O Lord, are my strength, my hero, the Savior of my soul…

Even when I can’t see your light, for great darkness overshadows me

Even when all seems lost, and there’s no offer of company…

When death summons those I love, and fear beckons everywhere…

I will sing the glory-song!

Rejoice, O my soul, and do not be cast down…

For God is in His heaven and wears a holy crown

Of righteousness as new healing comes, riding upon His wings

I am redeemed…

Sing the glory-song…

Then glory-light comes shining through…the sky once gray is now a vibrant blue…

Victory is mine, it comes rushing thorough

By Yahweh’s hand, as I heed his command,

And sing the glory-song!

I’ll stand up on my feet and SHOUT…as the demons tremble and run about…

For the glory-song, is sung, with peace and joy by the blood of our King

I will give my heart and sing…

High Praise to the Holy One today…

Anxious thoughts and endless torment bow before the Lord!

Gone in an instant when I sing the glory-song…

The Presence of the Living God restores and sets me free…

He’s the gateway, the pathway, the only way to live…

This sacrifice of joyous praise, Lord, I give!

I will sing the glory-song!

~Marla Shaw O’Neill October 5, 2020

Dedicated to Rosa Maria Gandy on this day, the date of her birth. She’s been living in heaven for a very long time now (since 1992). Oh, what a glorious, glory-song she sang while here. We must not give in to the enemy who comes to kill our joy and life! He comes to steal our testimony and our voice. He comes to destroy our legacy and our walk with the Lord Jesus Christ. If Maria was here in her physical body today, she would say… “Keep living, keep sharing while you are here. For there are so many who are hurting and need to see the glory-light of Christ Jesus living in you, no matter what!” In fact, while she lay on her hospital bed in and out of consciousness, she told me about a dream she had. She said the Lord took her over the earth and showed her multitudes of people they were like zombies and the devil was leading them off a high-cliff into the pit of hell…she said, “Marla, I won’t be here to tell them, so you must warn them. You will have to tell them. Don’t listen to the lies of the devil. Tell them to keep their eyes on Jesus and they won’t be deceived.” I don’t know if I have ever shared this with anyone before, maybe my mom years ago. I told Maria I would tell them. And so, this is one reason I write. I’m not a spokes person I can’t stand in front of a crowd and preach so my poems and what I write in my blog are my sermons. It is my way of giving what the Holy Spirit gives to me to share. The word, the Holy Spirit gave me at the beginning of this year was, Obedience. I’ve tried to be as obedient as I possibly can. I am attacked often by the enemy in my body and it gets so hard sometimes to not give in to the flesh. Today has been particularly trying…But I am an overcomer and I will obey as much as lies within me. We have to shake ourselves and persevere…DO NOT GIVE UP! So much is at stake. Lives are being shattered and bombarded by the enemy but you know what?? God is greater! In Jesus name! We as children of the Living God must keep going and pray for one another. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. Matthew 5:16 KJV

I shall not die, but live, and declare the works of the Lord. Psalm 118:17 KJV

www.becourageousbehold.com

 

Sitting in sackcloth and ashes…

My heart cries out to thee…

Take the ashes Lord and return to me…

All that has been stolen, let repentance rise to thee…

Prostrate and undone, waiting to see…

All of your glory Lord, I cry bitterly…

Let the winds blow the ashes of my sins into the sea…

Take the ashes Lord, for I am guilty…

Your blood flows to set me free…

Take the ashes Lord, take all of me…

Ashes to ashes and dust to dust

Jesus, it is in you I trust…

Take the ashes of a broken, contrite heart

Restore my soul, shine your light into the dark,

Places of regret and unbearable sorrow…

Where, I let you down,

I wore unbelief as a tarnished crown

Arise, shine my little one, your ashes are replaced

With beauty and forgiveness

Come and sip the new wine, Come to me and taste…

To see that it is good, your old life erased…

No more tears, no more sorrow

Rising on the morrow, is joy, unspeakable joy…

Death has no more hold on you

There will never be a sting…

I will take the ashes child and throw them to the wind…

Into the furnace of my great love I will send…as a sweet-smelling savor,

To the Father on His throne…

He will answer, my child, welcome home…

~Marla Shaw O’Neill September 30, 2020

Isaiah 61:3 The Passion Translation

1. Isaiah 61:3 Or “beauty for ashes” or “a garland (of flowers) or headdress.” There is an interesting wordplay in the Hebrew text. The word for “beauty” is phe’er, and the word for “ashes” is epher—simply the moving of one letter. God has the power to change and move things around in our lives to make them into something beautiful. See Rom. 8:28.

2. Isaiah 61:3 Or “joy, gladness.” See Heb.1:9.

3. Isaiah 61:3 Or “(robes of) mourning.”

4. Isaiah 61:3 Or “a splendor-garment.”

5. Isaiah 61:3 Or “the spirit of failure.” The Hebrew word for “heaviness” (keheh) comes from a root word for “dark, dim, obscure, colorless, gloom.”

6. Isaiah 61:3 The oak, a hardwood tree, was used to make yokes for oxen and symbolizes strength, might (or mighty men), stability, conviction, uprightness, resoluteness. This could be the Quer-cus calliprinos, also known as the Palestine oak. There is a Palestine oak not far from Hebron that has been estimated to be 850 years old. “Oaks of Righteousness” points to a godly, spiritually mature people who will know the righteousness of God and walk in it. Jesus, the Tree of Life, multiplies himself in us so we become trees of righteousness. A Tree became a forest.

I’m posting this flyer to let you know there is going to be an event on Zoom, Thursday at 7pm. The ID and passcode is on the flyer but I’m also putting here incase you can’t read it. Zoom ID: 871 0407 7486. The passcode is: 803490

Rosy is a very dear friend and sister in the Lord who is hosting this event. The guest speaker is a Life Coach and Grief Coach. Her name is Pamela Weaver with an MA, ACC, CPLC. She’s a Christ Centered Counselor. There will be tips to help deal with grief and loss and lots of information regarding this subject along with a discussion with questions and answers. If you or someone you know  has struggled or is struggling with the hurt and pain of losing a loved one, please share this information with them so that we can experience love and expect healing and ways to deal with the suffering.

I wouldn’t normally share something like this on my blog but I feel so strong about what’s going on all around us today in our lives and in the lives of multitudes of ladies. God has impressed on Rosy’s heart to have this event. I hope you will come and that you will share it with every woman you know.

Thank goodness for technology, that we can come together in one accord through Zoom, in the comfort of our own home and find hope and strength among others with similar experiences.

God bless you. I hope you will come!

Love and blessings,

Marla Shaw O’Neill September 29, 2020

A steady, warm wind, is blowing across our restless land

Lives shattered and broken, afraid to take a stand…

Fear grips the hearts of women, children and men…

A cry is going out,

“Do Not give in. Do not give up. Remember the holy book, and take a good look…”

There is a window of hope that is open…

Just a small, tiny, window, in this moment of time

Will you waste it by hiding in dark shadows, will you continue to wallow and whine?

GET UP! GET UP!

Return to your first love…

Turn around and stop sinning…take this new beginning…

A window of time is open but soon it will close…

Will you be one of those, who harken to the call?

Or just keep on ignoring Holy Spirit’s warning?

It’s time to break down the walls…

Of guilt, shame, hate, unforgiveness, and lies…

Don’t be blinded by the deception of evil’s putrid disguise

He calls good evil and evil good…

Open you heart; open your eyes…

There’s a warm wind blowing…minutes are ticking by…

The window is now open, open your heart, don’t cry…

Now is the time to act…

Now is the time to walk by faith…

Surrender to the Savior

He makes the crooked places straight

Don’t wait, until it’s too late…

That tugging you feel within you, that gnawing, to do what is right…

Holy Spirit is calling, “Come back to me my child and do not tarry…for my yoke is easy and my burden is light.

Crying in the darkness, isolated and alone, hopeless and despairing, no one caring, has become your hearts song…

Single mom struggling to raise your children alone. Dad out of work how will you make it on your own? Children contemplating leaving home, flying to a world unknown.

I see you, elderly man and woman, life was never supposed to have this end? What choice do we have we cannot win…? But wait…listen…there’s a warm wind blowing, the window is wide open…

Get up! Get up! Get up!

~Marla Shaw O’Neill, September 23, 2020

Prayer of Forgiveness~

Lord, forgive me for not doing what I know to do. Forgive me for fighting and doubting what I know is true. I was distracted by the enemy of my soul. I couldn’t even hear you when you spoke to me. You have been with me the whole time, but fear and unbelief stole my attention. The more I listened to the world’s chatter, the more I sank into the pit of despair and distractions. There is no peace in the flesh. Only chaos and doom and want and gloom. This one is saying, “my way is right and that one is saying, your way is wrong.” Too many voices drown out your voice. Jobless, broken economy, disease and death. Fright and discontented all running rampant in the streets. Lord, forgive me. I take the authority you have given me in Jesus name and I proclaim, “NO MORE, I WILL TAKE IT NO MORE! I bind the spirits of greed, distraction, unbelief, death, chaos, fear, doubt, indecision, poverty, ill-gotten gain, materialism, political correctness, I say to factions and ungodliness, be bound and cast into the sea of forgetfulness…I AM A CHILD OF GOD AND I AM SET FREE! I am delivered and made whole and complete in the living God in Jesus name! Amen and Amen! Lord take all of me! I will bow before your holiness and stand in your righteousness and declare for all the world to see and know who it is I live for. To live is Christ and to die is gain. I give my life to thee, Jesus! Let it be a sweet-smelling fragrance flowing through your window of time. For now, I will live by faith and not in vain…in Jesus name! Amen!!!

~(MSO)

This poem was inspired by Father Ray Kelly a Priest from Ireland. He sang a song, Everybody Hurts, in 2018, on Britain’s Got Talent, but I watched it in 2020. God’s timing is endless. I was very discouraged. After hearing his song and he sang the part Hold on, hold on, hold on….I burst into tears. It gave me new strength and new hope and I got up from my bed and finished the poem. I recorded it and posted it to my Facebook page, so that others who are hurting at this time in our world would be encouraged too. I hope it blesses you and remember, to, “Hold on!”

Breathing in, I raise my head, staring into a canopy of clear, blue, skies

An eagle is soaring, high above he flies…

Sheltered under my Fathers wings, new life, He brings.

As the flowers grow in spring-time

And streams of living waters flow

My heart is full and carefree

As onward I go…

Being a lover of God, I step to and fro…

Dancing in the moon-light with innumerable stars…

The fragrance of honeysuckle drifts near and far…

Searching through the night,

I come to realize, it’s you I long for, tis you, I adore…

Counting the minutes until you knock at my door…

My heart longs to be near you with each beat it takes

Lying in fields of green pastures, sleeping, I awake…

My ears hearken, to hear your soft-voice, singing in pure worship,

I stand and rejoice…

You are there, contented, with a smile on your face…

I’ve come to bring you blessings in the heavenly place…

My heart beats wildly, with one glimpse, of you there

Loving you is easy; I will never despair…

You are my life’s essence, faithful and true

The High King of Heaven, Majesty, crowned, brand new…

Like fresh cut roses, dipped, in morning dew…

I breath you in, Holy and sacred, all of my love is only for you!

Lover of God, created to be…

When you look at my life, that’s what you will see.

Dear Ahava, lover of God!

I know you and You know me!

Crowned with loving kindness, your presence is pure joy,

I am bound to you fully;

One touch of your Spirit and my soul is restored…

To be known forever as the lover of the Lord!

~Marla Shaw O’Neill September 19, 2020

Acts 1:1 The Passion Translation: To Theophilus, the lover of God. 

Artist: David Bowman

Let me tell you a story.

It begins with a heart that is lonely and seeking for his very own love.

He has the greatest integrity. He’s the wealthiest, the most compassionate; loving man ever to exist.

He’s suffered many trials. He’s given everything to pursue the bride he seeks. He’s written love songs and letters to woo his lady-fair. He’s traveled through the portals of time, given up everything and endured the most excruciating pain imaginable. Even death could not stop him from finding his greatest love.

He’s seen her in the distance skipping over hills and bathing in the river of still waters. He’s watched as she drank from the wells of Jacob and gazed at her beauty as she danced in fields of light. He sees her napping in the mid-afternoon sun. Glowing with the radiance of pure delight. Her fragrance is of spikenard (light) and cinnamon (odor of holiness to the Lord). Her hair, is her crown of glory. It shines and sparkles like the north star. She throws back her head and laughs, music fills the air. He scans the night stars, when the moon is hidden from sight hoping to see just one glimpse of her beauty. When he scans the oceans, they remind him of the blue in her eyes. It calms his soul and gives him rest. When a tempest rises, they flash with strength and valor. She is a formidable warrior. He keeps searching for a sign that it’s time to go to her. No, not yet.

Enemies have tried to subdue her and take her will. But she is steadfast and immovable. Waiting for her Bridegroom to come. She laughs in the face of defeat, for she knows victory will be sweet. Her heart is ever ready as she runs the race without fear. She’s found peace in the valley and on the mountaintop. She waits patiently, knowing he only tarries to make her strong. She knows who her heart belongs to and will not take anyone less than Him. Her heart is pure. She’s without spot or wrinkle and when the time is ready, He will come for her.

Oh, how his heart burns within him. His love grows deeper and deeper seeing her faithful. It will be all the sweeter when they are united. They will soar as the eagles, high above their wounds. And celebrate, new life!

Dare he approach her now? Is she ready? What will her answer be?

He seeks her out. “Listen my dearest darling it is you I have chosen. I have loved you and waited for you a very long time. I’ve seen your faithfulness. I’ve seen your longing. I have come for you; will you be mine?”

Her chest rises and falls with great joy and her smile answers him even before she utters the words. “Oh, my sweetest love, “Yes! I will be your bride!”

~Marla Shaw O’Neill September 8, 2020

Song of Songs 4

The Passion Translation

4 Listen, my dearest darling,

you are so beautiful—you are beauty itself to me! Your eyes glisten with love, like gentle doves behind your veil. What devotion I see each time I gaze upon you. You are like a sacrifice ready to be offered.^{[a] 2} When I look at you, I see how you have taken my fruit and tasted my word. Your life has become clean and pure, like a lamb washed and newly shorn. You now show grace and balance with truth on display. ³ Your lips are as lovely as Rahab’s scarlet ribbon,^[b] speaking mercy, speaking grace. The words of your mouth are as refreshing as an oasis. What pleasure you bring to me! I see your blushing cheeks opened like the halves of a pomegranate,^[c] showing through your veil of tender meekness. ⁴ When I look at you, I see your inner strength, so stately and strong. You are as secure as David’s fortress. Your virtues and grace cause a thousand famous soldiers to surrender to your beauty. ⁵ Your pure faith and love rest over your heart as you nurture those who are yet infants.

The Shulamite

⁶ I’ve made up my mind. Until the darkness disappears and the dawn has fully come, in spite of shadows and fears, I will go to the mountaintop with you— the mountain of suffering love^[d] and the hill of burning incense. Yes, I will be your bride.^[e]

The Bridegroom-King

⁷ Every part of you is so beautiful, my darling. Perfect is your beauty, without flaw within. ⁸ Now you are ready, my bride, to come with me as we climb the highest peaks together. Come with me through the archway of trust.^[f] We will look down^[g] from the crest of the glistening mounts and from the summit of our sublime sanctuary. Together we will wage war
in the lion’s den and the leopard’s lair as they watch nightly for their prey. ⁹ For you reach into my heart. With one flash of your eyes I am undone by your love, my beloved, my equal, my bride. You leave me breathless— I am overcome by merely a glance from your worshiping eyes, for you have stolen my heart.^[h] I am held hostage by your love and by the graces of righteousness shining upon you.^{[i] 10} How satisfying to me, my equal, my bride. Your love is my finest wine—intoxicating and thrilling. And your sweet, perfumed praises—so exotic, so pleasing. ¹¹Your loving words are like the honeycomb to me; your tongue releases milk and honey, for I find the Promised Land flowing within you.^[j] The fragrance of your worshiping love surrounds you with scented robes of white.^{[k] 12} My darling bride, my private paradise, fastened to my heart. A secret spring are you that no one else can have— my bubbling fountain hidden from public view. What a perfect partner to me now that I have you.

^13–14 Your inward life is now sprouting, bringing forth fruit. What a beautiful paradise unfolds within you.^[l] When I’m near you, I smell aromas of the finest spice, for many clusters of my exquisite fruit now grow within your inner garden. Here are the nine: pomegranates of passion,^[m] henna from heaven,^[n] spikenard so sweet,^[o] saffron shining,^[p] fragrant calamus from the cross,^[q] sacred cinnamon,^[r] branches of scented woods,^[s] myrrh, like tears from a tree,^[t] and aloe as eagles ascending.^{[u] 15} Your life flows into mine, pure as a garden spring. A well of living water springs up from within you, like a mountain brook flowing into my heart!^[v]

The Shulamite Bride

^4:16–5:1 Then may your awakening breath blow upon my life until I am fully yours. Breathe upon me with your Spirit wind. Stir up the sweet spice of your life within me. Spare nothing as you make me your fruitful garden. Hold nothing back until I release your fragrance. Come walk with me as you walked with Adam in your paradise garden.^[w] Come taste the fruits of your life in me.

The Bridegroom-King

I have come to you, my darling bride, for you are my paradise garden!

The Shulamite Bride

Come walk with me until I am fully yours. Come taste the fruits of your life in me.

Footnotes

1. Song of Songs 4:1 The Hebrew text literally means “Your hair is like a flock of goats streaming down Mount Gilead.” There is great symbolism in this verse. Hair is a symbol of our devotion to Christ. Mount Gilead (“hill of testimony”) is where the sacrificial animals were kept in preparation for temple sacrifices. So, a goat coming down Mount Gilead was a sacrifice ready to be offered.

2. Song of Songs 4:3 The “scarlet ribbon” in the text is a comparison to the ribbon Rahab placed at her dwelling to show the place where mercy would spare her life. The color scarlet points us to the blood of mercy, Christ’s sacrifice that has spared us. See Josh. 2.

3. Song of Songs 4:3 Pomegranates were engraved on the tops of the pillars of Solomon’s temple and were also sewn into the hem of the robes of the high priest. They speak of our open hearts of love, filled with passion for him. The Hebrew word for “pomegranate” is ramam, a homonym that means “to rise up.” Pomegranates were also placed on the hem of the robe of the high priest, interspersed with golden bells.

4. Song of Songs 4:6 Literally “the mountain of myrrh”—the emblem of suffering love. To become the bride, she must experience Calvary, as did her Lord. We must be his co-crucified partner who will embrace the fellowship of his sufferings. See Gal. 2:20 and Phil. 3:10.

5. Song of Songs 4:6 Implied in the context, affirmed by the bridegroom in v. 8. This is the first mention of the Shulamite as the bride.

6. Song of Songs 4:8 Translated from the Septuagint. The Hebrew is “the crest of Amana.” Amana comes from a Hebrew root word from which we get the English word amen. This is also one of the Hebrew words for “faith.” The crest of Amana is the realm where all God’s promises are kept and realized. Amana can also be translated “a place of settled security.” Dictionary of Scripture Proper Names by J. B. Jackson.

7. Song of Songs 4:8 The word for “look” is “survey, inspect, look all around, observe.” The bride of Christ is seated on high with Jesus and is encouraged to survey all the blessings heaven contains in our co-exaltation with Christ.

8. Song of Songs 4:9 Or “You have ravished my heart.” This is the Hebrew word libabthini, which is taken from a Semitic root word that means “to tear bark off of a tree.” He is saying that your loving eyes of worship have uncovered his heart and laid it bare, making him vulnerable to you. What a description of what happens to Jesus when he looks into your eyes. Your worship brings to him such an ecstasy and delight that it becomes hard to even imagine. Yet God has placed inside of you the ability to ravish the heart of your King—not someday in heaven, but now, even when you feel incomplete and weak.

9. Song of Songs 4:9 Or “the jewels of your neck [necklace].” These divine jewels are the beautifying graces that the Holy Spirit gives to us. They are the graces of righteousness given to the redeemed bride of Christ.

10. Song of Songs 4:11 Both the Promised Land and your heart flow with milk and honey. You have become the Promised Land of Jesus Christ.

11. Song of Songs 4:11 Or “like the scent of Lebanon.”

12. Song of Songs 4:13 Or “Your shoots are a paradise of pomegranates.”

13. Song of Songs 4:13 “Pomegranate” is taken from a word that means “exalted.” The temple pillars were adorned with pomegranates.

14. Song of Songs 4:13 “Henna” comes from a root word for “ransom price” or “redemption.” The fruit of mercy is seen in his maturing bride.

15. Song of Songs 4:13 The Hebrew root word for “spikenard” means “light.” She is walking in the light as he is the Light.

16. Song of Songs 4:13 Saffron is the crocus, the lover’s perfume, costly and fragrant.

17. Song of Songs 4:13 Calamus is taken from a marsh plant known as “sweet flag,” which produces fragrant oil. The Hebrew word for this spice means “purchased” or “redeemed.”

18. Song of Songs 4:13 Cinnamon emits a fragrance that is representative of an odor of holiness to the Lord. It was used in the sacred anointing oil of the priests and the tabernacle.

19. Song of Songs 4:13 This is the incense that would be burned on the golden altar in the Holy Place.

20. Song of Songs 4:13 Known as “tears from a tree,” myrrh was a resin spice formed by cutting a tree. It is a picture of the suffering love of Christ dripping down from Calvary’s tree.

21. Song of Songs 4:13 Aloe is considered by many as a healing balm. The presence of the Lord within her is released as a healing balm to those she touches. Jesus’ robes smelled of aloe (Ps. 45:8). One of the names used by some for aloe is “eagle wood.” Like eagles, we fly above our wounds, free from the past as we walk in intimacy with him.

22. Song of Songs 4:15 Or “like the flowing streams of Lebanon.”

23. Song of Songs 4:15 The scene of a garden and the breath of God point us back to Eden. Now this paradise is found in his bride. This is the reason the reference of Adam is given: to help the reader connect with the mystery of this scene. See also Jer. 31:12 and John 15:1-2.

So, there were these ten girls, (ladies-in-waiting,) waiting for the bridegroom to come and get his bride. Five were wise and five were foolish. Let me explain.

Five of the girls go on their merry way living life burning the midnight oil and taking no thought about anything other than doing what they love to do. Have fun. Shop. Sleep-in. Eat. Watch movies. Relax and enjoy life. They don’t think they’re hurting anyone. They aren’t evil. They just don’t take anything serious. After all, the bridegroom will come, but they don’t know when and there’s no telling how long he will take, so, why not just do their own thing. They go about their lives in a que sera-sera, attitude. And besides they can always rely on their friends to help them out. There’s no reason to worry. I mean, really, why shouldn’t they have fun; they’ve got all the time in the world. Right? Or, do they?

There are five other young maidens who are more conscientious. They keep watch for the bridegroom, he could return at any time. They have trimmed their lamps; they even keep extra oil so they don’t run out. There’s no telling when he will arrive but they want to be ready when he does. They go about doing their work. Their hearts are constantly expecting his return. They don’t want to be caught unaware. They live their lives with compassion and gratitude making sure their thoughts and actions line up with what would please the bridegroom even though he takes a long time coming.

But even in their best efforts they all fall asleep and at midnight a cry wakes them. “The bridegroom is coming come out to meet him.” The five who are wise, wake up, their lamps are trimmed and they have extra oil. The five who are foolish trim their lamps but realize they are running low on oil. “Hey, wise girls, can you help us out our oil is low and we won’t have enough to make it to meet the bridegroom?”

“We’re sorry, but we don’t have any extra oil to give to you, if we do, we won’t have enough. Go to the store and buy some.”

They look at each other, mouths a gap, exasperation on their faces. “What! We thought we could rely on you for our oil supply; now we must hurry to buy oil because our lamps are going out.” They rush to the store to shop for more oil.

While they are gone the bridegroom returns. He welcomes the five wise girls into the wedding feast and the door is shut and locked. No one else can enter. The five foolish girls come knocking on the door. “Lord, open the door, it’s us. Our lamps are full we’re here for the party. Let us in!”

“I’m sorry girls I don’t know you. The party is going on and I you cannot come in!”

Remember, if you are wise you will keep watch, your lamps will be trimmed and you will keep extra oil for your lamp so you won’t run out. The bridegroom is coming! We just don’t know when he will appear. So, be prepared at all times. Even if you fall asleep, if you’re prepared when you hear the call, “Come out to meet the bridegroom!” You will be welcomed into the wedding feast and not be locked out.

Matthew 25:1-13

The Passion Translation

A Parable about Ten Virgins

25 “At the time my coming draws near, heaven’s kingdom realm can be compared to ten maidens who took their oil lamps and went outside to meet the bridegroom and his bride.^[a] 2–4 Five of them were foolish and ill-prepared, for they took no extra oil^[b] for their lamps. Five of them were wise and sensible, for they took flasks of olive oil with their lamps. ⁵ When the bridegroom didn’t come when they expected, they all grew drowsy and fell asleep. ⁶ Then suddenly, in the middle of the night, they were awakened by the shout ‘Get up! The bridegroom is here! Come out and have an encounter with him!’^[c] 7 So all the girls got up and trimmed their lamps. ⁸ But the foolish ones were running out of oil, so they said to the five wise ones, ‘Share your oil with us, because our lamps are going out!’

⁹ “‘We can’t,’ they replied. ‘We don’t have enough for all of us. You’ll have to go and buy some for yourselves!’

¹⁰ “While the five girls were out buying oil, the bridegroom appeared. Those who were ready and waiting were escorted inside with him and the wedding party to enjoy the feast. And then the door was locked. ¹¹ Later, the five foolish girls came running up to the door and pleaded, ‘Lord, Lord, let us come in!’

¹² “But he called back, ‘Go away! Do I know you? I can assure you, I don’t even know you!’

¹³ “That is the reason you should always stay awake and be alert, because you don’t know the day or hour when the Bridegroom will appear.”^[d]

Footnotes

1. Matthew 25:1 As translated from the Hebrew Matthew and a few Greek manuscripts. Most Greek manuscripts have only “bridegroom.” This would mean the ten virgins were going to marry one man, a doubtful teaching from Jesus. The ten virgins were bridesmaids, ladies-in-waiting. This was not Jesus condoning polygamy. It is possible that the parable hints of Zech. 8:23.

2. Matthew 25:2 See v. 8. Oil in the Scriptures is a metaphor of the Holy Spirit, who brings us revelation of the Word of God and power for ministry.

3. Matthew 25:6 This is not simply “meet him,” for it is a rare Greek noun that means to “have a meeting” or “an encounter.” See also 1 Thess. 4:17.

4. Matthew 25:13 As translated from the Hebrew Matthew.

 

Oh God, what have I done? These men, mean to humiliate me, in front of the whole town

I’m caught in my own sin, it has me tormented and bound

There will be no mercy, no compassion found

For the law is clearly written and it is profound…

“Stone her!” This is the only thing they can do. So, I mustn’t make a sound.

No defense will be given for one such as I…

Today, dear God, they want me to die!

Ashamed and devastated in the dirt I lie.

Shouts of accusations are spewed forth from these men…

“What say you teacher? Shall we shout it again?”

Silence from the teacher as he bends down, writing on the ground.

Not a word does he speak.

Certain death will be my gain today…I’m ready, for whatever the teacher may say…

I’m sorry for my sin. What else could I have done…I’m just a poor, haggard, woman.

These are my thoughts as I crouch in the dirt…dirty and sweaty, not of much worth. Eyes bowed low. I’m numb, but I’m not afraid anymore…I’ve heard of this teacher, they say He’s the Lord!

I hear Him stand and then he speaks these words…

“Let the man who has never sinned, throw the first stone at her” …

He stoops again and writes in the dust…

One by one, they drop their stones,

knowing their own hearts are full of lusts…

Not one of them could throw a stone, hanging their heads they walk on…

“Dear woman? Where are those who condemned you?”

Looking around I’m left alone with only the teacher… “They’re all gone.”

“I do not condemn you either. Go and live your life free from sin.”

Standing there I’m elated and surprised, today I will not die. Today I have new life!

I will live my life for Him!!

I am not condemned!!

Condemnation is a lie from the enemy, we all fight it at some time. Satan will lie to us over and over and over again. That’s his job. But Jesus does not lie and He says, “Where are your accusers?” Look around you, they are gone! Jesus has set us free! He is the freedom giver! Don’t let the devil condemn you not for one instant. Because Jesus does not condemn you, but he does say, “Go, and sin no more!!!” Praise the Lord!! Who the son sets free is free indeed! Simply ask the Lord to forgive you for condemning yourself and then walk in that freedom!! We are in a constant battle, but you know what, we are not fighting it by ourselves…We have the Spirit of the Living God, His Holy Spirit, living right inside of us. Listen to Him and you will never go wrong, not ever!!!! The Spirit and the word bear witness to the truth!!! Live in Freedom!!! Amen!!!

~Marla Shaw O’Neill, August 31, 2020

John 3:17 TPT – “God did not send his Son into the world to judge and condemn the world, but to be its Savior and rescue it!

John 8:1-11 The Passion Translation Jesus walked up the Mount of Olives near the city where he spent the night. Then at dawn Jesus appeared in the temple courts again, and soon all the people gathered around to listen to his words, so he sat down and taught them. Then in the middle of his teaching, the religious scholars and the Pharisees broke through the crowd and brought a woman who had been caught in the act of committing adultery and made her stand in the middle of everyone.

Then they said to Jesus, – “Teacher, we caught this woman in the very act of adultery. Doesn’t Moses’ law command us to stone to death a woman like this? Tell us, what do you say we should do with her?” They were only testing Jesus because they hoped to trap him with his own words and accuse him of breaking the laws of Moses.

But Jesus didn’t answer them. Instead he simply bent down and wrote in the dust with his finger. Angry, they kept insisting that he answer their question, so Jesus stood up and looked at them and said, “Let’s have the man who has never had a sinful desire throw the first stone at her.” And then he bent over again and wrote some more words in the dust.

Upon hearing that, her accusers slowly left the crowd one at a time, beginning with the oldest to the youngest, with a convicted conscience. Until finally, Jesus was left alone with the woman still standing there in front of him. So, he stood back up and said to her, “Dear woman, where are your accusers? Is there no one here to condemn you?”

Looking around, she replied, “I see no one, Lord.”

Jesus said, “Then I certainly don’t condemn you either. Go, and from now on, be free from a life of sin.”

Jesus took dirt, and His own spittle to make clay

For the blindman, who was born that way

He stood before the Maker of heaven and earth…

It didn’t matter his birth.

New eyes to see were worth, creating new sight, that day!

The God who formed man in his own image

And breathed the breath of life into his lungs…

New life was sung…

By the witnesses of creation and heavenly beings,

What they were seeing, came to light.

The blindman washed in the pool of Siloam and was given sight…

New eyes, to see the Son of Man…

Scribes and Pharisees; they were the blind…they grope in darkness

The blind leading the blind…they both fall in the ditch.

Thinking they are wise, they are fools…

Would, that they, could wash in the pool…

But they have no eyes to see what Heaven’s gifts could be…

They are blinded by the enemy!

The God who makes clay…will give new sight…

If you are willing to see, that Jesus, is, the light!

~Marla Shaw O’Neill August 20, 2020

John 9:6-7 KJV When he had thus spoken, he spat on the ground, and made clay of the spittle, and he anointed the eyes of the blind man with the clay,

And said unto him, Go, wash in the pool of Siloam, (which is by interpretation, Sent.) He went his way therefore, and washed, and came seeing.

Luke 6:39 KJV And he spake a parable unto them, Can the blind lead the blind? shall they not both fall into the ditch?