Be Courageous Be Bold Hebrews 4:16

GOD IS WAITING FOR YOU

So, yesterday 7/2/24, I woke up with this weird feeling. I couldn’t feel my legs and it felt like my spirit was leaving my body. My heart was pounding, and I thought, “Well, this is it I’m going.” It eased off and I had to get to the bathroom. I won’t go into those details lol! But it was not pleasant. I stayed in bed most of the day. Finally, everything settled down after lots of prayers from you guys. I looked at my clock it was 1:29 pm. So, I got up.

I received a phone call from a life-long friend, Faye, and we started comparing notes on how we were feeling. Then we began to encourage each other in the Lord. Before either of us knew it we were shouting, praying, speaking in tongues, and I jumped up and shouted all over my house. The power of God was manifested in a powerful, mighty way! I haven’t had an encounter like that in quite some time! Some of yawl know what kind of “time” I mean! When you experience God’s power coming out of every part of your being! Like grabbing a live-electrical-wire and holding on with all your might, because you certainly can’t let go! We talked about the Lord and shared in His presence for an hour and forty minutes!
God is wanting to move in us…but we are waiting for God to do it and He is waiting on us to obey him!

God wants to deliver the oppressed! To set people free from sin and death! He wants to give us peace that passes understanding! Break chains and destroy yokes of bondage! We cry out for Revival, but we aren’t willing to Repent!!

You may say, “Repent from what?”

Glad you asked.

Repent from praying, “God, give me prayers!” Repent from selfish desires. Repent from spending your time on foolishness. Repent from pride and jealousy. Repent from being good but not fully surrendering our lives to Him. We can go all day telling others how to get ahold of God yet not spend even 30 minutes in the Word of God. Microwave prayers that don’t go any higher than the ceiling. Telling ourselves that we are seeking God, but two minutes into his presence, we become distracted and leave. Then when everything goes wrong, we cry out God, “give me!”

I’m not saying all this to condemn or put a guilt trip on anyone. I’m saying this as a WAKE-UP call! We have to do our part and God will do His part!

God says, “If…My…People…who…are…called…by my name…will humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways…Then! I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land!!!!!!!!!!!!! 2 Chronicles 7:14

We are much too comfortable. If you want a breakthrough. If you want to see your children, friends, family, neighbors, set free and on fire for God…there is something We have to do!

God is waiting for us to pray like our tail is on fire…
Pray like bombs are dropping and the world is coming to an end…
Pray with humility fully surrendered to Him…
Pray like no one is listening but God…
Fall in Love with Jesus all over again…
Then, take up your cross and follow Him…
If you want what the early church had, you have to do, what the early church did!!

God bless you; I love you, but most of all, God loves you!

He wants the very best for His children!!

Selah! Think on this!!

~Marla Shaw O’Neill July 3, 2024

They were stoned, they were sawn in two, were tempted, were slain with the sword. They wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins, being destitute, afflicted, tormented— of whom the world was not worthy. They wandered in deserts and mountains, in dens and caves of the earth. And all these, having obtained a good testimony through faith, did not receive the promise, God having provided something better for us, that they should not be made perfect apart from us. Hebrews 11:37-40 New King James Version

Wandering far from the wellspring, parched, hot and dry…

No longer sitting close to the Master, I realized I had left his side…

I used to hear his heartbeat, and listen when He’d speak…

I had felt his strength and steadfast love, but my heart had grown cold and weak…

So, I ran as fast as my feet, would carry me back to where I knew…

The Master would be waiting, he longed for me too.

With open arms stretched wide for me, tears running down his cheeks

I saw the cross and cried, Oh Lord, you would die for me?

The crowd was mocking and tormenting Him, but He knew what this would mean

“Father, forgive, them…”

Our eyes met and I bowed down in grief, as I cried in disbelief…

It was no longer all about me…

“I’m sorry Lord,” I whispered low as I felt his agony.

“It is finished,” he said and then he hung his head.

I screamed, “God take me too, I’m sorry I ever left you!”

A gentle breeze swept over me, I heard a heartbeat and then I knew…I was forgiven!

~Marla Shaw O’Neill June 14, 2024

Hebrew: Tetelestai means “the sacrifice is complete.” 

John 19:28-30 New King James Version 

It Is Finished

After this, Jesus, knowing that all things were now accomplished, that the Scripture might be fulfilled, said, “I thirst!” Now a vessel full of sour wine was sitting there; and they filled a sponge with sour wine, put it on hyssop, and put it to His mouth. So, when Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, “It is finished!” And bowing His head, He gave up His spirit.

I used to live in a faraway place

Let me see, if I can retrace, the other side from here…

Time was measured by days, months and years, people lived in constant fear

Not knowing what they’d find on the other side.

Rain fell from the sky…

There was a sun to brighten the day…

As moon-glowed to grace the night

And a trillion tiny stars sparkled in the dark…

It was a garden full of life, as flowers bloomed and brought forth life

Animals cooed and roared, ran and swam in oceans deep…

Winding rivers gushed with the flow like music to the soul…

Mountains grew tall and wide, valleys dipped in shadow…as trees stood and waved

Hello and goodbye…people lived, and people died.

That was life on the other side!

But let me tell you where I now abide…

Streets of gold run far and wide…

Animals talk and sing and laugh and play and Angel’s fly…

Souls who accepted the terms of God’s son

Have no fear, life fully won

Gathers by the river of life and sing and dance and rejoice…

There is no fear no dying here…

There is only love and hope and unlimited cheer…

Why on this side we do not cry or ever wonder why…

No sickness or regret

No rejection, better yet…

There is peace I’ve never known.

We’re forever young and strong.

Everyone here just gets along, alive in the moment, for time doesn’t matter here at all…

We gather at the Father’s, throne and sing the Redeemer’s blessed song…

The blood of Jesus still runs free he paid it all on calvary…

Stories are told of His Love, Hope and Peace

Brother, sister, here, we’ll never cease to live in the gospel story

So, while you’re on the other side, don’t waste your life take up your cross and follow Him

Read His book and understand, when life is over in that other land…

You’ll want to live here on the other side of forever…

There’s only One thing you have to do to live on this side

Accept Jesus Christ, as your Lord and Savior!

Take it from me, one from the other side!

~Marla Shaw O’Neill May 28, 2024

1 Corinthians 2:8-9 New Living Translation But the rulers of this world have not understood it; if they had, they would not have crucified our glorious Lord. That is what the Scriptures mean when they say,

 “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him.”

Chickens are a motley crew

Scratching around is what they do…

Mr. Rooster is king of the brood

Beware of him, or he’ll chase you…

All around his tiny kingdom

He’ll spur you on to run and run…

And when he has finally won…

You’ll wish you had not crossed Mr. Rooster’s pathway.

Escaping him, you’ll live to walk another day!

Pock, pock goes the ladies fair…

See that old fox, peering there

Waiting for his move…

POCK, POCK! The brood scatters…

Out of nowhere, Mr. Rooster gathers,

Majestic and with authority, just like a mighty army…

He meets his foe head on…

Talon’s drawn; feather’s rise, the battle is raging the Old Fox flies

Tail between his legs he takes off in the opposite direction…

Mr. Rooster will not tolerate this insurrection…

Old Fox leaves…

Mr. Rooster struts back into his little domain

Where peace is now contained in the kingdom of Chickendom!

So, beware, of where, you go today…don’t let the old fox kill, steal or destroy…what the King has given you. You have the authority to chase him out in Jesus’ name! Amen!

~Marla Shaw O’Neill May 17, 2024

(Jesus) He replied, “Go tell that fox, ‘I will keep on driving out demons and healing people today and tomorrow, and on the third day I will reach my goal.’ Luke 13:32 New International Version

Things can’t buy you happiness or heal a broken heart.

They can’t bring you comfort or give you peace in the dark.

Things are only things.

Things can’t hug you when you’re feeling down and out

Oh, they can satisfy a little while but can’t take away the doubt.

I’ve walked 25,550 days on my journey thus far…

I can tell you this…

Only love can see you through when you’re falling apart!

Love says, “Everything will be OK, you’ll survive to face another day…”

Love forgives and understands each and every time…

Be brave, steadfast don’t complain and whine…

Life is a collection of moments, perspectives on every side,

Watching the Ocean teaches us, there will be a turning of the tide…

And if you’ll look and listen, you’ll come out on the right side…

Choose wisely what you do, and I promise you…

Love will see you through!

Love doesn’t take, it gives.

Love doesn’t criticize, it uplifts.

Love doesn’t leave, it stays no matter what…

Things on my left, love on my right…

I choose love.

Love says, I’ll die for you.

Love says, I’m alive!

So don’t give up, if you quit that’s when you fail…

Set a new course and lift your sail…

There’s always hope, that the wind will blow

Follow the north star and you will go

To new horizons, let faith be your guide…

Wipe your tears and simply abide…

Of all the gifts I’ve ever received…

Love taught me how to believe…

When you learn to love, you’re truly free!

~Marla Shaw O’Neill May 12, 2024

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

Prophecy and speaking in unknown languages and special knowledge will become useless. But love will last forever! 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 New Living Translation

 

 

Surrounded by enemy fire with no way out!

Warriors exhausted, dehydrated, running on pure adrenalin, they shout!!!

“Keep the faith, God will not fail us now!”

Demons move in, to annihilate the warriors in the fight…

They hiss and sneer, hurling their greatest weapon, arrows of fear!

Hours in the battle how much longer will it last?

Surrender is not an option, “Lord,” come fast!

We have fought a good fight; we have kept the faith. “God, you know our fate.

This battle is not ours; it belongs to you, we’ve been brave, steadfast and true!”

Covered in ash and dirt, as they take a final stand!

Out of the darkness comes, God’s mighty, strong, right hand!

Demons run in terror; their screams with putrid slim, covers them in horror,

At the Lord’s thundering command!

Angel armies dispersed, slaying devils out of the earth…

Warriors shouting Praises to the King of kings, as he brings new birth!

Darkness gives way to Light…

Relief has come! The battle won!

Soldiers of the Cross begin to sing…

All hail King Jesus… All hail Emmanuel…

Together, with God, we win!

~Marla Shaw O’Neill April 26, 2024

1 Corinthians 1:9-11 New Living Translation God will do this, for he is faithful to do what he says, and he has invited you into partnership with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

Divisions in the Church – I appeal to you, dear brothers and sisters, by the authority of our Lord Jesus Christ, to live in harmony with each other. Let there be no divisions in the church. Rather, be of one mind, united in thought and purpose. For some members of Chloe’s household have told me about your quarrels, my dear brothers and sisters.

Isaiah 59:19 New Living Translation In the west, people will respect the name of the Lord; in the east, they will glorify him. For he will come like a raging flood tide driven by the breath of the Lord. [a]

Footnotes

1. 59:19 Or When the enemy comes like a raging flood tide, / the Spirit of the Lord will drive him back.

Last night at church during the worship time Pastor Ben, our worship leader, led us in this song, ‘God, You’ve Been So Good to Me.’

As I sang the song and worshipped the Lord, I began to hear the Holy Spirit speak to my heart He said, “See the stars in the night sky, they are countless, and, as much as, the grains of sand on the seashore they’re innumerable. As deep as the oceans that are without end, and as high as the heavens, they reach beyond your comprehension. There are galaxies and planets and universes so prolific you can’t measure…that’s how much my love, is, for you!”

This morning in my prayer time I cried out to God for our nation and for all people because God’s love is for everyone. Even while we sin and turn our back on him. Even while we continue to keep him inside the tomb of our sinful hearts, God loves us. But we do not love him back.

I’m sharing this with you because God is calling to you, “Where are you?”

The enemy is still using the same lies he used in the garden. He uses them over and over again, just as he spoke to Eve, all those years ago…He hisses, “Has God said? Surely you won’t die…look at the fruit, it’s good for eating. God knows, that in the day you eat of the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil you will be like him.”

He spoke to Eve’s physical desire, the lust of the eyes and the lust of the flesh and the pride of life. She questioned even repeated what God had told her not to do. But she believed the lie. She did die that day and she gave some to Adam and he too died and for all time mankind was separated from God because of the lie and their disobedience. That’s how the enemy of God does it…He stole what belonged to God. He is a thief and a liar.

Adam and Eve lived in a beautiful garden. All their needs were met. They were truly happy and content. They would fellowship every morning with God, Abba. Now they would live in poverty and want. Scorched by the blazing sun in summer, struggling to provide food for themselves. Pain in childbearing, rebellious children, man lording over the woman, no longer peace and harmony between them, even murder within the family. They didn’t die physically that day, no, it was a spiritual death so much worse. Adam and Eve lived with their sin, knowing what they had lost and given up, for one bite of Knowledge: good and evil. They paid a high cost for their disobedience. Living, day in and day out, with the guilt and shame, a lifetime of regret and suffering. If they had only known…if they had only listened to the Father…but they gave in to the whisper of Satan. It was too late. They hid from God. There would be no redemption in their lifetime. Can you imagine what they must have thought all those years and when they did finally die what agony they must have felt. Death without pardon. Satan thought he had won.

But now, there is Hope! A Savior did come. Satan thought he had won then too. But the perfect sacrifice, the blood of God’s only begotten son, fulfilled the law and the prophets. By obeying the Father, Jesus gave up his physical life to restore the spiritual life for all mankind for all times. By His, obedience, to Abba the Heavenly Father, Jesus took back what had been stolen.

Will you continue to hide from God the Father? Will you live in constant torment and unbelief? God is calling, “Where are you?”

Come out of hiding. There is redemption and hope and peace if you’ll only come and eat of the Tree of Life you will live and not die.

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten son, that whosoever (that’s you and me) believes in him, will not perish but have everlasting life. John 3:16 (emphases mine.)

Yeshua (Jesus) is the Son of (God) Jehovah!

~Marla Shaw O’Neill April 4, 2024

Listen to the song below:

Hypnotized by a tiny screen…

We waste away, from this gift, called day…

We scroll, hit like and love and cry…

Pulled into the illusion…

Thinking other’s lives are better somehow…

As we stare into an unknown reality, like the gaze of a curious cow…

Minutes become hours; we’re addicted to the tiny screen…

Pulled deeper into the deep, black hole, believing it’s a cosmic dream…

We’re like faded flowers stuck in a vase…

Expressions fade upon each face…

Trapped together in a timeless place, where no one wins, and there is no end…

Round and round and round we go, to Never, Never-Land!

~Marla Shaw O’Neill March 30, 2024

Romans 13:12 New International Version – The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light.

They took him from the garden, where he had lamented and prayed. Like a thief in the night, betrayed by a kiss, soldiers led him away.

They took him to be beaten, 39 stripes cut through his back, leaving wounds in his body the pain was so unbearable but no soothing ointment was offered. His blood poured out from the gapping cracks.

There were no joyful Hosannah’s in the highest, no songs of praise could be heard. Instead, voices cried out all the more, “Crucify Him, He is not our Lord!”

Beneath the weight of a heavy cross, he stumbles and cannot walk…a man standing in the crowd is made to help him, there were no words he could not talk…

In the garden where life first began and sin had seemingly won… now stands a humble, beaten, unrecognizable man, they did not accept him as God’s son.

They shoved a crown of thorns into his head. Nailed his hands and feet, laughed and scorned and tore his beard out of his face, hanging naked, he was disgraced.

Far from the garden where he had prayed, not my will but thine be done…He cried out, “It is finished.” Satan believed he had won.

Taken to a deep, dark, cave, they laid the savior in a rich man’s grave…and for three days, that’s where he stayed.

On the first day of the week, women along with Mary came to see the place they had laid the Lord, But the stone had been rolled away, then Mary heard the angel say, “Do not be afraid, I know that you seek Jesus, which was crucified. He is not here: He is Risen, just as he had said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. Now go quickly, and tell his disciples that he is risen from the dead, he is going to Galilee; you will see him there.

From a garden to an empty tomb, God sent His son! The tomb is empty just as he said, You see, the Lord is Risen, He is not dead!

All who believe and trust in Him, new life will begin, again!

~Marla Shaw O’Neill March 26, 2024

 

Matthew 27-28 King James Version:

 

27 When the morning was come, all the chief priests and elders of the people took counsel against Jesus to put him to death:

² And when they had bound him, they led him away, and delivered him to Pontius Pilate the governor.

³ Then Judas, which had betrayed him, when he saw that he was condemned, repented himself, and brought again the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders,

⁴ Saying, I have sinned in that I have betrayed the innocent blood. And they said, What is that to us? see thou to that.

⁵ And he cast down the pieces of silver in the temple, and departed, and went and hanged himself.

⁶ And the chief priests took the silver pieces, and said, It is not lawful for to put them into the treasury, because it is the price of blood.

⁷ And they took counsel, and bought with them the potter’s field, to bury strangers in.

⁸ Wherefore that field was called, The field of blood, unto this day.

⁹ Then was fulfilled that which was spoken by Jeremy the prophet, saying, And they took the thirty pieces of silver, the price of him that was valued, whom they of the children of Israel did value;

¹⁰ And gave them for the potter’s field, as the Lord appointed me.

¹¹ And Jesus stood before the governor: and the governor asked him, saying, Art thou the King of the Jews? And Jesus said unto him, Thou sayest.

¹² And when he was accused of the chief priests and elders, he answered nothing.

¹³ Then said Pilate unto him, Hearest thou not how many things they witness against thee?

¹⁴ And he answered him to never a word; insomuch that the governor marveled greatly.

¹⁵ Now at that feast the governor was wont to release unto the people a prisoner, whom they would.

¹⁶ And they had then a notable prisoner, called Barabbas.

¹⁷ Therefore when they were gathered together, Pilate said unto them, Whom will ye that I release unto you? Barabbas, or Jesus which is called Christ?

¹⁸ For he knew that for envy they had delivered him.

¹⁹ When he was set down on the judgment seat, his wife sent unto him, saying, Have thou nothing to do with that just man: for I have suffered many things this day in a dream because of him.

²⁰ But the chief priests and elders persuaded the multitude that they should ask Barabbas, and destroy Jesus.

²¹ The governor answered and said unto them, Whether of the twain will ye that I release unto you? They said, Barabbas.

²² Pilate saith unto them, What shall I do then with Jesus which is called Christ? They all say unto him, Let him be crucified.

²³ And the governor said, Why, what evil hath he done? But they cried out the more, saying, Let him be crucified.

²⁴ When Pilate saw that he could prevail nothing, but that rather a tumult was made, he took water, and washed his hands before the multitude, saying, I am innocent of the blood of this just person: see ye to it.

²⁵ Then answered all the people, and said, His blood be on us, and on our children.

²⁶ Then released he Barabbas unto them: and when he had scourged Jesus, he delivered him to be crucified.

²⁷ Then the soldiers of the governor took Jesus into the common hall, and gathered unto him the whole band of soldiers.

²⁸ And they stripped him, and put on him a scarlet robe.

²⁹ And when they had platted a crown of thorns, they put it upon his head, and a reed in his right hand: and they bowed the knee before him, and mocked him, saying, Hail, King of the Jews!

³⁰ And they spit upon him, and took the reed, and smote him on the head.

³¹ And after that they had mocked him, they took the robe off from him, and put his own raiment on him, and led him away to crucify him.

³² And as they came out, they found a man of Cyrene, Simon by name: him they compelled to bear his cross.

³³ And when they were come unto a place called Golgotha, that is to say, a place of a skull,

³⁴ They gave him vinegar to drink mingled with gall: and when he had tasted thereof, he would not drink.

³⁵ And they crucified him, and parted his garments, casting lots: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, They parted my garments among them, and upon my vesture did they cast lots.

³⁶ And sitting down they watched him there;

³⁷ And set up over his head his accusation written, This Is Jesus The King Of The Jews.

³⁸ Then were there two thieves crucified with him, one on the right hand, and another on the left.

³⁹ And they that passed by reviled him, wagging their heads,

⁴⁰ And saying, Thou that destroys the temple, and builds it in three days, save thyself. If thou be the Son of God, come down from the cross.

⁴¹ Likewise also the chief priests mocking him, with the scribes and elders, said,

⁴² He saved others; himself he cannot save. If he be the King of Israel, let him now come down from the cross, and we will believe him.

⁴³ He trusted in God; let him deliver him now, if he will have him: for he said, I am the Son of God.

⁴⁴ The thieves also, which were crucified with him, cast the same in his teeth.

⁴⁵ Now from the sixth hour there was darkness over all the land unto the ninth hour.

⁴⁶ And about the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani? that is to say, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?

⁴⁷ Some of them that stood there, when they heard that, said, This man calleth for Elias.

⁴⁸ And straightway one of them ran, and took a sponge, and filled it with vinegar, and put it on a reed, and gave him to drink.

⁴⁹ The rest said, Let be, let us see whether Elias will come to save him.

⁵⁰ Jesus, when he had cried again with a loud voice, yielded up the ghost.

⁵¹ And, behold, the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom; and the earth did quake, and the rocks rent;

⁵² And the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints which slept arose,

⁵³ And came out of the graves after his resurrection, and went into the holy city, and appeared unto many.

⁵⁴ Now when the centurion, and they that were with him, watching Jesus, saw the earthquake, and those things that were done, they feared greatly, saying, Truly this was the Son of God.

⁵⁵ And many women were there beholding afar off, which followed Jesus from Galilee, ministering unto him:

⁵⁶ Among which was Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James and Joses, and the mother of Zebedees children.

⁵⁷ When the even was come, there came a rich man of Arimathaea, named Joseph, who also himself was Jesus’ disciple:

⁵⁸ He went to Pilate, and begged the body of Jesus. Then Pilate commanded the body to be delivered.

⁵⁹ And when Joseph had taken the body, he wrapped it in a clean linen cloth,

⁶⁰ And laid it in his own new tomb, which he had hewn out in the rock: and he rolled a great stone to the door of the sepulchre, and departed.

⁶¹ And there was Mary Magdalene, and the other Mary, sitting over against the sepulchre.

⁶² Now the next day, that followed the day of the preparation, the chief priests and Pharisees came together unto Pilate,

⁶³ Saying, Sir, we remember that that deceiver said, while he was yet alive, After three days I will rise again.

⁶⁴ Command therefore that the sepulchre be made sure until the third day, lest his disciples come by night, and steal him away, and say unto the people, He is risen from the dead: so the last error shall be worse than the first.

⁶⁵ Pilate said unto them, Ye have a watch: go your way, make it as sure as ye can.

⁶⁶ So they went, and made the sepulchre sure, sealing the stone, and setting a watch.

28 In the end of the sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulchre.

² And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it.

³ His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow:

⁴ And for fear of him the keepers did shake, and became as dead men.

⁵ And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified.

⁶ He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.

⁷ And go quickly, and tell his disciples that he is risen from the dead; and, behold, he goeth before you into Galilee; there shall ye see him: lo, I have told you.

⁸ And they departed quickly from the sepulchre with fear and great joy; and did run to bring his disciple’s word.

⁹ And as they went to tell his disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, All hail. And they came and held him by the feet, and worshipped him.

¹⁰ Then said Jesus unto them, Be not afraid: go tell my brethren that they go into Galilee, and there shall they see me.

¹¹ Now when they were going, behold, some of the watch came into the city, and shewed unto the chief priests all the things that were done.

¹² And when they were assembled with the elders, and had taken counsel, they gave large money unto the soldiers,

¹³ Saying, Say ye, His disciples came by night, and stole him away while we slept.

¹⁴ And if this come to the governor’s ears, we will persuade him, and secure you.

¹⁵ So they took the money, and did as they were taught: and this saying is commonly reported among the Jews until this day.

¹⁶ Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, into a mountain where Jesus had appointed them.

¹⁷ And when they saw him, they worshipped him: but some doubted.

¹⁸ And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.

¹⁹ Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:

²⁰ Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

 

The Master, sitting among his disciples’.

Their hearts still full of doubt.

He speaks to them in parables, hoping they’ll understand what he’s talking about.

Shaded under the big old tree, he begins, “Oh ye of little faith!”

Then using this analogy, he shows them a tiny seed.

Do you not know that from this tiny seed, the tree you rest under has grown?

Faith the size of this tiny seed, can deliver you, if you’ll only believe.

Listening in awe and wonder their eyes open wide, “Oh Master why have we doubted you?

Jesus, help us always to abide. With faith this size, we now realize, the power is not in us.

It’s believing in you with all our hearts, that we must live and trust.

Showing us the tiny seed and how it’s grown into this magnificent tree.

There is nothing we can’t accomplish if we, simply, have faith and believe.

To remain planted in your mighty word. Watered and nurturing what we have heard,

will produce an insurmountable multitude of faith here, on earth.

Your kingdom come; Your will be done,” They prayed and all agreed…

“We’ll use the faith that has been planted here from this tiny seed.”

The mustard seed is just a seed, until it’s planted and watered, then it begins to grow.

One life touched from a tiny seed, produces possibilities when we believe, even though we cannot see, if we’ll just have faith as tiny as a mustard seed.

“For truly I tell you, if you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain move from here to there, and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you.” Matthew 17:20-21

~Marla Shaw O’Neill March 21, 2024

How big is the tree from a mustard seed? 20-30 feet

The mustard seed is very tiny; 1-2 millimeters in diameter, yet when fully grown, the tree can be as tall as 20-30 feet with branches and leaves spanning across another 20 feet circumference. The magnificence of the mustard tree is not really in the height but in how wide the branches can span.

What is the spiritual meaning of the mustard seed? Our faith can become a source of strength and reliance for others, even if it starts as small as a mustard seed. The mustard seed serves as a profound reminder of the transformative power of faith. It teaches us that with unwavering belief, we can conquer the seemingly impossible and inspire those around us.