Be Courageous Be Bold Hebrews 4:16

Bread in the Desert

Manna… ‘What is it?’

A mystery,

Bread from heaven…

I was hungry and you fed me…

I was thirsty and you gave me living water…

I was wandering in the desert and you led me

Day and night with a cloud and with fire…

Holy desire…

You called to me, ‘Come follow me,’

I Am, the Bread of Life…

Gather the manna every morning and let me sustain you as you journey in the desert…

What is it?

It is, I Am!!!

~Marla Shaw O’Neill August 19, 2020

“You provided bread from heaven for them for their hunger, You brought forth water from a rock for them for their thirst, And You told them to enter in order to possess The land which You swore to give them. Nehemiah 9:15 NAS

Morning, just before the sun peeps over the horizon, I take a walk.

All is quiet and serene.

The wind, wisps through me, as if I am not here…

Holy breath exhaling upon me. They are near…

On seashore pathway, the sand is cool and soft

I look out and see the final twinkling of light, in the distant sky, I hear a seagull cry,

And I know, I, AM not alone!

I walk out into the water, my feet on solid ground as waves gently kiss my toes

In wonder, as step by step I take, I am walking on the water…

There in the distance I see them in the boat, the wind picking up, one of them cries out, “A GHOST!”

I shout back to them, “It is I!”

Bold and brave Peter shouts, “If it’s you Lord, may I come out to you?”

“Come!”

Heart pounding, mind racing, as over the side Peter goes…

“I’m doing it Lord; I’m walking on top of the water!”

A force of wind pushes in on Peter, the waves begin to rise…

And before he realized,

He began to sink. He cries, “Lord Save Me!”

Why do we take our eyes off of Jesus in the crisis?

When we are in the most miraculous, supernatural, experience of our lives we look at the circumstances and we begin to fall…why do we doubt when we’re hit with the unexpected. Fear causes us to put our focus on the storm. It’s then, we need to keep our focus on the Lord more than ever! He’s right there before us, in hands-reach. He has said to us to come. We’ve spoken to him and are even amazed at the miracle before us…but suddenly, the waves and the wind hit us, and we begin to sink…we’re afraid…and cry in desperation…”LORD, SAVE ME!”

Jesus asks, “Why did you doubt?”

Did you not know that I would not let you down? I will not let you die. Have faith, even when the storm is raging. Even when the doctor says, there’s no hope! Even when you are down to your last dollar and you’ve lost your job! Have faith and do not doubt!! I will save you! I have saved you many times…I am always with you and I will never leave you!! Don’t look at the waves. Don’t look at the storm. Keep your eyes on me, for it’s in me, your help will be found. I will take you to safety, the storms will cease and I will give you peace!

Love, Jesus

~Marla Shaw O’Neill August 18, 2020

Matthew 14:25-33 The Passion Translation

²⁵ At about four o’clock in the morning,^[a] Jesus came to them, walking on the waves! ²⁶ When the disciples saw him walking on top of the water, they were terrified and screamed, “A ghost!”

²⁷ Then Jesus said, “Be brave and don’t be afraid. I am here!”^[b]

²⁸ Peter shouted out, “Lord, if it’s really you, then have me join you on the water!”

²⁹ “Come and join me,”^[c] Jesus replied.

So Peter stepped out onto the water and began to walk toward Jesus. ³⁰ But when he realized how high the waves were, he became frightened and started to sink. “Save me, Lord!” he cried out.

³¹ Jesus immediately stretched out his hand and lifted him up and said, “What little faith you have! Why would you let doubt win?”

³² And the very moment they both stepped into the boat, the raging wind ceased. ³³ Then all the disciples crouched down before him and worshiped Jesus.^[d] They said in adoration, “You are truly the Son of God!”

Footnotes

1. Matthew 14:25 Or “during the fourth watch of the night” (between 3:00 and 6:00 a.m.).

2. Matthew 14:27 Or “I AM,” which was the name of God used in Ex. 3:14.

3. Matthew 14:29 Or “Go for it!”

4. Matthew 14:33 The Greek word used for “worship,” proskuneo, includes three concepts: to bow, to kiss, and to pay homage (worship). All three are included here.

 

God is so good! As I woke up this morning the Holy Spirit began to speak to me in that still small voice and He said, “Stop your struggling, and wondering and just know I am with you and in you and all around you. I, restore your soul. And though you walk through the valley of the shadow of death, don’t be afraid, I, Am, with you. My, rod and My, staff comfort you. Just relax and rest in me. You bless me by being who you are. Stop making everything so complicated.” Praise God.

I thought that’s right it’s so simple. All we have to do is keep our hearts and minds stayed on Jesus. Amen.

God is saying keep it simple and follow him. Just be. He’s taking care of everything. ❤ Be a Mary.

In the low place…

The place, where darkness dwells and endless tears fall like tiny diamonds in the rough

Where the heart falters, and hope, is but a distant glimmer, a dream through misty fog…

Have you been to the low place?

Have you been pressed and crushed so deeply that even your cries cannot be uttered? Groans chocked in unspeakable sounds, suppressed down into the pit of the low place…

Where being numb is all you feel. Trying to pray but there are no words …

Child, that’s where I met you on that hill so long ago…

You see I’ve been to the low place and I’ve seen your face…

You have only to look up…

It’s in the low place where surrender is all you have to give…

It’s in the low place where fear must give way to faith…

Mountains tremble and shake…fires are extinguished and waters make flowers bloom in the desert, it’s a place where time and space collide…and even though you want to hide

Behind the shadow of darkness, I, am, there!

For I conquered Hell, Death and the Grave…

Precious one, be brave…You are not alone…

For it’s in the low place you will gain

New Joy, New Strength, a New name…

Life, everlasting life, was born on the low place of that cross I bore for you…

Do not despair, and don’t give up!

Look up, and give a sacrifice of praise…

Open your mouth and SING, let my Angels bring…

Refreshing and restoration out of the low place

And in this spring, living waters will fill you with a glorious renewal for your soul…

Be Bold! Step into the light…

Open the windows of your heart; come out of the night…

Little one, you’re going to be alright…

Laughter and rejoicing will flood the low place

With my all sufficient amazing Grace…

I want to see you face to face…

The night is over and the dawn is breaking…

Rejoice! Rejoice! And again, I say rejoice!

Sorrow is for the night, but JOY comes in the morning!!

Child, it’s morning!!! Get up!!!

~Marla Shaw O’Neill July 28, 2020

Psalm 30:1-12 The Living Bible

I will praise you, Lord, for you have saved me from my enemies. You refuse to let them triumph over me. O Lord my God, I pleaded with you, and you gave me my health again. You brought me back from the brink of the grave, from death itself, and here I am alive!

Oh, sing to him you saints of his; give thanks to his holy name. His anger lasts a moment; his favor lasts for life! Weeping may go on all night, but in the morning, there is joy.

In my prosperity I said, “This is forever; nothing can stop me now! The Lord has shown me his favor. He has made me steady as a mountain.” Then, Lord, you turned your face away from me and cut off your river of blessings. Suddenly my courage was gone; I was terrified and panic-stricken. I cried to you, O Lord; oh, how I pled: “What will you gain, O Lord, from killing me? How can I praise you then to all my friends? How can my dust in the grave speak out and tell the world about your faithfulness? Hear me, Lord; oh, have pity and help me.” Then he turned my sorrow into joy! He took away my clothes of mourning and clothed me with joy so that I might sing glad praises to the Lord instead of lying in silence in the grave. O Lord my God, I will keep on thanking you forever!

 

Sunday July 19, 2020

Early Sunday morning, I had a dream/vision, even though I was sleeping it was like I was awake, and I was very much aware of what was happening around me. In the dream, there was a bride dressed in a beautiful, white, traditional wedding gown with lots of delicate lace and a long flowing veil. She had her back to me and when she turned around, she was a decaying, dead corpse. Then I woke up.

The day before I had watched a live conference. There was prophecy which was right on target. The music was electrifying, chill bumps ran over me as I worshiped along with them. I’m not saying they are not of God, but I am saying something didn’t sit well in my spirit at the end. Maybe this prompted the dream.

As I’ve sought the Lord over these past months and prayed with others we’ve lamented and travailed in the Spirit for our nation, the President, and all the craziness that’s been going on around us. We interceded for the whole world.

Everything is different now. We no longer can just decide to go some where and enjoy life as we did before. Before Covid-19. There are limitations because of a silent yet deadly, unseen enemy which goes so much deeper than a virus. Principalities and rules in high places have turned up the heat so to speak.

I don’t claim to know why all this is happening, I’m just a person, like you. I do know the Lord Jesus as a personal Lord and Savior. I do hear Him speak by the Holy Spirit and His word; I know because he confirms it to me in various ways.

I’m not here to talk about condemnation or judgement but I do want to address something. In the old testament there is a scripture many Christians, love to quote and it’s a great scripture, but there are 6 conditions listed before God says he will hear from heaven and heal our land.

1. If my people,

2. which are called by my name,

3. shall humble themselves,

4. and pray,

5. and seek my face,

6. and turn from their wicked ways;

Then I (God) will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. 

2 Chronicles 7:14

The “Church” not all of them, but a good majority, is wearing the wedding garment, saying all the right words, prophesying, thinking they are living for God, but they are full of dead men’s bones…

Now if the shoe fits wear it and repent, turn around and begin to seek God’s face for the Truth…if this is not you, praise God, but pray for your brothers and sisters to recognize what the Holy Spirit is saying and that their ears and hearts will be opened to receive what the Spirit of the Lord is saying and that they will return to the Living God! Not the made-up God that has been masquerading around as the authentic creator God!

God doesn’t beg. Jesus said, take no purse or script when you go…

God Gave, his only begotten son…

We, as the true children of God, are to give and not take. And my God will supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Amen. (Philippians 4:19)

In Mark 11:17 it says, Then He taught, saying to them, “Is it not written, ‘My house shall be called a house of prayer for all nations’? But you have made it a ‘den of thieves.’” (Mark 11:17 NKJV)

The Bride represents the “Church” (the called-out ones) in my dream. We are to holy, consecrated, set apart for God’s purpose and without spot or wrinkle. The “Church” is to be pure and undefiled. The enemy tries as he will to discredit the “Church,” to drag her through the mud, to cause her to be an adulteress and perverting the Word of God. But HE CAN NOT… Jesus has already conquered Satan. Jesus’ “Church” has the armor of God to protect her. She has the Holy Spirit living within her and she will not be unfaithful! She is Saved by the crucifixion, burial and resurrection and ascension of the Lord Jesus Christ. Our God Lives. God is for her.

The Bride I saw in my dream is the hypocritical fake dead church which the enemy wants to parade around as the “Church” of God. …

Satan is a liar and the father of lies. His plan has worked so far…whited sepulchers, pretty on the outside but full of deceit and perversions on the inside. Having a form of godliness but denying the power of God. The truth is coming forth!!!

Children of the Living God do not look with your natural eyes. Do not listen with your natural ears. Do not follow the masses or the media. Follow the Lord Jesus Christ. His word is your sword, pick it up and use it! His Spirit is your comfort and your guide do what He says and your confirmation will come through the Word of the Lord, and by the Spirit of Truth.

Guard your Heart…put no evil thing before your eyes…Listen with your spiritual ears what God is saying not what the world system is saying. Keep your eyes and ears on the Lord Jesus! He said, “If I be lifted up, I’ll draw all men unto me.” (John 12:32).

There is a counterfeit Jesus in the world…you’ll know it by the fruit it bears… Where there is envy and strife there is every evil work.

Perfect love, that’s God’s love is the only perfect love…will cast out fear! God’s perfect love will bring peace, health and unity. God’s perfect love set’s people free from fear. You will know the truth and the truth will set you free, it comes through His love. Not the fleshy, sensual stuff called love. God’s love is peaceable, it’s giving and kind, his love is authentic and will not cast you away. It doesn’t bare false witness, is not going to stab you in the back. It does not gossip or murder. His love brings grace and healing.

Child of God…don’t look with your natural eyes of what’s going on around you…keep your heart and spiritual eyes glued to Yeshua, the One and Only Son of YHWH!!

We are going to see the world turned upside down, more than what we’ve seen already, BUT, DO NOT BE AFRAID AND DO NOT LET FEAR CONTROL YOU! Keep your eyes and ears on Jesus. Turn off the news if you have too. Get your Bible and open it and begin to read it. Let the Holy Spirit show you how you are protected and safe through the blood of Jesus Christ!!!

Saturate yourself with God’s word and prayer! Be brave and courageous for He is fighting on your behalf!! We are coming through this! God is greater than any lie, scheme, perversion, He is greater than any sickness, enemy weapon; He is greater than any demon, rebellion, tradition, God is Greater than anything and He loves you too much to see you destroyed!

God’s Grace is sufficient for you… And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. (2 Corinthians 12:9 (KJV))

Stand Still and See the Salvation of the Lord!!! Amen!!!!! He did it then and he will do it again!!!!

Then Moses said to the people, “Do not be afraid! Take your stand [be firm and confident and undismayed] and see the salvation of the Lord which He will accomplish for you today; for those Egyptians whom you have seen today, you will never see again. The Lord will fight for you while you [only need to] keep silent and remain calm.” (Exodus 14:13-14 AMP)

~Marla Shaw O’Neill, Competed today Monday, July 20, 2020

Do you remember at the beginning of the year when all those Prophet’s and Prophetess’s were saying what 2020 meant? Go back and listen to them…

The corpse in the bride dress is dead and decaying she cannot hurt us, she’s dead.…But our God is alive and thriving…

God is uncovering secrets of men’s deceptions so that His Truth will be revealed! Stand still children of God and watch our God beat their butts…Praise the Living God!

I was asked a two-part question, 1. “Do you believe God is for you and loves you despite your circumstances? And, 2. Do you believe that God will never leave you?

We are all going to leave this life one day. But the good news, is, if we are of the family of God through the Lord Jesus Christ, we will not die. We are here for a purpose and that is to serve the Lord with all of our heart, mind, body, soul. With all of our might. Not when we feel like it. Not when everything is going great. Not when we get that dream job, have success or when life is a bowl of cherries. Because life never runs smooth.

I received a video today that scared the daylights out of me. I felt fear begin to grip me and I was shaken. Until I remembered Who Jesus is and what He said. What I’m about to write is in response to all of that.

It’s difficult to wrap our minds around what’s happening today in our world, our country, our city and our very own personal lives. Of course, we want to be happy. We want to live the best life we can. See our children and grandchildren grow up and have happy successful lives. We want to think they will have a wonderful future full of hope, with a long and prosperous life. We want them to accomplish great things, even if it’s just to live a simple, peaceful life without drama or war or sickness or hurt and pain. We want to think that we all will remain free and without tyranny. That the system, we grew up in, while it had its flaws was still a better place than anywhere else in the world. After all, many of our countrymen and women gave their lives so that we could have freedom.

God said, he will never leave us nor forsake us and he gave us his son to prove it. He sent his Holy Spirit to live, in, us. We are never alone. God does not lie. Paul, the servant of the Lord Jesus Christ said in Romans 8:38-39 The Message (MSG)

So, what do you think? With God on our side like this, how can we lose? If God didn’t hesitate to put everything on the line for us, embracing our condition and exposing himself to the worst by sending his own Son, is there anything else he wouldn’t gladly and freely do for us? And who would dare tangle with God by messing with one of God’s chosen? Who would dare even to point a finger? The One who died for us—who was raised to life for us! — is in the presence of God at this very moment sticking up for us. Do you think anyone is going to be able to drive a wedge between us and Christ’s love for us? There is no way! Not trouble, not hard times, not hatred, not hunger, not homelessness, not bullying threats, not backstabbing, not even the worst sins listed in Scripture:

They kill us in cold blood because they hate you.
We’re sitting ducks; they pick us off one by one.

None of this fazes us because Jesus loves us. I’m absolutely convinced that nothing—nothing living or dead, angelic or demonic, today or tomorrow, high or low, thinkable or unthinkable—absolutely nothing can get between us and God’s love because of the way that Jesus our Master has embraced us.

I found that I’ve been focused on the wrong thing. Maybe you feel this way too! This life is going to end. Everyone of us is going to give up the ghost one day. Some sooner, some later but we are going to go. It’s how we live this life we’ve been given that’s going to matter when we do leave. If you have said, yes to Jesus you really have nothing to fear. Accepting Jesus is the most important thing you will ever do.

Jesus himself said, and I’m paraphrasing it. “In this life you are going to suffer. You’ll be imprisoned, and have tribulations, and trouble. But, and that’s a big but, BE OF “GOOD CHEER” (means Courage) for I have overcome the world!”

Our focus is to tell and to show others the way to Jesus. Our focus is to have faith in God no matter if we lose loved ones. No matter if sickness comes, or disease, or wars and rumors of wars, famine, natural disasters; no matter if governments fail us and tyrants rise against us. We are to stay focused on Jesus and the life after this life.

Peter didn’t get it. Jesus was a whole new concept. God had arrived on the scene in a new way. The religious world didn’t even recognize God and he was walking and living right in front of them. Even though the prophets of old had told them what to expect, their expectation was totally different from God’s. He was not coming to build his kingdom on the earth at this time. He was coming to build his kingdom with those who would obey him and accept his son by faith who would live in a heavenly kingdom. God’s own people rejected him and missed his plan and they didn’t even know it.

So, Jesus revealed himself to a few men and women who were nobody’s until the day of Pentecost and even then, they didn’t fully understand.

Jesus went to plan B and met Saul on the road to Damascus, a man who had killed Christians. A religious man, well educated but blind to the truth. Saul encountered Jesus and was literally blinded then healed by a Jesus follower and his name was changed to Paul.

Paul’s life was turned completely around and he learned and taught that Jesus wasn’t talking about this earthly life. He was talking about the life to come and it would be for ALL who would say, yes to Jesus and follow him. Jesus wanted people’s hearts.

Don’t focus on this life in the sense of it being where you’re going to be forever. This world is going to come to an end one day and there will be a new heaven and a new earth.

Until that day comes live your life in a way that glorifies God, and leads others to Jesus. Have no fear of anything, because from all that is taking place in the earth right now are the happenings of a greater plan.

Live your life the best you can. Don’t focus on all the fear talk. Keep your heart, your eyes, your ears open to the Holy Spirit and walk by faith and not by sight. Keep your mouth shut and speak when the Holy Spirit gives you something to say. This is wisdom.

Your time on earth is in God’s hands. It’s a whole new adventure. Read God’s word but see it through God eyes…

Have faith in God! Love with God’s love! Be courageous! Stand firm in the Lord! Encourage others in the Lord! A new day has come! We are not defeated! We’ve already won!

When you find yourself in despair …recognize that is not the Lord. Draw close to the Lord, resist the devil and he will run! Pick yourself up…pray…sing and rejoice for you’re on your way to a better place~

Open your ear and hear what the Spirit of the Lord is saying, “this is the way walk in it!!!”

~Marla Shaw O’Neill July 13, 2020

John 16:33 The Passion Translation (TPT) And everything I’ve taught you is so that the peace which is in me will be in you and will give you great confidence as you rest in me. For in this unbelieving world you will experience trouble and sorrows, but you must be courageous, for I have conquered the world!”)

Isaiah 41:10 King James Version (KJV) Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.

Psalm 56:3 King James Version (KJV) What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee.

Philippians 4:6-7 The Passion Translation (TPT) Don’t be pulled in different directions or worried about a thing. Be saturated in prayer throughout each day, offering your faith-filled requests before God with overflowing gratitude. Tell him every detail of your life, then God’s wonderful peace that transcends human understanding, will make the answers known to you through Jesus Christ.

2 Timothy 1:7 The Passion Translation (TPT) For God will never give you the spirit of fear, but the Holy Spirit who gives you mighty power, love, and self-control.

Eyes closed, breath shallow, arms crossed upon my chest
Standing tall, as I fall, I have no fear, no doubt, I hear him call
“Your faith has made you whole!”
Faith pleases God
Faith leaps into action
Faith is courageous
Faith is concrete
Faith is knowing the unknowable
Faith releases the impossible
Faith goes beyond hope
Faith does not lack
Faith stands when all else crumbles
Faith makes no excuses
Faith builds upon faith
Faith runs the race with purpose no matter what
Faith gives, it does not take
Faith believes without seeing, hearing, touching, feeling
Faith produces what is invisible
Faith is faithful
Faith saves
Faith forgives
Faith sings
Faith brings,
Everything, from the heavenly realm
To the natural realm, giving life, as it is created by faith in God!
Faith will not fail
Faith will prevail
When you have faith in God
Mountains move, sickness is removed, death is shattered,
Faith gives life…
Faith can’t be bought or sold, there’s no silver or gold that is more valuable than Faith…
How do you have faith…
It only comes one way…
Believes one truth
Gives life through the Lord Jesus Christ!
Faith holds, even when all else seems lost…
It is worth the cost…
Have faith in God!

~Marla Shaw O’Neill, July 6, 2020

Hebrews 11:1-7 The Passion Translation (TPT)

The Power of Bold Faith

Now faith brings our hopes into reality and becomes the foundation needed to acquire the things we long for. It is all the evidence required to prove what is still unseen.

2 This testimony of faith is what previous generations[a] were commended for.

3 Faith empowers us to see that the universe was created and beautifully coordinated[b] by the power of God’s words! He spoke and the invisible realm gave birth to all that is seen.

4 Faith moved Abel[c] to choose a more acceptable sacrifice to offer God than his brother Cain, and God declared him righteous because of his offering of faith. By his faith, Abel still speaks instruction to us today, even though he is long dead.

5 Faith lifted Enoch from this life and he was taken up into heaven! He never had to experience death; he just disappeared from this world because God promoted him. For before he was translated to the heavenly realm his life had become a pleasure to God.[d]

6 And without faith living within us it would be impossible to please God.[e] For we come to God in faith[f] knowing that he is real and that he rewards the faith of those who give all their passion and strength into seeking him.

7 Faith opened Noah’s heart to receive revelation and warnings from God about what was coming, even things that had never been seen. But he stepped out in reverent obedience to God and built an ark that would save him and his family. By his faith the world was condemned, but Noah received God’s gift of righteousness that comes by believing.

Photo: Cappadocia Photography. Cappadocia Turkey.

Hot air balloons cascading in multicolored spheres, gliding through clear skies high above the world…

From car-fumes and stale perfumes that no one now can smell…

To a place, looked upon by human race, where hope for unending peace is felt…
Does anyone look up anymore?

Do you look beyond the pavement of concrete, tall buildings, and burnt debris, can you see, truly see? Is this how you pictured our world to be?

Take a moment and look up…the sky is unlimited just like our dreams…

There’s only one way and it’s not my way, or your way, hear me as I pray, Lord, let it begin with me, loving one another, each one, reaching one, holding out-stretched arms to embrace the community of human kind…

Agape, in body, soul and mind…

~Marla Shaw O’Neill June 22, 2020

John 14:6 The Passion Translation (TPT)

6 Jesus explained, “I am the Way, I am the Truth,[a] and I am the Life. No one comes next to the Father[b] except through union with me.[c] To know me is to know my Father too.

Footnotes:
a. John 14:6 Or “the True Reality.”
b. John 14:6 Jesus does more than take us to heaven, he brings us next to (alongside of) the Father. The Father is the destination.
c. John 14:6 Or “through [faith in] me.”

 

Grateful Heart, joys in singing, always bringing, beauty to the heart…
In every situation his peace he imparts…
No matter how tough the battle becomes, Grateful Heart sees what must be done
To encourage and stand strong before others who long, to obtain a grateful heart…
Grateful Heart, makes me laugh and makes me dance, Grateful Heart feels me with jubilance…
With just one glance, I’m elated by his wooing for our moment by moment romance…
He’s kind and brave and at every chance
He gives his all, and I am in tranced in the beauty of his smiling eyes…
Even when he wants to cry, pressing on he speaks no lies…
He’s grateful no matter what comes his way…
How is it that even in the worst of times you stand, in fortitude and take it all in stride?
Tell me, so that I, too, will show gratitude in everything I say and do.
Brave one, you must understand, I’m called Grateful Heart because I am…
Love without measure, there is no greater treasure, than a heart that surrenders to God…
When trouble comes to rock your world, hold tight your shield and do not be mocked…let gratefulness take its place and do not yield to the human side of you…send Holy Ghost he’ll fight for you…
You’ll see that when, you praise the one, who gives you, life, he fills your soul with thanksgiving, then, sing songs of grace, for it cuts like a knife and there’s no demon in hell that can withstand, the light, when I am in your heart…
Be grateful in all things, think the most amazing thoughts, speak my words for they have brought life to an ungrateful place…and as you look upon the face, of all the ones who are angry; displaced; display your grateful heart…
The sun will shine brighter, the rain will be fresher, darkness will run from the light…a grateful heart will make everything right…and even though it won’t seem bright…a grateful heart will seal the night that breaks way into a better day…be grateful come what may…
Grateful Heart, what’s happening? I open my mouth and begin to sing, songs of a different kind…My heart is pure, my eyes can see, I am no longer blind to thee…
You’re granted, a grateful heart!

~Marla Shaw O’Neill, June 9, 2020

Ezra 3:11 New King James Version (NKJV)
11 And they sang responsively, praising and giving thanks to the LORD:
“For He is good,
For His mercy endures forever toward Israel.”
Then all the people shouted with a great shout, when they praised the LORD, because the foundation of the house of the LORD was laid.

Psalm 7:17 New King James Version (NKJV)
17 I will praise the LORD according to His righteousness,
And will sing praise to the name of the LORD Most High.

Psalm 9:1 New Living Translation (NLT)
Psalm 9
For the choir director: A psalm of David, to be sung to the tune “Death of the Son.”
1 I will praise you, LORD, with all my heart;
I will tell of all the marvelous things you have done.

Psalm 35:18 New Living Translation (NLT)
18 Then I will thank you in front of the great assembly.
I will praise you before all the people.

Psalm 69:30 New Living Translation (NLT)
30 Then I will praise God’s name with singing,
and I will honor him with thanksgiving.

Psalm 95:1-3 New Living Translation (NLT)
Psalm 95
1 Come, let us sing to the LORD!
Let us shout joyfully to the Rock of our salvation.
2 Let us come to him with thanksgiving.
Let us sing psalms of praise to him.
3 For the LORD is a great God,
a great King above all gods.

Psalm 100:4-5 New Living Translation (NLT)
4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving;
go into his courts with praise.
Give thanks to him and praise his name.
5 For the LORD is good.
His unfailing love continues forever,
and his faithfulness continues to each generation.

Psalm 106:1 New Living Translation (NLT)
Psalm 106
1 Praise the LORD!
Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good!
His faithful love endures forever.

Psalm 145:18 Good News Translation (GNT)
18 He is near to those who call to him,
who call to him with sincerity.

Daniel 2:23 Good News Translation (GNT)
23 I praise you and honor you, God of my ancestors.
You have given me wisdom and strength;
you have answered my prayer
and shown us what to tell the king.”

Ephesians 5:18-20 Good News Translation (GNT)
18 Do not get drunk with wine, which will only ruin you; instead, be filled with the Spirit. 19 Speak to one another with the words of psalms, hymns, and sacred songs; sing hymns and psalms to the Lord with praise in your hearts. 20 In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, always give thanks for everything to God the Father.

Philippians 4:6-7 Good News Translation (GNT)
6 Don’t worry about anything, but in all your prayers ask God for what you need, always asking him with a thankful heart. 7 And God’s peace, which is far beyond human understanding, will keep your hearts and minds safe in union with Christ Jesus.

Colossians 2:6-7 Good News Translation (GNT)
Fullness of Life in Christ
6 Since you have accepted Christ Jesus as Lord, live in union with him. 7 Keep your roots deep in him, build your lives on him, and become stronger in your faith, as you were taught. And be filled with thanksgiving.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 Good News Translation (GNT)
16 Be joyful always, 17 pray at all times, 18 be thankful in all circumstances. This is what God wants from you in your life in union with Christ Jesus.

Hebrews 12:28-29 The Passion Translation (TPT)
28 Since we are receiving our rights[a] to an unshakeable kingdom[b] we should be extremely thankful and offer God the purest worship that delights his heart[c] as we lay down our lives in absolute surrender, filled with awe.[d] 29 For our God is a holy, devouring fire![e]
Footnotes:
a. Hebrews 12:28 The Greek word paralambano is often used in classical Greek literature for heirs who have the “rights of succession” (to a throne). (See Aristotle, Pol. 3.14.12; Herodotus, 2.120.)
b. Hebrews 12:28 See Dan. 7:18.
c. Hebrews 12:28 Or “offer pleasing service to God.”
d. Hebrews 12:28 The Aramaic can be translated “We have received grace to serve and we please God in awe and tender devotion” (submission).
e. Hebrews 12:29 The Aramaic can be translated “consuming light.” See also Deut. 4:24; 9:3.

Hebrews 13:15-16 The Passion Translation (TPT)
15 So we no longer offer up a steady stream of blood sacrifices, but through Jesus, we will offer up to God a steady stream of praise sacrifices—these are “the lambs”[a] we offer from our lips that celebrate his name![b]
16 We will show mercy to the poor[c] and not miss an opportunity to do acts of kindness for others, for these are the true sacrifices that delight God’s heart.
Footnotes:
a. Hebrews 13:15 As translated from the Aramaic. The Greek is “the fruit of” our lips.
b. Hebrews 13:15 See Ps. 50:14, 23.
c. Hebrews 13:16 As translated from the Aramaic.

In solitude and dark of night, alone, but for the creatures in the wilderness, they lay,
Watching and listening to the man speaking to someone but who? He prayed.

Angels ascending and descending bringing comfort from the Father’s house…
There in the moonlit night stirred a little mouse…perched upon a tiny rock, nose twitching
This way and that …listening to all that was said. Mouse bowed his head…

Tears like streams in the desert poured from the eyes of him…
Praying for the people, all, of them…
Nations, within one man, woman, boy and girl…
Treasure’s more valuable than costly pearls…
The man lamented for them all, this is why he came to the world!

But they would not listen…they would not give up their will…love was all he was offering and it was not enough for them but still, he loved them.

Power and greed ran deep within their hearts…pleasures of the earthly kind, kept them bound…

Great sobs, unspoken sounds, were heard by heaven’s hosts…
Papa God listened to his son’s pain, which hurt him most…
People did not want to turn their lives around and follow what was good…
Evil had a hold on them, Hell was where they stood…

Little mouse ran to the man and squeaked, “Sir, I understand…
That if no one else will praise your name, the very rocks will cry out! I believe and I have seen you do wonderful things. I will go and tell the city mice, and we will go and sing…then heaven will come down and change everything…”

The man, drew in a deep breath, and lifted his head and sang… “Thank you Father for bringing to me this tiny, little, friend…he’s given me hope and I will go and finish everything.”

Thousands gathered in the square as love was poured out and shared…by the man who came that day to bless and take their sins away…

Upon hearing that the crowds were changed, evil rose its ugly head…took the man and killed him, now he was dead…

But in solitude and dark of night, just before day-light, the stone was rolled away…
Jesus, AROSE, Victorious, and Love had conquered hate!

Tiny mouse had seen it all and lives to this very day…running in the streets he sings, “Jesus is the truth the life and the way! And if you ask him too, he’ll give, to you, eternal life that can never be taken away!”

Tears are for the night, but JOY comes in the morning!

Angels in heaven rejoice, when a child is newborn…

~Marla Shaw O’Neill June 1, 2020

Psalm 30:1-5 English Standard Version (ESV)

Joy Comes with the Morning

A Psalm of David. A song at the dedication of the temple.

1 I will extol you, O LORD, for you have drawn me up and have not let my foes rejoice over me. 2 O LORD my God, I cried to you for help, and you have healed me. 3 O LORD, you have brought up my soul from Sheol; you restored me to life from among those who go down to the pit.[a] 4 Sing praises to the LORD, O you his saints, and give thanks to his holy name.[b] 5 For his anger is but for a moment, and his favor is for a lifetime.[c] Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes with the morning.

Footnotes:
a. Psalm 30:3 Or to life, that I should not go down to the pit
b. Psalm 30:4 Hebrew to the memorial of his holiness (see Exodus 3:15)
c. Psalm 30:5 Or and in his favor is life