Be Courageous Be Bold Hebrews 4:16

Standing on the River’s shore, I lift my voice unto the Lord…
Praise arises on the wind through heaven’s portals as they open
Into the city of the Living God;
The River rises as He nod’s,
‘Come deeper, come deeper! Dive into the river of life…
Let Joy pour over your seeking soul…
The water is clean, it’s pure and whole…
Splash and sing! Be bold!

The current is strong let it carry you, in, and out, and back again…
Reaching places, you’ve never been…
The River is rushing to a peaceful bend…
Just up ahead, where life begins…

Let the River of life flow within you and through you, wherever you go…
In this River living waters never run dry…
Hear the Father, Son and Holy Ghost, cry!

‘Come, drink, and you’ll never thirst again, this is all you need to know…’
Open your heart, let it saturate your soul…
Come to the River of Life and know…
You’ll find healing as the River flows!

Dive, and splash, and swim about, then ride the current to depths unknown
You’ll see River creatures having fun…
As colors of blues and greens, above and below, watch as you are spun
Through an uncharted adventure, here abide…
No need to fear and you’ll never have to hide…
For He, who is, the River-of-Life, never retreats and never ends. It’s He who bids you ride…
On the cool, clear, waters…there is a vast supply!
Stay in the River-of-Life, and you’ll never die!
River flowing far and wide, beckons you to, the other side!

Some may wade into the river, and some may watch from the shore…
Me, I’m diving in. I’ll live and breathe; totally sold out to the Lord for more!
Life is full and life is sweet…but it’s going to take more than just my feet, take all of me and I will be, totally and completely free, dwelling in the River of Life!

~Marla Shaw O’Neill May 28, 2020

Psalm 46Psalm 46 The Passion Translation (TPT)
God on Our Side

46 For the Pure and Shining One, by the prophetic singers of Korah’s clan
A poetic song to the melody of “Hidden Things”[a]
1 God, you’re such a safe and powerful place to find refuge!
You’re a proven help in time of trouble—
more than enough and always available whenever I need you.
2 So we will never fear
even if every structure of support[b] were to crumble away.
We will not fear even when the earth quakes and shakes,
moving mountains and casting them into the sea.
3 For the raging roar of stormy winds and crashing waves
cannot erode our faith in you.
Pause in his presence
4 God has a constantly flowing river whose sparkling streams
bring joy and delight to his people.
His river flows right through the city of God Most High,
into his holy dwelling places.[c]
5 God is in the midst of his city,[d] secure and never shaken.
At daybreak his help will be seen with the appearing of the dawn.
6 When the nations are in uproar with their tottering kingdoms,
God simply raises his voice
and the earth begins to disintegrate before him.
7 Here he comes!
The Commander!
The mighty Lord of Angel Armies is on our side.
The God of Jacob fights for us!
Pause in his presence
8–9 Everyone look!
Come and see the breathtaking wonders of our God.
For he brings both ruin and revival.
He’s the one who makes conflicts end
throughout the earth,
breaking and burning every weapon of war.
10 Surrender your anxiety![e]
Be silent and stop your striving and you will see that I am God.
I am the God above all the nations,
and I will be exalted throughout the whole earth.
11 Here he stands!
The Commander!
The mighty Lord of Angel Armies is on our side!
The God of Jacob fights for us!
Pause in his presence

Footnotes:
a. Psalm 46:1 As translated in the Septuagint. Other versions read “for the maidens.” Ps. 46 is known as one of the Songs of Zion. The others are Psalms 48, 76, 84, 87, and 122. These are psalms that praise Jerusalem as God’s dwelling place.
b. Psalm 46:2 Or “earth itself.”
c. Psalm 46:4 The plural “dwelling places” points to believers today. Each believer is now the holy dwelling place of God. God’s river flows into us and through us.
d. Psalm 46:5 This is a reference to Jerusalem, but today God calls his church a “city” on a hill.
e. Psalm 46:10 The Septuagint reads “relax.”

“Here, take this armor and put it on, you’ll need it in the fight.”

‘No, I can’t wear that, it doesn’t fit, it’s too big. All I need is the Word of God and my sling-shot and five stones. You see, I’m not fighting alone!’

Running out to face this foe… ‘He’s big I’ll give him that…’

Taking aim, with just one stone, it lands within the enemy’s head. He tumbles and falls making a big splat!

Eyes in shock of what is witnessed. He’s just a young shepherd, how could he defeat this giant of a man?

He knows the God he serves and obeys his command!

~Marla Shaw O’Neill May 26, 2020

1 Samuel 17:38-50 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)

38 Saul clothed David with his armor; he put a bronze helmet on his head and clothed him with a coat of mail. 39 David strapped Saul’s sword over the armor, and he tried in vain to walk, for he was not used to them. Then David said to Saul, “I cannot walk with these; for I am not used to them.” So David removed them. 40 Then he took his staff in his hand, and chose five smooth stones from the wadi, and put them in his shepherd’s bag, in the pouch; his sling was in his hand, and he drew near to the Philistine.

41 The Philistine came on and drew near to David, with his shield-bearer in front of him. 42 When the Philistine looked and saw David, he disdained him, for he was only a youth, ruddy and handsome in appearance. 43 The Philistine said to David, “Am I a dog, that you come to me with sticks?” And the Philistine cursed David by his gods. 44 The Philistine said to David, “Come to me, and I will give your flesh to the birds of the air and to the wild animals of the field.” 45 But David said to the Philistine, “You come to me with sword and spear and javelin; but I come to you in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. 46 This very day the LORD will deliver you into my hand, and I will strike you down and cut off your head; and I will give the dead bodies of the Philistine army this very day to the birds of the air and to the wild animals of the earth, so that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel, 47 and that all this assembly may know that the LORD does not save by sword and spear; for the battle is the LORD’s and he will give you into our hand.”

48 When the Philistine drew nearer to meet David, David ran quickly toward the battle line to meet the Philistine. 49 David put his hand in his bag, took out a stone, slung it, and struck the Philistine on his forehead; the stone sank into his forehead, and he fell face down on the ground.
50 So David prevailed over the Philistine with a sling and a stone, striking down the Philistine and killing him; there was no sword in David’s hand.

In my dream last night, early this morning, I was waiting for my mom to come home. I said, “When is she going to get here?”

Then the thought came to me. She’s already home. She’s waiting for me to come home. Then I had this thought… ‘It’s been two days since Jesus left this earth and ascended into heaven. It’s been over two thousand years.’

One day is a thousand years and a thousand years, is, one day…so
Two days is two thousand years…WOW!

For us, we live maybe seventy, eighty, years…a life-time to us…but when you think about eternity that’s really no time at all…

So, in heaven years it’s only been just over two days since Jesus came home…
This is just some ponderings I had this morning…

In heaven there is no measure of time … of course, we need time here to measure the days, months, and years of life but really, we are living in eternity right now…once we are conceived and are born into this world…it’s just a continuing. Where we call home afterwards, depends on, if we have been born a-new and have accepted Jesus as God’s only begotten son, forgiven, and washed in His blood, having a brand-new spirit. Being re-born, into God’s heavenly family, will determine where we go home. But if we reject him, we accept death and not life we will live forever in Hell, the place of departed spirits. There in that place will always be wailing and gnashing of teeth…a place where the worm never dies…and the fire is never quenched. Now, today is the day of salvation…don’t put it off!

This may sound harsh and not very encouraging…but let me say this…God is merciful and he extends grace and mercy to us all…hear him calling you while you can still do something about it…because death is final and there are no do overs once your spirit leaves your body!

If you want to accept Jesus as your personal Lord and savior and want to know him and know where your new home will be after you die…

Pray this simple prayer with all your heart…Lord Jesus, forgive me for rejecting you. Forgive me for all my sins, all the things that I’ve carried in my heart for years, like unbelief, doubt, fear, hate, things of the flesh. Take my heart and make it clean. Be the Lord of my life. I believe you are the son of God and that you died for me so that I will no longer be separated from you. I want a personal relationship with you, Jesus. I’m sorry. I accept you into my heart right now. I will do everything I can to live a transformed life for you. I ask you to fill me your Holy Spirit to help me and teach me your ways and I will walk with you all the days of my life. In your name I pray, Jesus, amen!

~Marla Shaw O’Neill May 19, 2020

John 3:16 Good News Translation (GNT)
16 For God loved the world so much that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not die but have eternal life.

2 Peter 3:8-9 Good News Translation (GNT)
8 But do not forget one thing, my dear friends! There is no difference in the Lord’s sight between one day and a thousand years; to him the two are the same. 9 The Lord is not slow to do what he has promised, as some think. Instead, he is patient with you, because he does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants all to turn away from their sins.

Mark 9:47-48 Good News Translation (GNT)
47 And if your eye makes you lose your faith, take it out! It is better for you to enter the Kingdom of God with only one eye than to keep both eyes and be thrown into hell. 48 There ‘the worms that eat them never die, and the fire that burns them is never put out.’

Isaiah 66:24 The Passion Translation (TPT)
24 “They will go out of the city and see the dead bodies of those who rebelled against me. For their worm will not die[a] and their fire will never go out.[b] And they will be abhorrent to humanity.”[c]

Footnotes:
a. Isaiah 66:24 This is likely a figure of speech for unending suffering. Some equate the worm with the guilty conscience. See Mark 9:48.

b. Isaiah 66:24 It is possible that this refers to a mass burial site where maggots continue to eat flesh and fire burns continually with corpses. Some see this as having been fulfilled by the slaughter of the enemies during the time of the Maccabees, others as a view toward a future slaughter, and still others as a description of hell.

c. Isaiah 66:24 Or “all flesh,” the last words of Isaiah. It is a long-held Jewish tradition that Isaiah was placed inside a hollow tree and sawn in two, by the order of King Manasseh. The book of Isaiah is likewise “sawn in two” by theologians with theories of two or more authors.

After seeking the Lord for three days, this is the message I received it’s more like a prayer but it’s a message that needs to be said. I’m praying that your heart will be moved to prayer and fasting so that you will know the truth and seek God with all your being! God bless you and have mercy.

Lord, I’m troubled in my spirit…

I know you Jesus and you know me. What’s going on Lord?
What in the world is going on?

There are too many voices. Some true and some lies and it is mind boggling trying to sort them out.

But, Lord Jesus, you said your sheep know your voice and a stranger they’ll not follow.
For as long as I’ve been on this planet, just in my life time many things have taken place in this world. Ever since the beginning of time all this has been leading up to this particular time period.

Come quickly Lord Jesus!

• When iniquity abounds the love of many turn cold.

You’ve always had your remnant, those who walk in righteousness and honor before you. Those who seek your face and do not heed the lies of the enemy.

Lord, you sent Jesus to redeem people from sin and death. So that we can again be united with you, no more separation.

You gave us a choice and asked that we walk in obedience to you. You are not a tyrant or an evil task master. You are a loving heavenly father giving wisdom and truth for us to live by so that we are not destroyed by things that would corrupt us and lead us down a path of destruction.
You show us the path of life!

God, evil is all around and, in every nation…but Lord your Spirit is in all places at all times and you have those who are yours who will not be deceived. We will not give in to bullies or false religions and idols of false gods…they have eyes but can’t see, ears but can’t hear, mouths but can’t speak, they are lifeless, and dead with no power.

Then there are idols of self, following the pride of life, lust of the eyes and the lust of the flesh~
You overcame that in the wilderness when you said, “It is written.” And you rebuked Satan and he had to flee.

Jesus you are the word…

Jesus you’ve given us your body and your blood, you gave us resurrection and you sent us the Holy Spirit and Fire, so that we have power, love and a sound mind…your perfect love casts out fear…

You have given us power to walk in this sick, rotting, corrupt world…

You said, we, your children, are in the world but not of the world…

But what are we seeking? Are we seeking a kingdom for ourselves on this earth? Are we seeking fame, fortune, wealth and a life in this world? It’s taken over 2000 years for your Church body to forget what your intentions were for your Church…we’ve forgotten that this world is not our home…we are pilgrims and sojourners here or at least that’s what we are supposed to be.

You said in this world there will be tribulations but to be of good cheer for you have overcome the world.

So, where are our priorities? Where are our loyalties? How are we living day to day? Do we trust you with our lives? Are we living by faith and not fear? Do we continue to sit by and do nothing but live, lives as so much cattle led around by our appetites and let evil rule our land?
God, America has been in a fight for freedom from the very beginning of its existence.
We are now in a fight that we’ve never faced before~

It’s OK though because no matter what comes you are in this fight along side of us. No! You are leading the way!

But we must! We must! Know what side we are on and have our battle gear on and prepared to win at any cost!

We are not fighting against (man) although it looks like it…we are fighting for our very souls and the souls of all mankind!! We are fighting principalities and powers and rulers in heavenly places. Demons of the most diabolical kind! They are disguised as leaders in governments, medical fields, military officers and armies, politicians, teachers, technology and those who say they are our friends…our weapon is love, faith and truth in the Lord Jesus Christ!

There will be those who will choose evil and will turn on us and try to defeat us!

But greater is He (God) who is in us than he (flesh and demons) who is in the world. (systems, governments, political demons backing political agendas~~

They don’t care what’s right they only care about chaos, terrorism, death and being in power and control. They do not care what they have to do, or who they have to crush to achieve their goals! They are being driven by Lucifer himself! Disguised as truth, angels of light, but full of dead men’s bones. Turned over to reprobates, they are perverted degenerates! Only one thing is on their mind…the annihilation of the human race!

This is no longer a battle against racism, terrorism, left or right-wing political powers, this is a fight against Good and Evil!

Wake up! Open your eyes and see clearly what’s going on around you. This is an all-out war between angels, demons and mankind!

Sound ridiculous like some sci-fi movie? It’s real life and we are in the fight of our lives for our children and children’s children! But we are not alone!

If you’ve been playing “Good Christian, or even, “Bad Christian” it’s time to repent and turn around and cry out to God with weeping and wailing, it’s time to start fasting and praying…stop tip-toeing around the truth, stop sitting on the fence, stop seeing just how far you can go to get away with sin, and, get your heart right!

Get serious about who you are for and who you serve~

The line has been drawn…

If you’re not for the Lord, you are against him and in this battle, you better know which side you’re on!

Hell is real and it is forever and ever…there will not be a get of Hell free card…it will be forever!
Stand your ground saints of God!

Retreat is over and re-set has begun!

Take up your cross and follow Jesus! God is fighting for us! Don’t be deceived, God is not mocked!

Are you willing to be a snitch for the devil and lose your soul, or, are you willing to be a warrior for the Living God and Win!!

He’s calling you right now. Who are you going to choose? I put before your life and death! I pray you choose life in Jesus name amen!

Put on the whole armor of God! God has his people in place.
All who oppose God will soon know his fury~

God will not sit by and watch his children be bullied any longer~
Get ready! Watch, fast and pray, this is your fight and God is with us!
Amen!

God is bigger than covid19!

God is greater than kings, tyrants, dictators, presidents, emperors, politicians…God is not a man that he should lie neither the son of man that he should repent…

Praise the Living God creator of all things! Amen and Amen!!

Marla Shaw O’Neill May 13, 2020

John 10:27-28 King James Version (KJV)
27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:
28 And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.

Matthew 24:11-13 New Living Translation (NLT)
11 And many false prophets will appear and will deceive many people. 12 Sin will be rampant everywhere, and the love of many will grow cold. 13 But the one who endures to the end will be saved.

Romans 11:5 New King James Version (NKJV)
5 Even so then, at this present time there is a remnant according to the election of grace.

Colossians 1:13-14 The Passion Translation (TPT)
13 He has rescued us completely from the tyrannical rule[a] of darkness and has translated us into the kingdom realm of his beloved Son. 14 For in the Son all our sins are canceled and we have the release of redemption through his very blood.
Footnotes:
a. Colossians 1:13 Or “authority.”

Psalm 16:11 New King James Version (NKJV)
11 You will show me the path of life;
In Your presence is fullness of joy;
At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.

Psalm 135:16-18 Good News Translation (GNT)
16 They have mouths, but cannot speak,
and eyes, but cannot see.
17 They have ears, but cannot hear;
they are not even able to breathe.
18 May all who made them and who trust in them
become[a] like the idols they have made!
Footnotes:

a. Psalm 135:18 May all … become; or All who made them and who trust in them will become.
1 John 2:16 New Life Version (NLV)
16 For everything that is in the world does not come from the Father. The desires of our flesh and the things our eyes see and want and the pride of this life come from the world.

Matthew 4:4-7 New Life Version (NLV)
4 But Jesus said, “It is written, ‘Man is not to live on bread only. Man is to live by every word that God speaks.’”
5 Then the devil took Jesus up to Jerusalem, the holy city. He had Jesus stand on the highest part of the house of God. 6 The devil said to Him, “If You are the Son of God, throw Yourself down. It is written, ‘He has told His angels to look after You. In their hands they will hold You up. Then Your foot will not hit against a stone.’” 7 Jesus said to the devil, “It is written also, ‘You must not tempt the Lord your God.’”

2 Timothy 1:7 New King James Version (NKJV) – 7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.

John 17:15-26 The Passion Translation (TPT)
15 I am not asking that you remove them from the world,
but I ask that you guard their hearts from evil,[a]
16 For they no longer belong to this world any more than I do.
17 “Your Word is truth! So make them holy by the truth.
18 I have commissioned them to represent me
just as you commissioned me to represent you.
19 And now I dedicate myself to them as a holy sacrifice
so that they will live as fully dedicated to God
and be made holy by your truth.”[b]

John 16:33 King James Version (KJV)
33 These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

2 Chronicles 20:14-16 New Living Translation (NLT)
14 the Spirit of the LORD came upon one of the men standing there. His name was Jahaziel son of Zechariah, son of Benaiah, son of Jeiel, son of Mattaniah, a Levite who was a descendant of Asaph.
15 He said, “Listen, all you people of Judah and Jerusalem! Listen, King Jehoshaphat! This is what the LORD says: Do not be afraid! Don’t be discouraged by this mighty army, for the battle is not yours, but God’s. 16 Tomorrow, march out against them. You will find them coming up through the ascent of Ziz at the end of the valley that opens into the wilderness of Jeruel.

1 John 4:4 New King James Version (NKJV)
4 You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.

Ephesians 6:10-18 The Passion Translation (TPT)
Spiritual Warfare
10 Now my beloved ones, I have saved these most important truths for last: Be supernaturally infused with strength through your life-union with the Lord Jesus. Stand victorious with the force[a] of his explosive power flowing in and through you.
11 Put on God’s complete set of armor[b] provided for us, so that you will be protected as you fight against the evil strategies of the accuser![c] 12 Your hand-to-hand combat is not with human beings, but with the highest principalities and authorities operating in rebellion under the heavenly realms.[d] For they are a powerful class of demon-gods[e] and evil spirits that hold[f] this dark world in bondage. 13 Because of this, you must wear all the armor that God provides so you’re protected as you confront the slanderer,[g] for you are destined for all things[h] and will rise victorious.
14 Put on truth as a belt to strengthen you to stand in triumph. Put on holiness as the protective armor that covers your heart. 15 Stand on your feet alert, then you’ll always be ready to share the blessings of peace.
16 In every battle, take faith as your wrap-around shield, for it is able to extinguish the blazing arrows coming at you from the Evil One![i] 17–18 Embrace the power of salvation’s full deliverance, like a helmet to protect your thoughts from lies. And take the mighty razor-sharp Spirit-sword[j] of the spoken Word of God.
Pray passionately[k] in the Spirit, as you constantly intercede with every form of prayer at all times. Pray the blessings of God upon all his believers.
Footnotes:
a. Ephesians 6:10 Or “weapons.”
b. Ephesians 6:11 See Isa. 59:17.
c. Ephesians 6:11 Or “the devil.”
d. Ephesians 6:12 Or literally “under heaven.”
e. Ephesians 6:12 The classical Greek word used here is often used to refer to conjuring up pagan deities—supreme powers of darkness mentioned in occult rituals.
f. Ephesians 6:12 Or “possessors of this dark world.”
g. Ephesians 6:13 Or “devil.”
h. Ephesians 6:13 As translated from the Aramaic. The Greek text can be translated “after you have conquered, you can stand in victory.”
i. Ephesians 6:16 The poetic language Paul uses here is likely a reference to Ps. 91:4-5.
j. Ephesians 6:17 This is the Greek word, machaira, which was a razor sharp Roman sword used in close combat.
k. Ephesians 6:17 Or “all desires.”
l. Matthew 26:41 New King James Version (NKJV)
m. 41 Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.”

Luke 12:35-48 Worldwide English (New Testament) (WE)
35 `Be dressed and have your lamps lit.
36 Be like men who are waiting for their master to come home from a wedding. They are ready to open the door as soon as he comes and knocks.
37 Happy the servants who are ready when the master comes! The servants who are ready when the master comes will be made happy. I tell you the truth. The master will get ready to serve them. He will set them at the table and will come and serve them.
38 He may come in the middle of the night or when it is nearly morning. But if they are watching for the master, they will be happy.
39 `And remember this. If the owner of a house knew at what time a man would come to steal, he would not let the man break into his house.
40 So then, be ready. The Son of Man will come at a time when you are not looking for him.’

Numbers 23:19 New King James Version (NKJV)
19 “God is not a man, that He should lie,
Nor a son of man, that He should repent.
Has He said, and will He not do?
Or has He spoken, and will He not make it good?

Art by: Jennifer Page

I’m dedicating this poem to a very good friend and prayer warrior, of mine, Barbara Fraga. Barbara’s sister passed away on May 4, 2020. Her son sent an obituary and in it he called his mother a Prophetic Champion, she was a true witness for Jesus. When I read the obit, I was inspired to write this poem!

What does it mean to be a “Prophetic Champion?”

Filled with the Holy Ghost and Fire, following Jesus; our only desire
To please the one who rescued, set free, broke chains, mended hearts, commissioned to go and tell the good news, you boldly refuse, the enemies advances…

We are His Prophetic Champions

Retreating to the secret place, away from the crowd, our soul makes haste, to abide under the shadow of the Almighty…obedient to the call…and there, regain our strength and grace…
We bow our head and seek His face…restored and transformed by his loving embrace,

We are comforted and protected, beneath our father’s wings…

Hear a mighty shout! As he begins to sing, a song of remembering…

Rest, dearly beloved, take time to heal; be still. Yes, rest for just awhile.

The war never ceases…
But my love increases, and here, is where the Prophetic Champions are restored. To regain perspective, of why they fight on this battlefield…

Do not yield to demon forces, or rulers in the high places…

Made low, you send a tremendous blow, to the evil they throw as your shield of faith deflects the woe, of those who dare to side with this foe…

Into the heat of the battlefield I send you now, prepared and refreshed by Holy Ghost and Fire…stand true, and march, it is I, who, fights for you…Take up your sword do not be passive, and do not look unto the masses. Ten thousand of my Angel armies are by your side…I Am the Lord; I Am with you in this fight!!

Now is the time to hold your ground, by my peace and my joy, strength is found…pray and obey and you will receive a crown, of life…

For generations have come and generations have gone…but my saints live and will not die…there is no room for doubt or fears…The ancient of days is loyal and fierce…battles won, Victory is sung…

He who saves his life will lose it and he who loses his life for my sake will save it…

Take captive every thought. The reward is greater than what you’ve fought…for you are My Prophetic Champions…now and forever more!!

~Marla Shaw O’Neill May 11, 2020

Isaiah 43:1-2 The Passion Translation (TPT)

Promise of Restoration

43 Now, this is what Yahweh says:

    “Listen, Jacob, to the One who created you,
Israel, to the one who shaped who you are.^[a]
Do not fear,
for I, your Kinsman-Redeemer, will rescue you.
I have called you by name, and you are mine.
² When you pass through^[b] the deep, stormy sea,
you can count on me to be there with you.
When you pass through raging rivers,
You will not drown.
When you walk through persecution like fiery flames,
you will not be burned;
the flames will not harm you,

Footnotes:

 

• Isaiah 43:1 Jacob was created, but Israel was formed. God forms (transforms) Jacob into Israel. God is seen here as the one who changes the nature of man. See Gen. 32:28.

• Isaiah 43:2 God’s method of deliverance is often not “out of” but “through.” His presence as we go through difficulties becomes our deliverance. See Ps. 23:4.

 

 

On a journey through life I’m brought to this place where the shadow people merely

exist.

Seeing, yet not seeing, they are hidden beneath blankets, camouflaged in the darkness of the place where they sleep…

I look closer; I hear a man weep…

Sobs so painful, so terrible and deep…

I turn to listen; I do not speak…

Climbing through the rubble of these shadows I see
A baby uncovered cold and alone…dirty, hungry with no home…

They are the poor, the outcast, the weak…

No names, no life, they sleep!

This is a dream I had last night and I woke and prayed…Lord, what does this mean?

“Pray for these people…they are without hope, without dignity they live but they are not living…I have not forgotten them.”

It was so real. At first, I was driving a car and was trying to find my way home. I was in, it looked like, down town Tampa. But I kept taking wrong turns then I found myself under a bridge or overpass and I was walking…it was getting dark…I started to climb to get out…and I saw these dark patches lying on top of mounds of dirt, and as I looked closer I realized they were blankets and people were underneath them. Not moving, lying there, quiet in the shadows. I saw one where a baby, (maybe three months old, Caucasian and dirty), it wasn’t under the blanket it was alive but it didn’t move. Then I saw an African-American man, standing (he was crying and began to sing a song) I can’t remember the song but it was a cry for help, it was a low, sad tune, and he was being taken away by someone I couldn’t make out who. He didn’t struggle or fight he was just being led away.

I woke up and this dream has stayed with me all day. So, I wrote this poem and I heard the words, the shadow people. I prayed for the people who are lost and can’t find their way. The ones, no one sees or even thinks about. Lord, hear our cry for help! And let us do something to help our fellow-man! Amen!

~Marla Shaw O’Neill May 9, 2020

Isaiah 1:17 The Passion Translation (TPT)
17 Learn what it means to do what is good by seeking righteousness and justice! Rescue the oppressed. Uphold the rights of the fatherless and defend the widow’s cause.

Painting by Hyatt Moore

This is a message I shared today on Zoom with some of the ladies from my Church.

Before we start *here’s a little bit of trivia:

In Bible times the Rabbis would stand in the Temple to read from the scrolls. The scrolls were very expensive to make. It took long hours to make them, because they were hand written on parchment or materials made from animal skins and most of them were quite ornate. So not all Synagogues could afford more than the Torah (the first five books) and out of respect for the makers of the scrolls they would stand to read from them so they didn’t get damaged.
After reading they would sit down. This showed that they would not be quoting from the old prophets, and then the people would know the teaching would be coming from their own interpretation. The rabbis would discuss the scripture and be open for questions. So, this became their custom.

Message Translation: Matthew 5:1-12 The Beatitudes

1 When Jesus saw his ministry drawing huge crowds, he climbed a hillside. Those who were apprenticed to him, the committed, climbed with him. Arriving at a quiet place, he sat down

2 and taught his climbing companions. This is what he said:

3 “You’re blessed when you’re at the end of your rope. With less of you there is more of God and his rule.

4 “You’re blessed when you feel you’ve lost what is most dear to you. Only then can you be embraced by the One most dear to you.

5 “You’re blessed when, you’re, content with just who you are – no more, no less. That’s the moment you find yourselves proud owners of everything that can’t be bought.

6 “You’re blessed when you’ve worked up a good appetite for God. He’s food and drink in the best meal you’ll ever eat.

7 “You’re blessed when you care. At the moment of being ‘carefull,’ you find yourselves cared for.

8 “You’re blessed when you get your inside world – your mind and heart – put right. Then you can see God in the outside world.

9 “You’re blessed when you can show people how to cooperate instead of compete or fight. That’s when you discover who you really are, and your place in God’s family.

10 “You’re blessed when your commitment to God provokes persecution. The persecution drives you even deeper into God’s kingdom.

11 “Not only that – count yourselves blessed every time people put you down or throw you out or speak lies about you to discredit me. What it means is that the truth is too close for comfort and they are uncomfortable.

12 You can be glad when that happens – give a cheer, even! – for though they don’t like it, I do! And all heaven applauds. And know that you are in good company. My prophets and witnesses have always gotten into this kind of trouble.

In the Strong’s Concordance #3107, the word for Blessed, makarios (mak-ar-ee-oss) is an adjective suggesting “happy” supremely blessed, a condition in which congratulations are in order. It is a grace word that expresses the special joys and satisfaction granted the person who experiences salvation. (I like that, it’s a grace word.)

Knowing, that today, I was going to be giving a message, I asked the Lord to show me what he wanted me to speak about and, The Beatitudes popped into my mind.

I was reminded of how my mom had spoken on the Beatitudes when she was a little girl. She was number six out of seven children. Her dad died when she was 9 months old, leaving her mom to raise her children alone.

I want to share with you this story my grandmother used to tell me. She was very poor and times were hard in those days. It was around 1939. Granny’s, son, Dan, came down with the croup and couldn’t even drink a sip of water without struggling. She didn’t have money for a doctor so she used home remedies but it wasn’t working and he was getting worse. Granny’s neighbor told her about a holy man who was in town that would pray for people and they would be healed. So, granny sent for the man to come and pray for Dan, her son, he was just a boy at the time.

This “HOLY” man came to granny’s house and he said to her, “Maim, it’s just like praying through a brick-wall.” She turned to heaven and said, “Lord, tear that brick wall-down.” There was no air-conditioning in those days, they didn’t even have screens on the windows but she kept them propped up. The man knelt down by the bed and began to pray. He prayed for over an hour and when he got up, he was drenched in sweat… Dan said, “Mama, I want a drink of water.” He recovered and lived to be an old man and he never suffered with the croup again.

When my mom was about 11 years old, she joined the Salvation army, her and her older brother RL. They were asked to speak at one of the meetings. They weren’t told it was a contest. Mom spoke on the Beatitudes and won first place. She had lots of trials in her life but later in her life she became an ordained minister and pastored a church for two years. Even in the seventies, women Pastors weren’t accepted. But that didn’t stop mom, she would say, “the Holy Spirit does the preaching.” She went on to become an Evangelist. She obeyed God and she gave away what God gave her, and she never lacked. She was 83 when she was called home.

As I was wondering about what to talk about, the Holy Spirit reminded me about the Beatitudes, by reminding me, that mom had spoken on the Beatitudes as a little girl. I looked up the scriptures and read in Matthew 5:3 Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

I repeated the words, “Blessed are the poor in spirit…” what does that mean LORD? What does it mean to be poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven?

I had this picture in my mind of Jesus sitting down on the side of the mountain and began to teach his disciples and the people. These people, were the poor, and lowly. They came to hear this Rabbi, teacher, teach. He was like them but different. He didn’t wear fancy robes, he didn’t ask them for money or goods, he was kind, and he, walked among them. He even touched them when he prayed for them. He fed them and asked for nothing in return. Here the King of heaven was sitting in their midst and taught them freely. He didn’t come to take anything from them, he came to give himself away…you can only keep what you give away!

I knew there was more to be uncovered and so last week I prayed and said, “Holy Spirit will you show me what Jesus meant when he said Blessed are the poor in spirit for theirs is the kingdom of heaven?” I began to ask, seek, and search for the meaning. I mean I’ve read this passage many times but this time I knew there was a deeper meaning.

I took notes from my Spirit Filled Bible and from the website: “Hebrew for Christians.”

• Jesus sat down on the side of the mountain and began to teach the attitudes we are to have as citizens of the Kingdom of Heaven.

• “Don’t read them as statements, read them as exclamations:

“O the blessedness of the poor in spirit!”
The poor in spirit are those who recognize their spiritual poverty and casting aside all self-dependence, seek God’s grace.

• Each initial phrase therefore does not function as a conditional statement but rather expresses a present reality:

“O the joy of the poor in spirit, of the mourners, of the gentle, of those who sincerely care for what is right, of those who are merciful, of those pure in heart, of those who make peace, of those who are persecuted.”

You see it’s suggesting that the Beatitudes are presented in a progressive order, with each preceding one preparing for what immediately follows. The poor in spirit become mourners over their sinful condition.

• Humbled, we then deeply care for righteousness and find it in the sacrifice of Jesus who shows us mercy.

• As we become merciful, we learn to see beyond appearances to behold inner beauty in everyone.

• Hatred and strife, grieve our hearts, so we become peacemakers.

• Ultimately, however, our passion makes us misunderstood and mistreated, and therefore we become subject to persecution…

• It’s quite different from the world’s values.

What is highly esteemed among the world is of little value to God, and, what is of value to God, is often scoffed at by the world.

The Apostle Paul says it so beautifully in scripture “For the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men. (1 Cor. 1:25)

And so, we find that Humility is the keynote of the Beatitudes, just as pride is the keynote of fallen human nature.

We see Jesus sitting down, as he begins to teach. The Kingdom of heaven is a redeemed community of the righteous who practice sacrificial love for the welfare and honor of others.

Jesus is the true King and Source of this Kingdom. And as he goes on to expound in the Sermon on the Mount, the heart, of the law, is love, and love, is the law of the Gospel.

It’s The Blessing of Brokenness…

“O the blessedness of the poor in spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven. Matthew 5:3
• The term translated “the poor in spirit” is derived from a word that means “to crouch as a helpless beggar.”

• This word provides an image of someone in abject poverty, totally dependent on others for help.

The “poor in spirit” (Isa. 61:1) are those who are painfully aware of their exile and need for help from God.

The Jewish people had been praying and waiting for years for Messiah to come. They hoped beyond hope that this man, Jesus, was He, who they longed for. They were oppressed, enslaved, they had no country of their own, they were persecuted, taxed beyond limits, looked down on by the Romans, imprisoned and killed. They didn’t need a King; they needed a Savior.

When we are emptied of ourselves, we are free from pride and enabled to seek the truth in humility.

Only when we come to the end of ourselves, when we realize our powerlessness and radical insufficiency, can we come to know Jesus as moshia, our Savior. This is an on-going dependency: we walk “with a limp” so to speak, as did Israel. Our strength comes from the Lord.

Paul said, “for when I am weak, then I am strong: You are made rich indeed when you encounter your spiritual bankruptcy, brokenness, and must entirely depend on your daily miracle.

“The LORD is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit” (Psalm 34:18)

To live the kingdom life, it first starts with “Brokenness”

• A feeling that you’re not whole, that you’re a mess, and that your need for God’s healing is constant and relentless.

There is such a difference between proud humanism and a broken and contrite spirit. Humility is a state of “blessed neediness,” of being “poor in spirit,” a desperate ache for God’s power of healing.

Our LORD Jesus testified: “The Son of Man came to seek and save the Lost (Lk. 19:10) and he found in the midst of the leper colonies of the hurting, (those suffering with Covid 19), the forgotten, (the homeless street people), the rejected, (prostitutes, addicts, widows, orphans, etc.) As the Man of Sorrows, he understands the language of our pain. (Isa. 53:3)

And let me just add, that, you can be wealthy and still be poor in spirit. It may be a little more difficult to put pride aside because you’re self-sufficient, but it’s about our heart…not our pocketbook.

The opposite of poverty of spirit is human pride that leads to misery.

• Those who mourn are not necessarily those people in bereavement, but those who experience the sorrow of repentance.
• Meek, does not connote weakness, but rather, controlled strength. The word carries the ideas of humility and self-discipline.
• God is the supreme Peacemaker, and His sons/daughters follow His example.
• The cause of persecution, is loyalty to righteousness, which Jesus makes specific in verse 11.
• Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. V. 12 Rejoice and be exceedingly glad for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

In closing let me say this:

God calls us to love him by accepting His Son. He’s given us gifts and talents to serve him by serving others. Not for selfish gain but to glorify the Father.

He showed me long ago that my calling is to write and to pray…I have a passion for both, and over a four-year period I’ve written over 4,000 blog posts, inspirational poems and sermonettes that the Holy Spirit would put on my heart each day. Not to be seen or praised by anyone, but to tell people, whoever would listen, that Jesus loves them.

Last Wednesday my son Jonathan and I had a discussion. I told him how our ladies Bible study had mentioned the 12-step program. Jonathan has been in sobriety for fifteen years. And so, I told Jonny about it…he said, “Yep, you can only keep, what you give away. That is something they teach in Alcohols Anonymous (AA.)”

You can only keep, what you give away. So, what I give away is words…written words and as I give them away more come…As a speaker, I’m quite shy and unsure of myself, but when I write, I can be as bold and creative as the Holy Spirit tells me to be. I give away what he gives me. To encourage others and to declare who Jesus is and that he loves us so much!

I have become, over the years, “poor in spirit” but I am rich in faith, and I know that by the grace of God the Kingdom of Heaven is mine.

So, what does it mean to be poor in spirit and to live as a citizen of heaven? It means when you mourn you will be comforted, when you are meek, you will inherit the earth, and when you hunger and thirst after righteousness, you will be satisfied, when you are merciful you will receive mercy. When your heart is pure you will see God. Being a Peacemaker, you are the children of God and when you are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: yours is the Kingdom of Heaven. It means to repent and to take on the attitude and the identity of Christ. And when we exalt him in humility, he will lift us up!!

With today’s technology we can hear any sermon on television, through our computer, listen to a podcast and with just one click of the button we can read any translation of the Bible and zoom with people from around the world…but the one thing that Jesus wants more, than any of that, is for us to be poor in spirit, to find a quiet place and sit at his feet and have a conversation with him. Then in all our mourning, or meekness, or hungering and thirsting after righteousness we will receive the very Kingdom of Heaven, we will sit with the Savior in heavenly places. That’s what he longs for more than anything else. He wants us to have a relationship with Him.

I have two questions:
1. In regards to this passage, how do you view your heart? Are, you, poor in spirit, repentant, meek, merciful a peacemaker, hungry and thirsty for righteousness, etc.? Or do you see yourself, fearful, anxious, full of worry and doubt? How do you obtain the Beatitudes?

(Jesus is our example…We sit at the feet of Jesus in a quiet place and let him feed us. Then you will receive God’s Kingdom on earth as it is in Heaven.)

2. Do you know your calling, and if so, can you share it with us?

~Marla Shaw O’Neill April 24, 2020

Zoom Meeting for Monday April 27, 2020 Virtual Small Group – Women’s Prayer and Encouragement Hour

Picture taken by: Bob O’Neill, (toy soldier mine)

Putting on the mind of Christ, as my Helmet of Salvation, I take every thought captive…

Wearing His Breastplate of Righteousness, it guards my heart as it’s purified by Him…

I stand active…

His Shield of Faith protects me from all the fiery darts of the enemy, he will not defeat me…

In fighting stance, I lift the Sword of the Spirit, and speak His word; My ears are opened and I hear it…

Wearing the Belt of Truth, I will not believe the devil’s lies…for he is merely a buzzing fly

And with my Shoes of the Gospel of Peace, I’ll cast him far away…

And with each living breath I take,

I’ll open my mouth and Pray…

“Our Father Who art in Heaven, hallowed be thy name
Thy kingdom come thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven
Give us this day our daily bread…
And forgive us our debts as we forgive are debtors
Lead us not into temptation,
But deliver us from evil,
For thine is the Kingdom, and the Power, and Glory, forever Amen!” (Matthew 6:9-13)

Now fully clothed in the Armor of God; I’ll live my life this way.

For all the rulers in high places; the darkened hosts of hell, will not prevail, against the name of Jesus, for his children, will wear His Armor well!

~Marla Shaw O’Neill April 22, 2020

Ephesians 6:10-18 New International Version (NIV)

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

Art by Benlin Alexander

Psalm 41:3 (TPT)

When they are sick, God will restore them, lying upon their bed of suffering. He will raise them up again and restore them back to health.

Jesus, you are my best friend, my brother, my King, my healer, my salvation and so much more… In You, I hope! In You, I live! In You, I dwell!

Jesus, I am washed in your blood, you have called me redeemed, because of who you are!!

I am coming before your throne today into the holy of holies where only you dwell…no evil, no demon, no adversary, no accuser can come into this place…only the pure in heart can enter! Those who you have called your own…and I am your own…I am clean and free of sin because of you Jesus, and I am asking you by the mercies of my Father God that you hear my cry…and the cry of your kids calling out to you for help and deliverance today!

I am standing, right now in your presence and I am interceding for all hospitals and homes across this nation of the United States of America…I am not talking about division…I am not talking about politics or race or creed…I am talking about Your Children…I am talking about the human-race…and I am beseeching you on behalf of all people…that this demon Covid19- (aka coronavirus) be bound, gagged, cast out and destroyed in your Name Jesus!

I’m asking for each person that has, or has had, or is going to have, which I say right now, will not have this virus, in Jesus name, that you stop it in it’s tracks NOW! For there is no power in this earth or out of this earth; physically or in the spiritual realm; that can come against the Power of the Almighty God…just as David, as a young man with only a sling and a few stones came against Goliath…in The Name of The Lord…and defeated him by your mighty hand, with one stone to the head, then cut he off the enemy’s head…I am asking that you will hear this prayer from a meek, little, aging, women but who has the Power of the Holy Spirit to come against this demon CV and command that it be killed with one prayer and cut off it’s ugly head so that our Nation will be saved…that no more people will die…no more will we have to be isolated for fear of death…no more bullying, no more lies, no more threats, no more… and that You OH GOD will RISE UP AND DEFEAT THIS FOE AND SET YOUR PEOPLE FREE!!!!

Let God arise and His enemies be scattered…

I ask for mercy…I ask for peace, I ask for healing and deliverance…let all the people’s of the Earth see and know that only You God could do this and that the enemy has to run with it’s tail between it’s legs because you will not tolerate his bullying any longer…that the time is not yet…that you will spare this generation and the generations to come so that souls will be spared from destruction and Hell…

Hear my cry O God, just at you heard the prophets of old…heal our land…just a little longer God…let the earth remain…and truly turn to you and that things will not return as usual but that our whole Nation will return to you and walk and live in your ways of righteousness!! Drive them back Jesus…drive back the demons…and let us live free and in your salvation! Amen!

~Marla Shaw O’Neill April 17, 2020

April 26, is my mom’s birthday, she would have been 88, but God took her home five years ago. Mom was not perfect, although she was a perfectionist. She was an extremely clean person and there’s nothing wrong with that.

Mom loved her family, and her Jesus! She never met a stranger and if you were in her presence for more than a minute, she would know everything about you before the conversation was over. And would pray for you no matter where she was.

You see mom was called by God when she was just a little girl to point others to Jesus. In fact, a pastor prayed over her when she about six years old and said, “Lord make her your prophetess.” She went home and told her mama that he said, “Make her his property.” Which I guess is just as good! LOL!

Of course, life had its difficult times and down right ugly times and mom certainly survived those times. She came, so close, to death, many times throughout her life, but God always brought her through. Mom lived by faith and was faithful to God and her family.

She had a wonderful sense of humor, was an excellent swimmer, cook, seamstress and artist.

She read her bible every day, quoted scripture chapter and verse and prayed like there was no tomorrow!

From coffee girl, to payroll supervisor, to Pastor of the Holy Church of God in Tampa, Florida, to Evangelist all over the U.S., to Angel of Heaven…

It wasn’t until after she left this world for heaven that I began to understand many of the things she told me, was right, and I could see how she lived her life was the way I wanted to live mine. Isn’t that usually the way of things? I do understand so much better now, that she did love me, she did accept me, and I am proud and so glad to have had her as my mother!!!

If you have a mother who loves you but think she doesn’t…I’ll tell you, she does! Being a mom is difficult. There is no instruction book that can tell you how to be a mother…Oh there are books, but you don’t learn how to be a mother from a book… being a mother seems almost impossible at times…you get weary and tired but you keep going. You get lonely when the kids are all grown and living their own lives, but that’s how it’s supposed to be…so don’t hold it against your mom if you don’t see eye to eye on things…one day she’ll be gone and you’ll wish you had her back, if for nothing else than just someone to disagree with you!!!

Trust me, I know it’s difficult. I know you want to run away at times. I know you want to scream I’M AN ADULT! Her words echo back to you, “Then act like one!” LOL!

In her eyes you will always be your mommy’s, little boy/girl. And think about this…your kids will feel the exact same way about you!! So, show a little grace to your mom and you’ll get the same!

Sometimes you just have to love your moms from a distance and that’s OK too! But love them! Because without them you wouldn’t be here!

Good, bad, or indifferent…our mothers are who carried us for nine months, bore us with great pain and watched us grow with all of our trials and tribulations, and hoped beyond hope that we would survive!! She’s cried over you, prayed over you until her tongue hung out…she’s worried and sacrificed time, energy, money, and loved you with all her strength. Even when you didn’t love her back…she would give her life for you! A mother’s love is the closest love to God’s that you will ever know! Even when it doesn’t feel like it! At least that’s how it is for me! I love my kids all of them and I am so very proud that my mom left a legacy, passed on to the next generations. I love you Mom, one day I will see you again! Until that time…I want my kids to know that I love them with all my heart, now and forever!

Thanks, Mom, for being my Mother!

~Marla Shaw O’Neill – April 15, 2020

Ephesians 6:1-3 The Passion Translation (TPT)

Children, if you want to be wise, listen to your parents and do what they tell you, and the Lord^[a] will help you.

² For the commandment, “Honor your father and your mother,” was the first of the Ten Commandments with a promise attached: ³ “You will prosper^[b] and live a long, full life if you honor your parents.”

Footnotes:

• Ephesians 6:1 Or “through our Lord.”

• Ephesians 6:3 Or “it will go beautifully for you.”

John 19:26-27 The Passion Translation (TPT)

²⁶ So when Jesus looked down and saw the disciple he loved standing with her, he said, “Mother,^[a] look—John^[b] will be a son to you.” ²⁷ Then he said, “John, look—she will be a mother to you!” From that day on, John accepted Mary into his home as one of his own family.^[c]

Footnotes:

• John 19:26 Or “woman.”

• John 19:26 Although unnamed, this was most certainly John the apostle. John, the apostle of love, was the only one of the Twelve who stood near the cross and witnessed the crucifixion. Love doesn’t quit, run away, or hide from pain. It endures all things, overcomes all things, and empowers us in all things. John didn’t run from the suffering of the Savior. We must be those who will stand next to Jesus even if the entire world is against us.

• John 19:27 Mary would be nearly fifty years old and a widow. What tenderness we see with Jesus toward his mother! Moments before his death, Jesus thought about Mary and her long journey back to Nazareth and that no one would be there to provide for her. Jesus deeply honored his mother.