Be Courageous Be Bold Hebrews 4:16

Artist Unknown

I’ve been in a dry place ever since my challenge with my heart “stuff.” I found it difficult to pray. I prayed but there was no feeling…I was simply praying by faith…no frills, no chills no thrills…I couldn’t feel anything…I’d talk to God and it seemed as though he was a thousand miles away…which I know isn’t true because he cannot lie…and he said, he would never leave me nor forsake me…it felt as if I was engulfed in a tomb…brink walls surrounding me…I remember my grandmother telling a minister one time… “Lord, tear those brick walls down.” And he did…

I remembered the saying, “The teacher is always quiet during the test.” So I’d say, Lord I know you are here but I can’t feel you. Please help me pass this test. We don’t go by feelings we walk by faith not by sight. But still it bothered me. I’d try to worship, sing, pray, read my bible, but all desire had come to a standstill and I did not like that at all!

It was awful…then on Friday I began to have a bit of a breakthrough…I was driving and I screamed…MOMMMMMMMMMMMMMM!!!!!!!!!!!!!! No matter how old you get, you still miss your mom…well most people do! I miss mine every single day. All I can do is keep living one day at a time.

Then I remembered that while I was at my son Abram’s house I was sleeping, Bob was away for a job and I heard the Holy Spirit say, “Everything is going to be OK, BE STRONG!” Well that set off a bunch of alarms…what do you mean Lord…is something “bad” going to happen…is Bob going to be OK? Are my children safe? All the doubts started flying through my brain…but I had to give it to the Lord and not let fear or anxiety take over…that’s just what the enemy would want…I wasn’t going to fall for that one…

Last Friday I remembered what the Lord had said…then I got it…OH, that’s why you were warning me to be strong…he knew I was going to be going through the test…

Last night I could not sleep so I got my kindle and began to read different things…one was a book about the power of the Holy Spirit and speaking in tongues…now I know some of you don’t believe in speaking in tongues and that’s OK I’m praying for you. LOL! But I know what I have is real, at the age of 11/12 praying for the gift and Jesus saying to me, seek the giver of the gift not the gift…I was a kid what did I know…and 3 ½ hours later still praying in heavenly languages…I know He’s real…so a person with an experience has nothing to fear from someone with an opinion…or so the saying goes…any-hoo…I heard the Holy Spirit say to me, “Pray in the Spirit!” Pray in your prayer language…so I did, quietly so not to disturb Bob who was sleeping like a baby…bless his heart he has to get up early and go to work…let me add he is a good man and I love him dearly!

Then I read some more…it was about 2:30 in the morning…and still sleep would not come…but God was showing me some things…and I didn’t fight it…finally I was getting somewhere and it was heavenly…number one, I had to repent for letting distractions come in and take me away from drawing close to the Lord. Not just microwave repentance…I had to humble myself, get real with God and really mean what I was repenting about it has to come from deep within the heart and soul…God is God and he knows when we are just trying to get by with something…one thing about God is you can’t fool him…He knows us all too well…

I read one book about antichrist and it talked about Artificial Intelligence, (AI). For the first time in history we are living in a world where AI is used and now because of this the antichrist could come from that. But I’m not going into that right now.

I thought about the Holy Spirit, and that He is Holy that’s why he’s called Holy Spirit…and how we so often, as people, just take for granted who He is…then there’s people who are afraid of Holy Spirit but it’s because of ignorance and lack of getting to know Him…He is the most gentle, loving, kind, person of God that you would every want to know. He’s the teacher, counselor, guide, healer, deliverer, and so much more!

I perceived a person standing in front of an angry, hungry LION (the devil) he’s roaring about to devour the person and they, supposedly, a Christian, full of God on the prayer team of their local church, a pillar in the community and outstanding Bible Scholar, mature in the Lord and devoted husband/wife; looks at the Lion and says…in a weak, lowly voice, “now you just go on your way, don’t eat me, I belong to God!” One gulp and the person is devoured…where was the anointing? Where was the power? They had been taught that the power of the Holy Ghost had gone out with the early Christians…wait…what? That’s another lie of Satan.

We are living in the most critical time of history…Satan is real…Hell is real…Heaven is real…God is real…but in today’s society what’s more real to people is their Superhero’s…crying so hysterically over a fictitious character that a woman has to be sent to the hospital…people fighting over a movie spoiler with such hate because someone told them the outcome of the movie, and these are character’s that are not even real…now I’m not saying you can’t watch a movie or get excited about it and I don’t like to know what happened either before I see it…but when the movie is more important than showing kindness to others, and it becomes more real than the true and living God, something is really wrong…

Where are our priorities? Where are our hearts? I’m talking to the body of Christ…do we even know the difference anymore between what’s real and what’s fake? No wonder our world is broken…who will stand up and be bold and say…God Has said…? Who will tarry in the altars for the in filling of the Holy Spirit and Fire? Who will pray, with anointed, delivering prayers that sets people free from addictions, and heals marriages, and saves souls from destruction and lies? Who will stand in the face of the enemy and shout… “I rebuke you Satan you have to GO in the name of Jesus.” Not in our own strength but in the authority of Jesus Christ, he will back us up…and the angry, hungry LION will turn and run in fear!!!!!

So as I was listening to the Holy Spirit he said, “Antichrist” means against the anointed…

Christ (Greek) means, (the anointed one) anointed…anti (Greek) means, against…

The Holy Spirit will teach you, equip you. He will give you discernment to do the, what, when, where and how…don’t let the devil bully you. Put on the full armor of God…and stand child of God…knowing you are not standing alone…you’ve got the Creator of heaven, His Devoted Son and Fire of the Holy Spirit backing you up…and the Holy angels…so do not fear…do not be afraid…know the WORD OF GOD and walk in the Holy Spirit and you will overcome!!!

And next time you hear antichrist…know this is the spirit, that blasphemes God…it is against the anointed one.

Yeshua is coming…go, tarry in God’s presence until you are filled with the Holy Spirit and Fire…He has the Power by His Spirit to cast out demons, heal the sick, raise the dead…preach the Good News in every tribe and nation…fan the fire children of God…Rise Up and Be For the Living God…He is the best superhero you could ever encounter…because He is Real!!! Amen and Amen!!

~Marla Shaw O’Neill May 6, 2019

(John said) I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance. but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire: Matthew 3:11 KJV

“I have told you these things while I am still with you. But the Helper (Comforter, Advocate, Intercessor—Counselor, Strengthener, Standby), the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name [in My place, to represent Me and act on My behalf], He will teach you all things. And He will help you remember everything that I have told you. Peace I leave with you; My [perfect] peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be afraid. [Let My perfect peace calm you in every circumstance and give you courage and strength for every challenge.] John 14:25-17 (AMP)

And it shall come to pass in that day, that his burden shall be taken away from off thy shoulder, and his yoke from off thy neck, and the yoke shall be destroyed because of the anointing. Isaiah 10:27 KJV

This is for you, I heard him say…

It was an unexpected gift…

Thank you, I said, but why, it’s not my birthday.

Just open it and you will see, he turned and slowly walked away…

I opened it curiously, wide-eyed and confused, I found it was empty.

I looked up and before I could inquire as to why,

I saw tears of contentment in his eyes…

He turned, waved his hand, and said, soon you’ll understand…

Holding the empty box I had no choice

So, I waited, and then, I heard this still small voice begin

The little box is empty, but only if you remain

Fixed on the world and its material gain

You can put within it many things…

Tares will grow in the garden, weeds will multiply

When you get distracted and focus on what you, want, in life

The gift of tears will overflow; there will be lots of troubles and sorrow…

Oh your box can have valuable trinkets, gold, money, and fame…

You can fill it with toys and cars and homes and live your life in vain

The box will still remain…empty…

 

I listened to His words and pondered them with great care

Then I put the box in my pocket to keep it safe there…

Then I prayed…

Lord,

Fill this empty box with your gift of love to share

Fill it with peace that I can give to others who are tormented with cares…

Let me sow seeds of kindness, in this empty box please fill

Giving away hope, and in your presence, let me be still…

And when I give this empty box to someone else one day…

Let it be full of blessings I received along the way…

No longer, an empty box, but overflowing let them find…

Gifts from heaven, of the rarest kind…

Wisdom, to build their house on, pure and strong

Truth, to set them free, saved by thee

Love, that’s without measure

A crown of life to treasure…

Fill the empty box Lord with desires to be…

Found worthy, and grateful to believe…

Deciding what to put inside the box that’s empty…

Will be your greatest accomplishment

A heart that’s dark and empty will grow darker still

But a heart that’s loved and cherished will,

Be a life that’s fulfilled!

Standing in the throne room where God’s presence dwells

He handed me a box that was filled with melodious bells…

They were souls, for His kingdom; each name written down

The empty box given to me long, long, ago…I found…

This was more valuable than rubies or gold

Priceless faces, I now behold

My empty box was laid down; I was given a jeweled crown

A new box was filled to overflowing; there were no more tears,

No hopelessness, no anger, no sickness, no anxiety, no fear…

I opened the box and discovered…

All I had hoped for, lived for, grieved for, prayed for,

Restored…

I found home!

~Marla Shaw O’Neill May 6, 2019

Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?” John 11:25-26

I listen to the bird-song as she sweetly sings to me

Not knowing there’s an audience underneath her tree

Peace and reassurance float gently on the breeze

Little bird, singing her song, just for me…

Reflecting on life’s memories, I breathe,

Thank you God for giving life and a bird-song sung tenderly

Life has been difficult that’s the way of things…

But this bird-song made me stop and think,

We live in moments, which turn to years

Some happiness and some tears…

But through it all, on the early morning breeze

We’ll hear a bird-song floating through the trees…

And if we’re wise we’ll realize…

God sent a bird-song to lift us from our knees

Little bird…you’ll fly away,

But today~

I heard your song and sung along!

Marla Shaw O’Neill May 3, 2019

And I said, Oh that I had wings like a dove! for then would I fly away, and be at rest. Psalm 55:6 KJV

Artist unknown

Holy Father, I implore you

Don’t take your Holy Spirit from me

Let me know you,

Let me see you,

Let me be near you…

O Holy God

Take this longing, I am giving

Wrap me in your arms again…

Holy Father, blessed Jesus,

Let me feel your love begin…

When I fall, don’t let me stay down

When I cry, lift me up…

Cast these burdens…that I carry

From this broken, dirty cup,

As far as the East is from the West,

Holy Father, I surrender

Help me pass this test…

Let your grace pour over me…

Your presence, Lord, is all I need

Without your presence I am wasted…

Like a desert I’m parched and dry…

Without your living-water to sustain me,

Precious Savior, I’d surely die…

Without your presence, I cannot survive…

Blackest, darkness tries to grab me…

But it can’t have me…for my life is hid in thee

Holy Spirit, send your fire; dust to ashes;

Create in me, a new spirit, with a new heart,

Draw me closer to your side…

There, blood and water, poured out to save me

Your presence gives me…

New life!

 

I’m meek and lowly, I’m new born, I’m free

Let me see you face to face…

Let me hear your voice of grace…

Wrap me in your presence Lord

For it’s in this sacred place…

I find my peace and rest…

Jesus, your blessedness…

Breathe in me…

~Marla Shaw O’Neill April 29, 2019

God, create a clean heart for me and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not banish me from Your presence or take Your Holy Spirit from me. Restore the joy of Your salvation to me, and give me a willing spirit. Psalm 51:10-12 HCSB

 

Faith is not a feeling

Faith is not your will

Faith is not wishing for life to be still

Faith is substance, concrete and real…

A knowing, that no matter what, you know, God will…

Faith is not pretending

Faith does not break

Faith stands through the storm

Faith gives, it doesn’t take…

Faith says, I surrender all that I believe

Into the mighty hands of God, then I receive

It’s trusting in the one that we cannot see

Faith is God’s amazing gift living inside of me…

It burns with confidence in the one who sets men free…

Faith pleases God…

Faith brings victory…

Faith says, if you do, or do not, I will believe…

Holy breath, breathe on me…

Walking on water…

Stepping out of the boat

Casting out demons

Giving hope

Healing the sick

Raising the dead

Preaching the gospel, telling what Jesus said…

Feeding five thousand with fishes and bread

Faith is living without misery and dread…

Faith is the key that opens the door

To unknown mysteries…when we walk with the Lord

For we walk by faith and not by sight

Don’t listen to doubt; don’t give up the fight…

Faith is God’s word, that when we walk by faith, everything will be alright!

No fear of falling into the abyss,

Faith is God’s greeting with a heavenly kiss…

Walking by Faith is God’s promise…

Invisible to visible, blessedness…

Now Faith Is!

~Marla Shaw O’Neill April 29, 2019

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. Hebrews 11:1

Artist unknown

The shepherd watched as his sheep grazed in an open field

Unaware of their purpose, they ran and jumped and played

Little lambs, perfect in every way…

No fear of predator or foe…they did not know

That soon they’d be taken away…

Away from their mother where they nuzzled and supped

Away from the shepherd who would pick them up,

Stroke their head and carry them awhile…

Over rocky places for many a mile…

Lead them to still waters and green pastures to graze…

The little lambs would be taken today…

Baa, baa, said the little lamb

Frightened he shook, he didn’t understand…

Where is my mommy? Where is the shepherd?

Why am I here with this strange-looking man?

The priest took the lamb and held him tenderly

Laid him on the altar for God to see…

No spot, no wrinkle, no blemishes were found

Accepted as perfect; baa, baa, was the only sound

Feet bound, he killed the lamb

Another lamb was sacrificed, in Jerusalem, today

Jesus the Lamb of God, perfect in every way…

Baa, baa, said the lamb…

Blood spilled, from the great I AM…

No sin was found in Him…

He is, the perfect lamb

~Marla Shaw O’Neill April 17, 2019

The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! John 1:29 ESV

Your lamb shall be without blemish, a male of the first year. You may take it from the sheep or from the goats. Exodus 12:5 NKJ

“Dedicate to me every firstborn among the Israelites. The first offspring to be born, of both humans and animals, belongs to me.” Exodus 13:2 NLT

Painting by Jeremy Winborg

 

He’s the one who spoke and the world began

Creator, designed and formed a man

In His own image, He made him…

Man and woman He created them

Through time and space God understood

The future, where, He could

Dwell in this place~ called earth…

His plan all along, was for her to give birth…

Holy Spirit breathed upon the maiden

God was conceived and rested within woman’s womb

His design now complete, would one day occupy a rich man’s tomb…

Hands that had formed woman-kind

Is now held by her to her breast

The God of all creation suckles and is blessed

The one, who created the sun moon and stars, now sleeps quietly under his masterpiece…

Hears His mother’s heartbeat…

Coo’s in summer’s heat…

Confined to mortality…

Understands how fragile life is for humanity…

He grows and knows His own story before it unfolds

In the garden, where life began

God had already designed the plan

He, would one day, become a man

That through a woman He’d have a son

Redemption for what His ancestor’s had done

Evil would be defeated

Love, won…

She wasn’t just to be a companion for Adam

Woman was God’s secret weapon

She would birth His son!

He would know heartache, and pain,

He’d feel joy and rain…

He’d laugh and cry…

Know the love of a mother’s deep sigh

He knew no sin…the perfect lamb

Our Creator, the Great I AM!

Spirit of God, child of woman…

Woman designed by God!

~Marla Shaw O’Neill April 15, 2019

From now on you and the woman will be enemies, as will your offspring and hers. You will strike his heel, but he will crush your head.” Genesis 3:15 Living Bible

Drawing by Marla Shaw O’Neill

A crown of thorn and thistles

Placed upon my head

A lowly life and surviving is all I knew

Hungry beggar living in the streets

Unwanted, no one greets

Alone, destitute, dirty with no place to sleep

Wandering, meaningless no longer weeps

This was the way of the transgressor in the dark, filthy streets

Picking through the garbage for food, a book caught my eye

It was torn and worn and pages gone, just like me, so I took it home

Home to Vagabond Lane

I learned to read from a bag lady, she, once had been a teacher in society

Hard times came and she was left to fend for herself just like me…

Down the Alley of Tears, I found a quiet place

Opened the book and stared straight into the face

Of a man who wore a Crown of thorns~

It said, they took his clothes and beat him beyond belief

Then shoved the crown into His head~

They called Him, “King of the Jews!”

The crown I wore was nothing compared to the one He wore, and so,

I read on from the stained pages of the book…

This man, a King, had suffered many things~ but His life had meaning~

I read on and saw that this King was kind, full of hope and did the most miraculous

Things~

He had not come to serve, but to serve~

He loved, and they killed Him for it~

Then there on the pages of this worn old book~

I looked and saw these amazing words, and I shook~

Jesus was not dead, but alive~~

Right there in the Alley of Tears, I finally understood

It’s not how destitute my life had been, how broken and lost or pain within

And in my heart I took a long, hard look~

That very moment Jesus took…

My crown of thorns and brought me to Him~

He took His Crown of Favor and gently placed it on my head~

And then He said, “Take up your cross and follow me~

The road will be rocky, but in the end, there will be no more suffering~

In humility I stood with my new crown of Favor and walked down

The Alley of Tears to the street called, No Fear~

A man on the corner said, “I see you’ve met the King, you’re wearing His

Crown of Favor~

You’re coming home with me…

You see…

When you say yes to King Jesus, favor’s your best friend

No longer vagabond, or transgressor~

You’re royalty in the family of God~

~Marla Shaw O’Neill April 12, 2019

Then you will find favor with both God and people, and you will earn a good reputation. Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take. Proverbs 3:4-6

The soldiers assigned to the governor took Jesus into the governor’s palace and got the entire brigade together for some fun. They stripped him and dressed him in a red toga. They plaited a crown from branches of a thorn bush and set it on his head. They put a stick in his right hand for a scepter. Then they knelt before him in mocking reverence: “Bravo, King of the Jews!” they said. “Bravo!” Then they spit on him and hit him on the head with the stick. When they had had their fun, they took off the toga and put his own clothes back on him. Then they proceeded out to the crucifixion. Matthew 27:29-31

 My mama used to say, “Little is much, when God is in it.” This morning I was reading a book and it spoke loud to my heart…I began to cry and say, “Father, was my life wasted? Did I waste my life LORD?” Then without hesitation I heard Him say… “No, child, a life is never wasted. Who you have become has blessed me beyond measure.”

But Lord I feel so insignificant and now I’m old and there is so much more I want to do for you. I want to be able to touch more lives, to make an impact on people and to show them your great love. What can I do now Lord? How can I serve you better? I don’t have much strength physically but God my heart is passionate for you.

“Child I gifted you with that passion~ I gifted you to pray and to write~

Write for me child. Write and others will see me in your words for they are my words…you were young once and now you are old, but with that you’ve become bold…use what you have to bless me and you will be truly blessed and you will fulfill the call on your life.

Don’t look at what you don’t have

Don’t look at what others have

Use, what you do have for me and you will have everything you need, because your heart is centered on me.”

Never underestimate the little things!

Little is Much when God is in it

A young woman

A word

A donkey

A cave

A manger

A shepherd

A star

A lamb

A carpenter

A few fish and some bread

A boat

A net

A fisherman

A tree

Some nails

A tomb

Twelve men

And me!

Jesus used a blind man to bring glory to God. God used a donkey that talks, to save a man’s life. Jesus took pure water and turned it into wine…little things, make big things, and it changes lives, in the hands of God.

Whoever you are, whatever you’ve done, God loves you and wants you to know that you are not insignificant; in His eyes you are adored.

~Marla Shaw O’Neill April 10, 2019

John 9:1-12 The blind man.

Numbers 22:28 The talking donkey

John 2:1-11 Water into wine

Colossians 1:16 God created all things

Wading through the desert with staff in hand

Each step laborious, but I know, I can

Make it to the well, that’s just up ahead

Help me LORD…prayers, said…

The journey is long; it’s hot and full of dread…

Sun scorched, and parched, has become my daily bread…

Looking to heaven I lift up my head…

To Praise Pathway…then my heart begins to sing…

Straining to open my mouth, I will praise my King…

Spring up O well; sing, let the living waters bring…

Shouts of blessings while God heals the sting…

As I walk Praise Pathway it cures my grief and woes…

My steps are lighter and so is my load…

No longer burdened by the long weary trail…

I’m running now on Praise Pathway, and delivered from hell…

Out of my belly, living waters flow…my cup runneth over as onward I go…

The dry, empty wasteland, I no longer see,

Springs of living waters are rushing over me

I’m light as a feather; no I will not hush…

Praise Pathway is my way of life, it’s not just a wish, it’s a must…

I’ve become a joyful worshiper; praising the LORD…

I lift my weary heart and tie the three stranded cord…

With God the Father, Jesus the son and the Holy Spirit

I adore…

Now this desert has become nothing more,

Than a way, to walk, in obedience, today

Dry places come to the child of God…

But it doesn’t have to be walked in defeat, as we trod…

Praise Pathway leads us straight to the cure…

While treading on scorpions and lizards, over sun dunes and cacti, dried up springs and broken cisterns, when we begin to Praise we will endure…

Open your mouth and let praises ring…

Sooner than later, and your life will spring

Into wells of living water where we will tell,

Death, you cannot hold me, for I’m living in God’s well

Walking Praise Pathway in these living waters, dwell…

Child of God, walk, on Praise Pathway and see…

God is waiting there for thee…

Open your mouth with a holy shout…

The dry times of worry, anxiety, and doubt…

Will be quenched by your praise in the lonely desert place,

Then you will know, that Praise Pathway, leads to the Holy Well of Jesus that will spring up from your soul…

Spreading living waters wherever you go!!!!

~Marla Shaw O’Neill April 9, 2019

When the poor and needy seek water, and there is none, and their tongue is parched with thirst, I the LORD will answer them; I the God of Israel will not forsake them.

I will open rivers on the bare heights, and fountains in the midst of the valleys. I will make the wilderness a pool of water, and the dry land springs of water. Isaiah 41:17-18

Therefore it is said in the Book of the Wars of the LORD, “Waheb in Suphah, and the valleys of the Arnon, and the slope of the valleys that extends to the seat of Ar, and leans to the border of Moab.”

And from there they continued to Beer; that is the well of which the LORD said to Moses, “Gather the people together, so that I may give them water.” Then Israel sang this song:

“Spring up, O well!—Sing to it!—(sing to your well)

the well that the princes made, that the nobles of the people dug, with the scepter and with their staffs.” Numbers 21:14-18 ESV (Beer means, well)