Be Courageous Be Bold Hebrews 4:16

When asking for directions, many times, people will use, north, south, east and west, which is helpful but if you’re like me, I get confused with north, south, east and west and so I’ll ask if they can please give me a landmark. A store on the corner, or a street sign, or something that stands out along the way, so that I know I’m heading in the right direction.

As I often do in the early morning hours, I was awakened to the thought that there are specific landmarks in life.

Our birth is a beginning landmark. It’s a pivotal moment in our lives that we remember throughout our life every time we celebrate a birthday.

First day of school, is a landmark. Then there’s middle school and high school and graduation those are landmarks.

The birth of a sibling, becoming a mother, father, grandparent. There are other landmarks that are not as happy like the death of a loved one, we never forget those landmarks they stay with us for life.

Major decisions like moving to an unfamiliar place; career change; marriage; divorce these are all landmarks.

But the most important landmark of all is when you meet the Lord Jesus Christ for the very first time and your life is changed forever.

In that one distinct moment when your spirit-born, into a whole new family. God’s family. That’s when all the other landmarks in your life diminish and you become a brand-new soul.

This landmark for me, took place in 1960. I was six years old that was fifty years ago. Five years later when I was eleven, I was filled to overflowing with the Holy Spirit and received my prayer language. That was fifty-five years ago.

I’m now 66 years old. I can look back and see all the landmarks since my salvation and the story I lived was pretty amazing, intense, difficult and at times I wondered if I would survive. Every life is filled with brokenness and unfulfilled dreams but we don’t have to stay in that condition. With Jesus, there is hope. Hope for a future. I think about divine moments where God allowed people to speak anointed words into my life. These are landmarks too.

Every life has a story, some are longer than others because some die before their story can ever be lived, it’s a short story but there is a reason and a purpose even then because they touch the lives of the people they come in contact with.

Throughout my story, I can see, at this time and place God’s hand leading me, guiding me, directing me. The struggles, the trials, the heartaches, the victories, the defeats. The joys and the tears have all brought me to this time and place in my life.

Landmarks, I can know and understand, that as I fully surrender to the LORD’s plan, I see him moving in a great and mighty way.

Marrying Bob was a landmark in my life. Before my mom passed away, she’d say, “Marla, your later years will be greater than your former years.” That was prophetic because it has come to pass.

I’ve had to lay my former life on God’s altar and let him cover it in his precious blood. Many times, I’ve cried and regretted many things in my life. But as I remember my mom’s words now, I can see God has been with me through everything that has happened and his peace fills me with contentment and joy.

In our lives we will make many choices but when we learn to take the decisions we make to the Lord in prayer, he is ever faithful to give us wise instruction. If we will follow what his word says and do what he says to do…our life will be a landmark for him. He’ll give us beauty for ashes. He’ll give back what the cankerworm has eaten, (what the devil has stolen) …he’ll make our enemies to be at peace with us. He’ll give us favor with God and man. He’ll take the broken, lifeless, destructive lives we lived and heal us and bring us to wholeness. All God asks is for our heart. Man looks on the outward appearance, but God looks at the heart.

I am leaving this landmark when my life is fulfilled here on this earth.

It’s that Jesus Christ the son of the living God resides within me. When you see me, I want you see Him. He, Is, The Landmark! Follow him and he’ll make your latter years, greater than your former years.

Be the landmark for others, so that when they go looking for directions, they will see Jesus clearly.

~Marla Shaw O’Neill February 5, 2020

Isaiah 61:1-3 New International Version (NIV) The Year of the Lord’s Favor The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve in Zion—to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor.

Joel 2:25 King James Version (KJV) And I will restore to you the years that the locust hath eaten, the cankerworm, and the caterpillar, and the palmerworm, my great army which I sent among you.

Proverbs 16:6-8 Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB) Wickedness is atoned for by loyalty and faithfulness, and one turns from evil by the fear of the Lord. When a man’s ways please the Lord, He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.

1 Samuel 16:7 English Standard Version (ESV) But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.”

He’s coming on the wind…exploding with might and power

A fire shut up in my bones…

Lighting each heart…

Those seekers standing firm

From the Holy Spirit they learn

God, send the fire…

Hearts of flesh burning with supernatural desire,

For mysteries and secrets to unfold, for those who are brave and bold…

They will sing and shout and praise the Ancient of days…as tongues of fire

Set them ablaze…

The journey will be long, it will be difficult, walking in Your ways…but this we pray

God, send the fire…send the fire… send the fire…

Though storms rage and trials come to beat upon my body, mind, and soul

Though I struggle with doubt and unending pain…

Trekking over mountains and rivers and limitless miles, God, let faith remain…

I’ve this one focus; to be consumed by your holy fire…

Waiting in the upper room obedient and surrendered

Humble and contrite I remember, your words,

“Wait until you are empowered from on high, I’m sending another comforter, I’ve heard your hearts cry…

I’ve seen your tears and have known your fear…

Dear one, you will not die…I’m sending you

The Holy Spirit and Fire!”

God, thank you for hearing my heart’s desire, thank you for sending your holy fire!

Through darkest night and demon sneers, though breakthrough seems but a dream, through sickness and disease, through heartache and lamenting screams, LORD, I’m holding on until you,

Send your holy fire!

A refiner’s fire…that burns to purify, but not destroy, taking me higher and higher

Into the heavenlies where you are…past galaxies and eons of stars

My one desire is to see Your reflection in my face… holy savior, I implore you to make hast…

God, send the fire!

~Marla Shaw O’Neill January 26, 2020

Luke 24:48-50 Amplified Bible (AMP)

⁴⁸ You are witnesses of these things. ⁴⁹ Listen carefully: I am sending the Promise of My Father [the Holy Spirit] upon you; but you are to remain in the city [of Jerusalem] until you are clothed (fully equipped) with power from on high.” 

Matthew 3:11 The Passion Translation (TPT)

¹¹ Those who repent I baptize with water, but there is coming a Man after me who is more powerful than I am. In fact, I’m not even worthy enough to pick up his sandals. He will submerge you into union with the Spirit of Holiness and with a raging fire!^[a]

Footnotes:

• Matthew 3:11 The text is somewhat ambiguous as to what fire is spoken of. Some see it as the fire of judgment, yet Jesus sent us the Holy Spirit, who baptized his church in fire at Pentecost. This last clause is a hendiadys and could be translated “He will baptize you in the raging fire of the Holy Spirit!”

Last night I went to our church we were having a Livingroom worship night, it’s a smaller, intimate group gathering coming together to worship the LORD and for prayer. As the worship team led us in worship, singing this new song it’s called Communion, I sang and listened to the words…and when we sang the word “garden” the Holy Spirit brought to my attention how that four days ago during this 21 day fast, he said to me, “For the next 3 days all I want you to read is the book of Genesis.” I thought really, Lord, you want me to read Genesis? I’ve read that story more than a hundred times over my life time, it’s all about how you created the world, the sun, moon and stars…how you made plants and animals, rivers, seas, oceans, sky etc., but I was obedient. I read about how the world was formed and how that God created a garden for Adam and Eve to live in and how he walked with them in this garden, in the cool of the day…but one day he couldn’t find Adam and he called, “Adam, where are you?” Oh, how that must have hurt the heart of God. Adam no longer ran with expectation to be with his heavenly father…no, he hid himself. God knew why…but he called all the same…

So, the Holy Spirit spoke to my heart as we sang the song and he said, “Do you know why I wanted you to read Genesis?” I said, “No Lord, why?” He said, “Because I wanted to spend time with you in my garden. I long to be with you and listen to your voice and then speak to you in turn. I long to know that you want me as much as I want you and I wanted you to be less distracted so that you would give me your full attention and you’d see me in the garden, calling out to you.” “Marla, where are you, and I’d realize you were right there with me.””

I lost it and begin crying and thanking God because he made himself real to me by using his word and by using this amazing song…and then speaking to me in that moment letting me know just why he wanted me to be there. It wasn’t about reading Genesis; it was about being with my heavenly father. He longs to meet with you too. Where are you? Are you hidden away by life’s distractions? Are you running so hard and fast that you can’t hear His voice? Are other things so much more important? Listen to the song below…God wants to meet you in the garden…you see there is no longer cherubim with flaming swords, blocking the entrance. Jesus made it possible for us to come into the very presence of God when he died and rose from the dead. He gives us full access wherever we are so that by faith we can enter the Holy of Holies…and spend time with Him in the garden! Let God speak to you, listen for his still small voice, he’s calling out your name… “Where are you?”

“I’m right here Papa, and I’m not letting anything interfere with our time together.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=91hHw1YPqxE

~Marla Shaw O’Neill, January 21, 2020

Genesis 2:8 New Life Version (NLV)

The Lord God planted a garden to the east in Eden. He put the man there whom He had made.

Lyrics:

[Intro: Steffany Gretzinger]
We are returning
To the place we’ve always belonged
Righted here with You

[Verse 1: Steffany Gretzinger]
Take me back to the garden
Lead me be back to moment I heard Your voice
Take me back to communion
Lead me back to the moment I saw Your face

[Pre-Chorus: Steffany Gretzinger]
And it was all so simple
It was easy to love
No space between us
It was easy to trust

[Chorus: Steffany Gretzinger]
‘Cause You are closer, closer than my skin
And You are in the air I’m breathing in (Yes, You are)
And here’s where the dead things come back to living
I feel my heart beating again
Feels so good to know You are my friend

[Verse 2: Brandon Lake]
And this is the garden
Here in the place I find You close
This is communion
Here in the place I’m fully known

[Pre-Chorus: Brandon Lake]
And it was all so simple
You’re so easy to love
And no space between us
You’re so easy to trust

[Chorus: Brandon Lake & Steffany Gretzinger]
You are closer, closer than my skin (Yes, You are)
And You are in the air I’m breathing in
And here’s where the dead things come back to living
I feel my heart beating again
Feels so good to know You are my friend

[Spontaneous: Brandon Lake]
My friend, my friend yeah
It’s where I’m meant to be

[Bridge: Brandon Lake, Brandon Lake & Steffany Gretzinger]
This is where I’m meant to be (Right here)
Me in You and You in me
And I don’t have to prove a thing
You’ve already approved of me
This is where I’m meant to be
Me in You and You in me
And I don’t have to prove a thing (I don’t, I don’t)
You’ve already approved of me
‘Cause this is where I’m meant to be
Me in You and You in me
(And I don’t have) And I don’t have to prove a thing
You’ve already approved of me
(This is where) This is where I’m meant to be
Me in You and You in me
And I don’t have to prove a thing
You’ve already approved of me

[Chorus: Brandon Lake & Steffany Gretzinger]
‘Cause You are closer, closer than my skin
And You are in the air I’m breathing in
And here’s where the dead things come back to living
I feel my heart beating again
It feels so good to know You are my friend

[Spontaneous: Steffany Gretzinger]
There’s nothing like Your friendship
There’s nothing like this friendship with You, with You, with You
We are returning
We are returning
To the desire of Your heart
We are returning
We are returning
We are returning
To the desire of Your heart
Yes, we are
We are returning, ohh
We are returning, we’re coming back home
We are returning, ohh
We are returning
Oh, we are returning
Oh, we’re coming after You
We are returning (Here’s my heart, God)
We are returning
Oh, and we’ll never look back
We are returning, ohhh
We are returning (Oh)
We’re coming back to You
We are returning (Here’s my heart, God)
We are returning
We are returning (Yeah, yeah, yeah)

[Tag: Steffany Gretzinger & Brandon Lake]
(Here’s where the dead things) ‘Cause here’s where the dead things come back to living
I feel my heart beating again
(Here’s where the dead things) Here’s where the dead things come back to living
I feel my heart beating again
Here’s where the dead things come back to living
I feel my heart beating again
It feels so good to know You are my friend

[Spontaneous: Brandon Lake]
Mm-mm
Yeah, yeah, yeah
I didn’t know I could have a friend like You
Mm-mm, I didn’t know I could have a friend like You
So good, You’re so good
I didn’t know I could have a friend like You
Closer than a brother, close than a brother
I didn’t know that I could have a friend like You
I didn’t think that I deserved it
I didn’t know I could have a friend like You
You keep blowing me away
I didn’t know I could have a friend like You
Just the voices, one more time
I didn’t know that I could have a friend like You

[Chorus: Brandon Lake]
‘Cause You are closer, closer than my skin
And You are in the air I’m breathing in
And here’s where the dead things come back to living
I feel my heart beating again
It feels so good to know You are my friend

[Interlude]

[Verse 3: Chandler Moore]
What a privilege to carry
Everything to God in prayer
O what peace we often forfeit
And O what needless pains we bear
It’s all because we do not carry
Everything to God in prayer

[Spontaneous: Chandler Moore]
I didn’t know that I could have a friend like You
I didn’t know that I could have a friend like You
One who holds me close in shame
I didn’t know that I could have a friend like You
One who’s a better friend than I could ever be
I didn’t know that I could have a friend like You

[Outro: Chandler Moore]
(Here’s where) Here’s where the dead things come back to living
I feel my heart beating again (It’s coming alive now)
Here’s where the dead things come back to living
I feel my heart beating again (I’m not numb anymore)
Here’s where the dead things come back to living
I feel my heart beating again
(Here’s where) Here’s where the dead things come back to living
I feel my heart beating again
(It feels so good) It feels so good to know You are my friend

She’s so little, not bigger than a minute…

But her heart, is as big as the ocean, and all that is in it…

Placing the crown upon her head, my princess, my love,

By grace she’s led…

In protest, she says…

“But this crown is too big for me, it sparkles and glitters, but gives me the jitters, when I run and jump and play.”

“Don’t worry young one, for you will grow and one day you will know…

The mysteries I bestow, placed in a crown, that fits perfectly, around your precious head…”

For you are a princess of royal birth…more precious than rubies, finer than gold

Darl’n little one, be courageous; be bold…

Your worth is priceless and can never be sold…

Guided by the ancients, your life they mold…

Wear the crown and when you are old…

Wisdom, will be the crown you wear…

Truth, your heart will always bear…

Faithfulness and loyalty will also be there…

Worn with dignity your life you’ll share…

With all who will follow and all who dare…

To bow in the presence of the princess fair…

Sitting, she lifts her head to the crowd and stares

She’s dressed in elegance, by the crown she wears…

Placed on her head by the King of kings…

She stands in obedience and begins to sing…

I’m my beloved’s and my beloved is mine, his banner over me is love…

~Marla Shaw O’Neill January 20, 2020

Song of Solomon 6:3 Amplified Bible (AMP)

“I am my beloved’s and my beloved is mine, He who feeds his flock among the lilies.”

James 1:12 Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)

A man who endures trials is blessed, because when he passes the test he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him.

Sometimes the only prayer we can offer, is silence, in the presence of the LORD

You open your mouth to speak, you search for the words but only offer empty gestures, nothing more…

Searching your heart, you find only silence and you think…what is this Lord…?

Then He reminds you, to be still…listen…be quiet and embrace the Holy Spirit

Calming my mind, my heart speaks…

Hear my prayer of silence Lord,

Nothing less and nothing more

Then simply sitting still obeying your holy will

Hear my prayer of silence…

~Marla Shaw O’Neill January 17, 2020

Psalm 46:10 The Passion Translation (TPT)

Surrender your anxiety!^[a]
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.

Footnotes:

• Psalm 46:10 The Septuagint reads “relax.”

Void of light

Darkness blinds; no sight

Unknown deep

An abyss of endless time

Lost but not knowing

Until a word is spoken…

Instantly the black whole is broken

Like a new breath, breathed in

The lungs are filled and light begins…

Exhaling…

God said… “Let there be…”

~Marla Shaw O’Neill January 15, 2020

Genesis 1:1-5 New King James Version (NKJV)

The History of Creation

In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was without form, and void; and darkness was on the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters.

Then God said, “Let there be light”; and there was light.

After a night of worship and praying and being in the presence of God, it was glorious. But this morning I needed some rest so I rested.

Shortly after getting up and taking care of a few things I received a message from my son Jonathan. He gave me news that one of his closest friends had passed away this morning. I was shocked and broke down immediately. I looked at this young man like a son. He was highly intelligent, witty, and he was kind. I knew he had battled sickness but I didn’t realize it was this bad. We had a conversation when Jonathan was in China, we discussed how that Jonny would probably marry Qing and he did. I don’t know why this has hit me so hard but I think it’s just that he was someone I respected and there was a mutual kindred spirit between us. I will miss him. Rest in peace young man; God comfort his wife and family.

This is the second day of our 21 Day Prayer and Fasting…and it could not have come at a better time…I needed this so much…

I have a confession to make…I’ve been a little distracted and earth bound lately…filling my spirit with natural things, not unhealthy or weird, but things that don’t profit the spirit much. My spiritual man had become a little neglected and complacent therefore weak. That’s not a good place to be… so the message our Pastor gave on Sunday past, was perfect…he talked about how, that, we are born with a sin nature but when we are born of God, he puts his holy spirit within us giving us a spiritual nature as well. And how the two war with each other constantly. Depending on what we do, will determine which nature will rule our lives. In other words what goes into our heart, mind, body and spirit is what we will produce. Our sin nature loves to sin. God never said sin wasn’t fun, he just said, don’t do it!

In order for our Spirit nature to thrive and be more Christ-like…we have to feed it, by prayer, and fasting, reading God’s word, worshiping, praising, singing psalms and hymns to him, and fellowship with other believers. Practicing these things strengthens the spirit nature and we begin to take on the personality of God. His love, his joy, his peace, his grace, his self-control, his long suffering, his patience, his kindness…these are the characteristics of our Holy Heavenly Father…we become more like him…and as a child of God that’s who I want to be more like, don’t you?

There’s nothing wrong with being natural except when it interferes with our relationship with the LORD. When you find yourself, being selfish, self-righteous, irritable, complaining, hateful, rude, agitated by everything and everyone…that is a good indication your sin nature is in control. It’s time for a house cleaning by the Holy Spirit and that is exactly what I had to do. Repentance is always the best way to get your spirit man back in sync and aligned with our Holy Papa God.

You see when our life-line is properly connected to the blood-line of Jesus, our heart will be God centered and Holy Spirit connected…then we will walk, talk, hear, see, feel, and be led by the Spirit of God and not our fleshly desires…

Sometimes you just have to clean your house…by making God’s house,(spiritual man) a house of prayer…begin with humility and then ask God to cleanse you by the washing of the water of his word…and a flood of grace will pour over your life like a sweet perfume filling the atmosphere…no longer will putrid, disgusting words and actions control you…Because you live in the image of God.

You’ll have His character living in, and through you, and you will be a delight to Him and to others around you.

God will use everything that happens in our life to get our attention and bring us to his fullness.

Let God’s Spirit abide in you one hundred percent, you’ll be happier and healthier. Because one day we are all going to leave this earth…and I want to live in God’s kingdom where there is love and joy and peace…and, the thing is, we can live that way now. But it takes disciple and a made up mind to exercise your spiritual muscles so that they become stronger than your sin nature…it’s sometimes painful but it is so much more worth it…God bless you today and give you strength and grace to become the person God is calling you to be. Amen.

~Marla Shaw O’Neill January 14, 2020

Galatians 5:16-17 The Passion Translation (TPT)

The Holy Spirit, Our Victory

¹⁶ As you yield freely and fully to the dynamic life and power of the Holy Spirit, you will abandon the cravings of your self – life.^{[a] 17} For your self – life craves the things that offend the Holy Spirit and hinder him from living free within you! And the Holy Spirit’s intense cravings hinder your old self – life from dominating you! So then, the two incompatible and conflicting forces within you are your self – life of the flesh and the new creation life of the Spirit.^[b]

Footnotes:

• Galatians 5:16 Or “the natural realm.”

• Galatians 5:17 The concept of the “new creation life of the Spirit” is implied in the greater context of Galatians, and referred to explicitly in 6:15–16.

 

1 Corinthians 2:14 The Passion Translation (TPT)

¹⁴ Someone living on an entirely human level^[a] rejects^[b] the revelations of God’s Spirit, for they make no sense to him. He can’t understand the revelations of the Spirit because they are only discovered by the illumination of the Spirit.

Footnotes:

• 1 Corinthians 2:14 Or “the natural man” or “the one without the Spirit.” The Aramaic can be translated “A man in his natural self cannot receive spiritual concepts.”

1. 1 Corinthians 2:14 Or “does not have access to.”

This came to me with such conviction and fervency Tuesday morning, January 7, 2020, I saw it so clearly, that I have to share it with you.

Being a person of prayer, I take it very seriously, but sometimes I get the impression from the general consensus that prayer is something you do only in an emergency or in Church and that most people are intimidated by it because they either, were never taught to pray, or, they just don’t want to take the time to pray because they don’t understand. Please hear my heart.
Prayer is more than just saying poetic words, it’s more than bowing the head and folding the hands and thanking God for our daily bread. Although that is important. A prayer can be as simple as saying, “Thank you Jesus.” “Or Help me Lord.” But it can also be so much more…

Prayer is communion, talking and listening, with our loving heavenly father. When a person prays not just from their head, but from their heart, demons tremble…they quake and run for cover because the prayer warrior is in the presence of the living God. That prayer warrior is touching God’s heart and moving heaven and earth on behalf of the recipient for the request. They are storming the throne-room of heaven knowing by faith that God is listening and will respond, by giving the Holy Spirit permission to act and deliver God’s mercy and grace on our behalf.

You don’t have to be afraid to talk to God…he loves us so much and longs to have conversations with his kids…Jesus came to be our dearest friend and savior an intermediary between us and God. Jesus talked to his father daily and he wants us to have that one on one relationship with him too.

God will dispatch his Holy Angels to come to our aid, so that, the angels are free to fight on our behalf because, the prayer warrior, has proclaimed victory over defeat…freedom from sin and death…diseases will dry up…hearts are given freedom… and life is made whole. Governments surrender to the angel armies in the spiritual realm and in the natural realm, and peace settles in all realms…you may not see it but in the spiritual realm the enemy is slain and earth is safer because the prayer warrior is praying…YOU are the prayer warrior…you are the one the Holy Spirit is compelling to pray…pray means to ask…Jesus said, Ask and you will receive…

The fervent prayers of the saints hold back disasters…restore marriages…destroy strongholds of addictions, perversions, murder, lies, and give hope to the dying. God’s ears are open and his heart responds…when we pray. We pray with expectation but whether we get an immediate answer or not we trust in the one we are praying to. He’s not just wind in the sky…He’s not a fantasy or a wish…He’s not a tyrant or dictator…God is love. He’s not sitting on his throne with a whip in his hand yelling and screaming for you to obey him…He gives us a choice…he’s kind and gentle and so very patient…he extends mercy after mercy and without his grace…we’d all be sent straight to hell because of our wickedness…but God, made a way through Jesus’ shed blood, so that we are forgiven and when we come humbly before him to pray…God’s heart is full of love and devotion for us…

Never take prayer for granted or think of it as “just prayer, speaking into the wind.”
Abraham and Moses were men of prayer you know them, right? They’re pretty important men of the Bible… they changed their history by praying.

Hannah prayed with fervency and humility and God answered and gave her a son, Samuel. You remember him, don’t you? Samuel was not a wimp, he walked and talked with God every day, he was a great judge over Israel and God honored and loved him.

And there’s David, shepherd boy to Warrior King of Israel. David’s prayers were filled with praise to the LORD, he was a powerful man of prayer, the apple of God’s eye.
Hezekiah he was the 13th king of Judah…he prayed with right motives always concerned for God’s name and glory.

And one of the most consistent prayer warriors of all time is Daniel… even while in captivity he prayed three times a day with his windows open not hidden away but bold and courageous…and God and king honored him…(Daniel 6:10) the Lions wouldn’t even eat him because they knew Daniel belonged to God…their creator…

When you pray you are in the presence of kings…and prophets…and shepherd’s and disciples…and men and women and children of prayer. The angels stop and listen when you pray amazed by your loyalty and proclamations.

A prayer warrior is a person who perseveres, is committed, has endurance, hope, humility, long-suffering, is patient, with goodness, self-control, determination, is bold, courageous and prays in faith. A prayer warrior does not give in to self-doubt and is not self-seeking. They are fearless knowing the one they pray to will answer and fight for them.
Pray before a decision is made, before a task is taken, before the challenge comes, the prayer warrior prays…and knows the one they are praying to in an intimate and loving atmosphere, where devils cannot tread…

Praying is meeting with God the Father, Jesus the son and the gracious Holy Spirit…knowing that they, themselves, have no power to change anything but knowing without a doubt the one they are praying too has the power to change everything…and even if our prayers are not answered in the time frame or the way we think they should be answered…prayer warriors trust that no matter what the outcome, God knows and sees the bigger picture and works it all out for our good!

Why pray, you ask? Or you may say, “I prayed but God didn’t come through for me…the sickness wasn’t cured, my loved one died anyway, my life fell apart, my son/daughter still isn’t saved, all hope is gone, there are still wars and famine and cruelty in the world…”
That’s all the more reason to, pray. Jesus said there will be trouble in the world but take heart for He has overcome the world.

From generation to generation we’ve seen these things over and over again…people live and die and life goes on…but there is a reason for it all…and without the prayer warrior…things would be so much worse…God tells us to pray…he has a plan…and we are all part of His plan…
Don’t stop praying, pray harder, pray longer, pray louder, pray softer but people of God…PRAY! Pray as never before…it’s time to take up the prayer gauntlet and shout if you have to, be determined that nothing will keep you from your time with the one who is Alive and well in heaven and in earth… Some people are called to preach, some to teach, there are many ministries and all these things are needful, but we are ALL called to pray! Pray without ceasing.
Find your own way of praying…there is no set rule…but pray…ask, seek and knock on heavens door until it is opened…and I promise you…God will meet you there!!

Prayer Warrior you are not alone…you are not insignificant…you are not a dying breed…Jesus has ten thousand in reserve who will not give up or give in or stop storming the gates of heaven…because we know who it is we are talking too and he knows us…AMEN? Yes Amen!

God is not too busy…God loves it when we come to him. Find a solitary place, take the time, to be with your Holy Father God and pray! Talk to him.

~Marla Shaw O’Neill, completed, January 9, 2020

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 English Standard Version (ESV)
Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

John 17:20-26 New International Version (NIV) Jesus Prays for All Believers
“My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one—I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.

“Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, and to see my glory, the glory you have given me because you loved me before the creation of the world.
“Righteous Father, though the world does not know you, I know you, and they know that you have sent me. I have made you[a] known to them, and will continue to make you known in order that the love you have for me may be in them and that I myself may be in them.”

Listening to the Spirit’s call, Come, let’s talk awhile
I close my eyes and looking up, I pause, and then I smile…
Speaking to my precious LORD, I open my heart and soul
And there in an instant I stand in spirit bold…
No greater privilege than this, I’m honored and blessed, to open my mouth and humbly confess
Jesus, Jesus, Jesus…you are my blessedness…
No longer mindful of time around me, for I’ve entered the heavenly place
No longer sensing my body or mind…I’m captivated by his holy embrace…
Only aware of his presence, his fragrance fills the space…
Above me, below me, his all-consuming immovable amazing grace…
It fills my heart like nothing else…and I’m free to believe and pray
God help me, to give all of me, and hold nothing back until I see
Your wonders and your glory…
I hear silence and the stillness brings a song the angel’s sing…
Holy, holy, holy…you must be holy…to see the Almighty, King…
Extending his scepter, he welcomes me…there in his presence I am simply me…
No words needed, we are comfortable and carefree…
Jesus my dearest friend, and me…
I utter words only heaven knows, proclaiming life and victory on earth’s land, sky and seas…slaying demons and principalities…while in the presence of Royalty…
Touching the heart of God, he listens and responds in gracious enormity, God answers things I cannot see…supernaturally…
Faith has pleased him as love pours from his holy throne…
On earth, as it is in heaven, restoration comes home…
Finding grace while seeking His face…is all sufficient for me.
The prayer ended, but only temporarily.
Waiting expectantly…to come to thee…

~Marla Shaw O’Neill January 8, 2020

Song of Songs 4:6 New International Version (NIV)
Until the day breaks and the shadows flee, I will go to the mountain of myrrh and to the hill of incense.

We don’t serve a weak, wimpy, worn out God…Oh no, we serve the Living, All powerful, in- control, Son, of the Almighty God. He is not a God of impossibility he is a God of Possibility and he has called us to be like him…made in his image with a purpose and a calling… “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? (Numbers 23:19)

He is the God in Samson’s hands who had power to defeat a mighty foe… he is the God who spoke to the stormy seas and they became still and calm …He is the God who led 300 men to victory over coming thousands of the enemy…He is the God that was in David’s hand when he hurled a small stone that struct the giant’s head and killed him…he is no different then, than now…he is still the God who moves mountains and saves lives and calms the storms…He is the maker of the Universe, the one who flings stars into space and they sing of his glory, he is the one who said, let there be light, and light appeared. He is the earth shaper, man maker, all-consuming fire and he does not back down, or bow down, to anything or anyone… and the list goes on and on…this is the God I serve…you can’t out-give him, out-run him, out-live him…He is the ancient of age, ever merciful and loving…you can’t buy him, manipulate him or kill him…it doesn’t matter who you are…HE IS GOD! But he loves you so much he is calling you to come deeper with Him…so…

Get up, mighty warriors, stand up and shout the battle cry…run towards the enemy and fight… do not run from him, face him head on by worshipping the Great I Am and you will see, the demons run from you…because the Lord God Almighty is with you and in you. Yes, He, will deliver you from the darkness…he will set you free from drugs, and all manner of abuse, and torment, if you’ll only say Yes, to the Son of the living God…your battle is already won!

But what does it say? “The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart” (that is, the word of faith which we preach): that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. Romans 10:8-10 NKJV

Stop confessing defeat. Stop wishing for a magic remedy…stop the vain imaginations…and know truth…(Where does our help come from? It comes from the Lord…the maker of heaven and earth… Psalm 121:1)

Instead say, “I am more than a conqueror through Christ Jesus who strengthens me…I can do all things through Him…in the name of Jesus…I am the head and not the tail…I am a child of the most High God and nothing can separate me from the love of Christ…”

I don’t serve a demigod…I don’t serve a god made of stone or wood…my God is not a god of religion he’s not some computer program or some hi-tech man-made facsimile robotic being …the God I serve is ALIVE he doesn’t slumber nor does he sleep…He is all knowing, all giving, all loving and all that I need. Amen and Amen!!

He breathed life into dirt and created man, took the man’s rib and made a woman…and gave them a living soul…He gave water out of the rock…He stopped the mouths of lions, turned water into wine… he fed five thousand with five loaves of bread and two fish…he healed the blind, deaf and lepers, he brought the dead back to life. Walked on water, forgave sins, cast out demons and even rose from the dead… I know that was then, right? But what about now? He has healed me many times, delivered me from a life of bitterness and pain. When I was running in fear and destitute, when death tried to take me, It was the living God who delivered me. He’s blessed me with long life, he’s fed me, taken me out of debt and confusion and abuse…he’s given me children and grandchildren, my quiver is overflowing, and he blessed me with a husband that loves me unconditionally…my God is a God I can trust and live with forever and ever, and if he did it for me, he will do it for you…ask him…then live for him…not part time, not with a watered down religion, not in wishful thinking or mind control…but full of grace and faith and love by the power of the Holy Spirit…I can’t help but live for him and praise him…

Rise up weak one, rise up and be strong for the Lord God of Host is with you…Jesus is interceding for you; you have the Spirit of the Most-High living inside of you…he is ever present, and all knowing. It is He who has called you…but when you doubt and are fearful you make him powerless to move in your life…you render him helpless when you speak words of defeat and loss…Child of God, Speak Life…Speak Hope…Speak Victory…in the name of Jesus, and you will see the salvation of the Lord!! God is not weak, God is not absent, God is not confused or in doubt, God does not lie, God is High and Lifted up. God is life and light and right now is the time to realize who God is and that He is for you not against you. How do you find out who God is…by spending time with him in his word and talking to him, by fellowship with the family of God…by prayer and fasting, by trusting him even when everything around you is falling apart, don’t be afraid, look up and see Him…if you will let him, he’ll show you mysteries and things you never dreamed possible…humble yourself before him and let him be God in your life…step down off the throne and let Him take the seat…walk in faith and trust God…there is only one way to God and that is through his Son Jesus/Yeshua. Come on, angles are fighting for you a great cloud of witnesses are cheering for you…Jesus is saying, “Come…I Am the way, I Am the truth, I Am the life…I will never leave you or forsake you! I will be with you always!”

Be strong and courageous. Have faith, and shout…for God is, ALIVE!

~Marla Shaw O’Neill January 4, 2020

2 Chronicles 7:14 KJV If my people who are called by name will humble themselves…and pray…and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways…Then, will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.

 Matthew 11:29-30 King James Version (KJV) Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

John 14:12 The Passion Translation (TPT) “I tell you this timeless truth: The person who follows me in faith, believing in me, will do the same mighty miracles that I do—even greater miracles than these because I go to be with my Father!

Matthew 3:11 The Passion Translation (TPT) Those who repent I baptize with water, but there is coming a Man after me who is more powerful than I am. In fact, I’m not even worthy enough to pick up his sandals. He will submerge you into union with the Spirit of Holiness and with a raging fire!^[a]

Footnotes:

• Matthew 3:11 The text is somewhat ambiguous as to what fire is spoken of. Some see it as the fire of judgment, yet Jesus sent us the Holy Spirit, who baptized his church in fire at Pentecost. This last clause is a hendiadys and could be translated “He will baptize you in the raging fire of the Holy Spirit!”