The Light
Light doesn’t have to say, “Look at me, I’m the light!”
It doesn’t speak at all…and yet
As it appears it illuminates everything and everyone within its presence…
The light shines even brighter in the dark!
Jesus said, “I am the light of the world!”
He vanquished the darkness…
God said, “Let there be light!”
Then light burst through the darkness causing everything to be seen that was hidden…
Overpowering shadows; breaking barriers through the blackness of night…
Giving the blind; sight…
And every living thing new life…
What once was unseen is now fully exposed
No more groping or staggering in the dark, no more fear of what’s not seen, the light with a trillion streaming beams is spread throughout all living things…
No stumbling to find your way…
No vain imaginations of terror nipping at your thoughts, not, even in the day…
God’s light is and will always remain even when it rains!
The light brings life, freshness and goodness, to see and to be fully seen…
No longer afraid to walk in the night nor stumble in the day…
Not a shred of doubt, nor deaths final grip
Can take the light away…
No demon from hell, no sickness, no hurt nor pain, no pride, no flesh nor power nor principality can destroy the light!
God said, let there be…light…
Light is eternal,
For Jesus, is, the light…
Where light shines, darkness cannot enter…
Be children of the light!
~Marla Shaw O’Neill October 2, 2019
Genesis 1:3 New International Version (NIV) And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light.
John 8:12 English Standard Version (ESV) Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”
Jesus Came to Take Out the Trash
On my way to my Bible study today I drove to our Church and just as I was turning off the busy highway a trash truck turned in ahead of me.
I laughed and said out loud, “Now there’s a sermon in that. Jesus comes to take the trash out of our hearts and lives. All we have to do is ask him.”
For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. Romans 6:23 King James Version (KJV)
When Adam and Eve sinned, death entered the world. There was no longer access to the Tree of Life and trash overtook the heart of humanity.
In our modern society without trash removal our world would be a terrible place to live. Garbage would pile up; flies would swarm as maggots ate away at the mess. Parasites, worms, infections rot and putrid water, would bring disease; the smell would be horrific. I remember one year when one of our U.S. cities had a garbage strike and the streets were covered in garbage. It was terrible!
We as mankind needed a Savior to come and remove the garbage from our lives. God sent Jesus. It took the cleansing power of the blood of Jesus to remove the trash. Years of trash build-up covered everyone and everything, we couldn’t see it because we were dead in trespasses and sin. We could see the effects of it though, the stench, the cesspool of hate, bitterness, anger, jealousy, gossip, murder, war, godlessness and perversions, etc… Without Jesus, trash piled high. It’s horrific and rampant on the streets, where, the love of God is absent.
We needed a trash truck to come and remove it to the dump so it could be destroyed. I know it may seem a little crude to think of Jesus as the trash truck driver but it gets the point across. Garbage stinks, and is nasty and if not dealt with causes death!
Where dead things are left uncleansed; there can be no life. It took the cleansing, unblemished, unwrinkled, son of God to wash away all of the filth and garbage. Someone needed to take out the trash…that someone is Jesus Christ. It is only by his sacrifice that we can live trash free!
Do you need your trash removed today? Call on Jesus he’ll take it in a heartbeat! The stench of death will disappear and a sweet-smelling fragrance with appear. He’ll remove all the fear of death and sin, and replace it with new life, new breath, He is the living, cleansing son of God!
Psalm 113:7-8 The Passion Translation (TPT) He promotes the poor, picking them up from the dirt, and rescues the needy from the garbage dump. He turns paupers into princes and seats them on their royal thrones of honor.
Ephesians 5:26-27 New King James Version (NKJV) that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word, that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish.
1 Peter 1:18-19 The Passion Translation (TPT) For you know that your lives were ransomed once and for all from the empty and futile way of life handed down from generation to generation. It was not a ransom payment of silver and gold, which eventually perishes, but the precious blood of Christ—who like a spotless, unblemished lamb was sacrificed for us.
Holy Spirit Sing
I will lift up my voice; Holy Spirit sing to God
Through my being I will extol Him on High…
I will sing in the Spirit and in my understanding
For He is worthy of all my praise, honor and glory…
Bless the Lord O my soul and all that is within me, bless His Holy Name…
Holy Spirit within me sing…
God has triumphed over my enemies He brings
Healing in His wings…
He set my feet to dancing and my heart sings
I will sing with joy and thanksgiving
For God is my everything…
He delivers me from evil
He heals my lamenting soul
He carries me in the battle
We win; He makes me whole
He took all my guilt and shame
Washed me whiter than snow
Gave me beauty for ashes
I will praise Him as I go…
Into deep waters I will not be overtaken
Into the fiery furnace I am awakened
He’s in the fire with me and I will not be shaken…
Holy Spirit sacred songs we’ll sing
My heart takes wings; I will fly to worlds unseen
When I lift my voice in song and sing…
Praises to my Victorious King…
Do not be cast down oh my soul
Do not weep for the time has come
Holy Spirit within me proclaim…
Jesus Name, above all Names…
A Psalm sung by the Prince of Peace
Took all my cares and my torments ceased
When Holy Spirit Sings…
God hears…
Singing the Psalms is singing God’s sacred word…giving Him Praise
~Marla Shaw O’Neill September 21, 2019
Dedicated to Phyllis Cron-her message inspired me to write this poem.
Colossians 3:16 New International Version (NIV)
Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.
Colossians 3:16 The Passion Translation (TPT)
Let the word of Christ live[a] in you richly, flooding you with all wisdom. Apply the Scriptures as you teach and instruct one another with the Psalms, and with festive praises,[b] and with prophetic songs given to you spontaneously by the Spirit, so sing to God with all your hearts!
Psalm 71:13-14 New King James Version (NKJV) Let them be [a]confounded and consumed
Who are adversaries of my life; Let them be covered with reproach and dishonor Who seek my hurt. But I will hope continually, and will praise You yet more and more.
Footnotes:
a. Psalm 71:13 ashamed
Matthew 26:30 The Passion Translation (TPT) Then they sang a psalm[a] and left for the Mount of Olives.
Footnotes: Matthew 26:30 Or “a hymn.” The Aramaic is “They offered praise.” It was the custom after celebrating the Passover seder to conclude with singing one of the Hallel psalms (Pss. 115–118).
He is Waiting and Watching
In the quietness of the room
Where no one else sees
You feel totally alone, unwanted, wallowing in disbelief.
There He, is, waiting and watching.
In the busy workplace where no else sees
You’re consumed by chaos, as disaster looms
You feel totally alone, overwhelmed and frantic.
There He, is, waiting and watching.
On the congested highway cars speeding by, horns blowing
You curse and sigh…
Tormented soul you ask yourself why?
Is this the life I chose? Crying each night, heart stone-cold…
There He, is, waiting and watching.
Remembering a time long, long, ago
A verse memorized goes through your head…
Sunday school flashes before your eyes
Something happens as you repeat what it said,
For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish but have everlasting life. John 3:16 KJV
Hope is realized as you wipe your eyes…you do something you haven’t done in some time…
You get down beside your bed, bow your head, and pray…
There He, is, waiting and watching.
Lord, forgive me I need you. Take my life and make it what you want it to be. God I can’t do this by myself anymore. I’ve let loneliness, and chaos be my god…and it’s not worked out so well. I am asking you to be my LORD and SAVIOR! Thank you, Jesus, for loving me and for dying for me and for giving me eternal life. Amen!
Suddenly, you feel as light as a feather. Peace enters your heart and, in your spirit, you hear…
Child, I’ve been waiting and watching you all of your life. I will never leave you nor forsake you. I just needed you to invite me in. I will always be waiting and watching, all you had to do was ask!
Do you see yourself in this person? Are you struggling in life? Are you full of doubt and fear? Does your life appear hopeless and without purpose? Are you only going through the motions?
Jesus said in this world there will be problems, there will be persecutions, there will be trouble…but be of good cheer for He has overcome the world.
It may seem insignificant and simplistic but Jesus made it so that even a little child could understand. Instead of crying yourself to sleep at night, instead of wanting to bash everyone in your path, find a quiet place and talk to the only one who can change it all. Talk to Jesus. He is there, waiting and watching. Simply ask!
There is a way that seems right to a man but the ends thereof are the ways of death…
When you accept the gift of Jesus Christ, you gain eternal life here and now!
~Marla Shaw O’Neill September 20, 2019
John 16:33 King James Version (KJV) 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.
Proverbs 14:12 The Passion Translation (TPT) You can rationalize it all you want and justify the path of error you have chosen, but you’ll find out in the end that you took the road to destruction.
Proverbs 14:12 Living Bible (TLB) Before every man there lies a wide and pleasant road that seems right but ends in death.
Romans 6:23 King James Version (KJV) For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Face to Face
Artist unknown
There is a place where only spirit dwells with Spirit
In this place we become one…
Total rhapsody I’m engulfed in this space
Free to bask in His presence abounding in His Grace…
No worries, no distractions, no pain or will, no fight…
On angel wings I’m lifted to heights unknown, as we take flight…
A flow that transcends the heavens and brings sheer delight…
This is the God place…this is the Presence where I dwell
With out fear of demon or hell…
The God place is experienced…
Pure and undefiled, consumed by His love and His peace
Bound by the Spirit of Holiness, The God place is where I’m found
No want of escape…no desire, but, for Him…
In His presence I am completely sound…
Holy wind and Holy fire, heart surrendered and free…
The God place is the place where I will be!
In an instant I am there…spirit intertwined with Spirit
Here and now I see thee!
Silence in the atmosphere; His heartbeat I hear
Serenity and trust, as I lay my head upon His chest…
Child, be blessed…
The God place is where I’m content and I rest…
With God face to face, we embrace!
~Marla Shaw O’Neill September 19, 2019
Psalm 16:10-11 The Message (MSG) I’m happy from the inside out, and from the outside in, I’m firmly formed. You canceled my ticket to hell— that’s not my destination!
Now you’ve got my feet on the life path, all radiant from the shining of your face. Ever since you took my hand, I’m on the right way.
Psalm 16:10-11 The Passion Translation (TPT) For you will not abandon me to the realm of death, nor will you allow your Holy One to experience corruption.[a] For you bring me a continual revelation of resurrection life, the path to the bliss that brings me face-to-face with you.[b]
Footnotes:
a. Psalm 16:10 Or “the pit.” This is likely a metaphor for Sheol.
b. Psalm 16:11 There is no Hebrew word for “presence.” When the Psalmist wanted to speak of God’s presence, he used the Hebrew word for “face.”
Its Not Then, Its Now
It’s not then, it’s Now
It’s not when, it’s how
We live our lives each and every day…
We glorify Jesus by what we do and say
It’s not then, it’s now…
We live and move and breathe
It’s Jesus who set us free…
Stop looking for a place, or, a time in the future, for your WOW!
It’s the living God in us that teaches, faith is Now…
We cry and beg and plead and hope; broken and diseased and grope
For just a little peace-of-mind and love-divine but it’s only found in one place and one kind
The first fruit of the resurrection where Jesus said, Because I live, you live, child, you are now mine…
Live now, not then, for He’s given us His Holy Ghost,
He dwells in these bodies he made of clay
Stop looking for the pie-in-the-sky and live, today!
Knowing, our hope, our future, our life, is here and now; abide in His presence
That is how…
We overcome and defeat our foe
His joy is our strength, right now, here below…
Now, this very moment in time…we are whole, we are His masterpiece, be bold…
It’s not down the road, it’s not when we’re dead and gone…
Right now, His grace is…sufficient…for this day, you are called and chosen…you are royalty
Stop living in defeat…and fear…take this moment and know…YOU ARE FREE of all anxiety
All doubt all wanderings…all abuse…all shame…You are complete in Jesus Name…
You don’t have to wait until you get to heaven to live the God-life
The God-life is here and Now…
For who the son sets FREE IS FREE INDEED!!
Set your feet to dancing…raise your song in praise…
So, lift up your head weary child of God and reap the harvest of God’s love, His provision, His blessing is right now!
The Kingdom of God is within you!
~Marla Shaw O’Neill September 18, 2019
Hebrews 11:1-2 The Message (MSG) Faith in What We Don’t See ~ The fundamental fact of existence is that this trust in God, this faith, is the firm foundation under everything that makes life worth living. It’s our handle on what we can’t see. The act of faith is what distinguished our ancestors, set them above the crowd.
Luke 17:20-21 King James Version (KJV) And when he was demanded of the Pharisees, when the kingdom of God should come, he answered them and said, The kingdom of God cometh not with observation:
Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you.
Garden of Time
The root of joy is gratefulness
Its flower is love divine.
Its fragrance is laughter…
Growing in the garden of time.
Birds are forever singing
Busy bees are buzzing happily
Frogs croak,
Ducks float, paddling merrily
When you are planting seeds of gratefulness
Your garden of hope will be…
Full of Joy, may your roots grow deep!
~Marla Shaw O’Neill (MO) September 12, 2019
1 Thessalonians 5:18 The Passion Translation (TPT) 18 And in the midst of everything be always giving thanks, for this is God’s perfect plan for you in Christ Jesus.[a]
Footnotes:
-
1 Thessalonians 5:18 Verses 16–18 identify three areas our lives we must focus on: (1) unbounded joy, (2) praying continually, and (3) giving thanks to God no matter happens in our lives. These three virtues combine to form the wonderful expression of Christ’s life within us.
(Picture taken from the internet)
The Author of Life
I have written this story with you in mind
Words of life to last through out time…
Not on slates of stone but hearts of flesh
Each time I write, the words are fresh…
There is no distance from beginning to end
I’ve carved out love letters; to you I send…
All I have and all I am,
Birth is only a pin-point of what your life is worth…
Babes in living cocoons, spinning through cosmic space…
I gave you your first breath, and it, is, I, who will take it again…
I’m writing this story so that you will understand
Your life is more than food or drink, more than what you do, or think
Your life is written in my book, and with each stroke of my pen, I look, and there you are
On the pages I designed and took…one tiny dot, just a speck in time…child, you are mine…
I formed the atmosphere and then I shook; and the earth was formed and the stars were shaped…I am the Author of Life, make no mistake…
You have a purpose; I’ve written the plan…
I’m the Author of Life; I created man…
But it’s up to you to finish the tale…will you choose heaven or will you choose hell?
Your story is being written as you read these words…
Like the waves of the ocean or the songs of birds…
I Am never ending, forever writing, to tell you, you are loved…
The Author of Life; is heard!
~Marla Shaw O’Neill September 9, 2019
Hebrews 12:2-3 New King James Version (NKJV) looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Oh, How Our Hearts Burned Within Us
We met a man today on our journey to Emmaus
There was something about him, a stranger, but none-the-less
We have to get this off our chests…
We talked to him and walked with him; for quite a while…
And in those seven miles…these questions he asked…
“Why are you cast down? Why are you so sad?”
Surprised at his questions we said, “Are you not from these parts? Have you not heard the news?
Our teacher was arrested, tried and killed upon Golgotha’s hill…
He was to arise from the grave on the third day…
Some women, we’re told, went to the tomb to attend to his body, but they said, “Christ wasn’t lying upon the stone-cold bed and instead. We saw angels, they spoke and said, “He’s not here, he’s alive!””
Stunned they ran to testify. They told our companions what they had seen so they ran to the tomb and found an empty room…it was just as the women had said, ‘Jesus was not dead…’
This stranger told us how foolish we were, slow to believe all that the prophets have spoken.
We stood there in awe, this could not have been any ordinary man…
Coming to our village, the stranger started to walk on as, if, to leave us there, but we begged him to stay with us for evening was coming, day almost gone, we welcomed him to stay in our home. The journey had been long. So, he stayed.
Sitting at our table He took bread, and then he prayed…he broke it, handed it to us, and as we drew near, there before our eyes, He disappeared…
Surprised and bewildered we realized it was Him…
Oh, how our hearts burned within us, when he opened the scriptures to us, on our way to Emmaus.
This was Jesus!
Hurrying back to Jerusalem we heard the others say, “Jesus is alive…”
“We know, we’ve seen him, with our very eyes…we cannot deny, that what he did when he broke the bread, then disappeared, it took all our fear away…on that fateful day…
Oh, how our hearts burned within us… knowing…what he said is true…
Seeing him on our way to Emmaus, and others seeing him too…
For generations to come, God’s one true son died and rose again…
Perhaps you too will have a visit on your way to Emmaus…
Friend, Jesus, is alive!!”
~Marla Shaw O’Neill August 29, 2019
