Be Courageous Be Bold Hebrews 4:16

As a young girl, I watched over my baby brother, Moses.

In a basket on the river Nile.

At middle age, I watched him flee the wrath of the King.

As an elderly woman, I greeted him as he returned home…

And now I’m with him facing the Red Sea.

The Red Sea before us, soldier’s behind, obeying God we run

No one lags behind…

Our God is taking us all the way to the finish line…

Horses and chariots, strong military men, pursue us in our plight

Behold! The sea crashes down on them,

They come to a watery end…

YHWH, delivered us this day.

Tambourines in hand, young and old, Miriam cries out…

Sing O daughters of men! Sing and do not keep silent

For our victory is won!

Praise and sing the God-praise song.

Joy fills the camp with a victory shout…

No more slaves, we’re delivered, set free…

For God in his sovereignty,

Has given us new life today!

We sing; we dance, our souls rejoice

Our God has triumphed gloriously,

Upon the other, side of the sea.

~Marla Shaw O’Neill May 2, 2025

No words of protest do I make

Even though I’m accused of wrong

I stand in judgement of evil men

Lies, of hate, their song…

For living my life for Jesus’ sake

They aim, my life, to take

I’ll sing and rejoice forevermore

In the presence of the King of kings

And Lord of lord’s

For I am not alone…

Those who were before me

Greet, me, on heaven’s golden streets.

~Marla Shaw O’Neill April 30, 2025

Matthew 5:11-12 King James Version Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.

Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.

Traveling down the Via Dolorosa Road

Tired, rejected, I’m fettered beneath a heavy load

Sneers on faces, rocks are thrown

I fall upon the ground, with broken bones

Living what’s right in God’s eyes alone…

The Kingdom of Heaven is near…

I see Jesus, “Child welcome home!”

Arms opened wide, we embrace

Persecuted for righteousness’s sake,

My spirit soars…

I’m held forever in God’s amazing grace!

~Marla Shaw O’Neill April 30, 2025

Matthew 5:10 King James Version Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

As a child of God, I reflect him

His perfect peace is seen

What I see him do, I do

Returning good for evil, love for hate

His character is true…

All His, children, are peaceful and kind

Be a peacemaker and you will find…

His peace reflected for all to see, that peace, is divine!

~Marla Shaw O’Neill April 24, 2025

Matthew 5:9 King James Version Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.

Seeing, I understand

The pure in heart see God~

Single-minded, honest and sincere

We comprehend when we draw near~

Without malice, treachery and no deceit

With God, while we sit at His feet~

Fellowship is sweet

It is there, the pure in heart, God meets!

~Marla Shaw O’Neill April 24, 2025

Matthew 5:8 King James Version Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.

Mercy, dear God, has followed me

All the days of my life~

Sowing now,

I give it back to thee

By loving compassionately~

For none are deserving, but I can see

Without your mercy~

There I’d be.

~Marla Shaw O’Neill April 24, 2025

Matthew 5:7 King James Version Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.

There’s a pain within my stomach that aches~

And a thirst that must be quenched~

Righteousness, calls out to me~

That only God can fix.

A longing that only he can fill.

I earnestly desire justice~

By doing God’s perfect will~

Only then, my hunger and thirst, God fills.

~Marla Shaw O’Neill April 24, 2025

Matthew 5:6 King James Version Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.

Gentle spirit within me lives

To love and hope and to forgive

Trusting in the one who knows

He guides my heart, as I follow

Rich in faith in him alone

For it is God’s strength and not my own!

Inheriting the earth, life’s gift is sown.

~Marla Shaw O’Neill April 24, 2025

Matthew 5:5 King James Version Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.

Soul cries out

I need you God

Draw me near to your loving heart…

God’s heart sees, with arms held wide

Holy Comforter fulfills your deepest need!

~Marla Shaw O’Neill April 24, 2025

Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted. Matthew 5:4 KJV

Lowly shepherd’s tending sheep…

Singing praise to the creator of all things,

Humility brings,

Children into the kingdom of God!

~Marla Shaw O’Neill April 24, 2025

Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:3 KVJ