A Boy of Twelve
Jesus is found sitting in the temple…discussing the law and teaching…
Who are you seeking?
Walking with Jesus, have you now lost him on your journey?
Despair and concern grips your heart, because you realize Jesus’ presence is nowhere to be found. You search frantically in the crowd no one has seen him. Your relatives don’t know where he’s gone. You’ve traveled on for days, where could he be? Then you know what you must do. Return to the beginning from where you last saw him. Retrace your steps and search with all your heart until you find him again.
Jesus has not left you or abandoned you. Jesus is not far. Look in His father’s house that is where you will find him doing His father’s work. Return back to the city in the holy temple you find him there, he never left. You left him. Return to your first love and inquire of him. He is there now.
A boy of twelve, is sitting, in the assembly of teachers, not standing, he was one of them. For he taught them as one with wisdom and authority well beyond his years. They were astonished but did not recognize who he was. But you recognize him. You find him and what joy fills your heart, what relief that he was there all the time.
There are lots of things that are said about this passage of scripture. But what I saw this morning as I read it, was something and it touched my heart in a new and refreshing light.
Jesus is a boy; he’s twelve years old. And as, was, his custom, he came to Jerusalem for Passover. It took his parents three days to find him. Three days in the temple, discussing the law with men of learning, men who were the teachers now being taught by a child. Jesus spoke as one of the ancients and these teachers were amazed.
His parents must have been devastated when they didn’t find Jesus in their caravan going back to Nazareth. The guilt they must have felt and fear. “We’ve lost the Messiah. He was put in our care and now we can’t find him.” Not to mention the love of a mother at the thought of the loss of her child. It says Mary pondered all these things in her heart; she knew who her son was and understood what his future would be. “Where is he?”
Jesus knew he had to do his father’s will but that would not come until many years later.
He’d be taken to the temple not for discussion and teachings, not sitting, but standing, he would be accused. He’d be mocked and scorned and beaten.
Mary would weep and lament over the loss of her child but this time it would be because he had been crucified. Three days he’d be gone. Three days of waiting and grieving.
But the joy she receives on that third day when she finds him and he reappears to her as the risen Lord. He would go and sit in the presence of the Living God. True King. True Messiah and He will come back again.
Once a boy of twelve; a man of 33, at Passover… Now Eternal, risen Savior, Jesus lives.
Are you having a Passover experience? Have you lost Jesus and can’t find him? Is your soul tormented and devastated because of loss and hurt and pain? Have you searched the crowds to find him? But he isn’t there.
Go back to the temple. You will find Jesus waiting there for you. Receive His love and His joy and His peace. Get off the road you’re traveling and go back to the city of God! Don’t let anything stop your seeking for him.
Christians and unbelievers are celebrating Easter this Sunday. Jesus is everywhere and you don’t have to go to a Church to find him. But let me just say this. If you, will go, to Church, this Sunday, you will see that Jesus is being celebrated in a miraculous way. And you will find him there. He’ll be teaching and sitting among the congregation. He wants you to know, he loves you, and he died and lives so you can live. Your life will be forever changed and if you let him he will transform you and give you hope, and life. He will restore you and adore you. Open the tomb of your heart today and let Jesus come in. Amen!
Luke 2:41-51 English Standard Version (ESV)
The Boy Jesus in the Temple
Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the Feast of the Passover. And when he was twelve years old, they went up according to custom. And when the feast was ended, as they were returning, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem. His parents did not know it, but supposing him to be in the group they went a day’s journey, but then they began to search for him among their relatives and acquaintances, and when they did not find him, they returned to Jerusalem, searching for him. After three days they found him in the temple, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. And all who heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers. And when his parents saw him, they were astonished. And his mother said to him, “Son, why have you treated us so? Behold, your father and I have been searching for you in great distress.” And he said to them, “Why were you looking for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father’s house?” And they did not understand the saying that he spoke to them. And he went down with them and came to Nazareth and was submissive to them. And his mother treasured up all these things in her heart.
The Encounter
Two men meet a stranger, as they walk the Emmaus Road
Not knowing who he was, he had taken their heavy load…
‘Do you not know what’s happened in the city here today…
They’ve killed the Christ and taken our hope away…’
How foolish you are, that you have not believed, for all these things are spoken of by Moses and the prophets…in the scrolls of old…all that was written, and all that was told
Has been fulfilled! Open your eyes, and hear the story, all has been done for Him to enter His glory…
The two come to their village and Jesus is about to go on.
‘Oh stay with us, for evening is coming, and the day is gone…’
Dining at their table, Jesus takes the bread, giving thanks he breaks it, nothing more is said… ‘Suddenly our eyes are opened, we see Jesus, then he disappears…Oh how our hearts burned within us, when first he appeared…
Walking to Emmaus, our heads were bowed low…our hope was gone, and scattered, like leaves on empty roads, blow…
And now to Jerusalem, we will go…
After seeing Jesus, giving thanks and breaking bread…
And listening to all that he said…
Our eyes were opened…
Jesus Is Alive! He is not dead!!!’
You know, Jesus, is walking along the road with you today too. You may not recognize him, just as these, two, didn’t. But he’s there. He helps you when you least expect it. He knows all your fears. He knows your questions and your doubts. He calls gently to your heart in the stillness of the night. When you are most vulnerable, don’t turn him away. Open your eyes and your heart to the words of Jesus…and let your heart burn within you when he answers…He doesn’t want to hurt you. He wants you to know he loves you. Even in your heartache. Even when you feel like no one understands or cares. Even when you have done things you are ashamed of. Jesus still cares. And if you will let him, he will open your eyes so you can see him, eat with him, talk with him and walk with him. Your lonely road to Emmaus will become a detour to Jerusalem where he will lead you to others who are following him. He will give you joy and peace in every circumstance of your life if you will only see Him. He is offering you the bread of life. He says, “Why are you troubled, and why do doubts rise in your minds? Look at my hands and my feet. It is I, myself.” Jesus is real. He went to heaven but he sent the promise of the Holy Spirit to be in us and to help us and comfort us. Be happy don’t be sad. He will give you all that you need if you’ll let him. God bless you. We celebrate Easter this Sunday. It is a time of great JOY because Jesus did not stay in a tomb, he rose and lives in heaven and prays for us always. He wants you to know that you are not alone he’s on the road with you. He’s got cha…open your eyes and see Him! He wants to bless you today!
~Marla Shaw O’Neill March 26, 2018
Luke 24:13-53 New International Version (NIV)
On the Road to Emmaus
Now that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem. They were talking with each other about everything that had happened. As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus himself came up and walked along with them; but they were kept from recognizing him.
He asked them, “What are you discussing together as you walk along?”
They stood still, their faces downcast. One of them, named Cleopas, asked him, “Are you the only one visiting Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days?”
“What things?” he asked.
“About Jesus of Nazareth,” they replied. “He was a prophet, powerful in word and deed before God and all the people. The chief priests and our rulers handed him over to be sentenced to death, and they crucified him; but we had hoped that he was the one who was going to redeem Israel. And what is more, it is the third day since all this took place. In addition, some of our women amazed us. They went to the tomb early this morning but didn’t find his body. They came and told us that they had seen a vision of angels, who said he was alive. Then some of our companions went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but they did not see Jesus.”
He said to them, “How foolish you are, and how slow to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Did not the Messiah have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?” And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself.
As they approached the village to which they were going, Jesus continued on as if he were going farther. But they urged him strongly, “Stay with us, for it is nearly evening; the day is almost over.” So he went in to stay with them.
When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them. Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight. They asked each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?”
They got up and returned at once to Jerusalem. There they found the Eleven and those with them, assembled together and saying, “It is true! The Lord has risen and has appeared to Simon.” Then the two told what had happened on the way, and how Jesus was recognized by them when he broke the bread.
Jesus Appears to the Disciples
While they were still talking about this, Jesus himself stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.”
They were startled and frightened, thinking they saw a ghost. He said to them, “Why are you troubled, and why do doubts rise in your minds? Look at my hands and my feet. It is I myself! Touch me and see; a ghost does not have flesh and bones, as you see I have.”
When he had said this, he showed them his hands and feet. And while they still did not believe it because of joy and amazement, he asked them, “Do you have anything here to eat?” They gave him a piece of broiled fish, and he took it and ate it in their presence.
He said to them, “This is what I told you while I was still with you: Everything must be fulfilled that is written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms.”
Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures. He told them, “This is what is written: The Messiah will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, and repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things. I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.”
The Ascension of Jesus
When he had led them out to the vicinity of Bethany, he lifted up his hands and blessed them. While he was blessing them, he left them and was taken up into heaven. Then they worshiped him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy. And they stayed continually at the temple, praising God.
God’s Fruit Bearer…
Galatians 5:22-23 Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB) But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith, gentleness, self-control. Against such things there is no law.
I heard this saying long ago…”We are not to be fruit inspectors but fruit bearers…”
The only way we can bear fruit and have it remain, and not spoil…is to be attached to the fruit tree of Life…Jesus Christ. The Bible talks a lot about fruit…The Fruit of the Holy Spirit is always bearing fruit…
The Fruit of the Spirit is…One fruit…This fruit is sweet and juicy. It never rots or decays. It will make you burst into joy and it is never fermented, it is always fresh. To all who receive this fruit you will have a peace that you cannot explain. No matter who or what or how the enemy tries to discourage you or tries to make you doubt or run in fear…this fruit of peace will keep you still and quiet in your soul. This fruit has just the right amount of nutrients to sustain you in trouble and will give you persistence and self-control. There is no time limit on the longevity of this fruit. It never dies. It will keep you going with long suffering and you will not wear out. One bite of the Fruit of the Spirit and your faith will multiply to overflowing with miracles and mountain removals and a will to walk on water even turn water into wine. It will take you all the way to the cross and sustain you to rise from the dead. The fruit of kindness will cause you to show tenderness and mercy to all those who mistreat you and persecute you. In the Fruit of the Spirit is Gentleness; which will be a shield of protection against hate and violence. One of the greatest attributes of the Fruit of the Spirit is Patience. See how patient the Lord has been with you….In all of your doubting and all of your worrying…anxiousness and unforgiveness towards others and even yourself. Becoming impatient while waiting in traffic or standing in lines, keeps you irritated and separates you from the Spirit. Short tempered with your children and with your spouse. The fruit of patience is one that God practices the most. If he can be patient with us, then, we must certainly be patient in all things and with others. Some say, “Oh don’t pray for patience, or you’ll be given a trial.” I say, “Lord, give me patience and all the whole fruit as well…for I want to be like you Lord. But give me lots of grace to go along with it. I fall short so many times. But you are always patient with me. Thank you God. Give us the fruit of your Holy Spirit and let us become more and more like you.” The part of the fruit that is the most precious is the fruit of Love it is God’s greatest gift. It is the gift of Himself. Love died for us, lives for us, and shows us how to love the way He loves. Forgives wrongs…does not judge…does not tell lies…suffers long, holds no offence or grudge…keeps promises…doesn’t gossip…does not murder…is not jealous…it cannot hate…His love considers others first and asks for nothing in return…it is given freely…The greatest part of this fruit is that it’s His Love. God, is, Love! The thing about God’s love is that when it is broken it multiplies…and it remains…and it grows and never ends…
God wants us to Love Him first and love others as we love ourselves…when we do this…we are loved…
This afternoon Bob and I were coming out of a store, we had gone to get some boxes for our move. A man was sitting on the curb he looked tired and dirty and asked if we had any change. Earlier I had looked in my wallet to see if I had any cash, I had a five dollar bill. Bob and I looked at each other and said, “The $5.00 bill.” I took it out and gave it to Bob and he handed it to him. His face lit up with gratitude. He wanted to get something to eat. I could see through his tattered weariness, he had a tender spirit. It didn’t matter why? We gave it in Jesus name. He kept saying, “Thank you and God bless you.” When we walked away I prayed silently, “Lord, send someone to talk to him about you. Save him Jesus.” As we were leaving we saw another lady talking to him intently but with kindness. (Our friend Kathy Langley introduced us to a man and woman, yesterday, Dan and Eleanor, they are with Restoration Bridge, they feed over 40,000 homeless people monthly and so we told this man where he could go to get food every Saturday.) As we drove back around to tell him, the woman was leading him to Jesus and she said her sister attended the church we mentioned. Praise the Lord! Jesus not only fed this man, but he gave him eternal life…This is what it is all about…God’s great love…he doesn’t look at the outward appearance, he looks at the heart!!! One plants, one waters, but God gives the increase!
Time and time again in the scriptures we read:
And God blessed them and said… Be fruitful and multiply (Adam and Eve), Genesis 1:28
And when he had given thanks he break it and said…(The Lords supper) 1 Corinthians 11:23-24
“Bring them here to me,” he said. And he directed the people to sit down on the grass. Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke the loaves. (The 5 loaves and 2 fish) Matthew 14:18-19
(Just as Jesus had been broken, he broke the bread, signifying his death, souls multiplied for the Kingdom of God. God doesn’t want us to be divided he wants us to multiply.)
“You didn’t choose me, remember; I chose you, and put you in the world to bear fruit, fruit that won’t spoil. As fruit bearers, whatever you ask the Father in relation to me, he gives you. “But remember the root command: Love one another. John 15:16-17 The Message (MSG)
1 Corinthians 3:6-9 Good News Translation (GNT) I planted the seed, Apollos watered the plant, but it was God who made the plant grow. The one who plants and the one who waters really do not matter. It is God who matters, because he makes the plant grow. There is no difference between the one who plants and the one who waters; God will reward each one according to the work each has done. For we are partners working together for God, and you are God’s field.
To Seek and Save
There is a soul living in each and every one
This is why I sent my son…
Souls dwelling in earthen vessels designed by my hand
When you look into another’s eyes you’ll see me,
Oh understand…
I made you each unique some strong and others weak…
You see it is the meek, who will inherit the earth…
I sent you and at your birth…
I designed a plan…
It is you I seek…to bring into my kingdom
On holy ground to stand upon the Promise Land
Where love and peace and joy abide…
Upon the earth is where I decide
Come with me and do not hide…
I will give your soul a place to soar…
Follow me I am the Lord…
And after you have said, yes,
Seek me and I’ll give you rest…
I have work for you to do,
Please understand there will be tests…
In me you’ll overcome…
Sons and daughters; family you’ll be, there will be no guests…
Heaven is home, where you belong; amazing grace will be your song…
You will never, ever walk alone…
The mission, bring more souls along…
For souls is why I gave my life…
Love is the reason I bled and died…
Love is who I am…
Love will carry you far and wide…
Love will bring you to my side…
Love is all it takes…to wash your sins away…
Love will give you a reason to stay
Love is heavens purest gift
Love is forgiveness…
Love is unconditional, Love is not afraid,
Open your heart and receive my love today…
Love always returns; even when you give it away…
Love conquerors fear
Love is brave
Love is near
Love holds no regrets; Love always forgets, all sins washed away
Love bears no guilt, no shame…Love is Jesus, just proclaim
You are forgiven in His name
Souls are why he came!
God is Love!
Jesus is Love’s name!
~Marla Shaw O’Neill March 22, 2018
Genesis 2:7 King James Version (KJV) And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.
Luke 19:1-10 New Living Translation (NLT) Jesus and Zacchaeus
Jesus entered Jericho and made his way through the town. There was a man there named Zacchaeus. He was the chief tax collector in the region, and he had become very rich. He tried to get a look at Jesus, but he was too short to see over the crowd. So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore-fig tree beside the road, for Jesus was going to pass that way.
When Jesus came by, he looked up at Zacchaeus and called him by name. “Zacchaeus!” he said. “Quick, come down! I must be a guest in your home today.”
Zacchaeus quickly climbed down and took Jesus to his house in great excitement and joy. But the people were displeased. “He has gone to be the guest of a notorious sinner,” they grumbled.
Meanwhile, Zacchaeus stood before the Lord and said, “I will give half my wealth to the poor, Lord, and if I have cheated people on their taxes, I will give them back four times as much!”
Jesus responded, “Salvation has come to this home today, for this man has shown himself to be a true son of Abraham. For the Son of Man came to seek and save those who are lost.”
Open your heart and Praise
When darkness over takes you, and you cannot see the Light
When all you have is your heartache, and you’re blinded without sight…
When the cares of this world, and the hate in people’s eyes, cause your mind to wonder, what’s right…
Draw from the Living Waters, God watches in the night…
Fall on your knees and cry aloud, God is not cloaked, he wears no shroud…
Lift up your head and shout, GOD IS NOT DEAD…HE WALKS ABOUT…
In the hills you will find him skipping like a doe, in the mountains and the streams God’s everywhere you go…He’s in the midnight hour and He’s in your dreams…God’s not dead He lives Supreme…He’s in the valley’s with little lambs and sheep…they hear His voice they know who speaks…He’s in the sunshine and He’s in the rain…you have nothing to lose and everything to gain…He’s in the forest where tall trees grow…He’s in the sea and walks the clouds in Victory…He’s in the streets and in the homes, the silent listener when no one knows…Yes God is with us…it’s you, He chose…
Lift up your head and lift up your hands, God is living, He is not dead…He speaks and the sound of His voice hushes the wind… His word commands…God understands, and He will not let you fall…
Open your heart and open your mouth, Oh let His praises begin…and do not quit until you see…God’s love, living inside of thee…darkness must yield to the Light of the King…He’s adored, restored, He’s full of mercy and grace. He’s the burden bearer, Peace giver, Demon slayer, Intercessor, He’s the friend of sinners and the lover of the saints, He’s the great physician, taken stripes for our healing, pierced by a spear, and nails were in His hands and feet…But more than all of these; He’s the Savior of the World…giving life to the dead, while darkness tried to wipe Him out…He SHOUTS from Heaven… “There is no doubt”…HE IS ALIVE, God is not dead…A crown of thorns once worn upon his head…Now a righteous crown, He wears instead…
Oh shattered one, do not be afraid…Light dispels the darkness; you must be brave…
On bended knee or standing tall…hear His voice, hear His call… “I am with you always and I always will be…look, can’t you see, I’m here, right beside thee…not only that I live within thee…”
Draw from the living waters; His Light is shining bright! Let others see God’s grace is bigger than any night. He’s bigger than sickness, bigger than hate. Praise God with a pure heart, for Praise opens the gates…. Praise Him until all darkness is vanquished, and the enemy runs away…Let holy praise spring up from your soul. Love God, Dear One, be courageous, and be bold!! Life is not in silver or gold…Life is the Light of the Son of God…Oh hear the Master say, “Love God with all your heart, mind and soul…and love your neighbor as yourself…” When you do this, all darkness goes…
Light, overcomes darkness, when you open your heart and fight…with Praise to the Living God, in faith, you have hope!
~Marla Shaw O’Neill inspired by Holy Spirit, Open your heart and Praise!
March 22, 2018
Psalm 150 King James Version (KJV)
Praise ye the Lord. Praise God in his sanctuary: praise him in the firmament of his power.
Praise him for his mighty acts: praise him according to his excellent greatness.
Praise him with the sound of the trumpet: praise him with the psaltery and harp.
Praise him with the timbrel and dance: praise him with stringed instruments and organs.
Praise him upon the loud cymbals: praise him upon the high-sounding cymbals.
Let every thing that hath breath praise the Lord. Praise ye the Lord.
2 Timothy 1:7 King James Version (KJV)
For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
Lucerne; Life, Breath of Life
I am always looking for a deeper meaning of things. Like the meaning of what words and names mean. This is so fascinating to me. We are looking to move into a community called Lucerne Lakes. I wondered what Lucerne meant and so, I, of course, went to Google.
I found that it was a city of central Switzerland on the northern shore of Lake Lucerne, an irregularly shaped lake surrounded by mountains. I’ve always been a mountain girl, more than a beach girl. Being born in northern Alabama I guess it is in my blood even though I moved from there when I was a baby. But I’ve always been partial to mountains and hills. So I found this very interesting. Then I kept looking and found that the origin of Lucerne was a Swiss place-name or Latin and means “Lamp.” And so I related it to the scripture, in Psalm 119:105 King James Version (KJV) which says, Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.
This is getting even more interesting. Going a little deeper I came across the Lucerne flower which means, Life, Breath of Life…AWESOME! There it is.
Five years ago I came to this place to live and even though I was happy…I cried and lamented many days because I missed my family, my children and grandchildren. But God kept saying to me, “This is where I want you. This is the place I’ve brought you to, to live and serve me. You said you’d go wherever I asked you to go and do whatever I asked you to do. Child, I love you and this is what’s best for you at this time.”
Just in the last few months I’ve become contented to obey and not question and not cry. I still miss my children and grandchildren but it is better to obey God.
Bob and I are in the process of buying a house and when I read, that Lucerne means, Life, Breath of Life…all was confirmed to me that this truly is the place God has brought me to. I am in His hands and what better hands could I be in than in my Papa God’s hands! God is good.
We don’t always understand why God says to do certain things, but we will never, ever, go wrong if we will listen and obey Him! He has our very best interest at heart. I’ve found too that it’s not just about me, He has a bigger picture and there are people he wants us to minister too and help to show them the path of life. He is Life, The Breath of life. For me it is Lucerne. For you, he will show you, if you will obey!
Not my will but thine be done O Lord…amen!
~Marla Shaw O’Neill March 20, 2018
Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. Psalm 119:105 KJV
Living with Mara
I wrote this in 2011, just for fun maybe one day I will finish it. It needs a lot of work but I thought you might enjoy it!
Living with Mara
It was the year of Yoton where all earth beings were driven to live beneath the sea of Kodar in a whole other universe. Kodar was found on the sixth moon of Yedia. It all began in 2012. Wars had broken out among the north, south, east and west. Earth quakes and tsunamis hit every three months and all that was left of Mother Earth were lands stripped of life. Plagues and death killed billions, no one could stop it. Then the fires came, radiation and hunger killing so many that the death toll was too high to count. The destruction was final.
Then out of nowhere they began coming. The Yotonians, strange flying ships appeared in the skies and blew up what was left of the earth. Those who did manage to survive took to the water. A strange phenomenon happened people grew gills behind their ears and fins along their ankles and on the backs of their heads.
Taking to the water the people swam deep into the depths of the seas, caves, and caverns. They discovered great cities and waterways which surprised them. Who could have done this? How? In the midst of all the chaos, death and destruction upon the earth life had found a way to go on. The Kingdom of Kodar was established. Under the seas were spheres, like moons, and two lights glowed like the sun which revolved around the underground ocean like spot lights. They would give light continuously for seven weeks then lights out as if someone turned the light switch off. Then the moons would take over. On the sixth moon was a place they called Yedia this is where the King and Queen were born Mandor and Elia they ruled with wisdom and strength. Their belief in God had not changed, for he was the creator of all life. Peace ruled their environment. The language and customs totally changed from the times of when they were on earth which now was a distant place of desolation. There were no wars and no destruction. The Yedians had discovered how to survive in a world of water and lands beneath the sea making their life, there, serene and tranquil. They were a race of one kind, one mind, with one purpose and one God. Their lives were lived to transcend time and space in a water-land-garden where peace and love grew and thrived.
Telepathy was their way of communication there were no need for words. They ate the vegetation of the ocean and lived in the harmony of that universe.
But evil was not far from them…always lurking just above in the upper world. The world where the air was stale and death hung like a body in decay.
Kendal was a young man of 118 he was a scientist, and a hunter, extremely strong and intelligent. He had a special talent for sensing danger and could alert his fellow Yedians by sending out a telepathic signal alerting them to hide from their enemy when danger drew near. They lived in peace as long as they were not seen or heard. This had taken years of practice developing special skills to protect them from their enemy above.
Their world was built inside a thick bubble that covered every inch of their Kingdom. A city of 50,000 men, women and children living in a secret world that no one on the surface ever dreamed existed. One morning while scouting for any sign of human life a Yotonian, Bescar was his name, from the outer world discovered something strange floating on the surface of the water. There was no explanation of what he found. It was the Yotonians who took over what remained of the so-called earth and wanted only specimens for their grotesque experiments they needed humans to carry out their desires. About 20,000 humans had survived on the surface who did not take to the waters but the Yotonians took them and experimented on them. Because of this the remaining humanity had all but vanished from the earth. Although they kept a few alive but their minds were locked in a zombie like trance.
The Yotonians were skinny lizard looking creatures, huge eyes that can see for miles, and long tongues. Two holes where their nose should have been and sharp razor like teeth protruded beneath slimy lips. Some even have dragon like wings but they were the lower of the species and could not speak they were like buzzards, scavengers devouring only dead things. Bescar looked into the water and saw a shiny substance glimmering just under the surface. Bescar scooped it up touching it to what should have been his nose but there was no smell. No taste and then it just evaporated. Puzzled and bewildered he dove into the water as he did he began to scream in terrible pain. The noise he made was not human it was shrill; a cry so terrifying the water shook. And then he stiffened and lay floating in the water as if frozen…he was dead.
His war cry sent a message to the mother-ship and twenty scouts came to his rescue but it was too late. The Yotonian buzzards came and began picking at the body. Soon he would not even be a memory to their kind.
Deep within the waters Kendal, sensed the danger and sent a message to his fellow Yedians they were under fluorescent scarlet alert (high intensity warning). Everything came to a stand-still, invisible to the eyes of anything around them. King Mandor telepathically sent Kendal a message. Kendal responded, your majesty we are under attack do not come forward until you hear my word. I will tell you when it is safe to materialize. Kendal had a speed faster than any living creature, he was likened to, what used to be known as the peregrine falcon, with a speed of up to 242 mph. Strong muscles and long pointed fins helped him navigate in the waters. He had been near the surface and lost one of his fins that is what Bescar had scooped from the water. Kendal could not let him live for fear he would alert his fellow Yotonians and discover their world and destroy them he didn’t count on the shrill scream. Like an electric eel he had struck Bescar killing him instantly. Now a search was being held the Yotonians were suspicious creatures and would not rest until they knew how Bescar had died. Kendal had to divert their search. With lightning speed he sent a huge wave from the opposite side of the ocean it came crashing over their ship causing them to run. Two were lost in the water and the others decided this was not a safe place for them so they left the area. For the time being Kendal’s kingdom was safe but he knew he had to do something to protect his people he knew the Yotonians would return.
Kendal sent a message to King Mandor for now they were safe but something had to be done. If discovered it would mean their death because they could no longer survive on land. He must go to Mara.
Mara was a bitter old woman who had survived sense 2012. She was wise from her years and knew the world from before. Kendal must go to her and ask her for advice. Mara didn’t have much hair. She kept her head covered with a scarf. Her scalp was embedded with pearls; blue, black and white, which protected her head and her mind in many ways. Once sparkling green eyes, were now cloudy with age, and what teeth she still had, were yellow and worn but sharp. Her body was bent like an old tree but her mind was sharp and keen. The diet from the sea preserved her well. She was the only one left of her kind. Only 12 years old when the destruction happened to her race. Over these 2000 years she had slept in a bubble an experiment the ones before her had done to keep her alive. Hoping that someday she could return to the surface and begin again but that had been futile. Over time she developed special gifts and talents and her body evolved just as the others. Her memory stayed intact she knew what life was before all this and sometimes when in a quiet place she could see things as they had been. So Mara was bitter but could not die. For some strange reason life had dealt her this fate. Being the last of her kind and knowing what she knew, she was considered to be the mother of them all. The strange beings she lived with now were her family and had been for more years than she cared to think about.
Kendal came to Mara’s cave far north of Kodar it was not a big place but the water here was bluer and cooler than what he was used to. Mara sensed him before he arrived. Kendal, I’m glad to see you, but go away, I am tired and need a nap. She knew why he had come, but just didn’t want to be disturbed. Mara, please we need your help. We are under the threat of attack. Yes, yes, I know all about it Kendal. I’ve been watching you in my mind’s eye. You should have been more careful going to the surface and losing one of your scales…you know how suspicious these creatures are why do you pester them? Mara I need the minerals from the surface to finish my experiment. Yes but now you have put our Kingdom in harm’s way. What is so important that you need these minerals? You are such a child. Mara listen, it’s because of the ecological condition of our universe. If I do not find the missing link we will all perish. Kendal, that would not be so bad for me, I am tired of this, I want to go to my sleep. I am ready to go. Mara, your name suits you well. For bitter it is that you speak this way. Yes, yes, Kendal, now what do you want? I am old and need to sleep.
Kendal was a little irritated but proceeded to ask her his questions. Mara can you tell me where the mountains use to stand before the waters covered them? What mountains are you speaking of Kendal? There were many. I believe it was a place called Jerusalem and a mountain I don’t recall the name of it. Yes there were mountains. If you travel east from here you will find what you are looking for. I went there many times as a child before the great and terrible floods and devastation. Please leave me alone now I must rest.
Alright, Mara, I will speak to you later. Go, get some rest. Mara swam to her bubble-like- cylinder, she closed the door, and fell into a blissful sleep.
While she slept she dreamed of her past life, her family, and how beautiful the land was. People spoke words to each other and celebrated life. In her dream she saw her mother and father. They were content with each other even though there was much turmoil in the world they made a good life for themselves and their off spring. They lived in a modest home. Outside she would visit a nearby park. The trees grew tall and broad. She listened to birds singing making their nests and she heard the cars driving past on a busy street. The sky was blue and the sun shone from far above giving light and nutrients to all of life. She ran on her own two legs feeling the ground under her feet. Dirt, precious dirt was all around. She picked flowers and the fragrance was sweet. Dogs ran about and cats lazily lay in window sills. People coming home after a long day at work, televisions and cell phones constantly buzzing taking everything for granted. Her dreams were bittersweet. A sudden jolt interrupted her peace. What? What is going on? Mara woke with a start! Standing over her were about fifteen council members. Mara, wake up there is trouble in the upper world.
~Marla Shaw March 18, 2011
Let Us See You!
Oh Most Holy God…
I want to see you Lord…
I want to see you open hearts of the lonely, the hurting, the dying, the thirsty, the hungry…
Lord you walk among the crowds and you see their hurt their crying in the night…
You see the desperation and the pain…
Oh God let me see your face…
Let me see your healing virtue extended to the sick. Let me see your salvation extended to lost souls…those who have no hope.
They have no way of deliverance. Only by your hand of grace extended to them…can they come…
They don’t even know who you are…they don’t know the name of Jesus…some don’t even know what Church is…they don’t know what it is to have a true, loving, relationship with you because no one has ever told them. They’ve never heard your story…Hard to believe that in this day of technology there are still those who have never heard about Jesus…
And those who may have heard think it is just a fantasy…They’ve been blinded by the enemy of God…He hates God, and God’s creation…
They’ve been abandoned and abused and kicked and used…O God these are the ones I cry for today…
These souls, the invisible ones…the ones that no one hears about because they are the outcast of our society…
Homeless, jobless, numb and forgotten…like the lepers of old…they are the untouchable ones…they cry but no one hears…
Lord, I cry they will see you…send an awakening O Lord…send your Holy Spirit into their midst and raise Abrahams and Isaacs and Jacobs…raise up Peters and Paul’s and Lydia’s and Marys; Raise up Marks and Abrams and Jonathan’s and Jasons…raise up Beth’s and Danas and Robs and Shannon’s and Boazs and Ruth’s and Easters…Raise them up O Lord…
Oh God speak to our youth and let them arise in your Holiness…to be strong and courageous…
Let your Holy Spirit and Fire burn within them and send them forth to the fields that are white ready for the harvest…Let them rise with the boldness of a Lion and a Love that is fierce and unconditional a love that only you could have given them…no pretense, no judgment, no prejudice, a love that reaches out to the rag-torn, lice inflected, drunken, prostituted, and those who stink from a life of unwashed and an unclean world…and bring them to the living, cleansing, water, of Jesus to the wells of forgiveness and grace…a place where they can be cleansed and built up and given love, a home, and a destiny…O God these are the ones I cry for and pray for today…
You have put them on my heart, Lord let us see your glory…
Let us see deliverance and salvation come forth in our land…speak to hearts of men and women and boys and girls all across these United States and let there be an awakening and soul winning as never seen in the history of our world. Sound the alarm and raise up young Davids who when faced with a giant ran towards him and not from him…and victory was wrought by the mighty hand of God with just a stone and a sling!
With Determined, Confident, Unshakable…Grace and fortitude for the Living God…So that no demon, no force will be able to deter them from the Call of the All Mighty God of Heaven and Earth…
Hear my prayer today O God for I know it is your prayer I know I am speaking from your heart and what you desire…Jesus…let me see you…Let me know you…Let my prayer be heard…and answered…
For the sick, the lame, the deaf, the mute, open eyes, open ears, open hearts, heal cancer…heal diseases…Oh God in the name of Jesus…let these things be done so that they will see with your eyes and hear with your ears, and know God is not DEAD! But He lives and still saves, still sets free…still delivers…still cast out demons…still loves and gives peace and joy to mankind…
You said, Greater is He who is in me, than he, who is in the world…
You said, Go and sin no more…You said, rise take up your bed and walk…You said, Go into the swine…You said, Freely you have received freely give…You said, greater works than these shall you do…You said, I have loved you with an everlasting love…You said, Be filled with the Holy Spirit…You said, Be healed…You said, If you see me than you see the father…You said, greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends…You said, I am the way the truth and the Life. You said, Your faith has made you whole. Jesus we are taking you at your word…
Let us see you move…let us take up our cross daily and follow you…wherever that may be…to compel the lost to come and follow you…To live by faith and walk in the Spirit…and never ever look back, or back down, or give up…For we trust in You the Living God…
We will overcome, we will live in your light, we will follow you, we will, Go!
Hear my cry today…and thank you for answering in Jesus name…Amen!!!!!
~Marla Shaw O’Neill March 19, 2018
Don’t Take My Word for It…Read it for Yourself
There are no more excuses…with todays technology the Bible is at your very fingertips there are Bible apps, and if you don’t like reading you can always hear it…The Bible does says, Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God…Romans 10:17.
JUST DO IT!!!
Know God’s word, what He says, is right and good, and you will never ever be deceived!
In the beginning was the word and the word was God…
Study to show yourself approved unto God…
Your word have I hidden in my heart…
Your word is a lamp unto my path…
The word of God is alive and active, sharper than any double-edged sword…
Make them holy by your truth; teach them your word, which is truth…
More to be desired than gold…
John 1:1-5 New King James Version (NKJV)
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.
2 Timothy 2:15 King James Version (KJV)
Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
Psalm 119:101-105 New Living Translation (NLT)
I have refused to walk on any evil path, so that I may remain obedient to your word. I haven’t turned away from your regulations, for you have taught me well. How sweet your words taste to me; they are sweeter than honey. Your commandments give me understanding; no wonder I hate every false way of life.
Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path.
Proverbs 4:20-23 New King James Version (NKJV)
My son, give attention to my words; Incline your ear to my sayings. Do not let them depart from your eyes; Keep them in the midst of your heart; For they are life to those who find them, And health to all their flesh. Keep your heart with all diligence, For out of it spring the issues of life.
Psalm 119:11 New King James Version (NKJV)
Your word I have hidden in my heart, That I might not sin against You.
Hebrews 4:12-13 Good News Translation (GNT)
The word of God is alive and active, sharper than any double-edged sword. It cuts all the way through, to where soul and spirit meet, to where joints and marrow come together. It judges the desires and thoughts of the heart. There is nothing that can be hid from God; everything in all creation is exposed and lies open before his eyes. And it is to him that we must all give an account of ourselves.
John 17:13-17 New Living Translation (NLT)
“Now I am coming to you. I told them many things while I was with them in this world so they would be filled with my joy. I have given them your word. And the world hates them because they do not belong to the world, just as I do not belong to the world. I’m not asking you to take them out of the world, but to keep them safe from the evil one. They do not belong to this world any more than I do. Make them holy by your truth; teach them your word, which is truth.
~Lord I ask that you put a burning desire within the hearts of everyone who reads your word and that we will want more and more of you. Like a living spring flowing from the very wells of heaven. Fill us with your word so that nothing and no-one will ever be able to deceive us, because, we know our Papa God’s voice and no stranger will we follow. In the name of Jesus. Amen and Amen!!
