The Witness
I saw the man do wondrous things
Many I cannot explain…
But as I live and breathe, I tell you His story still remains…
This is no tall tale, its true every word, listen and I’ll tell you everything I saw and heard…
To the wise, you will recognize, this man I have seen with my own eyes
I walked with him and ate with him, I lived with him, and I’m here to testify…
I’m a witness; I’ll tell you the truth of who this man truly is…
I saw him feed five thousand, I heard him preach to multitudes…
He spit in some clay and made some mud, then stuck it in a blind man’s eyes
Onlookers gasped shaking their heads and changed their attitudes
He went to the synagogue every Sabbath
His father’s house was a house of prayer
And when he put a lashing on the money changers there
I witnessed his disapproval of how they didn’t care…
Most tender, was the way he honored little children, how gentle and kind he was to them
Telling them they are the future and letting them hug him…
He never met a stranger, and the only ones he disliked, where those who pretended to love him, but their hearts were full of lies…
The woman at the well, she found out who he was…and running to her village saying, come and see the man…he is the true Messiah and on his word we can stand…
I saw a Commander; a solider under his command, needed a healing touch. Just say the word Master, it won’t take much…And in that same hour, faith had made him whole.
Oh it was such…
Delightful, and puzzling, but I knew there was something more…this man had to be…He had to be the Lord!
And watching as they tried him, and nailed him to a tree…I knew beyond a shadow of a doubt this man from Galilee…
He is the one, God’s only Son, came to set men free!!
I am a witness, who lived to tell this story unto thee!
Two thousand years from when I lived, you’ll see him in a book…
Don’t waste your time wondering, open and take a look…
And when the Holy Spirit Woo’s your questioning heart…
Believe me friend I witnessed him…open your heart and let him in…
And you too, will be a witness…that God’s love never ends!
~M.S. O’Neill December 28, 2017
You will be his witness to all people of what you have seen and heard. Acts 22:15 New International Version (NIV)
The Blood Transfusion
Blood loss and lying still
Transfusion is what I hear…
White light and tunnel near…
I must be dead, oh no, I fear…
Someone praying in my ear
I try to answer but they cannot hear…
And then I see the cross appear…
Blood pouring everywhere…
What does this mean?
My mind shouts and screams…
You need the blood to live…
I was a good person, I never hurt anyone…
I even went to Church a few times…
Doesn’t that count, I had no crimes?
So what’s this about the blood?
The voice talking within this realm
Asking me if I had been washed by Him…
Did I know Jesus, and how he shed his blood for me?
Just so I would live eternally…
A tiny sting is what I feel
Warmth running through my veins, surreal…
And just before I awake…
Someone says, Make no mistake
The blood you’re given is a temporary fix…
My blood came from a crucifix…
I look at His eyes and realize
This man is Jesus, and He never lies…
We’re not ready for you yet!
Wide eyed, I sigh, this much I know, and so,
I answer; Yes Sir, just let it flow…
I’ve been washed by the blood of the Lamb…
The transfusion I was given came straight from heaven…
Saved my life, now I am forgiven…
Waking up I see the face, of a precious saint through amazing grace…
Stayed by my side and prayed.
No more confusion…
I was given His transfusion…
The day I almost died.
If you are living but you’re not alive…
Here’s what you must do if you want to survive…to live on the other side…
Ask Jesus for a blood transfusion…
~M.S. O’Neill December 27, 2017
Ephesians 1:7-10 The Message (MSG) Because of the sacrifice of the Messiah, his blood poured out on the altar of the Cross, we’re a free people—free of penalties and punishments chalked up by all our misdeeds. And not just barely free, either. Abundantly free! He thought of everything, provided for everything we could possibly need, letting us in on the plans he took such delight in making. He set it all out before us in Christ, a long-range plan in which everything would be brought together and summed up in him, everything in deepest heaven, everything on planet earth.
Ephesians 1:7 New International Version (NIV) In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace
The Prayer Warriors
I was reading something a few days ago that made me sit up and really pay attention. It was a story about some soldiers who had fought a long and hard battle and when the war was over they were given a celebration. When they walked onto the platform, they were given a standing ovation…and immediately I thought about the warriors of prayer.
When we pray, fervently pray, those who are intercessors. Those who go into the battle to fight an unseen demonic enemy, those fully dressed in the battle armor, we go in, to fight, knowing God goes before us.
We fight for souls that are lost, and sick, and unaware of the invisible foe.
We fight with powerful words that God has given us to penetrate the enemy’s camp and destroy their strategies. We bombard heaven and implore God, to advance his Holy angels with us so that as we take on the legion of the worst of the worst we have nothing to fear. We pray in the spirit and with understanding…we glorify God and praise the Son…The Holy Ghost gives us the intercessory words to pray, He knows just how to fight.
Our weapons are not carnal they are supernatural weapons; we use them to fight in the unseen world of darkness, bringing souls into the light!!
We face the enemy head on. We do not retreat. We do not take orders from anyone but our Commander, The Lord Jesus Christ…
And when He says, to keep praying without ceasing, our war cries bring down strong holds, set lives free from bondage of sin and death. The prayers of the faithful servants of God accomplish much!! No fear of hurt, pain, suffering, loss, nothing holds us back in our advancement into the enemies camp…we are warriors, more than conquerors…our hearts are set on fire, to wipe out disease, putrid gas of destruction, commanding demons to flee and retreat at the name of Jesus Christ…
These are not microwave prayers…these are not fifteen minute prayers… these are prayers of mass destruction aimed directly at the enemy of the cross no matter how long it takes….speaking the words of God! Broken hearts mended, obliterating addictions; saving souls from hells-hounds and giving hope to the hopeless…unseen hands lifted upward, voices raised in holy words, truth, life and miracles uttered straight to the courts of God…mercy flows to unworthy mortals…God’s grace and love he extends to us…because someone prayed.
Blood, sweat and tears pour from the warriors of prayer…no thought, of care, or for their comfort…one mission, to pray fervent, righteous, faithful words, that God hears and responds to…Faith that moves mountains…love that conquerors hate…the sword of the spirit cutting through darkness, steel, bone and marrow…these are the intercessor’s, whose only purpose is to pray to the Commander and see His hand move on their behalf. To bring honor and glory to the Lord Jesus Christ!
And when these unwearied prayer warriors step out of this life and into the portals of God’s Holy City…Tens of thousands of angels and the saints who have come before, welcome these precious souls into the Kingdom of God. A standing ovation with roars of joy, their banners held high…and songs of jubilation, receive the warriors home.
A wall of names stands tall in the court of heaven…names engraved on stones of jasper trimmed in gold, for those who prayed and battles were won…prayers answered and victories done…because of the prayers of warriors who prayed and believed and took on the work God called them to do. Forever praying, believing, and knowing that God answers prayer. steadfast, immovable, washed in the blood of the Lamb…always ready, will not waver in the faith…will not run away but to the fight…these are the intercessors not even death will stop them…because they know how important it is to pray.
Be an intercessor…fight, the Good fight, of faith…
You may never know whose life you just saved because you prayed, God heard, and He, answered!
~M.S. O’Neill December 27, 2017
1 Timothy 6:12 King James Version (KJV) Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.
James 5:16 King James Version (KJV) Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.
Hebrews 4:11-13 21st Century King James Version (KJ21) Let us labor therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall according to the same example of unbelief.
For the Word of God is living and powerful and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-20 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. Do not quench the Spirit.
Luke 15:9-11 Good News Translation (GNT) When she finds it, she calls her friends and neighbors together, and says to them, ‘I am so happy I found the coin I lost. Let us celebrate!’ In the same way, I tell you, the angels of God rejoice over one sinner who repents.”
Now
Forgetting those things which are behind
No looking back, we can’t rewind
Time does not go backwards…
No do-overs, will change the past
Life goes on it only lasts…
As we pass on the lessons we’ve learned…
The wise will listen; and follow through
The fool continues in his folly
Wasting his time he will never find
The road he’s longing for…
They are blind, deaf, and dumb
Only humility will open the door…
With Wisdom, life can be restored.
Ask and it will be given
Seek and you will find
Knock and keep on knocking…
He, will open the door!
For the things you thought you wanted,
Are illusions, forever out of reach…
You see…
Time is invisible…
We are racing against the clock…
Over and over and over again, like waves upon the shore
They come in and they go out…
More…we cry…more…
But when you find your purpose for coming to this place
Contentment and surrender will be written on your face…
Past, no longer holds you, and future doesn’t exist…
Now is all that matters, now, is a holy kiss…
This moment lives forever in tranquil, beauty, and bliss!
Now, Faith is!
~Marla Shaw O’Neill December 27, 2017
Philippians 3:12-14 King James Version (KJV) Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus.
Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
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.
The Grass May be Greener But…
Looking around I find I’m lost
I’ve wandered off at a ghastly cost
Where are the others I think as I cross?
To the pasture on the other side…
The greener grass I wanted, I needed, I had to have…
Not heeding the shepherd or obeying his voice…
Now I’m trapped all alone with a terrible choice
I’m only trying to feed my belly…
But now my knees shake like jelly
Bah, I cry, Bah, Oh please…
Bah, Shepherd, come rescue me…
Coming face to face with the worst of my enemies…
Why didn’t I listen, to the Shepherd’s commands…
I’m just a poor sheep I don’t understand…
I’m weak and meager not worth very much…
Now it looks like I’ll be Mr. Wolf’s afternoon lunch…
A whirling sound buzzed by my ear…
The wolf ran off he was much a feared…
The Shepherd’s rod came just in time…
The greener grass will make you whine…
He’s all I want and all I need…
I’m just a sheep a humble breed…
Good Shepherd guides and gives and leads
All us sheep if we’ll just believe…
And after today, I’ll never stray…
Thank you Good Shepherd is all I could say!!
~M. S. O’Neill December 23, 2017
Matthew 18:12-13 Good News Translation (GNT) “What do you think a man does who has one hundred sheep and one of them gets lost? He will leave the other ninety-nine grazing on the hillside and go and look for the lost sheep. When he finds it, I tell you, he feels far happier over this one sheep than over the ninety-nine that did not get lost.
Gold, Frankincense and Myrrh
Some years had passed since the little babe was born
Living in a land distant and foreign…
Still following the star in search of the child
Wise, renowned, men had traveled many miles…
Entering the house they bowed, and humbly proclaimed
Messiah! We worship your holy name…
Traveling far and over much terrain
To bring you these gifts that will help sustain…
Your life in this earthly realm…
You’re more precious than the finest gold, here is our gift, for you to have, and to hold, to help you on your way…refined by fire, God’s treasured soul
Tortured and taken, they will hang you on a tree, the fragrance of frankincense poured out upon thee, the sight of your blood, mankind will see…Mediator, High Priest you’ll be…
Bitter is the path prepared for thee, so Myrrh is given, you’ll set many free…
For those who are wise will search for the King
Upon finding Him, it will mean everything.
This time of year reminds us to bring, the gift of our hearts,
Listen, you’ll hear the angels sing…
Gloria, to, the King of kings…
Wise men searched for a new born king in the city of David where prophecies ring…
Unto us a child is born, unto us a child is given…
Bethlehem…
City of the King!
He is the gift, He gave everything!
What will you, bring, to the King of kings?
~M. S. O’Neill December 23, 2017
Isaiah 9:6 King James Version (KJV) For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.
Matthew 2:1-12 New King James Version (NKJV) Wise Men from the East
Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, saying, “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him.”
When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born.
So they said to him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for thus it is written by the prophet:
‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, Are not the least among the rulers of Judah; For out of you shall come a Ruler Who will shepherd My people Israel.’”
Then Herod, when he had secretly called the wise men, determined from them what time the star appeared. And he sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the young Child, and when you have found Him, bring back word to me, that I may come and worship Him also.”
When they heard the king, they departed; and behold, the star which they had seen in the East went before them, till it came and stood over where the young Child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy. And when they had come into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary His mother, and fell down and worshiped Him. And when they had opened their treasures, they presented gifts to Him: gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
Then, being divinely warned in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed for their own country another way.
Pride, Pity and Praise
This morning I awoke and realized that something was not quite right in my spirit. I prayed, “Where are you God? I can’t hear you…I can’t see you…” and I realized I had allowed “stuff” to clog my heart and I needed to confess some things to the Lord. Wrong attitudes, complaints, resentments…and as I talked to the Lord about these things, the Holy Spirit began to reveal, my heart to me, because I asked him too. He does not force us.
I remembered the peace he had given me when my mom died, and at that time, I said, I never ever want anything to come between me and God, because the peace he gave was so pure and freed me from unforgiveness…but years go by and we become complacent and take Him for granted. Even though He shows us many things, and uses us for His glory…little foxes come and spoil the vine. (*Song of Sol. 2:15)
This morning these thoughts came to my mind as I prayed. I thought about, Pride, Pity and Praise.
Pride certainly blocks our communion with the Lord. We are centered on the “self.” And when self is on the throne of our hearts there’s no room for another.
Pity also blocks our communion because the “I, Me” is our focus. “Why can’t “I” have this, or, why can’t “I” be like that, or, why doesn’t anyone care about “me?” Poor pitiful thing…
Then there is Praise. Not the praise of self, but praise to God. The Holy Spirit spoke to my heart and said, “Praise opens the gates into the courts of the throne room of God. Our eyes are taken off of self and focus on the Living God. He is our Hiding Place, He is Love and grace…our hearts become free and unfettered in His presence. Life emerges and we can see clearly who He is.
Then I had a vision…the room was dark and someone, I couldn’t tell if it was a man or a woman, was sitting at a desk writing. Light illuminated only where the hand was writing and the Holy Spirit said, “Praise brings the light!”
We can know the Lord, study his word, know all Scripture and sing songs and pray. But unless we are enlightened by His grace we are empty vessels. When we begin to concentrate on who He, is and what He, accomplished and forget about ourselves…then the light of His grace and mercy will burn like a bright light in our souls…
We can become so distracted by what we want, and what we think, that before we know it, everything is all about us…It takes the light of His Holy Spirit and His word to reveal Jesus to our hearts so that we can be clean and holy in His sight…writing for His glory…singing or preaching or greeting, or giving, our motives must be about what He wants, not what we want…
I hope this encourages you today. Stop what you are doing right now, and open your heart and mind and see if there is anything blocking you from hearing and seeing His light. Let go of pride and pity and open your mouth in Praise to Him who sits on the throne and unto the Lamb…Be blessing and honor and power and glory, forever….(*Rev. 5:13 NKJV)
God bless you on your journey…
All is well with my soul!
~Marla Shaw O’Neill December 21, 2017
John 8:12 English Standard Version (ESV) I Am the Light of the World
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.”
Psalm 119:105 Good News Translation (GNT) Light from the Law of the Lord Your word is a lamp to guide me and a light for my path.
*Song of Solomon 2:14-15King James Version (KJV) O my dove, that art in the clefts of the rock, in the secret places of the stairs, let me see thy countenance, let me hear thy voice; for sweet is thy voice, and thy countenance is comely. Take us the foxes, the little foxes, that spoil the vines: for our vines have tender grapes.
*Revelation 5:13 New King James Version (NKJV) And every creature which is in heaven and on the earth and under the earth and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, I heard saying: “Blessing and honor and glory and power Be to Him who sits on the throne, And to the Lamb, forever and ever!”
The Book
This is dedicated to all our children!