Be Courageous Be Bold Hebrews 4:16

Do not walk….but run to the place of the shadow of the almighty and stay there for as long as it takes!!!

He is there waiting for you!!

He wants to give you, unbelievable, unshakable, undeniable, indestructible, Full, Miracle sustaining PEACE!!!

Are you sick?

Are you afraid?

Are you fighting a battle that can’t be won in your own strength or knowledge?

Have you exhausted every avenue and no one is able to help you?

Are you carrying around unforgiveness, bitterness, envy, hatred, cares, or low self-image?

Are your best friends doubt and confusion?

Are you tired so tired you can’t sleep?

Are you dying?

Are you alone and lonely?

Are you broken, shattered into a million tiny pieces?

RUN…RUN…RUN, to the dwelling place, the secret place where God is calling…

Come!

Come to me all you who are broken, I will mend your broken heart…

Come to me all you who are tired and worn out, I will give you my Joy for strength…

Come to me all you who are lost and afraid, I will protect you and put my Spirit of Courage within you…

You will stand strong because you are equipped with my weapons to fight…

You will no longer hang your head in despair…

You will no longer sit in self-pity and doubt…

I will lift you up on Eagles wings and you will soar in the heavenly places…

You will see me as you sit with me in my dwelling place…

My light will shine on you and your countenance will glow…

Because you dwell with me in the secret place of safety and fullness….

I am your hiding place…

I am your strong tower…

I am your provision and strength and health and help…

Run to my dwelling place and you will find rest…

For I have fought the battle it is already won…

And as you dwell under the shadow of the Almighty and tarry in my presence…

You will be renewed with vitality…and encouragement to stand…

You will not fall…

You will not die…

You will live and declare the wonderful works of the LORD…

Come on…and you will see…do not wait, come now and dwell with me!

~Abba

–Marla Shaw O’Neill

Psalm 118:17-20The Message (MSG)

I didn’t die. I lived! And now I’m telling the world what God did. God tested me, he pushed me hard, but he didn’t hand me over to Death. Swing wide the city gates—the righteous gates! I’ll walk right through and thank God! This Temple Gate belongs to God, so the victors can enter and praise.

 

I have something I want to share with you. I’ve been thinking about it for some time now. It’s serious and heart breaking. It’s about a young woman I knew years ago. I’m not going to give her name but it’s a story I feel I need to share at this time.

She was a young woman of thirty-eight with three children. When I met her she was bright and cheerful and loved life and people. When she was herself she was a joy to be around. She was happy, everyone’s friend. She’d do anything she could to help you.

But…her life was in total chaos. From an injury, she got hooked on pain killers that took her down a path no one should ever go.

She told lies upon lies, so that she could get that fix…

Drugs were her only focus…

Prostitution…stealing and time spent behind bars…

Over and over and over and over; like waves tossed about in an ocean she lived in endless torment…Years and years of living a life of hell and defeat…

People who loved her could not trust her, and were done trying to help her…they were exhausted from years of trying, they told her…it was up to her now…

I’m telling you all this for a reason, please bear with me…don’t tune me out…

On this one pivotal day, she appeared at my house…she was dirty, wearing only a house coat…and no shoes…she was frantic, scared and haggard in every way…

She ran to me and hugged me it seemed like a death grip…she was holding on to a life-preserver not wanting to let go…

I said, “Come in let’s get you cleaned up.” There was such a wild look in her eyes but a sigh of relief on her face as she came in…

She took a shower and I gave her some clothes and shoes to wear. She sat down in a chair and I sat across from her. She said, “Marla, I need God!”

I said, “It’s OK, God is right here with you.”

The wildness left her eyes. But she was fidgety.

She was taken to the hospital…she vowed to continue recovery…and she was released to go home.

She came to my house for Christmas she looked rough but hopeful…that was in December…

In February her cousin, a beautiful woman, committed suicide…we all attended the funeral…

In March, this beautiful, broken woman was found…thrown into a shallow grave…she had been murdered…

I’m sorry if this is shocking…but I hope to get your attention I hope that you will hear me…

This life is hard…and it’s messy and it’s terrible and its heart breaking…without Faith and hope and love…even in the best of circumstances…we fail miserably without the Savior…

Why do I write…?

I write to tell you that without Jesus, I could have been that woman…I was going down a path that was leading me straight to hell…and it was only by the grace and mercy of God that I got out of it…

We all have our stories to tell…maybe you know someone like this young woman…maybe she’s you…but you don’t have to continue on that path…there is hope, there is an answer, there is a way to freedom and life and health and joy…

This is the reason I write…to give you the answer…I couldn’t save that one, I couldn’t help her…but maybe just maybe something I write, might help someone to see and change and walk another path….

To this day as far as I know, they never found the person who murdered this young woman…But God knows…

If you are hurting and lost and need help…don’t wait…don’t put it off…the nudging you feel within you is the Holy Spirit saying, make the call…

The pits you’re in, you don’t have to stay in them…

There is hope…

God is with you…

There are two paths in life…

One is Broad…it’s wide open…but it will take you to a shallow grave…

This path will be where the party is…lots of people success, fun times… until it gets you in its grip…deception will stripe you of honor and health and will leave you on the streets with no one and nothing…it will leave you craving for more…there is never enough…

The other is Narrow…there’s just enough room for you and the Savior…it will take you to life and peace…

This path will seem lonely and not popular…there will be tears yes, but you will have peace that passes understanding, more love that can fill the sky…and it will give you people you can trust and depend on, a family that sticks together through everything…there is always enough…

The choice is yours…

#1. The Broad Path or

#2. The Narrow Path

–Marla Shaw O’Neill

“Don’t look for shortcuts to God. The market is flooded with surefire, easygoing formulas for a successful life that can be practiced in your spare time. Don’t fall for that stuff, even though crowds of people do. The way to life—to God!—is vigorous and requires total attention. Matthew 7:13-14The Message (MSG)

“Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it. Matthew 7:13-14New King James Version (NKJV)

 

This morning as I woke, I heard, “O taste and see that the Lord is good….and For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you show the Lord’s death until he comes…” These thoughts came to me, over and over again…

Being a Christian, if we dwell in the natural, if our thoughts are on what’s happening around us, and what’s happening to those, around us, we can become anxious, fearful, negative, and complain, and unpleasant to be around.

But…

If we take a few moments and taste of the Lord and his sweetness…O what a difference it makes in us. We will eat of the bread of life and drink the cup of sweet goodness…our thoughts become healthy and joyful…there’s freshness in our souls…Then we have tasted of the goodness of the Lord and we have seen his benefits…and then no matter what we are challenged with in our day…we know our strength and our help is in Him. For as often we do this, we will remember it’s him who died to give us life! Our life is in, Him.

Psalm 34 The Message Bible

A David Psalm, When He Outwitted Abimelech and Got Away

I bless God every chance I get;
my lungs expand with his praise.

I live and breathe God;
if things aren’t going well, hear this and be happy:

Join me in spreading the news;
together let’s get the word out.

God met me more than halfway,
he freed me from my anxious fears.

Look at him; give him your warmest smile.
Never hide your feelings from him.

When I was desperate, I called out,
and God got me out of a tight spot.

God’s angel sets up a circle
of protection around us while we pray.

Open your mouth and taste, open your eyes and see—
how good God is.  Blessed are you who run to him.

Worship God if you want the best;
worship opens doors to all his goodness.

Young lions on the prowl get hungry,
but God-seekers are full of God.

Come, children, listen closely;
I’ll give you a lesson in God worship.

Who out there has a lust for life?
Can’t wait each day to come upon beauty?

Guard your tongue from profanity,
and no more lying through your teeth.

Turn your back on sin; do something good.
Embrace peace—don’t let it get away!

God keeps an eye on his friends,
his ears pick up every moan and groan.

God won’t put up with rebels;
he’ll cull them from the pack.

Is anyone crying for help? God is listening,
ready to rescue you.

If your heart is broken, you’ll find God right there;
if you’re kicked in the gut, he’ll help you catch your breath.

Disciples so often get into trouble;
still, God is there every time.

He’s your bodyguard, shielding every bone;
not even a finger gets broken.

The wicked commit slow suicide;
they waste their lives hating the good.

Child, I see you. I want you to know you are not alone.

You are not going through all of this alone.

I know you don’t understand. I know your heart is broken and I know you’re stress level is off the charts. I know life gets messy. I know you have questions and no answers. I see the situation.

I know you’re a young woman with a family and a husband and responsibilities and I know the sickness that has invaded your life. I see you and I want you to know I am right here with you in it.

I know you are an elderly person. You’re confused and living alone. I understand the loneliness you feel and that you are feeble. The doctor visits, the medications you have to take every day. It gets overwhelming. Your body is weak and you’re in pain most of the time. I am with you, you are not alone.

I know you are a young person with a struggling career. Juggling finances to make ends meet. Running on energy drinks and Ramen noodles and trying to please a boss who’s a tyrant. I want you to know, I am right here with you. You are not alone.

I see people everywhere running and stressed and complaining…I see wars and disease and killings and hatred. I see women and children abused and perversions of every kind. I see husbands and wives in despair doing the best they can for their children but failing in their attempts. I hear you scream, “Why?” I see your frustration and anxiety and depression. I have never left you, not even for one second. But you refuse my help. You refuse my guidance. You refuse the answer. You won’t even acknowledge me.

I gave you all you would ever need to face all these things. But you refuse, reject and deny me. I love you so much. But you don’t accept my love.

I sent the one who can save you. I gave you my son. Some of you have met him, but you deny his power. You deny his name. You deny that he can do anything to give you the very thing you seek.

I gave you my word, and my will, to protect you, to heal you, to deliver you. I kept my promise to give you another Friend, to be with you and to live inside of you. But you say he is not real.

There is nothing more I can do. You, have to do something. You have to believe. You must ask. Then you will hear me say, Hear I am, I am with you. I will never leave you or forsake you. I will heal you. I will deliver you from death and give you a full life. I will give you my peace and my joy and put my love within you. But you have to do your part. That part is, to trust me.

Right now no matter what you are facing…no matter what your problem or challenge is…stop, take a breath and simply ask, and I will step into your circumstance and turn everything around and move heaven and earth to give you my peace in the midst of what it is you’re going through.

Listen. Did you hear that man over there telling you everything is going to be OK? That was me telling you. Did you see that nurse holding your loved ones hand and say don’t be afraid it’ll be alright? That was me.

Did you just read that post that said, God is love and he wants the very best for you? That was me.

I AM WITH YOU!

Do not be afraid. Do not be anxious. Open your heart wide and let me live in you. It’s my love that will sustain you. It’s my faith living in you and reaching out to everyone you come in contact with.

Open your heart and mind and let me come and sit with you and talk to you and tell you everything is going to be alright!

I love you more than you can imagine…

~Your loving Abba…I am closer than your heartbeat…but  if you want my help, you have to let me in…

~Jesus

John 15:7-8 The Message (MSG)

“I am the Vine, you are the branches. When you’re joined with me and I with you, the relation intimate and organic, the harvest is sure to be abundant. Separated, you can’t produce a thing. Anyone who separates from me is deadwood, gathered up and thrown on the bonfire. But if you make yourselves at home with me and my words are at home in you, you can be sure that whatever you ask will be listened to and acted upon. This is how my Father shows who he is—when you produce grapes, when you mature as my disciples.

Psalm 68:6 New King James Version (NKJV)

You are forgiven…

So you were a drunk…

You were a junkie…

You were a pimp…

You were a prostitute…

You were a gambler…

You were an adulterer…

You were a murderer, a liar, a thief, and embezzler…

You were a child abuser…

You were self-righteous…

You were a bigot…

You were, you fill in the blank…

Whatever you, were, the second you asked Jesus to come into your heart and be the Lord of your life and mean it with all your heart…

YOU ARE FORGIVEN…

You are a NEW Creature in Christ Jesus…

New Born…New Life…

Sin, no longer has a hold on you; you are Redeemed, Set Free from Sin and Death! By the blood of Jesus and the power of the Holy Spirit!

So when someone comes to you and starts throwing your past in your face…you do not have to be defensive, because the person you once were, no longer exists…You are a new person in Christ Jesus.

If you try to bring up your past sin to God, He will look at you and say, “What sin? I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

When the woman caught in adultery, was brought before Jesus and the religious men of the day wanted to stone her…Jesus said, “You who are without sin, cast the first stone…” They dropped their stones one by one and walked away…Then he looked at the woman and said, “Woman where are your accusers? Didn’t even one of them condemn you?”

“No, Lord,” she said.

Jesus said, “Neither do I condemn you. Go and sin no more.” (John 8:10-11 NLT)

So, I’m telling you this, go, and do not sin, again.

When we confess our sin, Jesus takes them and cast them as far as the east is from the west… (Psalm 103:12 NLT)

No condemnation…No sin…we are forever changed. Sin no longer has hold on us. So don’t let anyone tell you, you aren’t forgiven. Don’t let anyone put guilt or shame on you ever again…Jesus died so that you can live…He did not rot in the tomb…He took the keys to hell, death and the grave and He is alive. He is sitting at the right hand of our Father in heaven and he is praying for you…

So don’t you ever doubt your salvation…EVER!! Amen!

Romans 8:1-15 New International Version (NIV)

Life Through the Spirit 

Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death. For what the law was powerless to do because it was weakened by the flesh, God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh to be a sin offering. And so he condemned sin in the flesh, in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. 

Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace. The mind governed by the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so. Those who are in the realm of the flesh cannot please God. 

You, however, are not in the realm of the flesh but are in the realm of the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, they do not belong to Christ. But if Christ is in you, then even though your body is subject to death because of sin, the Spirit gives life because of righteousness. And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of his Spirit who lives in you. 

Therefore, brothers and sisters, we have an obligation—but it is not to the flesh, to live according to it. For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live. 

For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to son ship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.” 

–Marla Shaw O’Neill April 20, 2017

Eyes glazed over not able to see

The Spirit of God was wooing me…

Funny, buzzing sound, around my ear

Swatting at nothing, nothing I hear…

Blind, but not knowing that I cannot see

There’s someone watching and following me…

Whispering, “Come, come and receive

A special gift, it’s one you need…”

Suzie my friend said, “You wanna go to church?

They talk about Jesus and his very special birth…”

“I’ve never been to church what’s it like?” I say.

“Oh it’s exciting and happy especially when we pray.”

“Ok I guess so; I’ll go with you next Sunday.”

Head pounding, knees shaking, there’s a strange feeling in my heart.

I’ve never heard all this before–

The man said Jesus, is knocking at my hearts door.

Is that why my heart beats so, and if it is, then I want to know…”

Taking steps forward, down the long walk I go…

Straight up to the pastor, “Sir I want to know…

Who is this Jesus, and how does he get in my heart?”

“Little lady its simple, bow your head and we will start; repeat after me.”

“Lord, I’m a sinner and I need to be saved. Come into my heart and I’ll obey. Make me a new creation, transform my soul. So that I can live, like you live Jesus, and let everybody know. Come into my heart, and let me love you the most, in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Ghost. Amen.”

That buzzing sound I’ve been hearing wasn’t a bug at all…it was just Jesus wanting me to respond to his loving, caring, call…

Saved and redeemed, I’ve learned since then…life’s so much better when we begin…

New born in heaven, new born on earth…I am forgiven and of great worth…

I’m a child of the King, my journey is secure, and with that intact, I’ve got everything!

–Marla Shaw O’Neill April 20, 2017

But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 19:14King James Version (KJV)

Galatians 5:22-23 New Living Translation (NLT)

But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!

Jesus,

I can’t, but you can…

I can’t heal the sick…

But in the name of Jesus, you said, we will lay hands on the sick and they shall recover…

I can’t cast out demons…

But Jesus you said, In your name we can bind them and cast them out and they have to obey…

I can’t save a soul…

But Jesus, you said, if we believe in our heart and confess with our mouth the Lord Jesus Christ that we shall be saved…

I can’t turn water into wine…

But Jesus you said, Greater works than these shall we do because you go to the Father…

I can’t raise the dead…

But Jesus you said if we ask anything in your name and believe and do not doubt, we can say to this mountain be removed and cast into the sea and it shall be done…

I can’t calm the sea…

But you spoke the word…Peace be still and all was calm

I can’t walk on water…

But You did, and you bid Peter too also…

I can’t do anything of myself…

But, I CAN DO ALL things…Through Christ Jesus who gives me strength…

Jesus, IN you, is our Hope…

Lord, here I am…

I open my heart to you, come into my heart and take all of me and fill me with your God Nature…

Let me know you…

Let me walk with you

Let me talk with you

Let my thoughts be your thoughts and your ways my ways…

Be the lantern that lights my path…

Be the joy and hope and faith that will carry me all the way to where you dwell

That I may dwell with you forever!

And that you may know me…transform me…

Take my heart of stone and give me one of flesh…

Let my will become your will…

You’re nature is Love, Joy, Peace, Patience…

You’re nature is Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, and Self-control. There is no law against these things.

I can’t, but you can!

But, Jesus…

I can, surrender my life to you

I can, pray and believe

I can, worship you and you only

I can sing your praises

I can, stand in the place of others and intercede for them

I can, read your word and obey your word

I can, sit with you in heavenly places here and now

I can, honor you with my heart and not just lip service

I can have faith knowing in whom I believe

I can, humble myself before you and before my fellow man and walk upright before you

I can, keep my eyes on you and listen when you speak

I can, love you and love others as I love myself

I can, serve you with gladness

I can, forgive

I can, be an example of your grace

I can, give and seek and knock on heaven’s door…

I can, help the poor

I can, do all these things, because you give me strength,

In the Name of Jesus, I can!

–Marla Shaw O’Neill April 20, 2017

I thank you for my gifts of life

Four, Oh, what delight…

Sons of God, men of might…

You sent them to me…

No greater gift could ever be…

Then those gifts of life sent from thee…

Growing tall and growing wise

Filled with wonder seen with my eyes…

These gifts of life, I can’t deny…

Sons of spirit, sons held high…

Gifts, sent down from heaven.

I thank you, LORD,

For giving these gifts of life!

 

–Marla Shaw O’Neill April 19, 2017

Half sleeping, half awake, that in between time just before waking… I hear a conversation. I recognize three voices. The son says, “Father, let’s show her a glimpse of our glory.” The Father says, “Son, I think that’s a great idea.” “I agree.” said Holy Spirit.”

They weren’t talking directly to me, but I was there in their presence. I heard their conversation. How awesome is that? This is really getting exciting. Not only is the Holy Spirit talking to me on a daily basis. Now I’m in the place where they are, and they allowed me to hear them talking. I’m no one special. I’m just an old woman who is totally in love with Jesus, the Father and the Holy Spirit. Not only that, but they are totally in love with me too!

And everyone who knows them and wants too; has the same access to them, as long as they’re clean before them and have a longing heart for them.

I am anticipating what this glimpse could be. Maybe it’s this….They allowed me to hear their conversation.

I know some may think, “She’s losing it, she’s hearing voices.” But it’s not like that. It’s more like thoughts that you’re hearing, but not your own. I can’t explain it. I know, you who have heard them, know what I’m talking about.

Abba is real. Jesus is real. The Holy Spirit is real. Read His Word. Talk to them. We have access through Jesus the son of God. And Jesus said, “I am sending you another Friend to be with you.”

That Friend is the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit reveals Jesus to us.

All I know is that it’s amazing and there is nothing nor anyone I’d rather be listening to than them!! He confirms His word.

See the following scriptures.

Jesus is talking to his disciples…

John 14: 1-31 The Message (MSG)

The Road

“Don’t let this throw you. You trust God, don’t you? Trust me. There is plenty of room for you in my Father’s home. If that weren’t so, would I have told you that I’m on my way to get a room ready for you? And if I’m on my way to get your room ready, I’ll come back and get you so you can live where I live. And you already know the road I’m taking.”

Thomas said, “Master, we have no idea where you’re going. How do you expect us to know the road?”

Jesus said, “I am the Road, also the Truth, also the Life. No one gets to the Father apart from me. If you really knew me, you would know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him. You’ve even seen him!”

Philip said, “Master, show us the Father; then we’ll be content.”

“You’ve been with me all this time, Philip, and you still don’t understand? To see me is to see the Father. So how can you ask, ‘Where is the Father?’ Don’t you believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words that I speak to you aren’t mere words. I don’t just make them up on my own. The Father who resides in me crafts each word into a divine act.

“Believe me: I am in my Father and my Father is in me. If you can’t believe that, believe what you see—these works. The person who trusts me will not only do what I’m doing but even greater things, because I, on my way to the Father, am giving you the same work to do that I’ve been doing. You can count on it. From now on, whatever you request along the lines of who I am and what I am doing, I’ll do it. That’s how the Father will be seen for who he is in the Son. I mean it. Whatever you request in this way, I’ll do.

The Spirit of Truth

“If you love me, show it by doing what I’ve told you. I will talk to the Father, and he’ll provide you another Friend so that you will always have someone with you. This Friend is the Spirit of Truth. The godless world can’t take him in because it doesn’t have eyes to see him, doesn’t know what to look for. But you know him already because he has been staying with you, and will even be in you!

“I will not leave you orphaned. I’m coming back. In just a little while the world will no longer see me, but you’re going to see me because I am alive and you’re about to come alive. At that moment you will know absolutely that I’m in my Father, and you’re in me, and I’m in you.

“The person who knows my commandments and keeps them, that’s who loves me. And the person who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and make myself plain to him.”

Judas (not Iscariot) said, “Master, why is it that you are about to make yourself plain to us but not to the world?”

“Because a loveless world,” said Jesus, “is a sightless world. If anyone loves me, he will carefully keep my word and my Father will love him—we’ll move right into the neighborhood! Not loving me means not keeping my words. The message you are hearing isn’t mine. It’s the message of the Father who sent me.

“I’m telling you these things while I’m still living with you. The Friend, the Holy Spirit whom the Father will send at my request, will make everything plain to you. He will remind you of all the things I have told you. I’m leaving you well and whole. That’s my parting gift to you. Peace. I don’t leave you the way you’re used to being left—feeling abandoned, bereft. So don’t be upset. Don’t be distraught.

“You’ve heard me tell you, ‘I’m going away, and I’m coming back.’ If you loved me, you would be glad that I’m on my way to the Father because the Father is the goal and purpose of my life.

“I’ve told you this ahead of time, before it happens, so that when it does happen, the confirmation will deepen your belief in me. I’ll not be talking with you much more like this because the chief of this godless world is about to attack. But don’t worry—he has nothing on me, no claim on me. But so the world might know how thoroughly I love the Father, I am carrying out my Father’s instructions right down to the last detail.

“Get up. Let’s go. It’s time to leave here.”

What did Jesus do? He didn’t go around showing off…He didn’t point his finger at a mountain and BOOM it exploded. But he could have. He didn’t blow on a tree and hurl it into the next town. But He could have.

He did say in Mark 11:22, “So Jesus answered and said to them, “Have faith in God. For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be removed and be cast into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says.

He did take clay and spit and healed a blind man.

John 9: 6-7, When He had said these things, He spat on the ground and made clay with the saliva; and He anointed the eyes of the blind man with the clay. And He said to him, “Go, wash in the pool of Siloam” (which is translated, Sent). So he went and washed, and came back seeing.

He did lay his hands on sick and they recovered. He did cast out demons by speaking a word.

Luke 4: 40-41, When the sun was setting, all those who had any that were sick with various diseases brought them to Him; and He laid His hands on every one of them and healed them. And demons also came out of many, crying out and saying, “You are the Christ, the Son of God!” And He, rebuking them, did not allow them to speak, for they knew that He was the Christ.

What are you looking for? Are you looking for grandiose demonstrations of power and might and then, you’ll believe? Jesus said unto him, “Thomas, because thou hast seen Me, thou hast believed. Blessed are they that have not seen and yet have believed.” John 20:29.”

Faith is not flashing lights and nuclear explosions…Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen…Hebrews 11:1

What pleases God? Not, money. Not, what you do for him. Not, all your sermons or prayers to be seen as though you are something special.

Faith pleases God. God gets all the glory not man.

If you are waiting for miracles and wonders and signs…before you believe…if you want to see just to see, well, you are going to be waiting a very long time.

Matthew 16:1, the Pharisees also with the Sadducees came, and tempting desired him that he would shew them a sign from heaven.

Matthew 16:4, Jesus said, A wicked and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given unto it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas. And he left them, and departed.

But if you are seeking him, searching for him with a pure heart and living a righteous life before the King of kings and Lord of lords, if you are helping your neighbor and feeding the orphans and widows and keeping yourself clean before the Lord, if you are loving him and have no ulterior motive but to see Him lifted up…

Then, Jesus said in… Mark 11:24, Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them.

I have to say this…When we are born…we come into this world a sinner and we’re in darkness. We are in need of THE SAVIOR! That is Jesus. The Holy Spirit draws us gently; he never pushes or demands…He will not go against our free will…

If we ignore him, he is very persistent but in a loving and kind way he will continue to pursues us…

He will not give up on us.

If there is this a gnawing in your heart and mind, if you have this sense that you know there has to be something more to this life…that this can’t be all there is…

That is the Holy Spirit drawing you. No one can come to the Father unless the Spirit draws him…

Can I be real blunt with you? Jesus loves you…He died for you…Not only died but was executed for YOU and for me!! If you have been ignoring the pull towards Jesus…Now is the time to stop what you are doing…get alone with him, open your heart to that tug…Ask Jesus to come into your heart and be the Lord of your life for the rest of your life, and all eternity. Find someone you know, that knows more about Jesus than you do, someone you respect, and tell them you want to know more about Jesus. Then take that step of FAITH and Jesus will honor you and He will fill you with the precious Holy Spirit…nothing eerie or weird…the Holy Spirit is the best friend you’ll ever have. He’ll be your helper and comfort you, He will teach you all about Jesus, He’ll speak to your heart and tell you right from wrong, He’ll lead you into truth, He’ll keep you on the right road. But He will never force you.

Life will look different. Nature will come alive and you’ll wonder why you never saw for felt this way before. You will be filled with light and wisdom.

…Don’t wait…Don’t put it off until some other time…Now is the time! Open your heart to Jesus. He will fill you with peace and love you’ve never ever known before.

And then….Mark 16: 17-18, And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; they will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.”

When your heart gets right…everything is a miracle!

There will still be things that won’t go right…but you’ll have a friend that sticks closer than a brother…you’ll have access to the very heart room of God the Father, Jesus the Son and the Precious Holy Spirit!

I promise it is an adventure you’ll be glad you accepted, for-ever!!!!

–Marla Shaw O’Neill April 19, 2017

    

I found this story this morning, it was written in one of my mama’s journals. Mom’s birthday is the 26^th of April, 1932, my son Jonathan was born on the 26^th of April 1985.

     Mom went home to be with the LORD on July 16, 2015. In memory of my mom, I’m writing this story. Mom was an evangelist for many years. She loved Jesus. She started churches, she was a Soul-winner, there’s a word we don’t hear anymore. Many signs and wonders followed her, because she believed what Jesus said, is true!! Think about this, are you walking with the World or with Jesus?

The Forbidden Romance

(The Church walking with the World)

James 4:4 – Whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.

The Church and the World walked far apart, on the changing shores of time. The World was singing a giddy song, and the Church a hymn sublime.

“Give me your hand” cried the merry World, “And walk with me this way;”

But the good Church hid her snowy hand, and solemnly answered, “Nay.”

I will not give you my hand at all, and I will not walk with you. Your way is the way of endless death; your words are all untrue.”

“Nay, walk with me but a little space,” said the World with a kindly air; “The road I walk is a pleasant road, and the sun shines always there. Your path is thorny and rough and rude, and mine is broad and plain; my road is paved with flowers and gems and yours with tears and pain. The sky above me is always blue, no want, no toil I know; the sky above you is always dark; your lot is a lot of woe. My path, you see is a broad, fair path and my gate is high and wide—There is room enough for you and for me to travel side by side.”

Half shy the Church approached the World gave him her hand in snow; the old World grasped it, and walking along saying, in accent low. “Your dress is too simple to please my taste: I will give you pearls to wear, rich velvet and silks for your graceful form, and diamonds to deck your hair.”

The Church looked down at her plain white robes and then at the dazzling World and blushed as she saw his handsome lip with a smile contemptuous curled.

“I will change my dress for a costlier one,” said the Church with a smile of grace; then her pure garments drifted away, and the World gave, in their place, beautiful satins, and shining silks, and roses and gems and pearls, and over her forehead her bright hair fell crisped in a thousand curls.

“Your house is too plain,” said the proud old World, “I’ll build you one like mine;–

Carpets of Brussels and curtains of lace, and furniture ever so fine.”

So he built her a costly and beautiful house— splendid it was to behold;

His sons and beautiful daughters dwelt there, gleaming in purple and gold; and fairs and shows in halls were held, and the World and his children were there: and laughter and music and feasts were heard, in the place that was meant for prayer.

She had cushioned pews for the rich and great to sit in their pomp and pride. While the poor folks clad in their shabby suits, sat meekly down outside.

The Angel of Mercy flew over the Church and whispered, “I know thy sin.”

The Church looked back with a sigh and longed to gather her children in—

But some were off at the midnight ball, and some were off at the play, and some were drinking in gay saloons; so she quietly went her way.

“Your children mean no harm— merely indulging in innocent sport.” So she leaned on her proffered arm, and smiled and chatted, and gathered flowers, as she walked along with the World; while millions and millions of deathless souls, to the horrible pit were hurled.

“Your preachers are all too old and plain,” said the gay old World with a sneer. “They frighten my children with dreadful tales that they should never hear: they talk of brimstone and fire and pain, and the horrors of endless night; they talk of a place that should not be mentioned to ears polite. I will send you some of the better stamp. Brilliant and gay and fast, who will tell them all to live as they list, and go to heaven at last. The Father is merciful and great and good, tender and true and kind: Do you think He would take one child to Heaven and leave the rest behind?” So he filled her house with gay divines, gifted and great and learned—and the plain old men that preached the cross were out of the pulpit turned.

“You give too much to the poor,” said the World, “far more than you ought to do; if the poor need shelter and food and clothes, why need it trouble you? Go take your money and buy rich robes and cars and yachts so fine and pearls and jewels and dainty food, and the rarest and costliest wine. My children, they dote on all such things and if you their love would win, you must do as they do and walk in the ways that they are walking in.”

The Church held tightly the strings of her purse, and gracefully lowered her head and simpered, “I’ve given too much away; I’ll do Sir, as you’ve said.”

So the poor were turned from her door in scorn, and she heard not the orphan’s cry—

And she drew her beautiful robes aside, as the widows went weeping by. The sons of the World and the sons of the Church, walked closely hand and heart, and only the Master, who knoweth all, could tell the two apart.

Then the Church set down at her ease and said, “I am rich, and in goods increased; I have need of nothing and naught to do, but to laugh and dance and feast.” The sly World heard her, and laughed in his sleeve, and mockingly said aside, “The Church is fallen—the beautiful Church and her shame, is her boast, and pride!”

The Angle drew near to the Mercy seat and whispered in sighs, her name; and the saints their anthems of rapture hushed, and covered their heads in shame. And a voice came down, the hush of heaven, from Him who sat on the throne, “I know thy works, and how thou hast said, ‘I am rich, and hast not known that thou art naked and poor and blind and wretched before my face— therefore from My presence I cast thee out—

And blot thy name from its place!

–Matilda C. Edwards

Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts:

And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. Psalm 139:23-24 King James Version (KJV)

You’ll know when you’re on the right path. It’s not crowded at all! –Marla Shaw O’Neill