Good Soldier - Devotional October 16, 2015

 

3 Endure suffering along with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. 4 Soldiers don’t get tied up in the affairs of civilian life, for then they cannot please the officer who enlisted them. 2 Timothy 2:3-4New Living Translation (NLT)

What’s it Like to Serve as a Soldier?

Have you ever thought about what it must be like to be a Soldier? Rise up early each and every day 24/7. Train mentally and physically to stay strong. Go through Basic Combat Training. Serve without question. March in all kinds of environments; desert, swamp, mountains, heat, cold, rain, oceans, sky.  Face the enemy without fear. Even give your life for what you believe and know, protect your family and country no matter what!

I did a little research and this is what I found. I copied this from goarmy.com.

This is something we as American Christians need to ask ourselves; Are we “DOING?” Or is it just lip service?

As you read the following apply the words to the Christian life!

The 7 Core Values Army Soldiers live by:

Loyalty
Bear true faith and allegiance to the U.S. Constitution, the Army, your unit and other Soldiers. Bearing true faith and allegiance is a matter of believing in and devoting yourself to something or someone. A loyal Soldier is one who supports the leadership and stands up for fellow Soldiers. By wearing the uniform of the U.S. Army you are expressing your loyalty. And by doing your share, you show your loyalty to your unit. (God’s uniform)

Duty
Fulfill your obligations. Doing your duty means more than carrying out your assigned tasks. Duty means being able to accomplish tasks as part of a team. The work of the U.S. Army is a complex combination of missions, tasks and responsibilities — all in constant motion. Our work entails building one assignment onto another. You fulfill your obligations as a part of your unit every time you resist the temptation to take “shortcuts” that might undermine the integrity of the final product. (The work of a Christian)

Respect
Treat people as they should be treated. In the Soldier ’s Code, we pledge to “treat others with dignity and respect while expecting others to do the same.” Respect is what allows us to appreciate the best in other people. Respect is trusting that all people have done their jobs and fulfilled their duty. And self-respect is a vital ingredient with the Army value of respect, which results from knowing you have put forth your best effort. The Army is one team and each of us has something to contribute. (The Golden Rule)

Selfless Service
Put the welfare of the Nation, the Army and your subordinates before your own. Selfless service is larger than just one person. In serving your country, you are doing your duty loyally without thought of recognition or gain. The basic building block of selfless service is the commitment of each team member to go a little further, endure a little longer, and look a little closer to see how he or she can add to the effort. (Forsake not the assembling of yourselves together; We are the family of God; serve one another in love.)

Honor
Live up to Army values. The Nation’s highest military award is The Medal of Honor. This award goes to Soldiers who make honor a matter of daily living — Soldiers who develop the habit of being honorable, and solidify that habit with every value choice they make. Honor is a matter of carrying out, acting, and living the values of respect, duty, loyalty, selfless service, integrity and personal courage in everything you do. (The Christian’s highest award is the Crown of Life)

Integrity
Do what’s right, legally and morally. Integrity is a quality you develop by adhering to moral principles. It requires that you do and say nothing that deceives others. As your integrity grows, so does the trust others place in you. The more choices you make based on integrity, the more this highly prized value will affect your relationships with family and friends, and, finally, the fundamental acceptance of yourself. (Care for others more than yourself.)

Personal Courage
Face fear, danger or adversity (physical or moral). Personal courage has long been associated with our Army. With physical courage, it is a matter of enduring physical duress and at times risking personal safety. Facing moral fear or adversity may be a long, slow process of continuing forward on the right path, especially if taking those actions is not popular with others. You can build your personal courage by daily standing up for and acting upon the things that you know are honorable. (Do not be afraid but stand firm in faith even if it means laying down your life.)

It’s something to think about, take a long, hard look at your life and see where your heart is today. Let the Holy Spirit show you where you stand in the army of God. Make adjustments…and do whatever it takes to be all that God has called you to be. God bless you on your journey!

Lord hear our prayer,

Lord Jesus, help us today to examine our hearts using your standards and see where we need to make changes and change. As Soldiers in your Army Lord, let us be found faithful and obedient to the call. Amen.

Let's Talk - Devotional October 15, 2015

9 What man among you, if his son asks him for bread, will give him a stone? 10 Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? 11 If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good things to those who ask Him! Matthew 7:9-11 Holman Christian Standard Bible

Years ago, it was 1971; my brother had been in a horrible motorcycle accident. He was in the Air Force and living in California. Mom and I flew out there from Tampa. The doctor didn’t expect Regan to live; he was in a coma, with a lacerated liver, head concussion, broken collarbone, as well as, other issues. It was not looking good.

Mom went to the little prayer room at the base hospital and she did what she does…She prayed.

This is what God told her….

“If your son asked for bread would you give him a stone, or if he asked for fish would you give him a serpent?”

From that mom knew that Regan was going to be OK, she had the assurance of hearing from the Lord. And sure enough Regan did recover. It didn’t stop him from getting back on his motorcycle though, he loved to ride.

You see it’s so very important that we have that strong, close relationship with Jesus, he longs for us to talk to him, to walk with him. He doesn’t want to harm us or hurt us or cause us to suffer. He wants to bring good things into our lives….Why, because he loves us. Would you deliberately hurt your children? No, you wouldn’t. God wouldn’t either.

Satan is the father of lies and that’s what he does. He lies to us. He has lied from the very beginning of time and he will keep on lying…do not listen to his lies. God wants you well, he wants you safe, he wants to give you a good life full of joy and peace.

Draw close to God, resist the devil and He WILL FLEE…He cannot stand in the presence of the living God…he has to run! So you know what, stay so close to God that you can hear his heartbeat…He loves you, He wants to have a conversation with you every day.

Let’s talk to the Lord,

Hey Jesus, how’s it going? I just want to say I love you Lord. I love our talks together I’m glad it’s not just one sided. You are my best friend. Thanks for hanging out with me.

“You’re welcome kid; I think you’re pretty special too! I’m giving you lots of favor today. Keep looking up and never let go of my hand. I got cha!” ~Jesus~

By Marla Shaw O’Neill October 15, 2015©

Let Me Carry You - Devotional October 14, 2015

¹³ No test or temptation that comes your way is beyond the course of what others have had to face. All you need to remember is that God will never let you down; he’ll never let you be pushed past your limit; he’ll always be there to help you come through it. 1 Corinthians 10:13The Message

Many times in life we are faced with difficult situations and circumstances. The trial seems more than we can bear. Some take pills, or indulge in other substitutes anything to dull the mind and heart that will make the pain stop! But it does not stop; and soon all that is left is the shell of a person, the light has gone out of them because the burdens were too tremendous to bear.

Life is messy, it’s cruel and stressful, but there is an anecdote. Jesus said,

^28-30 “Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.” Matthew 11:29-30The Message

There is no easy way, but there is the WAY….Follow Jesus he has the life you seek and He does not lie!

Pray with me,
Jesus, burden bearer, abundant life maker, we thank you for giving us life; help us to walk in grace today. Help us to look to you, and let us surrender all our sorrow, trials, and heaviness to you right now. We can’t carry it, it’s just too much but you never said for us to carry it anyway! Amen!

By: Marla Shaw O’Neill October 14, 2015©

Let the Music be Heard Devotional October 12, 2015

 ¹² The birds of the sky live beside the springs;
they sing among the foliage.
¹³ He waters the mountains from His palace;
the earth is satisfied by the fruit of Your labor.

Psalm 104:10-13 (HCSB)

How long has it been since you took that part of you that longs to sing and dance out of the box?

Don’t you think it’s time to dust the box off and let the music be heard?

It is said that if you want to stop a bird from singing; cover it with a blanket…

It’s time to take the blanket off and let the music out…

God put music in all of his creatures…

Haven’t you heard them many times? Or has your ear become deaf to the music?

Remember in childhood waking up, when windows were open, and on a clear springtime’s day you heard the birds singing their lovely melodies…

Or maybe you were in a forest or a field and birds were everywhere sending their songs upon the wind…

This is where dreams are made…

Giggling in the night…with best friends…sleep overs staying up all night…

Skipping down an old dirt road, tossing stones into a nearby creek, running bare foot all summer long…

Dreaming of who you’d be when you grew up…

Stop and remember for just a moment…listen to the birds song…life gets complicated…and busy and filled with many things that take you to nowhere…and then the curtain, like a blanket is thrown over you and the music stops…

But it doesn’t have to be that way…

Oh no!

RISE UP; GET UP; PRAY TO THE MUSIC MAKER AND SAY…I WILL SING…I WILL DANCE…I WILL MAKE THE MUSIC PLAY AGAIN!

Lord Jesus, let us hear your music today, the music you placed within each of us and let us play it for your glory…without restraint in total reckless abandonment let us sing and dance and write and be all that you have created us to be…Amen!

By: Marla Shaw O’Neill October 12, 2015©

https://www.youtube.com/watch?annotation_id=annotation_619249&feature=iv&src_vid=jLnL63cXmD8&v=JH_cM59JY34

Let God Know You are in the Room - Devotional October 9, 2015

24 For God is Spirit, so those who worship him must worship in spirit and in truth.” John 4:24 New Living Translation (NLT)

 Have you ever tried talking to someone who was not in the room with you?

Did you get an answer?

Well God is the same way, He’s always present and He is always watching and listening. He is often talking to us but we are not in the same room with Him.

You see it takes us having an awareness of Him. He won’t force Himself on anyone. Oh He’s God and He can do whatever He wants. The old saying you can lead a horse to water but you can’t make him drink…that’s true…but you can salt his oats.

Sometimes, God just salts our oats, so to speak!

God is a Spirit and He is Truth; therefore, we must worship him in spirit and truth! Our carnal mind is enmity with Him. In other words our flesh cannot worship in the spirit God! It gets in the way! It keeps us out of the room where God is.

So…

We have to put our flesh, our minds, and our carnality aside. All it takes is faith. Putting down our flesh, asking God to wash our hearts and minds and cleanse us so that we can go into the Holies of Holies where God dwells. In Jesus name!

With a pure heart; a clean heart; talk to our Papa God and let the Holy Spirit show you who He is! Come before Him with praises and thanksgiving…love on God like you would a loving, caring parent! Simply love on Him!

Maybe you've never experienced the love of a parent…maybe you've never experienced the presence of God. You can, if you will open up your heart.

Try it you’ll be amazed at the conversations you will encounter!

“How?” you ask…

It’s not a mystical or far off place, you can be with him in a heartbeat…you simply open your heart and talk to Him. But do it with a loving, affectionate attitude, you will come away blessed!

It is the best…there is no better place to be than with Him. After you experience His presence you will never want to leave.

Do it…but do it in spirit and in truth! Be honest with Him.

It’s just a simple heart to heart talk with the best friend you’ll ever have. He longs for you to come! You may only have a few moments in your busy day…but it will be the best part of your day, if you’ll make the effort!

God bless you and remember…He’s waiting for you! He loves you so much!

Papa, papa God, in the name of my precious savior Jesus, let us come before you right now and embrace your love. Let all stress and doubt and fear vanish as we sit before you in total surrender and worship you in the spirit and in truth. By faith I sit in your lap and lay my head upon your breast and I breathe you in. Your fragrance is like honey and freshness in a wintery forest. Your presence is like a cozy blanket of perfect peace and rest comforting to my soul. Thank you Jesus. Thank you. I love you my Lord.

"I love you too my child."

By: Marla Shaw O'Neill October 9, 2015©

God Said... - Devotional October 8, 2015

God said!

God said, “I will never fail you or abandon you!” Deuteronomy 31:6
God said, “I will be with always.” Matthew 28:20
God said, “Trust me with all your heart and don’t lean on your own understanding…” Proverbs 3:5
God said, “I will lead you in the paths of righteousness…” Psalm 23:3
God said, “Don’t be afraid…” Isaiah 41:10
God said, “This battle is mine…” II Chronicles 20:15
God said, “Take no thought for tomorrow, live today.” Matthew 6:34
God said, “I sent my son to die for you… John 3:16
God said, “I want to give you an abundant life…” John 10:10
God said, “Trust me. I got this.” Psalms 40:1-17
God said, “I will supply all your needs according to my riches in glory.” Philip. 4:19
God said, “My grace is enough for you…!” II Corinthians 12:9
God said, “I have sent you the comforter he is inside you and will guide you in all truth.” John 14:26
God said, “I have conquered Death and Hades…” Revelation 1:18
God said, “In me you live and breathe and have your being.” Acts 17:28
God said, “Follow me.” Matthew 4:19
God said, “I am the way the truth and the life.” John 14:6
God said, “Go.” (Tell others about me.) Mark 16:15
God said, “Love your enemies…” (Pray for those who persecute you.) Matthew 5:44
God said, “Love one another.” John 13:34
God said, “Have faith in me.” (Without faith it is impossible to please me.) Heb. 11:6
God said, “I will heal you.” Jeremiah 30:17
God said, “This is my beloved son, with whom I am well pleased… Matthew 3:17
God said, “I will return!” Revelation 22:7
God said, “Watch and pray.” Matthew 26:41

Holy Father, in the name of your son Jesus, wash us and cleanse us today, I ask that we read your word…and obey your word. I ask that we have faith in you and trust you; for you have the words of eternal life. AMEN!

By Marla Shaw O’Neill October 8, 2015©

Weep With Those Who Weep - Devotional October 7, 2015

15 Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep. Romans 12:15New Living Translation (NLT)

Have you ever watched a little child; they get excited over balloons and birthday cake…I was in the store today waiting in line behind this little girl. She must have been about four years old. She kept pointing at the balloons and shouting…”I like that one…I like that one…mommy, I want that one for my birthday. We’ll have cake and balloons.” I joyed in her excitement and exuberance. Oh to be young again. No I don’t think so.

But I do love to watch little children, they live in a totally different world than adults. Not a care in the world. Happy and carefree, their tiny hearts not tarnished by prejudice or stereotypes, accepting of everything, they just want to play.

Right before going into that store I sat in my car and wept. I couldn’t shake it…I thought of my mom and her lovely face kept popping up in my mind and I missed her beyond words. I literally broke down and bellowed. It just hits, sometimes and there is absolutely noting to be done but let it play itself out. Shoot, it hasn’t even been three months since she died. I guess it’s ok to still cry. There’s no time limit really. But sometimes I feel guilty about hurting over the loss. I shouldn’t, I know. I mean there’s no manual that says you can only have this much time…get over it. I know she's in a wonderful place...probably saying to Jesus, "Just look at that amazing sunrise"... or she's talking to her favorite bible character, and still getting to know all the angels names. Still I miss her being here with us!

With the changing of the seasons and the holidays coming, it seems it will get worse before better…So I’m just going to go with it…if it hits me and you happen to see me crying…just whisper a little prayer for me. After all none of us are exempt from this happening…we are only human! I miss her a lot!

And one day…I will see her again! I love you mom! I know; you love me more!

Lord, touch everyone who has lost a loved one, give comfort and grace for the pain. Give them the time they need to grieve let the healing be as a warm balm that soothes the ache in the heart. In time let the memories of our loved ones flood us with happiness and let the tears become diamonds in a crown of love. Amen!

By Marla Shaw O'Neill October 7, 2015©