FAMILY

 Proverbs 11:29
He who brings trouble on his family will inherit only wind, and the fool will be servant to the wise.

Family

Familiar faces, from aged to birth they come
Memories and moments life is made up of…
These are those who turn our hearts to laughter, and tears through precious years...
The circle of life goes on…
Our family and friends not to tolerate…
But to love and cherish and celebrate...
Oh, they make us crazy with drama, of who, did this, and that...
But we cannot live without them…even, if, we want to squeeze their neck
Some are lazy and some never shut up…
Some are obsessive, compulsive, irritating and abrupt…
Some make you scream, ‘til you just want to throw up…
Some are short, and some are tall…
But family is family, gotta love 'em all…
No one better dis them, or the Fam will be called…
Challenged they will fight, to the death if they must,
Family is family and in God, we do trust…
Familiar and steady, strong and true…we are comrades and rascals;
People through and through;
Some even adopted, we accept them too…
No matter what others, may think of us…
Strange, peculiar, and weird and wise…
We see the world through each other’s eyes…
Yes, we are family, tested and tried,
God help us, we will survive!

Marla Shaw O’Neill December 21, 2015©

Put on the Garment of Praise for the Spirit of Heaviness

 

 

This is what the Holy Spirit spoke to my grieving heart this morning...I asked him for JOY he gave me this scripture! Praise God!!!!

Isaiah 61Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)

Messiah’s Jubilee

61 The Spirit of the Lord God is on Me,
because the Lord has anointed Me
to bring good news to the poor.
He has sent Me to heal^[a] the brokenhearted,
to proclaim liberty to the captives
and freedom to the prisoners;

² to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor,
and the day of our God’s vengeance;
to comfort all who mourn,

³ to provide for those who mourn in Zion;
to give them a crown of beauty instead of ashes,
festive oil instead of mourning,

and splendid clothes instead of despair.^[b]
And they will be called righteous trees,
planted by the Lord
to glorify Him.

 

⁴ They will rebuild the ancient ruins;
they will restore the former devastations;
they will renew the ruined cities,
the devastations of many generations.

⁵ Strangers will stand and feed your flocks,
and foreigners will be your plowmen and vinedressers.

⁶ But you will be called the Lord’s priests;
they will speak of you as ministers of our God;
you will eat the wealth of the nations,
and you will boast in their riches.

⁷ Because your shame was double,
and they cried out, “Disgrace is their portion,”
therefore, they will possess double in their land,
and eternal joy will be theirs.

 

⁸ For I Yahweh love justice;

I hate robbery and injustice;^[c]
I will faithfully reward them
and make an everlasting covenant with them.

⁹ Their descendants will be known among the nations,
and their posterity among the peoples.
All who see them will recognize
that they are a people the Lord has blessed.

 

¹⁰ I greatly rejoice in the Lord,
I exult in my God;
for He has clothed me with the garments of salvation
and wrapped me in a robe of righteousness,
as a groom wears a turban
and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.

¹¹ For as the earth produces its growth,
and as a garden enables what is sown to spring up,
so the Lord God will cause righteousness and praise
to spring up before all the nations.

Great News for Always

10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people; 11 for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is [a]Christ the Lord. Luke 2:10-11New American Standard Bible (NASB)

Remember?

Remember that special day?
You know the one when the Christ Child was born…
We read about it in our bible…
A baby was wrapped in swaddling clothes, and He lay in a bed of straw they called it a manger.
They stayed inside a barn because the inn was full…
Of course his mom and dad were there
And some shepherd’s from a nearby field came to see him too
Oh yeah and angels came, they said, Behold we bring you wonderful news of peace and goodwill to all men…
Yep that’s right the Savior was born…
Remember now?
OK great…
Now do you remember when that same Christ child came to live in another very special place?
That place within your heart?
Mom and dad were there, and I was there too…
You were six or seven and the pastor said that the angels are rejoicing because you asked Jesus to come into your heart…
There were others who did the same thing that day…
Remember?
Remember how you cried and then got so happy…you wanted to tell everyone the good news…
Peace, and goodwill had come…
Great Joy filled the room of your heart…I’ll never forget that day!
What?
Oh yeah, he’s still filling hearts today…but there are many who will leave him in the barn…
Is there room in your heart for the savior?
No, well just ask Him in, He will fill you with great peace, joy and goodwill…
Then you will have a day to remember, always…

Marla Shaw O’Neill December 10, 2015©

Thirsty - December 4, 2015

 

I awoke this morning with these thoughts on my mind…

My soul is thirsty Lord; my mouth is parched and dry. Just one drop of water from you Lord is all I need.

Then the Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus came to mind; and then, I took a drink of water. Oh how good it tasted. Clean refreshing water.

After getting up, eating some breakfast and having my coffee, I scrolled through a couple of post and came to one that talked about how once you are in hell there is no getting out. You can’t scream, yell, cry, bargain or die your way out; you are there forever!

OK, Lord I get it…this is what you want me to write about this morning.

What I’m saying is not about being rich or poor…it’s about being ready in the moment!

Read the following passage:

Luke 16:19-31New Living Translation (NLT)

Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus

19 Jesus said, “There was a certain rich man who was splendidly clothed in purple and fine linen and who lived each day in luxury. 20 At his gate lay a poor man named Lazarus who was covered with sores. 21 As Lazarus lay there longing for scraps from the rich man’s table, the dogs would come and lick his open sores.

22 “Finally, the poor man died and was carried by the angels to be with Abraham.[a] The rich man also died and was buried, 23 and his soul went to the place of the dead.[b] There, in torment, he saw Abraham in the far distance with Lazarus at his side.

24 “The rich man shouted, ‘Father Abraham, have some pity! Send Lazarus over here to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue. I am in anguish in these flames.’

25 “But Abraham said to him, ‘Son, remember that during your lifetime you had everything you wanted, and Lazarus had nothing. So now he is here being comforted, and you are in anguish. 26 And besides, there is a great chasm separating us. No one can cross over to you from here, and no one can cross over to us from there.’

27 “Then the rich man said, ‘Please, Father Abraham, at least send him to my father’s home. 28 For I have five brothers, and I want him to warn them so they don’t end up in this place of torment.’

29 “But Abraham said, ‘Moses and the prophets have warned them. Your brothers can read what they wrote.’

30 “The rich man replied, ‘No, Father Abraham! But if someone is sent to them from the dead, then they will repent of their sins and turn to God.’

31 “But Abraham said, ‘If they won’t listen to Moses and the prophets, they won’t be persuaded even if someone rises from the dead.’”

Today you are living your life going about your daily routine, and life simply happens. Work, family, the usual stuff, but, tragedy strikes, and everything comes to an immediate halt; you become paralyzed in time…depression, isolation, waves of deep pain and thoughts that rip through your mind and steal your peace...you can not find your way...torment sets in. You toss and turn...you snap at everyone and everything...you feel as if you are in hell...like the Psalmist your bed is a river of tears...but...there is a way out while your still in this life...there is only one hope!

Only the touch of Jesus's gentleness of grace, can sustain you through these times...right now, while you are living...let him quench your thirst and give you rest...let him be your shalom!

Let all anguish go...release it and receive His healing touch!

Nothing else satisfies...

Don’t wait…It is a daily choice! Choose Him now!

Come to Me



 



If you are struggling for peace today...take a deep breath, close your eyes and whisper a mini prayer...God honors truthfulness...

Jesus is calling, "Come to me."

Jesus said, in Matthew 11:28-30 Come to me all you who labor and are heavy laden and I will give you rest…

He said, He will give you His shalom. (Peace)

Don’t wait until tragedy hits you, or your family or a neighbor or friend; stay so close to the Lord that you can hear his heartbeat…then when tragedy strikes you and Jesus can face it together by faith, with grace and rest (His peace).

NIV Application Commentary:

The yoke of discipleship brings rest because (hoti; niv “for”) Jesus is “gentle and humble in heart” (11:29). Jesus exemplifies the very characteristics his disciples will display as members of the kingdom of heaven—gentleness (5:5) and humility (James 4:6; 1 Peter 5:5). He has castigated the scribes and the Pharisees for their hypocritical self-righteousness (5:20; 6:1–18) and will condemn them for their prideful religious regalia, places of privilege, and elitist titles (23:5–7). But Jesus does not need to strut his authority. He has come gently, preaching and teaching the good news of the arrival of the kingdom of heaven, and in humble human form he has brought healing to sin-sick humanity. This is the true eschatological rest for which Israel has long hoped, “a realization of a deep existential peace, a shalom, or sense of ultimate well-being with regard to one’s relationship to God and his commandments.” Jesus’ teaching is the true fulfillment of the Law, and those who come to him will enter into a discipleship that produces rest for the soul (cf. Jer. 6:16).

While discipleship to Jesus brings relief from the burden of Pharisaic regulations, it is not lawlessness. He goes on to say, “For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” These two clauses are in synonymous parallelism to emphasize Jesus’ way of discipleship. His discipleship is an easy or serviceable yoke because his teaching equips us most effectively to live out God’s will in the way life was designed to be lived. Furthermore, his discipleship is not the oppressive burden of Pharisaic legalism (23:4) but instead turns the load of life into one that is manageable (cf. Gal. 6:5). Jesus does not release his disciples from burdens, just as he did not escape the burdens of human life in his Incarnation. Illness and calamity and tragedy remain a part of this fallen world until the final renewal, but for those in the kingdom of heaven there is a promise of Jesus’ sustaining help as we carry his yoke of discipleship.

In fact, in Jesus’ interpretation of the Law the challenge of following him may be seen as even more demanding than the Pharisees, because he calls us to fulfill the Law from the obedience of the heart, not simply through external obedience (5:21–47), and he calls his disciples to be perfect, as their heavenly Father is perfect (5:48). But Jesus’ demands are still a yoke that is easy to bear and a burden that is light to carry, because in the coming of the kingdom and the inauguration of the new covenant, his Spirit provides the same strength to carry the load that Jesus himself relied upon to carry his own load of redemptive service to humanity.

However, in the quest to learn from Jesus how to live God’s truth, it is critical to remember that Jesus’ disciples can also turn his yoke into an unbearable burden unless we consciously recognize that discipleship to Jesus is not essentially a religious obligation. Rather, ours is an intimate relationship with the One who calls, “Come to me” and “learn from me.” As complicated as life may become, discipleship is at heart simply walking with Jesus in the real world and having him teach us moment by moment how to live life his way.

God's Love is Perfect! God Is Love!

 

1 John 4:18-21The Message (MSG)

To Love, to Be Loved

^17-18 God is love. When we take up permanent residence in a life of love, we live in God and God lives in us. This way, love has the run of the house, becomes at home and mature in us, so that we’re free of worry on Judgment Day—our standing in the world is identical with Christ’s. There is no room in love for fear. Well-formed love banishes fear. Since fear is crippling, a fearful life—fear of death, fear of judgment—is one not yet fully formed in love.

¹⁹ We, though, are going to love—love and be loved. First we were loved, now we love. He loved us first.
^20-21 If anyone boasts, “I love God,” and goes right on hating his brother or sister, thinking nothing of it, he is a liar. If he won’t love the person he can see, how can he love the God he can’t see? The command we have from Christ is blunt: Loving God includes loving people. You’ve got to love both.

1 John 4:1-10 Holman (HCSB)

The Spirit of Truth and the Spirit of Error

4 Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to determine if they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.

² This is how you know the Spirit of God: Every spirit who confesses that Jesus Christ has^[a] come in the flesh is from God. ³ But every spirit who does not confess Jesus^[b] is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist; you have heard that he is coming, and he is already in the world now.
⁴ You are from God, little children, and you have conquered them, because the One who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world. ⁵ They are from the world. Therefore what they say is from the world, and the world listens to them. ⁶ We are from God. Anyone who knows God listens to us; anyone who is not from God does not listen to us. From this we know the Spirit of truth and the spirit of deception.

Knowing God through Love

⁷ Dear friends, let us love one another, because love is from God, and everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. ⁸ The one who does not love does not know God, because God is love. ⁹ God’s love was revealed among us in this way:^[c] God sent His One and Only Son into the world so that we might live through Him. ¹⁰ Love consists in this: not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the^[d] propitiation for our sins.

1 John 4:18 KJV 

God's love is perfect
¹⁸ There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love. 
 

  

Jesus you have everything under control! Thank you for your gift of grace...thank you for your peace that passes understanding...help us to overcome fear by having faith in you! Give my brothers and sisters your steadfast love and rest in you, knowing you are for us! Your perfect Love, cast out fear! No matter what comes Lord...we are in your hands! Fill us with your supernatural Love and Wisdom! Amen!



Toto I Have A Feeling We're Not in Kansas Anymore

Hebrews 12:12-17New Living Translation (NLT)

12 So take a new grip with your tired hands and strengthen your weak knees. 13 Mark out a straight path for your feet so that those who are weak and lame will not fall but become strong.

Toto…we’re not in Kansas anymore!
Mayberry has come and gone!

There is a wave headed your way…you can see it coming…you hear it coming…don’t hide your eyes or stop your ears, pretending it isn’t coming…because it is…But I have not given you a spirit of fear…and with every temptation I have made a way escape for you. It’s not in your military strength or your government, it’s not in your entertainment world or in your merit…You will only overcome by being in me and I in you.

I’ve given you everything you need to survive!!! I’ve sent my prophets, I’ve sent my son, I’ve given you my word and most of all I’ve given you my Holy Spirit I AM that Spirit, I AM, is with you!

Don’t look for someone to save you…I already have…put your faith and your life and the life of your children in my hands, says the Lord!

Your greatest weapon in my Holy Spirit…if you don’t know me, get to know me…there is, no other way!

Lift up the hands that hang down, lift up your voice now still…give unto me continuous praises…sing forth from Zion’ hill. (Song)

58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord. 1 Corinthians 15:58King James Version (KJV)

Do not be afraid, for as you walk through the valley of the shadow of death you will fear no evil; for I AM with you…says the Lord…

Now, right now is the time to be strong and courageous…do not look at their faces…keep your eyes focused on me, says the Lord…and your heart strong.

Exercise your faith…and pray in the Holy Spirit, for my Spirit is a Spirit of Love, it is not weak, it is stronger than any power on this earth or the one to come…

There is no better weapon than my Holy Spirit, says the Lord! Be filled to overflowing…I gave you my Holy Spirit freely and I expect you to utilize my Holy Spirit every second of your heartbeat…In yourselves you can do nothing…but with me you can do ALL Things, in the name of my son, the anointed. Yeshua/Jesus name. 

2 Corinthians 10:4-7King James Version (KJV)
4 (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)
5 Casting down imaginations and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;
6 And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled.
7 Do ye look on things after the outward appearance? if any man trust to himself that he is Christ's, let him of himself think this again, that, as he is Christ's, even so are we Christ's.
Jesus, may we be ever watchful and looking for you! Give us a double portion of your Holy Spirit today, in your name I pray amen!

Ostrich or Eagle?

 

The Ostrich:

Job 30:29 New Life Version (NLV) ²⁹ I have become a brother to wild dogs, and a friend of ostriches.

It’s distinctive in its appearance, with a long neck and legs, and can run at up to about 70 km/h (19 m/s; 43 mph),^[5] the fastest land speed of any bird.^[6] The ostrich is the largest living species of bird and lays the largest eggs of any living bird (extinct elephant birds of Madagascar and the giant moa of New Zealand laid larger eggs).

The ostrich's diet consists mainly of plant matter, though it also eats invertebrates. It lives in nomadic groups of 5 to 50 birds. When threatened, the ostrich will either hide itself by lying flat against the ground, or run away. (Wikipedia)
 
The unique thing about the Ostrich is that they have the fastest land speed of any bird…if you’re running away from something that would be a great skill to have. But sticking your head in the sand and hoping everything will change isn’t reality.

The Eagle:

Exodus 19:4King James Version (KJV) ⁴ Ye have seen what I did unto the Egyptians, and how I bare you on eagles' wings, and brought you unto myself.

1. Eagles fly alone at high altitude and not with sparrows or with other small birds. No other bird can go to the height of the eagle. When Moses went to commune with God on the mountain, he left the crowd at the foothills. Stay away from sparrows and ravens. Eagles fly with eagles.

2. Eagles have strong vision. They have the ability to focus on something up to five kilometers away. When an eagle sites his prey, he narrows his focus on it and sets out to get it. No matter the obstacle, the eagle will not move his focus from the prey until he grabs it. Have a vision and remain focused no matter what the obstacle and you will succeed.

3. Eagles do not eat dead things. They feed only on fresh prey. Vultures eat dead animals, but eagles will not. Steer clear of outdated and old information. Always do your research well.

4. Eagles love a storm. When clouds gather, the eagles get excited. The eagle uses the storm s winds to lift it higher. Once it finds the wing of the storm, the eagle uses the raging storm to lift him above the clouds. This gives the eagle an opportunity to glide and rest its wings. In the meantime all the other birds hide in the leaves and branches of the trees. We can use the storms of life to rise to greater heights. Achievers relish challenges and use them profitably. (Berean Publishers)

Eagles are admired the world over as living symbols of power, freedom and transcendence.

The spot on which an eagle landed dictated to the ancient Aztecs the place where they were to build a city.

In some religions, high-soaring eagles are believed to touch the face of God. (From OneKind Blog) 

So my question: Are you an Eagle or an Ostrich?

Joshua 1:9King James Version (KJV) ⁹ Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.

Exodus 19:4King James Version (KJV) ⁴ Ye have seen what I did unto the Egyptians, and how I bare you on eagles' wings, and brought you unto myself.

Holy Spirit fill us with your overflowing, Wisdom, and Guide us with your all seeing eye. Let us soar as never before. Keep us alert and watchful. Help us to keep our hearts tuned to you. Let us run and not grow weary, and let us walk and not faint! Amen!

Shalom The Peace That Passes Understanding

 

Jesus the Prince of Peace…Our Shalom

And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:7

13 But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.

14 For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us;

15 Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace;

16 And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby: Ephesians 2:13-16King James Version (KJV)

Shalom – Peace

I’ve prayed this over people’s lives recently knowing there is much more to it than peace alone. There is fullness, completeness, and an awareness that goes beyond peace, when we say shalom to others.

This morning our pastor started a new series called “Keep Calm and Choose Peace!” He used the word Shalom and expounded upon its meaning.

I would like to share something very personal and profound with you.

Back in July, my mom passed away peaceably in her home. I sat at her bedside watching as she took her last few breaths. As you can imagine it was a traumatic time for all of us. I didn’t know how I could bear the pain of her leaving. Being a Christian I had comfort from the Lord but still the pain is indescribable. You’ve been there; I’m sure you know what I’m talking about.

At her last breath I sat there, waiting for the devastation to hit…but all I felt was complete peace…a peace I have never, in all my life, ever experienced. I cannot even begin to try to tell you what it was like. Until this morning when Pastor Scott talked about the peace of God, then, I understood something that had eluded me before…

I believe at that very moment, mom entered the presence of God; and He allowed me to feel for a few moments what it was she felt.

I couldn’t cry…it was as if I were in a bubble of joy and exceeding great calm…my mind couldn’t comprehend it…it was euphoric…I even remember thinking..."What is this?"

WOW…

Jesus the Prince of Peace (shalom) had showered me with His grace…

If heaven is anything like what I felt…take me home now…because there is nothing like it…

Now, about ten minutes later it was removed and the full impact of my mom being gone shook my soul…and the grieving began.

Brothers and sisters I can honestly testify I experience a taste of heaven and now I understand the fullness of that peace. Understanding shalom is something I want to keep forever…all I have to do is choose His peace…and when I do that …BAM…I’m right there by faith…engulfed in total awareness of Him.

He gave us this peace; all we have to do is accept it…

Would you rather keep your worry, your anxiety, frustration, fear, doubt, stress or would you rather have His shalom…a peace that goes beyond what we feel or think…

I pray His shalom over you right now. We have a choice; I choose peace!

27 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. John 14:27 King James Version (KJV) 

The following is Reprinted with permission of The Gale Group from Contemporary Jewish Religious Thought , edited by Arthur A. Cohen and Paul Mendes-Flohr, Twayne Publishers.

The Hebrew word for peace, shalom, is derived from a root denoting wholeness or completeness, and its frame of reference throughout Jewish literature is bound up with the notion of shelemut, perfection. Its significance is thus not limited to the political domain‑-to the absence of war and enmity‑-or to the social-‑to the absence of quarrel and strife. It ranges over several spheres and can refer in different contexts to bounteous physical conditions, to a moral value, and, ultimately, to a cosmic principle and divine attribute.

Biblical Usages

In the Bible, the word shalom is most commonly used to refer to a state of affairs, one of well‑being, tranquility, prosperity, and security, circumstances unblemished by any sort of defect. Shalom is a blessing, a manifestation of divine grace.

Simon the Leper - Devotional 11/13/2015

Matthew 26:6 King James Version (KJV)
⁶ Now when Jesus was in Bethany, in the house of Simon the leper,

Leper's were considered unclean in bible times...they'd have to cry out, "Unclean," when people approached them. They had to live outside the city and families and friends could no longer associate with them. Can you imagine never ever being hugged again, or gather with family for special dinners. Never attending church or football games or hold your child in your arms...it would be unthinkable!

This is the third time in three days I've heard the word leper. This morning as I was reading this scripture it jumped out at me, I'd never paid attention to it before...Simon the leper. The focus was always on the woman and how she showed her great love for Jesus.

Today leprosy is treatable thank God for that. But when I was a child and heard about lepers and how their body parts would fall off...that was before it was explained what really happens to the body. It scared the pee doodle out of me. (pee doodle...meaning caused great fear.)

Jesus not only touched the lepers he healed ten and one returned to thank him. He didn't condemn the woman caught in adultery. He went to a tax collector's house, Zacchaeus, because he wanted to get to know him.

Jesus ate with sinners and publican's. The religious of the day were appalled and wanted to stone him for his behavior.

He had common fishermen as his disciples...

Can you imagine, the son of God hanging out with "these kind of people?" This was the attitude of the Pharisees...

But Jesus loved them, why, because their hearts were open to his love. They were rejected, looked down upon, outcasts and yet the King of Glory loved them.

Can we honestly say that we would do the same? Are there people you would run from and say, "Oh no I can't associate with them? They are unclean?"

Let the Holy Spirit be your guide, let the love of God saturate your hearts today and reach out to the ungodly...they are lost souls who need love too! The love, that, Jesus gives freely...after all, but for the grace of God it could be you or I, who's unclean.

 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:8 (KJV)

Jesus help us your children, to love others as you have loved us. Amen!

 

And God Made Man a Living Soul Devotion 11/12/2015

 

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. Genesis 2:7 (KJV)

The Breath of God

What if...

God had not breathed into man...

What if...

After God, had formed Adam, man, from the dust of the earth, God decided to leave him lifeless...

But that was not God's plan...

God's breath, is life...His Spirit quickens...He breathed into man's nostrils and gave him a living soul!

This morning in my prayer time with the Lord as I sang before Him, He allowed me to understand, a deeper measure, that His breath is, Life...and without that breath we would be dead.

He gave us a free will...to choose...life...and until He reveals himself to us we are just like Adam, made from the dust of the earth, void and lifeless...

Until God, breathes into us a living soul...we are with form, but our souls are in darkness...void of God's light...

This is getting deep yawl...

The difference between light and darkness, is the breath of God! When you walk in the light...you comprehend the light and there is no darkness...secrets are revealed it's like eating from the tree of knowledge...He is the tree...

Let God breathe into you a living soul...it is total joy...total peace...it is an awakening to the Spirit of life.

There is no room for darkness when the room is filled with light!

Holy Father, breath of life, breathe on us today so that we will live and not die. Amen!

Hold the Fort - November 2, 2015

Revelation 2:25 That which you have, hold fast til I come!

BE GRATEFUL...

Yesterday is gone; thank God for today!

The battle rages but hold the fort!

We all have those days when life gets too difficult to bear. Thank God for a new day where things seem brighter and better. This morning a very good friend of mine, Charisse, whom I have known for over thirty years, left me a message. In that messages she wrote HOLD THE FORT…it brought to mind this song. 

Below is an article along with the words to the song Hold the Fort.

If you are struggling this morning, life has kicked you just a little too hard … remember…Hold the Fort For I am coming Jesus signals still…wave the answer back to heaven…by thy grace we will!

Philip P. Bliss, 1870. Bliss wrote this song after hearing Daniel Whittle relate the following incident from the American civil war:

Just before [William Tecumseh] Sherman began his famous march to the sea in 1864, and while his army lay camped in the neighborhood of Atlanta on the 5th of October, the army of Hood, in a carefully prepared movement, passed the right flank of Sherman’s army, gained his rear, and commenced the destruction of the railroad leading north, burning blockhouses and capturing the small garrisons along the line. Sherman’s army was put in rapid motion pursuing Hood, to save the supplies and larger posts, the principal one of which was located at Altoona Pass. General Corse, of Illinois, was stationed there with about fifteen hundred men, Colonel Tourtelotte being second in command. A million and a half rations were stored here and it was highly important that the earthworks commanding the pass and protecting the supplies be held. Six thousand men under command of General French were detailed by Hood to take the position. The works were completely surrounded and summoned to surrender. Corse refused and a sharp fight commenced. The defenders were slowly driven into a small fort on the crest of the hill. Many had fallen, and the result seemed to render a prolongation of the fight hopeless. At this moment an officer caught sight of a white signal flag far away across the valley, twenty miles distant, upon the top of Kenesaw Mountain. The signal was answered, and soon the message was waved across from mountain to mountain:

Hold the fort; I am coming. W. T. Sherman.

Cheers went up; every man was nerved to a full appreciation of the position; and under a murderous fire, which killed or wounded more than half the men in the fort—Corse himself being shot three times through the head, and Tourtelotte taking command, though himself badly wounded—they held the fort for three hours until the advance guard of Sherman’s army came up. French was obliged to retreat.

Sankey, pp. 150-1

Philip P. Bliss (1838-1876)

---

Ho, my comrades! see the signal waving in the sky!
Reinforcements now appearing, victory is nigh.

Refrain

Hold the fort, for I am coming, Jesus signals still;
Wave the answer back to Heaven, By Thy grace we will.

See the mighty host advancing, Satan leading on;
Mighty ones around us falling, courage almost gone!

Refrain

See the glorious banner waving! Hear the trumpet blow!
In our leader’s name we triumph over ev’ry foe.

Refrain

Fierce and long the battle rages, but our help is near;
Onward comes our great commander, cheer, my comrades, cheer!

Refrain

Be Grateful November 2, 2015

Celtic women sing - "You Raise Me Up"



Today has been difficult maybe it has something to do with the time change or the season changing and missing loved ones.

We are human and we have emotions. We hurt and feel deep feelings.

I’ve been asking the Lord, what is it Lord? Why am I feeling this way? Is it that the world is crying out in sorrow and great pain?

Is it the full moon?

Or growing older?

Or is it just plan self-pity?

What is the deal?

Maybe you’re as happy as a lark…

Maybe you don’t have a care in the world…

Maybe you’ve arrived and have all the answers…

Maybe not…I know I sure don’t.

Upbeat and happy…Oh yeah I’m supposed to write about that…

Well today it just ain’t gona happen…

Forgive me Jesus I’m sorry…but I just don’t have it today to give…

I know you are still Lord, and savior and that you hold everything in your hands…

You are in control…but I’m just simply down today…

Even so, I will write an encouraging word for my family and friends and stranger’s I’ve never met before…

Be grateful…no matter what! When you are feeling desperate for what you just don’t know

Sing…and make a melody in your heart and before you know it all the gloom will fade away…

I promise you…

just smile it will change everything!

Do it, prove it to yourself right now…

Just do it!

Lift me up Lord…

Marla Shaw O'Neill November 2, 2015©

The Lord Bless You and Keep You

 

In my prayer time this morning I asked for a word from my loving heavenly father and this scripture is what came to my heart and mind.

 

God bless you today and....

May the Lord bless you
and protect you.
May the Lord smile on you
and be gracious to you.
May the Lord show you his favor
and give you his peace.’

Numbers 6:24-26 (NLT)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lCpxgEHqjFA

 

Here's a bit of the history I thought it was so interesting...

 

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

"The Lord bless you and keep you" is a sacred choral composition by John Rutter. The text is the biblical benediction known as the "Priestly Blessing" (Numbers 6:24–26), followed by an extended "Amen". Rutter scored the piece for four vocal parts (SATB) and organ.^[1] He composed it in 1981 for the memorial service of Edward T. Chapman, the director of music at Highgate School, London, with whom he had studied when he attended the school.^[2]
It was published by Oxford University Press in 1981, in the anthology Oxford Easy Anthems, edited by David Willcocks. Marked "Andante espressivo", the music is in G-flat major and common time. It takes about 2 ¹⁄₂ minutes to perform. Rutter also wrote an arrangement for soprano, alto and keyboard in F major^[3] and a version for choir and orchestra.^[2]
It was recorded several times,^[2] for example ending a collection of Rutter's choral works performed under his direction by the Cambridge Singers and the City of London Sinfonia.^[4] It also concluded the 2010 recording of the composer's Requiem by Polyphony and the Bournemouth Sinfonietta, conducted by Stephen Layton.^[5] In his notes to that recording, the composer described his musical aims: "I happen not to believe in erecting needless barriers between composer and listener: given a choice between critical approbation and a chance of touching the hearts of people outside the limited circle of contemporary music aficionados, I know which I prefer."^[6]
In "The Lord bless you and keep you", Rutter keeps the music restrained and simple. The accompaniment first rests on a pedal point; long chords in the bass change only every half measure, while broken chords in steady eighth notes add colour. The first line of the text is sung by the sopranos alone, then repeated by all voices, starting in unison but expanding to harmony on the words "The Lord make His face to shine upon you". "The Lord lift His countenance upon you" is sung twice in two-part homophony, first soprano and alto, then tenor and bass. "And give you peace" appears three times, softer each time from mp to pp, first in the soprano, then in the tenor, and finally in unison in all voices.^[7] A polyphonic "Amen" grows to the climax of the music both in range and in intensity, then gradually softens and, after a "molto rallentando", reaches the final long chord.^[2][7]
Rutter chose the work, along with others such as "For the beauty of the earth", to represent his compositions at workshops, for example one at the Augustinerkirche (de) in Würzburg in 2013.^[8] The Benediction was part of the celebration of the 100th birthday of the Queen Mother in 2000.^[2]

 



Be A Best Friend - Devotional October 30, 2015

 

Are You a Best Friend

Growing up I was a very active child, I loved the outdoors…Mom said I walked at eight months old and I was swimming under water at two. I loved it.

Always running and jumping and skipping…doing, skin-the-cats and loved the monkey bars…

Climbing trees and doing, cart wheels…splinters in fingers or ant-bites, sandspurs in bare feet, falling down and skinning my knees, but that didn’t bother me…

I was outside and I was free…to roam and explore, just being me.

I just wanted to be outside, I even taught myself how to ride a bike…I couldn’t wait for the night to be over, so I could go outside and play…that’s where I was adventurous and happy.

I was a best friend, to me…

Over the years I had some wonderful friends, you know who you are, I don’t want to name you; because I don’t want to leave anyone out…

It is easy to have friends…

But are YOU a friend? Jesus said in John 15:13, Greater love hath no man than this that a man lay down his life for his friends.

Be a friend to someone…let them know you are nearby if they need to talk. Go to lunch, just reach out to someone. You never know who is hurting or lonely and needs a little encouragement. You know how you, feel…others feel the same way. Be open to the Holy Spirit’s nudging…you may find that, that, is exactly what you need to do.

Proverbs 18:24 says, A man who has friends must himself be friendly, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.

Jesus is our best friend…he set the example…be a best friend to someone…we all need friends.

And if you don’t know Jesus, well he’s easy to get to know; just talk to him…Be His Best Friend!

You’ll find that it is the best adventure you will ever live. Being His best friend is like ice creams sundaes, chocolate cake with your favorite toppings. It’s like walks on the beach and climbing mountains, exploring space and naming stars…it’s like hearing your baby’s first word or seeing them take their first step.

The friendship of Jesus is like, having long talks about everything and never being bored…he’s like visiting Paris or London or Uganda and giving smiles and hugs and clothes to those who are less fortunate than yourself. He’s like singing in the rain and hearing music that’s out of this world. Watching, I Love Lucy and Saturday morning cartoons. 

Being Jesus’s best friend is like jumping off into deep waters from a hundred foot cliff…the thrill is amazing. Knowing there is no danger.

It’s like driving your dream car as fast as you want without a care of crashing, knowing he’s got cha…Oh he’s so much more…you can imagine the rest…You can trust him totally, completely…with your life and the life of your loved ones…

If you need a best friend…be a best friend! God bless you today!

Lord, I want to be a best friend…faithful and steadfast…just as you are Jesus. Help us to love unconditionally, and without restraint. Give us best friends and never ever let us take them for granted. Amen!