GREAT JOY! Devotional September 30, 2015

An Event for Everyone

8-12 There were sheepherders camping in the neighborhood. They had set night watches over their sheep. Suddenly, God’s angel stood among them and God’s glory blazed around them. They were terrified. The angel said, “Don’t be afraid. I’m here to announce a great and joyful event that is meant for everybody, worldwide: A Savior has just been born in David’s town, a Savior who is Messiah and Master. This is what you’re to look for: a baby wrapped in a blanket and lying in a manger.”
Luke 2:10-12The Message (MSG)

Usually we hear these verses talked about at Christmas time…but today I want to bring out a wonderful, wonderful, emotion…

Great JOY!

I’ve found that there is no greater JOY than the arrival of a new baby…boy, or, girl, makes no difference. The parents are bursting with happiness and GREAT JOY. I’m going to say that a lot…GREAT JOY, GREAT JOY…GREAT JOY!

The proud grandparents, step-grands and uncles and siblings everyone is filled with GREAT JOY because of the arrival of a new life!

That’s what God’s angel was talking about when he spoke to the shepherd’s all those years ago concerning, Jesus, God’s son! God the Father sent out the announcement and hand delivered it to the lowliest of people…sheepherders, and animals in a tiny barn in Bethlehem. WOW! The savior of the world is born.

But what a grand announcement it is…The Light of God’s glory burst on the scene…God’s special messenger speaks up and says…Hey, don’t be afraid…I’m here to give you GREAT JOY…the Messiah is born!

Catch a glimpse of Him in your heart today…let that GREAT JOY spring out from your inner being, get excited…sing…jump…dance…let people wonder what in the world is going on with you? JOY IS CONTAGIOUS…

JOY causes exuberance in the spirit and you not only smile from ear to ear, you actually glow….

Synonyms for Joy!

Bliss, hilarity, liveliness, gladness, delight, elation, comfort, jubilance, treasure, fruition, rapture, refreshment, solace, good humor, exultation…just to name a few.

Whatever is causing you to have the absence of GREAT JOY in your life today…put it aside, your choice, right now and receive God’s GREAT JOY!!! If you have to literally make yourself laugh out loud…JUST DO IT! You will be amazed how it will change your whole perspective for this day! God bless you! I speak GREAT JOY over you today!

Let’s pray…Father in the name of your beautiful son, Jesus, I ask you to saturate all who read this with your GREAT JOY…let the Joy of the Lord catch fire in the hearts of men and women, boys and girls, and let them never recover… amen!!!!! Yes Hilarity…let it flow…amen!
By: Marla Shaw O’Neill September 30, 2015©
http://gojourneychurch.com/

Garbage Collector, Devotional September 29, 2015

Matthew 27:3-8King James Version (KJV)
3 Then Judas, which had betrayed him, when he saw that he was condemned, repented himself, and brought again the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders,
4 Saying, I have sinned in that I have betrayed the innocent blood. And they said, What is that to us? see thou to that.
5 And he cast down the pieces of silver in the temple, and departed, and went and hanged himself.
6 And the chief priests took the silver pieces, and said, It is not lawful for to put them into the treasury, because it is the price of blood.
7 And they took counsel, and bought with them the potter's field, to bury strangers in.
8 Wherefore that field was called, The field of blood, unto this day.

The Garbage Collector

Today is my bible study group meeting with Beth Moore, called, Stepping Up. I was so sick yesterday I really did not think I’d make it to the study. But I did. It was wonderful I was refreshed and renewed…afterwards I had lunch with my husband, Bob.

While driving Bob back to work, a garbage truck was in front of us and a man wearing his florescent vest, stepped off the truck to collect the garbage. The thought struck me and I said to Bob, “How low does your self-esteem have to be to be a garbage collector?” I’d never thought about that kind of work before. It’s honest, hard work and if you do that for a living well, God bless you. But really…most of us, would we ever want to do that job? I know I wouldn’t. On my lists of the top ten things I’d like to be when I grow up, garbage collector never even entered my mind. And it probably didn’t enter yours either. Right? Right.

I thought about the man and his life choices and how he might have come to do that as his life’s work. Maybe he was in prison and when he got out, the only job he could get was, garbage collector. Maybe he had some mental disorder and that was all he was capable of doing. It puts food on the table and pays some bills. Maybe he really wanted, to be, a garbage collector. The hours fit his life style and he liked cleaning things up. I hardly believe that one. But at any rate…my point is, God brought to mind the garbage dump outside the city of Jerusalem. A place where all refuse and trash and garbage was taken and thrown away. It was a place to be avoided. It was an unclean place.

Then Judas came to my mind…He had walked with Jesus for three years; ate breakfast, lunch and dinner with him. He was best friends with the disciples. Slept in the same fields and kept the Sabbaths every week and each year celebrated the feasts with fellow Jews. He saw Jesus do miracle after miracle. And yet what happened? He betrayed Jesus, for thirty pieces of silver. Afterwards, he could not live with what he had done and so the bible says he went to what they call to this day, field of blood, and there he hung himself. Matthew 27:3-8. What a sad way for a life to end. Once a man of respect and comradery he was now, lost and dead. (There is debate over how Judas died but the point is, it was a horrible death.)

You may find yourself in a situation that you think is beneath you. You may be tempted to do something that is dishonest and disgusting. Let me just say this, DO NOT DO IT! Nothing is worth losing your soul.

When you have walked with the Way, the Truth, and the Life…Do not let anything deter you from doing what is right! Even if you have to collect garbage for a living, as long as you do it as unto the Lord He will bless you. To those who are last, they will be first. And the first shall be last. (Matthew 20:16) Hang onto Jesus no matter what! You will receive a blessing not only in the life to come, but here on earth as well.

Garbage collector, or CEO of a large company, when you follow Jesus you cannot lose!

Let us pray…Lord Jesus, bless that man that was collecting garbage on the road today. If he doesn’t know you save him. If he does know you bless him and do not let him become discouraged. Give him an increase and a promotion.

Whatever our profession in life, Lord, let us never betray you. But give us your grace to carry on! Amen.

By: Marla Shaw O’Neill September 29, 2015©

The Soul Tree, Devotional September 28,2015

4 Remain in me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in me. John 15:4 New Living Translation (NLT)

On Wednesday, September 23, 2015, I was spending time with my heavenly father and after a little while, he began to speak to me.

He said, “Welcome to my garden, daughter.” He pointed out a lovely stream and gave me a cool refreshing drink of water. He said that in His garden is the fruit of life and truth. “Hear the birds singing? I teach them a new tune every day. See that gentle deer there, it’s not afraid to lie down next to that lion. There is nothing to fear here. My garden is a place of peace and rest for your soul.”

He told me some wonderful things, and then He told me something very interesting. He said, “I want to show you this one special tree that thrives here in my garden. I call it my soul tree.

Each time a soul from earth accepts my son as their savior and is born into my kingdom, a new bud comes forth on my soul tree. It grows until it is ripe then it dies and its seed is buried in my soil and brings forth more fruit. As long as it abides in the root of my son it lives and brings forth more soul trees.”

He pointed something else out to me, “Look here, this is your soul tree, it is massive in my garden. This tree here represents your family from generations back in time to this day. Your tree is flourishing. Stay rooted in me, God.”

This really happened to me…I’m so excited I can hardly stand it. Imagine God, speaking to me showing me something so beautiful and real. I didn’t actually see it but I visualized it as He spoke to my spirit.

It goes right along with John 15:5 (NLT)
Yes, I am the vine you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing.

Let's pray...
Most gracious heavenly father, thank you for speaking your words of life to us today. Your word, that you speak, cleanses us. Let us walk so close to you that we can will feel your breath and smell your sweetness, upon us and remain joyful and happy in you. Amen!

In His Image - Devotional September 25, 2015

Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, in our likeness…” So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.” (Genesis 1:26-27)
Have you ever thought what this means…? 'In the image of God.'

God made man and woman in His image. He gave them intellect, emotions and will. When we read the bible we see where God felt hurts, sadness, anger, and joy. God has emotions. We were made like Him.

He made us to be self-aware; we have a consciousness of “I” and “You.” We are not impersonal “its.” Praise the Lord for that.

Have you ever wondered why we have dreams to be something more? Who put those desires there? We love music and drama and art and we love a great story. It enriches our lives why; because God loves those things too.

He is an artist, He loves music and if you’ve read His book you know He loves a great story. After all He is the word! We like those things too; we are made in His image.

God is moral. He made us to have a sense of what is right and what is wrong.

God is relational. He gets lonely and when relationships are broken He longs to bring restoration. He walked with Adam in the cool of the day.

The bible says, “God is love.” 1 John 4:8. The most important command in the bible is, ‘Love God first and then love others as yourself. God uses the metaphors of God’s relationship with people as that of a father to His children and a husband to His wife. These are the most intimate of human relationships.

We are all this, because God is all this, and we are made in His image.

The things inside of you that make you, you, are there because God is in you. He’s in all of us.

So when you think you are nothing…that you don’t have what it takes to accomplish those dreams you carry. Let me be the first to tell you, YOU DO! Why, because God made you in His image. Look at all He has done! He created a world from nothing…each day-break and every-sunset…displayed across the sky, our loving heavenly father displays just for you, each and every day…and guess what…you have His DNA within you!

God thank you for making us in your image. Thank you for putting your dreams within us. Let us fulfill all that you have called us to do. Amen.

By: Marla Shaw O'Neill September 25, 2015©

As For Me and My House -Devotional September 25, 2015

 
14 “So fear the Lord and serve him wholeheartedly. Put away forever the idols your ancestors worshiped when they lived beyond the Euphrates River and in Egypt. Serve the Lord alone. 15 But if you refuse to serve the Lord, then choose today whom you will serve. Would you prefer the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates? Or will it be the gods of the Amorites in whose land you now live? But as for me and my family, we will serve the Lord.” Joshua 24:14-15 New Living Translation (NLT)
Who are you going to serve?

Are you serving your job? Are you serving yourself? Are you serving time and money? Are you serving God?

What god are you serving? Is it the god of this world, or the true and living God the maker of heaven and earth?

It’s easy to put things and others in the position where God should be. He says to put him first in everything and then the rest will be in order. I’m talking to the believers, the “Christian” the ones that are supposed to be Christ-like.

Jesus said to throw all your cares on Him because He cares for you. Are you doing everything you can to stay afloat but find yourself sinking deeper and deeper in an ocean of never ending stress and despair? It’s time then to let…it…go…! Let go of it! You’ve seen you can’t carry it…it’s just too heavy…So let go of it. Whatever, “IT,” is. Make an altar, lay everything you are carrying on that altar and let the Holy Spirit consume it all. Now you have nothing to carry. I know you don’t want to hear this but I’m going to say it anyway.

Go to a quiet place somewhere you won’t be disturbed, get down on your knees, bow your head and pray. Just do it. Ask Jesus to wash you from the inside out. Then thank Him. Then worship him…sing a song of praise…then begin to talk to Jesus from your heart. Tell him all about yourself…your family…your job…your community…your town…your state…your Nation. Tell him your most secret dreams and desires…Of course he already knows but he wants you to tell him. Then be still and listen. He will begin to speak to your heart. It’ll sound like you at first but then you’ll recognize it’s him because he uses His words of life and wisdom. Write it down if you like. I promise you will rise from there different than when you started.

Who are you going to serve? Others are watching even though you think you don’t affect anyone else you do. Serve the Lord, with your whole heart, you won’t be sorry.

Jesus, you see the heart of the one reading this, you know all about them. Lord I ask that you touch them and heal them. Put a deep desire in their heart to seek you and serve you. You have the words of eternal life. In you is hope and peace. Like Joshua let them say, “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord!” Amen.
By: Marla Shaw O’Neill September 25, 2015©

September 23, 2015 - Devotional He Restoreth My Soul

 

He Restoreth My Soul Psalm 23:3

Thinking back of the old west I was reminded of ‘The Ghost Town.’ Can you see it?

Tumble weed blowing about as the wind whistles through the abandoned streets. Walls infested by those tiny insects that eat the wood and leave tracks; signs of their intrusion. 

Paint chipped and weathered until all that remain is gray stained boards hanging by a hinge, now bare and rotting. Varmints are the only tenants who live there now? 

Streets dusty and dry, lifeless and desolate. No laughter or chatter only the sounds of ghosts, and remembrance of times long gone.

Silence, and whispers of the wind, is the only sounds. 

If the town spirits could speak, what stories they would tell? “The Thompson’s have a new baby boy.” “Grandpa Joe passed away peacefully in his sleep last night.” “Miss Baker won the contest for best peach preserves and Mrs. Taylor is terribly upset." "The preacher baptized two new souls on Saturday down at the river.”
Only ghosts and a wasteland remain now. What once was a thriving, healthy town is now dead, waiting, for what?

Is your soul like that ghost town? Are you parched and dry? Were you once flourishing and thriving full of God’s joy and life?

Oh to be re-stored once more…as the psalmist says, “He restoreth my soul.”

There’s a new Sheriff in town…he tears down the waste places…puts fresh paint on the new buildings, sets up a church, bank and mercantile. Hangs a brand new sign…. “Now Open For Business.” 

People begin to arrive by train. Families move into the community…houses are built, wells are dug. Flowers, gardens, and trees are planted.

He brings ‘New Life’ back into the old town. Now instead of ghosts and desolation…the town is restored and new life begins, again!

Let Jesus restore your soul today!

Lord Jesus I ask for restoration and new life let old things pass away and let all things become new. Because of you Jesus we are restored. As we come and drink of the fresh water of life, found only in you, let us thrive and live and bring glory and honor to you. Amen!

By: Marla Shaw O’Neill 9.23.15©

Rejoice Night and Day - Devotional September 22, 2015

The Spirit of Truth

15-17 “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! John 14:16-17The Message (MSG)

I asked the Lord to give me something for you today and he brought this song to my mind. He Abides. Rejoice night and day…because the comforter the Holy Spirit (Our best friend) abides with you.

This is the day the Lord has made I will rejoice and be glad in it…. (Psalm 118:24) amen!

Song: He Abides

I’m rejoicing night and day
As I walk the narrow way,
For the hand of God in all my life I see;
And the reason of my bliss,
Yes, the secret all is this:
That the Comforter abides with me.
Refrain:
He abides, He abides;
Hallelujah, He abides with me!
I’m rejoicing night and day
As I walk the narrow way,
For the Comforter abides with me.
Once my heart was full of sin,
Once I had no peace within,
Till I heard how Jesus died upon the tree;
Then I fell down at His feet,
And there came a peace so sweet;
Now the Comforter abides with me.
He is with me everywhere,
And He knows my every care;
I’m as happy as a bird and just as free;
For the Spirit has control;
Jesus satisfies my soul,
Since the Comforter abides with me.
There’s no thirsting for the things
Of the world—they’ve taken wings;
Long ago I gave them up, and instantly
All my night was turned to day,
All my burdens rolled away;
Now the Comforter abides with me.
By: Herbert Buffum 1922 Copyright: Public Domain

YOU CAN! - Devotional September 20, 2015

¹² I know how to get along and live humbly [in difficult times], and I also know how to enjoy abundance and live in prosperity. In any and every circumstance I have learned the secret [of facing life], whether well-fed or going hungry, whether having an abundance or being in need. ¹³ I can do all things [which He has called me to do] through Him who strengthens and empowers me [to fulfill His purpose—I am self-sufficient in Christ’s sufficiency; I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him who infuses me with inner strength and confident peace.] ‘Philippians 4:12-14 Amplified Bible (AMP)’

Are you facing a red sea today with no way to cross it? Is the enemy in hot pursuit and you don’t know what to do? You can’t go back and you can’t go forward…Have you prayed but gotten no answer?Are you dangling at the end of your rope about to let go and there’s no safety net?

All I can say is….don’t give up…keep praying…keep waiting…keep trusting in God…

You are in for a miracle…

By faith Moses obeyed God and a multitude walked through the red sea on dry ground…and the enemy was destroyed.

By faith Abraham took his family to a foreign land not knowing where they were going, but in obedience to God they went, and God proved to be with them the whole way…it was counted to him for righteousness...

By faith David as a young man defeated the giant…David knew his God and became a king.

By faith a young virgin girl whose name was Mary conceived and bore a son, the savior of all mankind.

By faith twelve ordinary men, chose to give up their lives and follow Jesus; and they changed the world.

By faith we accept Jesus as our Lord and savior and by faith live this life knowing He will never leave us no matter what!

When you’re down, look up! When life looks hopeless and you feel defeated remember God’s word. “I can do ALL things through Christ which strengthens me.” Yes life is hard there will be failure and hurts; trials and suffering but remember this Jesus overcame the world and because of that we will overcome too. Don’t get weary, don’t give up…persevere…we’ve got too much to gain to lose. And when the journey gets rough…sing…pray… and praise! Come on…you’re going to make it!

Father God in Jesus name I ask that you encourage your children right now. Drive back the evil forces that want to make them give up. Give them faith, grace and strength. I ask that the Holy Spirit reveal Jesus in a new and fresh way today in their hearts grant their miracle. Let your Holy rain fall on them and fill them to overflowing for your glory and your purposes. Amen.

By: Marla Shaw O’Neill September 20, 2015©

Do You Love Me? - Devotional September 20, 2015

¹⁵ After breakfast Jesus asked Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?^[a]” John 21:15 New Living Translation (NLT)

(This passage was actually the third time Jesus had visited his disciples after he rose from the dead. He asked Peter do you love me more than your brothers...more than your time, more than, who is most important?)

Listen, I know you’re busy…right? Well, this will just take a moment. Oh, you don’t have a moment. Well then let it be a little sacrifice, one moment of your time to spend hearing what the savior wants to ask you!

I know you’re stressed, worn out, getting kids ready for school, getting yourself ready, traffic to worry about, and a full day at the office multi-tasking doing this, day in and day out. Taken for granted…I know all that, but take a deep breath and for just a moment listen.

Jesus wants to ask you something. He’s down on the beach cooking, fish, it’s almost ready. Come on what’s one little moment especially when you get to spend it with the master?

Jesus is asking, (Insert your name here), “Do you love me?” Your response…don’t roll your eyes…answer him.

“Yes Lord, you know I love you.”

Really? How many times in a day do we deny him? I don’t have time to pray. I don’t have time to read my bible. I’m too tired to go to church on Sunday. That’s the only day I have for myself. Peter denied Jesus three times. But Peter repented and so when Jesus asked him if he loved him…he asked him three times. Seeing Peter’s true repentance and commitment Jesus entrusted Peter with his flock. Jesus wants to trust you too. But there’s going to have to be some repenting on our part. Do you love him, truly love him? If you really love him then show him. Love him the way he loves you. Take some time and spend it with him. You’ll be amazed how much better your day will go if you take a few minutes and thank him for all he has done for you. Ask him to give you a hunger and thirst for him once again. Let the Holy Spirit renew a right spirit within you. Then look out. The joy and peace you’ll receive is more than you could ever imagine.

“Lord Jesus, help me to love you with my time and in prayer each day. Let my heart serve you with gratitude and praise. Jesus let me put you first in all I do. Renew a right spirit within me and fill my cup to overflowing not just with coffee, but true love for you and others. Amen!”

By: Marla Shaw O'Neill 9.19.2015©

Sticks and Stones - Devotional September 19, 2015

2 Timothy 2:14-16Expanded Bible (EXB)

A Worker Pleasing to God

14 ·Continue teaching [L Remind them of] these things, ·warning people [L solemnly testifying/declaring] in God’s presence not to ·argue [quarrel] about words. It ·does not help anyone [is good for nothing], and it ruins those who listen. 15 ·Make every effort [Do your best; Be diligent] to ·give [present] yourself to God as the kind of person he will approve. Be a worker who ·is not ashamed [or will not be shamed] and who ·uses the true teaching in the right way [correctly handles the true message/word of truth; or holds carefully to the true message/word of truth]. 16 Stay away from ·foolish, useless talk [godless/irreverent chatter; 1 Tim. 1:3–4; 4:7; 6:20], because that will lead people ·further away from God [into even more ungodliness].

Have you ever done or said something you wish you could take back...but once it's said there is no eraser or delete button to 'undo' what's been said? The childhood saying, "Sticks and stones will brake my bones but words will never hurt me," I've always thought to be untrue.  Unlike a scraped knee that will heal and be forgotten; hurtful, unkind words will stay with us our whole lives. On the other hand words of praise, encouragement and gratitude, will lift our spirits that says, we'd go to the moon and back for this person if they asked us too.

Let me ask you this...would you rather be known as an Oscar the Grouch kind of person, or a person like Elwood P. Dowd, always pleasant and kind, who's best friend was Harvey, a 6'4" tall, white rabbit? God will use anything for His glory even a silly little movie like Harvey, to jog the mind to show us how we should live.

Lord Jesus help us today to present ourselves in a way that is pleasing to you. Let our words and our actions be kind and uplifting so that unbelievers will see you in us and maybe just maybe want to know our secret, and ask,..."How do you do it? Why don't you ever get upset? Why the smile, even when things don't go your way?" Help us to give a good answer by how we live not by just what we say. Amen. 
By: Marla Shaw O'Neill 9/19/2015©

How Beautiful - Devotional September 18, 2015

 

The Rider on a White Horse
¹¹ Then I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse! The one sitting on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he judges and makes war. ¹² His eyes are like a flame of fire, and on his head are many diadems, and he has a name written that no one knows but himself. ¹³ He is clothed in a robe dipped in^[a] blood, and the name by which he is called is The Word of God. ¹⁴ And the armies of heaven, arrayed in fine linen, white and pure, were following him on white horses. ¹⁵ From his mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations, and he will rule them with a rod of iron. He will tread the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God the Almighty. ¹⁶ On his robe and on his thigh he has a name written, King of kings and Lord of lords. Revelation 19:11-16English Standard Version (ESV)

Music moves the soul to cry out before Him, "How beautiful you are Lord! There is no one like you! Who is and was and is to come! Worship the Prince of Peace stay in His presence and let him heal your hurts, anxiety and stress right now...He longs for you to spend time with him...

Click on the link let it take you into the presence of our loving, heavenly Father! Turn it up!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JaRw2Fyy4JQ

Jesus you are the rider of that horse and one day, we don't the day or the hour but just as sure as you were born, you died and your rose...you are coming for us...Beautiful Rider. Let us be ready! Amen!

Heads Bowed No One Looking Around - Devotional September 17, 2015

If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9 (NKJV)

I love the old hymns. I remember as a child about six years old, I walked to our little rural church around the corner from our house, in Rocky Creek, and at the close of the service the pastor said, “Everyone bow your heads, eyes closed, no one looking around, as we sing this hymn, if you don’t know Jesus, please come forward so we can pray with you.” We sang and waited for someone to come forward to receive Jesus as their Lord and Savior. I went forward that day…I felt like the biggest sinner that had ever lived, the weight of sin so heavy on my shoulders. What could a little six year old girl have done, that she felt such conviction? All I knew was that the preacher had said if we don’t have Jesus as our savior, then we are going to go straight to Hell! I knew I didn’t want to go there….My repentance was real; with tears flowing down my cheeks I accepted Jesus into my heart that day. I thank God that I’ve known him most of my life I’m sixty-one years old now….Without him I sure don’t know what I would have done all these years. Fallen, broken, a mess….Oh yes, but the best part is, I am forgiven. Will you come forward today and accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior? Heads bowed, no one looking around, we’re singing that old hymn; while He waits for you to come home!

Softly and tenderly Jesus is calling,
Calling for you and for me;
See, on the portals He’s waiting and watching,
Watching for you and for me.

Refrain:

Come home, come home,
Ye who are weary, come home;
Earnestly, tenderly, Jesus is calling,
Calling O sinner, come home!

Why should we tarry when Jesus is pleading,
Pleading for you and for me?
Why should we linger and heed not His mercies,
Mercies for you and for me?

Time is now fleeting, the moments are passing,
Passing from you and from me;
Shadows are gathering, deathbeds are coming,
Coming for you and for me.

Oh, for the wonderful love He has promised,
Promised for you and for me!
Though we have sinned, He has mercy and pardon,
Pardon for you and for me.
By: Will L. Thompson, pub.1880 Copyright: Public Domain

Jesus let your love fill each and everyone of us today and if someone doesn't know you
open their hearts so that you can come in. Amen!

 

Fullness of God's Joy - Devotional September 17, 2015

 

Psalm 16:11 says, “You will show me the path of life, in Your presence is fullness of joy, at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.

Holy Spirit’s fruit of Joy

God’s joy…what does it mean to have the fruit of joy? I pondered this; I researched it and found many examples of joy. But what is God’s joy? When we as God’s children lose a loved one or encounter some other deep hurt in our lives, we grieve and we are sad for a very long time…but in the midst of that sadness I found the joy of God! His joy is full of gladness and there’s a happiness not known in human form…but it’s a supernatural feeling that goes beyond the mind and heart of man. God’s joy carries us into his very presence and we are pulled from deep sorrow to a place where there is fullness of joy. Jesus sits at the right hand of God…where there are pleasures forevermore. God’s joy, His blessing, happiness, gladness, rejoicing, remains even when we go through our darkest trials. Receive God’s joy today!

Holy Father, blessed redeemer and Joy giver, I pray that you will bless your children today. Let us reach for your joy and eat of its fullness as you walk this path of life with us. Amen.

By: Marla Shaw O’Neill September 17, 2015©

God Is Holy! - Devotional September 17, 2015



"'Take your sandals off your feet, for the place where you stand is holy ground.'.... And Moses hid his face, for he was afraid to look upon God." Exodus 3:5-6     

A few days ago I was on my face before the Lord...I tried to pray but my prayers would not go any further than the air above me...so I pressed in...then I pressed in some more...I lay silently before him and waited...I began to weep...and praise and worship rose from within my being. I could sense God's glory and holiness. I asked God to forgive me and wash me so that I would be clean. All of a sudden I could not get low enough on the floor...God began to show me just a glimpse of how Holy He is and I felt the weight of sin around me as I knelt in his presence...I was not clean enough...I wanted to scrub my flesh so I would be pure in his presence. I was wearing this bright pink nail polish I wanted to run and take it off...I knew that didn't offend God but I became so aware of my flesh all I could see was ugliness...I didn't want to be ugly or unclean but it was there...I was bare before the Holy God...I cried...Oh God I'm so sorry please make me clean...then he spoke so lovingly to my spirit and said, "It is only through the blood of Jesus that you can be clean in my presence. When I look at you I see my sons blood that was shed for the forgiveness of sin. Sin separates us but when you are washed in the blood of my son, you are cleansed from all sin. No more separation. I allowed you to experience my holiness so that you could know there is nothing you can do to be holy enough, you can't buy it, or earn it, all you have to do is be washed in the blood of my son. Jesus's blood makes you clean so that you can come boldly before my throne, to me, a sweet smelling savor, you are clean. Death can't touch you there. Stay in the blood!"

Holy Father, God of all creation, I pray that everyone will experience the awesomeness of your holiness and never take you for granted. There is only one way to you and that is through the shed blood of Jesus. Help us worship you in spirit and in truth, for this is what you desire. Amen.

By: Marla Shaw O'Neill September 17, 2015©

With God in His Emergency Room - Devotional September 16, 2015

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

²² But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, ²³ gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!

The Holy Spirit…produces; This Kind of Fruit in our lives…Notice it starts with ‘Love’ then the rest follows. I used to think, Lord, how in the world, can I ever accomplish having your joy and peace let alone, heavens to Betsy, patience? Well, that’s just impossible. I am kind, and I try to be good and faithful, I had gentleness down pretty good but self-control? Sure until someone does something that sends me into a tailspin…then He pointed something out to me…it was, as if, I heard Him say, “Marla, start with my love.” My love is unconditional, doesn’t judge or condemn not even self…my love forgives. My love accepts you for who you are…all of you. As you let my love grow in you, you will in turn have joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and yes, even, self-control not only for yourself but for others as well. Spend time with me get to know me and you’ll see I am not the tyrant people make me out to be. I am your loving heavenly father and I want to spend time with you.”

Gracious heavenly father, I ask that the Holy Spirit produce your love in us today. Love that is joyful and peaceful, love that is gentle, kind, and good, love that is patient and faithful, love that practices self-control so that we walk in an attitude of your grace and mercy. Let us be the children of our loving, caring, heavenly father. Amen.

By: Marla Shaw O’Neill September 16, 2015©