Archive | June 2014

I Wait for You

Jun10

Times of rest and patience are required of those who wait upon Me.

For I do not drive My sheep; I lead and I know when you need rest and when you simply need sleep. Therefore do not fear if it seems that I AM absent at times or the quiet is too loud, for I AM right here and you have done nothing wrong.

  • I lead you to green pastures.
  • I make you lie down.
  • I restoreth your soul.

Trust that I will never leave you, and I may at times correct, but I don’t punish—I direct.

“And have you forgotten the exhortation which addresses you as sons?—”My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, nor lose courage when you are punished by him. For the Lord disciplines him whom he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives.”

It is for discipline that you have to endure. God is treating you as sons; for what son is there whom his father does not discipline?” Hebrews 12:5-7  *please see comment below*

Lavish Love—that’s what I AM♥

I wait for you too.

“The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want; he makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters, he restores my soul.” Psalms 123:1-3a

“When he has brought out all his own, he goes before them, and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice. A stranger they will not follow, but they will flee from him, for they do  not know the voice of strangers.” John 10:4-5

“May the Lord direct your hearts to the love of God and to the steadfastness of Christ.” II Thessalonians 3:5

*Note: I was troubled at first, when in this message He said, “I do not punish”, it seemed contradictory to the scriptures as you see in Hebrews 12:5-7. It is important that all messages are verified in scripture. King James uses the word ‘chastisement’, and Strongs Concordance defines this as education, training, discipline (by punishment), teach, learn and nurture.

I don’t want to confuse anyone, but my heart concludes that, just as in training your children, at times you must discipline to guide, the Lord must discipline us. He is not about the ‘punishment’ of His children, but to ‘direct’ them. In His great Love for us, He turns our ways to love, as He Loves. He already took our punishment and therefore does not punish us, but trains—directs.

“But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that made us whole, and with his stripes we are healed.” Isaiah 53:5

Those of this world, who choose not receive His great Love and sacrifice, will indeed be punished and it will be everlasting. May that never be you.

L.J.O’Neil

 

Then Comes Grace

Jun7

Stop and think of what Grace is. It’s unmerited favor. I want you to favor those who don’t deserve it—just because I favor you. You see sometimes it’s not just about loving them; some make it really hard for you to love, by not receiving you at all—

Then comes Grace.

It is the step beyond what you don’t know; what you can’t love—you can through Grace. So when you feel like you’re trying to love and it’s reaching a wall—ask for Grace, that you might have Grace to give.

“And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, full of grace and truth; we have beheld his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father.—And from his fulness have we all received, grace upon grace.” John 1:14,16

You must first receive, in order to give. An empty vessel cannot pour.

“But God, who is rich in mercy, out of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead through our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up with him,

and made us sit with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.

For by grace you have been saved through faith; and this is not your own doing, it is the gift of God—not because of works, lest any man should boast.

For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” Ephesians 2:4-10

When a flight attendant teaches safety measures before a flight, you are taught to put on your own oxygen mask before helping others.

Receive My Grace that you may love in Grace.

Love more.

More Love.

Either way you look at it, it works—by Grace.

“Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” Ephesians 5:1-2

The Grace you leave is the Grace you receive.

Have salt in yourselves and be at peace with one another, saith the Lord.

“Salt is good; but if the salt has lost its saltness, how will you season it? Have salt in yourselves, and be at peace with one another.” Mark 9:50

“Strive for peace with all men, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord.” Hebrews 12:14

“This is how one should regard us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. Moreover it is required of stewards that they be found trustworthy.” I Corinthians 4:1-2

“Therefore do not pronounce judgment before the time, before the Lord comes, who will bring to light the things now hidden in darkness and will disclose the purposes of the heart. Then every man will receive his commendation from God.—”

“For who sees anything different from you? What have you that you did not receive? If then you received it, why do you boast as if it were not a gift?” I Corinthians 4:5,7

“Above all hold unfailing your love for one another, since love covers a multitude of sins. Practice hospitality ungrudgingly to one another. As each has received a gift, employ it for one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace:

whoever speaks, as one who utters oracles of God; whoever renders service, as one who renders it by the strength which God supplies; in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.” I Peter 4:8-11

“Peace be to the brethren, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Grace be with all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with love undying.” Ephesians 6:23-24

 

The Child Within

Jun6

The way of righteousness is easy, if you begin on a sure foundation, that of My Blood, which cleanses you from sin–your way begins.

Now receive My Holy Spirit–your Comforter, your Friend–

He will remain with you always, once you ask Him in.

“And I will pray the Father, and he will give you another Counselor, to be with you for ever, even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him; you know him, for he dwells with you, and will be in you.” John 14:16-17

Wisdom is key–seek it with your heart.

“To get wisdom is better than gold; to get understanding is to be chosen rather than silver.” Proverbs 16:16

“For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding; he stores up sound wisdom for the upright; he is a shield to those who walk in integrity, guarding the paths of justice and preserving the way of his saints.” Proverbs 2:6-8

Delight to know My Truth, and from it never part!

The way is clear and steady, if you keep to this straight path, but should you veer–

the way is unclear–

more difficult–

hard to grasp.

Sin has a way of working in to the smallest crack or door.

Calling, always calling–come this way for more!

Should you stumble, you have not lost–

the way to eternal life.

But begin again you must,

to find the path that’s right.

Find the foundation and continue–don’t stop until you know,

that you indeed have found it–

the True Way to go.

“My son, do not despise the Lord’s discipline or be weary of his reproof, for the Lord reproves him whom he loves, as a father the son in whom he delights.” Proverbs 3:11-12

“The wage of the righteous leads to life, the gain of the wicked to sin. He who heeds instruction is on the path to life, but he who rejects reproof goes astray.” Proverbs 10:16-17

This may seem a simple song, like a child’s rhyme perhaps…

Yes it is simple, not the tangled web ye weave.

For a child would know the way to go–to climb in his Father’s lap.

The least shall be greatest in My Kingdom.

Come to Me as a child, with arms held open wide.

Come to Me as a child–laying down your pride.

You think I will not notice, your tiny little sin. But sin keeps you from My presence–allows evil to enter in.

“”Woe to the world for temptations to sin! For it is necessary that temptations come, but woe to the man by whom the temptations comes!”” Matthew 18:7

Your audience with the Father–cometh by My Blood.

Capture the child within you, for the child knows he’s loved!

“At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” And calling to him a child, he put him in the midst of them, and said, “Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever humbles himself like this child, he is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me; but whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a great millstone fastened round his neck and to be drowned in the depth of the sea.”” Matthew 18:1-6

“See that you do not despise one of these little ones; for I tell you that in heaven their angels always behold the face of my Father who is in heaven.” Matthew 18:10

“Then children were brought to him that he might lay his hands on them and pray. The disciples rebuked the people; but Jesus said, “Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them; for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.”” Matthew 19:13-14

“He who is greatest among you shall be your servant; whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.” Matthew 23:11-12

“The fear of the Lord leads to life; and he who has it rests satisfied; he will not be visited by harm.” Proverbs 19:23

“A righteous man who walks in his integrity–blessed are his sons after him!” Proverbs 20:7

“Because he cleaves to me in love, I will deliver him; I will protect him, because he knows my name. When he calls to me, I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will rescue him and honor him. With long life I will satisfy him, and show him my salvation.” Psalms 91:14-16

Happy is the man who finds wisdom, and the man who gets understanding, for the gain from it is better than gain from silver and its profit better than gold. She is more precious than jewels, and nothing you desire can compare with her.

Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor. Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace. She is a tree of life to those who lay hold of her; those who hold her fast are called happy.” Proverbs 3:13-18

“My son, keep sound wisdom and discretion; let them not escape from your sight, and they will be life for your soul and adornment for your neck. Then you will walk on your way securely and your foot will not stumble. If you sit down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet.” Proverbs 3:21-24

 

Open The Door

Jun3

Do not ‘work’ at pleasing others, for they will not satisfy your life. For just when you think you’ve accomplished their will, it will change–for emotions reign.

“Am I now seeking the favor of men, or of God? Or am I trying to please men? If I were still pleasing men, I should not be a servant of Christ.” Galatians 1:10

Look to Me, for I AM pleased at your glance.

You don’t have to perform for Me; for I know you and, in you, I AM pleased. Rather, work at the task pressing on your heart and I will work those around you, to please you, to do what I’ve called you to do.

Do not be afraid of the goal–just begin.

Those who allow the goal to overwhelm, never start. Convinced in their heart that they can’t do what I ask, they stop listening and turn away. Fear of failure has taken root in their heart.

I didn’t ask you to know how; I ask you to be willing.

From the start you may only know a small part.

The plan is made perfect by My will. For I will impart My Wisdom to your heart, and knowledge to fulfill My will.

Do you question still?

Come along with Me. I will help you to see the answers to all that you ask.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own insight. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6

I AM unchanging, but ever-arranging your life to line up with Mine. As you ‘see’ Me, that is the key, that unlocks each door that you grasp.

Open the door!

“My son, if you receive my words and treasure up my commandments with you, making your ear attentive to wisdom and inclining your heart to understanding;

yes, if you cry out for insight and raise your voice for understanding, if you seek it like silver and search for it as for hidden treasures; then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God.

For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding; he stores up sound wisdom for the upright; he is a shield to those who walk in integrity, guarding the paths of justice and equity, every good path;

for wisdom will come into your heart, and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul; discretion will watch over you; understanding will guard you; delivering you from the way of evil, from men of perverted speech–” Proverbs 2:1-12

“Whatever your task, work heartily, as serving the Lord and not men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward; you are serving the Lord Christ.” Colossians 3:23-24