Tag Archive | direction

The Key Is Not The Treasure

I want you to think of money as a tool, not a value.

Money in itself means nothing. It is like a key that unlocks a door. The key itself has little value, but what it may unlock in your life is often priceless.

Use money as a tool to accomplish your need.

Focus on the win. Do not expect chance to feed your soul but stride forward–purpose to know–purpose to become whole.

I don’t want you to worry about money, that is not your concern. I will supply what you need; the end becomes the beginning of a new open door. Have you ever noticed that you never stay facing a closed door? You turn to a new direction–never backward for that is retreat.

Come, find the way that knows no defeat.

Doors will open and doors will close, but the path is unending for those who will hear. Use what you are supplied to unlock your future. The way will be clear–only when you hear.

“And now I commend you to God and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up and to give you the inheritance among all those who are sanctified.

I coveted no one’s silver or gold or apparel. You yourselves know that these hands ministered to my necessities, and to those who were with me. In all things I have shown you that by so toiling one must help the weak, remembering the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.'” Acts 20:32-35

Be Right or Be Left

Nov28

Are you right or left handed? You are born with natural tendencies and some are stronger than others, but you will develop what you practice. Most will choose to favor one over the other.

Are you left or right?

So you are born with a spirit nature–that you develop by your choices. Do you favor left or right? You are not forced into a mold. Even a child, when influenced, must make his own decision and will grow to live by the decisions he makes.

Child’s play develops–adult decisions envelop–all must choose.

“When the Son of man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit on his glorious throne. Before him will be gathered all the nations, and he will separate them one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats, and he will place the sheep at his right hand, but the goats at the left.” Matthew 25:31-33

Right or left–right or wrong; decisions all life long. Some merely hinder, but some will never escape for the choices they’ve made; in stubbornness they cling to the way that seems right, but the end therein is destruction.

“There is a way which seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death.” Proverbs 16:25

“For a man’s ways are before the eyes of the Lord, and he watches all his paths. The iniquities of the wicked ensnare him, and he is caught in the toils of his sin. He dies for lack of discipline, and because of his great folly he is lost.” Proverbs 5:21-23

Are you right or left handed?

It matters not.

But right and wrong is a matter of the heart.

You choose to develop what will envelop you.

Choose rightly–choose life!

“I call heaven and earth to witness against you this day, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse; therefore choose life, that you and your descendants may live, loving the Lord your God, obeying his voice, and cleaving to him; for that means life to you and length of days, that you may dwell in the land which the Lord swore to your fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give them” Deuteronomy 30:19-20

“Who is the man that fears the Lord? Him will he instruct in the way that he should choose. He himself shall abide in prosperity, and his children shall possess the land. The friendship of the Lord is for those who fear him, and he makes known to them his covenant. My eyes are ever toward the Lord, for he will pluck my feet out of the net.” Psalms 25:12-15

“Turn thou to me, and be gracious to me; for I am lonely and afflicted. Relieve the troubles of my heart, and bring me out of my distresses. Consider my affliction and my trouble, and forgive all my sins.” Psalms 25:16-18

“If thou, O Lord, shouldst mark iniquities, Lord, who could stand? But there is forgiveness with thee, that thou mayest be feared.” Psalms 130:3-4

“For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant; later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it. Therefore lift your drooping hands and strengthen your weak knees, and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be put out of joint but rather be healed.” Hebrews 12:11-13

“Then the King will say to those at his right hand, ‘Come, O blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world; for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.'” Matthew 25:34-36

Every Moment

Jun14

There are moments when you simply cannot choose what to do. Direction seems vague—unclear. Do not fear. I AM right here. There are times when I would have you try to figure it out. I want you to utilize the tools you have been given.

Seek My face, ask for Grace, seek My Word—pray; all lead to an audience with Me, built upon the structure of faith.

Without faith it is impossible to please Me—without faith it is impossible to ‘see’. I work with faith; in this I honor you, as you honor Me with your faith. It’s a simple exchange. You bring to Me what you know and believe—by faith you receive.

“Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen., And without faith it is impossible to please him. For whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.” Hebrews 11:1,6

But I give you times when you don’t know, on purpose, that you seek My Word—My Face—My Grace—that you might know.

When you find in My Word your faith to believe, it is through My Word that you may receive.

Then you know.

“And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, to know him who is true; and we are in him who is true, in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God and eternal life.” I John 5:20

Savor every moment, for every moment leads to more!

“–he taught me, and said to me, “Let your heart hold fast my words; keep my commandments, and live; do not forget, and do not turn away from the words of my mouth. Get wisdom; get insight. Do not forsake her, and she will keep you; love her, and she will guard you.

The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom, and whatever you get, get insight. Prize her highly, and she will exalt you; she will honor you if you embrace her. She will place on your head a fair garland; she will bestow on you a beautiful crown.” Proverbs 4:4-9

“But you, beloved, build yourselves up on your most holy faith; pray in the Holy Spirit; keep yourselves in the love of God; wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.” Jude 20-21

“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

“And I will lead the blind in a way that they know not, in paths that they have not known I will guide them. I will turn the darkness before them into light, the rough places into level ground. These are the things I will do, and I will not forsake them.” Isaiah 42:16

“–the path of the righteous is like the light of dawn, which shines brighter and brighter until full day.” Proverbs 4:16

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

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

Continue Rested

May6

Peace and rest. These are two well known words that are ‘little known’ in this busy season of life.

Man has lost the ability to truly rest.

You speak of peace during the seasonal celebration of My Birth, but is it mere words or a representation of your life?

To have total peace–

Your life is measured.
Your priorities are in order.
You are surrendered to My will and direction for your life.

For I understand your ways and I see your life mapped out before you. I see what you, yourself, do not see. This is why I ask you to trust. If you respect Me, and trust that I will lead you on the best path, you will remain rested in My decisions, as I direct your life.

“Teach me to do thy will, for thou art my God! Let thy good spirit lead me on a level path!” Psalms 143:10

You are not My puppet; I don’t wish to control–

I AM your mentor.

I gather your thoughts–we discuss them together. We make a plan and, ultimately, a decision. But if one doesn’t ‘see the way’, how can another follow?

Won’t they both wander aimlessly?

“–Can a blind man lead a blind man? Will they not both fall into a pit? A disciple is not above his teacher, but every one when he is fully taught will be like his teacher.” Luke 6:39-40

I see the way–will you follow?

“I bless the Lord who gives me counsel; in the night also my heart instructs me.” Psalms 16:7

“Thou dost show me the path of life; in thy presence there is fulness of joy, in thy right hand are pleasures for evermore.” Psalms 16:11

Stop struggling to find your path.

Rest in My decision–have peace that I won’t let you miss a step. You won’t start over, for you never leave behind what you have learned.

You ‘continue’–when you are ‘rested’.

“And to whom did he swear that they should never enter his rest, but to those who were disobedient? So we see that they were unable to enter because of unbelief. Therefore, while the promise of entering his rest remains, let us fear lest any of you be judged to have failed to reach it.

For good news came to us just as to them; but the message which they heard did not benefit them, because it did not meet with faith in the hearers. For we who have believed enter that rest–” Hebrews 3:18-4:3a

“So then there remains a sabbath rest for the people of God; for whoever enters God’s rest also ceases from his labors as God did from his. Let us therefore strive to enter that rest, that no one fall by the same sort of disobedience.” Hebrews 4:9-11

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” John 14:27

“And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in the one body. And be thankful.” Colossians 3:15

“Make me to know thy ways, O Lord; teach me thy paths. Lead me in thy truth, and teach me, for thou art the God of my salvation; for thee I wait all the day long.” Psalms 25:4-5

“Teach me to do thy will, for thou art my God! Let thy good spirit lead me on a level path!” Psalms 143:10

“Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6 KJV

Seek Willing

Apr24

Direction is highly sought after–so many prayers, “Show me the way to go.” “I don’t know what to do–please!”

These are pleas that I hear continually. But they don’t stop to think; they are too desperate for a ‘new’ answer, to hear.

I have shown each of you the way–laid down every step in My Word.

But the path is revealed through the steps taken. As you walk out each step, more is revealed. Your path is unveiled through obedience.

“Listen to advice and accept instruction, that you may gain wisdom for the future. Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will be established.” Proverbs 19:20-21

If you skim My Word, you’re missing the Truth.

The man who has ‘eyes to see’ and ‘ears to hear’ is willing to change. He looks deeper into the message, for he is ‘scouring’ the Word for hidden meaning.

Those unwilling are blinded–won’t see. They have a pretense of wanting to learn, but turn their face–won’t discern; when given a task that they perceive is too hard for them to do.

Make a decision.

Decide to be willing and step forth, announcing–here am I! Then, dig deep into My Word–not simply read, but dig; with the heart attitude of, ‘I am willing to do what I see.’

And you will see more, for I will open the door–

when you seek Me–willing.

“‘And you, Solomon my son, know the God of your father, and serve him with a whole heart and with a willing mind; for the Lord searches all hearts, and understands every plan and thought. If you seek him, he will be found by you; but if you forsake him, he will cast you off for ever.” I Chronicles 28:9

“A man’s steps are ordered by the Lord; how then can man understand the way?” Proverbs 20:24

“But, as it is written, ‘What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man conceived, what God has prepared for those who love him.’ God has revealed to us through the Spirit. For the Spirit searches every thing, even the depths of God.

For what person knows a man’s thoughts except the spirit of the man which is in him? So also no one comprehends the thoughts of God except the Spirit which is from God, that we might understand the gifts bestowed on us by God. And we impart this in words not taught by human wisdom but taught by the Spirit, interpreting spiritual truths to those who possess the Spirit.

The unspiritual man does not receive the gifts of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned.” I Corinthians 2:9-14

“But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.” John 14:26

“‘And I tell you, Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For every one who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened. What father among you, if his son asks for a fish, will instead of a fish give him a serpent; or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!'” Luke 11:9-13

“I will instruct you and teach you the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you.” Psalms 32:8

Today is Your Day

Mar28

Your life is changing, and you see differences, and yet your senses tell you that you are not ‘there’ yet…

You are right, for you are not.

This ‘new place’ in your life is but a step in your future, but it is your now. I do not wish for you to miss today searching for tomorrow.

Tomorrow is loss if today is not well understood.

Do you understand?

Seek to know, fully, My will for your life in this time of your life; for there is fruit in every season if you will look for it.

Longing to ‘arrive’ will only prolong the wait, for if you have not matured to the fruit of this season, your heart will debate that too. Therefore, find contentment now; knowing that, if you will allow Me, I will lead you to ever-greener pastures.

“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 23:1-3

For there is always more, but if you are not ready for more, then more will be wasted. And, should you not utilize what I give you now, then ‘more’ would overwhelm.

Leave the dynamics to Me–I know you completely and I have much more in store for you.

In store.

But as for now, let’s find fruit in today, for this is your day!

“And he made from one every nation of men to live on the face of the earth, having determined allotted periods and the boundaries of their habitation, that they should seek God, in the hope that they might feel after him and find him. Yet he is not far from each one of us, for, ‘In him we live and move and have our being’; as even some of your poets have said. ‘For we are indeed his offspring.'” Acts 17:26-28

May you be strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy, giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified us to share in the inheritance of the saints in light” Colossians 1:9b-12

“–that you may be filled in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, to lead a life worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God.

“I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in me, and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.” John 15:4-5

“By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit, and so prove to be my disciples. As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you; abide in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love. These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.” John 15:8-11

“For a day in thy courts is better than a thousand elsewhere. I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God then dwell in the tents of wickedness.” Psalms 84:10

“Then he showed me the river of the water of life, bright as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb through the middle of the street of the city; also, on either side of the river, the tree of life with its twelve kinds of fruit, yielding its fruit each month; and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.” Revelation 22:1-2

Victory Won

Mar14

Accomplishment comes when you least expect it.

Yes, you may set out to accomplish a task and, therefore, may be expecting to see it through and you may well. But not all accomplish what they set out to do. Not all recognize true accomplishment when it happens. I look at accomplishment differently than you, for I see accomplishment from a different view. You tend to see it when a task is done; I see it through a victory won.

You see, the finish is completed first in the heart–long before you start; for you must first ‘see it‘ to finally see it through. If you cannot ‘see’ yourself accomplishing, you will never or will merely, reluctantly, begin.

So get your start in your heart, plan it through. Believe to accomplish what you thought you couldn’t do.

Set your mind to obey your heart, right from the start. For your mind will defeat you every time, that your spirit, soul and body are not in line with My Word and my plan for you.

Now you see that the accomplishment in the heart is far greater than the start, for if your heart is filled with victory, decision will be sure; for the mind, soul and body will ‘follow through’ for the spirit that is sure.

Seeing clearly to follow through, that is accomplishment–that is ‘victory won’–even before you have begun.

“In a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver but also of wood and earthenware, and some for noble use, some for ignoble. If any one purifies himself from what is ignoble, then he will be a vessel for noble use, consecrated and useful to the master of the house, ready for any good work.” II Timothy 2:20-21

“For it is not the man who commends himself that is accepted, but the man whom the Lord commends.” II Corinthians 10:18

“Now may our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God our Father, who loved us and gave us eternal comfort and good hope through grace, comfort your hearts and establish them in every good work and word.” II Thessalonians 2:16-17

My Perfect Timing

Sep4

I have much for you to do

The world is a big place and yet it is all within My grasp, therefore it is within your grasp as well. I AM not limited, but I limit My children for timing. If I were to send you out, unprepared, you would fall and be perplexed. You would wonder if you had missed your direction.

I give you purpose.
I help you plan.
We prepare together.
We go.

For I always go with you–you are never alone!

Exercise your faith by first understanding My will

Next, be willing. Many know My will, but are not willing to yield to it. They suppress direction in their heart until it no longer calls to them and then declare that they are not being led.

Be honest

Be true to your heart, for I AM leading, but you must be willing to go or willing to wait.

My timing is perfect

“And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.” St. Matthew 28:19-20 KJV

“And he called to him the multitude with his disciples, and said to them, “If any man would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it; and whoever loses his life for my sake and the gospel’s will save it. For what does it profit a man, to gain the whole world and forfeit his life? For what can a man give in return for his life? For whoever is ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him will the Son of man also be ashamed, when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.” Mark 8:34-38

“Do not be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that you may prove what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” Romans 12:2

“Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; if service, in our serving; he who teaches, in his teaching; he who exhorts, in his exhortation; he who contributes, in liberality; he who gives aid, with zeal; he who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness.” Romans 12:6-8

“Take care, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil, unbelieving heart, leading you to fall away from the living God. But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called “today,” that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin. For we share in Christ, if only we hold our first confidence firm to the end, while it is said, ‘Today, when you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion.'” Hebrews 3:12-15

“For he has made known to us in all wisdom and insight the mystery of his will, according to his purpose which he set forth in Christ as a plan for the fulness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth. In him, according to the purpose of him who accomplishes all things according to the counsel of his will, we who first hoped in Christ have been destined and appointed to live for the praise of his glory.” Ephesians 1:9-12

“Whoever does the will of God is my brother, and sister, and mother.” Mark 3:35