Tag Archive | faith

Sow Much Purpose!

Feb4

You are to begin sowing–sowing into your future. Everything you do is a seed, planted for a purpose.

Think of each action as individual–unique in itself. Therefore, think carefully about what you do. Ask yourself, ‘What purpose will this fulfill?’ ‘What end result might I glean?’ ‘Will it bring life or death?’ ‘Prosperity or heartache?’

My expectation for you is BLESSING, to be BLESSED and to be a BLESSING to others.

I want you to expect this of yourself as well. I will help you to plant–guide you in direction, but you must make the decisions in your life.

“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

BLESSING or cursing–you choose.

Choose LIFE!

Choose to plant seed that will set you and others free!

Choose to be anchored in Me. But don’t stay in the boat, cast out to sea and you will ‘see’ that your ‘Anchor’ goes with thee–I AM HE.

“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

“Thou hast turned for me my mourning into dancing; thou hast loosed my sackcloth and girded me with gladness, that my soul may praise thee and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give thanks to thee for ever.” Psalms 30:11-12

 

Will 2016 Be the Best Year of Your Life?

Jan1

If you are a regular reader, then you know by now that nearly all of this blog consists of messages that the the Lord speaks to my heart. It is my desire to be present only as a servant, bringing forth to share with you what I believe that He has laid on my heart. I look up scriptures to verify the messages and take delight in the ministry He has called me to.

A few times I have written randomly, from my own heart’s thought, not announcing it as such, for I am certain that you can tell the obvious difference. Last New Years was one of those times and recently as I was looking over some of the past messages I was shocked to read again what I had said. “Hello 2015, I cannot wait to see what you will bring.” I remember the excitement of anticipation for the new year; not a clue that in just five months my husband would be dead.

I am still stunned.

We don’t always know or even have a clue what our life will bring. So busy with today, we often forget just how fleeting and precious this life is. Are you prepared for this year, even if it may be your last? My husband didn’t have time or the mind to change. When we learned of his brain cancer we had four very short and intense months. I gave everything I had in me, poured my life out for him, but it was not in my hands.

Are you ready?

Do you know Jesus?

For in the end, He is all that really matters. Your stuff doesn’t mean anything. You will never see it again or another paycheck in eternity. But you will see Jesus. You will see Him for an embrace or judgement–you choose.

If you don’t know Him, ask Him into your heart. Admit that you have messed up somewhere in your life, just like all the rest of us. We have all failed in one way or another and deep down we all want to do better.

But the fact is that in your own strength, flesh and willpower you can’t; none of us can–we need a Savior. We need Jesus. He exchanged His life for your failure. The price has already been paid and He waits for you to acknowledge it, believe, receive.

Will you ask Him today?

My husband didn’t have another year. He didn’t even have another 1/2 year and I will never forget the look on his face when we learned the terrible news. It is a terrible and painful loss to lose someone you love, but I am forever thankful that, prior to that terrible report, he had already heard the good news–he heard about Jesus. And he is with Him today–with Him for always.

So let’s make 2016 the best year of your life. Be ready, no matter what it brings. There are no guarantees what this year will be; but this is your key–if you receive Jesus–if you believe–you will be–for all eternity.

Ask and believe!

Happy 2016–let’s make it the best year of your life!

“Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and whoever lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?'” John 11:25-26

“-since all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, they are justified by grace as a gift, through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus, whom God put forward as an expiation by his blood, to be received by faith. This was to show God’s righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over former sins; it was to prove at the present time that he himself is righteous and that he justifies him who has faith in Jesus.” Romans 3:23-26

The Key Is Not The Treasure

Nov13

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

 

I Lay Me Down To Weep

Sep11

There is a garment that is woven with tears. A garment of praise throughout the years.

Praise you say?

How can tears represent praise?

They raise a banner of faith. Those tears say to the enemy–I have not given up. For the one that gives up is dry faced–glances bitter. Tears release the sadness within.

Tears complete the love and begin–

the process to heal.

Praise the Lord, you that weep.

Praise the Lord, as you lay thee down to sleep.

The night is far spent and soon you will see–

the loved one you cry for–

yea and soon you’ll see Me.

***************************

The silence has been long, the battle hard. Thank you all for your love and prayers. My husband went to be with the Lord on July 2nd, 2015.

He left wrapped in words and kisses of love.

“For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God sent the Son into the world, not to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through him.” John 3:16-17

“He who believes in the Son has eternal life; he who does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God rests upon him.” John 3:36

And when the Lord called him home, I felt my spirit rip. I remember saying out loud, “What is happening to me?” I felt strangely inside; something rising up within and suddenly I felt a distinct tearing and for a moment lost my breath; then he was gone.

“Then the man said, ‘This at last is bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man.’ Therefore a man leaves his father and his mother and cleaves to his wife, and they become one flesh.” Genesis 2:23-24

I have been shaken and I am hurting, but one thing I know…God is not through with me yet.

I miss you my love.

 

 

The Silence of Prayer

Feb18

Hello Everyone,

As you have probably noticed my blog is strangely silent. It is the silence of prayer. The doctors have found a large mass in my husband’s brain and we are busy building our strategy.

We welcome and covet your prayers!

Though the days are much harder now, I have strength inside and a wonderful peace. God is faithful to His Word!

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth should change, though the mountains shake in the heart of the sea; though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble with its tumult.

There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy habitation of the Most High. God is in the midst of her, she shall not be moved; God will help her right early.” Psalms 46:1-5

“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

For all those who would like to share this fight with us, I have a journal page at caringbridge.org. Search for rick o’neil.

Update: A Boy Scout parent that has served at my husband’s side in scouting has set up a page and beautiful tribute to Rick. Here is the link. I love the picture; it shows his true heart. He poured himself out to these boys and they hold a special place in his heart. Thank you Robert, for your kind desire to help us. Thank you all, for your prayers and gifts. My trust is in the Lord. We forge ahead using every tool given to fight this terrible disease, but ultimately our trust is in the healing power of the Blood of Jesus!

http://www.gofundme.com/n2t3c0

Thank you all for your prayers.

ljoneil

Family Reunion

Jan31

You had to have reason to turn your back on Israel; You had to have reason and that reason was me. You desire that all should be saved–that all should be made free. You set aside my sisters, my brothers, merely to call upon me.

“But if some of the branches were broken off, and you, a wild olive shoot, were grafted in their place to share the richness of the olive tree, do not boast over the branches. If you do boast, remember it is not you that support the root, but the root that supports you. You will say, ‘Branches were broken off so that I might be grafted in.’ That is true. They were broken off because of their unbelief, but you stand fast only through faith. So do not become proud, but stand in awe. For if God did not spare the natural branches, neither will he spare you.” Romans 11:17-21

With a thankful heart I pray for those–my departed family.

Please return and see, that you may believe–receive eternity. Jesus came, He is the Savior–it is a mystery; that a tiny baby would save the world–would one day come for me.

Lord, is it not time for Israel to come home–be grafted in to thee?

They stepped aside, the sin of pride, but you can set them free. And one day soon you’ll come again–you’re coming then for me. But I will not rest until you’ve blessed the entire family.

Set them free. Join them to me–my family.

“Lest you be wise in your own conceits, I want you to understand this mystery, brethren; a hardening has come upon part of Israel, until the full number of the Gentiles come in, and so all Israel will be saved; as it is written, ‘The Deliverer will come from Zion, he will banish ungodliness from Jacob’; ‘and this will be my covenant with them when I take away their sins.'” Romans 11:25-27

“Therefore remember that at one time you Gentiles in the flesh, called the uncircumcision by what is called the circumcision, which is made in the flesh by hands–remember that you were at that time separated from Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world.

But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near in the blood of Christ. For he is our peace, who has made us both one, and has broken down the dividing wall of hostility, by abolishing in his flesh the law of commandments and ordinances, that he might create in himself one new man in place of the two, so making peace, and might reconcile us both to God in one body through the cross, thereby bringing the hostility to an end. And he came and preached peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near; for through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father.” Ephesians 2:11-18

“For your Maker is your husband, the Lord of hosts is his name; and the Holy One of Israel is your Redeemer, the God the the whole earth he is called. For the Lord has called you like a wife forsaken and grieved in spirit, like a wife of youth when she is cast off, says your God.

For a brief moment I forsook you, but with great compassion I will gather you. In overflowing wrath for a moment I hid my face from you, but with everlasting love I will have compassion on you, says the Lord, your Redeemer.” Isaiah 54:5-8

“Thus says the Lord: ‘Heaven is my throne and the earth is my footstool; what is the house which you would build for me, and what is the place of my rest? All these things my hand has made, and so all these things are mine, says the Lord. But this is the man to whom I will look, he that is humble and contrite in spirit, and trembles at my word.” Isaiah 66:2

“Upon your walls, O Jerusalem, I have set watchmen; all the day and all the night they shall never be silent. You who put the Lord in remembrance, take no rest, and give him no rest until he establishes Jerusalem and makes it a praise in the earth.” Isaiah 62:6-7

 

The Driving Force

Jan2

Examine yourself before you decide what it is that you believe.

Would you take My Name in vain?

“You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain; for the Lord will not hold him guiltless who takes his name in vain.” Exodus 20:7

If you do not know what you believe; if you do not know what to receive, you carry My Name in vain.

“This people honors me with their lips, but their heart if far from me; in vain do they worship me, teaching as doctrines the precepts of men.” Matthew 15:8-9

If I AM your identity–if you identify with who I AM, then you should know Me–really know Me.

I AM

Do you know I AM?

It is a dangerous thing to call yourself a believer and follower and never come to understand the depth of the Cross.

“For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.” I Corinthians 1:18

It is like driving a car without learning how; you leave yourself wide open to being hurt and hurting others.

Think about it and then decide…

What it is that you want?

Do you want to learn how to drive or just see the car parked in your yard? That is what it is if you don’t take the time to learn of Me–a mere facade and you’re not going anywhere.

A powerless prize.

“You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain; for the Lord will not hold him guiltless who takes his name in vain.” Exodus 20:7

Turn it around.

Learn to drive.

“For the kingdom of God does not consist in talk but in power.” I Corinthians 4:20

Abide!

“Jesus answered him, ‘If a man loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him. He who does not love me does not keep my words; and the word which you hear is not mine but the Father’s who sent me.'” John 14:23-24

“I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. Every branch of mine that bears no fruit, he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. You are already made clean by the word which I have spoken to you. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me.

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. If a man does not abide in me, he is cast forth as a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire and burned.

If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you will, and it shall be done for you. By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit, and so prove to be my disciples.” John 15:1-8

“We know that our old self was crucified with him so that the sinful body might be destroyed, and we might no longer be enslaved to sin. For he who has died is freed from sin. But if we have died with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him. The death he died he died to sin, once for all, but the life he lives he lives to God. So you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus.” Romans 6:6-11

“And he said to all, ‘If any man come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it; and whoever loses his life for my sake, he will save it.'” Luke 9:23-24

Happy New Year!

Jan1

Hello 2015!!

I cannot wait to see what you will bring!

May your lives be filled with the fulness of God and the abundant life that His Word promises to them that believe!

God is faithful!!

Receive!

“–that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with might through his Spirit in the inner man, and that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have power to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fulness of God.

Now to him who by the power at work within us is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, for ever and ever. Amen.” Ephesians 3:16-21

Happy New Year Everyone!

 

 

Open The Present

Dec25

The spirit would live–were it not for sin.

For the spirit to live, we must begin again. A new beginning–a  babe is born. A new beginning–your past is torn . . .

away from you, and gone forever . . .

away in the manger, a child is born.

On Him my sin, I do adorn.

My past is gone–it no longer holds. Why then do I allow it to be told? Again and again, I hear it renew; oh, I know what I must do.

Put away the past–let go of the image. Release my heart–no longer will it hold . . .

the past but the present . . .

let it unfold.

Truly the Blood is sufficient–it knows no lack. Truly my Savior would not have it back.

Release me from the wages of sin and of death . . .

I alone am the one that holds me back!

Let go I say!

Open the hand that holds . . .

to reach for all that’s new.

Reach for my Savior’s gift to you…

a newborn child, same as He . . .

wherein laughter rings for all who’re free!

“And the angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with fear.

And the angel said the them, ‘Be not afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will come to all the people; for to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.

And this will be a sign for you; you will find a babe wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.’ And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among men with whom he is pleased!'” Luke 2:9-14

Is There Room For Me?

Dec24

My birth was not a ‘season’ but the beginning of the end–which is the beginning.

“And the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High; and the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there will be no end.”” Luke 1:30-33

All must die, for the body is not eternal; the spirit would live forever, were it not for sin. Sin brought death to the spirit, while the body lived on–for the spirit to live for eternity it must be born anew–made new.

“–Jesus answered him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born anew, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” John 3:3

Renew

I came as a child that you might ‘see’. I came as a babe that you might believe…

that you could be made new–totally freed, from a life of sin and death. A life without Me–yearns to be free.

Invite Me to your home this night. Ask Me in–I’ll bring the light. And then you’ll ‘see’ that all you need, is the gift that was given–the One True Light.

“In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” John 1:4

That Light is Me.

“The true light that enlightens every man was coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world new him not.” John 1:9

“And she gave birth to her first-born son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.” Luke 2:7

There was no room at the Inn, will you ask Me in?

“But to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God; who were born, not of blood nor of the will of flesh nor of the will of man, but of God. 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.” John 1:12-14

“For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 6:23