Tag Archive | love

My Loving Presence

Feb2

My loving Presence surrounds you with a love that will sustain you.

Never forget that!

It is in, My Presence, that you never fail to obtain strength and peace from Me.

During times of unrest–run to the Rock!

I AM within.

Look within your heart, to find gladness and joy.

Look within, to rest from your troubles. . .

Find Me there!

I will untangle the snare–

Understand, all things are ‘temporary’ that are earthly.

All things Heavenly are Eternal. . . This is key!

Put your efforts into embracing the Eternal realm and all other things will fall away–into the shadows– as My Glory lifts you higher–high above.

All that remains is peace.

*At this point the Presence of the Lord so enveloped me that I fell into a very deep rest-sleep, but only for about 10 minutes; and as I awakened, incredibly refreshed, He continued. . .

See how easy that was?

I will bring the rest and refreshing in small increments throughout the day. . . Just pause,

and focus on–ME!

“I will bless the Lord who has given me counsel; My heart also instructs me in the night seasons. I have set the Lord always before me; Because He is at my right hand I shall not be moved. Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoices; My flesh also will rest in hope. For You will not leave my soul in Sheol, Nor will You allow Your Holy One to see corruption. You will show me the path of life, In Your presence is fullness of joy; At your right hand are pleasures forevermore. Psalms 16:7-11

Following the Nudge

Nov22

I have come to learn that a nudge from the Lord is one of the most exciting things we can receive from Him and I can’t hardly wait for the next one. . .

Something’s changed . . . A ‘suddenly’ that happened when I labored to break out of the ‘ME’ realm and look about. What a trap it is to try to repair our own baggage, instead of handing it over to Him.

Am I there yet?

Oh, heck no.

At one point, He deemed me healthy enough to call me higher. Willing to comply, it didn’t occur to me that ‘higher’ means I get to see the raw truth of just how desperately I needed to change my ways! In other words, higher took me lower than I’ve ever been to see, so very clearly, it can’t be anything but Him!

What a hard year it’s been and what a mess! Sometimes it feels like drowning but out of the ashes comes God! I know it’s usually quoted ‘gold’, but GOD is what happens when we come to our end–He is there!

“If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there. If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea; Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me.” Psalms 139:8-10 KJV

Handing the reins to Him, determining not to thrash anymore, no more trying to figure it out, I waited. . .

Suddenly, a nudge, a still small Voice, a simple direction–“Go talk to her”.

If I hadn’t obeyed, the conversation wouldn’t have happened, and I wouldn’t have learned that she harbored a hidden pain. “This is God”, she said. “My dad is in prison.” Armored with the knowledge that God had sent her help, and the full set of books to read His healing messages, hope dawned.

Another prisoner sent a letter. His intent, he said at the end of the three page letter, was to ask for books. “I don’t know why I told you all that.” he writes. I do, Jesus wants him free! For 21 years he’s believed a lie, the judge planted in his heart, that he sent his girlfriend to hell. Every single day he has been tormented by this. I wrote him back, writing God’s healing Word, and speaking of His Love toward him. My letter was three pages too! God had a lot to say to this poor brokenhearted man.

Recently, a young woman harboring a deep wound from her past, far too big to bear, stated she couldn’t look people in the eyes. The Lord nudged me to say something to her that put His finger on that pain. Immediately, the Holy Spirit came upon me with sudden crying and I could feel the Father weeping over her. He spoke words to her that comforted; assuring love, safety, and hope. Words, she said, that she has never heard from those that should have protected her, but didn’t.

In all of these incidents, I was merely the conduit for the Holy Spirit to pass through; ministering His love, healing and freedom to those He loves that were hiding secret pain. Their ‘suddenly’ has come and I’m confident that as their freedom, begun by God, continues, He will see it through to completion. The stronghold is broken. Healing will come!

Readers, I know now more than ever that the enemy keeps us toiling over our own problems, seemingly mountains, to keep us from carrying out the work of the Lord. He came to set the captives free. They’re not all in prisons you know! They’re all around you, and it may even be you; but as you set about to be obedient to God, allowing His words to flow through you to others, you will be freed yourself and you won’t even have realized it. Your ‘suddenly’ will come as well. Why?

Because, you’ve been about your Father’s business!

Just say yes to the nudge. . . He will do all the rest.

“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, and he has anointed me to be hope for the poor, freedom for the brokenhearted, and new eyes for the blind, and to preach to prisoners, “You are set free!’ I have come to share the message of Jubilee, for the time of God’s great acceptance has begun.” Luke 4:18-19 TPT

Genuine Fruit

Jun27

This week I opened my post office box to find fruit! It contained more letters, written from prisoners, that have read my books. It never gets old to hear from those that have been so touched by the Lord in these books that they feel the need to reach out and tell me about it.

One in particular really stood out . . .

Nicholas writes to ask if I will pray with him and his family, and he tells me his story. Everyone has a story to tell, but the truth of the matter shines through. Another inmate’s letter clearly indicates he’s looking for an outside connection, he tosses in a few spiritual phrases to show me he’s on track but there is plenty of evidence in his letter to the contrary. Nicholas, however, lays no blame but to himself. He takes full responsibility for his choices and actions and is repentant. One can be remorseful, but only that he got caught. This man began reading the Bible while in solitary, broke down at Psalm 51, repented and gave his life over to God. Nicholas continued reading the Bible, over and over and over. He came out of isolation so full of the Word that he began a daily Bible study– preaching on Sundays, 19 men got saved!

The fruit of his genuine repentance is that it didn’t stop there . . .

Nicholas remains engaged in prison ministry; preaching every Friday night, leading services in the chapel, as well as preaching and ushering in Sunday services. He has taken 29 correspondence courses and helps inmates study for their GED. He enrolled in, and has now completed, one semester with Duke University Divinity program, called Project Turn. It is part of Duke’s grad program. Ten inmates are selected to take classes side by side with Duke University grad students; and if that weren’t enough, Nicholas, was recently selected to the board of directors for the Genesis Project; an inmate-led program, teaching inmates to become the sons, fathers and husbands God meant them to be.

Like I said, genuine fruit!

After reading Nicholas’ story, I contacted the ministry that distributes my books to prisons, jails and rehabs all across the country, hoping they could send him the rest of the book series; only to find she was about to contact me. Joyce, of Prison Book Project, tells me they have distributed all the books I have given them. I lost track of the exact count but well over 6,000 books! She said they don’t have a single book left. Is there anyone out there with the means and a willing heart to help? I have poured everything I could get my hands on, into providing books these last four years and now I must deal with some long overdue house repairs! To date I have not taken so much as a dime from any of my books, but have turned every cent of sales into more books to place in the hands of inmates and the homeless. I so appreciate everyone who has helped so far, are there more that would like to be a part of this important mission?

There are many men, like Nicholas, the Lord would like to reach!

Give the Gift of Compassion

All, “His Voice in My Heart” books, along with “Comfort in the Challenge” are being sent, free of charge, to prisons, jails and rehab centers all over the country; and are offered freely to the homeless. If you would like to be involved, your donations are very much appreciated and are tax deductible.

You may donate by visiting:

https://www.nationofwomen.com

Click on ‘Contributions’ and scroll down to the thumbnail pic of the prison bars image above, type ‘for prison books’ in the comment section. Checks may also be made out to Nation of Women Ministries, and sent to: 619 Roberts Cut Off Rd., River Oaks, TX 76114.

Please write ‘For Prison Books’ on the check. Paying by check saves 3% of the order going to credit card fees. Thank you so much!

Your generous donation will be used for printing and sending vital books to a lost, broken, and hurting world–those hidden from society, but not hidden from God!

Comfort in the Challenge is a special book, given to Canaanland. Other than what is sent free to prisons, general sales of this book is given to Canaanland Ministries of Autagaville, Alabama. For over 40 years this wonderful ministry has taken in men, struggling with addiction, some facing jail. They house them, teach them, and pour love on them for an entire year free of charge. Their success rate in transforming these men’s lives is so tremendous that judges in that area often give the option, jail or Canaanland!

You may donate to them at the following website:

https://www.canaanland.com

“Comfort in the Challenge” was written and published in November of 2019. It was written and dedicated to caregivers, before we knew of Covid 19.

My publisher had rejected the original title, stating that the Lord had spoken this to her, “Comfort in the Challenge.”

He had prophetically provided, in advance, for what He knew we were about to face.

Glory to God!

A special thank you to my publisher, Cindy Neathery, and to Prison Book Project, for making all of this possible!

Did you know that an individual can no longer send books into prisons? Books were being sent in laced with drugs, resulting in many deaths. Now, inmates can only receive books direct from a publisher, book-placing ministry, such as Prison Book Project or direct purchase through companies, such as Amazon, and Barnes & Noble. Unfortunately, this is now the world we live in; therefore, I am all the more so very thankful for Prison Book Project’s wonderful ministry!

Please consider a generous donation to their ministry to help with the costs of shipping these books by visiting:

Home

Thank you so very much for considering partnering with this vital ministry! The good fruit is revealing itself, and I so appreciate your help, financially and in prayers.

Please place Nicholas and his family in your prayers as well. He has 21 more years, but as his transformation continues, it is my hope and prayer that he be reunited with his family much sooner. He has four children.

To God be all Glory!

“God, give me mercy from your fountain of forgiveness! I know your abundant love is enough to wash away my guilt. Because your compassion is so great, take away this shameful guilt of sin. Forgive the full extent of my rebellious ways, and erase this deep stain on my conscience. for I’m so ashamed. I feel such pain and anguish within me. I can’t get away from the sting of my sin against you, Lord! Everything I did, I did right in front of you, for you saw it all. Against you, and you above all, have I sinned. Everything you say to me is infallibly true and your judgement conquers me.” Psalms 51:1-4 TPT

“Identify with those who are in prison as though you were there suffering with them, and those who are mistreated as if you could feel their pain.” Hebrews 13:3 TPT

Love and Blessings to you, Lori J. O’Neil

Please Welcome the New Arrival!

Dec15

https://nationofwomenpublishing.com/product/his-voice-in-my-heart-to-freedom/

The newest volume in the three book “His Voice in My Heart” series, is now available to purchase! Click on the link below the image to order. There, you may scroll down to view all available books, including a special-priced, “His Voice in My Heart” gift set.

Included in each of the “His Voice” books are many amazing testimonies of the miraculous power of God. Each a powerful true testament of God’s Love manifested through Healing, Provision, and Protection.

If you have not yet had the opportunity . . . begin your journey of “His Voice in My Heart!”

Each book consists of messages spoken from the heart of God, many scriptures and true testimonies. Providing a progressively deepening, truly life-changing, journey in Him.

Give the Gift of Compassion

A special thank you to my publisher, Cindy Neathery, for offering this valuable opportunity!

You may donate by visiting:

https://www.nationofwomen.com

Click on ‘Contributions’ and scroll down to the thumbnail pic of the image above, type ‘for prison books’ in the comment section. Checks may also be made out to Nation of “Women Ministries” and sent to: 619 Roberts Cut Off Rd., River Oaks, TX 76114.

Please write ‘For Prison Books’ on the check. Paying by check saves 3% of the order going to credit card fees. Thank you so much!

Your generous donation will be used for printing and sending vital books to a lost, broken, and hurting world–those hidden from society, but not hidden from God! This author has not taken anything from the sale of any of the books; but has re-invested everything received–continuing to place these life-giving books into their hands–care to join me?

Below are direct quotes of a letter received from an inmate that has read the first of the series, “His Voice in My Heart.”

“But for the next time I picked up the book and started reading it I couldn’t put it down. I really got into the book and don’t understand why I did but the book spoke to me in a lot of ways and in ways that I can change myself. It is a really good book and you put some good stories in it.”

“I don’t know what made me pick it up again and not only that but couldn’t put it down and it’s almost like what you said about praying for the lady at work and you said it wasn’t the right time to pray for her but at the right time you did. Well I feel the same way about the book. It was God that done everything. But I want to thank you again for the book that I was reading. I hope to read more of them.”

Thankfully, he is located in a prison that can receive books specific to an inmate. He will soon be reading the rest of the series.

Thank you, Prison Book Project for making this happen!

Proceeds from purchases of “Comfort in the Challenge” will go directly to Canaanland Ministries of Autaugaville, Alabama. A wonderful ministry, proven for over 40 years in successfully restoring men, struggling with addiction, to a new life in Christ– giving families their husbands, sons back.

Please consider a direct donation to them by visiting:

http://www.canaanland.com

Your generous, tax deductible donation will be helping them to fulfill a vision the Lord has placed on their heart–

A Canaanland Ministry in every state!

“Comfort in the Challenge” was written and published in November of 2019. It was written and dedicated to caregivers, before we knew of Covid 19.

My publisher had rejected the original title, stating that the Lord had spoken this to her, “Comfort in the Challenge.”

He had prophetically provided, in advance, for what He knew we were about to face.

Glory to God!

A special thank you and shout out to Prison Book Project of Titusville, Florida.

Their nearly 30 year ministry is devoted to placing good books in the hands of inmates in prisons, jails and rehab facilities; all over the country, as well as our military overseas! It is through their distribution of books that this has all been made possible.

Please consider a generous donation to their ministry to help with the costs of shipping these books by visiting:

https://www.prisonbookproject.org

Finally, an extra special thank you to all of you that have given to help make this dream come true. Many have caught the vision and have helped. To all of you, no matter how big or how small your donation, you are a vital part in fulfilling this calling. Thank you! It is through your generous hearts that we have been able to distribute and are in the process of sending well over 5,000 books!

I cannot express how very thankful and grateful I am for your kindness!

Thank you so very much!

Love and blessings to you, Lori J. O’Neil

Limits Stretched to HIS Power!

Nov29

Last week, a friend left a message on my phone, when I was serving the homeless. I didn’t hear it come in, and had I not stopped in a parking lot to send a text, I wouldn’t have realized that I didn’t even have my phone; it was left behind at the shelter. I would have went all the way home and not known she had called. My phone was so close to a dead battery when I picked it up, that I couldn’t even call her back. My internal battery had run out as well–

I was exhausted!

The last thing I wanted to do, was add anything to my night; but her message was so long, and there was so much pain wrenching her voice, I just couldn’t turn my back.

I am so glad that I didn’t!

She suffers from severe cellulitis in both legs, but one leg was so bad it had turned black. Her toes looked like she might lose them in front of me, and there were large open sores absolutely covering her lower leg. She was in so much pain it was heart-breaking, but seeing her like that, actually helped me to stomach what I normally would not have been able to. My kids can tell you that I had trouble putting on band-aids when they were growing up. You know, it’s not easy trying to bandage a wound while looking the other way–especially when pretending to be an adult!

Somehow the Lord gives us grace for things we can’t cope with! His mercy trumps self. It’s a mystery how He manages to stretch us beyond our limits. Maybe because He can’t see limits–they don’t even exist with Him!

Stretching is good exercise, right?

So, I sat on her walker seat, parked right in front of her, because I was already in the, ‘beyond standing’ sorta tired!

–but God!

He took over!

When I started to pray, my whole being became filled with tangible energy and strength. It was amazing! I wasn’t there for me, but He generously filled me too!

After the prayer, she coached me through bandaging her leg and then I said, goodnight.

The next day she called me. She had gone to the wound clinic for a scheduled dressing change and wound check. They unwound that bandage and exclaimed over her leg–it was healed!*

I had bandaged open wounds at 10:30 the night before; but sometime between 10:30 pm and the next morning God did what only He can do–what He does best–a Miracle!

Glory to God!!!

I had nothing in me, it was ALL HIM! –but then, It always is!

Thank you, Jesus ♥

All Glory be to God, AMEN!

*In reading this over, I realized that it may give the impression that the entire case of cellulitis was gone. Please understand that the wounds were healed overnight, which is miraculous; but we patiently wait for the skin to be completely renewed. I am sorry if this misled anyone; that was not my intention. My friend reports that she has absolutely no pain! – Praise God!

*Further updated: My friend now feels tickling on the bottoms of her feet; formerly she had lost the ability to feel sensation there. – Thank you, Jesus!

The Letter

Nov10

This week has been both disheartening (our state elections) and exhilarating (the letter). I continue to pray that hearts will turn and realize how truly precious the gift of life is.

May the blinders come off and God’s Mercy, Forgiveness and Comfort come to those who awaken to the Truth.

On a good note, Monday I received my very first letter from a prisoner, regarding my book. It was a big day, because it was the same day that my approval copy of the new book came in the mail as well. Monday is also the day I serve the homeless and they were just so happy. One man commented, “Rachel Ray would LOVE this!” Another said, “I feel like I’m at the Ritz.”

I do so love being a part of these wonderful peoples’ lives!

It blesses my heart so, to be able to bring love and comfort to their day and a delicious homemade meal. I look forward to Monday all week!

How rare is that for someone to look forward to Monday???

So I have been looking for this letter to come, with expectancy, and I wasn’t disappointed.

He wrote to tell me that he received the book from the Prison Book Project, the ministry that is sending all my books out to prison systems, jails and rehab centers all over the country. He states he didn’t ask for it, because he didn’t know anything about me, but was just given the book. The letter is regarding, “His Voice in My Heart.” This book is the first in a three volume series, the third of which should be out by mid-December.

The “His Voice in My Heart” series is written with prisoners in mind, but they are for anyone. We all have issues in life that need healing, things to overcome and they help one to do just that. They all contain messages spoken from the heart of God, many amazing true testimonies, and are filled with scripture to verify the messages. His messages are like fresh bread; not meant to replace the Word, but to bring it in closer in application to your life.

The letter states:

“When I first got your book I looked at a few pages and said, ok I’m not reading this.” He continues by stating that a second time he picked it up and still put it down. Below are direct quote excepts from the letter, highlights that have blessed my heart!

“But for the next time I picked up the book and started reading it I couldn’t put it down. I really got into the book and don’t understand why I did but the book spoke to me in a lot of ways and in ways that I can change myself. It is a really good book and you put some good stories in it.”

“When I get home I have to check out your other books and see what they are about.”

“I don’t know what made me pick it up again and not only that but couldn’t put it down and its almost like what you said about praying for the lady at work and you said it wasn’t the right time to pray for her but at the right time you did. Well I feel the same way about the book. It was God that done everything. But I want to thank you again for the book that I was reading. I hope to read more of them.”

“I hope that God keeps blessing you and your family and hope that maybe I can help someone like your book did for me.”

So you can imagine, reader, that I had a hard time going to sleep that night. This one letter represents the heart of what I do and the reason for it all!

I jokingly had told my postmaster that he gave me a defective mailbox. I have been paying for it for two years, to be able to have a mailbox for those I write for; to give them the ability to express what God has done in their lives. Faithfully, day after day, I’ve been checking that box with expectancy. Well, reader, it came! I can’t begin to describe how exciting it was to finally see it there, leaning sideways in my box, after such a long wait. It was a moment I will carry in my heart–it was worth it all!

Thank you, my friend, for the letter! You are one that is hidden from society, but not hidden from God!

Readers, please pray for him that nothing snatch the newly-formed seed from his heart. Please pray for all those reading my books that God will be able to reach them, where no one else can. This is His work, I simply take dictation, I work very hard, but it is the joy of my heart to work for HIM!

All Glory be to God!

If you would like to be involved in touching many lives and hearts, your generous donations are so welcome! A gift in any amount may be sent to: https://nationofwomen.com/

From the contributions link, scroll down to the image of hands clasped through prison bars. Write in the comment, for prison books. If you are comfortable paying by check, it saves 3% from going to credit card fees. The address is:

Nation of Women Ministries, 619 Roberts Cut Off Rd., River Oaks, TX 76114.

Please note ‘for prison books’ on the check.

All donations received will be used to print and send books to the Prison Book Project; a non-prophet ministry that will be sending them into prisons, jails and rehab centers all over the country. Your donation is tax deductible. Thank you!

A big thank you to my publisher as well, for generously allowing this opportunity for donators to receive a tax deduction. She handles all donations, sending orders to the printer who sends them directly to Prison Book Project. Many thanks to Cindy, of “Nation of Women Publishing” for your endless expertise and patience with me!

Thank you to Joyce, and her volunteers of Prison Book Project, for placing all of my books!

Do you know that an individual cannot send books to a prison? They must come from a publisher, an established book-placing ministry, such as Prison Book Project, or Barnes & Noble and Amazon direct. That is the world we live in. Books were being laced with drugs and many have died as a result of it. A generous financial donation to them would help them to continue to fill this great need for quality, life-giving books!

You may donate to: https://prisonbookproject.org

How much more our great need for Jesus!

Thank you for your kindness and generous help to this ministry!

I have poured every cent received, into books to send out, along with all I can of my own. I trust the Lord will greatly bless you in return!

“Then the King will turn to those on his right and say, ‘You have a special place in my Father’s heart. Come and experience the full inheritance of the kingdom realm that has been destined for you from before the foundation of the world! For when you saw me hungry, you fed me. When you found me thirsty, you gave me something to drink. When I had no place to stay, you invited me in, and when I was poorly clothed, you covered me. When I was sick, you tenderly cared for me, and when I was in prison you visited me.’ Then the godly will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty and give you food and something to drink? When did we see you with no place to stay and invite you in? When did we see you poorly clothed and cover you? When did we see you sick and tenderly care for you, or in prison and visit you? ‘And the King will answer them, ‘Don’t you know? When you cared for one of the least important of these my little ones, my true brothers and sisters, you demonstrated love for me.'” Matthew 25-34-40 TPT

His Abundant Provision

Nov3

For about a year now I have had a craving for Kentucky Fried Chicken.® It’s rather unusual, because I’m not one to eat fast food, but I must admit its been calling to me. After most of the year of shutting the thought down, I just decided to get past it and eat some; but the line was long, and the cars just weren’t moving. They must have run out of chicken, and I ran out of time–leaving without chicken!

This past Monday, I was getting ready to go to town to feed the homeless at our local shelter, when I initiated a conversation with the Lord. It is my habit to talk with Him, often, throughout the day so this was not unusual. I’ve been working really hard at paying off my car and house, but at the same time pouring everything I can into books to send to prisons and for the homeless. “Lord,” I said, “You know I want to pay off my house and car, but I just don’t know how I can stretch myself any more.” “So why don’t you believe Me for that?” He replied. You know, He never asks us a question that He doesn’t already know the answer to. He wasn’t asking to find out, but was asking so that I would find out! As I looked inside for the answer, He revealed something in my heart that had been blocking my faith.

I had a few errands to run on the way to the homeless shelter, and a phone call came in as well, so I had put it all out of my mind by the time I got there. There was a pickup truck near the entrance when I arrived and a guy got out of the truck and headed right to me as I was about to unlock the door. I wasn’t afraid, but I was concerned about how I would get in without him seeing the code. When he got near enough, he asked me, “Hey, do you work here?” “I do tonight.” “I just volunteer here on Monday nights.” I replied. “Great,” he said, “Can you use some Kentucky Fried Chicken®?”

“I have 40 dinners here, and I’ve already handed dinners out to everyone that wanted one, can you take them?”

So, what are the chances–

of a Kentucky Fried Chicken® representative showing up on my doorstep with 40 meals?

Not chance at all when God’s involved!

He was so happy I took the meals. Since the homeless got all they wanted at the shelter, I sent them to the park with Bill. He came to drop off the food we would be serving that night. Roast pork loin, fresh vegetables with teriyaki sauce, rice, fresh biscuits and dinner rolls, apple crisp; and tonight, Bill also brought 4 deep pans of fresh croissants, pastries, and giant cinnamon rolls. He had been on his way to bring the food, when he got a call from 9 Bean Rows. They are a local bakery and restaurant that makes the most wonderful bread, pastries and lunches. This place has been incredibly generous this past summer, offering us pastries to give out, quite often, when we served in the park.

I work with 5loaves2fish, and we serve every Monday year round, rain, snow or shine. They started out in the park, but when they heard that if the guests don’t sleep in the shelter, they can’t eat there, they continued all winter at both places. It was when they first started at the shelter that I joined them, which was two years ago. Some are just emotionally incapable of coping with a large group of people in close quarters and they stay in tents all winter. Here in the frozen north, that’s a real tough thing to do! When you are all snug and warm in your bed, think about those that don’t have a real bed. Don’t for a minute think they chose this lifestyle. It is a very hard life they live and my heart goes out to them.

We lavish them with lots of love and heaping plates of great food!

No canned green beans here! Everything is homemade, well, about 98% of it is. Occasionally we feed them hotdogs or brats at the park because they ask for them; and of course, ice cream with fresh strawberries or homemade caramel sauce. Otherwise, everything is made from scratch, even the pasta, and its really, really good! This night a man sought us out at the kitchen door and wouldn’t speak until he had all of our attention–then he just couldn’t speak. I watched him try, as tears welled up in his eyes. He gave the most heart-felt, expressive nod I have ever witnessed; and just turned and left, as the tears took over for him.

He was so overcome, and so were we.

I love these people so much!

So Bill told me to take two dinners home and he took the rest to the park. They too, were getting the same meal we were serving, only it was already plated up in to-go containers and bags. The chicken was an extra surprise for later.

It wasn’t until the next morning that I remembered my conversation with the Lord. I think He must have blocked me from remembering it or maybe it was just that I was too busy thinking about others and serving them, that it never came to mind. When I opened my eyes, before I even had time to think a thought, He said. “I provide in abundance don’t I?” Instantly with that comment, He brought to mind our conversation, the chicken, and 9 Bean Rows; all in a split second, as only He can do!

“So, why don’t you believe for that?” He continued.

Yes, I think I should!

With that I opened my Bible to read–just dropped it open randomly. Have you guessed it already? Yep, where else would He send me but right to John 6, and the story of the 5 loaves and 2 fish!

So, what are the chances of that?

It’s not chance at all when God is involved, is it?

“Lifting up his eyes, then, and seeing that a multitude was coming to him, Jesus said to Philip, “How are we to buy bread, so that these people may eat?” This he said to test him, for he himself knew what he would do. Philip answered him, “Two hundred denarii would not buy enough bread for each of them to get a little. One of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, said to him, “There is a lad here who has five barley loaves and two fish; but what are they among so many?” Jesus said, “Make the people sit down.” Now there was much grass in the place; so the men sat down, in number about five thousand. Jesus then took the loaves, and when he had given thanks, he distributed them to those who were seated; so also the fish, as much as they wanted. And when they had eaten their fill, he told his disciples, “Gather up the fragments left over, that nothing may be lost.” So they gathered them up and filled twelve baskets with fragments from the five barley loaves, left by those who had eaten.” John 6:5-13

ONE

Aug22

There has been much recent activity on my blog, stirring up messages, long gone by. Frankly, I have enjoyed seeing some of the titles that I had long forgotten about. This particular message happened to be my 100th post and comes from April 9, 2013. It is so pertinent for today, that I have decided to re-post it. I don’t think it was by accident or coincidence that this message has resurfaced just now. May we all take a breath, remember that our very breath and life is a gift from God; and in this time of trouble and uncertainty, turn our focus back to Him!

The following is the post, simply titled: “ONE”

The right or the left?

People are always arguing–liberal–conservative–I’m right–you’re wrong

Stop the battle!

There is only One way.

One and only One God.

One and only One Word.

No man cometh unto the Father, but through Me.

Repentance of sin must come–My shed Blood must be received.

Honor My Father!

You simply cannot approach the Father lest you be clothed in righteousness–the Royal Robe given through My Blood.

Accept My Blood and the Power of the Holy Spirit.

Understand–through the written Word of the Holy Scriptures–the Holy Bible; the True Word of God–written for you as instruction to live by; to draw understanding and wisdom as guided by the Holy Spirit–your Comforter, Teacher; who enlightens your understanding.

The Father, Son and Holy Spirit–together We are One. Together, We seek One Body–many bodies come together in agreement as One. Made that way by One Body broken, One shed Blood, One remission for sins . . .

One True God–One Way–by Name–Jesus Christ!

If you are One, you are arguing with yourself.

If you are not One, you are lost . . . Seek that you may be found.

Find the Body and join with it. Be joined by the Blood, and do what the Word says–

Love your God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength,

and

Love your neighbor as yourself!

“–the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you a spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him, having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power in us who believe, according to the working of his great might which he accomplished in Christ when he raised him from the dead and made him sit at his right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to come; and he has put all things under his feet and has made him the head over all things for the church, which is his body, the fulness of him who fills all in all.” Ephesians 1:17-23

“For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body–Jews or Greeks, slaves or free–and all were made to drink of one Spirit. For the body does not consist of one member but of many.” I Corinthians 12:12-14

“And this is the testimony, that God gave us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He who has the Son has life; he who has not the Son of God has not life.” I John 5:11-12

“And this is eternal life, that they know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom thou has sent. ” John 17:3

“Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father, but by me.” John 14:6

“In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace which he lavished upon us. 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.” Ephesians 1:7-10

“If anyone serves me, he must follow me; and where I am, there shall my servant be also; if any one serves me, the Father will honor him.” John 12:26

“My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me; and I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish, and no one shall snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand. I and the Father are one.” John 10:24-30

“Which commandment is the first of all?” Jesus answered, “The first is, ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one; and you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength.’ The second is this, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.” Mark 12:28b-31

“And this commandment we have from him, that he who loves God should love his brother also.” I John 4:21

“I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, my soul shall exult in my God; for he has clothed me with the garments of salvation, he has covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decks himself with a garland, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.” Isaiah 61:10

Assigned to Love

Apr4

You will receive more and more blessing in your life as you, simultaneously, lead and follow with My directives.

You are following Me . . .You are following others–as they follow Me. In this you lead others and they, in turn, do the same.

It is My plan that no one be an island unto themself.

Others are watching–and they should be; in you, they learn of Me. For you know many that don’t know Me. Many would be lost, had they not known you; but you’ve opened their eyes to the Truth–you’ve shown them the Way.

I AM–follow–to lead.

Do you notice, more and more, those attempting to irritate you?

I led you to them–do not run–lead!

I lead you to the ones that need Me the most. . .

Show them, I AM, the Way. . .

Learn to be–their friend!

It’s your assignment.

I AM!

“I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all lowliness and meekness, with patience, forbearing one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. there is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of us all, who is above all and through all and in all. But grace was given to each of us according to the measure of Christ’s gift.” Ephesians 4:1-7

“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

“Show yourselves in all respects a model of good deeds, and in your teaching show integrity, gravity, and sound speech that cannot be censured, so that an opponent may be put to shame, having nothing evil to say of us.” Titus 2:7-8

“But thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumph, and through us spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of him everywhere. For we are the aroma of Christ to God among those who are perishing, to one a fragrance from death to death, to the other a fragrance from life to life. Who is sufficient for these things? For we are not, like so many, peddlers of God’s word; but as men of sincerity, as commissioned by God, in the sight of God we speak in Christ.” II Corinthians 2:14-17

“Having purified your souls by your obedience to the truth for a sincere love of the brethren, love one another earnestly from the heart.” I Peter 1:22

“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; even as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” John 13:34-35

Ask to be Free

Dec1

On the morning of November 22, 2021, I woke up with a ‘knowing’ in my heart that the Lord was waiting with a message. I picked up notepad and pen and waited. He asked me if I was ready, I replied yes, anticipating what He had to say. I take caution with all His Messages, but this subject, especially, is of a very serious and sensitive nature–a hotly debated topic. When He finished speaking, I asked Him to take me right to the scriptures that He had in mind, and thereby confirm the message. I picked up ‘The Passion Translation’, and opened right to them. It was evident that I had heard His Heart.

Within an hour, my phone rang. The caller was a woman that I know, but it was not typical for her to call. I felt led to read her the message, since I know her to be a Christian, and asked if I might run it by her; asking for her take on what the Lord had just spoken. She agreed and listened. She interrupted briefly to say, “This brings tears to my eyes.” Soon the tears became sobs, and then she began choking and gasping for breath.

It is with her permission that I tell you of this. She has held this secret pain in her heart for over 40 years. When she could compose, she related to me that the message was for her. She had an abortion in the late 70’s and has held that dark secret in her heart, all these years, has suffered intensely from it. She feared anyone finding out, for she was already heaped with condemnation, guilt, deep regret and feared rejection–trusting only her husband, her only confidant. She then told me that she had prayed and asked the Lord to somehow give her a message that she was indeed forgiven; because she just couldn’t get past it and couldn’t truly believe that she is. I let her know that she always has been forgiven, but that she was the one that needed to forgive–herself.

In a moment of time, an answer to prayer, the Lord set her free–Glory to God; but she was free all along. It was written there in the Word for her, all those years. You see, a gift can be given, but it must be received. Open the Gift–believe!

The message He spoke is a call to repentance, but it is also a message of forgiveness and hope.

That is Jesus. He is our Hope, our Forgiveness. Without sin there is no need for Forgiveness, no need of a Savior. Can anyone then say that they don’t need Him?

“–since all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Romans 3:23

I have heard many speculate about what they think that Jesus wrote on the ground, when the men accused the woman of adultery and they brought her forth intending to stone. I have heard teachers of the Word say that Jesus was praying, waiting on God for how He should respond, etc. The Word doesn’t state it and I have never heard anyone say this, but I believe He was writing their sins in the dirt. One by one, they dropped their rocks and walked away until none were left but the woman accused. “Let him who is without sin among you, be the first to throw a stone at her.” John 8:7b Read the full account in John 8:3-11.

They wanted to stone the woman in adultery, but the act takes two, doesn’t it?

In the absence of any of her accusers, Jesus forgave the woman; but He told her to go and sin no more. The Love of the Father tenderly cares for all who are hurting. He Loves you so much that He handed over His very own Son to be crucified in your place. “BABY for baby–I AM!” (see message below)

The Father doesn’t ‘rate’ sins–all must be paid for, by the Blood of the sinless Lamb–Jesus! He didn’t come to condemn the world, but to save it! (John 3:17) The gift of Forgiveness is ours to receive–repent, confess and believe. (Romans 10:9-11)

His Forgiveness is a Gift, but His Word is so very clear–Go and Sin No More. (John 8:11)

And now the Message,

“Ask to Be Free”

Do you hear the silence? That baby cannot cry–for it was taken–

–taken from his place of protection, taken from his life. His gifts will not be seen. His life will not be spent. A travesty for convenience, and yet they don’t repent.

They fear the unknown–fear what they can’t see. . .

But, what they don’t fear is Me.

Each one of you–that has taken a life–was given a life.

Don’t you see?

There is no life granted, apart from Me.

“The God who made the world and everything in it, being Lord of heaven and earth, does not live in shrines made by man, nor is he served by human hands, as though he needed anything, since he himself gives to all men life and breath and everything.” Acts 17:24-25

It is by My Mercy, that you live–live to enjoy the life you’ve been given–

Apart from Me–you will never be free.

Repent.

You cannot undo what’s been done–cannot take away the stain; but ask of Me, and I will *cover it with My Blood–never to be seen again! *please see editor’s note below.

“Though we are overcome by our many sins, your sacrifice covers them all.” Psalms 65:3 TPT

For I paid the price, to make the exchange. Your baby has been granted new life with Me–Forever Free!

I offer you the same.

My Love calls you to repent.
My Love falls upon you.
My Love Forgives!

Eye for an eye; tooth for a tooth–

BABY for baby–I AM!

“And when the season of tolerance came to an end, there was only one possible way for God to give away his righteousness and still be true to both his justice and his mercy–to offer up his own Son. So now, because we stand on the faithfulness of Jesus, God declares us righteous in his eyes!” Romans 3:26 TPT

Repentance is My Gift to thee–Open the Gift and ask Me in–

Ask, to be Free.

“The Lord is not slow about his promise as some count slowness, but is forbearing toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.” II Peter 3:9

“He destined us in love to be his sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace which he freely bestowed on us in the Beloved. In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace which he lavished upon us.” Ephesians 1:5-8

“So now the case is closed. There remains no accusing voice of condemnation against those who are joined in life-union with Jesus, the Anointed One. For the “law” of the Spirit of life flowing through the anointing of Jesus has liberated us from the “law” of sin and death.” Romans 8:1-2 TPT

“For God has proved his love by giving us his Son. And since God freely offered him up as the sacrifice for us all, he certainly won’t withhold from us anything else he has to give. Who then would dare to accuse those whom God has chosen in love to be his? God himself is the judge who has issued his final verdict over them–“Not guilty!”” Romans 8:32-33

“So now I live with the confidence that there is nothing in the universe with the power to separate us from God’s love. I’m convinced that his love will triumph over death, life’s troubles, fallen angels, or dark rulers in the heavens. There is nothing in our present or future circumstances that can weaken his love. There is no power above us or beneath us–no power that could ever be found in the universe that can distance us from God’s passionate love, which is lavished upon us through our Lord Jesus, the Anointed One!” Romans 8:38-39 TPT

My friend, from the Cross, walk free!

*editor’s note: When the Lord spoke this message to me, it gave me pause for a moment when I read it. I thought of the scriptures from the old Covenant and of the blood of bulls and goats that covers sin but cannot completely wipe it away; which is why Jesus came. It required the Blood of a sinless man to completely remove our sins. When we receive that precious Blood, it is the exchange that satisfies the debt; the Father removes our sins from us and remembers them no more. I thought of this, but I know what He said and I don’t correct the Lord’s messages to satisfy my theology, but I wondered if others would think the same. Sure enough, a reader pointed it out to me. . .

I looked at it again and realized what He is saying. He didn’t say ‘sin’, He said “stain”. You see when we receive Jesus, He brings with Him the gift of Forgiveness, through His Blood. He lived as a man, suffered and died for all mankind, for anyone who would receive Him. It is His precious Love, the free gift too vast to put into a few words, for all eternity! But though we repent and are then forgiven, many have difficulty believing they are forgiven–they continue to ‘see’ the stain and will beat themselves up as the enemy heaps condemnation. Sin can leave a stain on our heart, if we allow it, to plague us every time we are drawn to it.

There are many who have felt they have had no choice or that a horrific act was committed against them and they just wanted to be rid of any part of it, to forget, and therefore chose abortion. For whatever reason, please see that not only does God’s Love Forgive, but that His Blood covers the stain. If you will allow Him, He will bring such healing to your heart that you will truly be free. His Healing will come into your heart; and when you look for that stain, you will only see His Faithful Love in Forgiveness–you will live to love and laugh again!

That is all-encompassing Love–His Name is Jesus!

In the midst of all this, I was working several long days in a row and could not address it on my blog. I wrestled over the thought that others would reject His message, in the meantime, because of it. The Lord knew my struggle within and the very next time I had my Bible in hand, He led me right to the scripture I was able to slip in above. I reiterate it here, for it bears repeating. It is my hope that this message leads you to His Love. It is not meant to condemn, but lead us to repentance to realize His great Love has been there for us all along. He is Good, and wants to welcome all into His Loving Arms! He gave His own life in ransom to do this. He came to give you abundant life! If you are reading this, it’s not too late–“Ask to be FREE!”