Tag Archive | restoration

Jesus is Our Healer

It’s mid-February and I am relishing our yearly mid-February thaw. The sun is shining, birds are singing and after weeks of low teens and below zero temperatures it restores hope that spring will soon be here!

A few weeks ago, we experienced a lake-effect storm that left visibility to absolute zero in some places. I was driving along the bay and this was suddenly the case. I couldn’t see anything! I quickly prayed, “Father protect me.” Immediately it cleared just enough for me to see a car sitting at a dead stop on the road in front of me. I was traveling, therefore was upon it in a matter of seconds. Yanking the steering wheel hard right, I was right up to the car and could see no space between us. It was so terrifying, I could imagine the impact, and can only think that the Lord must have intervened that we didn’t. Now I’m on the shoulder driving right along the guard rail pushing snow like a plow in my Subaru Outback. My car started to bog, almost stalled and then picked up momentum again and I was able to pull back into the lane, having no idea if anyone was coming or not. When I got back into the lane, a glance in the mirror showed two cars coming up from behind, but were back sufficiently. The car that was stopped, had a car stopped right in front of it, so if we had crashed it would have been a 5 car pile up.

I thank God for His protection.

I don’t know what He did to stop it, but I can’t see how I possibly missed that guy, and it all happened in a matter of minutes.

So, I was headed to the car dealership to get some repairs done on my car. When I arrived I was shaking badly and that remained with me for a couple of hours. I am a good driver, but sometimes the elements are beyond natural abilities.

The car repair was going to take some days, so they were giving me a free rental to drive, and walked me there to get that done. They asked for drivers license and I was stunned to hear them say, “We can’t give you this car, your license is expired.”

What?!

I had no idea I was driving on an expired license, and headed to the Secretary of State to get that taken care of. No license, no repairs, which were desperately needed. Special tip? There was no customers at the D.M.V., likely due to the snow storm. They took care of me immediately–I don’t know what it’s like in your part of the world, but here in Michigan we normally wait hours!

*Correction: I’m told it’s much better now that they have introduced an appointment system. Happy to hear that!

You know I think the whole thing might have been the Lord’s idea? It sounds strange, I know, but I always promptly pay my bills. My husband used to get mad at me because I would start writing checks for the bills, that just came in the mail, before even taking my coat off. I enjoy paying them because to me it is proof that the Lord is taking care of me. If you are struggling to pay your bills, I sympathize with you! I’ve been there and have lived through some hard times. Very hard times! However, since giving my finances to the Lord through tithing and offering, He has steadily increased me; the fact that I can pay my bills is an act of worship to me, in thanksgiving, for His faithfulness to provide. Please think on that. I would like you to experience that same freedom and peace.

So, when I had gone home I went searching for that bill. I couldn’t believe that I had not paid it. I found it. I had actually filled it out to pay by mail, but hadn’t done it. I remembered then, they had sent it over a month early so I wasn’t in a big hurry for this one. I then had turned the envelope over and used it for spur of the moment scrap paper, and then it was all over. I never turned the envelope back over to realize it was a bill.

So this is why I’m wondering if the Lord had a idea in this. If I had sent it in, as planned, it would have been my old license, just renewed; but because I was in person they made me take the test and get a new picture.

Here comes the exciting part. . .

For the first time in my entire life, I no longer have vision restriction on my drivers license!

If you are a new visitor to my blog, then you don’t know that two years ago I went to bed seeing and the next day woke up blind in both eyes! You may read about it by searching for the post titled “A Miracle in Progress.” There is also an update post of the progress titled, “Miracle Progress.” My miracle took several months that not only restored my vision, but I now no longer wear any correction and I no longer have Glaucoma. This was verified by a Glaucoma specialist/surgeon. You may read in detail about it in those posts.

“Oh Lord, my God, I cried to thee for help, and thou hast healed me.” Psalms 30:2

So, I went through the eye test, passed, and as the guy was having me sign, he looked down at the paperwork and said, “Oh, wait, do you have contacts in?” No. He looked puzzled, looked back again at the paperwork, and said, “Do you wear glasses?” No. “You don’t?” No.

So I told him I used to, but then went blind and got a miracle–God healed me! Adding, that I also no longer have Glaucoma.

He was silent.

And then said. “Ok.”

Man of few words. What could he say? I passed the test and he could see I wasn’t wearing contacts. So, I just think God wanted me to have the joy of having my first ever license that said, ‘Restrictions: None.’

I once was blind, but now I see!

I am thankful every day for that.

Don’t tell me God doesn’t heal or that the gifts were only for the Apostles’ time.

I know that’s not true.

Jesus is our Healer!

“And his disciples asked him, ‘Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?’ Jesus answered, ‘It was not that this man sinned, or his parents, but that the works of God might be made manifest in him. We must work the works of him who sent me, while it is day; night comes, when no one can work. As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.’ As he said this, he spat on the ground and made clay of the spittle and anointed the man’s eyes with the clay, saying to him, ‘Go, wash in the pool of Siloam’ (which means Sent). So he went and washed and came back seeing.” John 9:2-5

“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 write this to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life. And this is the confidence which we have in him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us. And if we know that he hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have obtained the requests made of him.” I John 4:11-15

“Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. 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 53:4-5

“He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed.” I Peter 2:24

“Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits, who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the Pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy, who satisfies you with good as long as you live so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.” Psalms 103:2-5

“Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose trust is the Lord. He is like a tree planted by water, that sends out its roots by the stream, and does not fear when heat comes, for its leaves remain green, and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit.” Jeremiah 17:7-8

Love Is Truth

Feb14

I have to admit I have been troubled about my last post, “The Perspective of Love.”

This is specifically what was troubling me . . . “I gave the ultimate sacrifice that you not be judged–that was My mercy for you. Now I call you to be like Me–offer mercy to others; by casting your judgment aside, overlooking what they have done, and give that to Me.”

“How can we overlook what they have done and just give it to you, Lord?” I asked Him. Isn’t that just like the coverup that has been happening, that has everyone riled? It troubled my heart that it was advocating looking the other way. I wanted to take the post down, if that is the case, and yet, it’s not my message. I write what He gives me, without question–until now.

I questioned–wrestled with it and then He brought to mind the scripture, “If any lacks wisdom, let him ask.” It was an invitation, and right on it’s heels He said this, “Remember the disciples asked me to explain the parable.”

Yes, I can ask you for understanding!

Too often, when something seems uncomfortable to our theology, we turn away, reject, take down the post. That was the initial knee-jerk reaction of what I wanted to do. But I know I don’t make these messages up, and I won’t bring Him down to my size; that leaves only one solution, I need more understanding. I simply said, “Lord, in light of what is happening in the world today, that message bothers me. I need your wisdom and clarification”

“Would you please explain it to me?”

The following message is what poured forth and it settled my heart about the previous message. I hope it does for you as well. If not, please ask Him for more. He will be delighted if you do!

“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives to all men generously and without reproaching, and it will be given him.” James 1:5

Love is Truth

There is nothing hidden that will not be revealed.

The same, I can say, for those who have hidden from themselves. There are many that have lived in pain for so long, they have formed callus around their heart–the hidden man that no one sees.

At first, it seemed safe. A self-protection to keep others from wounding again and again. In time this ‘safety zone’ became a cocoon; a self-built blanket of peace; but it’s not real–a lie that proclaims–“I’m fine.”

They know it is a lie but they embrace it–telling themselves, ‘I’m not hurting anyone, and it keeps them from asking questions.’ “I can’t face it, don’t want to talk about it–just leave me be!”

But, it began with a lie–Deception opens the door.

Truth becomes less important as self-preservation takes over.

A progression of acting becomes a way of life until . . .

Truth is no longer recognized – Boundaries become vague – The cocoon that once was comfort, now a prison.

Hope dies, held hostage by trickery–ever increasing–to keep others from knowing that it’s all a facade. They no longer remember when or where it began–they no longer can stop.

Yes, Truth must come forth.
Yes, Deception must stop.
Yes, the Church must be accountable.

“Be sure of this, that no fornicator or impure man, or one who is covetous (that is an idolator), has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. Let no one deceive you with empty words, for it is because of these things that the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. Therefore do not associate with them, for once you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord; walk as children of light (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true), and try to learn what is pleasing to the Lord. Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them. For it is a shame even to speak of the things they do in secret; but when anything is exposed by the light it becomes visible, for anything that becomes visible is light. Therefore it is said, ‘Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give you light.'” Eph 5:5-14

But, I want you to look deeper.

I want you to look beyond the sin and look deeper within. Understand, you cannot simply rip the cover off and leave the wreckage to bleed.

I want you to see the need.

Love carries, to Me, the wounded soul – Love pours in the Oil and the Wine – Love leaves them with Me!

I do not ‘shake down’ to leave a battlefield in carnage.

I shake down to Restore.
I shake down to Rebuild.
I shake down to get to the Truth.

Plain and simple . . .

Truth is Love

and

Love is Truth!

I AM

“Nothing is covered up that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known. Therefore whatever you have said in the dark shall be heard in the light, and what you have whispered in private rooms shall be proclaimed upon the housetops.” Luke 12:2-3

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God; all things were made through him, and without him was not anything made that was made. 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 1:1-5

“This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light and in him is no darkness at all. If we say we have fellowship with him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not live according to the truth; but if we walk in the light as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin. If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just, and will forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.” I John 1:5=10

“Let me hear what God the Lord will speak, for he will speak peace to his people, to his saints, to those who turn to him in their hearts. Surely his salvation is at hand for those who fear him, that glory may dwell in our land.” Psalms 85:8-9

“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” Romans 12:21

I AM Missing You

Dec29

Your gifts go before you to lead you into higher Truth.

I did not release you from your past to have you flounder in your future. You will gain ground in understanding as you begin to trust that, I AM, truly leading this exodus from your past.

Your strength and reliance on Me has recently failed. This is not an area of concern, for as I’ve stated prior, your heart is steadfast. The confusion and even unrest and sometimes fear stem from your mind, not your heart. Trust will begin to grow as you restore seeking from your heart.

I have not left you; you know this and yet recently you have begun to question as time continues but your circumstances seemingly do not change. I have purposed this. You can no longer rely on your self, your past accomplishments, knowledge and wisdom. I need you to release fresh oil to those around you–those I place in your path.

Fresh oil comes from the pressing.

I have pressed you but find very little oil released. Your fruit is dry–you have been partaking of stale bread. Therefore, I cannot, am not able to release the oil I want to see flow from you; and will not be able to until you change your ways.

Your roots must go deeper.

I want you to reach a new depth–a deep vein under the surface. Tap into My flow–it is pure, it is True, it is the finest of oils.

The source of My Glory stems from the deepest cavern.

Only those stretched are able to put down roots to this depth–tap into this source.

The desert, dry and arid spaces force one to drive deeply seeking water, seeking strength. The greatest gift is hidden far under the surface, find it!

Stretch.

Dive deep.

Be restored.

Prime the pump; for I will squeeze you more in the near future but this time I expect the oil to flow.

You are in the press.

It’s time that you know just what it is that you’re missing . . .

For I have been missing you!

“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. For as the earth brings forth its shoots, and as a garden causes what is sown in it to spring up, so the Lord God will cause righteousness and praise to spring forth before all the nations.” Isaiah 61:10-11

“-and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit.” John 15:2b

Rooted in the Cross

Apr2

Prepare your heart to receive the depth of the Cross.

It is not to be taken lightly, that terrible event–the affects of which man shall never know in this generation–yet, its root remains in thee.

You see, that is the core of Christianity.

One calls themself a Christ follower; yet, that cannot be without receiving the depth of the Cross–it is the core of Me. I came to die–to extend My Life to you.

It was the plan to restore.

“You know that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your fathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot. He was destined before the foundation of the world but was made manifest at the end of times for your sake. Through him you have confidence in God, who raised him from the dead and gave him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God.” I Peter 1:18-21

I had not sinned, yet I took your sin upon Me.

I cried out, “My God, My God, why have you forsaken Me?” (Mark 15:34)

We had never been separate before. But your sin turned Him away from Me–your sin closed the door.

My Father cannot remain with sin in His Presence.

When I took your sin upon Me, He had to turn away.

You are innocent, you are holy–the Breath of God in you!

“–then the Lord God formed man of dust from the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being.” Genesis 2:7

But, the day you choose to sin, you turn your back on Him.

The plan is in place–it all happened at the Cross. The great exchange–I suffered for your loss.

“Therefore, if any one is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has passed away, behold, the new has come. All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; that is, in Christ, God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. So we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We beseech you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” II Corinthians 5:17-21

Now you can remain–as if you’d never sinned.

All you need do–repent, and ask Me in.

That is the start–ask Me into your heart. But there is so much more, once you open that door!

Don’t stay at the Cross, but take time to learn of it–let its root run deep into the core of you!

For at the Cross I paid the price–the Perfect Sacrifice.

Your foundation is the Cross–you need not suffer loss. Learn what that means–let those roots run deep!

The grave, it could not hold Me–I left, that you not stay!

Simply walk away.

Walk away from sin and shame. Walk away from blame. Leave your past at the grave–

My roots remain in thee!

I was lifted up at the Cross, for all the world to see. Now, lift up your devotion to Me!

My Father says, “Welcome Home!”

From the Cross–Walk Free!

“–and he said to them, ‘Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead, and that repentance and forgiveness of sins should be preached in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem.” Luke 24:46-47

Cleansing Fire

Nov25

Though you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned . . .

Notice it does not say “stand still.”

Many just stand, in fear, not moving forward in their plan in life. This is not My will for you; for you will be productive in every season.

The fire refines you–purifies you.

But if you are standing still, you are ‘allowing’ circumstances to overtake you, not cleanse . . .

Walk with Me.

I AM in this with you.

I AM teaching you–I’ve been there!

You will not be burned, but you will learn. And one day you will marvel and understand what the ‘fire’ has taught you . . .

I will see you through.

Be cleansed!

“When you pass through the waters I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through the fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.” Isaiah 43:2-3

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! By his great mercy we have been born anew to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and to an inheritance which is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, who by God’s power are guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you rejoice, though for a little while you may have to suffer various trials, so that the genuineness of your faith, more precious than gold which though perishable is tested by fire, may redound to praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” I Peter 1:3-7

“Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal which comes upon you to prove you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice in so far as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed.” I Peter 4:12-13

“Blessed is the man who endures trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life which God has promised to those who love him.” James 1:12

I invite you to scroll down and read the post just prior to this . . .

In it you will find that we are in the process of sending out “Comfort in the Challenge” and “His Voice in My Heart” books to prisons, jails and rehabs all over the country. The current estimation is (3,310) books! Please consider partnering in this mission of bringing the healing and restoring love of God to those hidden from society, but not hidden from the Lord.

We welcome all contributions, big or small. Every effort counts and you will share and have part in setting the captives free. Some may never see the outside of those walls, but they can be free in their hearts; and serve their time in anticipation of an eternity of freedom that no one can take away.

“‘Now I will arise,’ says the Lord, ‘now I will lift myself up; now I will be exalted.” Isaiah 33:10

Below are links to order books for yourself or donate to send books. A project that is bigger than we know, and has only just begun. Thank you for your generosity. Your donation is tax deductible, and will be used entirely for books sent.

Book Order Link: https://www.nationofwomenpublishing.com

Prison Book Donation Link: https://www.nationofwomen.com

*Please designate in the comment section that your donation is for the prison books. Thank you!

*You may also visit the Prison Book Project, contact, for further verification of this project, by clicking the link below.

Prison Book Project Link: https://prisonbookproject.org

Canaanland Ministries Link: https://www.canaanland.com

*All proceeds for “Comfort in the Challenge” books purchased, that are not for the book project, will go directly to Canaanland Ministries of Autaugaville, Alabama. Thank you for supporting this vital ministry!

Contact: wordscroll@gmail.com

♥ Do not hold back from supporting ministries that are preaching the gospel around the world. They serve the Lord and are reaching places you may never see. When you support the preaching of the Gospel, you support the Lord’s work and hasten our coming Lord, King Jesus ♥

Human nature tends to shoot their best supporting foot, just because it steps a little different than the other. May we all take on the ‘nature’ of God and receive His peace and understanding for one another!

Thank you for sharing this and for your generous donations, in partnership, to reach the world!

Lori J. O’Neil

Refuse to Wear Shame

Jul17

Happy is he who stands in the court of My Father and is not ashamed.

You wear My Blood.

It is the issue that came forth–proclaiming you to be Mine!

Never to part.

Proclaim this to the enemy, when he speaks of your sin, to your ear. It is the enemy and though he knows truth, he does not speak it–think on this.

Why then do you feel ashamed, as if you believe it?

Shut him down!

You wear My Blood–never to be naked again.

Sin has no place in your life, nor does strife–shut it down.

You wear the Blood.

Bow before Me in humility and cast it aside–but don’t lose your stride–

for you wear My Blood!

It is your Wedding Garment–

not shame.

“There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set me free from the law of sin and death. For God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do; sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, in order that the just requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.” Romans 8:1-4

“Fear not, for you will not be ashamed; be not confounded, for you will not be put to shame; for you will forget the shame of your youth, and the reproach of your widowhood you will remember no more. For your Maker is your husband, the Lord of hosts is his name; and the Holy One of Israel is your Redeemer, the God of the whole earth he is called.” Isaiah 54:4-5

“Seek the Lord while he may be found, call upon him while he is near; let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return to the Lord, that he may have mercy on him, and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.” Isaiah 55:6-7

“–Grace to you and peace from him who is and who was and who is to come, and from the seven spirits who are before his throne, and from Jesus Christ the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of kings on the earth. To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood and made us a kingdom, priests to his God and Father, to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.” Revelation 1:4-6

“Then one of the elders addressed me, saying, ‘Who are these, clothed in white robes, and whence have they come?’ I said to him, ‘Sir, you know.’ And he said to me, ‘These are they who have come out of the great tribulation; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. Therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve him day and night within his temple; and he who sits upon the throne will shelter them with his presence. They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more; the sun shall not strike them, nor any scorching heat. For the Lamb in the midst of the throne will be their shepherd, and he will guide them to springs of living water; and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.'” Revelation 7:13-17

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Two New Books available to help you in these challenging times . . .

“Comfort in the Challenge.” Published in 2019, and written in dedication to caregivers. A book inspired by God, in provision, before awareness of Covid 19. Read it to be comforted, and encouraged. All messages are spoken from the Heart of God as fresh bread. All proceeds from “Comfort in the Challenge go directly to Canaanland Ministries of Autaugaville, Alabama. Canaanland has a wonderfully successful 40 year history, dedicated to helping men desiring to overcome addiction and find new life in Jesus!

“His Voice in My Heart.” Published in 2020. A journey of messages God has spoken over the past seven years to bring healing and restoration to the wounded soul. In sorting messages for “Comfort in the Challenge,” ‘prisoners’ welled up in my heart so strongly, that I began to sort messages for this special assignment as well. “His Voice in My Heart is filled with His messages to comfort, challenge and bring restoration; along with several inspiring true testimonies of God’s healing and provision. “His Voice in My heart” is a book of your journey to freedom!

The messages are spoken from the heart of God, but are not meant to replace the Word; rather, they serve to lead you to it; to give practical application and encourage understanding of the Word. It is the Word of God that saves, heals and delivers–Jesus, is the Word. Included in both books you will find many scriptures for your study in the Word.

Both books may be ordered from “Nation of Women Publishing,” found by clicking the link below.

Book Order Link: https://www.nationofwomenpublishing.com

Canaanland Ministries Link: https://www.canaanland.com

Contact: wordscroll@gmail.com

Thank you and God Bless You,

Lori J. O’Neil

Supernaturally Placed

Jan6

You will prosper, even as your soul prospers.

“Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.” 3 John 1:2 KJV

Wash your windows that you may see, clearly, your future.

See yourself in line with My Word. You are not reading about others–I wrote it for you!

Trust that I know where you’ve been; I know where I want you, and how to get you there.

But, you must believe.

Stop seeing yourself as less than My best, for that is not how I see you.

I see you crossing the finish line…

Broad smile on your face…

Finishing your race…

Supernaturally Placed!

Let us begin your race. I will coach you–meet Me within.

Let us begin!

“–let us lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:1-2

A New Year is the Perfect Time to Begin a New Book!

Now Available, My First Book–

‘Comfort In The Challenge’

“You don’t have to look far to find someone coping with a challenge. It may be a friend, co-worker, parent or child. Maybe you need only to look within. The list of trials in life is endless–the challenge within. But God knows the need, and He knows the heart of the one you love–He knows YOU!

‘Comfort in the Challenge’ is filled with messages spoken from the heart of God. Inside you will find that God loves you and He cares about you, personally, and what you care about matters to Him. He wants to take that care, in exchange, with His thoughts of Love, Hope, Healing, and Direction. He speaks to the need, He speaks to You, to bring you–‘Comfort In The Challenge.'”

© 2019 Lori J. O’Neil

Click to Order: https://www.nationofwomenpublishing.com

All royalties for the life of this book will go directly to the ministry, Canaanland, of Autaugaville, Alabama. Canaanland, takes in men that have lost control of their lives to addiction and crime. Their tremendous (40 year) success rate has often prompted the judges of the surrounding area to offer, Canaanland, as an alternative to jail time. But, Canaanland, is not a bail from jail; it is a golden opportunity for those who truly want a new life! I have met some of these men and they are so full of joy that they absolutely shine–truly transformed by the love of God!

Canaanland charges nothing for a year stay; including room and board for their families as well, if necessary. I find the true dedication of Canaanland, in surrounding these men with love, and the life-changing power of the Word of God, to be unsurpassed. All is made possible through the dedication and hard work of these men, and generous donations of partner support.

It is their vision, to have a ‘Canaanland’ in every state, and my vision for this book, to help them realize this goal. Will you join me in helping these men and their families receive a new life? Will you consider purchasing ‘Comfort in the Challenge’ for your friends, loved ones, for yourself–for Canaanland? The books are beautiful and I am over-the-top excited for you to receive yours!

Click this link to Order Today: https://www.nationofwomenpublishing.com

Thank you, and God’s Blessing upon you always!

Lori J. O’Neil

Canaanland Ministries Link: https://www.canaanland.com

Info Contact: wordscroll@gmail.com

What is Happiness?

Jan18

Happiness is not an expression of your surroundings, but a condition of your heart. If your heart is not sound, neither will you be found to be happy.

♥ A kind and gentle heart can be just as unhappy if trust is broken–pain attacks; the heart of a gentle soul retreats, often feels defeat and may never trust again.

♥ The hardened heart brazenly moves forward, brashly confident; a disguise of fear–years of pain have taught it to remain, aloof. Both seemingly opposite hearts are the same–wounded.

I speak gently concerning this subject, for I know how deeply you have been hurt. When trust is broken, it is not easy to repair. Man cannot heal a broken heart, but I can and I AM here. I am near to the brokenhearted and I see your pain–you need not tell Me–I SEE.

“The Lord is near to the brokenhearted, and saves the crushed in spirit.” Psalms 34:18

I need you to trust Me.

We are going to begin anew, to review what isn’t right. I AM asking you to give up the fight–and REST.

You see it isn’t a fight, if you’ll fall into My arms, for I’ve got your back–I’ll keep you from harm. Together we’ll carve a new path–walking hand in hand and you’ll see that, as I put My trust in you, you’ll begin to trust me too. And soon, very soon, you’ll find that all is well. Your broken heart will begin to mend, as pain and confusion come to an end.

“Thy word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” Psalm 119:105

Soon you will see that, trust placed in Me, is the only way to be free.

So I tell you that ‘happiness’ is a thin veil if under the surface your heart is not well–all will come crashing down. We must get to the core–into your heart I will pour My love and remove the veil. The joy that springs forth of the happiness now is, truly a heart made well.

Fall into My arms.

Let us begin♥

“Create in me a clean heart, O God, and put a new and right spirit within me. Cast me not away from thy presence, and take not they Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of thy salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit.” Psalms 51:10-12

“Blessed is every one who fears the Lord, who walks in his ways! You shall eat the fruit of the labor of your hands; you shall be happy, and it shall be well with you.” Psalms 128:1-2

“The Lord is your keeper; the Lord is your shade on your right hand. The sun shall not smite you by day, nor the moon by night. The Lord will keep you from all evil; he will keep your life. The Lord will keep your going out and your coming in from this time forth for evermore.” Psalms 121:5-8

“O taste and see that the Lord is good! Happy is the man who takes refuge in him!” Psalms 34:8

Fire Burns Within

Dec22

The dimly burning wick shall not be quenched!

I have seen your sorrows and witnessed your sadness, yet you have not turned away; your heart is not cold. You cling to what was, but that is no longer you; you have grown. Trials and hardships have matured you–strengthened what was weak.

Yet, all you see is ash–too weary to speak.

Stir up the coals, for fire burns within; all is not lost–there is forgiveness for your sin.

Stir up the gifts; fan the flame.

Reclaim your life–there’s more to gain. Ask of Me and I’ll give you the nations. Restore prayer–rebuke indignation.

YOU ARE STILL MINE and there is much to do. Stir up the fire–still within you.

Yes time is getting short, but it’s not over yet. Get off your bed of sorrow; it’s time we were moving on. There’s so much more for you to do.

So much more for you!

“–The Lord called me from the womb, from the body of my mother he named my name. He made my mouth like a sharp sword, in the shadow of his hand he hid me; he made me a polished arrow, in his quiver he hid me away. And he said to me, “You are my servant, Israel, in whom I will be glorified.”

But I said, “I have labored in vain, I have spent my strength for nothing and vanity; yet surely my right is with the Lord, and my recompense with my God.”

And now the Lord says, who formed me from the womb to be his servant, to bring Jacob back to him, and that Israel might be gathered to him, for I am honored in the eyes of the Lord, and my God has become my strength–

he says; “It is too light a thing that you should be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob and to restore the preserved of Israel; I will give you as a light to the nations, that my salvation may reach to the end of the earth.” Isaiah 49 1b-6

My Treasure Trove

Oct25

(Often the enemies of God are those in His own household, who refuse to know the Truth. They have been entrusted with the gospel to grow and yet they refuse to know.)

My Word rests in their house as gold, and yet it remains as a heap–not dusted, not noticed, not read.

Know this–you will remain in stagnation unless you are fed. You have no need to be spoon-fed, for you have the Word at hand; put it in your heart. It is life to those who find it and health to all their flesh.

Will you start?

Will you rise up off the couch of despair and declare My Word to be true for you?

It is sufficient to free you from every disease. It fed the multitudes; brings many to their knees. For it is the gospel that cleanses, reveals and restores. Never changing, it remains the same. but it is ever changing those who partake of the Word that saves them–the Word I gave them; that heap of gold–My Treasure Trove!

“Every good endowment and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. Of his own will he brought us forth by the word of truth that we should be a kind of first fruits of his creatures.” James 1:17-18

My Life–written for you.

Does “enemies of God” sound harsh to you? Yes, maybe so, for it was My enemies that nailed Me to the Cross–sin that drives the lost. Your sin that I took upon Me, that I might call you friend.

And I do,

love you.

It is love that causes Me to correct. Love that calls you to connect. Love that beckons you to see, that I have placed a banquet before thee.

“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 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

Come, eat it in the presence of your enemies–for that banquet is Me.

Eat it and LIVE!

“Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of my enemies; thou anointest my head with oil, my cup overflows.” Psalms 23:5

“But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if any one is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who observes his natural face in a mirror; for he observes himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like. But he who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer that forgets but a doer that acts, he shall be blessed in his doing.” James 1:22-25

“Let your loins be girded and your lamps burning, and be like men who are waiting for their master to come home from the marriage feast, so that they may open to him at once when he comes and knocks. Blessed are those servants whom the master finds awake when he comes; truly, I say to you, he will gird himself and have them sit at table, and he will come and serve them.” Luke 12:35-37

“For the time has come for judgment to begin with the household of God; and if it begins with us, what will be the end of those who do not obey the gospel of God?” I Peter 4:17