Tag Archive | vision

Jesus is Our Healer

Feb17

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

Miracle Progress

Jul10

Hello Reader,

I am excited to announce an update on the miracle God has been working in my eyes. If you are new to this blog, welcome! You may read about the origin of the miracle in the post titled, “A Miracle in Progress.” It details the event when I woke up in December, blind in both eyes. The Lord was so faithful in preparing me for that. Not that I knew I would wake up blind, but He told me to study about entering into His rest, two weeks ahead. That preparation so filled me with trust, that the morning I woke up not seeing I wasn’t afraid but spoke out loud, “This blindness will not remain. I will see again!”

And, I did.

I won’t go over that part anymore, but you may read about it by scrolling back to the original post. I urge you to do so–

His miracles are so great!

So, the last I left you, I was being seen by a cornea specialist–about every 4-5 days. In January, he determined the situation resolved, left me on an ointment for a week more and drops again–indefinitely. I tried to comply, but the drops were hurting my eyes again, much like before the blindness. I actually had prayed before all this blindness had happened, asking the Lord to get me off the drops because they were hurting me; and to bring forth the full manifestation of my healing–no more glaucoma!

One day, I was really wrestling with the fact that God had restored my vision, so much that I no longer needed to wear any correction, even though my eyes had been worse than 20/400 throughout my life; but I was still on drops! I wanted to take the leap, but the doctors have always said you can’t feel the pressure and you can go blind from the damage of high pressure.

Basically, I believed, but I was chicken.

I went to work that day and a guy I work with came by and out of the blue said, “Are you still taking those drops?” When I replied yes, he said it again, leaning in and looking me straight in the eye, with a look that said, Why? I knew it was from the Lord encouraging me to leap, and stopped them that night. Ironically, a month later, I told the same guy that I stopped them, figuring he would be excited about it, but he became a bit upset. He quickly backtracked and said I should talk to my doctor about it. I told him I had an appointment; I just didn’t tell him that my appointment was for 5 months away.

In May I took a vacation. . .

and met some wonderful people from Dublin, who were on vacation as well. It’s a long story, but the short version is the Lord drew me to buy a t-shirt that I didn’t like, so I would take it back the next day and, therefore, meet these people. I know it was His plan, because they didn’t have the size I needed for my Granddaughter, 5-6. Then the Lord said, “There is one, but it’s in the wrong place.” He indicated that it was in the size 1-3 stack. I told the lady I believed there was one in the wrong size and when I went for that 1-3 size stack, she became upset. “Well, it’s not in there!” I paid her no mind, but went right for the color I wanted, half way down the stack, plucked it out from the middle and it was indeed a 5-6! The Lord had hidden it there for me!

The lady’s mouth dropped right open!

Anyway, all this put me walking with these 3 lovely people from Dublin and we got to talking. The man said something like it must have been hard to come all this way by myself. My opening to tell him about the blindness. “Not as hard as it could have been before my miracle.” They became very alert and wanted details. It turns out the woman is an ophthalmologist and her son is medical as well. She was on her way to a 2-day ophthalmology conference. After hearing my testimony, she replied, “That’s impossible.” “You can never get rid of Glaucoma.” I replied, “Nothing is impossible with God.” She seemed bristled, and I understand. She is defending what she knows to be true, but at the same time, I was defending what I know to be TRUE–and it’s a higher Truth that trumps all!

If I hadn’t had to go back and return the t-shirt, I never would have met new friends from Dublin.

The doctors are wrong about not being able to feel glaucoma pressure. After leaving those people, I had a battle of faith. I could feel the pressure so strong, at times it felt like my eyes would explode. I expect there was likely much discussion about it at that medical conference and likely mostly nay-saying. Our words and even the words of others are not to be taken lightly. Words are powerful. Don’t negate someone’s healing by your words. Pray for them. Encourage them. Speak the Word to them; but don’t tell them it can’t be done.

Nothing is impossible with God!

Sometimes we aren’t handed our miracle on a platter, but must take a stance! You see the enemy wanted me back in bondage to those drops. I refused to budge. I spoke my healing and spoke to my eyes–stood my ground.

Never give up!

You were healed when Jesus bore that beating to pay the price for your healing. By faith you bring that promise into this realm. When you pray–receive! Believe and receive it done, right then! I have said it before and I will keep saying it–so many live by their senses. They will believe it, when they see it or feel it. Until then, they don’t think they are healed. Sadly, that kind of mindset usually doesn’t produce healing. That is more doubt than faith. It is challenging the Word, expecting it not to happen, rather than believing that it will–that it is already True! It’s a “prove it to me” attitude that doesn’t please Him, because it’s not truly faith.

He acts on His Word–Unwavering Faith–Trust.

So, I ended up seeing those lovely people many times on that trip, and I hope that one day I can go visit them in Dublin. We exchanged information and I was elated to send them a text today with my news!

Drum Roll Please . . .

My doctor, when she heard that I was off the drops, said she respected my faith but couldn’t sleep nights if my pressure is high. That day her tech had taken the pressure with a hand-held instrument and it read high. For some reason she didn’t re-take the pressure, which she always does. I expect, knowing I was off the drops, that she expected it to be high so didn’t question it. She said that she respected my faith, but asked that we meet in the middle. She wanted to send me to a specialist/surgeon to evaluate. Her intent was that he could put tubes in my eyes to drain and relieve the pressure or a stent. I agreed to go.

I am sure this was all in God’s plan!

You see, in going there, I was taken care of by 5 different techs. They all had a job to do and put me through a battery of tests and full dilation. Each one heard my testimony and then looked astounded when they entered my new stats along side the prior records. “Wow, that’s quite a difference!”

The specialist listened, examined, took pressure, took it again. I continued the story as he typed in findings, and as he started typing a letter to my eye doctor, also a glaucoma specialist, his smile got broader and broader with each new fact.

The FACT  of the matter is . . .

He turned and said to me. “You don’t need surgery. You don’t need drops. You don’t need anything because you don’t have glaucoma! You have been off drops for 5 months and your pressure is in the low teens–normal. Your eyes are healthy. You haven’t lost vision. There is only one tiny spot, in the left eye, that had prior nerve damage from years ago that has not gotten any worse.”

“You don’t have glaucoma!”

He also said that those hand-held instruments are not reliable. I agreed. Another time that it was used on me, the reading then as well, was tremendously higher than the re-take ten minutes later.

With a big smile on his face, he sent the letter off to my doctor and said he wanted me to follow up with her in 3-4 months. I can’t wait! I want to see her reaction to all the Lord has done. I know she will be happy for me because she was the one that, twice, saw from field testing that I had regained peripheral vision. Twice! The first time she said, “You’ve regained vision, but that’s impossible.” I replied . . .

Nothing is impossible with God!

She agreed.

“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. For you were straying like sheep, but now have returned to the Shepherd and Guardian of your souls.” I Peter 2:24-25

“And Jesus answered them, ‘Have faith in God. Truly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and cast into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says will come to pass, it will be done for him. Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. And whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone; so that your Father also who is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.” Mark 11:22-26

“Jesus looked at them and said, ‘With men it is impossible, but not with God; for all things are possible with God.'” Matthew 19:26

Please continue to keep me in your prayers as my miracle continues. There is just a bit more ‘tweaking’ to be done for it to be fully manifested. My left eye sees perfectly, but the right eye is 20/40. This is a huge change from the 20/400 it used to be!

I am fully expecting it to be 20/20 when all is said and done. Thank you so much readers, for your faithfulness!

Lori J. O’Neil

All Glory Be to God!

A Miracle in Progress

Jan10

“Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, spend a year there, buy and sell, and make a profit”; whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away. Instead you ought to say, “if the Lord wills, we shall live and do this or that.” James 4:13-15 TPT

We surely don’t know what tomorrow will bring . . .

On December 14th, 2023, I played Scrabble© with my mom. It was just an ordinary day or so I thought. However, I went to bed that night feeling totally fine, but woke up blind. It was such a shock! I could see absolutely nothing out of my right eye and only a little bit of light and shadow with my left; but the Lord is so good, and this didn’t surprise Him at all. He knows everything that’s going to happen to you ‘tomorrow’.

A couple of weeks before that it had been strong on my heart to enter into the rest of God, resting in His completed work. In advance provision, He had prepared my heart–for my heart to trust.

When a crisis happens, the first words out of our mouths are critical. . .

as is every single word you say thereafter about the subject.

You can’t say you have faith one moment, but speak unbelief the next. In other words, if your words are not lining up with the faith you say you have, then you are not truly in faith. You might think you are, but you can’t be expecting one result if you are speaking another.

The Lord knew this blindness was coming and His preparation to fill my heart with trust gave me the gift of faith and no fear. Right in that critical moment, I couldn’t see with my eyes but my mouth could speak;  I spoke out loud, “This blindness will not remain, my eyes will see!”

“For the overflow of what has been stored in your heart will be seen by your fruit and will be heard in your words.” Luke 6:45b TPT

Immediately after speaking that, I got an inkling of vision in my left eye. It took many attempts but I managed to maneuver through my phone to call my prayer partner. It was like punching around in a closet. I was grateful to have her in speed dial, because I could recognize the color that went with her name. As we prayed, more vision came in that left eye, enabling me to call my eye doctor. They got me in right away.

I had had a laser on my right eye, to lower the pressure of glaucoma, just 4 days before. One would think this was all stemming from this but I only had it in one eye and both eyes were affected. They tested my eyes and I couldn’t even see the great big E with my right eye, it just wasn’t even there. My left eye could see black, but it was a blur, so I consider it a miracle that I was able to call those two numbers. I had prayed a couple weeks prior to this and asked the Lord to get me off glaucoma drops. My prayer all along has been for my healing of glaucoma to fully manifest. This has been a progressive journey. I have regained peripheral vision (twice) that my doc said was impossible. I told her that nothing is impossible with God and the tests have proven it. Now, she immediately took me off one of the glaucoma drops, that was the strongest, the one she figured was the culprit, and put me on steroid drops and ointment. Thus began a whirlwind of doctor appointments every 4-5 days and a cornea specialist was brought into the mix. He took me off the other glaucoma drop in the right eye as well and prescribed a milder steroid and a different ointment.

In the midst of this drama . . .

I went for a scheduled dental appointment. I would have liked to have canceled but it is so hard to get in. Praise God for my friend that waited patiently for me. I have been believing for my tooth to heal for 2 1/2 years. They wanted to do a root canal and crown. The x-ray showed the root had shrunk up and was blunt. It hurt terribly but I refused. I stood in faith for the root to re-grow and be rooted as normal. The first year I couldn’t eat on that side at all. Even soft foods made the tooth throb. Second year, occasional soft foods, but it still pained so I stayed away from it. They tried to do another x-ray midway but their machine malfunctioned and they had to skip it. The last 6 months I have been able to eat on that side, even really hard stuff with no pain at all. They took another x-ray on this visit and it showed the root, re-grown, seated, and totally normal. The dentist made no comment, but started to poke, prod and tap hard on that tooth and the two on either side. She kept saying, “Does that hurt?” “Does that hurt?” No, no, NO. There were also three teeth they wanted to fill above the teeth, where gums had receded. I said no and have believed for the gums to come back down. Now she only finds one that “troubles” her. “The other two I’m not concerned with.” she said. “I still want to fill the third one.” No, no, NO!

My eyes improved with every visit, but it was one visit in particular that there could be no explanation but a miracle from God. In 4 days time my right eye went from seeing 20/90 to 20/40 and my left eye went from seeing 20/80 to 20/12.5. I had never heard of 20/12.5 but this is what they termed seeing two lines better than 20/15, whereas 20/20 is perfect vision! In that same 4-day period, my pressure went from 22 and 26 to 12 and 15. The miracle of that is that my left eye had a detached retina years ago. It not only detached, but the surgeon said my retina had shattered and it was a very difficult surgery. He was ecstatic that I came to see 20/25 after it healed, which I praise God for, and the expertise of that surgeon, but it didn’t stop there. That eye also underwent laser to bring the pressure down and when that didn’t work, a Trabeculectomy; surgery to create a mesh-like pathway for the eye to drain fluid. A pressure reading in that eye of 12 was only seen briefly after that surgery and then it started to climb once again. Even with those strong drops and two different kinds, continuously, she couldn’t get it below 22 anymore. Now, with the strongest drop taken away, the pressure is 12.

Praise Jesus!

So this incredible vision in my left eye enabled me to return to work. I knew it was going to be hard, but I wasn’t prepaing for just how hard. Both days were super busy, and though I could see really well up close, anything beyond a few feet was a blur. I could know people, from memory and of their shape but their faces were a blur. I didn’t realize how much I read lips when it’s too noisy to hear. Keeping up with the stamina required of the job and the constant struggle to see, absolutely exhausted me; and by the end of the second day I was fighting tears.

The 3rd day was a milder day and though it was still hard to see, I was enjoying the calm and my wonderful co-working family. I love my job!

But, this is the exciting part. . .

At 8:20pm, suddenly, I could see a co-workers face from about 8 feet away!!! It was still a lil blurry, but I could make out his features and see expressions. Wow! I was like a kid again, looking around, everywhere, to see what I could see. Later I realized that 8:20pm is 2020 military time, which is what we go by at work and 20/20 is perfect vision!

I take that as a confirmation, because ‘perfect’ hasn’t manifested yet, but it’s coming!

Exuberant with my newly-minted sight, my son took me grocery shopping. I have not yet attempted to drive; my work takes me into the dark, and the lights when driving at night are quite the distraction. There was a snow storm predicted, so every store was packed out. The noise, people, shapes, colors and florescent lights was just too much for my brain to cope with. I went home traumatized, exhausted, slept fitfully, and I woke up with a splitting headache. I have come to realize that with every new level of vision, my brain has to re-calibrate and learn how to see with that particular vision, because the two eyes are not in sync with each other. I would have thought this would be easy, because I have done mono-vision for years but it seems to be different with an eye that is trying to heal.

So, here we are. It was a very long story to tell you that I have learned to rest in Him. I fully expect my total healing to come. My right eye has already had a miracle as well, for before the blindness, my eyes were off the charts; worse than 20/400 I was told, but correctable. Now, after my suddenly, at 2020 the other night, I expect I am seeing 20/25 in that eye without correction! Glory to God!!

Which reminds me . . .

You didn’t know this, but remember Nicholas? He is the prisoner I wrote about in another post, “Genuine Fruit”. Nicholas is part of “Project Turn” a partnership with Duke University Grad School, Divinity Program. He was one of 6,000 inmates chosen to be in this program. They chose ten inmates to take classes side-by-side with ten Duke Grad students. He came up with the idea of an education class needed in the prison and was given the go-ahead to help develop it. They have asked to use my books for the class, as mandatory reading. Glory to God! Well, that class started that night that I had the sudden vision. It wouldn’t surprise me if he had asked those men to pray for me that night. He knows of the issue I’m having. Wouldn’t that just be incredibly wonderful for them to see a miracle happen as a direct answer to their prayers! Will you join them and believe for a miracle? I want to see perfectly and no more glaucoma–at all!

Thank you for your prayers!

A special thank you to my dad, my son, and my friend Jamie for their incredible patience in hauling me around to appointments, waiting through them, and running me around for prescriptions. Thank you so very much!

No one is an island. We need each other!

God Bless You Reader,

Lori J. O’Neil

He Holds the Future

Feb22

I am told she was a visitor, and I don’t remember ever seeing her before. She stood out in the isle near me, singing robustly to the Lord. When worship ended, I glanced over and she returned my gaze; the moment she did, the Lord showed me a vision of her all grown up, though she is actually about 7 or 8 years old.

In an instant, I saw her as an adult.

In this glimpse she was standing in front of an empty stage, with microphone in hand; but she was down on the floor level, standing right in front of the people. Though I didn’t see the size of the group, I sensed it to be quite large, as the stage extended quite a span. I could see the front rows of people near her as well, and they lined the length of the stage. In just a moment of time I witnessed what she looked like, height, body shape, clothing, hair, and I knew her demeanor to be feisty, no nonsense–

A passionate warrior for the Lord.

Then, just as suddenly, I was no longer seeing a young woman, but this young girl standing before me.

I had shared something after worship, but I didn’t mention what I had been shown of this girl’s future. Later, as if in confirmation, a testament of her heart, she came to me as I was washing dishes; my church shares a meal together after. She found me in the kitchen and stood at my elbow but slightly behind, waiting for me to notice her. As I turned, she looked up at me with serious eyes and said, “I liked your talk.” I smiled, thanked her, and she quickly darted off.

May she be nurtured to grow in the admonition of the Lord.

May she fulfill the Lord’s call on her life.

I don’t even know her name, but I don’t have to–the Lord knows her future!

He knows I will pray.

That’s why He shows us these things!

“And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord.” Ephesians 6:4 NKJV

This same day, also during worship, my son had a powerful encounter with the Lord. His recount of it had many wiping their eyes. In a moment of time, his lifelong quest of questions, laced with doubts, was settled by the Lord Himself! Hallelujah!

Parents, trust the Lord with your children.

He knows the way to each heart. He alone knows the time to reach them–He will reach them!

“Train up a child in the way he should go; and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” Proverbs 22:6 NKJV

“O Lord, thou has searched me and known me! Thou knowest when I sit down and when I rise up; thou discernest my thoughts from afar. Thou searchest out my path and my lying down, and art acquainted with all my ways. Even before a word is on my tongue, lo, O Lord, thou knowest it altogether. Thou dost beset me behind and before, and layest thy hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high, I cannot attain it.” Psalms 139: 1-6

“For thou didst form my inward parts, thou didst knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise thee, for thou art fearful and wonderful. Wonderful are thy works! Thou knowest me right well; my frame was not hidden from thee, when I was being made in secret, intricately wrought in the depths of the earth. Thy eyes beheld my unformed substance; in thy book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them. How precious to me are thy thoughts, O God! How vast is the sum of them! If I could count them, they are more than the sand. When I awake, I am still with thee.” Psalms 139:13-18

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

I invite you to scroll down to the message, “Books for Inmates,” to learn how you may participate in sending the Lord’s Compassion to inmates in prisons, jails and rehabs nationwide. Please consider joining this ministry to place “Comfort in the Challenge,” “His Voice in My Heart” and soon to print, “His Voice in My Heart, Vol II” in the hands of those hidden from society, but not hidden from God. These books are filled with messages from the heart of God. Messages of love, hope, healing and freedom; as well as many amazing, true testimonies of the miraculous power and love of God. This author is not taking anything from the first three published books. All donations will be invested in books to help those struggling to find new life. We offer hope and the Good News of, truly, a new life in Christ!

Thank you, for prayerfully considering partnering with us to touch the hearts’ of this hurting nation! All donations are tax deductible. Scroll down to “Books for Inmates” for more information. Again, thank you!

“‘Lord, when did we see thee hungry and feed thee, or thirsty and give thee drink? And when did we see thee a stranger and welcome thee, or naked and clothe thee? And when did we see thee sick or in prison and visit thee?’ And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brethren, you did it to me.'” Matthew 25:37-40

Welcome 2020!

Jan1

Hello Everyone, Happy New Year!

EXCITING TIMES–We are no longer teenagers–

It’s TIME for the world to grow up!

2020 is going to be a GREAT YEAR ♥

 

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 and 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

Now Then, Are We There Yet?

Dec2

People are often more interested in reaching then, than they are concerned about now.

They want to play now–rather than pray now.

Yet I say, pray now, for the fields are white for harvest.

Pray that I may send you!

If your now is not right, then you are not prepared for then, and you may not reach it when. For I have come for now, but I will come a second time for THEN.

Know Me now, so you will know Me then, and you will be fully prepared for WHEN!

“Do you not say, ‘There are yet four months, then comes the harvest’? I tell you, lift up your eyes, and see how the fields are already white for harvest. He who reaps receives wages, and gathers fruit for eternal life, so that sower and reaper may rejoice together.” John 4:35-36

“–The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; pray therefore the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.” Matthew 9:37

Readers, I am excited to announce the arrival of my first published 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 and yourself–for Christmas? I literally just received my books, as I am writing this. They are beautiful and I am over-the-top excited for you to receive yours!

Order Today by visiting: https://www.nationofwomenpublishing.com

Thank you, and God’s Blessing upon you and yours this Christmas and always!

Lori J. O’Neil

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

Info Contact: wordscroll@gmail.com

The Production of a Lifetime

Mar3

It is for discipline–all that you are learning is for discipline of the life that is to come.

You are not waiting to ‘live’ then; you are living now in practice, much as an actor rehearses a script to get his lines ‘just right.’ He practices where to stand, inflections in his voice, body movement, pauses, all to convey what he wishes to express to the world.

“If the iron is blunt, and one does not whet the edge, he must put forth more strength; but wisdom helps one to succeed.” Ecclesiastes 10:10

No, you are not an actor, you are genuine, but you are learning to ‘act’ on what you know. And what you are learning from My Word, you are developing the storyline of your life.

We are co-directors, you and I…

We consult, we command together, and together we produce your future.

As you practice what you learn, you are studying to show yourself approved. You are laboring to enter into My rest and you will find your delight in Me.

“Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.” II Timothy 2:15

For I AM

Come, see your future on the big screen. Often your thinking is too small–for I have big plans for you.

You will be successful in all you do.  I’ve put my trust in you, will you then trust Me, to do what I’ve called you to?

Trust and Do!

“Therefore, since we are justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Through him we have obtained access to this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in our hope of sharing the glory of God. More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit which has been given to us.” Hebrews 5:1-5

“Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:29-30

“Trust in the Lord, and do good; so you will dwell in the land, and enjoy security. Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.” Psalms 37:3-4

 

A Sign of Birth

Jan28

A week or two ago I had a very clear dream. I rarely dream but this was like a vision. Several people were gathered, looking at a pool of water on the floor. I could see questioning looks on their faces and some expressed their thoughts by asking, “What is it?”

I recognized what it was and declared to them. “It is the amniotic fluid, the water has broken.” “God is about to birth forth His plan and purpose.” “The long wait is nearly over.”

“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 66:1-2

“Hear the word of the Lord you who tremble at his word; ‘Your brethren who hate you and cast you out for my name’s sake have said, ‘Let the Lord be glorified, that we may see your joy; but it is they who shall be put to shame.'”  ‘Hark, an uproar from the city!  A voice from the temple! The voice of the Lord, rendering recompense to his enemies!’

‘Before she was in labor she gave birth; before her pain came upon her she was delivered of a son.’ Who has heard such a thing? Who has seen such things? Shall a land be born in one day? Shall a nation be brought forth in one moment? For as soon as Zion was in labor she brought forth her sons. Shall I bring to the birth and not cause to bring forth? says the Lord; shall I who cause to bring forth, shut the womb? says your God, Rejoice with Jerusalem, and be glad for her, all you who love her; rejoice with her in joy, all you who mourn over her; that you may suck and be satisfied with her consoling breasts; that you may drink deeply with delight from the abundance of her glory.”

For thus says the Lord; Behold, I will extend prosperity to her like a river, and the wealth of the nations like an overflowing stream; and you shall suck, you shall be carried upon her hip,  and dandled upon her knees, as one whom his mother comforts, so I will comfort you; you shall be comforted in Jerusalem. You shall see, and your heart shall rejoice; your bones shall flourish like the grass; and it shall be known that the hand of the Lord is with his servants, and his indignation is against his enemies.” Isaiah 66:5-14

Persistent Fruit

Dec19

Love is genuine

There are those who set forth a pretense of love and yet their heart is absent. Others attempt to love, but their flesh nature of selfishness choke and block that love from flowing.

Genuine love is not pretentious nor stagnant, but flows from a heart that is pure.

“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

Be assured that the fruit produced comes from the root of the tree. If the roots are not planted in good soil the tree will not produce good fruit.

“Do not be deceived: “Bad company ruins good morals.” Come to your right mind, and sin no more. For some have no knowledge of God–.” I Corinthians 15:33-34

A perfectly good tree needs the right conditions to produce fruit.

Winter, Spring, Summer and Fall are all seasons necessary to produce fruit–yes even Winter. I don’t rush the seasons and neither should you. Learn to produce lasting fruit by learning from the seasons.

  • Remain firmly planted.
  • Allow Me to prune.
  • Keep your chin up and keep looking to the Son.
  • Seasons will change.

Love will grow.

“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

“Cast all your anxieties on him, for he cares about you.” James 5:7

Persistence bears fruit!

“For land which has drunk the rain that often falls upon it, and brings forth vegetation useful to those for whose sake it is cultivated, receives a blessing from God. But if it bears thorns and thistles, it is worthless and near to being cursed; its end is to be burned.” Hebrews 6:7-8

“In a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver but also of wood and earthenware, and some for noble use, some for ignoble. If any one purifies himself from what is ignoble, then he will be a vessel for noble use, consecrated and useful to the master of the house, ready for any good work. So shun youthful passions and aim at righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call upon the Lord from a pure heart.” II Timothy 2:22

“Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful; and let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.” Hebrews 10:23-25

“And the Lord answered me: “Write the vision; make it plain upon tablets, so he may run who reads it. For still the vision awaits its time; it hastens to the end–it will not lie. If it seem slow, wait for it; it will surely come, it will not delay. Behold, he whose soul is not upright in him shall fail, but the righteous shall live by his faith.” Habakkuk 2:2-4

“Though the fig tree do not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines, the produce of the olive fail and the fields yield no food, the flock be cut off from the fold and there be no herd in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation.

God, the Lord, is my strength; he makes my feet like hinds’ feet, he makes me tread upon my high places.” Habakkuk 3:17-19

“And thus Abraham, having patiently endured, obtained the promise.” Hebrews 6:15

“Who shall ascend the hill of the Lord? And who shall stand in his holy place? He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not lift up his soul to what is false, and does not swear deceitfully. He will receive blessing from the Lord, and vindication from the God of his salvation.” Psalms 24:3-5

 

Minute By Minute

Apr2

You see a lapse of time as wasted, but what you don’t ‘see’ is what is happening all around you. The stage is being set for your future, all about you, and yet you continue unaware.

You think nothing will change and yet every minute changes your life.

Your focus is narrow and you see with your eyes. I want you to ‘see’ with vision. See possibility in every circumstance, no matter how mundane. And those that you thought, affected you not–those I want you to re-claim.

“Hear, you deaf; and look, you blind, that you may see!” Isaiah 42:18

You see every minute has a purpose–an action in your life; carving and shaping your destiny.

The things that you fight–serve as insight, of growth that’s yours to be gained.

Value every minute of your life!

“Who is blind but my servant, or deaf as my messenger whom I send? Who is blind as my dedicated one, or blind as the servant of the Lord? He sees many things, but does not observe them; his ears are open, but he does not hear.

The Lord was pleased, for his righteousness sake, to magnify his law and make it glorious. But this is a people robbed and plundered, they are all of them trapped in holes and hidden in prisons; they have become a prey with none to rescue, a spoil with none to say, ‘Restore!’

Who among you will give ear to this, will attend and listen for the time to come?” Isaiah 42:19-23

“Lord, let me know my end, and what is the measure of my days; let me know how fleeting my life is! Behold, thou hast made my days a few handbreadths, and my lifetime is as nothing in they sight. Surely every man stands as a mere breath!” Psalms 39:4-5

“Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is there is freedom. And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being changed into his likeness from one degree of glory to another; for this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.” II Corinthians 3:17-18

“By wisdom a house is built, and by understanding it is established; by knowledge the rooms are filled with all precious and pleasant riches. A wise man is mightier than a strong man, and a man of knowledge than he who has strength; for by wise guidance you can wage your war, and in abundance of counselors there is victory.” Proverbs 24:3-6

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

“Blessed are the men whose strength is in thee, in whose heart are the highways to Zion.” Psalms 84:5