Category Archives: Ireland

Testimony Tuesday. Healed of a Murmur in my Heart.

Posted in Healing, Ireland, My thoughts, Prayer, Testimony Tuesday by

Today I was reading in Exodus 18 v 26.  God revealed himself to the people of Israel as “I am The Lord who heals you.”

I have always been interested in the subject of healing.  When I was a child I suffered from Rheumatic Fever.   Streptococcus infected my joints and heart.  I was treated by a specialist doctor who found a murmur in my heart, a weakness left by the infection.  I spent many weeks in bed with my condition when I was young.

Many questions went through my mind?  Why was I sick?  We lived in the country in N Ireland and seldom had to attend a doctor’s surgery.  Non of my siblings were sick.  I was oblivious to the seriousness of my condition.  I desired to be healed.  I wanted to get better and get back to school.  It would have been easy for me or my parents to be fearful or panic, thinking I may never get better.  I had to learn to be patient.

At church I would have heard stories about Jesus healing the sick.  A seed was sown in my heart then.  Could I be healed?  Yes I did recover from the infection but was left with a weak heart.  The infection did damage to a valve in my heart.

There are many different therapies and philosophies that claim to bring healing.  Usually one has to pay someone for his treatment.  Jesus heals us freely.  There is a story in the scriptures about a woman who spent all her money.

And a woman was there who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years. She had suffered a great deal under the care of many doctors and had spent all she had, yet instead of getting better she grew worse. (‭Mark‬ ‭5‬:‭25-26‬ NIV)

When I was having my first child I was admitted to hospital to rest.  There was concern for me because of the murmur in my heart, which could affect my strength in giving birth.  Thank God I delivered a healthy baby girl and I had no complications.  God must have healed my heart because I went on to have 13 more children, when the doctors recommended I should only have two.

Over the years I have studied the scriptures and have found that God desires for people to know that he will heal us.  Sickness is a work of the Devil.  The purpose Jesus came on earth was to destroy the works of the Devil.  1 John 3 v 8.  I believe God heals today.  I often pray for people to be healed.  I do not hear the result of everyone I have prayed for.  But when I do get feedback I am encouraged to continue.  God has given me a gift to pray for the sick.

I believe, because Jesus told his disciples to lay hands on the sick and they will get well.  Mark 16 v 18.  I obey Jesus and lay hands on the sick.  It is God who gives the power to heal and the outcome belongs to God.  He gets the glory.  My faith in God’s healing power has grown since he healed me from Cancer.

Jesus heals our broken hearts, whether they are damaged physically or emotionally.  He gives us joy instead of saddness.  I now seek opportunities to pray for the sick.  To anyone today who is reading this article and needs healed I would like to pray for you.

Thank you God, Father in heaven I read in your word today that you are The Lord who heals. Thank you for sending your son Jesus on earth to heal all diseases.  He died on the cross and suffered and by his stripes we are healed.  Thank you for healing me from fourth stage cancer.  I pray in Jesus name for ( mention your name) that your power will touch him today to heal him of his disease.  Thank you Father God for hearing my prayer today.

Family Friday. Our Slovakian Grandchildren Come to Visit.

Posted in Canada, Cancer, Family Friday, Ireland, My thoughts, Nature, Prayer, Slovakia, Travel by

 

I arrived home from Iceland last Friday.  Our son John, Rachel and their boys were waiting for us.  They had prepared dinner.  It was delightful to see the children and their joy at seeing grand Dad and grand Ma.  The boys ran about the kitchen excited to see us.  I could see they had grown in a week.  Joseph said Hello Granny.  He has four grannies, two of them being great grannies.  It is amazing he doesn’t get us mixed up.

John and Rachel wanted to hear what adventures we had while away.  When Brendan came home for trips to other countries me and my children were eager to hear his stories about what he saw and how God used him to help others.  Now Brendan is taking me with him on his adventures.

This week I will see my grandchildren who live in other nations.  My son Aaron and his family are visiting from Slovakia.

imageAaron and Marta have three children. They call our home the Ireland house.  They arrived yesterday.  The children were amazed as we walked from room to room and eventually got to the bedroom where the two girls will stay.  Once again the corridors are full of the sound of little children playing.  Our home is ideal for them to play hide and seek.  A little child can squeeze into a small space, under a coffee table, or in a kitchen cupboard.

Children have a disposition to explore and try out new things.  They can easily occupy themselves, chasing each other outside, climbing walls, trees or making mud castles.  Us adults often instill fear into our child, afraid little Johnny may fall and break a bone, afraid of the child climbing the stairs, “Don’t do that?”

When I was young my brothers and sisters played games or went for walks to give our mother space.  We did not have computer games, television, dolls, Mexicano, Lego, iPads or DVDs.  I loved going for walks through the fields to find out what was over the hill at the back of our home in the country.  I loved paddling in the stream that separated my dad’s field from his neighbour’s, on hot days.

Mummy was busy in the kitchen making a meal for us all, or feeding the new baby that had arrived.  We would return home when we were hungry.  None of us got lost or injured.  If we scaped a knee we would give it a rub and continue playing.  We didn’t visit the accident and emergency at the hospital.

I remember having a cut on my forearm.  I was not rushed off to the doctor’s surgery.  I walked around protecting the injured part and the wound closed over in a week or so.  No penicillin or stitches. In those early days seed of believing that God heals were sown.  If I had a cold I learned after a few days I would be well again.  If I fell off my bicycle and grazed arms and knees, in time the cuts would heal.  God made our bodies with an immune system that fights off infection and replaces cuts and bruises.

I now believe that the simple food our mother made us kept us healthy.  We ate home made bread, soups, stews, porridge, eggs and milk from the farm.  In the summer we would have salads, some fruit or the odd apple tart. The fridge and cupboards were not stacked with cereals, chocolate, coca cola, crisps,  biscuits or sugary snacks.

What I learnt when I was growing up helped me rear my own children.  I did not have a fridge or freezer.  My food was bought fresh and eaten.  I did not keep excess.  There was no eating in between meals.

When my grandchildren arrived I had a pot of soup and homemade bread ready for them.  What I learnt from my mother, I did for my own children and now for my grandchildren.  They will play happily while they are visiting grand Dad’s Irish home.

As we sat at night praying and reading the children’s bible with our own children before they went to bed,  so we will do the same with our grandchildren when they are visiting with us.  We will tell them stories of how God answered prayers for us.  Brendan will tell them about his adventures when he travelled in other countries.  I will tell them that God healed granny from cancer;  how God provided our new home for us with space for them to come and visit and many other examples of God’s goodness to us.

Exodus 10 v 2 says,
You will be able to tell wonderful stories to your children and grandchildren about the marvellous things I am doing, to prove I am The Lord.

Today Brendan and I leave to go to Canada.  We will see our Canadian grandchild.  We will have experiences and new stories will be created to journal and recount at another visit of our children and grandchildren.

Pens and Pencils. https://dailypost.wordpress.com/dp_prompt/pens-and-pencils/

Posted in Family Friday, Ireland, My thoughts by

 

I bought a writing pad and envelopes recently.

These items connect me with

imagethe past when I remember my mother writing a letter to her daughter who had left home.  She had sent many letters to her leaving children after that.  She would have looked out for the postman to see if there was a response to her letters, a longing for a demonstration of love to be returned to her.

I enjoy getting a hand written letter that the postman brings. At a Christmas event my sister gave her siblings hand written letters we had sent to her forty years ago.  They brought back memories, jogged the mind to remember past events, and produced a few tears.

I set the writing pad and envelopes in my writing bureau, knowing I will be inspired to use them, someday.  That “someday” was this morning.  I have just written a hand written letter to my friend, whose phone is not reliable.  And even if it is working she often does not answer it.

Very often an elderly relative appreciates a hand written letter or card.  They are not able to connect with Facebook or e mail, the modern way of communication.

When my children were at home it was difficult to find a pen when one needed it to make a note to buy an item or when my husband needed one.  The pens always circulated into bedrooms and under beds.  No matter how many pens were left in a holder to keep them together, it would have to be refilled often.

Now the pens stay in the overcrowded holder.  My husband would forget the children are not here any longer, and would include a packet of pens in the shopping when they are on offer.  He cannot pass a bargain.

Our first Christmas card this season was from our son Jacob.  It was sealed on the outside with wax.  He wrote down thoughts from the heart to his mum and dad on the beautiful card.  I found out later he had sent a hand written card to each of his family at Christmas time, especially to those who live in other countries.   He is not a fan of Facebook.  I still have his card on the mantle piece of the fireplace.

I bought some of my children fountain pens this Christmas.  I remember using one for all my school work.  The teachers were very careful to make sure we had neat hand writing using an ink filled pen.  Some traditions are returning.

I Asked My Husband to Help Me With the Dishwasher.

Posted in Family Friday, Ireland, My thoughts by

 

Some of my children have been home for Christmas festivities and rest.   The last child left yesterday to go back to St Andrew’s university via the French Alps.  He must be influenced by princes.  Prince Willliam went to St Andrews and skied in the Alps.

When my children lived at home, chores wereimage delegated to each child.  Someone was in charge of the dishwasher, to load it and unload it.  Now Brendan and I are on our own I ask him to help in the kitchen.  I started to unload the cups from the dishwasher yesterday morning.  I noticed thy felt gritty.  They were not properly washed!  I asked Brendan if he would have a look to see why the dishwasher was not functionally properly.

“Is there dishwasher salt?”
“No I don’t have any.”
“There’s bound to be some about.”
I didn’t answer, wondering where am I to find it among all the stuff we still have to sort after our recent house move.

I left Brendan to work away cleaning up the dishwasher.  He removed two arms that spray hot water over the dishes.  The holes in them were blocked, so were not working efficiently.  Brendan removed certain debris, rice, string, glass, a piece of plastic, and other food particles.

He put the parts together again and completed the task.  It took longer than I thought.

When I involve Brendan in the work he does a thorough job.

A husband and father has many skills we as wives and mothers don’t often draw upon.  Very often I do the job myself to save hastle, or my pride says I can do it better.
If the husband brings home the money to provide for the family, he and we may think he has done his job.

How come the children will listen to their father and not the mother?   How come we hide what the children are up to from their father in case dad will be too harsh with them?  A child will respect his father when he is disciplined and it brings peace to the mother.

How come men don’t worry too much?   A man has grace to look after his wife and children.  If I don’t ask for his help he does not get an opportunity to use the grace God has given him.  

How come God made man to have strong, broad shoulders?  It is to carry the responsibilities we as women were never intended to carry?

How come men go off to the pub,  the football match, golf, or find another woman?  Perhaps they see us doing such a good job on our own, going out to work, looking after the children, shopping, cleaning and disciplining  that they feel they are not needed.  They were never asked so they find some other outlet to occupy their time.

Children will follow our example.  If a child sees his father taking a caring role in his family there is more likelihood he will do the same for his family.  If a child sees that the mother takes the caring role, as the father absents himself then that is the model he will follow.

As a wife and mother, cook and carer I busied myself over the years.  I worried, got anxious and prayed.  I often did not ask my husband for help.  Pride and independence prevented me from asking for help.   We grow up in society that tells us we are a failure if you can’t do things yourself.  Independence is offered to us.  You don’t need others. Earn enough money to buy independence and kill yourself in the process and one is left old, lonely and bitter.

I have learnt through my experience of life, through pain and failure that God’s pattern for marriage is the best.   He has the blueprint.  I have learnt to relinquish control.

What do you want, women, for your husbands and children?   Relax, don’t do all the work, ask the husband to help and take his rightful role in the family.  Respect his position that God has given him.  Let him lead.  Let him look after you.  Ultimately God will hold him responsible for how he looked after his family.

Blowing the Whistle.

Posted in Family Friday, Holiday, Ireland, My thoughts, Prayer, Provision by

I have faith in God the creator who reveals himself through the bible.  As I read the scriptures I find many promises God makes to those who believe that he exists.  He promises to reward those who diligently seek him.  Perhaps you don’t believe in God, or maybe you used to believe but through disappointments and hardships you gave up.  Try again.  Pray today and seek him with your whole heart.  He is there for you and a wonderful life of blessing for you and your descendants will open up for you.

God, revealed through Jesus, is the only God who promises blessings to our descendants to a thousandth generation. Exodus 20.  When I sought God wholeheartedly 38 years ago he revealed himself to me in many ways.  I prayed for a child and he answered me.  I prayed for my husband to believe in Jesus.  God revealed himself to my husband.  God blessed me with fourteen children because I believed that God would bless my children after me to the thousandth generation.
There is no other God who promises to bless us and our children after us.

Now in rearing my big family I have faced many difficulties.  For example, needing a home big enough, needing money to provide for my family or facing the opinions of people who thought I was crazy for having a big family.
Jesus said in this world you will have many troubles but be of good cheer I have overcome the world.  John 16 v 33

Psalm God promises to be with us in trouble and deliver us out of all of them.

When they call on me, I will answer; I will be with them in trouble. I will rescue and honor them. (‭Psalms‬ ‭91‬:‭15‬ NLT)

In Numbers 10 God told Moses to instruct the people,

“When you arrive in your own land and go to war against your enemies who attack you, sound the alarm with the trumpets. Then the LORD your God will remember you and rescue you from your enemies.  The trumpets will remind your God of his covenant with you. I am the LORD your God.” (‭Numbers‬ ‭10‬:‭9-10‬ NLT)

I had been praying over some situation in my life for a long time.  I felt I had no energy to pray any more.  There did not seem to be an answer.  I read the passage above.  I did not have a trumpet but I bought myself a whistle.  I blew the whistle and I believed that God would act because he is true to his word.  I have made a covenant with him in believing and trusting God with my life, and he will keep his promise to be with me in trouble and deliver me out of it.  God brought about the needed change.   Sometimes one can blame others for the difficulty one is facing.  But it is the devil our enemy who is holding back the needed change.  God heard and moved my enemy the devil out of the way.

I was in holiday in Rostrevor, Ireland one summer.  We had been given the use of a home in a beautiful setting.  It was along a quiet road in the forest.  Many young couples would park their cars there at night to be alone.  One evening my husband went out with the older children to a music festival.  I was home with the younger children.  It was getting late and I thought I heard noises outside that made me feal uneasy.

I looked for my whistle.  I went outside and blew the whistle as loudly as I could.   I called on The Lord for help.  All at once five cars’ engines were started and sped off down the road as fast as they could.  They cleared off frightened by my whistle.

In England the policemen used to have a whistle to alarm trouble makers or to call for help.
Soon after my husband and family returned.  Help arrived.

I Hear the Brent Geese Honking.

Posted in Canada, Cancer, Family Friday, Healing, Ireland, My thoughts, Nations by

My front door is one hundred and ten steps away from the sea shore.  This morning I can hear the honks of Canadian Brent geese that graze along the waters edge.  The sun is coming up over the hill to the left.  It will melt the crisp frost that has whitened the grass overnight.  It’s a new day dawning.

image

I think of the song by Matt Redman

The sun comes up, it’s a new day dawning
It’s time to sing Your song again
Whatever may pass, and whatever lies before me
Let me be singing when the evening comes

[Chorus]
Bless the Lord, O my soul
O my soul
Worship His holy name
Sing like never before
O my soul
I’ll worship Your holy name

You’re rich in love, and You’re slow to anger
Your name is great, and Your heart is kind
For all Your goodness I will keep on singing
Ten thousand reasons for my heart to find

The Brent geese come to this area of Strangford Lough for the winter.  I always think of our friends from Canada when I see them.  They remind me of the blessing Canadians have been to my husband and family.  Canadians have visited us and we have visited Canada.

There are four aeroplane trails going west to east as I look up in the sky.  Flight paths pass over Ireland from Canada to London.  After the Christmas festivities with friends and family my heart is being drawn to travel and the nations beyond to tell my story of God healing me from cancer.

I was reading from the scriptures this morning.

This message is from the LORD, who stretched out the heavens, laid the foundations of the earth, and formed the human spirit. (‭Zechariah‬ ‭12‬:‭1‬ NLT)

How good it is to sing praises to our God.
He heals the brokenhearted and bandages their wounds.
He counts the stars and calls them all by name.
How great is our Lord! His power is absolute!
His understanding is beyond comprehension! (‭Psalm 147 v 1 to 4

These scriptures remind me that the God who made the heavens, made me, and he healed my broken heart and healed my wounds and is restoring my life from sadness and sorrow.

I want to sing Bless The Lord Oh my soul.  I am alive to praise The Lord.  Psalm 88 says the dead cannot praise God.  It is good to be alive to hear and see the Brent Geese.

My sons, daughters and grand children were strumming on their guitars, playing a tin whistle and singing last night as we gathered together.  Songs of joy are filling our home and hearts.

One of my grand daughters gets up early to play her guitar and write songs.  She has to rush when her mum calls her for school.

He awakens me morning by morning and fills me with joy.

God’s Signet Ring

Posted in Cancer, Healing, Ireland, My thoughts, Prayer, Restoration by

I started to write this morning after reading this scripture.

I will treat you like a signet ring on my finger, says The Lord, for I have especially chosen you. I, The Lord Almighty, have spoken. Haggai 2 v 23

People think God is far removed from our daily lives. They think he is busy up in heaven thinking up some punishment for us. Or that we have to offer him some sacrifice to appease him. No no, God cares for us. He sees everyone and is acquainted with their grief. It is the devil who brings oppression and sorrow. But he is defeated by Jesus death on the Cross. He shed his Blood. His sacrifice is enough to please the Father. We believe and receive his blessings.

I am reminded of Robin Mark’s song, Revival in Belfast. This song was written about Belfast when there was war on the streets of this city.  Despite the war Robin Mark declared “You love this city and you love these streets.”   We now have peace on the streets of Belfast.

Here are some of the words that remind us God sees and loves us in our situation.

Every child out playing by their own front door
Every baby laying on the bedroom floor.
Every dreamer dreaming in her dead-end job
Every driver driving through the rush hour mob
From the young man working through his hopes and fears
To the widow walking through the veil of tears
Every man and woman, every old and young
Every fathers daughter, every mothers son.
One may feel their life is hum drum, or does my life really count.

But God has chosen you and me to be His very own…to be His priceless possession. To be His signet ring means we are under a covenant with Him..an everlasting relationship that extends to eternity. Do you hear Him telling you, “Everything that I possess belongs to you…Its like a package…When you have me…you have everything”. When God says that you are His signet ring, it means that He has given you the power and authority of the King of Kings…and whatever you claim in His name is given to you and nothing can prevent you from receiving it. You are given the power to break the yokes of the devil, you are given the authority to claim victory, you are given the rights to change the decrees written against you..because you represent the King of Kings.

I used the authority of the name of Jesus, the King of Kings, to rebuke all cancer in my body, that I will not die but I will live to tell others what God has done for me.  God responded to what I said and he healed me.  I remain healed.  I do not have cancer in my body.  I do not take medication to stop cancer returning.  God has done a good and complete job.

Like in a marriage the bride wears a ring,  as the song goes “to show the world that she belongs to the me.”

Do you realize your noble status? You are not an ordinary person..You belong to a royal family. We were not worthy to be called His own, yet He chose us to be one. So let us consider ourselves ,honored and privileged to be called His own and use the power and authority of our Father, the King of Kings.

God loves you and is betrothed to you. He wears a ring on his finger to remind him of you. Do you feel rejected? That no one has chosen you? That no one has bought a ring for you? God cares and loves you. Receive his love and use his name to pray for your needs.

 

See also Revival in Belfast by Robin Mark on U tube.

 

 

Inspiration as I Look at The Moon

Posted in Ireland, My thoughts, Nations, Nature, Prayer by

I awoke early.  I looked up in the sky.  There was a sliver of the moon shining brightly.  The dark arc shaped outline across the moon is the shadow of the earth.

“Have you not known? have you not heard? has it not been told you from the beginning? have you not understood from the foundations of the earth?

It is he that sits upon the circle of the earth, and the inhabitants thereof are as grasshoppers; that stretches  out the heavens as a curtain, and spreads them out as a tent to dwell in:”  ( Isaiah 40 v 21 22 KJV)

In warmer countries people sit outdoors in the cool of the evening.  They would be aware of the changes in the moon each month.  The moon is visible to all nations all over the world.  Looking at creation has inspired scientists and writers to do their work.  They would have wondered why is there changes in the moon?

There was debate among Christian scientists in earlier centuries.  Some thought the earth was flat.  But this line in the bible “He sits on the circle of the earth” gives us a clue that the earth is round.  Columbus set sail on the sea.  If the earth was round he expected to come back to where he set off.

The moon is made up of material that reflects light.  The sun shining on the moon gives it light. The earth blocks some of this light when it is positioned between the sun and the moon.  This happens during each month.  We can see the arc of the edge of the earth on the moon another sign that the earth is a circle.

As I looked at the sky I began to worship God who created the sun, the moon and the stars when I remembered these scriptures.  This morning I can see part of the circle of the earth on the moon.

I was reading the story of Jonah this week.  He disobeyed God and got on a boat.
A storm hit the boat.  Here is what it says.

“Fearing for their lives, the desperate sailors shouted to their gods for help and threw the cargo overboard to lighten the ship.
But all this time Jonah was sound asleep down in the hold. So the captain went down after him. “How can you sleep at a time like this?” he shouted. “Get up and pray to your god! Maybe he will pay attention to us and spare our lives.”
Then the crew cast lots to see which of them had offended the gods and caused the terrible storm. When they did this, the lots identified Jonah as the culprit.
“Why has this awful storm come down on us?” they demanded. “Who are you? What is your line of work? What country are you from? What is your nationality?”
Jonah answered, “I am a Hebrew, and I worship the LORD, the God of heaven, who made the sea and the land.  Then he told them he was running away from The Lord..”   (‭Jonah‬ ‭1‬:‭5-9‬ NLT)

Jonah identified himself as one who worships the God of heaven.

I am so encouraged that people from many nations read my blog.  The moon that is shining on you, shines on me here in Ireland.  I encourage you to look up at the moon and watch the changes each month.  Look beyond the moon to The Lord who made the it.  He knows all about you.  You cannot hide from him like Jonah tried to do.
Call out to the God of heaven and his son Jesus and he will deliver you.

An Inherited Brooch Brings Back Memories.

Posted in Family Friday, Healing, Ireland, My thoughts, Travel by

I was wearing a brooch on my coat lapel today.  It belonged to my husband’s mother.  I liked it because it was in the shape of a tree.  It caught my son’s eye as we were out for a walk.  He said “Is that the olive tree with all the branches around your table.”  He was referring to a scripture that described our young children sitting around our table.
Blessed is every one that fears the Lord; that walks in his ways.
For you will eat the labour of thine hands: happy will you be, and it shall be well with you.
Your wife shall be as a fruitful vine within your house: your children like olive plants round about thy table.
Behold, that thus shall the man be blessed imagethat feareth the Lord. (‭Psalms‬ ‭128‬:‭1-4‬ KJV)

We used to sing this Psalm often.  Abraham said “Let me count the number of leaves on it.”  He counted fourteen, the number of children we have.  I was excited and could not wait to tell Brendan.  I showed the brooch to him and he was pleasantly surprised as well.  He counted the number of leaves.  Yes there were fourteen.  But he looked again and counted six white leaves and eight green leaves.  We have six girls and eight boys in our family.

The brooch is inexpensive but it is priceless now.  It is prophetic.  Nannie had this brooch for many years.  I bet she never expected her son would have fourteen children.  I am wearing it in memory of her and all our children The Lord gave us.

Children are a blessing from The Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward. Psalm 127

We moved house recently.  Brendan has been working to get our home ready for visiting family and grandchildren.  We push ourselves to get one more job done, even though our bodies ache.  We take a break and start again.  We have a big house and it is a bit  lonely with just the two of us, after years of activity and bustle.  Our hearts ache as well when we remember our loved ones far away.

“Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne?  Though she may forget I will not forget you.”  (‭Isaiah‬ ‭49‬:‭15‬ NIV)

Abraham returned from university yesterday; the first of the birds flying home to Ireland for Christmas.  Three more arrive on Friday.   I am blessed today as God reminds us of all our children we reared down through the years, in this little brooch.  They are returning home.  He has not forgotten us.

Lift up your eyes and look around; all your children gather and come to you. As surely as I live,” declares the Lord, “you will wear them all as ornaments; you will put them on, like a bride. (‭Isaiah‬ ‭49‬:‭18‬ NIV)

I will wear my brooch and think of God’s love and faithfulness to us.  Yes his promise to me will come true.  My children will return.

I received an e mail from a friend in Canada. She reminded me of Proverbs 13 v 12,

Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life. (‭Proverbs‬ ‭13‬:‭12‬ NIV)

When I was suffering from cancer I had lost all hope in the future or my dreams and prophesies coming true. But God intervened. He had mercy on me and for his Name’s sake he healed me. Today my hopes and dreams are coming true. The brooch resembling a tree is an encouragement to me that my longings are being fulfilled, and that God is restoring my life.

There is life after cancer. I am staying alive.

A Night at the Theatre to hear Handel’s Messiah

Posted in Cancer, Healing, Ireland, My thoughts, Nations by

We were given complimentary tickets to Handel’s Messiah, performed in the Belfast Waterfront by the Ulster Orchestra and the Belfast Philharmonic.  We were joined by two friends who arranged supper and a lift to the theatre.

In the Program Notes it says that Handel’s first performance of Messiah was in Dublin rather than in London.  The Messiah was written around the 1740 s during the period of Enlightenment and scientific questioning, and the of message of Jesus Christ was unpopular.  There is nothing new under the sun.

In our secular, humanistic society there is not much mention of God.  Santa Claus is glorified at Christmas time rather than Our Father in heaven who sent his son Jesus on earth to redeem mankind.  The gospel is not popular where man is in control.

People would be entertained at the theatre or opera houses in Handel’s day.  The equivalent media today is television.  Not everyone liked the idea of the gospel message being played in the opera house.

The words of Handel’s Messiah are all biblical texts proclaiming Jesus birth, death and ressurection, written by Charles Jennens.  There was opposition to his work and the word Messiah was omitted for its first performance in London.  However I believe this work was inspired by God.

I particularly liked the Chorus. “Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows. He was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities.  The chastisement of our peace was upon him and by his wounds we are healed.”

It is because I believe in the truth of these words that I am healed from fourth stage cancer.  Jesus was wounded so I can be healed.   

When Handel’s Messiah was performed in the nations down through the centuries people have heard the words of the gospel. The message of Jesus’ promise of forgiveness, healing, restoration and victory through his death on the cross has been sung in the great theatres of the world.  Who knows how God works.  He sends his word throughout the earth.  It will not return void.

Give thanks to The Lord, call upon his name.  Publish his glorious deeds among the nations.  1 Chron 16 v 8

When one speaks the truth of the word of God, Satan flees and people’s ears are opened.  Words are creative.  We are not limited to speak about God in churches.  Different songs are written and played through the media for people to hear.  One simple example comes to mind.  “Go tell it on the mountain.”  In the movie Sister Act there is a song the nuns sing called “I will follow him.”  Gods word says “Open your mouth and I will fill it.”  Johnny Cash went into prisons and sung the gospel message to the prisoners.

It was very powerful moment last night when the Ulster Orchestra played the Alleluia Chorus.  The drums beat and the trumpeters blasted.  The 160 strong choir stood up followed by the audience of two thousand people and sang out to the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

The angels would have joined us.

“Then I looked again, and I heard the voices of thousands and millions of angels around the throne and of the living beings and the elders.
And they sang in a mighty chorus: “Worthy is the Lamb who was slaughtered— to receive power and riches and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and blessing.” And then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea.
They sang: “Blessing and honor and glory and power belong to the one sitting on the throne and to the Lamb forever and ever.”
And the four living beings said, “Amen!” And the twenty-four elders fell down and worshiped the Lamb. (‭Revelation‬ ‭5‬:‭11-14‬ NLT)

Satan does not want the words of the Gospel proclaimed.  When Satan tempted Jesus in the desert, Jesus responded by saying it is written and quoted the scriptures.  When we speak in line with the scriptures we defeat Satan and God moves according to our words.  Mary said to the angel “Be it done unto me according to your word.”  She humbly accepted the words of the angel that she would become the mother of Jesus.

All creation gives Glory to God.  It was good to sing out with two thousand other people to give Glory to God.