Category Archives: Prayer

Present Time Still Standing

Posted in Birds, Healing, Ireland, My thoughts, Nature, Prayer by

The present cold, dull day makes one want to stay close to home comforts. My AGA cooker is one of my home comforts. For the last few days it was not working properly and I was feeling the cold. The engineer checked it over on Friday night. The problem was a blocked filter stopping the oil flowing to power the cooker.

I had been meditating on the scripture about five wise virgins who had their lamps filled with oil. I wrote a blog on the subject. I was experiencing at first hand what it was like not to have the oil flowing. I was very cold as a result. I was waiting patiently to see if the Aga was working again. I was overjoyed to see it was working better than it had been for a long time and my kitchen was warm again.  I cooked pancakes for breakfast, made wheaten bread in the oven and cooked soup, all before ten am.

In the early morning the sun light up the sky and sea to a pale blue. Light and warmth were returning. Is the winter over?

My husband and I went for a walk along the shore. We walked through the variety of boats safe on dry land for the winter. A rich man’s yacht, a black upturned curragh, an unfinished wooden skiff and some fiber glass small boats sheltered there. We went to our favorite spot to collect sea glass. Oh, the welcome warmth on our backs as we bent down searching.

Later we sat at the quay sharing some fish and chips. Other creatures were enjoying the welcome sunny morning. Brent geese fed in the water and gulls soared overhead. Two gulls landed on the pier a little distance off. I took a photo of them. A friend distracted me for a while. She was out enjoying the morning as well.

When I looked at the gulls again, I noticed the bigger one was standing on one leg. I commented to my husband. A moment later the gull stretched the missing leg out behind. He limped a few steps forward and sat down. His partner looked on attentively. He must have been in pain. We prayed that the gull’s leg would be healed and restored.

Yesterday was a joyful day. I wanted to fit in so much while the sun shone. The joy of yesterday overflowed into today. The cold and dullness at the present time has not dented my sense of wellbeing.

https://dailypost.wordpress.com/prompts/present/

Lamps filled with Oil.

Posted in My thoughts, Prayer by

Two days before Jesus was arrested and brought to be crucified, he spoke to his disciples. One of the last parables he spoke to them about was the story of the ten virgins.

““At that time the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom.
Five of them were foolish and five were wise.
The foolish ones took their lamps but did not take any oil with them.
The wise ones, however, took oil in jars along with their lamps.
The bridegroom was a long time in coming, and they all became drowsy and fell asleep.”
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭25:1-5‬ ‭NIV‬‬

When Jesus was with his disciples he spoke to them about many things which they did not have had clear understanding about. It was after he died and rose again that they began to think about what he had told them.

The disciples received the Holy Spirit when they were waiting and praying together in the upper room. Jesus told them to wait till they received power from on high. After they received the Holy Spirit they were bold and proclaimed about Jesus without fear.

In the scriptures we are told that the Holy Spirit has many attributes. Here are some or them; like a dove, Luke 3 v 22; quencher of thirst, Isaiah 55 ; the comforter, John 14 v 26; teacher of truth, John 16 v 13, giver of power, Acts 1 v 8; giver of joy, Romans 14 v 17. giver of love, Romans 5 v 5; giver of eternal life, John 4 v 14; oil, Mark 6v 13; prayer, Jude 1 v 20.

Do you need love, joy, heaven, truth or comfort? Are you thirsty? Are these not attributes all our hearts desire? I have good news for you. The Holy Spirit wants to give these without measure. Receive him.

The five wise virgins with their lamps and oil are symbolic of people who receive the Jesus (lamp) and keep the Holy Spirit (oil) flowing in their lives. They are prepared for any good work and will not be ashamed when Jesus returns. The foolish virgins are symbolic of those of us who receive Jesus but don’t keep the oil of the Holy Spirit flowing in their lives. They will be unprepared for Jesus return.

Many people start off excited about the Holy Spirit but do not continue praying in the Spirit. Persecutions or lack of perseverance discourage one. So we give up. Let today be a new day for you. It is the beginning of Lent. A new beginning to turn again to God.  A flickering flame he will not put out. Instead God can cause that flame to be stirred up into a fire! Be filled with the oil of the Holy Spirit.

i can testify to the Holy Spirit being my Comforter.  Many times when I’ve been distressed I’ve been comforted.  The Holy Spirit has led me into truth and led me in life’s paths that are good for me.  He has given me joy instead of despair.  His power strengthened to rear fourteen children and be healed of cancer.  When I have no love left, he fills me with love again.  He will keep me and give me eternal life in heaven.  Praise God.

A Thin Place in Ireland

Posted in Dreams, Ireland, My thoughts, Nations, Prayer, Travel by

Beni Johnson wife of Bill Johnson, head pastor of Bethel in Redding in the USA, has written a book on intercession. It is her story of how God led her to be an intercessor. She has taken many groups all over the USA and the world to pray.

I am very excited after reading this paragraph in her book.

“A thin place is where heaven and earth are close. It is easier to experience the spiritual realm in these places. A lot of times you can tell if you are in a thin place, because there are a lot of spiritual and creative people who are gathered there. Examples of this include many parts of Ireland, which is known for its thin places.”

An example of a thin place is at Bethel in Israel where Jacob had a dream and he saw angels ascending and descending to heaven. Here is the reference from Genesis.

“He had a dream in which he saw a stairway resting on the earth, with its top reaching to heaven, and the angels of God were ascending and descending on it. There above it stood the LORD, and he said: “I am the LORD, the God of your father Abraham and the God of Isaac. I will give you and your descendants the land on which you are lying.
When Jacob awoke from his sleep, he thought, “Surely the LORD is in this place, and I was not aware of it.” He was afraid and said, “How awesome is this place! This is none other than the house of God; this is the gate of heaven.” Early the next morning Jacob took the stone he had placed under his head and set it up as a pillar and poured oil on top of it. He called that place Bethel, though the city used to be called Luz.
and this stone that I have set up as a pillar will be God’s house.
‭‭Genesis‬ ‭28:12-13, 16-19, 22‬ ‭NIV‬‬

In 2015 Brendan and I visited Israel. I had a desire to visit Bethel, the place where Jacob had a dream. It was not on the usual visitor’s sites in Israel. We had to get a local taxi driver to take us there. He brought us to a viewing point at Bethel where Abraham once stood and God showed him all the land before him and promised to give it to him.
Genesis 12 v 7.
7 And the LORD appeared unto Abram, and said, Unto thy seed will I give this land: and there builded he an altar unto the LORD, who appeared unto him.

It was a privilege to stand on that viewing point, where Abraham once stood, and look out to the north, the south, the east and the west and see the land of Israel stretching before me. God’s promise to Abraham is being fulfilled today as God is bringing the people of Israel back to their homeland.

Quite near by was a small building. “There is where It is traditionally thought that Jacob had his dream,” the taxi man advised us. When we went over to the building we entered into a small room.  The picture included in this blog shows a view to the east from the landmark.  In the middle distance is the house where Jacob is said to have had a dream.   We prayed and remembered Jacob’s dream. Again I felt blessed to be where Jacob of old rested. We took some photographs. A picture of my husband revealed just his turso. His legs and arms did not show up in the picture. Something supernatural happened in that place. It is still a place where the Angels ascend and descend, I believe, a thin place.

I’m privileged to live on the Ards Peninsula in Ireland. The local council haves named it the Ceeative Peninsula.  All along the shores of Strangford Lough are the ruins of Christian settlements. Many people lived in the thriving communities living off the produce of the land and sea. Prayers and praise to God would have been offered in these places. They are Thin Places, I believe. Ireland is known as the Land of saints and scholars. Many missionaries have gone out from Ireland to other nations, and still do today. There is a book written telling How the Irish Saved Civilization, By Thomas Cahill.  We have a wonderful inheritance in Ireland, yet to be mined.

Honouring God

Posted in Family, Healing, My thoughts, Nations, Prayer by

 

The festivities of this season are finally over. The bereavement in my extended family and the resultant sadness has overshadowed this Christmas time for us all. Different memories and pain can resurface when we mourn with those who mourn, and weep with those who weep. Our remembering of a Saviour born for us in a stable in Bethlehem has become more poignant. We have hope of God’s present help in time of trouble. His mercies are new every morning. Despite it being some of the longest days of darkness, physically and spiritually, the sun rising gloriously in the sky each morning has given us reassurance of our creator’s love and care.

“My name will be great among the nations, from where the sun rises to where it sets. In every place,” says the LORD Almighty.
For I am a great king,” says the LORD Almighty, “and my name is to be feared among the nations.”
‭‭Malachi‬ ‭1:11, 14‬ ‭NIV‬‬

We had some of our children stopping over with us in the last ten days. Shopping, cooking, hosting, keeping fires lit, praying, keeping hearts lifted up in the face of sorrow has all been accomplished as we helped each other. Each one played his part. My husband Brendan is standing looking out for the welfare of his flock. I have felt overwhelmed at times but an embrace, a prayer or a word of encouragement has kept me going. Those who are strong have helped those who are weak. When one falls one can lift the other up. Our arms have been lifted up. Thank you all.

I am thankful to WordPress. Though its site, I have had the privilege of telling others what the Almighty Living God, who is King of all kings and Lord of all lords, has done for me. Through his power my husband and I reared fourteen children, and I am healed of fourth stage Colon cancer.

I want to begin a new year by giving thanks and honour to God for all his goodness and blessings to us. He is our shepherd. He will bring us through. He has helped us in times past and he will help us again. Didn’t he bring the children of Israel through the Red Sea, didn’t he help David kill Goliath, didn’t he kill armies that rose up against his people. He is the lamb that was slain, he is the babe in a manger, he is the Lion of Judah, he is the binder of wounds and healer of hearts, he gives us water and we will never thirst again, he gives us eternal life, and his name is Jesus.

Finally, I want to thank you my readers for taking the time to read my blogs.

https://dailypost.wordpress.com/prompts/finally/

Clap Hands on Receiving a Degree

Posted in Dreams, Family, My thoughts, Prayer, Restoration by

 

My daughter Hannah received her degree in Master of Science, specialising in Midwifery this week. There was great excitement as we gathered with her at the Graduation ceremony in Dublin from Co Down, Wicklow, Belfast and Bratislava. We all had a part to play to keep Hannah encouraged over the last two years. She studied part time for her Masters. She would be exhausted on a Tuesday night after her trip to Dublin. Will she get her dissertation in on time?  Sweat, prayers and tears went into getting this Masters degree.

The hard work paid off. She completed with flying colours. She got the prize. She overcame and got the victory. Isn’t that something to write about, or the saying goes, “Something to write home about,”

Photographers took photos in the fading light. Students looked smart in black gowns, blue trim and mortar boards. Girls balanced in the highest of heels specially worn for the day and posed for the cameras on their i Phones. Photos were dispatched on What’s App.


It was time to gather in the hall and await the entrance of students, lecturers and dignitaries from the university. The orchestra played and trumpets announced the arrival of the procession.  That was the loudest noise that was made in the whole session. We were advised not to clap after each student received their award. The whole event seemed a bit dull without the accolade and celebration of each one’s achievement.

Clapping hands is like sounding a bell. The metal gong on a bell is called a clapper. Clapping raises a sound to heaven of jubilation and thanksgiving. Students and parents get dressed up in their best for the occasion and want to congratulate their daughter and friends on their success. Some African parents were there to celebrate. They shout, dance and sing to celebrate victories.

Clapping also has health benefits. It stimulates blood circulation, the lifeline of the human body. Having a good blood flow brings well being.

Clapping also shakes the powers in the air. When the children of Israel were going around the walls of Jericho they gave a great shout and the walls of Jericho fell down.  When Jesus was coming into Jerusalem all the people were honoring and praising him. Some one complained but Jesus said if they don’t praise me even the very stones will cry out.
One reference in the scriptures says the trees will clap their hands.
“You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands.”
‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭55:12‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Perhaps the trees outside the auditorium were clapping their hands.  After the ceremony finished we were treated to the best food I have enjoyed at a university graduation.  This was a saving grace.

I believe it is important to give the time to clap each student as he receives his degree.

browser:
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Praying in Tongues

Posted in Family, Motherhood, My thoughts, Nations, Prayer, Restoration, Testimony Tuesday by

A friend shared a video about a little girl preaching and speaking in tongues with me today. I am very excited. Let the little children come to me for such is the kingdom of heaven.

Psalm 8 says “Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings you have ordained praise to silence the foe and the avenger.”
When my children were young we would gather at night and pray as a family. We now pray with our four grandchildren who live nearby once a week. They sing and dance and jump about. I am inspired by this video to go further and encourage them to speak in tongues.
We make the gospel complicated. We are suspicious of someone who needs God instead of letting the Holy Spirit come and do his work in the person. In our pride we want to control. Is the person good enough? He is an alcoholic. She is a prostitute. I don’t want that person to come into my house. I can’t cope with this. She hurt me. I can’t forgive him. That person should be in a mental home. The devil will attack you. You will get into trouble. What church do you attend?
The good news Jesus will deliver you out of every trouble. Psalm 91. He has given his Holy Spirit till the work on earth is done. Do you want to be involved in his work in these days? Get praying in tongues more. Shut off your own thoughts and let the river flow.
Three weeks ago I prayed for God to touch a lady who says she is an alcoholic. She felt lighter after prayer. A few days later people said to her “What happened to you? You look different. Her eyes were bright.”
She is now asking us to pray for her children and extended family and friends. Her young daughter is reading the New Testament every morning. Her sister got healed of a wasting disease and a friend has stopped drinking. The Holy Spirit is doing his work. She continues to speak a few words in Tongues but God’s power is operating.
Other powers are at work in our lives. The power of sin, the power of the world and the power of the devil. Gods power is greater than any other power.
Jesus defeated the power of sin in our lives. Isaiah 64 says,
“You hid your face from us and gave us up to the power of our sins.”
But Jesus breaks the power of sin and we don’t need to be under its power any longer If we believe that Jesus forgives then receive his forgiveness and freedom. We don’t have to keep on doing the same old habits we can’t break ourselves.
“For Adam’s sin led to condemnation, but God’s free gift leads to our being made right with God, (through Jesus’ death) even though we are guilty of many sins.”
‭‭Romans‬ ‭5:16‬ ‭NLT‬‬
Jesus sent Satan running when he died on the cross. The devil was made a spectacle. His power was broken over us. In the name of Jesus we overcome his power.
Jesus overcame the power of the world. We no longer need be seduced by its pull on our hearts and minds.
Simply by receiving God’s Holy Spirit and praying in tongues we have a weapon to overcome in this world. Receive your promised land! Be like this little child.

Faith for Provision

Posted in Family, Family Friday, My thoughts, Nations, Nature, Prayer, Provision, Travel by

It was 1998. Brendan wanted to take me to India, my first trip with him to the nations. He had been to India many times and wanted to introduce me to his friends there. Brendan wanted to bless me for looking after our children and home, while he travelled. He was wondering if it was the right time to go.

We had just moved house from one end of Northern Ireland to the other with nine children. We were still settling into our new home and getting a feel of our surroundings. It would mean getting visas and booking flights, and believing God for the provision.

One evening our family were relaxing watching a nature programm on television. It was about wildlife in India. The Brahmaputra is a river that winds across north India. The lush grass along it’s banks supports some of the biggest animals in the world. Wild buffalo, elephant, rhino, tiger, deer and many other species co exist. The documentary showed a large family of otters chewing on fish. They lay on the bank of the river in the sun contented with bellies full. There is plenty of food and space for all the species. They are not jostling each other for space. There is an abundance of water and food.

He covers the heavens with clouds, provides rain for the earth, and makes the grass grow in mountain pastures. He gives food to the wild animals and feeds the young ravens when they cry. (‭Psalms‬ ‭147‬:‭3-5, 8-9‬ NLT)

At this time we were in transition. We had just moved from a town house with its restrictions for a large family to a broad place, a bungalow with large garden on the edge of town. We had taken a leap of faith. The documentary was an encouragement to me that as God provides for the wild beasts in Northern India will he not provide for me and my big family. We had more space in our new home, for our growing boys. There was plenty of room for them all.

I reassured my husband to go ahead and book the flights for India. I had faith that God would supply all our need according to his riches in Glory. His bank is not broke. Heaven is not running out of gold. The streets are paved with gold. He is looking after all peoples and nations. Is it difficult for him to look after our family? He provides even for the animals, will he not also provide for us.

The documentary encouraged our faith. Brendan needed further reassurance. He asked a friend to pray. He responded and said God gave him the word, Thomas. This was a word of knowledge, one of the gifts of the Holy Spirit. Brendan researched about Thomas. He was one of the disciples of Jesus and it is thought he went to India.

The Holy Spirit confirmed I should go to India. Brendan went ahead and planned the trip to India. Friends looked after our children while we were away. God looked after all who were away and all at home.

The Water of Life

Posted in Cancer, Family, Family Friday, Healing, My thoughts, Prayer, Restoration by

“In my vision, the man brought me back to the entrance of the Temple. There I saw a stream flowing east from beneath the door of the Temple and passing to the right of the altar on its south side.

Then he led me back along the riverbank. When I returned, I was surprised by the sight of many trees growing on both sides of the river. Then he said to me, “This river flows east through the desert into the valley of the Dead Sea. The waters of this stream will make the salty waters of the Dead Sea fresh and pure. There will be swarms of living things wherever the water of this river flows. Fish will abound in the Dead Sea, for its waters will become fresh. Life will flourish wherever this water flows.

Fruit trees of all kinds will grow along both sides of the river. The leaves of these trees will never turn brown and fall, and there will always be fruit on their branches. There will be a new crop every month, for they are watered by the river flowing from the Temple. The fruit will be for food and the leaves for healing.””
‭‭Ezekiel‬ ‭47:1, 6-9, 12‬ ‭NLT‬‬

These scriptures refer to the River of God that flows from heaven. It is the Holy Spirit that was released from the Father in heaven when Jesus returned to heaven after his death. This river will never stop flowing until the work on earth is done.
It the same water Jesus was referring to when he met the woman at Jacob’s well.

“Soon a Samaritan woman came to draw water, and Jesus said to her, “Please give me a drink.”

The woman was surprised, for Jews refuse to have anything to do with Samaritans. She said to Jesus, “You are a Jew, and I am a Samaritan woman. Why are you asking me for a drink?” Jesus replied, “If you only knew the gift God has for you and who you are speaking to, you would ask me, and I would give you living water.”

Jesus replied, “Anyone who drinks this water will soon become thirsty again. But those who drink the water I give will never be thirsty again. It becomes a fresh, bubbling spring within them, giving them eternal life.”

The woman said, “I know the Messiah is coming—the one who is called Christ. When he comes, he will explain everything to us.” Then Jesus told her, “ I AM the Messiah!””
‭‭John‬ ‭4:7, 9-10, 13-14, 25-26‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Be revived in the Holy Spirit today. Drink in the water. It is by the power of the Holy Spirit Brendan and I bore fruit, fourteen children. It is by the power of the Holy Spirit I am healed of fourth stage cancer. My leaf will not wither. I will bear fruit in old age!

Help the Poor and Needy

Posted in My thoughts, Prayer, Restoration by

Today I read in James 1 v 27

Pure and lasting religion in the sight of God our Father means that we must care for the widows in their troubles and refuse to let the world corrupt us.

Many times in God’s word it is written that God is interested in his people looking after the poor and needy in our midst. One can’t say they have faith if he doesn’t show it by his actions. We can’t say God bless you to someone in need without giving them food if they are hungry or clothing if they have no covering.

We Christians can be busy fighting over doctrine and our differences. We can be so busy disagreeing that we become ineffective in living the way God wants us to.

““Does it make you a king to have more and more cedar? Did not your father have food and drink? He did what was right and just, so all went well with him. He defended the cause of the poor and needy, and so all went well. Is that not what it means to know me?” declares the LORD.” Jeremiah 22 v 16

Jeremiah rebuked Jehoiakim for living in affluence. This son of Josiah would have seen how his father repented and brought revival to the people of Israel by teaching them the ways of God. Josiah looked after the poor and needy. He was not busy acquiring wealth but he was seeking to please God first. But the son disregarded how his father lived. Judgement came on the son.

Looking after the poor and needy can save your life.
“Blessed are those who have regard for the weak; the LORD delivers them in times of trouble.
The LORD sustains them on their sickbed and restores them from their bed of illness.”
‭‭Psalm‬ ‭41:1, 3‬ ‭NIV‬‬

We had a friend who was kind to the poor in the town in which we lived. He was in distress when his father was dying of cancer. He could not face life without his father. He took poison to kill himself. Some of his friends prayed for him and he was completely healed with no side effects and was restored to life.

Today think about how you can be kind to someone in need. Don’t avoid the poor you come across.
‭‭

Ring Them Bells.

Posted in Holiday, My thoughts, Nations, Prayer, Restoration, Travel by

I was in Liverpool last weekend. I attended a church service in Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral at eleven o clock.  There were four bells swinging in the tower. They rang out their chimes over the city for all to hear.  After the service the bells peeled again as the people returned to their different homes over the city.  We were together for a special occasion.

The church bells were ringing as we made our way up the steps. I could see four bells of different sizes in the tower above the entrance. I stood for a while and looked up. I could see the clapper of the bell hitting one side and then the other, causing the bell to ring. All four bells were ringing and making a sound that stirred joy in me. I felt part of something special going on.

Clapper in the dictionary means someone or thing that claps. Don’t we clap to show appreciation or encouragement? The bells were encouraging us to come to meet together for prayer. Bells are rung at other times. They may ring for a special service, a wedding or a funeral and make different tones for each event.

I hear the words of a song going through my mind. It was sang by Judy Garland. You can check it out on U Tube.

Ding dong ding dong
Do you hear the bells go ding dong
Do you know
Do you know why they’re ringing
The bells are ringing for me and my gal,
The birds are singing for me and my gal,
They’re congregating for me and my gal,
The Parson’s waiting for me and my gal.
And sometime
We’re gonna build a little home for two,
Or three or four or more,
In Love-land for me and my gal

Bells rang out over London when Prince William and Kate got married.

I listen to the radio when I am driving in my car. I often hear snippets of information that are important. This week after my trip to Liverpool I listened to a programme about Russiian bells on BBC 4.

The sound of bells are very dear to the Russian Orthodox believers. Russian Composers in the twentieth century were inspired by the sound of bells ringing. The Russian bells are rang in a different way from those in the west. A cord is attached to the clapper. The bell ringer pulls on the clapper lightly and let’s it hit againt the wall of the bell. Not only did the people believe the bells ringing were a call to pray but they felt the bells sounded like the voice of God.

The Orthodox bells fell silent in 1931 when Stalin started his regime of Communism in Russia. Bells were cut down from towers, smashed and broken. The metal was used to make bullets for the Russian army. Not only were the bells broken. The people’s hearts were broken. They sensed the voice of God was silenced. The people mourned for many years.

Some large bells were rescued and brought to America where they were placed in Harvard university. In 1991 when communism fell some men in America arranged for the return of the bells to Russia. One man spent ten million dollars to help with the restoration work. People were crying in the streets on the return of the bells. They looked forward to hearing the bells ringing again. Someone commentated that it is the only lasting co operation between Russian and America.

Because of the communism regime the knowledge of how to make the bells was almost forgotten. After communism bells were again made and returned to Church towers to ring again.

The sound of the bell is likened to the sound of the trumpet or shofar in Israel. God commanded the people of Isreal to sound the trumpet for different events. One sound was given to move camp. Another sound was made to go to war. And another was a weapon of war. God moved on behalf of the people when the shofar was blown. He struck their enemies down when they sounded the trumpet. They walked round Jerico seven days and on the last day they blew the trumpets and the walls of Jerico fell down. Likewise the people of Russia believe God was with them when the bells were rung.

I discovered a bell outside my back door. I will ring it often. May God come to our aid when I ring it. May bells of joy ring throughout our land again.