Tag Archives: Easter

All Hail The Lamb

Posted in Family, My thoughts by

All hail the Lamb
Enthroned on high
His praise shall be our battle cry
His name is Jesus

These words from a hymn remind me of Easter. What is the popular food eaten on Easter Sunday by people who don’t even know what Easter means? Roast Lamb.

The people of Israel ate roast lamb on the night before their deliverance from slavery in Egypt. They were set free to worship their God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. The angel of death passed over their homes. All the first born in Egypt died.

Many years later Jesus died a cruel death on the cross, the very day of the Festval when the Jews celebrated their deliverance from Egypt. He was led like a lamb to the slaughter, although He was innocent of crime. He set us free from the power of Satan and took the keys of death and sin from him. By believing in Jesus we pass from death to life, freedom indeed.

All hail the Lamb.

Eleven Years Healed of Cancer

Posted in Cancer, My thoughts, Prayer, Thoughtful Thursday by

It was Easter Monday eleven years ago that I went to the local hospital’s Accident and Emergency. I wasn’t feeling well. On examination the doctor suspected cancer in my bowel. It was confirmed weeks later after tests and scans that I had a nine inch cancer tumour in my bowel. It was beginning to invade the walls of my bowel and spread locally.

The panel of cancer specialists suggested a course of treatment to reduce the tumour in preparation for an operation to remove the cancerous area. I started five weeks of chemotherapy and five weeks of the maximum dose of radiotherapy.
When the treatment was completed I had no side effects from the treatment; no hair lose, no burning of my skin or internal organs where the radiotherapy was targeted. Six weeks later the doctor called me to arrange surgery to remove the cancerous tumour.

Many people were praying for me since I was diagnosed with cancer, my husband , family and friends. I believe I was healed after prayer. I felt like the woman who touched the hem of Jesus garment and was healed of an issue of blood. She felt better immediately.

I told the doctor I believed I was healed. My husband agreed. The doctor thought I was crazy. This had never happened before in his thirty years experience. A colonoscopy was arranged. The camera showed there was no tumour in my bowel. The lining of my bowel was as clear as a baby’s skin.

I remain healed and alive after eleven years. I have not taken any medication since. I believe the cancer will not come back. My husband and I have written a book, Staying Alive, detailing my healing. It is available to purchase on BOOKS.IE It is not within my own power or effort that I am alive. It is through the power of God that I am healed and alive.

This weekend we celebrate Easter. Everyone is glad to have holidays off school and work. But do we really know the meaning of Easter?

Nearly two thousand years ago Jesus was born. He was the Son of God yet he came on earth and was born to Mary. He grew up in his Jewish family and lived like any other child in the rough and tumble of family life.

At the age of thirty he started his ministry. People came to him to be healed of diseases and he healed them all. He cast out demons that were troubling many. He delivered the demoniac who was living among tombs, of two thousand demons.

Jesus chose twelve disciples and taught them to do what he was doing. He gave them power to heal the sick and cast out demons. He even told his followers to do the same in Mark 16. Jesus gives us the same power today to heal others and cast out demons. The religious leaders and kings of the day did not like what Jesus was doing. He was a threat to them. They planned to execute Jesus by crucifiction.

We remember this week, Holy Week in many parts of the world, those sad days long ago when Jesus was betrayed, accused, scourged and crucified. Blood flowed down his head his hands and feet and side. The blood which flowed was shed for us to forgive our sins and to heal our diseases. They thought they got rid of their trouble maker. But no. Jesus rose from the grave. He appeared to his disciples and then went to heaven.

I believe in Jesus. I believe he shed his blood to heal me and forgive my sins. Isaiah 53 says He was bruised for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquity and by his stripes we are healed. I know the power of the Blood of Jesus that healed me in 2010. He continues to help me and keep me alive to testify to his power to heal. 2021 years on Jesus still heals.

Take time this week to seek the true meaning of the feast of Easter. Enquire, search and seek. I did so forty odd years ago. I know Jesus is true. I know his power in my life. Not only does God promise to forgive us and heal us, he promises to take us to heaven when we die if we continue to believe in him.

Jesus when he was on earth taught about hell. There is an after life where all men will be judged. Those who follow Jesus will go to heaven and others will go to hell which was prepared for the devil and his demons. Chose eternal life today. Believe in Jesus the Son of God.

Dare to believe in Jesus. Ask him for His help. He will surely answer.

Spring Visitors

Posted in Birds, Cancer, Family, Ireland, My thoughts, Nature by

Here in Ireland, a few weeks ago on Easter Sunday the sun was shining and many families and their granny’s and dogs were out for a drive. The two ferry boats between Portaferry and Strangford were racing across The Narrows to help the travellers on their day out; perhaps to visit the festivities at Castle ward, Castlewellan or Newcastle. Others from Strangford come to visit the Aquarium in Portaferry or take a tour of the Ards Peninsula.

We had taken a drive a few days before to pick up our daughter who returned for Easter. The water had filled Strangford Lough as far up as Newtownards. It reached up to the wall that separated the the road from the sea. I looked down through the clear water as we drove along the shore. I marvelled. Where else is there a place where one can drive for miles so close to the shore? I was enjoying the Lord’s provision of leading me beside still waters to restore my soul. We continued to enjoy the Easter weekend of rest.

Easter Monday is memorable for me. Nine years ago I went to the Accident and Emergency in the local town. I was later diagnosed with fourth stage cancer. Praise God I am staying alive after my experience with cancer. I celebrated the victory over the weekend with my family.

On Tuesday the weather changed. Grey clouds rolled in on stormy winds from the east. There was a chill in the air. Warm coats were picked up again. All the visitors had gone. They returned home revived and refreshed from having time out in the country.

I noticed different visitors outside my window. The swallows have arrived for the summer. They nest under the eaves and rear their young. There was no time wasted. A couple of them inspected the nest used last year and began mending it, flying in and out with mud in their beaks.

All the ways of nature have a purpose. The swallows have travelled thousands of miles from Africa. The strong south east winds helped them on their way. The same winds carried the Brent Geese north on their return journey to Canada. I miss their calls as they gathered beneath our garden to drink from the fresh water stream. They have been feeding on the eel grass along Strangford Lough since September. When the Brent Geese arrive they look like ducks. When they leave they have grown fat and look like geese.

I will enjoy the company of the swallows over the summer along with the resident forest and sea birds. The blackbirds, robins, pigeons, pheasants, doves, thrush, starlings and sparrows are busy making nests for their young. The call of the doves in the morning replace the Brent Geese. The other birds join the chorus as the sun begins to rise in the east.

The time of singing of birds has come. Sap is rising through the tree trunks. The leaves burst open and discard their shells. The sticky pollen of the sycamore tree in front of the house is falling all around. Another thing the wind carries to other trees to pollenate them. The pear and apple blossoms are in full bloom waiting for the bees from a neighbor’s hive to collect their nectar. All nature is busy increasing and multiplying.

Yet more visitors arrived below on the Lough. A beautiful tall yacht drew up within my view below. The owners are getting it ready for sailing events over the summer. I watched as it was secured to a buoy. It is the season for yachtsmen to put their vessels back in the water. A crane lifts the boats, which look like big birds, and settle them on the water.

It’s good to be alive and see life abundant all around.  Jesus came to give us life and life abundantly.  He has done that for me.  It’s the devil who comes to rob, steal, kill and destroy.  John 10 v 10

Seven years healed of Cancer

Posted in Healing, My thoughts, Prayer by

“Can anyone heal me of cancer?” I cried when I was diagnosed with malignant cancer.

It will be seven years this Easter Monday since I was diagnosed with Fourth Stage Bowel Cancer. Four months later the Doctor gave me a letter to declare the nine inch tumour in my colon was gone, “a clean bill of health.” I am healed in the name of Jesus. I am like the woman who touched the hem of Jesus garment in Jerusalem 2000 years ago.

Jesus walked through the towns and villages of Israel. He helped those who came to him because God gave him power to cast out demons and heal the sick. He annoyed the religious leaders and rulers of the day because the people followed him. He became a threat to their authority. They planned to kill him.

Jesus willingly faced death.

Judas, one of Jesus’ disciples, shared the last supper with him but after, betrayed him to the leaders. They arrested Jesus and condemned him to death. He was abandoned and alone. He was led like a lamb to the slaughter yet he didn’t open his mouth. He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows and familiar with suffering.

The guards mocked him and pierced his head with a crown of thorns, calling him King. They spat on him and crushed the crown of thorns deeper into his head with a staff. His blood flowed down his face and garment. He was pierced for my transgressions. For he bore my sin and made intercession for me. He took the anguish, guilt, fear and despair in my head on his.

They took him and opened up his back with thirty nine lashes from a leather leaded whip. By his wounds I am healed.

He carried a heavy wooden cross to Golgatha. Traces of blood left a trail on the ground. It was poured out for many. Jesus turned to women who were nearby and said “Don’t weep for me but weep for yourselves and your children.” These words echo down through the centuries to me as I pray for my children.

The soldiers hammered nails into Jesus hands and feet and crucified him with two others. He gave up his spirt saying “It is finished.” A soldier came and pierced Jesus side with a spear , bringing a sudden flow of water and blood. They will look on the one that has pierced. He poured his life unto death and was numbered with transgressors.

“At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook, the rocks split and the tombs broke open. The bodies of many holy people who had died were raised to life.
When the centurion and those with him who were guarding Jesus saw the earthquake and all that had happened, they were terrified, and exclaimed, “Surely he was the Son of God!””
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭27:51-52, 54‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Easter is celebrated next Sunday throughout the nations. Why is it remembered every year? It is a tradition that has been handed down through generations because Jesus told his disciples to remember his death.

“For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, “This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.” In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.” For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lordʼs death until he comes.”
‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭11:23-26‬ ‭NIV‬‬

This week I am celebrating that Jesus is alive and he has caused me to stay alive. His is the only grave that is empty. It is there in Jerusalem for all to see. He arose from the grave. He appeared to his disciples and showed them his hands and his feet. “Touch me. A ghost does not have flesh and bones.” After, he was taken up into heaven. There he is seated as he prophesied, “From now on the Son of Man will be seated at the right hand of Almighty God.”

Jesus commissioned his disciples to do the same things he did while he was on earth, forgive sins and heal the sick, using the power of his name, Jesus. Now he can reach to the ends of the earth to forgive sin and heal diseases by his spirit.

I know there is power in the blood that Jesus shed through his suffering. I plead the Blood of Jesus over me and it protects me from all harm.

May The Lord Jesus open your eyes to recognise Jesus in the breaking of Bread and drinking of the Wine this Easter. May he open your mind to understand the Scriptures.

“Can anyone heal me of cancer” I said seven years ago. I thought God wasn’t listening. He heard my cry and today I am healed.

Words in Italics are from Isaiah 53.

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

I am Celebrating Easter

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

I was looking back at photographs on my iPhone taken in the last six months.  Some photos capture the beauty and colors of the sky and sea from where I live on Strangford Lough in Ireland.  The beauty all around me revives my body and soul.  I am being restored.

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The heavens declare the Glory of God.
The skies proclaim the work of his hands.
Day after day they pour forth speech,
Night after night they reveal knowledge.  Psalm 19 v 1

I am happy to enjoy the changes in the heavens all around, knowing the Creator holds me in his arms.

Tonight the time changes in Ireland.  The clocks move forward one hour.  It is Eastertime 2016.  I am thankful to God to be alive, six years on from being diagnosed with fourth stage colon cancer.

This Easter weekend we celebrate a world changing event that happened about 2000 years ago.  Jesus died a cruel death and was buried in the grave.  But he didn’t stay there.  He arose from the grave.  He now lives at the Father’s right hand interceding for us.

By his death he conquered the power of sin and death, and power of the devil over mankind and made a way for us to go to heaven.  He is the way, the truth and the life.

I know the power of his death on the cross.  Isaiah 53 says “By his stripes we are healed.”  I received my healing six years ago.

Are you weighed down by misfortune, misery and ill health? Look up. Ask the Creator of the universe for help. His son Jesus paid for your freedom from oppression and sickness by the shedding of his Blood. Have faith in God.

Leaping with Joy like Calves let Out to Pasture

Posted in My thoughts by

 

In Northern Ireland from spring to autumn we have long days of sunlight.  The sun does not get too hot here but the brighter days make one want to make up for the dark days of winter.

“Behold the winter is past the time for singing of birds has come.”  Song of Solomon.

I awake early with the sunrise.  Overhead I see at least twenty trails of aeroplanes returning to Europe from North America.  Life is going on all around.

As it is getting warmer, birds and animals are revived as well.  The local farmer moved his cows with young to greener pastures from their winter feeding area.  They were released from the stall.  They will give birth there.
Lambs are born and birds are building their nests for their young.  The cycle of new birth turns again.

I have been released as well into green pastures.  I can truly say with Psalm 23  “The Lord is my shepherd.  There is nothing I shall want.   Fresh and green are the pastures where he gives me repose.  He guides me beside still waters to restore my soul.”

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I am receiving new strength with the joy of having my new home.  I want to do so many things.  Multitasking!  I get ideas as I sit.  I make a note of groceries to be got for this Easter weekend.

I send greetings for Easter via email and text.  I get an idea for a blog.  I want to plant some flowers that will bloom in the window boxes.  I want to pray.  I want to worship God.  It is not a chore because thanksgiving and praise rise because God has been so good to me.  I want to live and shout and sing and dance!

As the sun rises in the East may the Sun of righteousness rise with healing in his wings for you this  Spring and Easter season.

“But for you who fear my name, the Sun of Righteousness will rise with healing in his wings.  And you will go free, leaping with joy like calves let out to pasture. (Malachi 4:2 NLT)

 

On Top of the Hill, an Irish Boreen. Weekly Photo Challenge

Posted in My thoughts by

Here are the views from the top of the hill above where I live in Ireland.

The photos were taken from the same spot.

This photo is taken to my left.

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The small road is called a Boreen.  

Not like the many laned motorways in other countries.

The Irish Sea and the Mourne Mountains are in the distance.  Slieve Donard is the highest in the middle.

“Where the Mountains of Mourne sweep down to the sea.”

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Holy Week and the Signs in the Moon

Posted in Dreams, Healing, My thoughts, Nature, Prayer by

 

We remember the last few days of Jesus life on earth this week Holy Week.  He was talking to his disciples about the future.  They were very nervous because he was telling them he was going to die.  They asked him about what was going to happen in the future.

He mentioned about his return and said “There will be signs in the sun, moon and stars. On the earth, nations will be in anguish and perplexity at the roaring and tossing of the sea.  Even so, when you see these things happening, you know that the kingdom of God is near.” (Luke 21:25, 31 NIV)   There will be earthquakes. V 11

When Jesus died on the cross there were signs and wonders in nature.  There was an earthquake and there was darkness for three hours.
“It was now about noon, and darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon, for the sun stopped shining. (Luke 23:44, 45 NIV)
At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook, the rocks split (Matthew 27:51 NIV)

Surely this would have shaken the people and caused them to consider what had just happened to Jesus.  They must have been perplexed.

What is happening in our times?  This very week the moon changed colour.  In some places it appeared red.  It could be seen all over the world!  Surely this will cause all of the peoples of the earth to think?

The prophet Joel foretold many years ago,
“And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions: And also upon the servants and upon the handmaids in those days will I pour out my spirit.
And I will shew wonders in the heavens and in the earth, blood, and fire, and pillars of smoke.  The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the great and the terrible day of the Lord come.”  (Joel 2:28-31 KJV)

Jesus promised his disciples before he died that the Father would send the Holy Spirit, the Comforter, who would lead them into all truth.  God wants to pour his Spirit out again.  People will have dreams.  People will have visions.

It is time to seek The Lord.

There is no need to be afraid.  God promises in Malachi,
“But unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings; and ye shall go forth, and grow up as calves of the stall. (Malachi 4:2 KJV)

Be always on the watch, and pray that you may be able to escape all that is about to happen, and that you may be able to stand before the Son of Man.” (Luke 21:17, 36 NIV)