Tag Archives: Jesus

Sacrifice is True Worship

Posted in Birds, Canada, Cancer, Dreams, Family, Family Friday, Healing, Ireland, Motherhood, My thoughts, Travel by

The Air Transat plane had a bumpy landing into Calgary.  This city on the Canadian prairie presents a challenge to any pilot. Winds from the Rockies circulate over the area. I had been traveling for eight hours.  I held my neighbor’s hand.  She was frightened.  The tension eased and many passengers disembarked.  The rest of us were continuing our journey onto Vancouver.

I had a toothache over the previous weekend.  It was bank holiday Monday so my dentist was not available.  I needed attention as I was leaving for Vancouver on Tuesday.  I got some penicillin and pain relief from an emergency dentist at the City hospital.  I thought that will sort my condition till I get back in a week’s time.

The toothache did not ease on the journey.  I doubled the dose of medication.  My head was so sore I couldn’t enjoy any movies or music offered.  I dozed on and off.  I comforted a lady beside me who was traveling on her own.  When the flight landed in Calgary I rushed to the bathroom.  I was feeling sick.  Why did I not stay at home.  This long journey is all too much.  Why did my son have to get married in Canada so far away from home. Too much a sacrifice.

Then I remembered the scripture,
“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.”
‭‭Romans‬ ‭12:1‬ ‭NIV‬‬

I will make my body a living sacrifice despite the pain.  This is true worship to God.

I have suffered other pain over the past two years.  I have had heartache.  My husband and I had travelled to Vancouver many times over the past ten years, speaking about the love of God to many people.  Canadian friends have visited Ireland.  I encouraged the connection between ourselves and Canada because of a dream.  This dream has tested my heart over the past two years.

My son David moved to live in Toronto two years ago.  He and Jacquelyn have a baby girl.  I now have a Candian grandchild!  The Irish/Canada dream connection was strengthened.  I have visited them in Toronto.  It is not too far to travel from Ireland.  There are good flight connections out of Dubin.

When Isaac finished his studies two years ago he too left for Canada.  He had spent some time in an internship as part of his degree.  I thought he was going to visit friends there and would return after a few months.  He has been working in Vancouver ever since.  He developed a relationship with a Canadian girl.  Will I see him again?  Vancouver is 7000 Kilometres away across the ocean and continent, the end of the earth!

I thought back to Irish mothers whose sons left for America down through the decades because of circumstances, famine, hardship or war.  Many left N Ireland during the recent troubles in the seventies.  These mothers made sacrifices to let their sons leave and give them an opportunity of a better life.  Many did not see their children again.

As a mother I have a choice.  I can nurture the grief and mourn over my two sons who live far away.  I may not see my grand children growing up.  I can remain sad.  I don’t want to internalize my pain and develop some sickness as a result of my depressed situation.  That’s what happened when I had cancer.

God has healed me of fourth stage cancer and saved me from dying six years ago.  I don’t want to get sick again.  I choose not to internalize my heartache.  I cast my pain upon Jesus.

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭11:28-30‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Jesus became a Sacrifice on the Cross when he shed his blood and died.  He took all my suffering and pain.  I share in his suffering as I experience the pain in my heart of  my children leaving home.  I will not deny the pain and say I am alright.  I have gone through the valley of loneliness and sadness.  I will offer up this pain of toothache and heartache as a sacrifice.  Jesus mother Mary watched as her son was cruelly killed.  Her heart was pierced.  Jesus spoke to the women as he carried his cross to Calvery.  He knew that women would suffer in child bearing and rearing.

A large crowd trailed behind, including many grief-stricken women. But Jesus turned and said to them, “Daughters of Jerusalem, don’t weep for me, but weep for yourselves and for your children.”
Luke‬ ‭23:27-28‬ ‭NLT‬‬

I awaken in the night with Jetlag.  I hear a train’s horn blowing.  The sound gets stronger as it passes nearby.  It is a familiar sound from my visits to Canada in the past.  At day break I hear new sounds.  Chuck chuck, whistle whistle, chirrup, chirrup, the sounds of a dawn chorus. These sounds speak to me to welcome me to this different country before anyone else is up.  We have been hosted in a beautiful home in the woodland.  We have attended barbecues, breakfasts and been well received in Vancouver.

The wedding day has arrived.  The bride and bridesmaids are excited.  They are getting ready.  The bridegroom, our son, has found his bride.
Jesus has healed me.  My toothache has gone.  My heart is healed.

By the stripes of Jesus I am healed.  Isaiah 53.

Tomorrow is Mother’s Day in Canada.  I will celebrate the day in victory grateful to have lived to see another of my children married and setting off and released into his new future.

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

All Creatures Praise God

Posted in Birds, Healing, My thoughts, Nature, Restoration by

 

A reading from the scriptures caught my attention today.

Two weeks have passed since we remembered Jesus brutal death on the cross, his burial, and his resurrection from the grave.  There is no other grave in the whole world that is empty!
Jesus appeared to many of his friends and even ate food with him.  Finally he ascended into heaven where he is seated at the right hand of the Father.  John, the beloved apostle had this vision of heaven and he describes what he saw.
The Lamb is Jesus who was slain, sacrificed for us, forgiving our sins and giving us eternal life.

11 Then I looked and heard the voice of many angels, numbering thousands upon thousands, and ten thousand times ten thousand. They encircled the throne and the living creatures and the elders.
12 In a loud voice they were saying: “Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!”
13 Then I heard every creature in the air and on earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all that is in them, saying:
“To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honor and glory and power, for ever and ever!” (‭Revelation‬ ‭5‬:‭11-13‬ NIV)

Not only are the multitude of angels praising The Father and Jesus, but so too are the birds of the air, animals on the land, even rabbits that burrow under the earth and the fish of the sea.

As one meditates on these words you will have peace.  We are encouraged by scripture to keep our minds on things above, and the peace that passes understanding will enter our minds.  This is a good way to heal a troubled mind.

Meditate on this truth.  This will keep me thinking for a long time.

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.

Living the Faith like St Patrick

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

The sun shone warmly on Ireland this St Patrick’s Day.  The Parade, Festivities and the Christian Walk and Talk in The Cathedral in Downpatrick were a great success.  I opted for a  bus tour of Christian sites.  Other years when our children were young we would have watched the St Patrick Day parade.  Today was different.

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Our tour guide told us stories about St Patrick, we visited ruined churchs and holy wells.  I live in the middle of all this history.  St Patrick’s Day is the second most celebrated day after Christmas in the world.  Cities throughout the world light up in green.  People drink green beer.  If you are Irish you are celebrated and welcomed.

Which of the stories about St Patrick is true?  Tourists come to Ireland to visit these ancient ruins and read what the history books tell them.  I hope they are inspired to look to the God of St Patrick, Jesus, who is the way, the truth and the life for everyone today.

The people who lived all those years ago among these walls are now dead.  Looking at the broken down stone walls made me fell a little depressed.  I thought of the story in Scripture when the women went to the tomb in which Jesus was buried.  An angel said He is not here, for he is risen.

I consoled myself with the truth that the God St Patrick believed in, I believe in today in 2016.  I can pray to the same God.  He is the same God, yesterday, today and tomorrow.  He is the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.  He is the God who healed me from Cancer.  It is said St Patrick worked miracles.  God worked a miracle for me in 2010, fifteen hundred years later.  I celebrate six years Cancer free this Easter Monday.

It is said St Patrick cast snakes out of Ireland.  I believe the snakes are symbolic of demons.  Jesus said I give you authority to cast out devils.  Luke 9 v 1.  The believer in Jesus today is given the same authority.  Mark 16 v 17.  And these signs will follow those who believe, in my name they will drive out demons.

I no longer want to look at ruins.  I want to be a living stone, that the scripture speaks of in 1 Peter 2v5, You are living stones that God is building into his spiritual temple.  I want to use the authority Jesus gives me to drive out demons and heal the sick.  He delivered me from demons and healed me.  What God has done for me he can do for others today.

Are You in the Wilderness?

Posted in Healing, My thoughts, Nations, Prayer by

Jesus, the son of God came on earth as a baby boy to his mother Mary.  He stayed at home till he was thirty.  Perhaps Joseph died during that time. The scriptures do not tell us.  He would have looked after and helped his mother and his siblings.  He honoured his mother and cared for her.

The time came when Jesus determined in his heart to accomplish the work he left heaven to do on the earth.  He came to forgive mankind their sins, heal their diseases and destroy the works of the devil, who had ruled the earth since Adam and Eve sinned.

His ministry began when Jesus was baptised in the Jordan by John.  The heavens opened and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form like a dove and a voice came from heaven , “You are my beloved Son,  with you I am well pleased.”  Those around heard the voice of God.  God was honouring his son before the people and also encouraging Jesus to go forward in his work.

Very often a son or daughter needs that encouragement and reassurance from a parent.

The Holy Spirit led Jesus in the wilderness for forty days being tempted by the devil.  He ate nothing.  The devil came to divert Jesus from his mission.  He knew Jesus was a threat to his dominion over the whole earth.

The devil led him up to a high place and showed him in an instant all the kingdoms of the world. And he said to him, “I will give you all their authority and splendor; it has been given to me, and I can give it to anyone I want to. If you worship me, it will all be yours.” Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God and serve him only.’ ” (‭Luke‬ ‭4‬:‭5-8‬ NIV)

The devil states that the kingdoms of the world have been given to him.  Jesus came to take away the devil’s authority over the kingdoms of this world.

The devil even knew the scriptures.
The devil led him to Jerusalem and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. “If you are the Son of God,” he said, “throw yourself down from here. For it is written: “ ‘He will command his angels concerning you to guard you carefully;
Jesus answered, “It is said: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’ ” (‭Luke‬ ‭4‬:‭9-10, 12‬ NIV)

It is good to pray.  It is even better to fast and pray.  The devil does not like you fasting.  When one fast one becomes weaker and vulnerable and knows one’s need of help.  The Holy Spirit and angels ministered to Jesus when he was fasting.  In the wilderness he was removed from people, family and friends and all worldly distractions.  After Jesus time of fasting he began his ministry.

Do you feel as if you are in a wilderness in your life?  You may be surrounded by people or work, but you have that dissatisfied feeling deep down.  Has your life not turned out the way you wanted?  Do you feel abandoned or neglected by God?  Are you sick? Are you thirsty? Do you want your life to count?  Do not despair.

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Bird Watching through my Kitchen Window

Posted in Birds, Ireland, My thoughts, Nature by

imageIt is the eleventh of February today.  I am recording the activity of birds in my garden.  I live along the Strangford Lough in Northern Ireland.  The warm morning has invited all kinds of birds to flit about in the garden.  A wren stays low along the hedge.  A robin jumps about among the plant pots.

The busiest birds I see are starlings.  There are three pairs flying back and forth.  Each pair had found a nook in the old wall adjoining my garden.  One bird flys in with a small twig in his mouth.  He didn’t exit for five minutes.  He must be building his nest, preparing for young.  I am excited to discover birds building their nests in my garden and so early in the spring.  I will look forward to catching the starlings’ progress each morning.

It is relaxing to sit quiet and patient keeping an eye on the nest sites.  My breakfast dishes need washed, benches need cleared, floor needs brushed.  I want to make some phone calls.  E mails need checked.  All can wait.

I am bird watching from the comfort of my kitchen.  I don’t have to go for a drive to a special bird watching sight, or get wrapped up in warm clothes to face the elements.  Watching the birds is taking my mind off all immediate troubles.  There are many things that could cause me to worry or fret.  Instead I am looking at birds.

Jesus said “Look at the birds.”
“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?

But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. (‭Matthew‬ ‭6‬:‭25-26, 33-34‬ NIV)

A pair of doves rested on a bare branch.  One flew off with a low moan.  The other followed.  I hope they return.

Later in the morning one single bird was singing from the treetop in my garden.  I think it was a Great tit.  He was announcing loud and clear.  “This is my domain.  He was attracting his mate to join him.” I will be looking to see where his nest is.

Colourful Crocus

Posted in My thoughts, Nature, Restoration by

When I listen to the news about world issues it is easy to become discouraged.  Tragedies, famines and other crises are news headlines.   Clouds of doom and gloom can descend over my mind.

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Jesus said, “Don’t let your heart be troubled. Believe in me.”  John 14 v 1
It was a beautiful, bright, sunny day today.   I took a snap of these crocus that opened up in the heat of the sun.  The sun dispersed any dark clouds.

These little blooms cheered my soul.

The First Gleam of Dawn

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

Where I live the sun rises over the hill and forest to my left.  It’s light reflects off the water in Srangford Lough, brightens and warms our home.  It may be blowing a gale outside but the glow from the sun warms, not only my kitchen but my heart as well.  I am reminded of the verse in Proverbs 4: 18,

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The way of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn, which shines ever brighter until the full light of day.

One may have had a sleepless night. Worries, anxiety, pain, stress, loneliness may loom large in the night. It cheers my heart when I see the sun rise in the morning. Weeping may endure for a night but joy comes in the morning.

This verse is in the middle of Proverbs that give wisdom to the reader, whether young or old.

My children listen to me.  Listen to your father’s instruction.  Pay attention and grow wise, for I am giving you good guidance.  Proverbs 4 v 1 NLT

My son, obey your father’s commands, and don’t neglect your mother’s teaching.  Keep their words always in your heart.  For these commands and this teaching are a lamp to light the way ahead of you.  The correction of discipline is the way to life.  Proverbs 6 v 20 NLT

As we drove home last night I saw many young people walking the streets of a village nearby. These young were like sheep without a shepherd.

When our own children were that age, my husband and I realised the difficulties they faced. When young people get together without guidance, taking drugs, drinking and immorality become the norm. I did not have my fourteen children to be born for misfortune. The devil is out to rob steal and destroy.  I am not willing to give up my children without a fight.

We had a meeting on a Friday night for our children and their friends. We taught them the way of truth and gave thanks and praise to God who helps us.

Those years when my boys were teenagers were difficult for me. I developed fourth stage colon cancer. I was dying. But God had a plan for me to live and not die. He healed me.  I am alive to pray for my children.

I read in the Psalm 30 today these words.

I will exalt you, LORD, for you rescued me. You refused to let my enemies triumph over me. O LORD my God, I cried to you for help, and you restored my health. You brought me up from the grave, O LORD. You kept me from falling into the pit of death.
“What will you gain if I die, if I sink into the grave? Can my dust praise you? Can it tell of your faithfulness?

You have turned my mourning into dancing.  I will sing praises to you and not be silent. O LORD my God, I will give you thanks forever! (‭Psalms‬ ‭30‬:‭1-3, 9, 12‬ NLT)

God is real.  He interested in our daily lives.  He is interested in a mother’s cry for her children. Mothers, our destiny with God is to crush Satan under our feet.  Let my people go to worship God, Moses cried out.

The God who causes the sun to rise every morning healed me from cancer.  He will help me at break of dawn.

World Cancer Day

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

I watched the movie “The 33” recently.  It is based on a true story about the survival of thirty three men who were trapped down a mine in 2010.
The men were in the mine for sixty seven days before they were rescued.
It is a film demonstrating Faith, hope, perseverance, overcoming, never giving up, leadership, endurance and brotherly love.  The power of unity in families, community and  a nation brought about the response in other nations to help.

When the men realised they were trapped down the mine,  one man declared “We will be rescued.”  He believed the families would not give up.  He became their leader and all the others respected him.  He did not waver in his belief.  Food ran out, some men rebelled,  others wanted to give up.  He quelled any storms that arose.  They prayed the “Our Father” together, the prayer Jesus taught his disciples.

Yes families of the trapped men did not give up on their loved ones.  They kept a vigil at the mine and asked the government to help.  Many people and nations were involved in their rescue.  The whole world looked on.  My son told me he remembers watching on TV as each man came out of the capsule.

What struck me was the power of the faith of one man who said “We will be rescued.”  His faith moved mountains literally.  God responds to faith.  God brings the answer despite many, many difficulties.

This story was poignant for me because 2010 was the year I went through my battle with cancer.  My family and community believed that I would be healed from cancer.  There were many difficulties to overcome, but God responded to people believing I would be healed.  I am healed.  Yes I was rescued from the grave.  Like me those men were rescued from death.

Yesterday was World Cancer Day.  My daughter in law rang me.  She said, “I was listening to a programme on the radio about cancer.”  A consultant, a nurse and a cancer patient were interviewed.  Various people rang in to tell their stories about their treatments and how they were coping.  She heard how they all suffered.
She said, “I didn’t realise before what is involved in going through cancer.  It is a miracle you are healed and you didn’t suffer any side effects from the treatment.  Praise God.”

Our Father is God Almighty, who revealed himself to Abraham of old.  God promised him a son.  Abraham believed God would keep his promise.  God said to Abraham “Is anything too hard for The Lord.”  Genesis 18 v 14.  When Abraham was 100 years old and his wife Sarah, 90 years old they had the promised child.  They had to wait a long time.   God is the same God, yesterday, today and tomorrow.  He is the God of our forefathers and will be with our descendants to the 1000th generation.

Has God given you a promise?  Are you hoping for a desire you have to be fulfilled.  Do not give up believing and hoping.  Declare what you believe.  God will respond to your declaration of Faith.  Open your mouth.  Like the miner speak out, “We will be rescued.”
He didn’t keep asking God to rescue them.  He said “We will be rescued”.

Worry, Stress and Anxiety Cause Disease

Posted in Dreams, Healing, Holiday, My thoughts, Nations, Prayer, Provision, Travel by

My husband and I have just returned from Iceland.
We stayed in Rekjavik, the main city.  Fresh snow was covering the houses and mountains that enclose the harbour.  It looked like a winter wonderland.

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Many tourists are attracted to Iceland to experience it’s many features of fire, ice and water.

There is an active volcano, many glaciers, hot springs and geysers.  A notice at the airport says “We don’t have coal we have fire.”  Hot water from under the earth is piped to heat their homes.

Some years ago Iceland went into recession. We were speaking to a lady about how the recession affected her. He lost two businesses and was in risk of losing her beautiful, big home. She shares her home with needy people. We visited with her. People appeared from different rooms as the night passed. She has a heart for the poor.

She has come through many crises. She told us she brings her bills to Jesus, and asks him to help her pay them. She continues to manage to pay them. Her house has not been repossessed.

She shared a dream with us. God spoke to her in the dream that her house would not be repossessed. To help her believe a voice said “When you go fishing you will see a rainbow, whales and abundance of fish.”  The Rainbow speakers of God’s promises.

She goes fishing often to take her mind off her troubles and get some food to eat into the bargain. The next time she went fishing she saw a rainbow, whales and fish. This dream continues to encourage her. God spoke to her and reassured he will provide for her.

I was reading this scripture this evening.

Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is fits perfectly, and the burden I give you is light.” (‭Matthew‬ ‭11‬:‭28-30‬ NLT)

We were praying for some people recently for healing.  Most of them wanted prayer to be healed from diabetes, high blood pressure and kidney failure.

Diabetes is a condition where the body does not produce enough insulin.  The pancreas is an organ in the body which produces digestive juices and insulin. These aid the digestion of food in the stomach.  I believe when one gets stressed the pancreas’ ability to produce the necessary secretions is compromised.  The result can be an upset stomach or pain around the stomach, where the pancreas is.  

When one gets anxious, worried or stressed one often feels their stomach churn.  Before an exam I used to feel nervous in my stomach.  One may be devastated at losing a job or a relative dying.  Can I pay my bills at the end of the month?  One may lose their home.  Often parents worry about their children.  I know I did.  One gets overburdened.  Anxiety and stress result.  If a person continues in a stressful situation for a long term diabetes and high blood pressure may manifest.  These conditions put pressure on the kidneys, which get overworked, leading to their breakdown.

Jesus has a solution to this condition.  He said “Come to me.”  An invitation to help.  He will take our cares and worries.  He will relieve the burdens.  He will make a way out of any difficult situation, relieve the stress and the resulting sickness one is experiencing.  He may even speak in a dream to encourage your faith.

The friend we met in Iceland did as Jesus advised.  She is believing she will not lose her home and is bringing all her burdens to him.