Are You in the Wilderness?

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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The First Gleam of Dawn

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

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

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.

Do not Fear Bad News

1 John 5 v 3
Loving God means keeping his commandments, and really that isn’t difficult. For every child of God defeats this evil world by trusting Christ to give the victory. And the ones who win this battle against this world are the ones who believe that Jesus is the son of God.

I have heard some people say that the commandments were written in the Old Testament. The New Testament only applies to us today, so they ignore the commandments and do not make an effort to obey them. This passage is in the New Testament!

John goes on to emphasise the god of this world is the evil one, Satan. If one loves the world he doesn’t love God.  Many people do not believe there is an evil one and blame God on all the bad things that happen.  I know there is a devil but the good news is Jesus came to destroy the works of the devil.

Sickness is of the devil. I had cancer. Jesus healed me and destroyed the work of the devil, cancer in my body.  I know Jesus is true and he helps us in our lives on the earth.  He is alive.

Jesus not only is interested what happens in the nations, he is interested in the individual.  He will keep you safe wherever you travel,  as you trust him.

He also wants us to know that he gives us eternal life. There is life after death. Jesus made a way for us to go to heaven. There is hell. It was prepared for the devil and his angels. It wasn’t prepared for mankind. The devil deceives people. He wants to take people to hell with him. Believe in Jesus and you will have life on this earth and life after this life in heaven. God doesn’t want us to die, Jesus died in our place. He wants us to live. Live for God on the earth. Bring God’s kingdom on the earth.

The world around us is under the power and control of the evil one. 1 John 5 v 19.
If we believe in Christ one need not be afraid of the devil.

For God’s Son holds them securely, and the evil one cannot get his hands on them. 1 John 5 v 18

I am very encouraged this morning after reading these words. I also read this passage,

I will personally free them from their enemies without any help from weapons or armies. Hosea 1 v 7

I believe these words will encourage you today even though we hear of bad news from afar.  I quote the scriptures in my writing.  If one takes these words and believes them in his heart God will act and bring about what the words say.  The power of heaven is in the words from the scripture as you believe.  For example God will set you free from your enemies as you trust him.   Amen.

Search and Rescue.

Last evening I returned on the ferry from Strangford to Portaferry.  It was a dark, cold and blustery night.  I was comfortable in my warm car and looking forward to a glowing coal fire back home.  The men who keep the ferry service going are to be commended for their endurance in these winter months.

Portaferry is usually quiet, but this evening as the boat pulled into port, green and red lights were flashing and sirens were going off at the lifeboat house.  Someone instructed the ferry to wait offshore.  There was an emergency at sea and the lifeboat had to be launched.  More brave men headed off seaward into the dark in answer to some distress call.  The ferry docked safely.  We all secretly hoped others would be safe tonight and prayed.

An hour later I noticed an helicopter overhead and the lifeboat in the lough.  Both has search lights scanning the water below.  A vehicle had blue lights flashing.  Brendan and I went down to the shore.  A police vehicle stopped with us and told us a flair at sea had been reported earlier.  The lifeboat responded as did a rescue helicopter from Dublin, to help search the sea for anyone in danger.

It was dramatic to see the large search light scanning the lough.  A large area of the water lit up in the dark.  Someone in danger would be glad of this light shining on them.  Life or death.  The  helicopter remained for some time.  What a good job the men on the rescue services do. They are willing to give of their time and skills to help others.

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Dramas often happen in our life that cause fear and anxiety.  Sometimes it seems we are on a stormy sea when troubles come.   I needed rescued five years ago.  I had fourth stage cancer.  I was dying.  I went through dark days but God brought me through them.  Jesus shone his light on me and rescued me up out of the sea of despair and death.  Jesus is the light of the world.  He healed me and gave me new life.  He will rescue you.  He is searching for you with his light.

I slept late this morning.  Oh how sweet sleep is when one awakes rested and secure.  My  husband brought me my breakfast in bed!

The room was brighter than normal.  The sunlight was shining on Strangford Lough.  The light from the sun and its reflection on the water brightened up our home and gave added warmth.  We have our own micro climate.  The weather reports on the radio don’t seem to apply to us.

What a good day to wake up to.  The drama of the previous evening was forgotten.  A brighter light shone this morning.  I checked the BBC news.  There was no report of people being rescued or anyone missing.

The moon will be as bright as the sun, and the sun will be seven times brighter—like the light of seven days in one!  So it will be when the LORD begins to heal his people and cure the wounds he gave them. (‭Isaiah‬ ‭30‬:‭26‬ NLT)

There is a saying,”The darkest hour is just before dawn”.   Only believe.  Hang in there.  Light and rescue are on the way.

The Power of Touch

Yes I believe there is power in touch.

Power is transmitted by touch from one person to an other.  Love is transmitted by touch.  Warmth is transmitted by touch.  Care is transmitted by the touch of a hand.  Reassurance is transmitted by touch.  Welcome and greeting are transmitted by a hand shake.  Healing is transmitted by touch.  Comfort is transmitted by touch.  We keep warm by touch.  Touch brings peace, stillness and rest.

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An embrace demonstrates inclusiveness, the opposite of rejection.  A pet, whether it is a cat, chicken, dog or horse responds to the touch of his owners hand.  They are reassured that they are important to their owner.

Christian marriage vows include the words, “Do you take (name) to be your wife to have and to hold from this day forth. Having someone to hold or touch is necessary for people.  God said it was not good for man to be alone.  Marriage is important for companionship.  Ecclesiastes says Two are better than one.  When they lie down they keep warm.  This is so true as we approach winter.

I want to give you some examples of the power of touch.

A new born baby was revived when he lay on his mother’s breast.  The mum spoke to her lifeless child while she and her husband lovingly touched him.  Another new born baby was placed on his mother’s chest as she lay in a coma.  Her heart responded to the baby’s cry.  The mother made a full recovery.

Life and healing flow through touch.  How comforting for each of my babies to be held in their father’s big hands.  My husband was at the birth of each child and held each one and welcomed him into the world with his voice and reassuring touch.

When I held each of my new born babies in my arms love flowed from my heart to the baby.  The baby automatically began to suckle when he touched my breast.  My body responded to my baby’s touch by producing milk for the baby.  In the early years of a child’s life he will feel his dad and mum’s touch often.  It is in the family that we learn about touch.  In public people keep their boundaries and don’t often touch.

Jesus broke that protocol.  He and his disciples touched people outside of family to impart healing.

In the Bible, the first mention of Jesus touching anyone happens when he lays hands on the little children. The women wanted Jesus to lay hands on their children and pray.

Then people brought little children to Jesus for him to place his hands on them and pray for them. But the disciples rebuked them. Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” When he had placed his hands on them, he went on from there. (‭Matthew‬ ‭19‬:‭7, 13-15‬ NIV)

He touched a little girl and heals her.

Then one of the synagogue leaders, named Jairus, came, and when he saw Jesus, he fell at his feet. He pleaded earnestly with him, “My little daughter is dying. Please come and put your hands on her so that she will be healed and live.” (‭Mark‬ ‭5‬:‭22-23‬ NIV)

It was important for Jesus to touch people to impart healing.

“Now when the sun was setting, all they that had any sick with divers diseases brought them unto him; and he laid his hands on every one of them, and healed them.”(‭Luke‬ ‭4‬:‭40‬ KJV)

A woman with a issue of blood for twelve years believed if she touched Jesus’ garment she would be healed.

Just then a woman with an issue of blood for twelve years came up behind him and touched the hem of his cloak.  Jesus turned to her and said Your faith has made you whole.”

He instructed his disciples to do the same.

They drove out many demons and anointed many sick people with oil and healed them. (‭Mark‬ ‭6‬:‭13‬ NIV)

They will place their hands on sick people, and they will get well.” (‭Mark‬ ‭16‬:‭17-18‬ NIV)

Jesus told his followers to touch people and they would receive the Holy Spirit.

They laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost. (‭Acts‬ ‭8‬:‭17‬ KJV)

The personal touch is important to Jesus.  Through one touching another with his hands healing is imparted as Jesus taught us.  When each of my family prayed and laid hands on me for my healing I felt heat coming into my body from his hands.  The power of God is transmitted though touch.  Like power comes into the battery of an iPhone through the charger, power comes from one person to another when we pray in Jesus name.

Reach out and touch someone today.  You will bring change.  People are too busy rushing and working starved of love.

https://daily post.wordpress.com/prompts/the-power-of-touch/

 

 

 

Inspired by Iceland

When I was suffering from cancer back in 2010 a lady had a picture of a volcano when she was praying for me.  During the colonoscopy the monitor showed the tumour of cancer.  It was a bulbous and fiery mass, like a volcano.  Today again someone mentioned a volcano in prayer.

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Back in 2014 I visited Iceland.  When I arrived there I read Psalm 18.  It perfectly describes a volcano.  Iceland has been built up out of the depths of the ocean by eruptions of volcanos down through the years.  Here is what the Psalm says.

The cords of the grave coiled around me; the snares of death confronted me. In my distress I called to the Lord; I cried to my God for help. From his temple he heard my voice; my cry came before him, into his ears. (‭Psalm‬ ‭18‬:‭5-6‬ NIV)

The earth trembled and quaked, and the foundations of the mountains shook;  Smoke rose from his nostrils; consuming fire came from his mouth, burning coals blazed out of it.  The valleys of the sea were exposed and the foundations of the earth laid bare at your rebuke, Lord, at the blast of breath from your nostrils. (‭Psalm‬ ‭18‬:‭15‬ NIV)

He reached down from on high and took hold of me; he drew me out of deep waters. He rescued me from my powerful enemy, from my foes, who were too strong for me. (‭Psalm‬ ‭18‬:‭8, 16-17‬ NIV)

Deuteronomy 4 v 24. For our God is a consuming fire.  God’s presence is likened to fire or a volcano.

On my visit to Iceland God showed me that he rescued me from cancer and death.  He was angry at my enemies of death and cancer coming to destroy me.  He burnt up my enemies in the fire from his mouth.

Who is like our God?  He will continue to deal with my enemies with the fire of his breath.

Psalm 107 v 2. Has The Lord redeemed you?  Then speak out!   Tell others he has saved you from your enemies.

Trains, Planes, Car, Minibus, and Horses.

 

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Within the last two days I have travelled thousands of miles, by car, plane, and minibus from Ireland to Slovakia.  I will be speaking about my healing from Cancer in Presho.  These are definitely the days that Daniel spoke about in Scripture when knowledge and travel will increase.  Daniel 12 v 4

I saw in one day the different kinds of transport man has used to travel.

When we set out from Budmerice to Presho we stopped to see a trailer drawn by two strong horses.  During the years of communism horses were popular.

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We travelled in a minibus up country.  The journey took us along roads that are recently constructed on high pillars through towns and over rivers.  The mountains are no obstacle.  We travelled along three tunnels.

Train tracks follow the bends in the rivers to travel up the valleys between steep mountains on either side.  We saw two long goods train with several carriages and two passenger trains.

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The experience of the four hundred miles on the fast motorways was a bit of a roller coaster.   Beautiful views of lakes, golden forests, high mountains and rivers distracted me from the fast traffic.

 

This journey would not have been so easy thirty years ago. Today I am resting from the journey looking out on a forest with a variety of autumn colours. Another roller coaster starts tonight as Brendan and I speak about the Holy Spirit.

 

 

Satan Hates Women and Children.

I read an article on Facebook today, about a mother who was in a coma, responded to her newborn baby’s cry.  At another time I read about how a newborn dead baby started to breath as his mother spoke to him how she loved him as she held him close to her heart.  These articles are featured on the internet.

These wonderful stories show the power of the bond between the mother and baby that is established in the womb.  The baby hears his mother’s heart beat and voice for nine months.  Though in a coma the mother’s heart responds to her crying baby.

When a baby is born new life comes into the world.   The infant will grow to be a man or woman.  He or she has the potential to make a big difference to the people or nation where she lives.  A baby is not a mistake, or a blob of cells that can be aborted without consequences.  He is a person lovingly created in his mother’s womb by our Heavenly Father.  A baby is not descended from apes!  He is created in God’s image.  In fact god gives each child angels to watch out for him.

And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness.  So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him: male and female created he them.
And God blessed them, and God said to them, Be fruitful, and multiply and replenish the earth and subdue it.  Genesis 1 v 26 – 28.

Satan is jealous and hates humans because we are made in God’s image.  He robbed Adam and Eve of their idealic life in the Garden of Eden.  Satan cannot create life.  God blessed Adam and Eve with children.  Satan hates women and children.

And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel. (‭Genesis‬ ‭3‬:‭15‬ KJV)

He doesn’t want life coming forth.  He knew that a child would be born that would bring about his downfall and defeat.

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end.  (‭Isaiah‬ ‭9‬:‭6-7‬ KJV)

This child is Jesus.  He grew up and died for us on the cross to deliver us from the power of Satan.  We need not fear him any more.

In this way, he disarmed the spiritual rulers and authorities. He shamed them publicly by his (Jesus) victory over them on the cross. (‭Colossians‬ ‭2‬:‭15‬ NLT)

God blessed Brendan and I with fourteen children.   I believed God’s promise to bless me to the thousandth generation as I obey him.

But I lavish unfailing love for a thousand generations on those who love me and obey my commands. (‭Exodus‬ ‭20‬:‭6‬ NLT)

I believe that children are a blessing from The Lord.  God gave Brendan and I the power to have and rear our children.  We could not have accomplished this task in our own strength.

“Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing. (‭John‬ ‭15‬:‭5‬ NLT)

When I was dying from cancer my husband, children and grandchildren prayed for me.  Their prayers and the prayers of many brought about my healing.  My children helped me in my hour of need.  Thay defeated Satan’s plans to kill me.  Each believer has the potential to defeat Satan.  Many do not know that.

He replied, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you. (‭Luke‬ ‭10‬:‭18-19‬ NIV)

I now take up the authority Jesus has given me over the power of Satan, the power of the Blood of Jesus and the name of Jesus.   My children, offspring or seed too will crush Satan.

God had a plan when he blessed me with fourteen children!