Divine Thinking

Divine Thinking We can put up road blocks to keep us from accomplishing goals, mending relationships and increasing our faith. We may also have to deal with others, perhaps our own family members, who have a stinky attitude and whom seem to just spoil everything. Jesus shared with His disciples that he must undergo great suffering and Peter said, “God forbid it, Lord!” Jesus rebuked Peter by saying, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; for you are setting your mind not on divine things but on human things. Perhaps when we have a negative thought, or feel weary or unsure, we can use words that will jolt Satan into taking a back seat, making our stumbling block weak. When we can do this, it gives us power to be in control to be able to do what God would have us do so that what He is doing will be revealed to us in a divine way. Divine things are meant for us. Although our circumstances may not seem so extra-ordinary, God is working on people, circumstances an in ways that man cannot see nor do. It is possible for us to set our minds, thoughts and words on a course toward divine thinking. With practice, we may perhaps one day take sweet delight in even our most troublesome days. Divine thinking is gift only you can accept for yourself. God has blessings on a heavenly tray for you. Speak out and receive what is rightfully and divinely yours.

Much Is Possible Where There Is Hope

Much Is Possible Where There Is Hope For some of us, a simple explanation can tell all. For others, we need more that just words. Then there are others who will just never get it. A beautiful picture can paint a thousand heartfelt words. An exemplary individual can prove living a holy life is possible. A good story can help us see what we ought to see. However, sometimes even though the message seems clear, there may still be confusion, doubt and disbelief. Try to reach those who don’t understand the goodness in their lives. Perhaps sharing a parable might open their eyes in a new enlightening way. Jesus shared with his disciples, “The reason I speak to them in parables is that “seeing they do not perceive, and hearing they do not listen, nor do they understand.” We have all been given many gifts from Heaven. Only a believer in Christ can recognize their gifts already enjoyed. Only a spirit filled practicing believer can expect even more in abundance. Will you be sharing the parable or telling it? If you are sharing, tell your story with holiness in your heart always allowing The Holy Spirit to guide you. If you are the one who will be listening, groom your ears to pay attention, make ready your heart to receive, and train your eyes to take notice of the gift of a true story or parable shared by a person filled with faith. The only way you will lose, is if you just don’t get it. Keep from breeding a hardened heart by allowing hope to always be an option. Matthew 13:10–13 Then the disciples came and asked him, ‘Why do you speak to them in parables?’ He answered, ‘To you it has been given to know the secrets of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been given. For to those who have, more will be given, and they will have an abundance; but from those who have nothing, even what they have will be taken away. The reason I speak to them in parables is that “seeing they do not perceive, and hearing they do not listen, nor do they understand.”

Living On Holy Soil

Living On Holy Soil If your life was to be compared to a seed recently planted would your life survive? Could your life be considered one planted in good soil? Does your life lack roots that would keep it from withering away? Viewed from a human perspective, we might believe we will live no matter where we are planted. The quality of our life may be poor, mediocore or even good in our eyes. However, in the spiritual realm how will your life fare? Could you say your life is evident of having been planted on holy soil? Could you say that the fruit you are bearing is a hundredfold, sixty or thirty? We are all living on holy soil. We are all called to be holy. We are all able to bear fruit that is plentiful. Each morning, examine your potential harvest from yesterday. If you are not where you could possibly be when your harvest is ready, take time to add fertilizer to your thoughts, water to your spirit, tender loving care to your tongue, hands and attitude. Each night when you retire, take time to reflect on your day. You will know on what type of ground you’ve rooted yourself in. You’re already off to a great start. God creates only holy things. Man decides what gifts he chooses to receive. Chose to receive the gift of living on holy soil. Matthew 13:1-9 That same day Jesus went out of the house and sat beside the lake. Such great crowds gathered around him that he got into a boat and sat there, while the whole crowd stood on the beach. And he told them many things in parables, saying: 'Listen! A sower went out to sow. And as he sowed, some seeds fell on the path, and the birds came and ate them up. Other seeds fell on rocky ground, where they did not have much soil, and they sprang up quickly, since they had no depth of soil. But when the sun rose, they were scorched; and since they had no root, they withered away. Other seeds fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked them. Other seeds fell on good soil and brought forth grain, some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty. Let anyone with ears listen!'

Getting Comfortable In Our New “Norm”

Getting Comfortable In Our New “Norm” “Do not hold on to me.” We can hold on to past grudges, the spirit of our loved ones who have past and the painful memories of yesterday. We may feel the need to grasp at almost anything to keep us feeling as we did before. We could mindlessly let an event, haunting words or a feeling hold us hostage robbing us of our spirit. Our complicated hearts may try to keep us connected to what felt safe, normal, effortless and even a bit crazy. Jesus appeared to Mary Magdalene and said to her, “Do not hold on to me, because I have not yet ascended to the Father. But go to my brothers and say to them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.”” We too, at some time that is right for us, can work toward letting go of feelings or circumstances that hold us back from experiencing the life that God intended for us. However, we may never let the past or our feelings about another leave us completely, and that is normal and okay. Today, we might feel as though we need to hold on, but one day, be encouraged to let go, one day and one step at a time. It is important that we expect that there will be days we will revert back, but don’t lose heart. Your progress may seen slow; so don’t beat yourself up. There will be days you may feel as though you give in barely enough to still live fruitfully allowing life to again resume. God is with us as we get more comfortable with change. God’s hand is on us as our lives miraculously can feel safe again. God is continually blessings us so that we may again feel joyous in our new “norm.” John 20:14–18 When she had said this, she turned round and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to her, ‘Woman, why are you weeping? For whom are you looking?’ Supposing him to be the gardener, she said to him, ‘Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have laid him, and I will take him away.’ Jesus said to her, ‘Mary!’ She turned and said to him in Hebrew, ‘Rabbouni!’ (which means Teacher). Jesus said to her, ‘Do not hold on to me, because I have not yet ascended to the Father. But go to my brothers and say to them, “I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.” ’ Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, ‘I have seen the Lord’; and she told them that he had said these things to her.

Respond With Love

Respond With Love We do good and terrible things every day. Are we willing to search our conscious and admit to those things that would bring about God’s wrath? Our lives are not a dress rehearsal. The way we are living, the feelings we are expressing and the thoughts we are keep are the real thing. Believe and do the things that Jesus taught. Make “disobey” a word your heart, brain and spirit never learned. What the public can’t see, God can. Tempt not God’s wrath. God gives the Spirit without measure. Show God you are responding with love to the spirit that lives inside you. John 3:31-36 The one who comes from above is above all; the one who is of the earth belongs to the earth and speaks about earthly things. The one who comes from heaven is above all. He testifies to what he has seen and heard, yet no one accepts his testimony. Whoever has accepted his testimony has certified this, that God is true. He whom God has sent speaks the words of God, for he gives the Spirit without measure. The Father loves the Son and has placed all things in his hands. Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever disobeys the Son will not see life, but must endure God’s wrath.

Look Up And Give Thanks

Look Up And Give Thanks When someone has done a charitable act, offered a kindness toward you, went out of their way in making an apology to you look up and give thanks. God gave us his Son so that we may learn, teach and recognize Christ when we see Him. Christ is in the eyes of people who are doing things right! Go through your day, not just accepting good things from others but looking up and giving thank to God that made all good things possible. John 20:11-18 But Mary stood weeping outside the tomb. As she wept, she bent over to look into the tomb; and she saw two angels in white, sitting where the body of Jesus had been lying, one at the head and the other at the feet. They said to her, "Woman, why are you weeping?" She said to them, "They have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid him." When she had said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to her, "Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you looking for?" Supposing him to be the gardener, she said to him, "Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have laid him, and I will take him away." Jesus said to her, "Mary!" She turned and said to him in Hebrew, "Rabbouni!" (which means Teacher). Jesus said to her, "Do not hold on to me, because I have not yet ascended to the Father. But go to my brothers and say to them, 'I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.'" Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, "I have seen the Lord"; and she told them that he had said these things to her.

Join In Praying The Divine Mercy Novena

Join In Praying The Divine Mercy Novena Today join in praying the Divine Mercy Novena. The Catholic Church will pray each day this novena leading up to Divine Mercy Sunday, the Sunday which follows Easter. Let us pray daily that we may receive God’s mercy rather than judgment at the time of our death. (The following information has been copied from http://www.ewtn.com/devotionals/mercy/ Background of the Divine Mercy Devotion From the diary of a young Polish nun, a special devotion began spreading throughout the world in the 1930s. The message is nothing new, but is a reminder of what the Church has always taught through scripture and tradition: that God is merciful and forgiving and that we, too, must show mercy and forgiveness. But in the Divine Mercy devotion, the message takes on a powerful new focus, calling people to a deeper understanding that God’s love is unlimited and available to everyone — especially the greatest sinners. Living the Message of Mercy The devotional practices revealed through Saint Faustina were given to us as "vessels of mercy" through which God's love can be poured out upon the world, but they are not sufficient unto themselves. It's not enough for us to hang The Divine Mercy image in our homes, pray the Chaplet every day at three o'clock, and receive Holy Communion on the first Sunday after Easter. We also have to show mercy to our neighbors. Putting mercy into action is not an option of the Divine Mercy Devotion; it's a requirement! To learn more visit: http://www.ewtn.com/devotionals/mercy/

Love One Another Through Our Imperfections

Love One Another Through Our Imperfections We may say things that are bigger than we can deliver. “I will never do that again!” “I will never hurt you.” “I will always think of you first.” Jesus told the disciples that where he was going they could not follow immediately. Peter wanted to go with Him so badly that he said, “I will lay down my life for you.” Jesus knew Peter would deny Him three times. Jesus also knows our weaknesses. We may in desperation, in our time of need, or in our time of personal desires make big promises to Jesus. We will never be perfect. But the love of Jesus should be comforting to all human beings, in that He will love us even in through our imperfections. We too can love one another through our imperfections. That is a commandment given to us through God. If Jesus can love all, so can we. John 13:31-38 When he had gone out, Jesus said, ‘Now the Son of Man has been glorified, and God has been glorified in him. If God has been glorified in him, God will also glorify him in himself and will glorify him at once. Little children, I am with you only a little longer. You will look for me; and as I said to the Jews so now I say to you, “Where I am going, you cannot come.” I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.’ Simon Peter said to him, ‘Lord, where are you going?’ Jesus answered, ‘Where I am going, you cannot follow me now; but you will follow afterwards.’ Peter said to him, ‘Lord, why can I not follow you now? I will lay down my life for you.’ Jesus answered, ‘Will you lay down your life for me? Very truly, I tell you, before the cock crows, you will have denied me three times.

Love The Unlikable

Love The Unlikable “I don’t like that guy!” How often have we easily come to the conclusion that we just done like a particular someone. Jesus reminded many, “If God were your Father, you would love me, for I came from God and now I am here. Unlikable people may be that way because they were not loved as they could have been. Take the opportunity to the love the unlikable. Invest your precious time on God’s precious people. Loving another can soften even the hardest of hearts. Allow The Holy Spirit inside you guide you to where you are needed. God gave us each a beautiful heart that keeps a body alive, one that can console, one that can heal and one that can love. God is waiting for you to love the unlikable. Perhaps even you may be waiting to be loved. John 8:31-32, 42 Then Jesus said to the Jews who had believed in him, ‘If you continue in my word, you are truly my disciples; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.’ Jesus said to them, ‘If God were your Father, you would love me, for I came from God and now I am here. I did not come on my own, but he sent me.

Using Your Spiritual Eyes

Using Your Spiritual Eyes It is easy for us to take credit for all that we do. But when you have done something awesome that you never thought possible, it should cause us to once again realize that we do nothing on our own. Jesus told many that “I do nothing on my own, but I speak these things as the Father instructed me.” He also added, “For I always do what is pleasing to Him.” Realize that God goes through great pains to work through many lives to make a simple safe commute possible. God works through many life choices of other individuals to make your choice one that works for you. God works through the spirits of us all to make us realize that without Him our life, graces and miracles would not be possible. Do what is pleasing to God. For in that good and great task, charitable act and prayer, you have been given spiritual eyes to recognize the work of God in your hands, thoughts and deeds. John 8:28-30 So Jesus said, ‘When you have lifted up the Son of Man, then you will realize that I am he, and that I do nothing on my own, but I speak these things as the Father instructed me. And the one who sent me is with me; he has not left me alone, for I always do what is pleasing to him.’ As he was saying these things, many believed in him.

Presence In The Spirit

Presence In The Spirit We may mutter,. “Why should I do it that way? Where is it written that I can’t go against the grain of good.” We may even be so bold as to ask, “Why should I believe in Jesus, when I’ve never seen Him?” The challenge of the human heart is to work toward the truth that we need not go through the mental process of figuring out why good is better and where Jesus comes from. From the faith of our ancestors, from the evidence of Jesus’ crucifixion, from the testimony of the apostles and witnesses, and the from The Holy Spirit inside us we can too believe today that good honors God, and we should honor Jesus, Whom God sent. Spend quiet time regularly to get to know the Jesus that is ever present, all loving and forgiving. Even though you may not see His physical being, Jesus is there in the presence of your spirit. John 7:1-2, 10, 25-30 After this Jesus went about in Galilee. He did not wish to go about in Judea because the Jews were looking for an opportunity to kill him. Now the Jewish festival of Booths was near. But after his brothers had gone to the festival, then he also went, not publicly but as it were in secret. Now some of the people of Jerusalem were saying, 'Is not this the man whom they are trying to kill? And here he is, speaking openly, but they say nothing to him! Can it be that the authorities really know that this is the Messiah? Yet we know where this man is from; but when the Messiah comes, no one will know where he is from.' Then Jesus cried out as he was teaching in the temple, 'You know me, and you know where I am from. I have not come on my own. But the one who sent me is true, and you do not know him. I know him, because I am from him, and he sent me.' Then they tried to arrest him, but no one laid hands on him, because his hour had not yet come.

You Have A Voice

You Have A Voice We are satisfied when God answers our prayers for healing and promotion in our lives. But what happens to the soul once we are healed and our promotion is no longer new. People need to see that you still are in awe over God’s mercy in your life. People need to hear that you live a life humbly and gratefully because of God’s grace. People need to see your faith so that they may positively feed off yours and be strengthened. We are the voices for Jesus who is the light of the world. Without our help, the world may miss the light. Not that Jesus needs our voices to confirm his majesty, but our voices that shout and proclaim His goodness and glory can speak volumes to believers and unbelievers. You have a voice. Use it to testify to the truth of Jesus. Perhaps you might spare a person another day of misery. John 5:31-36 ‘If I testify about myself, my testimony is not true. There is another who testifies on my behalf, and I know that his testimony to me is true. You sent messengers to John, and he testified to the truth. Not that I accept such human testimony, but I say these things so that you may be saved. He was a burning and shining lamp, and you were willing to rejoice for a while in his light. But I have a testimony greater than John’s.

A Call To Action

A Call To Action Often we put off doing good, changing a sour attitude or delaying an evaluation of our morals and values. One day, Jesus will come and we will hear His voice. There is no need to be sorry for the things we did not do. We have today to make things right. Those who have done good will enjoy the resurrection of life. Why spend a minute of our precious time working toward the dire alternative. If you listen, you can hear Jesus’ voice speaking to you today. Sssshhh, listen. Now act. John 5:17,25-29 But Jesus answered them, ‘Very truly, I tell you, the hour is coming, and is now here, when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God, and those who hear will live. For just as the Father has life in himself, so he has granted the Son also to have life in himself; and he has given him authority to execute judgment, because he is the Son of Man. Do not be astonished at this; for the hour is coming when all who are in their graves will hear his voice and will come out—those who have done good, to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil, to the resurrection of condemnation.

Stand Up, Take Your Woes, And Walk

Stand Up, Take Your Woes, And Walk Sometimes all it takes is for us to respond, “I want to be made well.” Instead, much of the time our focus is on what’s against us. We may believe we have no one to help to get to the next step. We might feel as though we are an outcast even in our own family. A great part of what we feel is because of how we think. Jesus wants us to be made well. Jesus calls us to call upon Him. Stand Up. Take your woes and walk toward Jesus. Jesus is waiting for you. John5:1-3,5-9 After this there was a festival of the Jews, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. Now in Jerusalem by the Sheep Gate there is a pool, called in Hebrew Beth-zatha, which has five porticoes. In these lay many invalids—blind, lame, and paralysed. One man was there who had been ill for thirty-eight years. When Jesus saw him lying there and knew that he had been there a long time, he said to him, ‘Do you want to be made well?’ The sick man answered him, ‘Sir, I have no one to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up; and while I am making my way, someone else steps down ahead of me.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Stand up, take your mat and walk.’ At once the man was made well, and he took up his mat and began to walk.

Taking Care of Business

Taking Care of Business It seems to be human nature to assume the worst. We may think someone is trying to harm us when are they working to help. We may view an inquiry as a cause for doubt rather than a starting place for optimism. Jesus felt it necessary to make it clear that He did not come to abolish the law or the prophets. He said I have come to fulfill. Take care to work with the others in a positive light. Take time to give another the benefit of the doubt. Take pride in seeing the good in others. Who does these things and teaches them has much to gain. Take care of business. Matthew 5:17-19 "Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets; I have come not to abolish but to fulfill. For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth pass away, not one letter, not one stroke of a letter, will pass from the law until all is accomplished. Therefore, whoever breaks one of the least of these commandments, and teaches others to do the same, will be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever does them and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven."

Let It Be With Me

Let It Be With Me It is human nature to immediately fight, deny or be upset over an illness, a bad relationship, or a day gone wrong. If Mary could be told and accept that she was expecting a child, that He would be holy, and will be called the Son of the Most High, what could we possibly do with the news and experiences of our lives that we live every day. We can allow ourselves to be perplexed and ask an obvious question. But when our question cannot be answered with common sense to the mind, we can still accept it and say, “Here am I, the servant of the Lord, let it be with me according to your word.” Luke 1:26-38 In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin engaged to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin's name was Mary. And he came to her and said, "Greetings, favoured one! The Lord is with you." But she was much perplexed by his words and pondered what sort of greeting this might be. The angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favour with God. And now, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you will name him Jesus. He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give to him the throne of his ancestor David. He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end." Mary said to the angel, "How can this be, since I am a virgin?" The angel said to her, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be holy; he will be called Son of God. And now, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son; and this is the sixth month for her who was said to be barren. For nothing will be impossible with God." Then Mary said, "Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word." Then the angel departed from her.

Your Greatest Work May Be Valued More In A Foreign Place

Your Greatest Work May Be Valued More In A Foreign Place Although what you do may not be accepted by your closest friends or family, don’t stop trying to do what is good. Do what you can for those who will accept your charity, sympathy, goodwill and prayers. When it’s only those who are left that reject you, pick up and move on. Jesus was only able to help a few in his home town. He went where he was needed and where his work through the grace of God would be accepted. Pass through the midst of those who reject you. Perhaps you may be of greater value in a place where no one knows you. Your Greatest Work May Be Valued More In A Foreign Place. Luke 4:24-30 And he said, "Truly I tell you, no prophet is accepted in the prophet's hometown. But the truth is, there were many widows in Israel in the time of Elijah, when the heaven was shut up three years and six months, and there was a severe famine over all the land; yet Elijah was sent to none of them except to a widow at Zarephath in Sidon. There were also many lepers in Israel in the time of the prophet Elisha, and none of them was cleansed except Naaman the Syrian." When they heard this, all in the synagogue were filled with rage. They got up, drove him out of the town, and led him to the brow of the hill on which their town was built, so that they might hurl him off the cliff. But he passed through the midst of them and went on his way.

Sound Advice of Heavenly Things

Sound Advice of Heavenly Things Sometimes we might encourage another person to go and try their hand with another who will not listen to good advice that is being offered. One may even argue that their lost loved one lived the same evil way and probably found heaven. There are even people who think that if the dead would come back and say how we need to live then they would believe. We may go through a lifetime never seeming to reach a stubborn soul. God puts people in our daily lives and weaves others in and out of our paths to open our eyes to good. He even made the greatest sacrifice and put here on earth, Jesus who suffered greatly for our sake and sins. What more do we need to turn our lives around? 'If we do not listen to those who are already touched by The Holy Spirit and who can feel the presence of Jesus in their lives, what good would it be for someone from the dead to come back to say what is already being said. We must comfort those in agony, feed those who have less, pray for those who are blind to their spirit, forgive the unforgiveable, and love the unloved. If we believe and practice what Jesus teaches we will not have to rely on one another or a dead spirit for good sound advice about heavenly things. Luke 16:19-31 Jesus said to the Pharisees, "There was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen and who feasted sumptuously every day. And at his gate lay a poor man named Lazarus, covered with sores, who longed to satisfy his hunger with what fell from the rich man's table; even the dogs would come and lick his sores. The poor man died and was carried away by the angels to be with Abraham. The rich man also died and was buried. In Hades, where he was being tormented, he looked up and saw Abraham far away with Lazarus by his side. He called out, 'Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue; for I am in agony in these flames.' But Abraham said, 'Child, remember that during your lifetime you received your good things, and Lazarus in like manner evil things; but now he is comforted here, and you are in agony. Besides all this, between you and us a great chasm has been fixed, so that those who might want to pass from here to you cannot do so, and no one can cross from there to us.' He said, 'Then, father, I beg you to send him to my father's house -- for I have five brothers -- that he may warn them, so that they will not also come into this place of torment.' Abraham replied, 'They have Moses and the prophets; they should listen to them.' He said, 'No, father Abraham; but if someone goes to them from the dead, they will repent.' He said to him, 'If they do not listen to Moses and the prophets, neither will they be convinced even if someone rises from the dead.'"

The Core Of The Heart Is Love

The Core Of The Heart Is Love Have you ever woken up after a night of tossing and turning over an unresolved issue with a feeling of direction and peace, and then ignored it? St. Joseph teaches us by his actions that if a guardian angel or God himself comes to you to give you direction, follow your heart. When you wake, do as your heart encourages you to do. Your heart, at its core, is love. Matthew 1:16, 18-21, 24 Now the birth of Jesus the Messiah took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been engaged to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. Her husband Joseph, being a righteous man and unwilling to expose her to public disgrace, planned to dismiss her quietly. But just when he had resolved to do this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, 'Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife, for the child conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.' When Joseph awoke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him; he took her as his wife.

Rejoice Over The Graces of God

Rejoice Over The Graces of God Sometimes we put the emphasis on the wrong things. If we celebrate a birth think about who gave us life. If we are happy about a promotion think about who set all the people at the right place and at the right time to make your promotion possible. If we are excited about getting up in the morning free of pain, this about Who has the power to free you from all pain. Do not rejoice at your own doings, but rejoice over the many graces of God. Luke 10:1-12,17-20 After this the Lord appointed seventy others and sent them on ahead of him in pairs to every town and place where he himself intended to go. The seventy returned with joy, saying, ‘Lord, in your name even the demons submit to us!’ He said to them, ‘I watched Satan fall from heaven like a flash of lightning. See, I have given you authority to tread on snakes and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy; and nothing will hurt you. Nevertheless, do not rejoice at this, that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.’