Hi Brian!

The word for this week is "authority". We'll be looking at these verses:

Luke 4:36 And they were all amazed, and spake among themselves, saying, What a word is this! for with authority and power he commandeth the unclean spirits, and they come out. KJV

Luke 9:1 Then he called his twelve disciples together, and gave them power and authority over all devils, and to cure diseases. KJV

The first two verses are the Greek word "exousia". Strong's Concordance says: privilege, force, capacity, competency, freedom, mastery, delegated influence. Thayer's Greek Lexicon says: power of choice, liberty of doing as one pleases, physical and mental power, ability and strength with which one is endued, the power of rule of government. The Theological Dictionary says ability, then the right, authority or permission. So authority involves not only the permission or freedom to use delegated power, given from one with the higher authority, but also all of the capability to exercise that power. That includes all of the ability, intelligence, wisdom, strength, competence and intuitiveness to carry it out well! This is what JESUS was saying in Matthew 28:18-20, where "exousia" is translated "power":

18 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. 19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen. KJV

All power was given to JESUS as He conquered satan, and HE gave that to US as His body, His church and His bride! We have His ability and His permission to use it! When we find what the Word of God says is ours and we declare it to be so, then He confirms what WE say, as though He had said it Himself. We are believing for a most blessed, favored, protected, fun and thoroughly enjoyable vacation for you and all of your beautiful ladies! Have a wonderful time! We can't wait to see the pictures! Here is Hillsong Kids again with "This Is Living". I especially like this verse as we think about Disney World! 

You lift me up fill my eyes with wonder
Forever young in Your love
This freedom’s untainted with You
No moment is wasted

Love and Shalom from the Swoveys!