Gershon Solomon, leader of a movement to build the third temple on the "Temple Mound" in Jerusalem, said, "When we feel like grasshoppers we cannot be on the right hand of God." This man was on top of an Arab hit list when the Arab army had the injured Gershon in their grasp. Suddenly the Arab's ran from him and into the mountains. Later, an Arab general, talking to reporters, told how Gershon was surrounded with the angels of God and they could not fight against them. Gershon said that he knew angels had carried him out of the area, but he did not know the Arabs had seen them. I have presented this story in order to use Gershon's statement about grasshoppers, and to confirm God's protection over you. Are they [angels] not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation [Heb. 1:14]. Our God is an awsome God and we are His children, heirs to all He has.

During 1996, be excited as you hear and read the news. In the news we can see God in His awesome works, knowing that He is in control of all things. You may say, "I see the devil at work," and this is true. With diseases, poverty and other tools, he is trying to stop all of God's children. Obviously he thinks that this will prevent the second coming of Jesus. We, however, are not like grasshoppers and the devil`s tools are not giants. There there is, therefore, nothing to fear. No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is of me, saith the LORD [Isaiah 54:17].

In 1996, we must make an offensive attack on the devil and his destructive tools. I regret that I have been waging only a defensive war. As an example, we wait until cancer strikes and then pray for the person that has been hit. I am thankful for people who will pray for these victims and we can continue to do this while we wage an offensive battle against the disease itself. We are not grasshoppers and cancer is not a giant.

This came to light recently when I was praying for a local cancer patient. As I was praying the LORD interrupted me. "Why do you pray for people with cancer and not attack the disease? My people have power to speak against the disease and bring it down." Then He added, "Do not stop praying for the people, but attack the disease."

Jesus then reminded me of His total authority over the devil and diseases, saying, "Make war in My name." I remembered that Jesus cursed the fig tree and it dried up at the root. The following scripture also came into my mind. Wherefore it shall come to pass, if ye harken to these judgments [My commandments] and keep, and do them, that the LORD thy God shall keep unto thee the covenant and the mercy which he sware unto thy fathers: ... And the LORD will take away from thee all sickness, and will put none of the evil diseases of Egypt, which thou knowest, upon thee; but will lay them upon them that hate thee [Deut. 7:12-15]. This extends to us.

If what I have written appears to be foolish remember that all of God's works are foolishness in the eyes of men. (See I Cor. 1:17-25). Daring to be different we must do what has been assigned to us. ... Go ye into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; ... And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; They shall take up [attack] serpents [e.g., diseases]; and if they drink [take in] any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick and they shall recover [Mark 16:15-18]. (Note: Serpents and deadly things in this scripture refers to the poisons of the devil; not snakes and arsenic. (See Luke 10:17 19).

Have we been mislead into accepting less than God's total intent for us through the shed blood of Jesus? Have we become like the world? Do men believe that God's power is limited? Why should we see ourselves as grasshoppers when we have the Spirit of God within us and His angels ministering to us? (See Hebrews 1:14). Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much [James 5:16]. Let us make war together and attack the devil`s tools at their root.